Some of you long-time readers know that I’ve posted photos over the years of shoes belonging to whoever is visiting the house at the moment. A couple of weeks ago, when Nathan was here, I continued the tradition and posted this picture.
Well, I am here to report some sad news.
An era has ended.
Meagan added this picture to our Family Chat with the announcement that Nathan’s Rainbow sandals have said their final goodbye after twenty years of faithful service. (Twenty years means that Nathan bought them way back when he was starting college!)
Sarah chimed in on the chat and said, “I remember putting these on as a kid and flopping around the house since they were so big on me. LOL. RIP.”
It may seem funny to get attached to shoes, but I think that since we wear certain pairs so often, they almost become friends. You slip them on and feel like all is right with the world.
A moment of silence, please.
This weekend, Steve and I took a deep breath and a deep dive into his closet.
We are always successful with these cleanouts until we get to the hamper where he keeps his work clothes. (You can see it on the floor to the left.)
Steve takes his work clothes seriously. They don’t really have the appropriate and approved patina until he has mowed grass in them, painted in them, and fixed the plumbing in them. For twenty years. Only then are they deemed to be worthy of his collection.
A case in point. He looked at these jeans and said (quite seriously, I might add), “These are just getting broken in.” That statement was greeted with a long sigh by his long-suffering wife.
An example of a pair of shorts “just getting broken in.”
But this time around, we had something of a breakthrough. Cue the brass brand!
He actually looked at a pair of jeans with the knees knocked out of them and said, “These are getting a little worn out.” (My heart leapt.)
But then he added, “I’ll just cut them off and make them into shorts.” (My heart unleapt.)
But to his everlasting credit, he did get rid of a large amount of clothing, some for the trash pile and some for Goodwill. And to his everlasting happiness, his white hamper of work clothes is still filled to the brim.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about minimalism, purging belongings, paring things down for the next generation, etc.
The next morning, as I was getting ready for work, I got a text completely out of the blue. It simply said, “I can send you some of our stuff if you’re making room.”
That’s it. No hello. No preamble. No setup. Just a funny little sentence.
Even if I hadn’t looked at who sent it, I would have guessed it was my brother, Tim. A miscellaneous sentence on my phone that made me smile early in the day. Gotta love my big brother.
Have you tried this yet? It’s delicious! Just saying.
Many years ago, we were eating dinner at someone’s house. Our host needed a diced onion, and instead of getting a cutting board, she simply started cutting it while holding it in her palm! I was flummoxed, gobsmacked, and mystified.
I had never seen anyone do that and would never dream of doing it myself because I would most certainly injure myself. I thought she was the only person who did it, and then I happened to see a photo of a woman cutting a tomato, also in her hand. I was flummoxed, gobsmacked, and . . . well, you know.
Turns out it isn’t a one-off thing, and people actually do this without a second thought. Who knew?
As I’ve written before, I sit in a large lobby at work that has floor-to-ceiling windows. Whenever it starts raining, every person who walks through the lobby invariably stops, looks outside, looks at me, and announces, “It’s raining!”
I am a word-lover from way back, but I am having a really hard time coming up with a zippy rejoinder for that stating of the obvious. I’ve tried “Yes, it is,” and “Yep,” and “Look at that!” If you have additional suggestions, let me know in the comments because I am quickly running out of ideas.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the fun experience of having a doctor put magic marker dots on my arm. If I’d known practicing medicine was that easy, I would have gone into the field myself!
If you’ve ever had an allergy test, you know the reason behind those dots–they were marking places where allergens had been injected. Turns out I am allergic to mold which isn’t a huge deal but something that’s helpful to be aware of. It’s a good thing I am not allergic to dust, or we would have to move out of our house.
I also found out in the last few years that I am inexplicably allergic to . . . wait for it . . . zucchini. Who in the world is allergic to zucchini? A couple of times after I ate it, I started feeling nauseated, one time even running to the bathroom, thinking I was going to throw up. So no more zucchini for me. (Thankfully, I’m not allergic to chocolate.)
We usually make Fridays a movie and pizza night where we sprawl on the couch with the dogs and celebrate the end of the week. Tinker got so excited about the proceedings that he made confetti to toss around in utmost glee. Either that or he just shredded a couple of napkins. Not sure which.
Yesterday morning, Steve was sitting on the couch with Belle tucked quietly and contentedly beside him. Tinker came in, noticed the arrangement, and flew up the ramp to the couch. He flopped his entire body over Belle’s lower half and put his head on Steve’s lap.
Belle sighed and held her ground, continuing her nap even though her annoying brother had launched himself into her space. Those dogs always make us laugh.
Nathan and the family spent a couple of weeks in Florida with Meagan’s family. I loved seeing these photos of Meagan with her siblings and parents. These are the people who made her the amazing person she is. She has brought nothing but joy to our family for fifteen years.
And this woman in the middle is literally the one who made Meagan. Grateful for all four of these fabulous women.
Recently at work, I was finishing up a phone call at my desk. At the end of the call, instead of saying goodbye, the man said, “You are appreciated, you are valued, you are blessed.”
Definitely an unexpectedly wonderful way to close out a conversation in the middle of a workday.
I’ll close out this blog with the same words to my dear readers. You are appreciated. You are valued. You are blessed.
What about you?
Do you cut vegetables in your hand or use a cutting board?
Do you have any suggestions for what to say to people who comment on the rain?
Do you enjoy cleaning out closets or is it something you dread?
Have you ever had a pair of shoes that you have worn for years?
Do you have any allergies?
HI! I recently changed jobs so I am behind on reading your blog.
Do you cut vegetables in your hand or use a cutting board?
In my hand. My Mom never used a cutting board. I do for some things but if I can hold it, I do.
Do you have any suggestions for what to say to people who comment on the rain?
Love it! Now I am waiting on the rainbow!
Do you enjoy cleaning out closets or is it something you dread?
I enjoy cleaning out! I just wish I could be a little better on letting go of things.
Have you ever had a pair of shoes that you have worn for years?
Yes! Usually when I find shoes that are comfortable I wear them out!
Do you have any allergies?
Yes. I am allergic to all kinds of trees, grass, dust, mites and some medicines.
I love the lemon kit kats and I am a chocolate girl!
Love your pics and your stories!
Tell Steve he could probably sell those jeans! I have a hard time finding new jeans with not scrub marks or holes in them 🙁 I refuse to pay for something my mom would have patched before we could wear them in the tobacco field! LOL!
Eswim,
Thanks for answering all the questions! 🙂
It seems most people who don’t use a cutting board were taught that by their mothers. I am Team Cutting Board for life!
With the allergies you listed, I imagine being outside, especially in the spring and fall, can be misery for you. I hope you’ve found some good medications that help keep those symptoms at bay.
I’m right there with you; I love my comfy shoes. I will keep shoes for ten years and it’s like they become old friends and I have a hard time giving them up.
And I don’t know many people who have actually worked in the tobacco fields. You know all about hard work!
Glad you enjoy the pictures and the stories.
Like you, I could never cut, slice and/or dice in my hand without blood becoming involved. But that tomato in the photo you used looks so delicious!!
I can’t think of any witty remarks about the rain, although I do enjoy watching it when I don’t have to drive in it.
I absolutely dread cleaning out closests, as evidenced by our master closet’s dire need of a good purge. I didn’t get to it over the summer break and don’t know when it might happen. Funny how large it seemed when we moved in and it was empty! My husband keeps work jeans/shorts and “nice” jeans/shorts to wear in public. Once they fall apart “enough” (usually tears that start at the rear pockets and “grow”) I through them out and buy a new pair. His good ones are kept in drawers while his work ones are on shelves in the closet.
I don’t have a pair of shoes I’ve had for years, but I do love Converse Chuck Taylor Shorelines (the slip ons you don’t have to tie) and I’ve gone though 7-8 pair in the past few years. A couple of old pair become yard work and take the dog out shoes, before they’re thrown away.
I’m allergic to
1. Sulfa Drugs – the last time I took it (waaaayyyy back in high school, I awoke from a nap with my torso a lovely, itchy shade of red.
Cats – Being around one (or sitting on upholstered furniture where one sits) I start sneezing in about an hour, and it can turn into “cold/flu like” symptoms that last several days.
Probably Dust – when cleaning and and any dust stirs up I start sneezing, but fortunately the sneezing subsides soon after I’m away from dust.
As always, thanks for such a fun “Thing” post!
Sue Ellen,
I do love a pair of shoes that you just slip on. Quick and easy and no grunting or groaning involved.:-) I just looked up the shoes you mentioned and they are really cute!
Sounds like you have got your allergies nailed down with very specific (and annoying) reactions. I’m glad your dust allergies subside when you get away from dust and don’t linger like your cat allergies.
I am allergic to many things…pollen, mold, dust, some insects, shellfish, three meds…one of which is an antihistamine.
Rachel,
That’s crazy to be allergic to an antihistamine! I wouldn’t think that is very common. You’ve got quite the lineup of allergens; it’s good you’re aware of them so you know exactly what to avoice!
Cats and Dogs!
Free car wash!
Good day to be a duck!
Umbrella weather!
Lesley,
Ha. Those are great!
What an interesting post…so much fun in your life. I look forward to seeing your posts every Monday. I do hold veges in my hand to cut them or sometimes I will turn them sideways on the plate that I am going to put them on and use the plate as my cutting board.
When someone says, “it’s raining”….. say, “thank goodness it isn’t snowing”. But I love snow so this doesn’t work for me. 😀
I don’t like cleaning out closets or drawers or garages or basements… but I do love the finished look and being about to find stuff easier. I have been doing some of this lately too.
I buy flip flops from Greater Good… the best I have ever had. Part of the proceeds go to take care of animals. I have about ten pair of these flip flops in different colors and live in them during the summer, except when I go to church. They are amazing!!
I have had those allergy tests done…. most on my back and a few at the top of my arm. They say I don’t have any allergies but my doctor and myself disagree with them. I know when the seasons change due to my coughing and stuffy nose and sneezing. I take two kinds of meds every single day, all year long to prevent the icky allergies. Clarinex has helped me the most along with Singular.
Hope you have a lovely August and enjoy that precious family of yours. God bless you all!
Kaye,
I had never heard of the Greater Good store; interesting to look through their website. Looks like they are doing wonderful work.
I agree that cleaning part is not that much fun but when it’s all done, it’s wonderful!
You have more courage than I do cutting vegetables in your hand. I certainly must be an acquired skill.
Kaye, my daughter lived on Singulair and Zyrtec as a kid. We finally had her allergy tested and it all came back negative. They did it again and it showed lemons, limes, bananas. But she had so many issues with the allergens in the air, which are year round here in TX. Her dr said “She may not be allergic but the sheer amount of the allergens just overload her system.” Isn’t that weird??? I took her off the meds and she has done well ever since. Apparently those meds can actually make you need them after a time. When she does have issues, she takes Advil Cold & Sinus and it works wonders!! I, on the other hand, am allergic to the whole world. I did allergy shots in 2022 for almost a year and they helped me tremendously!! I rarely have any issues now and when I do it’s not nearly as bad and it doesn’t last long. Advil Cold & Sinus is my go to as well. It’s magic!
Lizz,
Thanks so much for replying to another commenter; so fun to see interactions.
Sounds like you and your doctor are Allergy Experts. I’m so glad you’re both doing better.
Zyrtec doesn’t help me at all. I was on Xyzel and it helped a little but my sweet dr. put me on the Clarinex and it has helped so much. Allergies are a pain! My dog has them too.. UGH..
Kaye,
A lot of times with allergies, you really do have to try several things to find what works the best. I’m glad Clarinex is doing a great job for you. (And I hate that your sweet doggie has allergies!)
I cannot cut fruits or veggies in my hands. I have to be very very careful when using a knife because I am a klutz! I was cutting an avocado once and while trying to get the pit out, very carefully mind you, I somehow slipped and the point of the knife went straight into my hand at the base of a finger on my palm. Blood shot everywhere! I yelled to my husband, actually pretty calmly, to come help me. My kids were freaking out trying to get a towel and help. They even cleaned up the blood for me. I probably should have gone to get stitches because it was super deep but I just treated it at home and watched it carefully.
I never know what to say when people say it’s raining either. Even if I think if funny things sometimes, whenever it’s time to use them I forget anyway.
My husband has a fave pair of work pants that he only wears to work outside. They are 2 sizes too big and have huge holes even in the crotch area! He will not get rid of them!! He has like 9 other pairs of jeans he could wear instead, but nope! Men are weird!!
Lizz,
Your avocado story sounds like it could have been very serious. I can only imagine how much your kids and husband were freaking out!
Your husband and my husband sound like kindred spirits in the work clothes department. Don’t think we will ever figure that out.
Yes, I am one that does cut my tomatoes and onions in my hand. Guess I do that when I don’t want to get the cutting board out. So far so good! Looking at the rain – “Well, would you look at that.” I noticed that in Steve’s closet he is a blue type of guy and the one with Megan and her family – they like pink. Must have been a pink kind of day! Not crazy about cleaning out closets but when I notice clothes not fitting any more, then it just is something that needs to be done – and then a trip to the thrift store.
No, don’t think I’ve had a pair of shoes that I finally got rid of, but do have a pair that I got about 15 years ago in Branson – it wasn’t a thrift store but one that gets rejects I think. Got a pair of Dr.Scholl’s flats and use them to go out on the patio and keep them at the door. Figure they should be good for another 15 years but am hoping the Lord will come before then!
Your arm reminds me of “connect the dots” game.
Zucchini allergy – well, aren’t you blessed!
Right now trying to get together the items I bought at Hobby Lobby and Michaels last year to get craft items ready for a silent auction in November. I go to a Christian luncheon the 2nd Thursday of every month. The organization is called Stonecroft Ministries. It started almost 100 years ago. We have a speaker, special presentation (someone will make something, or bring things they have made, or a store rep will come and show off their wares, or a policeman has come and spoken to the group and we have had choirs and trios come and sing., and of course, we eat. Will start my baking next month – quick breads and cookies! Whew, this turned into a tome!
Sharyn,
Another “hand cutter.” I didn’t know there were so many people who do it that way! That is quite a skill.
I have a pair of Dr. Scholl’s tennis shoes and they have been wonderful. Fifteen years is a long time for a pair of shoes to last!
What fun to see someone use the word “tome.” That is an interesting word that doesn’t get used enough.
Enjoy your cooking and crafting and your meetings with Stonecroft. Sounds like a wonderful ministry.
Becky
I am still following you faithfully but seldom comment. But…
Yes I cut veggies in my hand. Also hard boiled eggs when using them in things like pasta or potato salad.
Snappy comeback – Really? What makes you say that? OR Really? What was your first clue ?
Hugs to you all
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
Thanks for being a faithful follower. That means a lot!
I think I could manage to cut a boiled egg in my hand but I could never attempt anything more complicated.
I like your comebacks! 🙂
Steve’s work clothes look like Arn’s… I have too whisk then away one by one and hope he does not notice.
I think Steve could win a man- prize for the worst dressed guy in the county! Now that is an honor- Be proud! Ruth
Ruth,
Yes, we have some hard-working men, don’t we?
I think Steve truly gets attached to his ratty work clothes. As long as he doesn’t try to wear them out on a date, I won’t say a word. 🙂
I also have a well loved pair of shoes, but only wear them as a costume now. Due to arthritis in my toes, I have had to donate several pairs of shoes recently.
I understand the concept of work clothes but I keep just one pair. Currently I am using an old pair of my dad’s overalls.
I also like the lemon kit kats, but really liked the chocolate orange kit kat I found a few years ago.
I often cut vegetables with my hand, saves washing a cutting board.
How about, “Oh, I thought the window washers were here” or “I thought the plumbing sprang a leak”
At a medical clinic once I actually did think someone was washing the windows, but it was actually a leak in the fire supression system.
I don’t like cleaning out anything, but realize that it must be done every so often.
I have not had allergy testing, but have found several foods that I am very sensitive too and could be a precursor to an allergy.
Patti,
I’ve never heard of orange Kit Kits; they sound great. Looks like Walmart carries them!
I wonder if people who cut things in their hands instead of on a cutting were raised that way and do it naturally. I never even knew anyone did that till I was in my 20’s and was so amazed; I’d be scared stiff to try it but, you’re right–no cutting boards to wash! 🙂
Glad your precursors haven’t turned into allergies!
I do remember my mom cutting carrot and celery sticks in her hand with the knife pointing to her finger. I asked how she didn’t get cut and she said “you just know when to stop”.
Patti,
“You know when to stop?” Those words would send me straight to the ER.
Your mom must have had excellent eye hand coordination!
My mother always cut things in her hand, as did both of my grandmothers. I did too, until I married Mike – who was horrified at even the thought of it.
The first thing that popped into my head about responding to the rain comments: learn to say “it’s raining” in a few languages, so you can respond with that?
My closets are pretty clean most of the time. I will generally go through our closet and the linen closet about once per year to see if anything needs culling. Since I work from home, I have a super limited wardrobe. Haha! Our spare bedroom closet is our “travel” closet, where we keep our suitcases and duffels and what-have-you, along with a couple of Rubbermaid tubs of off-season clothing.
I had an allergy test decades ago that consisted of more than 100 marks/injections on my back. Turns out, I’m allergic to just about everything that’s green and grows, dogs, cats, horses, dust… you name it. Over the years my symptoms have decreased and we do have cats (including three fosters who need permahomes). 🙂
And I want you to know that your Monday blog post is truly a highlight of my week. 🙂
Stefanie,
Thanks for your encouragement about my Monday posts being a highlight for you; that means a lot.
Yep, you confirmed my theory that people who cut things in their hands were raised that way. Obviously Mike was NOT! 🙂
Allergic to just about everything that’s green and various animals and dust? Whew! I’m so glad your symptoms have decreased to the point where you’re able to foster cats. What a wonderful thing to do; I know it must be quite the adventure.
I think a limited wardrobe is not such a bad thing. It de-stresses dressing. But even with limited wardrobes, it’s amazing that they still need to be purged every once in a while.
A light and quick comeback to the obvious “it’s raining,” is to ask if it’s raining up or down. Gets a chuckle.
Kristy,
Yes, that would definitely stop them in their tracks and make them think about it for an extra minute! 🙂
I would only cut vegetables in my hand like that if I had decided I had a few too many fingers. 😅
Ellen,
Too funny and too true. Thanks for the smile!