daily prompt

Knitting

What skills or lessons have you learned recently?

I have been attempting to learn to knit in the last few days. It is quite challenging for me. Have you ever seen that old Hunchback of Notre Dame movie where the old ladies are sitting in the front row excitedly watching people being guillotined? Their knitting needles clack furiously until they pause entranced when the blade drops. Then the furious clacking resumes uninterrupted till they pause for the next head to roll.

I definitely haven’t reached the point that my needles clack. I laboriously labor over every stitch. There is no fluidity in my movements yet. So far, my muscles have no memory. I will keep plugging along but I don’t believe I will be gifting handknit socks, scarves, or sweaters by Christmas.

Visit

What cities do you want to visit?

I would love to seethe caves at Cappadocia. The incredible landscape created by volcanic activity and erosion must be a wonder to see. It’s fascinating to think that people could make dwellings in such a place.

Good Person

Tell us one thing you hope people say about you.

I want to be a good person, compassionate and fair. That’s a lot easier to do now that I am retired and don’t have to deal with people on a daily basis.

First Day of School

Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.

My first day of school is burned in my memory. I was so excited I couldn’t get to sleep the night before. Mother dressed me in a red plaid, pleated, suspender skirt, a white blouse, red cotton socks and brown two strap shoes. The red cotton socks had no elastic so they slid down on my heels. I took them off and was going to throw them away but Miss Crow made me put them in my red plaid book satchel. My brown leather two strap shoes were Mother’s solution to my not being able to tie my shoes.

The first thing I noticed was a girl wearing glasses with red plaid frames. I had never seen a child in glasses, much less red plaid frames. How I coveted those glasses.

Miss Crow seated us according to her alphabetical chart, then had us stand up and tell our names. I was horrified to find myself seated between Virginia and Peter. My sister had secretly fed me the misinformation that Virginia was the proper name of a girl’s genitalia. I wanted nothing to do with Virginia, a girl with a name so shocking I’d never even said it out loud. Peter was even worse, the name for a boys genitalia.

I didn’t know what kind of mess I had gotten into.

Gardening

What are your favorite physical activities or exercises?

Gardening must be incredible exercise. After I spend some time working in my yard, every muscle in my body chimes in, making sure I know its complaints. While I’m attacking a problem, I forget I’m not sixteen. The next day, musclesruth, whine, proclaiming the awful truth. “You are killing us! You’re not a kid anymore! Go sit down!”

Admiration

What is something others do that sparks your admiration?

I admire grace. When I see dancers, gymnasts, or skaters move fluidly, I envision myself moving effortlessly. That is total fantasy. Sometimes, I bump into furniture as I cross a room. I have no athletic skill, whatsoever.

Far Side

What’s your favorite cartoon?

Without a doubt, my favorite cartoon is Far Side by Gary Larson. He is a comic genius. I was so glad when he came out of retirement. Thanks, Gary.

Less

What could you do less of?

Housework is a job I would love to abandon forever. I love a clean house and work hard to keep it clean but would be delighted if I never touched another broom, mop, or dishtowel. Housework is onerous, not something I take pleasure in. I wish I could be like Bud. He never thinks of housework. He does what I ask, sometimes grudgingly but rarely attacks any household task voluntarily. Recently, I turned emptying the dishwasher over to him because he regularly complained he didn’t the organization of the cabinets. Maybe he’ll comment on something else he doesn’t like.

This is the man I need!

Good Things

What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?

My ninety-six year old mother sold her home and moved into an independent living apartment. She is extremely happy there. She’s made many friends. I don’t worry about her being alone and falling now. She eats with her friends in the dining room and has gained four pounds. She walks twice daily and is stronger and more steady. She said she wishes she’d moved there ten years ago.