The cold snap we’ve had recently very much discouraged me from doing much besides venturing out to work. The forecast for warmer temps for the weekend started my wheels spinning. I called up Esther and invited myself for a sleepover Friday night before I continued on to Sioux Falls on Saturday to take my granddaughter out to lunch for her 17th birthday.
I was in for a surprise when I got the mail and discovered an envelope from Lamoine Torgerson. I debated opening it ‘cuz I was sure it boded no good. My instincts were correct ‘cuz it revealed an advertisement for a “Love Connection” and a quote to “Get in Gear”. Lamoine, thank you for your concern, but the portion of my body from the neck to the knees is on an extended coffee break.
Esther and Dave served up a steak supper, and I had to relate to them that I had made a stroganoff and had used canned beef that my Aunt Elsie had made. Gay had kept it in the cupboard since 1999 and declared it safe. Esther was horrified and said, “Do you realize that was 17 years old and you are all lucky to be alive!?” (I was never good in math, so I had never thought of it that way.) That is far worse than the eight-year-old corn Gay served us that one holiday.
They were so wrong about the weather forecast. The interstate was slick and traffic was 60-65 mph. Of course, there are always those that ignore the conditions. I passed two pickups in the ditch. Admit it; a person is secretly glad it isn’t you and the other half thinks, serves you right for going so fast in a ground blizzard.
I was going to gift Aysia with money, but ended up buying her paint for her bedroom and bedspread to match. The guy at Home Depot raised his eyebrows at her color choices—lime green and blue. When she said goodbye to her childhood pink frills, she went to the whole different spectrum.
Still not willing to call it a weekend, I once again stayed overnight at the Buck Bed and Breakfast. When I related that I would be going to church the next day, Esther was very surprised and asked why? I informed her I have a lot to be thankful for or the alternative, that I was going to check out single men in church. She dryly replied, “That is the Dee I know. Try not to swivel your head like the exorcist when you’re looking and don’t pounce right away ‘cuz their wife might be in the bathroom!”
I chose the church right across from Taco John’s. I was warmly greeted immediately and what a surprise to find they have a coffee shop atmosphere in the foyer for everyone to enjoy. I was also amazed they had a band with modern music plus big screens. (I was relieved I didn’t have to sing.) I totally enjoyed the whole service.
I ended the day by taking in the movie “The Revenant.” I had heard mixed reviews. Janet said none of their group in Arizona cared for it. She described it as “crawling through the snow for three hours and listening to grunting.” I had to see for myself and found it to be pretty gruesome, and I felt I had been drug through a knothole by the finish. Those mountain men were tough S.O.B.s. Leonardo DiCaprio deserves the Oscar. I met a married man at the movie—thanks, Jerry Zastrow, for letting me sit with you. I’m blind in a crowd and he related he had waved at me three times, and I still didn’t notice him!
Happy Birthday, Aysia!
Dee Baby