Today I noticed...Sometimes the goal just needs to be experience.

I recently heard somebody say, "Everything is a win when the goal is experience." My chemistry and philosophy is forever changed.

The Oxford dictionary tells us that experience is practical contact with and observation of facts or events.

I like how the word practical is used in that definition. Not all contact or observation is practical or natural. Sometimes it is contrived. 

According to Webster, experience is the knowledge, skills, and understanding gained through directly observing, encountering, or undergoing events over time. It involves active participation or perception of the world, shaping a person's character and wisdom. It represents both the process of learning and the accumulation of life's moments.

I like how Webster's definition includes the word directly, letting us know that our own experience is what counts - not that of others. Plus, it goes further to to clarify that it must be active participation or perception; so, nothing second hand really counts as personal experience and doesn't directly shape our character or wisdom. Then, it further clarifies by adding that it is the process and the accumulation. The process is just as important as the end point.

My Daddy used to tell me that education and experience is something that will always belong to you and nobody can take it away. You will always have it and carry it around with you wherever you go.

So, it is great to have lofty goals but sometimes just experiencing life's moments is really as important as achieving a lofty goal.

Just 3 Things | #18

We had a nice few days of sunny and warmer weather and then winter blew back into our lives with gusto. I'm a few days late on this installment of Just 3 Things because - well - life. 

- What I've Been Reading -

I finished up my reading of Jimmy Buffett: A Pirate Looks at Fifty. Let me say, first, that I am no Parrothead. However, I think I knew lots of folks who might have been during my younger days. I've always had the impression that Buffett was a free spirit, a sort of ne'er-do-well, a guy who just floats through life with no responsibility and who is just looking for a good time. Yet, this text sort of blew that concept out of the water for me.

It does seem that Buffett was sort of a free spirit and went down the road of Bad Boy for a while. I sort of got the impression that his wife, Jane, must have pushed him toward the more responsible life or, maybe it was them having children that nudged him in that direction. At any rate, this story of looking back at a month vacation to celebrate his fiftieth birthday made me see that at that stage of his life - and probably beforehand as well - convinced me that he was not just the free spirit floating along that he wanted everybody to believe he was.

It was sort of like listening to an old friend about his life and hearing about how different people and experiences influenced him and how he changed over the course of his life. Buffett is a great storyteller. His music fans could probably have all told me that as his stories all seem to tell a story. The book is sort a mish-mash of travelogue, reminiscences, and history. Many of the chapters started with a few lines from one of his songs. So, I would click over and listen to the song before reading the chapter. That convinced me that Buffett was more philosophical as well as a meticulous planner who coordinated planes and hotels and all sorts of things to make the vacation work out.

I think that what sticks with me most is that Buffett really probably could have been an English professor. It was really an oversight on our part not to recognize his intelligence and love of books and unique philosophical writing. Maybe I will read something else about this fellow to learn more and appreciate more about him!

I started a couple of other books this week. A light read, Snowed In by Catherine Walsh. It is an age old story with a bit of a twist. A couple who grew up together bump into one another and agree to go home to family Christmas celebrations and fake being one another's date. It is entertaining and easy to read. I also read a short story by Kristy Woodson Harvey, Leave it Up to Love. It was an Amazon Prime freebie this month. I like those freebie choices as a way to try out an author or read a book that one might not want to buy. I also started The Pursued by Corey Mead. It is a true story about a stalker in the heartland of Kansas. I must be honest, knowing it is a true story is not really a plus for me. Maybe it is that we have watched too much suspense on the television lately, but I have a hard time reading this one right before bed and then falling right off to sleep!

I do love reading using my Kindle or Libby app. However, every now and again I wish I had the physical book to loan out to somebody else.

- What I've Been Loving -

I visited with my son and his family this week. I always love spending time with the grandchildren and letting them teach me about the world and them allowing me to show them a little piece of it as well. When I arrived for my visit, I went straight to the gym where the granddaughter, Linley, was playing basketball. This is something she really enjoys with her little competitive spirit. Of course, it certainly fit right into my competitive edge as well. 

Her group was separated into three teams and two teams would play one another for a few minutes while the other team watched. Then, one of the teams would rotate off the floor to rest and get water while the other two teams played one another and so on. As soon as it was her team's turn to catch their breath, she came over and gave me a hug and showed me the strawberry on her knee that she had just earned while diving for the ball. Then, it was back to the team and prepping for the next rotation. She stole the ball a few times and dribbled it down the court to her team's goal, she scored a couple of baskets, and she did some boxing out - a skill she and her dad had worked on the week before. After a while, the coach/teacher worked with them on skills like stealing the ball and a much harder concept of learning to pivot on one foot. 

When we got to their house, we trekked down to the barn to feed their lambs and I learned all about their personalities and eating habits. I also got to observe both Linley and her brother, Harris, driving the go-cart. Look out Mario Andretti! 

I learned about school, their friends, and how a couple of girls followed Harris and his buddy around Urban Air when they were at a birthday party. He and his buddy were "Hot Guy 1 and Hot Guy 2." When we asked which was who, of course, we learned that Harris was #1 but he did admit that if his buddy told the story, he probably claimed that title and pushed the other off on Harris.

While Harris showered, Linley and I worked on her homework. She read me a story and we discussed it and she answered questions using complete sentences. She was amazed that the questions I asked at paragraph breaks were also the questions that she had to answer with complete sentences. She told me that I, "may as well be a teacher."

Then, we played a Guess In 10 game. Linley asked if I wanted to play the animal version or the space version. Knowing that she has been focused on learning about the planets lately, I chose the animal version in hopes of having a fighting chance at winning a time or two. She informed me as we were getting started that she is also an "Animal Expert," so, I knew then that I probably would not fare well. It was great fun to hear the questions she asked and to get the clues she would give me. In the end, though, she truly was the animal expert, of course.

I also sneaked  snapshot of a sign that Linley had posted on her bedroom door. It just screamed little sister. I don't know where the handout came from but her personalization of it was priceless. No Boys! Yet, at school recess, she generally is running and ripping and playing football with the boys. I guess that rule just applies at home with the boy there. Notice that there is a bold underline informing the masses at their house No busting in Brother.

Peace is silence. I also like how she extended the h in shh...and the o in Go! As a second grader, she already understands that adding exclamation points emphasizes a point, to!!!

- What I've Been Working On -

I'm gearing up for a few sewing projects. I'm going to recover an ottoman that is in my bedroom. The upholstery guy is working to recover the chair that I inherited from my Granny. So, I'm going to make the ottoman match the new upholstery. I had to order extra fabric because the guy ran out before getting the seat cushion covered. So, I had to do some online searching to find matching fabric. Fingers crossed that what I found is a match. 

I absolutely love the paisley fabric that will cover the chair. It is a few yards that I picked up years ago at a store called Sirs that burned almost a decade ago. It was a place that we all loved to visit and was a wonderful resource for folks who stitched or who were decorating or redecorating. I still miss it terribly. Yet, I still have a few flat folds and remnants that I purchased there and they are great for projects. When I bought the nice linen fabric, I had planned to make some drapes. I changed my mind and used a different bundle that also came from there. I guess you could say that if you only buy something that you really love, it will always work in your home. I think this is going to be a fabulous accent chair and with the colors in the fabric - blues and tans - I could use it in any room in my house. I will share a reveal when I get it back here. I hope Granny would approve.

My son also has a chair that needs a repair. It will be a simple project, I think. It will just be a simple director's chair type back. I ordered heavy duty needles, though, to stitch that up. I have a couple of other sewing projects waiting in the wings. So, I hope these two go smoothly.

I've started the transition from winter and Valentines to spring accents. The wind is still blustery and makes the temperature feel like something cooler but I know that it won't be long till all the days are warm and getting warmer. I hope the breezes blow in something nice for you!

Today I noticed...A big bag of some snacks is hard to find.

The Mister likes crunchy, crispy snack foods. He could sit and eat an entire family size bag of chips at one sitting if he doesn't watch it. When I get those little lunch box sized bags of chips, he will eat at least a couple for a snack or with his sandwich. 

Generally, I try to buy those family sized bags in our grocery order and sometimes I even get the party size. Those bags will generally last at least a couple of days around our house - unless the Mister is in a really snacky mood.

One type of chips is really hard to find in the large bag at our local grocery store, though. It is those Onion Flavored Rings. I have only found them available in the family size a couple of times. I have only found them in the party size once. 

What's up with that? Why are they so hard to find? Are they that popular and the store runs out quickly?

Today I noticed...I really appreciate a good inspirational post.

I often pause to read inspirational quotes. Sometimes I will pass those along to folks who I think would appreciate it or to folks who I think might need a little inspiration or a little pick-me-up. My granddaughters are really good at reading and responding to them or to sending me something silly and inspirational that they have stumbled upon, too.

Sometimes a little pick-me-up is the highlight of the day or the warm fuzzy to end the day.

Then, there is something that is a good chuckle.

I really appreciate those, too!

President's Day 2026

Eisenhower was President of The United States when I was born. So, posting a quote from him is a good place to start:

    "The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity." 

The first president I remember knowing anything about was Kennedy. I could share multiple impactful quotes from him. One that stands out is certainly:

    "Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future."

In my first opportunity to vote, Carter was elected. So, an impactful quote from him is:

    "In our democracy, the only title higher and more powerful than that of president is the title of citizen. It is every citizen’s right and duty to help shape the future legacy of our nation."

On this President's Day, I think we all should look at the leaders who have made a positive impact on this country and on our world. So, I will close by sharing a couple of quotes from Eisenhower again:

    "History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid."

    "The future of this Republic is in the hands of the American voter."

I have come to feel that my opportunity as a citizen to vote is being threatened. So, I certainly have been reaching out to my legislators regarding the newest legislation proposed for voters. I hope you have as well. Your voice counts. Your vote counts.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I saw this posted on Instagram a few years ago. 

I must admit, I have done this same exact thing. This is year seven for me with the same card. Every year, he puts the card and envelope in his sock drawer. The next year, I just look in there, read it to be sure. Put it on the kitchen table in front of his chair. This year I set it atop a bag of Reese's Peanut Butter hearts. He opens and reads it and comes and gives me a hug and kiss. Then, he said, "I didn't get you a card, but I love you, Valentine. I'm going to get you some breakfast. What do you want from Hardees?" He had a big grin on his face just like a little kid.

Hope you have a happy Valentine's Day!

Just 3 Things | #17

Happy Friday 13th! I love a good Friday 13th. After all, I was born on one. 

As one season melts into the next, we are assured that the world truly comes full circle. There are certain things one can count on to come round every so often just as scheduled. This week the warmer temperatures have returned, the Olympics are in full thrall, and I was reminded of my younger days as well. Sometimes that full circle is a good thing and sometimes not as welcomed. However, we should always hold out hope because what goes around will come around and we should just be ready and welcome it - come what may. 

- What I've Been Loving -

The warmer weather has brought out lots of smiles for us. Mike spent most of the day outside a couple of days this week. When he came inside, he was in a much better frame of mind than in days past as well. I got out and strolled in the sunshine a bit and it brought smiles to my face as well.  

I've never been a big lover of hot weather but as I've aged, I learn that I like warm weather a lot more. The cold just seems to get into my bones and I don't enjoy it as much as I once did. When we had snow and ice on the ground, I learned that our eldest grandson could spend most of the day out in it. He would take his BB gun and go out and just wander round and look for targets and investigate. I remember being a kid like that. We lived on a farm and I would just get out and go walking across the field and through the woods poking at rocks and vines and hanging limbs was sort of like a type of therapy for me. 

When I was outside yesterday, I noticed this little fellow. I'm sure there is an old wives tale about the coloring of this caterpillar. Also, I wonder, what is he doing scooting around in February?

One day this week I took my computer outside and did a little organizing and sorting of expenditures and income information as I prepped for tax filing. It made the task seem not quite so bad to me. So, I can say that I've been loving these warmer sunny days.

- What I've Been Watching -

I've watched a bit of the Winter Olympics. I'm not as big a fan of the Olympics these days as I was in the past. I really liked it most when the athletes were true amateurs. These folks are really professionals these days. They treat the sport like a job and practice it for hours every single day. They have company sponsors for which they advertise. I seem to recall the days when these were young people who spent their time before or after school working to improve their skills. I understand that the way all sports have evolved is more toward professional dedication and that is alright. I just enjoyed it a bit more when there was a fresh-faced innocence and the participants were not nearly so polished and professional.  

Many of the athletes are participating for their third or even more Olympic experience. So, that means they have been working at this sport or event for at least fifteen years. I heard one of the commentators mention something along the line that a participant was still in his teens so he had many years left and would look much different in his next Olympics. I've known folks who have had three different jobs during that timeframe. So, their dedication is admirable. Plus, how can one not be in awe of a person who straps on a pair of skis and a tight-fitting suit and slides down a mountain at more than sixty miles per hour?

via

I must say that it is enjoyable to see and hear from former Olympians who are now commentators sharing these athletes' stories and pointing out their skills and finesse. It sort of feels like these folks are old friends who have come back to visit and keep us informed about different sports that we might not be so familiar with. Scott Hamilton, who lives not far from us, is especially wonderful to hear from because he just tells these folks' stories with such humor and candor. He was talking about the world's most admired figure skater right now and chuckling about the young man's irreverent attitude and willingness to take risks and do things that are different. It is exactly the kind of thing folks like me enjoy hearing and learning about. 

via The Guardian

Plus, Snoop Dogg is there and is slipping and sliding and sharing his perspective. I loved that they showed him attempting curling and sliding down a hill on his fanny. His reactions have been about like mine would be only he is a lot more athletic than I am by far!

- What I've Been Working On -

When my son, Bryan, was a little fellow - barely starting school, we went for a parent night that must have been around Mother's Day because each child had drawn a picture of his mother and answered some questions about her. One of the questions was something along the lines of: "When does your mother get angry?" My precious child answered, "When she spills melted butter." You see, earlier in the week I had melted a stick of butter in the microwave which was at upper cabinet height and bobbled and spilled the melted butter all over myself and counter and cabinets and floor and whatever else was nearby. Of course, it was hot and burning me and I was shouting some quite colorful expletives. So, my precious child recalled that and shared it with his kindergarten or first grade teacher. 

Well, this week has been sort of a repeat of that experience - minus the precious child witness. On Tuesday evening, I was cleaning up after dinner - Taco Tuesday. From the island, I picked up an almost-full, large tub of sour cream and turned around to put it on the top shelf of the fridge. Just before I got to the shelf, my grip on the tub gave up or I bumped into something or for some reason unknown, I let go of the tub. Then, started flailing round to try to catch it, which only served to make it bounce off a lower shelf, hit the interior side of the fridge, then, hit the door and continue on to hit the top of the freezer drawer, then, the freezer handle and on down to the floor where it hit hard. The top had come off at the first bump and sour cream had plopped out in heaps all over the fridge, the island, and the floor. I can assure you that my dismay was expressed colorfully and it is really a good thing there was no precious child witness.

Then, late last night, after the Mister had gone to bed, I stirred myself up a cup of hot chocolate, placed it in the microwave to heat, and opened the door to get my cup of goodness. I picked it up and got the cup about half out of the microwave and lost my grip on the handle. Hot chocolate sloshed all over the microwave, on the cabinetry between the microwave and the oven, down the drawer below the oven, and splashed all over the floor. There was even a drip or two between the glass pieces of the oven door that will require that the door be taken apart in order to get it cleaned away. I had come full circle. Again, my frustration was expressed colorfully, if rather quietly so as not to disturb the sleeping hubby. Again, it is a really good thing there was no precious child witness.

So, this week, I feel like I have been working on cleaning up messes of my own making!

I hope you have had a good week and have made fewer messes than this old gal. Have a good weekend!