When the World is Crazy, be a Noodle

 

We all know the world is a bit insane right now. It has been for a while. When the world is falling apart and there are crazy people around you, it's time to turn inward. Be the noodle. 

Now, that suggestion may sound odd but actually, "be a noodle" is a metaphor for someone who is flexible, adaptable, and willing to roll with the punches that life throws at them. At least that is what Lois Kelly's caregiving book, Be the Noodle: Fifty Ways to be a Compassionate, Courageous, Crazy-Good Caregiver suggests. Be one with the noodle. In a world where you can be anything, be a noodle.

***

And, speaking of noodles, I went into the kitchen on Friday evening to complete dinner for Terry and I.  I turned toward my laundry room after seeing something out of the corner of my eye, lo and behold, a real noodle-head. They aren't rare any longer, but this one is in its natural habitat. 

I turned to see Kit Kat sitting in our drain sink for the washing machine. Just sitting there. Staring. Actually, not staring but rather sleeping while sitting up. Yes, he had his eyes closed. The cat was out. 

Giggling, I walked toward him and pulled my phone from my back pocket. Oh, this merits a photo or two! The extension cord was plugged in for some weed eating tasks I was working on. He didn't care. He sat under it and continued to do his thing. He was resting his noodle. 

I stepped closer and his stare down with me began. Now I've gone and done it. The feline is pissed. That's good for some scratches later. Thank the noodle God he doesn't have access to our bedroom. I'm sure he would leave gifts on my pillow.

Kit forfeited the stare down competition and sunk further into the sink. 

And so it is in the world of Kit. Odd things are his specialty. In fact, odd things tend to be all of our fur baby's special gifts. They're talented that way. Goodnight, Kit. Pleasant dreams of chasing mice and attacking the dog. And probably peeing on my pillowcase. 

***

And, speaking of noodles, my noodle has become mush. This week was very slow in the delivery department. I sat at my desk for many hours, watching Netflix while awaiting the beautiful alarm for a new delivery. At one point, I became so bored that I lit the backflow incense burner and caught myself staring at the smoke for quite a while. Watching it slowly flowing into the lower parts of the piece, like a waterfall. It was cool looking, yet very lame in time usage. I couldn't help it. This burning technique became quite mesmerizing. And of course, I was so bored that photos were necessary. 💩😕😏😐😑

Ah, it is crazy to see where the human mind goes when boredom sets in. I have become a noodle, rolling with the punches and finding absolute waste of time methods of going along with those punches. No dodging of the blows. Just plain, simple, waste of time fun. Or a facsimile thereof. Like fun, only not. 

***

Terry entered the office at one point and asked if I wanted to go out to lunch at the Best Taste of India buffet. They always have an amazing lunch buffet available, with plenty of options. Of course, I said, "Yes!" I may be bored, but I do know my brain is still viable enough to know to feed myself. And what better place to do just that? 

Off we went to Best Taste of India to fill our lives with joy and our bellies with happy Indian food. I love their buffet. Buttered chicken, paneer, and that wonderful garlic naan. Yum. 

I ate the chicken with a nice buttery sauce, and the broccoli that has a defined goodness in the breading on the outside. Rice, paneer, and other great food was ingested during that visit. Best Taste of India is always pleasing when it comes to their dishes. 

And who can resist that awesome naan? Sprinkled with fennel and garlic, it makes the perfect bread to eat with the great dishes on our plates. It's a beautiful thing, this food. 

We filled ourselves and then returned home for an afternoon of relaxation. Terry went outside to enjoy his book and his cigar, while I sat and stared at the incense burner, waiting for that order to come in. Eventually, the orders began to flow in and that made my day. I was actually being a tangible part of the household rather than an imaginary earner for the day. It was nice. I always feel better when I can be outside, moving about for the day, and bringing in some money at least. 

***

But the best part of this weekend was when we decided what we were going to do since Terry had an extra day added into the mix. Memorial Day allows him to be off on Monday as well as his regular four-day weekend. This invited the question of, "What shall we do with this extra day? Barbecue?" We had ideas bouncing off each other for a while, and yes, the barbecue will probably happen on Monday. Although that takes care of something fun for Monday, we still have an absolutely amazing weather forecast through the rest of the weekend. What shall we do?

If you follow the blog, you know that we just completed our lawsuit against Kia for a brand-new car that failed us after about nine months of ownership. Car failure four times gave us the option of a lemon law lawsuit, and so it happened. It took a long time, with having to continue the car payments of $600 per month, and me not being able to work without a car. It was a nightmare, and all of it fell on my sweet Terry. 

At the end of the suit, we came out ahead in finding the car we have now. Terry and I are very happy with the Ford Escape and find we cringe at the thought of even parking near a Kia Sportage or any other Kia for that matter. We don't want Kia cooties. 

Since we were in the midst of that nightmare last year, it took away our options of driving to the coast. The beach is a place that we love to travel to each year, at least a couple of times. But without an economical vehicle, that two-hour drive just isn't happening. Terry drives his Xterra, but it takes a bit of gas to run, and we don't want the extra wear and tear on an older vehicle. So, the beach was out in terms of what activities we could do last year. 

With 81-degree weather here, the beach has to be nice, right? We packed the husky, the cooler, and a bag of necessities into QTE (Cutie) and off we drove toward the town of Florence along the Oregon coast. First stop, old town Florence, where unique shops and great edibles await us. 

As usual, the town had set up craft booths along the Siuslaw riverfront. Tents filled with unique clothing, jewelry, and artwork were available, along with the vendors offering a bit of conversation with their hand-crafted pieces. 

For Togo, our husky, the event garnered plenty of compliments, affection, and a place to pee. 

Of course, traveling through the downtown area meant a view of the Siuslaw river and bridge, and the artwork along the way. This crab is amazing! I used to see a metal fish here all the time, but it has been replaced by this eye-catching piece of art. 

The Siuslaw bridge, sand dunes, and waterfront. I love this area of Florence. Terry and I stayed in a hotel on the other side of the bridge for our honeymoon. This area has many memories, all which are good. I came to Florence many times while growing up and still love every inch of this space as an older adult. 

This unique piece of art has been a large part of the area for many years. People come here to take photographs of their loved ones in front of the river, up against the beautifully colored seal. 

The town has added more artwork along the walkway, such as this new metal hummingbird. Terry and I found it to be a gorgeous addition to the already awesome art pieces. 

My hungry hubby and I chose The Firehouse to eat lunch. Great food, awesome waitstaff and dog friendly. That's a bonus with us since we have Togo along for the ride today.  

Togo took a moment to drink out of the water bowl The Firehouse left out for visiting pups, then found a shady spot to sit underneath our table. It was a hot day, and I believe it was exhausting him. 

After looking through the menu, we ordered our food. During the wait, we had people coming to our table to see our lovely, friendly boy, Togo. Of course, he sucked it all up. 

And yes, there was some begging involved. Terry had his calamari appetizer delivered and it was the complete focus of our baby boy. 

Ugh. I could smell this nasty stuff while sitting next to my calamari-eating husband. No kisses allowed until we get home and he brushes that fish-smelling mouth. I cannot stand this crap, although for calamari, I have to say it did have a pleasant appearance. Too bad the aroma wasn't as pleasant. 

Across the street sat a man and his guitar. He was singing songs of the past, such as Wake-up Little Suzie and a few Beatles songs wafted through the oceanic air. It was nice to be serenaded while eating lunch and the man was pretty good. 

Terry eating his appetizer became a game for Togo. He would stare intently on each bite his daddy took, until Terry would look at him. Instantly, the dog would focus straight ahead, as if to say, "I wasn't begging. I swear." Yeah, there was a lot of begging involved. 

Togo was being such a well-behaved gentleman. I was very proud of our Mr. Swanky Pants. 

Next up? Our food came out and wow! I had ordered a B.L.A.T. (bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato) sandwich with garlic fries. The sandwich was served on sourdough bread and was one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. Something so simple, yet so good, is a sign of a wonderful restaurant. And those garlic fries! Wow! 

The fries were cooked to perfection and were dotted with a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs. What an awesome way to serve up a plate of French fries. Once again, this place did not disappoint. Great food. 

Terry ordered a beautiful dish of penne pasta with meatballs, covered in a nice thin layer of Parmesan cheese. Two slices of garlic toast were on the side. Was it good? Well, with all of the grunting and moaning we were both doing, I would say yes, we loved our meals. 

Like I said, The Firehouse in Florence, Oregon has never disappointed us, just like the Best Taste of India back home. We do have our favorite spots for this reason. 

After a wonderful meal, we decided to try out the beach. I have been craving the ocean for a while now. For some reason, I have always been drawn to the ocean and now that we have a car again, I can fulfill the dream of seeing it a few times each year. I'm one happy girl! 

Terry loves the ocean too, thank the sea water Gods. I'm with someone who genuinely loves the same things I do, and he makes it happen for us, bless his giving heart. I could not have a better love match than the one in my husband.  

Look at this gorgeous day! I was so happy. Unloading Togo, Terry suggested he remain in the car due to the high sand quantity and his recent knee surgery. I wanted to take Togo to the water for a bit, then promised I would be back after that. He was fine with all of that, turned on the AC in the car, and began to listen to his favorite videos on YouTube without a care in the world. He too had become a noodle. 

Beautiful day, right? 

Sand for miles. The fresh ocean air. A warm day ...

I'm not sure what form this kite was, but the owners were sure enjoying the swaying of it on the end of the string. 

Higher tides made the ocean look dramatic today. The sun glinted off the wave, creating a look of shiny diamonds floating in the water. It all looks like the perfect day at the beach. But something is missing. Let's play a game of "Where's Waldo," except we are going to search for beachcombers and happy people playing in the sand. How many can you find throughout the photos?

And me, of all people, only taking a couple of photos of the beach before heading to the car? What's up with that? I mean, I'm someone who takes photos of my shoestrings, the tiniest weeds in the alley, a bug, the inside of my shoe, our bathroom, and any other mundane item that may be in my way. I love the details that make up life.

Want to know why the lack of people and me not taking photos? I walked with Togo out toward the sea. I could feel the heat from the sun, and all was great. That is, until, in true Oregon form, the wind picked up. Not only did it almost knock me onto my ass, but it was the coldest wind I've felt in a long time. I was without a coat, which is a stupid thing to do. I should know better after living most of my life in Oregon. As I walked out to that beautiful water, I could feel the desire to insert my foot into the next wave. Then the wind hit. Be the noodle, my ass. At this point, I'm a soggy noodle.

I looked at our Togo, and he was standing still, like a boss, but his hair was moving violently. It was worse than the six-horsepower blower I have at home to dry him after a bath. In fact, it was as if the wind wanted to strip the dog of every magical fiber of his being. This was insane. Talk about a crazy world ... being a noodle is good in the recent definition of the term; however, I could not roll well with these freezing cold punches by this wind. 

My butt was not only refusing to fall into the sand like the wind pushed for, but I was freezing. It was as though I climbed out of the car and headed straight into the arctic blast awaiting me. I have a husky with me for icicle's sake and even he was showing signs of discomfort. These are dogs that can handle blizzard conditions with deep below freezing temps, and yet he was having a hard time with the Oregon wind on the coast. Screw this. We're going to trek across the sand and go back to dad in the nice, air conditioned (but soft air) car. 

We returned. Terry began the, "Babe, you didn't need to hurry. I'm fine in the car." Oh, no, mister. I needed to rush. It's freaking cold out there. It's not okay. The wind molested me and the dog. We're done, and we were off to our warm, comfortable home in Roseburg. 

I suggested to my caring hubby that we return later next month, after all of the freezing temperatures dissipate in Florence. I have to have some time to feel the water, breathe in the sea air, and relax. The day will come. Oh, yes, the day will come. I'm going to make it happen, and in this summer's time frame. 

While we did enjoy our day and enjoy each other's company as we always do, the beach was meant to look at through the car window today. At least here in Florence, Oregon. 

***

We brought our boy back home, where he could swish his tail around his nose to stop breathing in that cold, arctic air. He was exhausted after his day, yet happy. He got to go somewhere with mom and dad, and that was enough to please him. 

Terry and I sat and patted the pup while discussing our day. It was a great day had by all. Even without the ability to walk through that ice water we call our ocean, it was worth the trip. A family day, spent together, and it was perfect just the way it was. We are blessed, beyond belief. 

Until our next blog, we wish all of you blessings galore. Light and hugs to each of you and thank you for reading our blog, our memories, our life story. 

Terry & Vicki Macrae

Two noodles always blown away by this crazy world

Photo taken by Vicki Macrae in Florence, Oregon, several years ago.