The Haasienda on Shroyer…

Joyce Ann Clary-Riser Born 24 July 1933 – Died 11 December 2020

Oh, how instead of just thinking of my Aunt Joyce, today, I could physically wish her a happy birthday.

Joyce Clary was the younger sister of my maternal grandmother, Donna Clary Barmes. Being nine years younger than Grandma Donna placed Joyce in a pretty neat position of being an aunt and bonus older sister to my mother, Diana. To me, my great aunt was simply known as Aunt Joyce.

The tales of pranks pulled off by Grandma Donna and Aunt Joyce are family legend and beyond attempting to repeat. They were the Mona Lisas of the joke world.

They were hard working farm girls born to a family of pioneers from Boone Township, Madison County, Indiana. They were born with the blood of pioneer and notable families of Jones, Noble, Greenlee, Ball, McCrory, and Vinson. Now, Aunt Joyce lies buried in the same family-pioneer cemetery of Forrestville with her line stretching to her third great-grandmother, Sarah Musselman Greenlee, buried in 1822.

I had many great-aunts but was always closest to my Aunt Joyce. Her daughters, Kim and Debbie, were two and five years younger than me, the closest in age of any of my cousins. We had so many adventures together, and when they were living in Florida, we made a number of trips to visit them.

One of my favorite things was when we recorded our greetings and stories into a GE cassette tape player to send Aunt Joyce and The Girls. They’d listen and then record over our voices to return to us. It was cheaper than long distance and not so rushed. I even recorded piano and organ music for Aunt Joyce. Once, I recorded “Beyond The Sunset,” and Mother did not get the tape sent until a few weeks later. Aunt Joyce said she sat at her kitchen table and sobbed as she listened to the hymn on her mother’s birthday; the hymn had been played at Grandma Belle’s funeral.

After Grandma Donna passed away in 1992, Aunt Joyce filled in as a bonus mother to Mother and a bonus grandma to us three children, Dena, Destin, and myself. It seemed only fitting for the new matriarch of the family to do. Plus, Kim and Debbie always felt more like sisters than just cousins, despite being Mother’s first cousins and our first cousins once removed.

Aunt Joyce has been gone for six months and this is the first earthly birthday she has not shared. Her death, preceded by my Mother, my brother, Dad, and several cousins, was the stick tossed into my own life’s bicycle spokes. She was my very last connection to all our family history and to all the family with which I had grown up.

After Mother’s passing on August 5, 2019, I only had several more visits with Aunt Joyce before The Quarantine began. From my cousin’s accounts, Aunt Joyce was ever much the Queen Bee and Doll of the assisted living facility in which she was an integral part, just as she was when she was an administrator for so many years.

Time has not truly eased the grief from these past six months. In some ways, it has been worse than losing Mother. Mother’s death was expected but Aunt Joyce, at 87, was a sudden departure.

My cousin, Debbie, sent me a photo of Aunt Joyce’s newly set gravestone. Her older brother, Ronald Monroe Clary, lays buried on the left of the stone, and her parents, Mary Belle Jones Clary and John William Garrett Clary are to the right. However, just behind Grandma Belle and Granda Garrett rests my grandparents, Donna Clary Barmes and Leroy Barmes.

The Sisters, dubbed, “Those damned girls” by their father, the main target of so many jokes, are reunited.

I have so many wonderful, fun memories of time spent with Aunt Joyce, yet, I still cannot shake the heavy sadness, that empty feeling her death created. I do hope, however, when my time comes Aunt Joyce will be the first one to greet me as I know there will be so much fun in store.

Happy first heavenly birthday, Aunt Joyce…

Know you are loved…

I am back at home on the deck with four dogs lounging close by, enjoying this near perfect weather as the sun makes its descent.

At 8:50 PM, it is still quite light.

I took No. 17 down to The Levitt Pavilion for an outdoor evening concert featuring Sinclair Community College’s music program.

I had preordered my Subway sandwich at the store across the street from the pavilion; however, their sign flashed open while their doors remained locked and the inside dark. Within a few minutes I received notification letting me know my meal had been cancelled due to the store hours. The store’s website indicated it was open until 8:00 PM.

I set up my chair on the pavilion’s lawn and noted there was a concession booth but it was a barbecue place. I am not a big fan of barbecue but decided to order something: loaded mac & cheese with pulled pork. While it tasted fine, it just wasn’t my thing.

The concert was good but as I calculated the bus schedule, I decided to take the 8:20 PM No. 17 as it looked like I might have a 45-60 minute wait after the concert. As a young child, Mother always encouraged me to bring along a book or a pad of paper and pen should I ever be in a position to wait any length of time.

I am always prepared. Cell phone technology has helped immensely.

As I stepped off the bus at home, I heard music blasting from The Fraze Pavilion which is a block from my house. I love having live music while I am on my deck.

I also have several cardinals serenading.

So, I have had a full night of live music. You cannot beat that!

My bonus son leaves for college in less than a month and we’ve been enjoying some adventures and fun together, making up for the complete year of quarantine.

Wednesday afternoon, we got into his car and he asked if I had any preference for a place to eat.

“Nope.”

“Well, good. I am surprising you. Direct route or scenic route?”

“Scenic.” Always, always the scenic route.

His Mapquest’s voice gave away the destination: Der Dutchman restaurant in Plain City, Ohio, northeast of Columbus.

Ohio State Route 42 is one of my favorites as it takes me past the neighbor universities of Wilberforce and Central State, the Clifton Falls, and then Cedarville. This adventure took us through picturesque little communities of South Charleston and London and enormously beautiful, wide open countryside.

The best part about riding shotgun is the opportunity to see so much more and take photos.

Der Dutchman is a heaven for home cooking and superb service. We enjoyed a delightful young lady who took care of our dining needs and our meals, save Jacob’s “these have to be frozen green beans,” were delicious.

We retraced our first half of the journey for our return home with a stop at Cedar Cliff Falls. Until recently, it was a lovely but fairly rugged spot. Now, it has additional observation decks, lighting, seating and picnic tables, and an overall feeling of safety.

There were several others enjoying the falls and while standing on the one observation deck, closest to the falls, the mist added some natural refreshment. This was such a perfect touch to such an already fun evening.

It’s so nice to live in The Miami Valley where there’s much to appreciate with natural beauty. And, it’s nice to have energetic friends who appreciate the natural beauty during countryside drives.

I woke this morning feeling a bit tired and wanting to return to bed; however, I hate wasting time when I am physically capable of moving forward.

The deck is bright and breezy, though still shaded by the house from the morning sunshine. It’s only 63-degrees and not expected to climb very high; a comfortable day awaits. And, very shortly, the marching band will be in the next door backfield and I do love listening to their rehearsals.

My first cup of coffee was taken in my study while chatting with The Boys while they lunched in London. I’d begun a new audiobook on The Constitution which I knew would garner much interest from Josh. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Dave joins the conversation and he decided to start reading the book so he would be involved in the dialogue. There are a few things unclear to me and having Joshua’s expertise rounding out the information is a huge help.

I am glad I decided to take my second cup of coffee on the deck, as well as my glass of Carnation Instant Breakfast. There’s much I hope to accomplish before my Thursday ZoomLunch with colleagues and friends.

Yes, I still think of returning to my bed for another hour of sleep but I am glad I overruled my own mind to enjoy working from the deck.

Even when you wish to take an easier route to your day, or a project, nudge yourself to move onward and make it a great day.

The morning was just a little chilly but energizing and comfortable.

It’s nearing 1:00 PM and we’re only at 76-degrees with an expected high of 80-degrees. The humidity was a little on the high side at the start but didn’t feel uncomfortable. Now, a wonderful breeze is keeping the deck more desirable.

The cardinals are having a major song fest like it’s PITCH PERFECT: CARDINAL BLAST. Oh, I actually was talked into watching the first two PITCH PERFECT movies and I really did enjoy them.

Now, the driveway company is sealing the driveway; the smell is not too unpleasant and the breeze keeps it moving along. The sound of the machine is loud enough to challenge my good ear to hear the speaker right off the deck.

I’m to have dinner and watch some movies with a friend but until time to get ready, I will probably be cemented to my work area on the deck as I am making tremendous progress with research and outlining.

Spread across the deck are four special pals. Erma has provided me numerous breaks, reminding me I need to love on these pooches!

Yesterday, I discovered this meme which grabbed me, especially after seeing the musical, BRIGHT STAR, last week before I was to leave for Springfield.

I grew up in a family that was biologically connected but with multiple extensions. If a couple married, the new in-law’s parents and siblings naturally became our own. I had several uncles and aunts that were not biologically related, but so dear was their affection no one not knowing the particulars would have had any clue.

A number of family and friends adopted children and the new child was simply one of us. In fact, my family was adopting children as far back as the 1870s. Adoption was just as natural as delivering a baby.

I’ve countless nieces and nephews, a few bonus sons and daughters, sisters, brothers, and a very special neighbor, Mama Kay, and her two children, Laura and Michael, who also adopted me as their brother.

Biological simply means “genetically connected,” not necessarily connected mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Some believe biology should supersede collected or adopted. I do not care how a person is related to me; if it’s a fit, it’s a fit.

I may not see some of these family members other than connections on social media but it doesn’t matter; they’re still important to me and feel like family.

I loved our holiday dinners and family gatherings! They were never just our immediate biological collections; they were neighbors, friends, always a stranger or two visiting with a neighbor or friend, on/off duty police officers, and possibly some firemen. If a stranger walked through the door, they were automatically family and had better accept the fact they would be hugged.

My own home, here in Kettering, Ohio, is no different. The minute anyone walks through the entrance of The Haasienda, they’re one of us.

Make it a great day… Make it a great life…

It’s just a bit after 8:15 PM, Tuesday evening, and I am tired yet still fully energized.

I had three strong teaching days, a number of students on vacation, at band camps, and I started three new students. The students who were in or who saw the musical BRIGHT STAR are still on fire.

Tonight, I had five evening students on vacation and it was nice to finish a long day by 5:30 PM. Within ten minutes I was trimming mine and Mama Kay’s yards. Since Mama Kay was going to her swimming aerobics class, I decided to go ahead and mow the yard, tonight, rather than tomorrow morning.

The body is sagging with some tired but I am feeling great. I began taking turmeric capsules, last week, and it has really made a difference in soothing the aches and diminishing the inflammation in my legs and feet.

The deck is lovely this evening; a fiery red sun has just descended behind the trees, some song birds are belching out a few last strains of the day, a breeze is wrapping itself around the deck, and I am eyeing my wisteria as new blooms begins popping out. The near perfect conditions are calming.

I started a new audio-book that I am enjoying and learning a great deal, already: THE BILL OF RIGHTS: A USER’S GUIDE by Betty Monk. I have really scored with some great reads, lately.

It’s nearing 8:40 PM and I’ve no idea how I shall spend the remainder of my evening. Normally, I’d be teaching until 9:45 PM.

And, Miss Erma had a wonderful 12th birthday with a few additional treats and many wonderful social media greetings. My eldest son and his partner, currently living in England, sang “Happy Birthday” to her and their dog, Bella, who stayed with us several years ago, had some doggie Zoom conversation with Erma. It was quite adorable. During Bella’s stay, Erma mothered her and seemed quite taken with her little charge.

It’s been a great day!

July 20, 2021… my wonderful precious girl, Erma, is 12 years old, today.

This dog’s infectious sweetness, energy, always-at-the-front, tender hearted, and incredible love makes her The Ambassador for The Haasienda.

Happy birthday, precious girl!

Make it a great day and be like Erma.

In Fremont Ohio at the former home of the oldest son of Rutherford B. Hayes and that is now the Presidential Library of R. B. Hayes, are the former gates used to protect the White House in Washington DC since the time when Ulysses S. Grant was president until 1921. In 1921 the gates around the White House had to be replaced when automobiles were becoming more popular around the country. The reason the gates had to be replaced is that they were too small.

When originally installed, horse & buggies were the norm. With the automobile, those old gates just didn’t work, so Hayes son, Col. Webb C. Hayes petitioned then president Warren G. Harding to use the gates at the new library. Harding agreed, but in Washington DC, nothing is ever that simple. Congress had to approve the transfer of ownership which took Col. Hayes 6 years of dealing with Washington red tape before he gained possession. Today those 5 iron White House gates surround the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center. The gate at top is located on the north entrance to Spiegel Grove. The close up at left is the main entrance to the estate and shows the Presidential Eagle, while the other gate depicts the Presidential Shield.

Rutherford Hayes was also the first president to use the Presidential Insignia and it was under his direction that this seal was created. It is strikingly different from the Seal of the United States’ eagle which had the eagle’s head pointed left as seen by the viewer. The Presidential Eagle’s head pointed right, and remained this way until President Truman implemented a re-design of the Presidential Eagle by turning the eagle’s head to the left as seen by a viewer. 

What does all the left and right pointing signify? Not much. Tradition called for heraldic eagles to point to the left. Some myths have grown up that because the eagle contained arrows clutched in it’s left talons, the big bird was looking towards war, instead of peace signified by the olive branch held in its right talon. More likely it was Hayes’ wish to distinguish the White House as being a different segment of the federal government.

This article, along with several other fascinating tidbits about Ohio, can be found in this article: http://touringohio.com/trivia/more-ohio-trivia.html

My father loved history and modeled his absorption so that I might find some love for history, as well.

And, it worked.

One of our family’s favorite things to do was taking drives through the countryside to seek the abandoned structures or properties. This included old abandoned homes, schools, factories, and especially, cemeteries; the older, the better.

On vacations, it was expected that we would break away from the focal point of our visit to head deep into the countryside in search of abandoned or older structures. My parents would even ask hotel clerks, waitresses, or others about such places. Sometimes, my parents received peculiar looks.

At a very young age, I was engaged in such searches and loved traipsing through tall grass of unkempt cemeteries. Often, my parents would carry me due to grass that might be hiding potential dangers. For some very old pioneer burial grounds, it was not uncommon to find sunken graves where the wood from the coffin had simply rotted away, allowing the earth to cave in on the remains. My parents always shielded me from some of these sights.

When we came upon an abandoned structure, we never entered, but stand off the property to examine.

On the family property south of Elwood was an abandoned house at the north end of my Uncle Danny’s fields. During family gatherings, a large group would walk back, or fill up the back of a few pickup trucks to venture into the property. In the early 1970s, the structure was still pretty sound but decaying rapidly.

My parents retrieved old lanterns, lamps, large wooden picture frames, and several other items which they restored. Sadly, a large beam had crashed through the upright piano that prohibited any restoration.

Our home was filled with antiques, many of which were family heirlooms, and a number of wonderful pieces that were purchased on our family trips.

Some things, once abandoned, cannot be reclaimed; however, some things can be salvaged for use or decor.

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful: remember that before you get me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me – it is crucial to my well being.
4. Do not be angry at me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment.
5. You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I only have you.
6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.
7. Be aware that how ever you treat me, I will never forget.
8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite you because I love you.
9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I might not be getting the right food, or I have been out too long, or my heart is getting too old and weak.
10. Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: “I cannot bear to watch” or “Let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death.

I was quite fortunate to grow up with many wonderful neighbors, the Herndons, the Fortner’s, the Mangus/Skalkotas families, the Coles, the Poynters, and numerous others.

However, across the street on the Southeast corner of Ninth and Main Streets in Elwood Indiana, lived Luther and Ida Myrick.

They came from the hills and hollers of Kentucky and Tennessee where Luther was a square dance caller for the Jellico Mountain Hoedown.

Ida’s grandmother grew up with Abraham Lincoln the brief time he lived in Kentucky.

We were raised on their back hills and mountain remedies, many of which I still apply today.

Luther and Ida were about as humble as they come, but enormous of spirit. They were educated in long-ago one room school houses through the eighth grade, but possessed the knowledge of life and history that connected me to another world.

When my sister was born in my ninth year, Mother proudly took her to Luther and Ida’s for her first official visit. Luther took one look at Dena and said, “She’s got a nose like a baby bat.” Thus, she became nicknamed, Batnose.

Dena spent countless hours with this genuinely lovely couple. Her toys were little cardboard boxes, wooden spoons, cylinder oatmeal containers, and other odds and ends that Ida produced. In Luther’s workshop, my sister was the collector of all the saw dust and bits of sawed wood. On a previous post about Luther and Ida, my sister commented, “I loved being at their house!! I can still remember everything about the house and them. They never really treated me like a child! if they were doing something, I was doing it right along with them!”

Ida and Luther had no children of their own but the plethora of nieces and nephews, and their children, were often piling out of cars for visits of up to a week. They drove from southern Kentucky, down around Corbin, Barbourville, Pine Knot, Artemus, Trosper, Pineville, Somerset, and Red Ash, all pronounced with the lush southern hills of Kentucky dialect.

Our family became acquainted with one of their nephews, JP Trosper, and his lovely diminutive wife, Sue, who lived in Cincinnati. After moving to Dayton, I visited them several times and became acquainted with one of their nieces who worked with Kettering City Schools nutrition department.

After Luther died in 1978, Ida remained in the house a few years before moving into a nursing home in Kentucky to be near her nieces and nephews. My grandparents stopped to visit her, several times.

As an adult I have been blessed with other neighbors, beautiful souls who’ve become more like my own family.

Continue to rest in peace, dear Luther and Ida.

ABOUT IDA:

Ida Belle Campbell was born on 2 January 1904, in Trosper, Knox, Kentucky. Her father, Philos Stratton Campbell, was 27 at the time of Ida’s birth, and her mother, Mary Susan Ricketts, was 23. She married Luther G Myrick on 14 January 1925, in Claiborne, Tennessee. She lived in Harlan, Kentucky, and in 1940 she and Luther moved to Elwood, Indiana. She died on 5 January 1981, in Knox, Kentucky, at the age of 77.

ABOUT LUTHER:

Luther G. Myrick was born on 5 August 1895. He married Ida Belle Campbell on 14 January 1925, in Claiborne, Tennessee. He lived in Harlan, Kentucky, United States until 1940. He died on 4 February 1978, in Elwood, Indiana, at the age of 82, and was buried in Elwood, Indiana.

The 87% humidity is clinging on for dear life at the moment, but will begin to subside to 54% around 5:00 PM just as the temperature hits its high of 88 and I leave for the bus terminal to venture westward to Springfield, Illinois via a St. Louis layover.

Despite additional physical movement this week, my body offered no resistance to getting the day moving along. However, I am still on a tremendous high from yesterday’s events and I am sure that is serving as a booster.

7:15 AM, I chatted with Joshua and David, mostly about the things I learned of John Quincy Adams from the Unger biography. The young Illinois congressman, Abraham Lincoln, and the former president, later returned to congress by the people of Massachusetts, struck up a strong friendship and valued one another’s political strategies. Lincoln even served as Adams’ honorary pall bearer after the elder statesman collapsed at his desk in the old congressional chamber, dying several days later in the speaker’s office.

I appreciate the London fellows asking questions and allowing me to share some of my passions which they, too, love. Joshua loves early US history and David is a scholar in British history. It was an enjoyable and enriching conversation with all three of us bouncing into the ring with our knowledge on the topic.

By 8:00 AM, the dogs were fed and I proceeded to clean the bathroom, start the fist of two loads of laundry, cleaned the stove and most of the kitchen, prepped my coffee and bagels with strawberry cream cheese.

I’ll finish packing and at 11:45 AM I’ll mow the back yard so it’s not a jungle upon my return. Due to my purchasing feed grass for farms (yes, I was so overcome with joy just being in Tractor Supply, several years back, that… never mind…), my backyard grows enormously fast thus needing to mows a week regardless the amount of rain. I wish SICSA had a goat or some sheep to aide me in the ever growing grass.

My goal is to finish today’s items by 1:00 PM so I can lunch and then nap for a few hours before showering and preparing myself to love on the dogs. I am so looking forward to this trip, and hobnobbing with the other Lincoln lovers, but I am already feeling those heart tugs at the thought of leaving the ever devoted pooches. But, by this time tomorrow, I’ll have met Nelson, the adorable dog who rules Jeff Carter’s home and heart.

It’s been a fantastic week and Wednesday culminated a series of so many blessings lined up, waiting for me to shake hands, high-five, and hug!

Make it a great day!

If I had one word to describe this day…

PERFECT!

I accomplished much in preparing for the trip, tomorrow.

I met Daniel, the newest member of the Canine Crew. When his mom and I watched him rolling on the bed with Harrigan and Bailey, I knew he was a perfect fit.

I did steal a two hour nap before getting ready to have dinner with one of the most wonderful souls in my world, Diane. We ate dinner at Geez, and then off to Epiphany Lutheran Church to see BRIGHT STAR. The conversations with Diane are never long enough. I always find myself wanting more time with her.

BRIGHT STAR. Brilliant. And… adoption! I love the adoption musicals Epiphany has shared through the years: THE SOUND OF MUSIC, ANNIE, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, TARZAN, THE SECRET GARDEN, and now, BRIGHT STAR.

I may write more about BRIGHT STAR later; it’s nearing midnight and I do need my sleep. However, I’m terribly proud of my students, both former and current, who chewed up the carpets.

Harrigan and Bailey are snuggled beside me and my eyelids are heavy. Tomorrow, I’ll tie up all the loose ends for the trip.

Yesterday was such a peculiar day for weather, starting out dark, dreary, and rainy before turning the mid-afternoon over to a glorious sun-filled sky which, an hour later, retreated back to the darker skies with thunderstorms.

Today is overcast and a bit pleasant despite the humidity which is at 89% at the moment.

Late last night, I decided to hang my shirts on the clothes line to get a head start on fresh air drying. Around 3:00 AM I was awakened by the sound of heavy rain and at 8:00 AM they were still soggy.

I accomplished much, in, around, and after lessons, preparing for the trip and just getting the house in semi-basic order. Living alone doesn’t mean the house stays tidy. Sometimes, I can be my own worst roommate needing to pick up after myself.

Surprisingly, my body feels fine, at the moment. That can easily change, and even with the strongest mental force, I often find myself surrendering to the body’s power.

I decided, early on in the RRMS (Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis) adventure that I was not going to bury myself in research, memorizing all the symptoms, and falling into a well that blocked life from my view and participation. Some scowl that I should be prepared. Perhaps. However, I need to make this journey on my own terms.

From the waist up, I am fine. From the waist down, I am often in mild discomfort. Sometimes, the mild discomfort, especially at night when trying to sleep, it’s maddening. This is when my arms and hands tend to mimic pin cushions.

I’ve learned to stand between lessons to alleviate some of the stiffness in my legs. There are other little things I’ve learned to do to escape to more comfortable conditions, much of which involves watching documentaries, listening to audio books (mostly involving biographies and US History), or watching television or You Tube comedies.

Laughter is a powerful medicine.

Sometimes, I cannot fulfill time arranged with friends; my body does not always wish to go along with my planning. Fortunately, friends are warmly understanding.

One friend, while taking me to get my Covid-19 vaccine, asked, “How can I help you? I don’t know what to do.”

I am still learning myself on this great adventure and still learning all the particulars. It’s fascinating to learn so much about the body and the mind even in not so favorable conditions. I’ve always paid attention to them, but now it’s become a daily game, noting the subtle hints of what might be a few steps ahead. As I discover more along the journey, I am able to communicate when I might be in need of assistance, but in the meantime, I am actually capable of doing things on my own, albeit, a bit slower.

Laughter.

I joined several RRMS social media groups but they were not really for me. There are so many who suffer greatly and I still believe I am greatly blessed despite the discomforts. I would try to read through the posts; they’re depressing and I am always fearful of that damned well. So, feeling the need to be of service, I provide the laughter with little posts or memes to cheer others on; yet, I am firm in keeping my distance as not to get sucked into that well.

In a non-RRMS world, there’s always potential falls into our personal wells. I think it’s important to be aware of when we are close to one of our wells so that we do not trip and fall into them. We must note the triggers or hints of what drags us to those wells. Life can easily drag us down into a well but I also believe, as long as strength remains with us, it can also be a choice to take a different path that bypasses our wells.

Take the bypasses, laugh a lot, and make it a great day!

The week’s lessons are complete and nearly everything on my to-complete list is 90% checked off.

This is a good feeling.

The dogs sense something is up. Chief saw my small burgundy suitcase and groaned. He would be the only one of the four who would recognize it’s significance. Chief’s been fairly glued to my side.

Laundry has begun. Also, some relaxing with EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND which keeps me amused. In a short while I shall transfer back to my John Quincy Adams audio book which I’m greatly enjoying.

Tomorrow, one of my new Canine Crew members will come to meet his new charges. I’m excited to get him on board as I love his family who’s been so involved in Fairmont HS’s music program.

The late afternoon will see me off to dinner and a show with one of my favorite people. We rarely see one another in person but that never seems to dissolve any great affection I hold.

Thursday’s THE day. My bonus sister, Laura, will drive me to the Greyhound terminal in Trotwood where I will board and depart at 6:35 PM. Friday morning, around 6:15 AM, I shall be crossing the Mississippi River with The Arch in view, and within a few minutes of seeing another favorite person.

Spending time with Diane and Jeff before dropping into Springfield to meet with other favorites is rather exciting, making the solo travel in a new world with new, current body less daunting.

Now, back to laundry and John Quincy Adams.

And, my four wonderful pooches.

I will make it a great day!

I will make it a great day!

I will make it a great day!

I will make it a great day!

I will make it a great day!

I will make it a great day!

I will make it a great day!

I will make it a great day!

It’s been a RainFest for the past several days which has limited the pooches from extended backyard time. It’s humid and everything feels damp. There’s been no sunshine.

I placed a Walmart delivery for this morning which included about a half dozen items needed for my trip. What arrived was someone else’s order which included a very large jar of cashews, antibiotic ointment, baby powder, a dozen pair of black men’s diabetic dress socks, and a box of two dozen face masks. The items cannot be returned so, other than the baby powder, I scored some free extras, courtesy of Walmart.

A support person got everything squared away and all but three items could be replaced and delivered (in between lessons); the three items are not truly necessary for my trip needs as they were mostly to replace what I would use this week.

There was a moment when I wanted to growl, possibly even yell. As I stood looking out the door across the backyard, the Mama Cardinal landed on the deck for a few minutes. Probably my mother reminding me to take a few deep breaths and to find the humor in the moment.

I did.

The remainder of my morning progressed without any further hitches.

The coolness of my study fights the 90% humidity as more rain showers prepare to move into The Miami Valley late this afternoon which means washed clothes will be put into the dryer and not hanging on the clothes line which I prefer.

So, it’s lunchtime and my balance, that had the opportunity to tilt heavily to my grouchy side, is fully restored.

Our days often have little “trip ups” that can send us into a gale of aggravation or a sense of steadiness. It’s really a choice. These are great rehearsals for the bigger things that can really smash things to smithereens. I could not allow my day to dissolve into pissiness when I’ve got a canister of cashews and new diabetic dress socks.

Make it a great day!

The morning began with a swift change of plans to mow the yard after the rain moved in earlier than predicted and I laid down a new set of items to accomplish.

I began planning items to pack for my upcoming Springfield trip but ended up napping for three hours. After feeding the dogs their 4:00 PM supper, I decided to begin mowing at 6:00 PM to give the grass a bit more time to dry out, hopefully. Again, I slipped into nap-mode, waking at 6:15 PM.

I trimmed and then mowed, waving to the neighbor on the east side of Shroyer Road who was mowing his lawn.

By 7:20 PM, I was finished with the yard work and ordered a supper from Wendy’s.

The deck is a bit cool and humid but comfortable. A massive front is moving in and appears to be arriving within the hour. I beat the second round of rain for yard work but am clinging to my deck time.

I am halfway through chapter eight of Unger’s JOHN QUINCY ADAMS which I am tremendously enjoying. What an impressive man. The book timer says I am at the four hour mark with less that than six hours remaining.

Erma is especially loving this evening. Two weeks from today she will turn twelve. How I do love this rescue pooch whose devotion reaches untold depths.

On to final touches to my trip plans.

Everything feels damp.

It’s been raining, off and on, since last evening and the air is very heavy with moisture. The pillows and blankets feel damp, and all the countertops, as well.

To my great surprise, one Mary Lincoln day lily made the final cut.

I’m going to attempt to begin the process of setting things aside that will be traveling to Springfield with me. I’m probably ahead of the game but now it’s much easier to be up front than struggling to get into the race.

The John Quincy Adams biography continues on Audible as I move about my morning. Today is President JQAdams’ birthday.

Make it a great day!

The morning began with a bit of a chilly breeze accompanying the overcast sky that screamed of impending rain; however, the forecast showed the rain entering around 9:00 PM, tonight.

I went to the front yard to bid farewell to two final Mary Lincoln day lilies, thus ending the 2021 Mary Lincoln Day Lily Festival de La Haasienda. I am always grateful to Debbie and Jim McCutcheon for giving me four plants many years ago. What a joyful reunion they become each June and into July.

At 8:30 AM, I was feeling a bit uneasy about the “feel” of the weather. Approaching rain has a distinct feel and smell. My body began foretelling the barometric change with the aching and stiffness I dealt with the previous rain showers. I could smell the rain from its distance but it was very much an active “I shall be with you, soon” smell.

I decided I would mow the front and back yards at 11:00 AM and finish up with trimming. In the meantime, I would rest a bit more.

10:55 AM, I stepped out onto the deck and as I readied myself for the yard work… they began! Those cold, icy pellets, stinging the skin, leaving tiny spots after taking their target on my clothes and skin. Arghhh!

I returned to the kitchen to prepare a second cup of coffee and mourn my lost mowing adventure and the opportunity to keep up. Sunday is another washout and Monday is predicting 72% rain. Wednesday is the next doable day and that is already a questionable day for rain.

My plans were foiled. So be it. It’s just my grass. It’s not a large farm of produce that’s been destroyed by flooding, drought, or other natural cruelties. It is well…

So, I’ve rerouted my day with indoor activities which include cleaning the kitchen, or at least nudging it in some direction of that nature; continuing with a new audio book, JOHN QUINCY ADAMS by Harlow Giles Unger – I’m only a few chapters in and am liking it!; enjoying more time with the dogs; and pulling out my weekender suitcase, a small cloth-shell container that has made many, many trips for the past twenty-one years. I bought it for the first son and it was used extensively for trips to Indiana, The Outer Banks, Walt Disney World, Washington, DC, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Lincoln State Park and Holiday World, Springfield (Ill) and various other places for short trips. It will be employed for a trip that will include St. Louis and to Springfield, Illinois, one more time. The burgundy bag has been a travel blessing.

Now, it’s time to continue on with a new set of plans so I don’t fall short of making it a great day!

It’s a slightly chilly 62-degrees on the deck and despite the overcast sky there’s no reports for rain.

Five Mary Lincoln day lilies made their second to last appearance for the team and it appears there will be only two more to carry over into Saturday.

My breakfast consists of a remaining vanilla cream puff pastry from Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, topped with strawberries that barely made the cut before they became too squishy.

I’ve business at The Greene’s T-Mobile/Sprint to attend to and am anticipating a switchover. Josh and Dave are also hoping I will switch over to a plan that will combine my home internet with my cell phone. Spectrum has lost my confidence in their sagging product.

On with my day. I plan to make it a great one!

It’s such a nice morning, albeit overcast, a tad humid, and breezy.

Eight Mary Lincoln day lilies are in the front yard to silently greet passers by.

I am somewhat tired from yesterday’s eleven hour adventures but motivated to keep going with my day. And, I am fortunate to not feel residual body aches.

In an hour, I’ll have my weekly ZoomLunch and be off on the rest of my day, all the while, making it a great day!

The air is already tugging the humidity down from the 90s to the 50s as the temperature prepares to climb toward 87-degrees by 2:00 PM, making this a nice day to retreat to the comfortable air-conditioned indoors.

Eight Mary Lincoln day lilies are with us, today, and it looks as though they may linger through the week’s end, possibly a few stragglers into the weekend. I truly enjoy this period of nature.

Today, I am rehearsing for my trip to Springfield with another trip to Columbus, sharing some of my favorite items in The Columbus Museum of Art.

When Joshua visited from London last Memorial Day, we went to Cincinnati and across The Ohio River into Covington, Kentucky, as well as Columbus. It was my first time to actually leave this area near my home since January 2020. I pushed myself because I was spending time with Joshua.

I’ve ventured to Lebanon with Jenny to dine at The Golden Lamb and to The Greene with Laura to celebrate her birthday. I’ve taken bus trips downtown, to The Dayton Mall, and to The Greene to dip my toe in the pool of getting out and getting around.

I will admit that I am a bit anxious with the impending visit to Springfield as it is my first big deal trip in a while and with my current body. Leaving the dogs in good hands with Jacob staying the night with them is comforting; however, I am still searching for day coverage. LOL! I am sure Mother must be haunting and taunting me as I continue to get all the ducks in a row. “The best planning sometimes needs adjusting,” she would say with a grin when I was always meticulous about things.

So, today, to prep myself, I am treating Jacob, as an additional dog-thank you, to a day in Columbus to visit The Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Conservatory, and of course, two German boys dining at Schmidt’s Sausage House. This will be a fun time, but also mental and physical rehearsal for Springfield. Maggie is watching the dogs and they will be delighted to see her. She spent a good deal of her 2019 summer taking care of the dogs as I visited with Mother in Indiana before her passing.

It’s time to shower, dress, and leave at 10:00 AM for a day in Columbus. I am ready to make it a great day!

A number of friends have either lost pets, recently, or they’re at an anniversary of having lost one. Keeping each of you in my thoughts.

Last night, due to the start of tech week for a summer production, I was finished teaching at 5:00 PM.

My friend, Jacob, picked me up and we ventured south to Bevis, Ohio on the northwestern side of Cincinnati to eat at Logan’s Roadhouse since we both had a hankering for steak. I must say, it was quite an amusing dinner with one of the sweetest and funniest servers. Afterward, we meandered back up to Kettering, enjoying conversation on the deck until after midnight. This was a great pick-me-up and The Quartet was so excited to spend time with Jacob.

This morning there are five Mary Lincoln day lilies. The morning air is enough breeze to ward off the 85% humidity and the increasing 79-degrees.

This is my longest teaching day and will wrap up a miss-matched week of teaching due to fireworks, parades, vacations, and rehearsals. But, this is what The Studio is all about.

I’ve already started to make it a great day, here at The Haasienda. You need to do the same.