Graduation and Retirement

Last Wednesday, Persephone walked across the diaz to receive her diploma, ending her high school career at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans. She is planning to attend Louisiana State University this fall, majoring in Urban and Regional Planning.

Also graduating this past week from Greenwood’s Center Grove High School was Jayden, our great-grandson. Jayden is currently working as a used-car salesman, something he enjoys and for which he has already had success.

On Friday, we drove to Illinois to celebrate Ray’s niece, Laura Scafidi’s, retirement after 32 years as a high school teacher and coach. The party was at The Landing Strip Bar and Grill in Schiller Park, in an outdoor setting, as we watched a constant stream of jets taking off above our heads. Earlier, it seemed the day would be ruined by rain, but the weather was perfect—not too hot and only a light breeze. We came home with pink cheeks from being outdoors for several hours, but not sunburned.

The Scafidi Siblings
Carl (from Colorado), Laura, and Lisa (Naperville, IL)

The day was special as we visited with relatives we hadn’t seen in several years.

Left to right: Veronica, Therese (cousin), Laura, 
Lisa Banovetz (Laura’s sister), Cathy (Laura’s partner),
me with Ray in front, Sandy Frericks (cousin),
Mark Banovetz (Lisa’s husband), 
Carl (Laura’s brother), David Zielke (cousin), and 
Mike Frericks (Sandy’s husband)

Our drive to Schiller Park was uneventful, but the return home didn’t go as well. There seemed to be a series of accidents that caused traffic to slow down, even though we didn’t see any evidence, only that the Google app mentioned there had been an accident, and traffic would be slow, but we were still on the best route home. When we reached the Indiana State Line, we were finally able to drive at speed. The return trip was 90 minutes longer than going there.

This afternoon, we watched the end of the 500 race as the blackout was lifted. Felix Rosenqvist won the 110th Indy 500 race in a record setting finish.

My Everyday Life - May 17-23, 2026

Until next time, if you are having a Memorial Day cookout, may it be delicious, free of ants and mishaps!

A Tale of Car Repairs and More

We are enjoying some summer weather today, which is a change from the cool first half of May. I love this time of year when everything is very green and all the trees have finished leafing out. Yesterday was a rainout for qualifying for the Indy 500 race next Sunday. I thought the rain was over yesterday and went for a run. You can see a photo of the result below in My Everyday Life.

Last Friday, we had the car checked, and now I have to decide where and what kind of tires to purchase, or can I wait six months? It’s something I never expected I’d have to do. The technician who spoke to me suggested that other shops might have better tire deals, but I don’t have to decide this month. The quote for the shock absorber repair is valid for 90 days, so I have some time to think about it.

This homemade card arrived 
in the mail on Wednesday

When we turned on the TV after lunch, I noticed that C-Span was broadcasting from the Washington National Mall. It was a special program in a series about our 250th anniversary as a nation. The theme for this episode was a Celebration of our Religious Heritage. There was singing, speeches, lots of prayers, a choir, and bands. I don’t recall watching C-SPAN before, but I will check the guide to see if anything else is planned for the 250th anniversary.

After the C-Span program finished, we started watching the WNBA's Indiana Fever play the Seattle Storm at home. The Fever are 1-2, but they should be 2-2 after this game, as they are playing well and have a sizable lead in the 4th quarter. They have scored more than 100 points in two games, losing one of them. It will be fun watching them throughout the summer months.

My Everyday Life - May 10-16, 2026

Until next time, may your car repair bills be nil, and may the rain showers stay away from Indianapolis next Sunday during the 500 race.

Happy Mother's Day!

Last week, I wrote that we had voted by absentee ballot. Late last year, several state senators opposed redistricting in the midterms. Because of their opposition, millions of dollars were spent on campaigns to oust them in the primary. Five of the seven were defeated, and the question now is whether it was Trump’s influence or the dollars spent on TV ads that led to their defeat. The district we live in was not affected, but we had to endure all the campaign rhetoric.

I hope all the mothers reading this had a wonderful Mother’s Day. We had a lovely lunch at Joe’s house, enjoying lasagna, salad, and garlic bread, and we also got to meet the newest member of the family. Joe’s nephew, Paul, and his wife, Rachael, welcomed their second son.

Dustin holds 7-day old Finnley Jo Martin
Finnley is the son of Dustin's Cousin, Paul Martin

My Everyday Life - May 3-9, 2026

Until next time, may today fill your heart with joyful memories of Mom and your garden with beautiful blooms.

Farewell to April

We’ve traveled to Franklin, our county seat, three times in the last four days. These trips gave me the chance to check on the progress of spring planting. I noticed one field where corn sprouts were already about four inches high, and several others that had been freshly tilled. The recent rain has provided ideal growing conditions, but we still need warmer weather to help the seeds germinate.

Last week, we voted by absentee ballot and are looking forward to the end of all the negative TV commercials after the primary on Tuesday. We also enjoyed two AARP streaming movies: Luv Ya Bum! and Paper Bag Plan. Bum Phillips revived the Houston Oilers with his cowboy style and family focus, becoming known for his trademark 10-gallon hat. The movie also featured cameos by many famous NFL players. The Paper Bag Plan is a drama centered on a father, Oscar, who, after being diagnosed with cancer, teaches his disabled son, Billy, how to bag groceries so he can gain independence.

We were grateful for the rain last Monday, as we hadn’t seen any precipitation in a while and the soil was quite dry. Unfortunately, strong winds came with the rain, causing many trees to lose limbs. As we drove around, we saw piles of debris stacked by the curb. Here’s a photo capturing a wood chipper at work after this tree was snapped by the winds.

My Everyday Life - April 26-May 2, 2026

Until next time, may you remain calm when spring storms approach, and may everyone stay safe from harm.