Oatmeal and Whimsy: a nest for the soul

Any way the Wind Blows

2025-10-02T22:31:00.000-05:00

You know that old tug of war phenomenon you see when a newbie decides to drive a stick shift? That alternating lurch and stand-still? Yeah. That's how I am doing my days any more. "One small step for man. One giant leap (backward) for my kind..." But isn't that the quote after all?

I'd like to blame something or... better yet, somebody. Maybe it's inevitable with aging? It's more likely my ever-crushing grief. Maybe too much TV. It just can't be a character flaw! Oh, but it is... I'm a citizen of Hot and Cold. I'm all in or... I'm out! Have been all my life.

And it's exhausting. It's expensive. It's really just annoying. I've read that October with its 90 days until New Year is the perfect time to frame up new habits.

Since I've forgotten my resolutions if I made any and have long abandoned my word of the year (no clue what I chose), I think it might be nice to work on some aspects of my life. Physical health. Mental improvement. Spiritual strength. Financial responsibility. Artistic expression. Journal keeping.

Ah, well... there will come soft rains... Art might be the first. What are you doing for

Autumn?

October! We missed you!

2025-10-01T05:02:00.001-05:00

It's here. I am glad to see dear, sweet October. (Although I really can't dive into it headlong...without my son.) I think he loved it more than I do actually. And that's a ton.

Decorations are mostly up, and I'm not planning any parties. I do hope for guests, and for that I need to leave the pumpkin bread in the freezer; huh?

I took my recorder on my phone and rambled through some favorite Halloween and Fall memories so I can create a journal of them... Obviously anyone who loves a season has gathered a treasure house of images. They all argue up to be the one chosen for the tales we tell.

One extremely early memory of my son on his second or third Halloween found us waiting on my Gramma's outside back porch. The weather was perfect-- wet and windy, leaves with that incredible balance of flutter and stick... their damp edges picked up the glisten of her pole light, and I stashed him all by himself where he could still see me, only inches away at the outside corner of her little, chilly porch room... We knocked. We waited. His eyes danced even more than the leaves. I had drawn a Mickey Mouse nose and whiskers on his cherub-round face. He said he was "Mick'Me Mow! Not a trap mow!" Lol... and then I saw Gramma slowly making her way from her chair. I watched her through her window.

Something magical exists in looking indoors through a window. If you have never tried it, you just have to go outside and view your own rooms and especially their inhabitants through the windows. You have to!

I can remember that frozen-in-time scene because I had the irresistible urge to photostamp it on my brain.

Gramma, five foot nothing, flung open her door, and her remarkably sweet voice filled that October's night. "Oh, hello, Sugar! Who are you?"... The sound of a mouse-imposter squeak... and a giggle...

I have to smile, and I have to sob... it's a relic of that other time when I and those I loved were alive and well...

Ok... it's the very first night/morning of this 2025 October. Do something fun for Fall if you can.

Dear Robert....

2025-09-17T04:15:00.000-05:00

Scrolling through the posts, I saw the headline: Publicist confirms the news-- "Screen Legend Robert Redford Has Died "

You know... I was kind of shocked. I mean. He has to be one of the 10 most beautiful men ever... It surprised me. And nothing much surprises me any more. Then I saw the next sentence: "He was 89." And that surprised me even more!

Where did the years come from? How is it possible he was 89? A. I didn't realize he was 18 years older than I was! B. Even so... Am I even near that old? Lol

Why, yes... yes, I am, as a matter of fact. I've read a lot of the stories and tributes. Jane Fonda's struck me as sad... she said she had put off going to see him to check if things were all right between them. She said she should have known not to do that with people in their 80's. Interesting concepts...

Honestly, I'm not broken up about it... but it gave me pause, as they say. Goodnight, Robert... you were gorgeous!

September Again

2025-09-01T05:26:00.001-05:00

This year has really brought out the Autumn enthusiast in nearly everyone. I gather we have a ton of people who got quite overheated, burdened, bored by the Summer heat.

I am always in the Fall camp. I say that I like all seasons. However, I love Fall. Probably nothing about my life will be much different. I just like the glint of the sun, the color of blue sky, the advent of spice and pumpkins... just the ambiance of the old girl.

I see a lot of bucket lists for Fall. Not a fan of that term (and a firm refuser to ever watch that sad-looking comedic movie with those old men), but I guess most people make plans for several activities. Do you all have traditions for the September/October calendar?

I just saw an amazing hack on a favorite snack. Instead of cereal, melt the same recipe for Puppy Chow (chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter) and pour over Ritz bits peanut butter treats. Shake up and dust with powdered sugar. I sure want to try that!

I've had to forgive Autumn for hosting three deaths in my circle. I must admit each time I felt betrayed! All happened in November...

I'd love to read about your plans for the "ber" months!

keep your eyes primed to purchase that first pumpkin. I've been letting it arrive by InstaCart from Aldi, and those have been spectacular!

I'm happy to "see you in September."

No Longer a North Star

2025-08-29T16:07:00.000-05:00

It's 4 o'clock on a perfectly perfect August day. As I sit here doing exactly what I do best .. (nothing), I feel like I have to articulate the exact source of loneliness that I know many people experience.

For the first time in 70 years I suddenly realize the absence of a powerful source of intrinsic comfort. I actually believe many people go through life and never have that reassurance. Others, myself included, were unaware. It's as if I finally stumbled on some ion or enzyme in the air that supported buoyant life but was basically undetectable...unless absent.

Getting to the center of my rambling, (oh, please do, Gayla!), I am keenly aware that suddenly the universe is most likely not targeting me in any way. Now, that can be a good thing in that I don't have the nagging suspicion of persecution. When bad things happen, I'm pretty sure I either caused it by commission or omission...

But... for the first time ever, this only child of an only child, this very involved mama of an only child... she's on her own. Sometimes people find a spouse to idolize them into a shining center of a universe. I did not. But for 70 years I guess I somehow became that person with security. With doting parents and grandparents such as mine, with the most perfect relationship with my big-hearted son, I knew that someone would think of me when they heard a funny joke. I was likely the person they would run to for shelter if the big bad wolf were at their door. I could be counted in their corner of any fight they might face.When a person created a masterpiece of art ...or culinary delight ... or creative genius, I was likely their first thought to seek applause or affirmation. In short, I was probably never too many seconds away from being the center of a loved one's attention.

And more comforting, I had someone (or several someones) walking the earth who inhabited my thoughts in the very same way. I could shower them with my hovering dreams, prayers, concern.

So... here on one of the final beautiful August afternoons of 2025 I find myself waking up from a day of sleep (which I needed) and contemplating a quiet evening, rather a silent evening. I will likely do some phone calls... I maybe might have a visitor. I appreciate the kindness of friends. I do...

It just hurts to realize I'm no longer a North Star to anyone... how could I never realize I ever was?

I am not wise enough to advise, but I offer a suggestion. Get out either really or mentally and shine on your beautiful universe if you still have it! I so miss mine!

5 More (recipes for the couch potato in all of us)

2025-08-28T03:56:00.000-05:00

I definitely admit to watching way too much TV. However, I do think that my mind and situation have craved, demanded, maybe even needed the subtle influence of distraction provided by different binges of TV...

So... it is my pleasure to share a couple of new to me TV series that you can wrap up in a few weeks (days for me). I do not sleep very much or well... so these personalities hang out with me on Meadow Lane!

1.) BUILDING OUTSIDE THE LINES.

Watching this happy show (reality) truly made me think a little more outside the box! I loved the dynamic of father and daughter who worked pure magic on fantastic projects. It ignited a few new plans for me... gradually in progress.

2.) RIZZOLI AND ISLES

I am rather partial to cop or law shows. So it was quite fun to discover this pair of friends. I enjoyed them and their cases. I was sorry to see it end. (Don't you think that's the mark of a good show?)

3.) THE MORNING SHOW

Two superstar actresses and a really vibrant run. I hear we will get another season! Really happy about that! This is really surprising because I just never heard of it!

4.) BLUE BLOODS

I watched this show's first 13 seasons alone. Then I immediately watched it again with Gerred, who loved it too. I have refused to watch a lot of final seasons of different series alone after losing my cinema buddy. But I did watch this final 14th year of Tom.... oh, how I love Tom Selleck! I was a MAGNUM PI fan of days gone by. I can also recommend his book/autobiography on Audible that he reads to us: You Never Know. His kindness just has to be the real deal. If not, I don't think I want to know! Lol...

5.) THE LINCOLN LAWYER

Finally_, I like this newer series. Actually, I find it is improving as it continues. I really couldn't get into the movie with "Alright. ALRIGHT. alright." Matthew McConaughey.. I think it was just me. But I'm looking forward to season 3 of this!

Guess that's plenty for today. I hope you're all doing ok. Let me know your favorites!

The Angus Whisperer

2025-08-26T18:00:00.001-05:00

I guess ... since I am the only..THE ONLY...survivor (if you call this survival) of my family, I am the last word on some of these family stories.

Daddy

When I was about four years old, my dearest grandfather (Paw-paw to me) was gradually becoming chairbound by the same "dickens" that has leveled me: rheumatoid arthritis. He was thin and scrappy, while I'm.... not (lol), but I now know how much he struggled with his mind's battles against a crippling disease. We had literally never heard of depression, plus he had a pretty strong family of 4 plus a sister...

However, he struggled. He had a walker, and he wrangled himself onto a Massey-Ferguson, small tractor or a little Model A International. From there he surveyed his farm, his life, his beloved Angus herd. He knew the cows by name, but their names were the brass numbers on the chains (necklaces in my fairy tale book) these old bossies wore on their necks. "Number 19! Hay on! Number 9, whoa! stop that!" Remarkable thing--- they also seemed to know their names!

Through the years of Paw-paw's decline, he was able to do less and less, and my daddy, who actually hung the moon that illuminates our night skies today, did the tending of our Angus herd.

(I'm getting to the point. Trust me.) One morning while we were helping my grandmother, Daddy wheeled in with the awful news that Number 11, an old particular favorite who had twice delivered twin calves in her lifetime, was "down" in the pond. When an old cow gets down, it's close to "curtains." The mud just sucks them in, and they give up.

For the next few hours my dad, our elderly veterinarian, and our neighbor Leroy Teter worked and scooped mud, pulling on that old cow, splashing around and yelling at each other, the mud, the cow, the horse they rode in on...

My grandfather just sat inside the house with his head resting, face first, on his five, tired, old fingers... He couldn't be distracted, and he wouldn't be bothered to put on a front about just how pitiful that morning's events had made him feel.

Suddenly, my dad burst in the back door to Gramma's pink kitchen. "We need Emmanuel!"

The younger men had been successful. The cow was out... she was just lying by the pond covered in mud. Her eyes said, "Kill me now!" The younger men asked Paw-paw to go out by the pond and talk her into getting up and giving another go to life. My dad had thought of the one thing necessary to help heal both cow and father-in-law... My dad was king of that talent!

I can still remember the fire sparking from Paw-paw's bright blue eyes after his words were able to sweet talk that muddy old cow!... I can almost taste that vegetable soup celebration Gramma served our family, Doc Bussett the Vet, and Leroy. What a good day on the farm.

I won't have to say more than just to tell you that the reason this all came to mind stems from my trial run at a transfer from my recliner to my power chair. Old Number 13 needed the Angus whisperer for sure. My Physical Therapist did a mighty fine, kind job... I think I have more mud to go, but... we shall have to see!

Enjoy your week. This weather is perfect!

Crime, Cops, and Corn

2025-08-23T02:17:00.002-05:00

You cannot stop me right now! Evidently I have decided to simply "share." Lol... we've all been around that embarrassing fiftieth great uncle who overshared? Well, let's hope he hasn't reincarnated here with my blog entries.

I'm currently living in kind of a delicious cocoon of extremely tall, emerald corn. I haven't seen or heard the highway or a passing car since early in June. If I see a car, it's coming here...actually it's already here!

And... if I had a dollar for every time I've heard the opening words, "children of the corn." ...

So, what kinds of projects have I done? Alas! I have zero to show. But I do have a "few" TV shows to mention.

1. MATLOCK. Kathy Bates has won my heart. She found her character and really created something I can connect with...without ripping out my heart. I never cared for her, even avoided her films. But this series touched my senses...

2. BALLARD. First, I recommend watching BOSCH... and BOSCH LEGACY. Gerred and I watched and rewatched those. Je passed away before the final season, so i just decided to skip it, too... Hey! Don't let season 1 deter you. Harry Bosch, as a person, gets better and better. It's crime. I'm into crime. "And so it goes."

BALLARD is stand alone with a nod to fans of BOSCH. Maggie Q was a favorite of ours, and she's still got it! Crime, of course.

3. PSYCH. Nine seasons of a show that simply entertains... It's usually just silly and goofy, kinda cute. There's a guy in it (Lassiter) who was born in Missouri! And it actually gets stronger and better as the seasons pass. This comedy won't change your life, but it's cute. Light crime.

4. THE CLOSER with Kyra Sedgewick. Another crime show. I see a pattern! I had to decide to give her a chance, and I really enjoyed it. She has a quirky personality, and honestly I'm not sure if it's an actress pulling off a great personification or... is this gal just that unpredictable? Only Kevin Bacon knows!

5. JUDY JUSTICE. Lol... Yes, seriously. Another character, this time the real deal, I really never fancied. I haven't seen many of her older seasons of JUDGE JUDY, but I like watching her as an older piece of work! It's fun to predict what she's going to rule, who she will decapitate onscreen, which unfortunate soul will try to "basically" hearsay himself or herself into oblivion. I guess it's kind of crime, as well.

Maybe, but I doubt it, I'll be inspired to do a fall craft or activity. Tomorrow I will be getting a lift-assist recliner delivered. This blue machine cost a flipping fortune! I'd better produce something. I've lived in my recliner day and night for 13 months since a fairly painful fall after a botched transition from my bed, and this current suede recliner was a second-hand swapshop find. (But I'm keeping her just in case I've wasted a month's retirement on my new one. Don't we love my optimism here?)

I qualified with Medicare for a Nu-Motion power wheelchair, which arrived last Friday. I have to make friends with her. She's super tall and has a joystick without the joy... I don't mean to be unkind, but she just looks so Christopher Reeves-ish... I suppose I wasn't ready to cop to being this handicapped. Denial isn't only a River in Egypt...

Have a nice weekend.