7 Quick Takes (Volume 227)

1) A sign we may be watching too much Downton Abbey? Kevin was getting dressed the other day, putting a sweater over a dress shirt and couldn't keep the shoulders of his shirt from getting bunched up under the sweater. Becoming very frustrated he finally said, "This is why a person needs a valet."

2) I had the most unpleasant experience last week. I'm not sure, but I think I may have been peed on by a squirrel. I was walking out to my van when something wet dropped into my hair. It wasn't raining. Our home is surrounded by big old trees and my first thought was a bird pooped on me. I was dumb enough to touch the wet spot and it wasn't bird poop, just wet. I looked to the sky and saw a squirrel darting down a tree branch. The only sound squirrels make is a squeaky, clicky kind of noise and he (she? how can you tell?) was making it. I imagined that pesky squirrel running to tell his friends, "Ha! Got her!"

Clearly I need a life.

3) Kevin and I went to a movie last weekend and were slightly disturbed when visiting the restrooms afterward. You know how restrooms have these signs?


Both of the restroom signs showed the stick people with missing heads! I wish I would have thought to take a picture with my phone to prove it. Both of the circles above the heads were gone! There's something macabre about going into a restroom where the heads have been whacked off the signs. Is it a special message, a warning of what may await you by the toilet? We both took a deep breath and went in anyway and I'm happy to report we got the jobs done without incident.

4) And now Kevin's Korner:

This is a very busy time of year for me. It seems there are so many extras as far as concerts, music contest and kids activities in February and March. Next Friday night I get to do one of those things I REALLY enjoy. The Beatrice Regional Orchestra has a concert with the Lincoln City Boys Choir and I am excited to be at the helm for this concert. And yes I do more than just wave my arms until the music stops… I have a stick in my hand as well. Since this is a volunteer group there is rarely a rehearsal we have everyone there. As we played through our music at our last rehearsal I found myself singing the missing parts. As I stopped the orchestra I said, "You know you are a conductor of a community orchestra when you have to sing the missing parts." It's like those "You know you're a redneck when…" No really, it is like those jokes. Ask any musician you know. As I type this I realize it does not seem as funny as it was at the time. Here's another one… "You know you conduct a community orchestra if you use a trombone player to cover the bassoon part." Okay I have to admit these are not nearly as funny as I thought they would be but trust me if you are a musician you had to chuckle at those because you know they are true. If you are in the area next Friday night and want some really good, cheap entertainment (Admission at the door is only $5) come out to the Beatrice Regional Orchestra concert. You'll be glad you did. And as a added bonus you'll get to hear the Lincoln City Boys Choir.

Keep Kicking it!

5) I finally got to see our neighborhood owl! I hear him all the time. He hoots at all hours of the day, bringing a friendly reminder of his existence that makes me smile. Drama Queen spotted him on our chimney and called us from the driveway to get a glimpse. He sat there a while and flew off majestically. Sigh.

I know the silly owl is just a big bird, but he reminds me of God in the way he is always there, always hovering, always around, making his presence known even when we don't see him. When I hear his familiar hoot I relax remembering God is like that too.

6) Speaking of Drama Queen, she informed us one of her professors told her she's the most obnoxious and sarcastic person he's ever met. "And I've met a lot of people," he added. I'm not sure as her mother if I should be happy or sad about this. Surely this says something about me, right? Isn't it always the mother's fault? Any rationales that put me in a good light are welcome.

7) Is it completely stupid that I have a favorite street in town? Yes, you read that right, a favorite street. For those of you who live in my town, my beloved road is Ella Street. A person never gets stuck on Ella. You zoom right down it. There's only two stoplights on its entire path so it takes you across town in a flash (of course, "across town" is a relative term). Trees line the way, like an invitation to sigh. Driving down Ella always makes me smile. And feel thankful. And happy to be alive.

You think there was something toxic in that squirrel urine that got into my brain?


I'm not gonna think about it too much and enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather in southeast Nebraska today. I hope you enjoy your day too and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.