Fridge Stories

Last week I met long-time friends Shirl and Steph in Lexington for a leisurely lunch and chat at the Jean Farris Winery and Bistro on the outskirts of the city. Crisp Chardonnay, crab cakes and a warm brownie with raspberry sabayon sauce--yum! Whether it's bourbon or wine, Kentucky has a handle on serving spirits and great food.

Lunch conversation turned to blogs. Shirl, who's a roaring 72 years young, enjoys reading "Summit Musings" because she shares my liberal political and social views with the exception of allowing casino gambling in the state (an issue that's getting too much attention in the governor's race, in my view). However, as do many of my readers, she warned me not to expect her to comment on any blog entries. The reason? She has her own blog to maintain--her Fridge Blog.

I've known--and lived with intermittently--Shirl's family for almost 40 years. And it's true, their fridge has always been a massive collage of family activities, achievements, community events, and daily reminders. No visit to their home would be complete without checking in on Shirl's Fridge Blog.

So, today I'm thinking about this form of family communication that most of us have used for years and are still not willing to give up in favor of technology. Here's what I currently have on my fridge because it makes me happy to see these things:

1. a photo of Willie sitting on his end of the sofa guarding his morning milkbone;
2. a "thank you" note from my neighbors for a Parent Magazine subscription--they just had a first baby;
3. postcards from Alaska with Jane and Robert's accounts of helping with the '07 Iditarod Dog Sledding Race and enjoying the wildlife;
4. Enjoying the Journey watercolor exhibit notice at the Water Tower, which I saw with Janice earlier this summer;
5. August calendar of lawn mowing--it's blank because of the heat and drought;
6. Dog Wisdom magnet--"The trouble with resisting temptation is that you may not get another chance" Edwin Chapin;
7. postcards from the Lunch Bunch's visit to New York;
8. photos of Chicago's architecture and night skyline from a lake boat tour on a recent trip;
9. school and baby pictures of my friend and mentor Cory's children--glad they're back in KY;
10. a "thanks" from my current Hospice respite family member for just listening, at this point that's all they want or need. . .

When I look over this list, the essentials are there: friends, family, dogs, travel, art and the pleasures of home. What's on your Fridge Blog?