Good Morning, Friends!

I thought I’d celebrate the day traditionally recognized as The Day After Labor Day or The First Day of School by wearing my pencil socks.

Yes, I realize that some school districts are not starting today and that those who are may be greeting the students through electronic means, and others who are greeting students in person today are doing so while wearing masks.

It is still the beginning of a new school year whether it starts today or in two weeks, whether it is via distance learning or social distancing.  And a new school year means, in the words of good friend, a new adventure. 

I think we need to realize just how much imagination and creativity is being sparked through these pandemic times. The problem solving is ongoing, whether at school, home or business; science, medicine, or industry. 

Do I like it? No. I’d rather think of the students preparing for school by buying pencils, notebooks, and markers, checking the school lists from the cardboard display in Target.  I’d rather think of them considering what outfit they’re going to wear on that first day and how they would answer role call with a, “Here!” or a “Yo!” or a most collegiate “Present!” 

In other words, I’d rather that they have the same experience that I did, except there was no Target so I got my pencils just past the bulk candy display at the Farmers’ Store.

It would just be so much easier. But then, my first day of school would have  vastly different from my dad’s in the 1910’s.  He didn’t have the Fall issue of Seventeen to check out the year’s fashions.

I guess we all get our own First Days of School with the memories that go with them. It’s as it should be. 

But let me tell you, these kids today will have whoppers of stories to tell their grandchildren. Trudging to school five miles uphill both ways will be bypassed. We will need to listen to them tell their stories.

********Ha! No transition here.**************

We finally camped last weekend up near the BWCA in northern Minnesota. And, for as close to Ely as we were, there were no black flies. In fact, there were no bugs to speak of.  I know, seriously. We enjoyed the campfire past sundown without the slap, slap, slappity-slap-slap often associated with Minnesota summer evenings.

I wish I could say that we were also so fortunate when fishing. The hubster caught a stickfish and I caught a weedfish. Fishing from shore was either from a three foot spot between bushes and trees or from a dock that was missing at least one weld and wavered as I cast.  Grabbing onto the mooring post was the only was to keep from falling into the water. I eventually just sat down on the boards. For as unproductive as the activity was, it was still calming being by the lake.

And, it was good to be cold again.

I don’t know about you, but the hot hot hot days with the high humidity just drain me. I hate closing the windows for the AC. 

With temps in the 60’s while we were camping, it felt just right.

Of course there’s always got to be some problems to solve. The fridge won’t hold a cold temp, so the hubster added two gallon milk bottles with ice in them. We technically had an icebox in the camper. The necessary complaints have been made to the appropriate people.

And I brushed my teeth with antifungal cream. 

The tubes were similar in size.

Thankfully because we were in a camper, I could spit it out into the kitchen sink instead of all over a bush outside.

And then rinse repeatedly in said sink instead of trying to pour water into my mouth from my Nalgene bottle without touching the rim and without getting it all over my shirt because, remember, it was cold.

I was appreciative.

Well, that’s about all for today except to tell you that the new “Chapter A Day” that started yesterday is “A Perfect Storm.”  12:30 every weekday on Wisconsin Public Radio. Travel to Gloucester and fish on a swordfish boat without leaving home or wearing a mask!

And to share that I foiled the cats’ plan  by digging my thread spool pin out of the bottom of the wastepaper basket.  Obviously they viewed it as a cat toy.

Janet: 1  Cats: 0

Have a terrific Tuesday.  I plan on it. Hug yourself because there is only one you, and you are special.

Love,

Janet