More Monday Manners: What Ticks you Off?

There are no hard and fast written rules for manners. We learn from our elders, parents, teachers, and friends. But, what about those idiots who wouldn't know kindness if it came up and smacked them upside the head with a two-by-four? Were they raised on Mars?

Example one: I went to the post office today to mail three big packages. An elderly woman walked in behind me after parking in the handicapped spot. She waddled over to get an envelope from the wall and proceeded to fill it out at the side counter. By the time she finished, there were four people in line, so she waddled to the end of the line. I was next to be waited on, so I looked back and said, "Mam, you go ahead. You only have one item." Her eyes lit up and she shuffled forward and thanked the others in line. That is just common courtesy and respect for our elders. I'm hoping to teach by example.

Example two: While I was driving home, I was in the right lane. I could have made a right turn on red, but NOOO! The car in the middle lane on my left, had inched up so close to the intersection, that I couldn't see oncoming traffic. He couldn't go, but he made it impossible for me to turn. I usually hang back when I'm in that situation.Then, don't even get me started about those Pac-Man drivers that zig and zag in traffic, with less than a cars length, they cut in front of you and you are forced to slam on the brakes. Then, ten minutes later, they end up right next to you again. Manners dissuade you from displaying a particular digital acknowledgement.

Example three: I have found that most drivers in the state of Texas believe that turn signals, stop signs and red lights are totally optional. I once asked the mechanic at the car dealership if turn signals were removed before shipping new cars to the state of Texas. Then, there's the four-way stop etiquette. The rule is...stop quickly for a mili-second, then step on the gas. It doesn't matter that three other drivers were stopped before them. No common courtesy on the road.

Example four: But, on the other hand, when a woman walks toward a door, men will open the door for her, tip their hats, or help her lift a heavy bag when a woman is struggling in the Walmart parking lot with a twenty pound bag of dog food. Here in Texas, they say, "Yes mam and no sir." The only thing I can't figure out is why the huge discrepancy. Perhaps, there are different rules for manners on road than there are for kindness to the elderly and women. Oh yes, it seems that the older or the prettier the woman is, the kinder and more helpful the man is. That's just universal

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Why write a long, boring craft tutorial when you can just share a photo that pretty much explains it all. Well, almost all.

Today, I thought I'd change things up and share some of my handy-dandy crafting tips. Being a self-professed frugal Baby-Boomer, I'll take this opportunity to confess...I save everything. Yes, everything! Just yesterday, my husband was ready to toss out the 2 inch stub of the romaine lettuce, when I rescued it from the trash saying, " Stop, I'm going to paint roses with that." He doesn't even question anymore. He just shakes his head and walks away. (I'll post the roses another time.)

So, anyway, you know all those paper towel and toilet tissue rolls you have saved after the paper is all used? OK, so you don't have any now, but you will. Well, take 4 or 5 of those rolls and soak in a bowl of water for a few hours, pour the mixture in a blender with a sheet of torn up newspaper,(I know you have that) and pulse the blender a few times until you have paper mush.(technical term) Then add some crumpled rose petals that you have dried and saved after your last birthday or anniversary.(Yes, I have tons of those too.) Pulse a couple more times. Place a splatter screen over an empty bowl or pitcher and pour some of the mixture inside a cookie cutter of your choice. Press inside shape with a damp sponge until most of the moisture gone. Play and experiment. Remove cookie cutter and flip screen over on a paper towel. You can put another paper towel over it and roll with a rolling pin, or just air dry. ( But, the more paper towels you use, the quicker you'll have some of those empty rolls saved up...ha, ha.)

You can use these handmade paper shapes to embellish cards, make jewelry, or larger shapes can be made into books. So many options, so little time. If you need anything, let me know. I've got it saved somewhere.<

Taco Tuesday

There are two words that can bring delight to my heart, and they are...Taco Tuesday! I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to texting, but when I hear that little "ping" and my friend, Karen, sends a text that only reads...Taco Tuesday, with a question mark, I'm quick on the draw with a two letter reply..O and K.

The food at Rosa's Cafe in McKinney isn't out of this world fantastic, but it is pretty good, and the three taco platter is so darn cheap, I couldn't make it at home for the price.(Under $4 on Tuesday) Believe me, I should know. I've been making delicious homemade tacos since I was a little señorita.

But, it isn't just the food, colorful decor, and authentic ambiance that entices me. I thoroughly enjoy an impromptu lunch invitation from a friend. It means we get to sit for a couple hours jabbering about our week, complaining about our husbands, and extolling the praises of our now grown children. Funny how, as the children get older and move out of the house, they tend to become so wonderful and accomplished, and when the husbands are around all the time, they tend to lose their glowing status and credibility. I guess we just need something to complain about.

The point I'm trying to make is, friendships are special, and Girlfriends are extra special. So if you have the opportunity to make someone's day with a note, a call, or an impromptu lunch, JUST DO IT! And to quote Carly Rae Jepsen..."Here's my number. Call me maybe."