Ash Wednesday 2015

Having my first cup of coffee this morning, Ash Wednesday, falling on the 18th this year & I am wondering out loud & to myself because it is the same as a tree falling in the forest, I can.

It is 9:37 as I begin to file this report from the conservatory, in a sunny, warm spot in a comfy chair surrounded by most of my plants reflecting the sunshine.

Already today I have had a fantastic bowel movement, shower & now the first cup of coffee so life is real good.

Yesterday was spectacular in every way as I had an exceptional hit rate on the list. Some things went off even better than planned.

PRAY TELL.

OK. Just one for instance. I found the image for Fat Tueday after a lengthy seearch. See yesterdays entry.

BIG DEAL.

Tough crowd today.

After the monthly luncheon, which went well, I was in the area of the fabric store so I took the swatch of fabric I picked up on a previous trip to Houston in locally to match it. One would think that no problem since it is the same chain of fabric store. But no.

I believe that I have documented the service level at Joann’s in a previous report. One would think that a single, solitary male entering such a female-focused business would be instantly swarmed over with offers for help or assistance.

Learning from past experiences, I seized the initiatitve & REQUESTED help from the first attendent I saw. A pleasant sort, we first did the physical search in the upholstery fabric aisles with no luck before going on-line which rapidly turned futile & frustrating. Up side was I saw some very cool other patterns that would work so I got some good ideas & inspiration.

‘Will there be anything else?’ she says.

Yes. I needed felt pads with self adhesive backing to put under decoys & carvings to protect surfaces. She bird dogged me right to them! In TWO colors no less.

‘Anything else?’

On a roll, ‘Mirrors? I am looking for a 3 inch square mirror for a project.’

‘We have mirrors.’ I follow panting, my tongue wagging, probably drooling.

They have mirrors alright. Three inch squares, 4 in sq AND 3 inch ROUND. I COULD NOT DREAM to even ax this. I bought two (2) packages of five (5) for future signs. Bingo.

I am DONE. I told her that she eliminated me stopping at Home Depot & I was very happy.

WOW. YOU ARE EASILY AMUSED & ENTERTAINED.

Listen Ms Snark, I am not going to post your snide little catty remarks anymore unless & until you pay up.

Where was I?

Next I went to the bike shop. I got two (2) screws to mount the light on Patty’s bike. No charge.

Next stop, Cal’s. He was home, working in his shop. I exchanged the mallard female study bill for the male and after a search, he produced an outstanding article from an old magazine detailing FULL painting steps for the BWT. Then he produced a book of patterns that had the Black-bellied Whistling-duck ( Dendrocygana autumnalis) I was looking for !!

I borrowed both to copy & return quickly so on the next trip out I will make color copies.

Listen, Fans, I really hate to do this as I am really rolling but the sun has moved and I am running on the battery. I think OR hope your are getting the jist. I need to address all of the multiple projects, find out what time ashes are being distributed at either Saint Mike’s or Saint Gabby’s today & make those plans. They are both archangels you know? Coincidence.

Had a smashing meal last night. Extensive searches at two (2) large local fish markets yielded no golden tilefish. I selected & prepared large sea scallops in a coconut lime poaching solution. Delightfully tender & tasty. Garlic pepper (Bill’s fiery red jalapeno) steamed vegetables this time round with asparagus, brocolli & chinese eggplant medallions. We finished off two bottles of charonnay in a blind tasting test as well as the antipasto salad which was getting better each time until the very end.

The sun is still shining but no longer on your correspondent. I can hear the birds singing loudly outside.

It was 14 in the sleeping pod, 16 in the great hall & I think the high today is only 10 so time to get dressed, post this mess & so I can get on with my life and attack the next list.

I need to plan the days meals IAW the Lenten observances of fasting & abstinence.

All before the battery dies.

Again, Pax domini