Glimpses, Overheard, and Other Sensory Moments

SEEN

I saw a dead rat, literally. My daughter and I were headed to school. There are a very long set of stairs that border between two school campuses and run perpendicular into ours. Really it is an ongoing collection of sets of stairs. I haven't counted, but there are more than 100. The stairs are wide, maybe 25 - 30 feet. They are regularly cleaned by the ground crew of one of the schools.

Anyway, we were about halfway down, trying to avoid the puddles after a hard rain, when I notice something on a step a bit in front of us. I edge over to the left, my daughter holding my left hand, as I try to avoid it. As I am maneuvering us I am realizing that it looks like a dead animal. Without breaking stride, and continuing the conversation with the five year old, who has yet to notice, I realize it is a dead rat, belly up. About this time we are passing said rat and my daughter asks what it is. I tell her. She comments, matter-of-factly, that it wasn't very nice for someone to kill it.

I then explain that it was probably in one of the pipes that the rain comes through and most likely got caught in the deluge and drown, being swept out with the rain water.

She hasn't said another word about it.
The image has stayed in my mind.

HEARD

I was headed across campus. Right now I don't remember why, headed to the office for some reason. The three year olds were on their playground so the gates were closed and I, like others, had to walk around. I found myself behind two five year olds. They were each carrying a plastic bottle of milk - part of their classes snack for the day. They had no idea I was behind them and continued with their conversation.

"We are the nannies today," said the girl.

"You're right! We were sent to get the milk," responded the boy.

"You are even wearing a nanny dress!" she exclaims to the boy in a white and light blue striped shirt.

Wow was all I could think, shaking my head, about the perspective these kids have on life. (I did stop to tell the Early Years Principal what I heard, leaving it to her to consider the implications of my overhearing.)

TASTED

Chili is something I enjoy making and eating, especially with corn bread, cheddar cheese, and lebnah smothered on top and then mixed in. I usually prepare my chili in the Crock Pot, leaving the flavors to mix throughout the day. I have learned that corn meal is hard to find in the Middle East and bring it with me. While I was purchasing things from the grocery store the last time I was in the States I saw some no salt chili seasoning packets and bought two brands to try. It is a good thing we have a full spice rack! After one bite I can tell you the packet is not the way to go.

FELT

A dense mass of congested, intertwined hair turned to silky smooth ribbons as I used the 'magic brush' on daughter's long tendrils.

SMELLED

Onions sauteing in olive oil to bring out the flavor before adding (insert other ingredient here) filled my olfactory.