Have you ever played High, Low, Buffalo? The game is played by going around in a circle and sharing a high point, low point, and surprising moment in your day. It’s a favorite around here at dinnertime.

Highs

I’ll start. Spring’s highest high for me was probably–finally–after a long, tortuous journey–deciding on some of the plot points for a sequel to Write in Time. I am deeply excited to get started on a novel again after trying my hand at other writing projects. For me, nothing is quite as satisfying as tying together all the threads of a novel. Honestly, I’m so grateful that I have the opportunity to do so again.

Another high of this season was the gift of a waffle iron. It has changed my life in ways I didn’t know needed changing. Gone is our usual boring Sunday lunch of a dry turkey sandwiches and chips, replaced by a glorious waffle bar. Whipped cream and chocolate chips on hot waffles are necessities for the soul. Also gone is the regular egg explosion in my microwave as I try to heat up a quick breakfast. Instead, I can plug in the elegant iron that doubles as a pancake AND egg sandwich maker, and make the tidiest breakfast sandwich with perfect egg circles. I didn’t realize how much the egg situation was weighing me down until it suddenly wasn’t a problem.

Last, another high has been writing a monthly column for our diocesan newspaper. Entitled Still Practicing, it’s a lighthearted look at trying, and sometimes failing, to live a life of faith: https://madisoncatholicherald.org/theres-still-time-to-honor-our-moms/.

Lows

There were several, but I’ll list the most painful one: when I had to use the self checkout *with the conveyor belt* at the grocery store. Just looking at it makes me sweat. I consider myself a skilled grocery shopper, but when I have to use the lane with the conveyor belt, I need someone to help me at least three times. Items scanned too quickly? The belt comes to a halt and the lighthouse light comes on. Making too much progress? The belt gets clogged at the end and stops. Really pressed for time? That’s when the belt doesn’t just stop but reverses, bringing your items right back to you to be scanned properly by the store employee. Self checkout? Not by a long shot.

Another low was the demise of my Keurig. We’ve been through a lot together, and when it started making a chu-chunk-a-chunk sound when it heated up, I knew the end wasn’t far off. The fateful day came when I tried unclogging the needle and winded up snapping off a plastic piece in the cup insert.

I pulled out Old Reliable, the coffee pot we received as a wedding gift seventeen years ago. I’m currently in a regrettable in-between stage, where I empty the rather expensive K-cup into the coffee filter and wait for the gurgling pot to finish an eternal five minutes later. At least it’s been easing me into the transition back to the old fashioned brewer. The day when I have to get the scoop out and dig into a bag, getting coffee grounds all over my knuckles, will be the day I really understand what I’ve lost.

Buffaloes

Yesterday, we went to the library to sign my children up for its summer reading program. With goals for both children and teens, the program incentivizes summer reading by offering the kids coupons to local restaurants and attractions, free books, and opportunities to win prizes through raffles.

I kept thinking about how great it would be if they had one for grown-ups because, unfortunately, I also need an incentive to pick up a book instead of scroll on my phone.

And guess what I found to my utter surprise and delight? My library is offering one! One of the librarians showed me over to a summer-themed table with a display about the adult summer reading program details that was flanked by a flamingo beer coozie floatie. The prizes included gift cards and a chance to win a stay at a hotel. That was just the nudge I needed to put my phone down and crack open a book.

And my other buffalo of the season? When I lost my house keys and the tracking devise showed them to be at a neighbor’s house instead of on my kitchen table where they actually were. I have learned that asking your neighbor if she has your keys is one of the more awkward ways of introducing yourself.

I hope your summer is off to a great start, with lots of highs and maybe a buffalo or two for a laugh. And if you have recommendations for what to read this summer, I’d love to hear them. I’m out of practice in looking for books! Happy summer reading!