Category: Musings

Pretending

On By DGThomaIn Family, Humor/Light Hearted, Musings, Travel, WritingLeave a comment

When my children were young, we would often launch into spontaneous nonsensical conversations.  It might be a perfectly innocent comment that became a springboard.  A wondrous adventure would unfold as we each added our own spin. We would slip into role play effortlessly, becoming princesses, elves or ogres depending upon the trigger.

We had fun pretending our way through a diversity of situations without the benefit of any props other than our imagination.

Often, I still go off of imaginative tangents.  When I’m on a road trip anything can become fodder for a rambling conversation that the casual observer would find perplexing.  Recently, heading toward the town of Stephenville I forgot the name of the next town we would pass through.  I asked my husband “Are we almost to Benjamin?”

And my husband replied no, Benjamin is the town we go through on our way to Lubbock.  Undeterred, I replied, “Well if we get to Benjamin we’ve gone too far!”  Considering Benjamin was about 6 hours beyond where we were headed, that may have been a slight understatement.

A few days later we were driving toward the airport after a long weekend and my husband said something about Timbuktu and I said or Kalamazoo, which made no sense at all.  After all Timbuktu is a city in the West African nation of Mali and Kalamazoo is a city in the state of Michigan and there was no reason to discuss either of them.  But for no reason at all it made us laugh and laughter is a wonderful thing.

Our car talk is not always so off the wall, but every road trip is an opportunity for slipping into inane conversations and we rarely pass up the opportunity.

Growing up in a small town…..

On By DGThomaIn Friends, Musings, WritingLeave a comment

Growing up in a small town, I knew everyone and everyone knew me.  There were approximately 3500 people in our town.  As soon as I could, I left in search of excitement and opportunity.  I rarely look back with any regret and have enjoyed my life immensely.  I have come to value my privacy and enjoy living in a bigger city even though “Nobody knows your Name.”

However, occasionally I am reminded that there are trade-offs.  If you stand in the center of my hometown you could walk a mile in any direction and likely be on the edge of town.  Getting anywhere is a matter of minutes not hours.

Photo Courtesy of Barclay Gibson Photography

Photo Courtesy of Barclay Gibson Photography

Currently, I commute an hour to an hour and a half to get work each day.  I am grateful that my husband and I work in close proximity and are able to ride in one car.  That’s great until something happens.

Recently I was working a little late and waiting for my husband to pick me up.  He had called to say he would be there in about 10 minutes, so I was surprised when he called back within a couple of minutes.  Assuming he was warning me he was stuck in traffic, I grabbed the phone.  Nope, he was stuck but not due to traffic.  His car was dead in the middle of a fairly heavily trafficked street.  We decided to call our roadside service and began to reach out to friends for a ride to pick up my car.

After several phone calls, we determined that it was just too complicated to find someone to pick each of us up and drive an hour to get us to my car and then spend another hour returning back to their homes. We also had to find a way to get to our car and talk to the service department where it had been towed.   I have great friends and they would have been willing, but it was too much to ask.  Instead, several kind strangers helped push the car off the road and the tow truck dropped my husband near a rental car agency.  Half an hour later, he was at my office to pick me up and we were able to head to the dealer.

It reminded me that in my home town, I could have walked to my house to get my car, someone I knew well or was related to would have given me a ride and if someone I barely knew happened by, it would have been safe to accept a ride.

It’s a good reminder that living in a community of any size, you still need to have strong relationships and that commuting is not much fun.  I do love my life and wouldn’t change it but maybe I’m a little more grateful for growing up  with a wonderfully established community and I remember that sometimes it’s good to go where “Everybody Knows Your Name!”

Cows and Bananas

On By DGThomaIn Animal Stories, Family, Humor/Light Hearted, Musings, Writing2 Comments

I live in a somewhat rural area of a large Texas metropolis.  On any given day, my visual experiences may include  a view of farm animals at a doughnut shop or someone whose complete attire consists of a thong and stiletto’s walking down a major downtown street.

This week, on my way home from work, I had the pleasure of seeing a banana riding a bicycle.  Yes, it was really an individual wearing a yellow banana costume while riding his bike but even that takes a fair amount of talent.

That smile invoking moment was followed about half an hour later by a cow chasing a calf chasing a family of deer.  And no, sadly I didn’t get pictures of either of these.

When we turned off the highway, the traffic noise immediately  fell away and the home trees came into view.

Part of the home trees

As we neared the turn to our house, I realized the pond which had been bone dry was now filled, thanks to our feast of recent rain showers.  Thinking happy thoughts, I suddenly noticed a calf sprinting, (yes sprinting) along the fence line headed in the general direction of the pond.  The calf was followed by his mother (I can only assume) lumbering after him at something close to a sprint.  Thinking they thought we were coming to feed them, my husband and I were startled when a family of deer, burst out of the trees along the fence line and sprinted across the road in front of our car.  No one was harmed and all made it home safely.

I know I am easily entertained, but I love living where I get to experience such a diversity of entertainment.  It mostly makes up for the lack of cable and the faltering internet service.

Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon – Part 1

On By DGThomaIn Musings, Travel, Writing1 Comment

A lot of people think running marathons is absolutely crazy and some days I agree.
Other days, it keeps me sane. My husband and I normally run one or two marathons a
year. I may run or I may walk, but there is something about completing a 26.2
mile course that makes me think I can do anything.

However, my dedication to running this past year has been almost nonexistent. I was
sidelined with some health issues for a while and had difficulty regaining my motivation to restart my training.

Nevertheless, when my husband suggested we should run the Seattle Rock and Roll
Marathon in June, I decided to give it a shot. Seattle would be
marathon number 16 for me and the first for Washington State. I was hoping
registering to run 26.2 miles would motivate me and maybe it did, just a bit. We
registered for the marathon, made flight arrangements and reserved our hotel. The big “C”, (commitment) did get me out of bed on weekends. I managed to get in some runs with
my running group and even a few runs on the treadmill.

These shoes were made for marathons

Finally marathon weekend arrived and we headed to the airport for our evening flight.  The marathon was scheduled for Saturday, but we were hoping to maximize our relaxation time and minimize any last minute stress by leaving on Thursday.

Our trip started out a little rocky.  When we pulled up to our regular car park, we were stopped at the gate by a very nice young man.  “Reservation?” he asked.  Of course we didn’t make a reservation.  In response to our “No”, he replied, “Sorry, we are completely full.”  Well, a bump in the road, but nothing major, right?  We headed for the airport in search of terminal parking.  Still on schedule, we arrived at the airport and discovered that due to construction, all parking was full except the overflow parking lot.  Off we went to find a space in overflow parking which was out in the middle of nowhere.   Fortunately, we were able to find (uncovered) parking quickly,  catch a bus back to the terminal,  and finally make it through security.

Knowing we would arrive late in Seattle, we grabbed some food and made it to our gate with a little time to spare. Hoping the rest of the trip would be uneventful, we boarded on time and with the exception of the crazy lady on the plane (but that’s another story!  Planes, misgivings and singing), we had a pleasant trip.

When we landed we exited the plane, made our way through the chaos of airport security and retrieved our luggage.  Discovering our hotel didn’t provide a shuttle, we opted to rent a car.  Dragging our bags behind us, we followed the rental car signs to reach the rental counter and negotiated a vehicle.  Finally, worn out, we headed to our hotel.

Checking into our hotel turned out to be the best part of the day.  It was late when we arrived, but the night manager was awesome.  He was already working with a guest, so there was a small wait to check in.  It was almost midnight, but the manager was upbeat, smiling and apologetic, even though the wait was only a few extra minutes.  We even scored free parking!

The hotel was a suite with two bedrooms, a kitchenette and a separate living room area.  Much more space than we needed, but staying there for four days was wonderful.   The Space Needle was one block from our hotel and could be seen from the window.  Everything we needed was within walking distance.Seattle Space Needle

After a great night’s sleep, Friday morning, we headed to the Seattle Health & Fitness Expo.  The expo was a huge market where exhibitors offer free samples, showcase the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health & nutritional information and more.  We walked a block to the Seattle Center Monorail station and rode the monorail to Westlake Center where we caught a bus to Century Field Event Center for packet pickup. (shirts, race bibs, timing chip, etc.).

We spent several hours wandering around the expo before leaving a few dollars lighter, juggling our packets and multiple purchases.  Weary and hungry we went in search of lunch before heading back to the hotel to relax and prepare for our early morning event on Saturday.  More on the Seattle trip next post……..

In search of a Piñata…..

On By DGThomaIn Family, Friends, Humor/Light Hearted, Musings, Writing1 Comment

Sometimes there just isn’t enough silly in the world.

When I found out my adult children were both going to be home (in my home) for their birthdays, I decided to create a party reminiscent of one of their childhood celebrations. My son and daughter were born 2 years and 5 days apart. Until the age of 11 and 13, they always shared a birthday party.  One year the party was a Sesame street theme, and another year it was a skating party. No matter what the theme, we always had a great family celebration and lots of fun.

I enlisted my granddaughter, Jill and her mother to help with the planning. We set off to our local big box store to buy some party favors.  As we filled our cart with bubbles, noise makers and more party favors, Jill looked up and said “We have to get a piñata!” There were several piñatas on the shelf; a traditional donkey, a Teen-aged Mutant Ninja Turtle (the new version) and a few miscellaneous others.

But, hanging from a wire overhead, there were a dozen or more colorful piñatas. Right in the center was a brightly colored bull piñata. It was perfect and exactly what we wanted. My daughter, Kat, went to find a sales associate to assist us in retrieving the piñata. 20140730_184047

Kat returned with an associate who informed us Martha was on the way. Ten minutes later we were debating how to make a human pyramid so we could get the piñata ourselves. We couldn’t agree who should be the base of the pyramid or we might have attempted it. My vote was to stand in the cart and try to reach for it. I was vetoed for safety reasons.

20140802_162127
About this time Martha showed up and started rummaging around at the ends of the aisles. Grumbling and frowning, she mumbled something about a piñata stick. She continued to pace back and forth, up and down the aisle as if the infamous piñata stick might appear by osmosis. We on the other hand were still planning a pyramid strategy when she left the aisle.

Suddenly, over the loud speaker we heard “Who has taken the piñata stick? Someone please return the piñata stick immediately”. By now, I had started to bounce on my feet a bit wondering if I could jump up and knock the piñata down. A manager wandered by and I launched into the quandary of the missing piñata stick and explained that I was thinking I could almost reach it if I jumped up.  Now the manager looked up and I could tell he was wondering if he could jump up and grab the piñata, but instead he said he would go find Penny, because she could fix anything.

Now another 10 minutes went by before the manager and Penny returned. The manager smiled and told us we were in good hands as he wandered away. Martha returned and continued walking aimlessly up and down while Penny searched secret hideaways behind the end-caps. Still no one had recovered the elusive piñata stick. Penny left and I’m thinking “Who needs a piñata anyway”, when suddenly she returned triumphantly holding the piñata stick. The entire aisle broke into cheers, (even though it was only the three of us and the returning manager), it was still awesome.

One manager, and three associates later, we had a Piñata in hand and were off to plan a birthday party!2014-09-07 20.30.42

Biking and Other Happy Rembrances

On By DGThomaIn Friends, Musings, Writing2 Comments

Flipping through some old journals recently, I found an entry about my introduction to bike riding.   It invoked a wonderfully pleasant memory.

About 20 years ago, I was recently divorced and trying to determine who I was supposed to be and who I wanted to become.  One of my newly acquired interests was cycling.  I’d made a new friend who was an avid cyclist and was not only teaching me to love riding but also loaned me a bike.

One of our first cycling trips was to Caprock Canyons State Park just outside Quitaque, Texas.  We started the trip on Friday, arriving late and spending the night at a campsite.  Early the next morning we awoke to a herd of deer outside our campsite.  The deer were shrouded in fog and milling about on the grass completely unaffected by our presence.  After a quick breakfast of granola bars, we set out on our bicycles.

6:00 AM and ready to ride - maybe!
6:00 AM and ready to ride – maybe!

We rode on the park roads to help me get comfortable on the bike.  The roads were very hilly and I remember flying down the hills, building speed and then having to get off the bike and push it up the next hill, so I could soar down again!  I felt like I was six years old!  Of course my friend had no problem biking up or down.  We logged seven miles that morning and I was quite proud of the accomplishment.

In the afternoon, we drove to Quitaque Canyon Trail.  The trail is a nature trail formed along the path of an old railroad route.

The Quitaque Canyon Trail is about 17 miles long and according to Rails to Trails “This area is one of the most picturesque and interesting throughout the entire Trailway due in part to Clarity Tunnel at mile 12.”

I wouldn’t know about that.  I only made about 1/2 mile through the sand when I realized I wasn’t quite ready to tackle bicycling through sand.  I chose instead to sit at the trail head and write in my journal.  It was a beautiful and restful afternoon.

A few things that stand out in my mind from that day are:  Friends are invaluable, laughter really is the best medicine and the Rails-to-Trails Conservatory is a great organization.

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a non-profit organization.  They have repurposed over 20,000 miles of trail.  If you enjoy nature and the idea of recycling the rail network to provide a trail system appeals to you, I highly recommend searching one of the Rails to Trails across the United States to hike or bike.  Relax, rediscover nature and maybe smile a bit.Still Biking! 2013

Going home and hanging out….

On By DGThomaIn Family, Friends, Musings, Writing1 Comment

 

Photo courtesy of texasescapes.com/TexasPhotography/Barclay-Gibson April 2009
Photo courtesy of texasescapes.com/TexasPhotography/Barclay-Gibson April 2009

 

It seems like we never really go home until something significant happens.  We visit, but we don’t go home.  Recently, I received a phone call that my mother had been hospitalized.  I go visit my parents fairly often, but usually I’m in and out and don’t have time to see many people or hang out.  Going to the hospital in a small town forces you to slow down and just “hang out”.  The hospital employees are either people that went to school with me or are the children of my classmates.  The hospital in my hometown is a small 25 bed hospital.  Often the census is less than 5 when I visit.

CCMH trimmed

Walking toward the front door of the hospital with pecan shells crunching underneath my feet brings back a surge of memories.  The pecans which have fallen from the ages old pecan trees overhead litter the sidewalk.

It seems like eons ago that I used to work at this hospital.  My office was just behind that window to the right.  My son was delivered down the hall to left.  Many of my nieces and nephews also made their debut within these walls.

The number of times I entered through the emergency room with my accident prone son is innumerable.

I haven’t lived here in over 20 years.  Now I live in a city large enough that running into someone you know at the supermarket is the exception so coming home it’s hard to get used to knowing everyone you run into anywhere you go!

Every nurse, every custodian or kitchen worker seemed to know my name or at least know who my parents are and that I am one of those “Greenway kids”.

I sometimes wish my parents lived in a larger city where they could receive the latest and best medical care.  But when I see the personal care they receive here, I think that the benefits gained from the good will in this little town far surpasses any medical advances that may be available in a bigger hospital.

Walking into restaurants, grocery stores or hospital halls, it seems that everyone in town knows my mother is in the hospital and everyone is concerned.  People I haven’t seen in 20 years call me by name. Many more remembered me than I was able to remember them.  I guess it’s really true, home is where everybody knows your name, and that’s a good thing!

Planes, misgivings and singing??

On By DGThomaIn Musings, Travel, Writing1 Comment

 

Yes times have changed and our reactions to situations are different than they would have been 15 years ago.  I used to hate it when my parents would begin a story by saying, “When I was your age, or back in the day we….. (Fill in the blank).”

But I find myself starting sentences with that very phrase, more often than I care to admit.  However, that being said, the aftershock of 9/11/2001 has changed the way I view travel, particularly flying.

Boarding a plane for Seattle last week, I noticed that the lady sitting behind me was very talkative. Not a big deal, but I was hoping she would not talk so loudly for the entire four hour trip.  About thirty minutes into the flight, I began to wonder what on earth she was doing.  She was pushing on the back of my seat and kept dropping things.  Another thirty minutes passed and she began to sing very loudly.  Not just a little loud, but loudly enough that the stewardesses came from the front of the plane to ask her to not sing out loud since there were so many people on the plane.

At this point my annoyance begin to give way to a little bit of apprehension.  I started thinking about news stories where people have caused problems on planes and of shoes being set on fire, etc.  I knew it was a silly reaction and one I would never have had pre 9/11.  Still as I heard her dropping things and mumbling nonsense, I had a lingering sense of unease.

I noticed everyone within earshot was glancing her way and whispering.  The people sitting beside her had to stand several times so she could try to recover the belongings she was dropping.  I was glad I was in front of her instead of beside her.

As we prepared to land, I heard the stewards and stewardesses trying to get her attention so they could get her to put her seat belt on.  As we all stood to disembark, three empty alcohol bottles rolled from under my seat.  I felt more than a little silly, having been rattled by someone who simply had a few too many of those little bottles of alcohol the airlines sell.  Now I just felt sorry for her.  Still it was a huge relief to land and disembark safely in Seattle.

“Relationships and Steel Cut Oats”

On By DGThomaIn MusingsLeave a comment

Maggie Mae  –

I was thinking…..

Building relationships is like cooking steel-cut oats. “Bring to a boil, stir in oats, cook at medium for five minutes, and simmer for about 30 minutes.”

High heat, boil and simmer.  Hmm, great advice for a relationship.  Start with high heat, bring it to a boil and keep it simmering for the long-term.

“Fishing”

On By DGThomaIn MusingsLeave a comment

Maggie Mae  –

Today I was thinking…. “It’s easy to be a big fish in a small pond, but being a small fish in a big pond is like getting lost in the crowd.  Strive to be the big fish in your biggest pond.”