Speed Blogging This and That

 Hi everyone, it's time for a check-in with a bit of speed blogging. In other words, get ready for some stream-of-consciousness. 

Early morning spider web.

My mind is full of dancing right now. Last night we went to our ballroom dance class. The instructor, Olive, took a special interest in me and worked with me personally much of the time. Or just let me say, too much of the time. While Olive was with me, Ward practiced with Stephanie, whose partner stopped coming weeks ago. Stephanie is a natural, so it was good for him to learn from her. In the meantime, Olive was trying to get me to lean into my partner instead of dancing by myself, as she described it. I understood what she was saying, but shouldn't she make sure I have the steps right first? Anyway, my brain shut down, and I just wanted it to be over.

Meanwhile, while I was getting all the attention, other couples wanted Olive's help. We leave class every week frustrated one way or another with Olive, so this may be our last session for a while after we finish this one. We wouldn't have stayed this long, but we've made friends in the class. And to be fair, Olive is a likeable person, but she and the class are just not the right fit for us.

Last night's episode reminded me of when Wally was little, playing baseball. He had just graduated from T-ball to coach pitch. At the first practice, the coach was pitching to each of the kids until they got a hit. Well, Wally didn't get a hit for a very long time. I was dying on the side, embarrassed for him as he took longer than any of the other kids, wondering why the coach didn't stop and say he could try again later. I thought that if Wally wanted to quit, it would be okay, even though we tried to get our kids to stick things out. 

When we got in the car after practice, I asked Wally what he thought about practice. He said, "It was fun, but I think I need a little more practice." And that was it. He stuck out the whole season and did improve, although he was never a standout. And I kept quiet, trying to follow his lead of a positive attitude.

This morning, we went to our regular line dance class. I woke up with a migraine, but I took medicine, so by the time I got to class, my head was better, but my brain was in a fog. I call it a migraine hangover. I wasn't really learning the new dances, but I was following them okay. We are not learning formal dancing in here, like we are with the ballroom, so mistakes are called variations. A much lighter atmosphere.

I took down all of my seed-starting things today. And let me just say, the whole exercise was a failure. Some of it was because I used old seeds, and many didn't sprout. Some of the ones that sprouted promptly died, and the ones that lived didn't thrive, not getting much taller than 1/2 inch. I'm not sure why things were so bad. I think some of it had to do with watering, too much or too little, but I'm not sure that is the whole answer. There was good soil, temperatures, and light. I will try again next year. It's got to be better. 

Mother's Day was low-key and just right. Ward made me French toast for breakfast, and then Wally and Theo came over later when Theo got off work. They brought pizza, an ice cream cake, and a hanging basket. The weather was perfect, and we just sat outside on the porch and chatted about nothing important. A good time was had by all.

Ward and Theo searching recipes.

For Ward's birthday, Theo said he would teach him how to cook any dish he wanted. Ward has a few things he can cook, but not many. They chose a chicken pasta dish. Together they searched for recipes, did the shopping, and prepared the dish. It turned out well. I especially liked the tomato sauce. Ward said he was a little overwhelmed because Theo had so much knowledge to impart, but was happy with the results. Tomorrow, Theo is coming over for the batch cooking we've been doing together. We plan to make meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans.  

They added chicken, spinach, and penne pasta to the tomato sauce.

Well, the timer is going off, so that's it for now.

Until next time...