My First Time

I have done a lot in my lifetime, a lot of unusual things as well as a lot of common things. It is getting to the point, however, where 99% of the things I do are not new experiences. The comfort of routine is a peaceful and safe part of my life. But today I had to change things up because the garbage can was already too full. My big, green waste, curb-side container was overflowing with pruned bushes and dead weeds, which meant I couldn't do my usual woman's work. Soon I got this WILD idea! Maybe, just maybe, I could try to mow the grass! I have never mowed a lawn in my lifetime, I have never started a mower nor pushed a mower. I know that Dave was subjected to mower abuse when he was young so I figured that mowing the lawn was a colossal, torturous feat requiring great strength and patience. So with fortitude I approached that manly grass eating machine, pulled the handle that said "PULL" (twice) and then was wildly surprised that it roared to life. I pushed the beast onto the turf, accidentally grabbed onto a mechanism under the mower's handlebar and then the thing started mowing on it's own. I guided the trimming apparatus with little effort and yet the result was a neatly lined lawn. What I once thought was a daunting task was really just like a back and forth walk with a noisy friend.

Next I will tackled that weed-wacking thingamajig.

My Condition

Every couple of years I get out the sewing machine and sew something. I usually have to thread the thing by using the well worn manual. This year I was having some difficulties. It wasn't that I couldn't follow the "how to" page, the problem was that I couldn't thread the needle. First off I couldn't find the eye of the needle, secondly I couldn't see the end of the thread. I found myself trying to look closer and at the same time trying in vain to focus my eyes. Suddenly, horrifically I realized that I have THE CONDITION!!!
I am now in a twelve step program for my condition

1--I admit that I have presbyopia
2--I am powerless over my presbyopia
3--I will purchase a pair of fashionable bifocals that I will wear when needed
4--I will not be ashamed of my condition
5--I will learn to live with my condition
6--I will wear my bifocals around my neck on a beaded leash when the time comes
7--I will help my sisters come to terms with this condition when it is their turn

IMPOSSIBLE!

 

I Could Live There

HOSENFELD FAMILY TRIP 2013

We did it again. We went to the best town in California, rented the same beach house as last year and had a great time. San Clemente is SO California to me. It's buildings have the Mexican red tile roofs, dudes walk around town wearing a wet suit and carrying a surf board. The beach is alive with surfers and body boarders and sand toys and beach chairs. There is even a burger shack.

We rented a house literally 100 yards from the surf. The view is killer and it suits a family of 20 pretty well (as long as the kids sleep on the floor). The big front windows look out onto the beautiful blue pacific with palm trees in the foreground. When we arrived at the house this time we were alarmed to see a FOR SALE sign!
We can't let this place go! So we all pooled our money and came up with around $20,000. The problem is that the house is listed for $2.5 million. I guess we'll just have to wait for a winning lottery ticket.


 
Our favorite $2.5 million beach bungalow

The view from our back porch

 Across the street and down the stairs

A particularly glorious sunset viewed from San Clemente Pier