Although my blog roll is on the small size, I read a fair number of blogs. I try to visit some of the blogs that my friends have listed on their blogrolls, now and then. There’s certainly a lot of variety out there.
I have political opinions, but I don’t care to have a political blog. While I have a sense of humor, the things that tickle me are not easily shared in a blog. The bloggers who I really envy are those who are able to share their personal thoughts and problems. I’d like the depth of discussion that might result, but I’m uncomfortable with the idea of hanging my laundry out for all to see. And, it could be really upsetting to make my life public, and find out it’s trivial and uninteresting.
So, my blog has become more of a daily journal, a record of the repetative tasks that flow through my life. Even I find it dull some days.
I’d like to be able to spin a yarn like Scherezade, or write like one of a dozen authors. I’d like to have the diplomacy, empathy and wisdom of a person like Jimmy Carter, and the mature beauty of Sophia Loren. I’d like to understand economics, and philosopy, and be multilingual. I’d like to be as creative in problem solving as my husband, and as confident in crisis as my oldest sister. I’d like a large dose of determination from my youngest sister, I’d like to have gorgeous gardens that flow from one into another, and enhance the land, and I’d like to know, that when I pass away, I won’t be forgotten in a day.
Instead, my days are filled with weeding, bookkeeping, cleaning, meal preparation, and the running of errands. I’ve been waiting for a time when my obligations eased to allow me to fit other things into my life, but it seems that maybe I shouldn’t wait. Maybe the time I spend blogging should be put to use improving the quality of my life. Variety is the spice of life….and I need more spice.
A little allspice, anyone?

Do you remember your first kiss?
I have to admit, I can’t remember mine. I can guess who my accomplice might have been, but for the life of me, I can’t remember the kiss. Underwhelming, huh??
Can’t you just see me sending a note to each of the boys in my graduating class, asking if THEY were the lucky one? On second thought, that might be in bad taste. I wouldn’t want to hurt their feelings if they fondly remember the kiss. After all, I could have been a terrific kisser! Besides, I don’t need to tell half the class that my memory is already going.
Kissing is a GREAT activity! I was appalled when Henry Fonda asked Katherine Hepburn in “On Golden Pond” if she wanted to “suck face.” It’s not the sucking part, or technique that bothered me….it was the offhandedness of the remark. I’d make a comment disparaging old guys here, but Broad at Bat is teaching me to be careful about dropping generalizations about guys. Besides….I know that I should take the comment in the sense of humor, fondness and familiarity that it was intended.
So…to that anonymous guy who started me off on a lifetime of great kisses, thank you…..and so sorry I can’t recall the moment. ; )

It’s come to my attention that most of us are not spending enough time when we wash our hands.
Here’s a tip to help you. As you wash, sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice. If you’re going to be doing food preparation, sing it four times.
The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety suggests that you wash your hands:
after using the washroom (includes changing diapers),
before and after eating or handling food,
after touching raw meat, poultry, or fish,
after handling garbage,
visiting sick people,
handling infected animals.
To prevent the spread of germs, avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control gives these guidelines for hand washing:
First wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Place the bar soap on a rack and allow it to drain.
Next rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces.
Continue for 10 – 15 seconds or about the length of a little tune. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.
Rinse well and dry your hands.
Two other suggestions to consider, take off your rings, and be sure to clean them occasionally, and when preparing food, use a one-use, disposible towel or paper towel to dry your hands.
And, I’m sure that my dermatologist, if she read this, would say: USE HAND LOTION if you are washing your hands when you will not be preparing food.