Radishes and Rarities

When my sister told me about a toy she had given her grandson, it sounded like something I really needed. A yodeling pickle. Not quite like the “drooping lungs” (she says it like it is an official diagnosis, however. . .) of my eldest sister, but I wanted more information and found it at mcphee.com They showcased objects that had me salivating like one of Pavlov’s silly dogs. Besides Jesus bandages, there was a bag of freaks, and albino bowler painting (complete niche market), an anatomically correct heart gelatin mold, and 7 deadly sins wrist bands. Who are these people?

 Today, some very kind students in one of Rick’s classes wanted to take me shopping. The first suggested stop was a very-large-handbags store, obviously having noted the absence of one on my shoulder. I gestured to my faded jeans pockets and said that all I needed to carry was money (front pocket) and a credit card (back pocket) and so I didn’t really have need of a purse. This was met with skepticism, but they helped me buy a bargain basement guitar since I don’t have one here.

ravished by this radish

We talked about headscarves, which are not allowed in the classrooms of the universities. They support “free choice” over the government mandate and said it was impossible to tell which were being worn for political reasons and which for religious ones. This is currently being debated widely here and is an emotional conundrum. If overturned, the fear is, obviously, a nod to the conservatives.

blue ribbon worthy

 Fact: a gallon of gas here is $8.00. Smile the next time you fill your tank!

Speaking of smiles, here is a great picture of Sophie (piano student) and Sadie. Her mom kindly sent this on.

Sadie (left) and Sophie (right)

One fruit. One vegetable. From the land of giants, you think? They became part of this lunch. The nut mixture has dried white mulberries, which you cannot see and is a new tastebud -tittilation for me.

arugula is called "rocket" in much of Europe

Today is our 36th anniversary. When Rick chose, as his wedding shirt, a brown and orange plaid polyester, I had second thoughts. Like my yellow and blue muslin was any better, but he turned out to be a wonderful choice and a lifelong friend. ~(**)~ Deane