"And Tee Got A Snazzy Black Gift Bag For Free!"

A Fashionable Ruana!

 Good "Twofer 2'sDay" morning, all bodies.

Let's just say that a girl friend suggested a "Ruana" for Therese for Christmas. She looked pretty nice in one she wore one cold morning a few weeks ago.

Never even heard of a Ruana... Kinda sounds like it's African safari wear.

Anyway, I found a few online that I thought would look good on Therese, but I rarely shop online. Okay, okay, this is a real long story that'll try to keep short.

Naturally, they wanna sell you other things to accommodate the look, but once I found one that I liked, I just decided to cut to the deal. I put my Ruana in the shopping basket, then notice options for delivery which come at a premium if you want it by Christmas. Then, "if you act now" we can gift wrap it for you for an additional discount price and still have it arrive in time to be put under the tree. And, if you purchase it with our credit card you can get and additional blah, blah, blah.

No, I thought once again, just let's get to the checkout.

Well, I couldn't find a way out of the shipping post in order to checkout. Frustrated with the entire process, I deleted the entire purchase and started the entire process over again, and then, over again... and over and over trying to pay for shipping and get to the checkout. When I finally did, I was buying four Ruanas at the discount price of $387.50 which included shipping and a gift wrapping.

WHA-A-A-AT?

I decided to delete the entire transaction completely and call the local store to see if they had the Ruana I was interested and at the same discounted price and for... help! And, they did!

Two days after putting the gift under the tree, I get a package at our front door, and in it is a Ruana in a beautiful gift wrapped bag. Having made sure that Therese liked the shawl, I told her the whole story about now having two Ruanas.

So, yesterday, we returned the one I purchased online to the store. I told the salesperson as best as I could about the entire process. I tried to cut it short, but I think the woman was actually intrigued with my hair raising tale. She's probably heard it all before, but not from a guy.

I opened the box and presented the Ruana still gift wrapped in snazzy black bag which, being a guy, could care less about saving the bag... but Therese did.

And, so did the salesperson who stated that I paid for it as part of the deal and that I/we should keep it.

The woman and Therese tried in vain to open the snazzy bag without recking the bag.

"I hate to cut the strap to open the bag and get the shawl out of the bag," the salesperson said.

"Well, you've got the fingernails to get whatever and wherever the knot is," I said.

Tee tried again, but no luck. Losing patience with the whole experience, I just grabbed one of the loops and pulled real hard. II figured it was like a sweatsuit pair of pants where the string tie got tangled. One more assertive pull and... voila!

Now, everyone was happy. The salesperson got a new Ruana to put on the rack, I got rid of the whole embarrassing situation, and Tee got a snazzy black gift bag for free.

Uh... Merry Christmas?

Copyright 2022/ Ben Bensen III

"Ben's First Law Of Storage!"

Hook On A Feeling?

 Good "totally mystified" Thursday Morning, all bodies.

Yesterday, after complimenting her about her Christmas decorating, I expressed my frustration to a friend, Karen Kuchar, about spending, at least, an hour or so searching for our tin of ornament hooks, and in that post I said, "Watch what happens...We will schlep to the Dollar Store to buy some more hooks, and the "forever lost" box will show up sometime next year!"

Well, it didn't take that long!

After we bought two pack of hooks, and found the old box, we decided to pack it all in till later, and watch two Christmas Carol movies, the one with George Scott and the other one with Albert Finney. Though I fell asleep halfway through the Albert Finney one, I do prefer that one.

The sad part of this escapade was that the original tin of hooks was exactly where it is supposed to be... in a plastic tub full of ornaments!

Well, how 'bout that, folks!

Second cup at Giddy Up!

Copyright 2022/Ben Bensen III

"SOUTH JERZEEE?"

Grubbin'...

 Good "more football?" Sunday Morning, all bodies.

Well, I thought I use Sunday as a day of rest from football, but WAIT, There's more? Geaux Saints?

Talking 'bout more football, there were quite a few of last night's partiers watching the LSU game or sneaking a peak on their iPhones. Kinda reminds me of those school days when we'd sneak transistor radios into class to hear the World Series games.

The nun's always found out what we were up to, but would usually give in, holding back a smile or two, as they'd postpone the afternoon lessons for another day!

Well, Therese and I were invited to another "going away" party yesterday, for Gerard which, this time, was brought to us by the Redemptorist priest at the St. Mary rectory. We weren't sure we could make it with all the severe weather concerns we had in the afternoon, but it all worked out fine.

It seems the buffet table was quite busy, so I spent a few minutes chewing the fat with very affable priest that was jamming up the hallway while attempting to keep out of the way... So, I decided to join him in the jam session.

After introducing himself to me asked, "So, how are you connected with Father Girard?

"Oh, I married his little sister," I replied as I pointed out and introduced Therese to him.

I noticed the priest had a Texas accent which I found to be rather interesting and found he was originally from San Antonio but spent most of his youth in South Jersey.

"SOUTH JERZEEE?"I laughed, and you still retained your Texas "roots?"

"I tell you, he said, until the priesthood, what kept me sane was playing baseball!"

Well, too bad, I thought, if we are jamming the hallway, this guy sounded like someone I could spend the rest of the evening with.

"So, what position did you play?

"Catcher", he replied.

"Oh wow, catcher, eh? So, you were the field general out there taking charge and barking out commands... Cool."

I didn't think he understood my interpretation of the role of a catcher, so I explained it to him. He pleasantly agreed.

We spent another few minutes talking about the beauty of the game, before we decided to join the "buffet bunch" and as we did, he again asked...

"Now, how are you connected with Father Gerard?"

First cup!

Copyright 2022/ Ben Bensen III

"Such A Strange Entry To A Car Show!"

A 1959 Chevy Apache...

 

Good "Sunny and kinda cool' Sunday Morning, all bodies.

I always miss the Columbia Street Block Party that is full of fun and classic cars. But yesterday, I made up for all that by attending St. John's Catholic Church Car Show which is presented each September by the Knights Of The Columbus.

The weather was great for just such an event.

Inspired by this strange entry, I finally pulled out 'da paints!

Copyright 2022/ Ben Bensen III

"Gonna Take A Hammer And A Chisel To It!"

 Good "Thirsty" Thursday, y'all.

I know it's early but, I could use a good beer right now!

So funny.

I know I've made it very clear that I don't care for our new refrigerator. It makes too much noise, especially the convenient water and ice cube dispenser. AND, to me, the interior isn't very ergonomic.

It couldn't have been designed by an Art Center graduate, I am sure.

A few months ago, during red beans and rice season, I froze three one gallon ziplock bags in separate slots, or racks, of the door panel.

Well, one of the plastic ziplock bags froze in such a way that it locked itself into the panel rack. The way this is designed, you can't pull out the rack away from the door panel till you unlock the plastic snaps.

A safety device for the inept, I suppose!

Frustrated after many attempts to pull the bag away from the rack, I told my wife that soon I was gonna take a hammer and a chisel to it.

Therese suggested another way, which I was not in the mood to pursue at that time. Currently, there are just too many other things that need my attention, and I just as soon, eat out!

The next morning, around 6 o'clock, I'm awakened to the drone of what sounds like a hair dryer. I guess the sound went on for a few minutes, but having been up late the night before, I decided to ignore it all and go back to sleep.

Dragging myself out of bed an hour later or so, I noticed that bag of frozen red beans was defrosting in a large pot.

"Well, I'll be damned," I thought to myself... She did it!"

The afternoon before, Tee suggested taking a hair dryer to the stuck frozen bag and melting the corner that was stuck to the rack snap. What a gal!

Guess what we had for dinner last night... Ha!

First home brewed cup!

Copyright 2022/Ben Bensen III

A Golden One...

One of hundreds of fruit plates I've designed...

 Those that have followed me through the last four or so years know that my wife survived pancreatic cancer with many digestive concerns. A protein shake with vitamins and minerals was created for her by my doctor/ bro.

About two years ago, after another surgery, I started daily making her a fruit salad, but after a while boredom set in. So, I decided to have some fun for her digestion and my creative needs. Since that time I have created over one hundred different fruit plates I call my "TruMan Compoty" collection of fruity alternatives.

Today, I made a special one celebrating our 50th Golden Anniversary. So glad to be able to have her with me for so many years... and healthy.

Copyright 2022/Ben Bensen III

"And, I Did Keep My Promise"...

 

Good Thursday Morning, all bodies.

The charcoal sketch I created last night is of Shaye Cohn, the unofficial leader of the ragtime band, "Tuba Skinny." I first saw the band on streets the French Quarter back in 2018. Shaye starts up the band by counting down, snapping her fingers and tapping her right leg on the street to the cadence of the music. At that time, I was amazed because she never stopped bouncing her right leg.

At the end of the concert, Saturday night, I waited around till the crowd had left for the doors. I wanted to speak to the band, but mostly, to Shaye. I picked out two cd's that she recommended while grilling her about her musical tastes and the band's relationship each other and the music.

Unfortunately, I found out that the band only accepted Venmo or Paypal to purchase any music. Shaye apologized and then, patiently waited as I fumbled to photograph their QR code and get my Paypal account on line... which I never did.

So embarrassed, I apologized for my online incompetence and told her to forget the purchase.

"I tell you what, Shaye offered, if you promise to pay the twenty dollars for the two cd's as soon as you get home, you can have them."

"Aw Shaye, I don't want'cha to do that. I can get them later at the convenience of both of us," I replied.

"No, it is okay," she reiterated. Just promise you'll pay me when you get home!"

"I promise, but it will take me about hour or so because I no longer live in New Orleans."

Just then, a custodian, wanting to close down the lobby, came by asking if we were ready to go. Shaye nodded, and grabbed her satchel as I, grabbed my two cd's and headed for the doors forgetting that she accepted my offer to take a selfie together.

Well damn, if I would've had my wits about me, I could've just asked the custodian to snap a few before he closed up, I thought, as I headed for the adjacent parking lot.

Although I felt like an idiot, I really couldn't complain. It was a great concert. I had a ball sharing the standing room only space with two women that were visiting from Houston and asking anyone who passed by them for a password to get back to their seats. It was hilarious.

It was also a treat to listen to the cd's as I drove across the Pontchartrain.

And, I did keep my promise when I got home!

First cup! 

Copyright 2022/Ben Bensen III

"Finger Print Recognition?"

Kid Gloves?

Good Saturday Morning, all bodies.

After sloggin' through some heavy rains on the Causeway, I made to Lakeside Mall on time where Apple's Genius Bar resides. I decided to pay to have them replace the battery on my laptop. It just wasn't worth the time and effort for me to do it myself.

Alan, the Genius Bar dude, gave me the option of waiting to have the laptop serviced or to pick it up next week. I decided to wait.

In the process, I moseyed around the mall looking for something to occupy my time. The smell of cafe au lait and beignets emanating from Cafe Du Monde was inviting, but I already had breakfast. I continued past retail islands and kiosks that were just setting up.

Well, I thought, I need a pair of sunglasses. I also need to find a hat to cover my dome. You know, something stylish that I'd wear when I'm not destroying myself in the yard, but I just wasn't into the shopping scene.

I used to be when I was younger.

Anyway, I strolled aimlessly around until I saw the colorful and festive display presented by the Metairie Art Guild's Member Show. Lots of great visual vittles to sink your teeth into. I had some fun conversations about every subject under the sun including art with Guild members Connie Van Brechtel, Wayne Bernhard and another artist who I was introduced to named Glenn Ferrand.

It was a great way to spend an hour or more while waiting for my cellphone to ring. Unfortunately, I was expecting a phone call and not a text message from the Genius Bar. The laptop was ready for pickup at noon, but it wasn't until 2pm that I happen to see the text message.

Besides the long lines of men waiting at Dillard's to use the restrooms, it was a nice day of art and people watching. When I finally picked up my computer, I couldn't believe my eyes.

The gang at "the Bar" actually cleaned up the entire keyboard and monitor to the point that I almost didn't recognize my own computer. The dead bug and coffee stains, the cookie crumbs, the grubby fingerprints, tree pollen and dandruff were all wiped away clean. It was so inspiring and it got me to thinking...

Hmmmmm... I wonder if fingerprint recognition works wearing those blue surgical gloves? Well, it's a thought!

First cup!

Copyright 2022/ Ben Bensen III

 

"A Kitchen Knife "Cuz It Was Available!"

Good "I'll fix it" Monday Morning, everyone!

Well, you see, what had happened was the carafe to our Braun Coffee Maker of about fifteen years couldn't be put back together again. Kinda like Humpty Dumpty!

Why was it disassembled in the first place, you might ask?

The carafe seemed to be taking on water and not just the water that turns into coffee when brewed. Every month or more, the carafe kept getting heavier and heavier and soon could easily used in my kettle bell exercises.

So, I decided to slowly investigate the problem with every handyman's favorite tool, a kitchen knife! A kitchen knife is perfect because I didn't want to go to the garage to find an appropriate tool for just such an event like this.

Besides, a kitchen knife is so non-committal, ya know. Hunting for the right tool to use is not only time wasted, but finding one means I really am serious about fixing the problem. Easy solutions are just perfect for kichen utensils... Right?

Well, Therese went on Amazon and purchased a new coffeemaker, but she hates it. Amazon Man will return it... happily!

No matter which utensil I used, I never did find a way to drain the water locked up in the bottom of the pot. I must admit, though, the sketch came out pretty nicely, so it wasn't a total loss.

First cup... any way I can get it!

Copyright 2022/Ben Bensen III

 

"Generating Some Thoughts!"

An Ad I created for Honda...

 A "Throwback Thursday" Day, y'all.

Two days ago, Tee and I had breakfast with our old friends from the "Gus" days. We hadn't spent a lot of time together over the last year, but we sure made up for that with a two hour plus visit at Covington's "Fat Spoon."

Just keep pouring the coffee, ma'am!

Of the many topics of conversation was hurricanes, past, present and in the near future. It was a "Clash" of discussions, that is, "should we stay or should we go" when the next one comes.

Then, if we stay, what kind of generator will suffice besides the Generac size behemoths. Linda wanted one that was easily portable, while Therese kicked around the possibility of a Generac.

All this talk brought to mind the many magazine ads I designed and comped up for Honda. I seemed to be hired frequently when a client needed an artist to make the mundane sexy. Okay, at least, interesting. I was pretty good at that.

I actually seduced myself into thinking I needed to buy a medium size generator. It would be good to have one when we lose our electricity which seemed to be occurring more frequently. So, I bought one in '05 after Hurricane Katrina and, at first, it seemed a good idea to protect my computers from current spikes and power fluctuations.

UPS units changed all that.

Then, I only frequently incorporated the generator to power my electric drill in the outdoors. Since I replaced that drill about ten years ago with the battery charged version, I've not used the generator in about, oh, ten years!

Linda's husband, James, spent most of life as an auto mechanic. In the process of repairing all things "four wheeled", James likes to tinker with other things. And, he's damn good at it.

"Hey, James, you wanna fix my Honda generator? Or better yet, buy the damn thing? Whad'dya think?

I kinda feel it in my bones that we will be leaving town come the next storm... Ha!

First cup a brewing!

Copyright 2022/Ben Bensen III

"Sometimes, The Mindless Is The Bestest!"

The Elusive Bird...

Good "Friday" Morning, all bodies!

Well, I reluctantly left the coffeehouse knowing that there was so many things I needed to do that I just didn't want to do. Like a buddy of mine, who decided to leave as I did, admitted he, too, was just procrastinating.

As I drove along the driveway, a small branch from one of the oaks, brushed along the roof of the car a bit more heavily than the day before... and the day before that, and the day before that.

"Okay, okay, I said to myself, that'll be the first thing I will tackle this morning!"

But, when I opened the car door, there was that bird song that some folks tell me belongs to a wood thrush... and maybe it is. I took out the pole mounted pruning saw and headed straight for that driveway branch, but the bird's call seemed to get closer and closer.

What IS that bird?

I can't miss an opportunity like this, I thought. I need vindication!

So, I headed back into the kitchen to grab the best of the three binoculars I own and headed back out to get a glimpse. Oh man, it was so close... so close as I carefully maneuvered my way into a shady position where I could comfortably hold up the binoculars and scan the mid morning sunlit trees.

At 10:30, I was already feeling the heat.

With my back up against a pine tree, I followed the song with every move from one branch to another, but never found the sound. Within ten minutes of my aerial pursuit, the treetops that surrounded me, became silent. The bird's warbling song was not gone, but migrated from one tree to another and every momentary peek I had following that noise produced one regular yardbird after another.

I snuck up onto some commotion in one of our blueberry bushes, only to see a female cardinal fly away with a big, ripe berry in her beak.

"Hey, Lady, I said, glad to be of a service to you!"

The bird call became distant, then, just above me. Then, to the left of me, then, to the right. There had to be more than just one "cheep, cheep, cheree!"

For over three summers now, from late Spring to early Fall, there's a vibe that I can hear, but can never see and maybe, for me, it is just not meant to be. So frustrating!

Seems like we, as a species, always have to find a solution, fix the problem, make all the pieces fit logically, have some sense of reasoning, attempt to explain or justify our existence, and maybe, to seek and inadvertently, destroy.

I don't know, but once again, after wasting about an hour chasing that sonic dream, maybe, just maybe, I'm better off allowing some mysteries to stay mysterious... and magical.

It was something to contemplate indoors, in the air conditioned studio, with a ginger ice tea. And, ya know, that hanging tree branch will still be there hanging tomorrow!

First cup!

Copyright 2022/ Ben Bensen III

 

"A Salvation Army Special"

Celebratin' a holiday... for some folks!

 Good "Salvation" Friday Morning, all bodies.

It's National Donut Day... Who knew?

The Salvation Army established National Donut Day in 1938 to honor The Salvation Army's 'donut lassies,' who made history when they risked their lives to raise spirits and fuel hope by serving thousands of soldiers during WWI, in part by delivering donuts and other sweet treats to those in the war.

In 1917, Salvation Army volunteers traveled to France and set up makeshift huts on the front lines where they provided essential goods and sweet treats to boost morale. The donut was then, and continues to be, a taste of home and a symbol of comfort for Americans, so says the promo by the Salvation Army today.

And, it just happens to fall on a First Friday Folsom Business and Community breakfast at Giddy Up. How fortuitous!

First free cup!

Copyright 2022/Ben Bensen III

"Such A Pleasant Surprise!"

Welcomed visitors...

 Good "WTF" Wednesday Morning, y'all.

"Therese, c'mon, we're gonna be... What the?"

Looking out the living room window, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was a visit from a Canadian Goose couple and their Mallard sidekick grazing on, I guess, grass seeds. And, to think that I was gonna cut the grass later in the afternoon. I actually left the coffee shop early to fill up my gas containers with ethanol free gas in preparation.

If we get another visit like the surprise one we received this morning, it may be a while before I crank up the mower.

Such a special treat for us since we've lived here for over twenty years, we've never been able to attract any kind of waterfowl with our two ponds. Occasionally, we'd flush out a kingfisher or small green heron, but not much else. Just about every morning and evening the geese will honk and breeze in their "V" formation pass our property choosing better spots to graze.

About ten years ago or so, Tee succumbed to those cute little chicks and ducklings that are traditionally displayed around Easter at pet and local "feed and seed' stores and purchased two. She raised them to adulthood and enjoyed having their clowning around for over a year or so. The male, who we named, "Duckman" was ever as goofy as the cartoon character and Therese fell in love with him, his antics, and his protective ways.

He actually displayed such personality!

Seeing in the goose couple what we perceived to be an ever vigilant, protective male struttin' around the other two birds with his head raised up high perusing the landscape, reminded us of "Duckman."

When we had to leave, the birds were not at all fazed by our presence as we got into the car and headed out. All three waddled a bit more spritely to the front pond allowing us passage halfway down the driveway. Naturally, when we returned later in the day, the group was gone.

It will be interesting to see if they will return this morning, and if so, will they be towing along with them their sidekick? We're still a bit perplexed by the presence of that seeming confused male Mallard...

First cup, y'all...

Copyright 2022/ Ben Bensen III