Category Archives: Musings

weekly column of general observations

Call Me Irresponsible

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I fully intended to have a new posting this week but alas, time got away from me. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. So until next time, here’s a posting from 2014…

So I bought a new scooter a couple of weeks ago. I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “WHY? You hardly use the one you have!” And you would not be incorrect in that regard. But something happened to cause this new purchase. I learned an important fact about myself and it’s this:

So now I’m sure you’re even more confused. But I can explain…

My 2006 Scarabeo Aprillia 50 cc is a carburetor-driven scooter as opposed to one with fuel injection. What?! Translated, that means if one doesn’t drain the gas each winter, keep the battery charged with a trickle charger, or start up the bike regularly (basically pay attention to the poor thing), it essentially rebels by flat out refusing to start.

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Forever a Tomboy

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It sits safely tucked away on the back shelf in my garage. During my once-a-year purging, I come across its cold, musty leather with worn straps barely holding it together. The feel of it in my hand is cool and tight around my fingers and it smells of leather oil. I love that particular scent because it brings back fond memories of my childhood.When you’re an 8-year-old tomboy, the best gift you can receive is your brother’s baseball glove that helped the Indians win the Little League Championship.

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The Gizmo Chronicles

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My friend’s daughter got married yesterday. Since I volunteered to make desserts for the day-after brunch for 45 people, I spent most of the last two days in the kitchen. (This is my way of saying I didn’t write.) Instead, here’s a post I barely remember from 2014, so it’s new to me and should be for you as well!

I pet-sat while my friends vacationed on a cruise in Alaska. Here’s excerpts from my journal for them, chronicling Gizmo’s stay with me…

DAY 1

Snuggled on the sofa tonight watching tennis on TV. Gizmo’s obviously partial to the women’s game, as she slept through most of the men’s matches. Very astute canine.

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I’m a Hypocritical Pacifist

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As you know, I adore animals. In fact, even though I’m not enamored with every species, I try to appreciate them for what they are. I imagine the scary looking ones are more afraid of us than we are of them. At least that’s what I tell myself.

A Black Dragonfish

For instance, take spiders. I don’t mind them, except maybe the brown recluse. Suffice it to say anything whose venom can eat away part of my face with a single bite is something I’m more than willing to avoid. Now don’t get me wrong; it’s nothing personal. I’m sure they’re perfectly delightful creatures in a creepy spider kinda way.

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What I Learned At The DMV

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Because I tend to procrastinate with things I hate to do, I did exactly that on Monday. What is that, you ask? Well, I turned the big 7-0 last week, so of course I waited until the last possible minute to get my new license photo taken.

So Long Brown Hair. Hello Gray Hair

I stupidly tried to get an appointment online but my computer practically laughed in my face. The earliest I could get in was late August. So I did the next best thing — I signed up online to reserve a place in line. I was G-031 so 11 people were ahead of me. When I became number six in line, I headed to the Novato DMV.

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