Not Forgotten.

 

Not Forgotten.

 

Sharon Dickerson brought some material and pens for marking my mother’s “Flower Garden” crocheted spread. It is king sized and quite heavy, but it is also beautiful. About the nearest date was between 2000 and 2005 for its completion. So that is what is sewn into the piece of material on the back along with her name and mine and Jennifer’s names and phone numbers. NOT that we will have those numbers forever, but who knows. We had the phone number Lewis started out with years ago and kept until 2018, so that is a long time to have a number. Actually, discovered recently that the number is still not in service—probably meaning that it is still available. But have this one memorized—well, mostly remembering it when pressed to think about it. Shaking my head here.

 

The sweet young woman who cleans my house is here today. No way could this old woman do what she is doing all at one time. Can hardly do just the minimum any longer. Still make my own bed and take the quilts to the washing machine and dryer, but this vacuuming stuff is just not happening. And somehow, she manages to kill the dust bunnies and make the surfaces nice and clean without dust and dog hair. Not sure how she does it, but am happy to have it done. And the house smells wonderful when she is finished. Celebrations of cleanliness!

 

Put another poem on here today from one of Hanan’s collections. Too many of them are sad beyond words, but this one is not too bad. At least it was understandable to me. It is not quite as uplifting as the book called Notes and Quotes from John Rhoads, but this stuff is from the child who became a man in the shadow on his father’s love. He and Lewis had problems for years because, as much as Lewis loved him, the kid just was never that responsible in the way that Lewis thought he should have been. But that happens between many a father and son. Well, between many a mother and daughter, for that matter. Not the case between this mother and her daughter, but stuff happens in lots of families.

 

Looking at this bookcase next to me. It really needs to have all the shtuff removed and only some of it returned. Vitamins, candles, oils, hand salves, lights, Tylenol, pet tape, calendar, books, pictures, more books, blood pressure cuff in container, tissue, pen holders, lights, metal sculptures, paper towels, oil paintings, photos, and a branding iron. Yep, a branding iron. Daddy made it for me years ago, and no one would understand its meaning except my kids.

 

The title for this particular blog post was “Not Forgotten.” Sharon said that those who create quilts and things of that nature should be remembered for their work—thus the patch on the back with all the information. To tell the truth, Hanan’s poetry means just as much to me as that Flower Garden. And he was right; his books of handwritten poetry will probably end up in an attic somewhere. One of his friends asked for some of it to use in his music, but how does one choose a poem to give away for a song? Maybe it will be a decision to make on a better day than today.

 

Loran is almost ready for the living room, so will take my fur babies to the bedroom and get out of her way. Meanwhile, if you will, please say a couple of prayers: Connie is not feeling good at all with a bad sore throat. The other prayer is for her sister Rebekah who has not checked in for three days and was last in Maryland waiting for the weather to clear so she could fly back. That lack of contact has Connie worried even though her sister may be fine. Rebekah is notorious for letting her phone die. And now that mine has decided to only speak to me when it feels like it, can understand totally how that might happen.

 

Rest well, my friends, and know that you are loved. He holds us all in His hands.

A Bent Flame.

 

A Bent Flame

 

Waking to this cool December wind is my escape for now

The way it curls up my back and neck and parts my bedridden hair.

Until I pull the dream-tossed covers back over my shoulders.

And reach silently, yet desperately, for one more dream,

One more moment of beautiful sleep.

Where this maze of never-ending thought is less deafening.

 

For I am a grey-day shadow chaser

Longing for the dream that will set me apart from everything.

Like the steam that rises from my morning coffee

And lingers just long enough to be remembered.

 

That stranger you passed just the other day, that’s me.

Wasting ink on hand-written books

That will undoubtedly be collecting dust

In someone’s attic years from now.

A whisper that bent the flame if only for a second.

Hanan Dickerson 1998

Technology and An Old Woman.

 

Technology and An Old Woman.

 

Told my son that after spending umpteen years plugged into a wall phone, the cell phone has been somewhat freeing. However, feeling inept goes with technology. Once made the mistake of unscrewing the speaker part of the phone at Mom and Dad’s house. Daddy nearly had a cow before he got it back together. And yes, he scolded me. Mom told me later she had always wanted to know what was in there—but she did not say so around Daddy. We giggled. Now my children have to pull their hair out long distance when Mom can’t quite seem to get things done on her cell phone. BUT, today the old woman was able to get online and read about how to mess with the three dots in the notifications for text messages. Joy to the world. We now have SOUND when a text message comes in. It may end up driving me wild, but at least it can be ignored by choice rather than by happenstance. Before, folks thought they were being ignored. Not that kind of person; just technologically challenged. So, patting myself on the head tonight for having figured out how to get the noise to come on when a text message arrives. Now do NOT ask me how to do it on any other phone—or even to do it again on mine! But for the time being, am happily listening to “It’s been a long day . . .”

 

Went to Baird’s Family Dentistry today and was very appreciative of Dr. Baird’s service. Thought he would adjust the partial plate; instead, he adjusted the teeth themselves! Now everything seems to fit so much better. Go figure! And he only charged me for an office call--$65. Had no idea what it would cost, but everything else is out of sight expensive, so this did not really feel all that bad. Anyway, prefer a family dentist to one of those factory jobs where everyone is just another statistic.

 

Expecting Cari Guidry pretty soon to stop by to pick up a dozen eggs. She used to be our go-to person for chiropractic stuff when Lewis was having so much trouble with his back. Don’t think yours truly will be going to a chiropractor until after talking to the neurosurgeon. With three torn disks, it might not be the best idea to get any manipulation done. But enjoy visiting with Cari. She is a sweetheart. She has three of the most gorgeous kids, too. Her mom was a librarian out at Archer City or somewhere like that for years. Not sure if she still is or not. Will ask Cari when she comes.

 

Lance had me answer my phone on Duo and wanted me to answer it on my iPad. It was installed, but not set up. And guess who put her own phone number in wrong and had to uninstall and redo the phone number. Did we talk about technology already? Giggling Anyway, finally got it right and now Duo is on the iPad. Let’s see if the Kindle app still works at this point!!

 

The boys came today and were happily going on about their trip to Corpus Christi and deep-sea fishing. Our children thoroughly enjoyed that trip once upon a time. Think Lewis did, too, but the kids were just ecstatic back then. But boy did they ever smell like the bottom of a minnow bucket that night when they got back to the condo. It took some major soap on them and then on their clothes. Glad they had sneakers to wash and not good shoes. But the condo—Villa del Sol—had washing machines on each floor, so it was not difficult to get things done quickly. Those were some neat trips we took all those years ago. And the children loved swimming in the condo pool and soaking in the hot tub. The beach after the tide came in was the perfect place to look for shells most of the time. Except one year they had something called Red Tide. Nasty smell and no playing in the water of the ocean. Bleah. Don’t remember now what caused the mess, but have read since then that it happens every so often in different places.

 

Cut some limbs of rose bush and grape vine on my deck today. The dogs were having trouble getting onto the deck because of the excess foliage. Then it occurred to me that it was up to me to decide if all the extra limbs that hung out over the walkway were really necessary. Clip, clip, clip. No longer have to duck or walk around those limbs or get drenched when it rains. The trash bin is pretty full, but it really does not matter. Kinda bet no one is going to scold me for the trimming done today. And the trash truck driver does not care how full the bin is as long as the lid will fit down on it.

 

Speaking of trash bins—Donny came up today and put the ones from Jerry’s place over by the inside corner of his house so that they would not blow out into the road. It infuriates him for things to get out in the road since he goes up and down here a few times each day or night. Funny to me that no one seemed to care about this road at all until it was paved over. Paving it seemed to make a difference in how everyone looked at it. Now if only the strangers who don’t read the “No Outlet” sign would stay off of it and stop trying to turn around in the middle of the road. Oh well.

 

Just a wee bit tired tonight. Noticing things that irritate me about Microsoft Word that normally would be simply ignored. Do you think that the older we get the grumpier we get? Don’t suppose it matters overly much; we are NOT going to get any younger! And if we did, we would probably go back to being whiney anyway!

 

Michelle Malay gave me a daily calendar that has bird pictures on it. The bird of the day is a Smew. Yes, the spelling is correct. It looks like a duck but has nothing lovely about its voice, just its plumage. It is a black and white duck looking critter from Eurasia. Once in a while it ends up either in the Aleutians or even in northern Washington state or Michigan. Guess it is the hobo or the northern climes. Anyway, the pictures are lovely. And the name is almost hilarious. Howdy do there, Smew! Giggling

 

The housekeeper is supposed to be here tomorrow afternoon, so will try to not have too much clutter lying about for her to dodge. But no, Jennifer, yours truly will not vacuum or otherwise try to clean the floors. This young woman knows her stuff and is very thorough. SO glad Jennifer found her. Cleaning right now is just not on my agenda for lots of reasons, mostly physical. And the boys told me that they will do the front flower bed for me as soon as it is possible. And Sutherlands has a new shipment of flowers due in the next few days, so there’s that. If the boys can get all the weeds and excess flowers out, new flowers will make the place look pretty doggone good! Here’s hoping it all works out.

 

Rest well and find joy in what God has given us. You are loved.

 

 

Organization.

 Organization.

 

So, some needles and thread showed up—not the ones being sought out, but some that would work. Still shaking my head and trying to remember what little corner the embroidery needles and thread got into. Oh, it is not important, but it reminds me emphatically that organization is definitely not my forte. Doesn’t matter. No one is going to suffer for my lack of memory or organization. Life does go on despite silly things like that.

 

Last night must have just been a good night for sleeping. Did not wake up until 6:30 this morning! The hens were definitely ready to get out in the yard. Thompson let me know he was ready to go outside as well. Think Sylvia could sleep all day and all night and never stir. Would just love to be able to go to sleep and stay that way all night. Oh well. The thunder and rain this afternoon would have been perfect for a good snuggle and snooze, but it is too early to put the hens up. They don’t usually go up until nearly nine now. The longer daylight is perfect for them. Early to bed, early to rise—supposedly keeps a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. Yep. That is the rhyme, at any rate. Early mornings really are great times for prayers when the world is still partially asleep and quiet. But then, late evenings are pretty good as well except for the freaking mosquitoes!

 

Pulled the garlic pods out of the ground today. Have them lying on the bench on the front porch. Will have to take the machete to the stalks to separate them from the bulbs. Then the bulbs will have to be placed in a basket to hang out in the coop to dry. Enjoy garlic pretty much in most beef dishes, so having fresh garlic is pretty nice. Have plenty of the garlic powder and dry minced garlic, but fresh is special!

 

JoAnn came over today and brought me some little tomatoes out of their garden. Pretty good flavor! There is nothing like fresh, homegrown tomatoes. Well, actually, that description fits cucumbers, squash, black-eyed peas and just about any other veggie. Wish it were possible to grow a “garden” in the front flower bed, but it would not be as pretty as flowers for sure. Besides, the zinnias, petunias, poppies, and bachelor buttons pretty well take that little plot. Not that it is a bad thing. Some day will figure out how to make raised beds along the front of the house just for veggies. Maybe. It would be even more work, no doubt.

 

Sharon Dickerson sent a message from her niece saying that she will not have to have any more cobalt or chemo. At least that is my understanding of the message. At any rate, it means she won’t have to be at the hospital at dark thirty just for treatments. She is still working despite having to go through this mess. Some people just amaze me! It makes me feel like a whiney butt compared to their situations. Even talking to Vickie yesterday and listening to her explanations of her RA treatments made me feel like a wuss compared to her. We just need to pray for those who are dealing with these diseases.

 

This is one of those “dumb as a rock” days when nothing really has made a big impression on me compared to what is going on in the world. Still trying to stay away from any “news” or discussions of what is going on in the world. History is enough to boggle my mind. Really don’t want to see it repeated now. 

 

Will tell you that thankfulness is one of the greatest gifts we have in our lives. SO much is wonderful and precious. We know the Giver. We can always express appreciation in both small and larger ways. Prayer is first, but surely not the only way of saying thank you. Let’s show others what joy looks like by being kind to them. Meanwhile, be sure you know: you are loved.

More Than Weather.

 

More Than Weather.

 

When it promises to rain, either by looks or by forecast, one does not necessarily expect sunburns to occur. However, what would you like to bet that sunburns could happen today! We had a little over a half inch of rain this morning, but we have also had enough hot sunshine to boil a mosquito or two—or hatch a couple of them. Anyway, the AC has been a necessity despite the cooler temps. Humidity can be so much fun.

 

You know, these dogs have never had to spend the night outside or even a day out in either the heat or the cold. They are not exactly what one would consider pampered, but they have it SO much better than too many people. That is a sad thought. During the time years ago when we did not have a dog at home, a young bird dog came to our house out at Petrolia. Dad and Mom did NOT want a dog. But Freckles decided that he belonged to my horse Duchess. And he stayed with her in the barn. Dad finally took pity on him and let Mom feed him biscuits and gravy so that he actually got to looking as if he might live. Sweetest dog we ever had! Loved him dearly! Someone had just gotten rid of him. He was probably frightened of gunfire. Poor baby. The two dogs sitting here on this couch would definitely not be good hunting dogs. Loud noises scare them terribly. Know just how they feel.

 

If one were so inclined, sitting outside today would be an adventure in watching the grass grow. Donny was out earlier with his weed eater whacking the grass along the sides of our road near his place. Bet by next Sunday, it will need it again! Now if only a couple of pounds of Bermuda seeds had already been spread on the lot purchased from the city, then maybe it would be fun to watch it grow. Jennifer reminded me that the hens and dogs would have to be kept off of it until the grass sprouted. Not sure how long it would take for that to happen. Oh well. Not going to rush over to Sutherlands to get grass seed anyway! It’s not supposed to stop raining until next Saturday! Wondering if getting sheep for the yard would work instead of a lawnmower! It might be either that or water wings for the mower.

Sometimes it is plum embarrassing to realize that yours truly is the only one around here who could possibly be misplacing things. Back a few months ago, Grayson wanted something that was sewn or made by me. So, embroidery thread and hankies were used to create a special gift that included the initials for both Grayson and Reece. And now, do you think that embroidery kit can be found? Why, of course not! A plethora of sewing machine needles showed up, but not the thread or the sewing needles or the embroidery thread. Ever have the feelin’ you were losing your mind? That is about how it feels at the moment. That kit has to be in this house, somewhere simple. Guess it will show up eventually. Shaking my head. Organization has never been my strong point. Sigh

 

Slept well last night and did not even wake up at three or four in the morning for a change. That was refreshing. And the dogs were happily sleeping as well, apparently. Thompson got me up at six, so it was time to let the hens out by the time my clothes were on. They were happy to get out, but did not seem too eager to be out anyway. Love to see them run out and start foraging. Maybe bugs are just waiting to be gobbled at that time of the morning. The spiders are still thick then. Walked through a couple of spider webs on the way to the hen house and back. Such wonderful experiences when one has the St. Vitus dance down pat! Would recognize that dance anywhere.

 

These notices pop up on my computer despite the fact that my work might be in Microsoft Word rather than on the internet. One just came up that gave the statistics of the number of sexual criminals crossing out southern border right now. And this is just the ones that they catch! This is just horrifying! Wherever these animals are coming from, we know that they are not intending anything good for anyone. They are predators of the lowest degree of the dregs of humanity. God forgive me, but it makes me feel capable of shooting first and never asking a question. How our border patrol agents can even stomach having to take them to jail just dumbfounds me. We know they won’t stay locked up! They will be turned loose to do whatever evil they planned to do in the first place. But then, this has become the pattern for all criminals! Our justice system is definitely broken. We can take the law license away from someone who was trying to defend President Trump, but give criminals a free pass to kill, rape, and burn! Yep, need to think about something more positive as we can definitely be positive that our world is set on its end and is falling into an abyss. May God rescue us soon!

 

Honestly need to think about something good right now. Getting “news” on the computer is not a good thing. Even my phone and the weather channel are not very uplifting!

 

Put liver out to thaw from the last bunch cooked and ready to eat—or to feed the dogs. The last batch was just a BIT too crunchy! Oh well. Better off trying again in a few days. At least it was less expensive than the dog food made with liver!

 

Will tell you that it is good to know that we don’t have to consider ourselves responsible for making the world safe or sane. We can be as kind and as loving as possible to others while avoiding confrontations with the horrors around us. We just have to ask God to protect us and those we love. So, remember to let others know that you love them as much as you can. Meanwhile, rest as you can and enjoy the beauty He has given us. You are loved.

And Then There Are Days.

 

And Then There Are Days.

 

Yep, some days are just better endured than others. Some are worth celebrating, and others, not so much. But that’s ok. Maybe it is a bit like sunshine, snow, heat, cloudiness and the like. Can we appreciate the rain if we really need sunshine? Or if it is hotter than blue blazes, can we appreciate a sudden frost? None of us really seems to appreciate sudden changes, but sneaking up on a good cooling spell can be cause for celebration. Such is the weather, at least, today. Other situations can be managed or pretty much endured.

 

A visit from Hanan’s “other mother” happened today. She is a character. My dogs think that she is something special. But then, she has dogs! And she likes my two dogs, and they know it! Anyway, she has her two grandsons with her and her husband this week, so pray for her! That is only a semi-joke! Her husband has COPD and can’t sleep, so she does not get much sleep either. That has to be hard on her. And the boys sleep late every day and stay up at night. Argh!

 

Just got off the phone with Jennifer. She makes me feel so good! Talking with her makes me feel about 90 pounds lighter—without the dieting! Anyway, she convinced me to call the house keeper again and then to make a schedule for the lawn so that it would not be a surprise or otherwise a problem of needing to be done when no one is available to do it. SO much needs to be done to this yard. But yours truly is not going to be doing it—probably at all and certainly not this year. Of all the things that really cause a nasty back ache, hitting lumps and bumps on that mower can really cause havoc! Jennifer’s favorite comment: “It’s only money, Mom. You can’t take it with you!” She is right, of course, but when you spend most of your life trying to keep from spending money, it is a hard habit to break.

 

Sylvia is lying down on a pillow on the couch holding her dinosaur in her mouth. It only has one front leg, but she does not care. And it still has one squeaker. Think this one was a gift from Michelle Malay. She seems to find the perfect toys! At least, Sylvia thinks so.

 

Sharon Dickerson has been praying for a friend of theirs that has had surgery for cancer on her adrenal gland. Some days make me want to cry for all the folks that are having to deal with pain and suffering caused by cancer and other diseases. And then there is my grand nephew Jacob who has juvenile scleroderma. They put in a port recently that they had to open up for the first time this week. That was not fun at all, but all the tests they did came back with good results. The medication is helping his skin and bones to be able to have more elasticity in them. So, he is growing! And his liver functions are good and no heart, stomach, or brain problems. Praise God! So many prayers have gone up for Jacob and his family. It is obvious that God is blessing them.

 

The showers we had earlier did not really do much for wetting things down, but we will take whatever we can get about now. At least we are not up to our eyeballs here as they are in Detroit, Chicago, or even in Missouri! Those folks are getting rain by the washtubs!

 

Thompson was upset by the fireworks last night, so maybe he will be better tonight since none have been exploding close by. But then, it is not dark yet. Argh!

 

Have a few things to do out back with the hens. Have already given them clean water and thrown out a bit of scratch. You’d think they were starving to death the way they go after that scratch. They have feed—mash and pellets—out in feeders, but scratch is different. They can see the corn in it for one thing. Oh well. As long as they are happy…

 

Since the world is such a mess, it might help to pray for peace. And then we can pray for others and their peace of mind. We know the One Who provides the ultimate peace. Let us rest tonight in that assurance. You are loved.

Happy Surprises!

 

Happy Surprises!

 

When Lewis’ younger cousin got something he did not expect, he called it a happy surprise. Well, that is what has occurred around here today: happy surprises. First, moving all the laying nests to the other coop stopped the broody hens from their stance. No more broodiness to be seen! Then Michelle Malay brought her sister Cindy for a short visit today. Totally enjoyed it even if the visit was short. Cindy lives in Juneau, Alaska, and is a special ed teacher, about to get her doctorate in that area of study with something to do with psychology. She seems like a very sensible person, which makes life more interesting for everyone around. Too many people think that a degree means that a person is special. Nope, not really. Compassion and kindness are what make folks special. If you don’t think so, you just haven’t met Michelle. Then the next thing on my list of happy surprises: nine eggs today! Amazing! Thought the hens were getting ready to fold up their tents and camp out under the deck for the rest of this summer heat! But they have surprised me. Maybe it will be just a bit cooler for the next few days.

 

We need to be praying for the folks in the Pacific Northwest! It is supposed to be 115 degrees up there. Those folks don’t have AC like we do down here in Texas. Fans, maybe, but not the refrigerated units that keep a person from dying in extremes of heat! Even a cool towel around one’s head and neck probably would not do the trick up there. And think how the animals are going to be dying if they can’t get to water. God bless them one and all.

 

If heat doesn’t get a person, other situations certainly can. Down in the area near Miami, that big building that collapsed has upped its count of dying folks. Not sure that the rest of the missing have even been found. Sad, just sad. The numbers vary, depending on the source, but so far, they have confirmed four deaths and about 159 missing. A twelve-story building that seems to be sinking is definitely a scary situation. Eventually, they will find someone to blame. That, too, is sad. When mankind builds on shaky ground and over an area that has salt marshes around and under it, why, what do they expect? We have tornadoes, droughts, wild fires, and really bad freezes and wind storms, but most of the time the land does not tend to create sinkholes here in this part of Texas.  Florida is famous for shifting earth and sink holes! Guess maybe the Hill Country and its limestone that breaks off into caverns is comparable to the sinking grounds in Florida, but very few folks would build a 12-story building on that kind of ground. Meanwhile, think about the families who have no idea where their grandparents and parents are! God bless them.

 

Have no idea if it will work or not, but have given the dogs something called “Aller-Eze” with some beef flavored drippings and then some yogurt with a powder in it that is supposed to help them deal with heat and allergies. Honestly don’t know what to expect, but anything has to be better than having my critters itch. Gave them baths yesterday and used some stuff afterwards that is supposed to kill fleas, ticks, lice, and mites. Then gave Thompson a Benadryl. Poor baby. Know exactly how he feels!

 

Have been reading a book given to Hanan by John Rhoads called Notes and Quotes. It is uplifting and filled with wisdom from various people over the ages—and one of them is John himself. He was very kind to my youngest son. They hit it off for some reason. And for some reason, uplifting is what is needed very much today.

 

Hoping that three boys who went fishing down near Corpus Christi have had a great time and are headed back home. Know their parents miss them when they are not around. Kids make life much more interesting.

 

Have a couple of pieces of material here on my desk waiting for me to go find a needle and thread to hem the edges. This is a planned “patch” to sew on the backside of one of the panels of Mother’s “Flower Garden” that she crocheted back years ago. Finally had to just guess at the years, so am going to say 2000 to 2005. Know that the man who gave her the thread died in 2008, so it had to be some years before that. He was always coming up with neat stuff and bringing it to Mom and Dad. Of course, Ralph, or “Boomer” as Dad called him, always wanted something back in one way or the other. Think he got some pretty good deals along the way. If nothing else, Mom fed him. Don’t think his wife liked to cook and never did unless she just had to. Can’t imagine!

 

Just looked at the weather forecast for this next week. Hallelujah! From Sunday to Sunday, we won’t be having anything like the 90-degree stuff. And that means we can breathe and maybe even go outside to fight off the skeeters! Have plenty of OFF at my disposal, however. Will even spray the dogs! Decent weather is a big blessing in my book. Heat just about does me in. Well, deep cold doesn’t exactly make my day either. Oh well.

 

Honestly don’t know much. Jennifer and Gary are on their way back home today. Have been praying for their safety and hoping that they do not have any more crazy stuff to run over in the middle of the road. As it is, they were nearly an hour just getting through one area of high traffic. SO glad not to live anywhere like that!

 

Let’s appreciate all our blessings and hold out our hands to those we can help—or at least pray for those we can’t reach. Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Cross Ventilation.

 

Cross Ventilation!

 

It has looked hot to me, but not wearing feathers makes the mornings extra special for sitting out on the deck around the workshop. Not so sure my girls feel that cool, even in the morning. So today a small section of the siding on the long coop was removed right behind their perch. It is not too large so it can easily be covered late fall or early winter, but for now it will give the girls some added ventilation in the coop. Just can’t stand being miserably hot, so feel for them. As it is, they gave me eight eggs today to fill out a carton for a dozen. Proud of my silly girls. Even the dumb clucks who are walking around with their feathers in attack mode make me appreciate the hens. Broody or not, they are pretty good critters for watching and for laughs. Took all the nests out of the little coop so the broody hens had no idea what to do with themselves! Giggling. The nests were fine in the middle coop, and the hens who are laying eggs made good use of them. Meanwhile, moody, broody dumb clucks settled down in the diatomaceous earth in the little coop. Not sure just what they think they are going to do down there in that dirt, but they don’t want to move, so there’s that. Oh well.

 

Made an appointment with a Dr. Baird after a recommendation was made a few years ago by one of Jennifer’s friends here. Jenny Berend Wells told me that it was a good place to go. Have not seen a dentist in years! Would not have done so now except for my own stupidity. Need an adjustment to a partial plate and won’t EVEN tell you why!

 

My two dogs were still scratching even after all the things that had been applied to help them—including the use of Benadryl. So, a bath made their fur feel better, but the funny part of it was Thompson. Had them in the big bathroom and told Thompson to get out. He quickly made it out the back door to the grass and rolled—naturally. Then he hit a bee line and came BACK inside to the bathroom and stood there waiting for his towel drying. He KNEW he missed something! That dog! When Sylvia was finished, she got her towel drying and then barked at Thompson who was already happily lying in the big middle of my bed! Never a dull moment around here!

 

Had spaghetti squash for lunch with fresh garden tomatoes and salsa on it. The tomatoes came off the vines on the ramp next to the front porch. And yes, they are totally wonderful. Just not enough of them! Have three small ones left and one smaller, plus a really small one. They will do to make me drool for more until maybe someone might just kick me in the backside and make me go down to the Farmers’ Market this weekend. Getting out is hard right now. Getting into and out of the truck is such fun, and then there is walking. Oh well. Have to make up my mind as to whether or not it is worth it.

 

Want to go to Megargel and try their Double B café. Will have to look at a map and see how to get there, among other things. Connie said it sounds like fun even if we don’t get to eat something like cheese cake and brisket sandwiches. Getting out CAN be fun if someone else is driving. But her truck is even higher off the ground than mine! Oh well. Stay tuned for the adventure along about the middle of next week!

 

Have been looking at some gardening books for this part of North Central Texas. By gardening, think flowers. Some things are just impossible for my hill, and other things are impossible for me. For instance, lantana makes me ill with allergies. And any kind of low growing juniper or bush that conceals the ground has a tendency to worry me because of snakes. In fact, have planned to trim my nandinas back from their bottoms because they are hiding the ground. Anyway, trying to think of something that will be carefree and still work from one season to the next is not the easiest thing to do. Last year the front flower bed was totally filled with poppies. The two years before that it was zinnias. This year the blue bonnets and some coreopsis have taken over after the blue bachelor buttons started to die back. The poppies did well enough this year, but the rain made them and the blue bonnets look mildewed after they began to die back. Ugly! Anyway, that mess is mostly cleaned up even if it is not as grass free as it should be before anything else is planted. Wish my get up and go were not quite so lacking. Maybe sitting down on the little green stool would work for my back. Hmm.

 

Had to go out and clean the hens’ water for the second time today. Danged birds keep using their water dishes for bird baths! Guess if my common sense had not taken a hike, a real hen water bowl could be used instead of those deep dishes. But the water dishes for chickens don’t allow my dogs to walk into the bowl and get a drink. Would you like to know WHY the dogs walk into the bowl? Once a dog has had its nose burned by hot water—which happens when the water is exposed to sunlight all day in a Texas summer—that dog will “test” the water with a foot. It took us forever to figure that out with the last dog, but then it finally made sense. It is hard to find a perfect place to put their water bowls. The crepe myrtle speckles the water with white blossoms, but the hens don’t care. And yes, the dogs have a very nice water container in the kitchen, so they don’t have to strain the blossoms through their teeth after the breezes fill the bowls full of white froth! Don’t animals make life interesting!

 

Have things on my mind this evening and probably should just go read a book or something. Some of the things we tend to think about might never happen in our lifetime, but it does not stop us from considering the possibilities. Suffice it to say that the “news” about all the different problems with vaccinations is beyond crazy. My daddy had a saying that every person older than 20 has probably heard—da**ed if you do, and da**ed if you don’t. In the case of some businesses, the way they treat their employees who prefer to have a choice—well, someday we are going to look back and think that we were all idiots to accept something that was not proven and then treating others horribly if they refused to believe whatever lies we were hearing at the time. Meanwhile, this old woman is going to pray for the children who have been vaccinated and are having repercussions as their immune systems attack their own defenses!  May God bless our children and young folks.

 

Rest well, my friends. Pray for the peace that seems to always elude us. But meanwhile, know this: you are loved.

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Pictures.

Beautiful Pictures.

 

Recently everyone and his kid sister has been posting pictures of flowers, gardens, birds, sunsets/sunrises, more birds, cats and kittens, puppies and beautiful dogs, and the occasional horse or donkey. Everyone of those pictures has been pretty appealing, but today my daughter and son-in-law posted pictures of Galveston and the ocean off the beach where they are staying. The sunset was gorgeous, but the stormcloud off over the ocean was something that really appealed to me. Can just imagine the rolling thunder coming up to silence the roar of the surf. Even though my little hill just sees and hears a few storms this time of year, the thunder and lightning make life interesting. Standing out on the deck during a storm protects one from the hail, rain, and most of the flying debris, but it still allows the rain to drive in sideways to soak whoever is silly enough to stand there. Still love to do that! Anyway, am hoping that this dose of nature and ocean will help relax my two kids and let them enjoy just being.

 

The neighbor who owns the field below my place was out mowing in this heat. He has finished now, so the rest of us can sit back and wait for the influx of rats, bats, and elephants—or at least a few snakes and wabbits! Not sure if he got a notice from the City of WF or if he just knew it would be a really good idea to mow before the grass dries out and will burn so easily. It does seem that yours truly concerns herself overly much with the possibility of fires, doesn’t it! But noticed this morning that the freakin’ fireworks stand has gone up down on the edge of Archer County—just across the line from the old Lake Wichita spillway. Despise, hate, loath, and otherwise feel infuriated by fireworks! Yes, we popped a few firecrackers as children, but around this lake, thousands of dollars-worth of fireworks will go up in racket and smoke and sparks! Every animal known to God and equipped with hearing will fear for its life as soon as those fireworks leave that little building. And then the fire department will have its hands full for a week or so. Sad, just sad.

 

Got the boxes and bags of shtuff taken over to Faith Refuge Store this morning—after the second trip. They don’t open until 10 a.m., but when they do, it is a VERY busy place. A nice man quickly and quietly unloaded the backseat of my truck and then thanked me. SO glad they have folks out there to unload vehicles. It would be a mess otherwise. As it is, they have this great big, big dumpster out to the side for the trashy stuff that can’t be sold. My old sneakers probably should be tossed in there. Oh well.

 

Just put out some fresh water and feed for my girls. Not sure just what temperature it might be under a broody hen, but dearly beloved, the egg pried out from under one of the Cuckoo Marans was very warm! Some other hen laid the egg, but the Maran took it over to “care” for it. Nary a rooster on this hill, but she thinks she needs to incubate that egg! And yes, John Pollard, the hens may think that they need a rooster, but the City of WF says otherwise. Not going to argue with “shCity” government. They think everyone has to obey every idea that comes into their heads for as far back as the founding of the city around the falls! Would like to talk to those little Indians and their squaws about how deep it runs around here. Ahem

 

Just thought you might like to know: it’s windy up here on Dickerson Hill! The other day when moving Jerry’s trash bins over into his yard, made them lie down on their sides so the lids would not go flop, blam! every time the wind caught them. That kind of noise is a bit irritating when sleep is necessary. Oh well. JoAnn will figure it out or not when she comes to fill them up again.

 

Thought about going to either Michaels or Walmart and getting some fake flowers, but then read something about Dollar Store stuff that would do just as well. Want to take some out to Riverside in Byers the next time it is cool enough to drive out there. Connie promised to go with me, so that makes me feel better. Would hate to get out there and not feel able to get around by myself. Don’t even know anyone out there any longer. Well, come to think of it, Carol Pearson lives out there. Don’t have a phone number, but know she is there. Used to know several folks around there, but most of them have moved on, and the ones under the stones would not be much help if it was needed. That happens as we get older.

 

Read some stuff about khaki weeds and how to get rid of them easily—well, more easily. Paul Dowlearn runs a nursery and said that smothering them with other vegetation—clover or heavy grass—will kill them. SO, fertilizer on the grass and more grass seeds will kill the danged weeds! Who knew! So will see about getting something with grass seeds and fertilizer from Sutherlands. That should work, maybe. Just will have to be careful not to burn what grass is already there. Always something.

 

About as dumb as a rock tonight, so will just tell you that you matter. God knows what we need and who needs us. So, rest well, my friends. You are loved.

A Cleaner Shade of Closet!

 

A Cleaner Shade of Closet!

 

Started early this morning, but just a few minutes ago got the last of the stuff set out to bag up that will be hauled to the Women’s Refuge Store in the morning. Did not realize how many pair of pants are too big and needed to be given away! And then there were the things that will never be worn again—long sleeved and dressy or something that just no longer fits my idea of comfortable. A couple of jackets were in that mess as well. Some long fuzzy socks that go past the knee! Imagine that if you will! This is the perfect weather for cleaning out a closet. Turn on the AC and a fan, sit down on the end of the bed, and then fold until nothing more will fit inside the plastic holder! Oh! And some of the things that were found inside my suitcase made me gasp! The ONLY copy of my thesis was packed away in a suitcase along with one of the last published copies of Grammar to Go. SO glad that looking into each suitcase included finding those two items. Anyway, they are now safely tucked away to be “lost” to my memory again—well, not likely. They are sitting here in the bookcase in front of my computer, so there!

 

Was outside in the back when the dogs started having fits to let me know someone was here. The boys came over because their dad told them to come. Did not expect them at all. But was glad to see them. They did some weed eating and other stuff before they leave tomorrow on a fishing trip for the week. It sounded like fun! Here’s hoping that they enjoy every minute of it!

 

Just tossed the broody hens in the baby pool again. Eventually they will either stay out of the nest or start running when they see me coming. Still got eggs today—eight this time. This heat is hard on all of us!

 

While we were here in the living room talking, my griping about TV and the fact that my Firestick was not working got an exceptional reaction—one boy knew what to do! So now my TV will talk back to me again! How about that. Thought it would have to wait until one of the kids came up. Now to find something that is enjoyable to watch. That can be a challenging situation.

 

Had spaghetti squash with cheese and salsa for brunch. One of the boys noticed the squash seeds and asked, “Pumpkin?” When told it was spaghetti squash, he declared that someone else could eat all the squash ever produced. NOT his cup of tea! Wondering if he has ever had really good fried squash or squash casserole. Of course, if Lewis heard the word casserole, his lip started to turn up. Poor man had no idea what he was missing. But then, he thought steak, roast, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes with gravy were the only decent foods around. He liked biscuits with gravy, but it had to be LOTS of gravy to suit him. Miss feeding that man!

 

Had a visitor earlier who came and stayed just a bit. She admired the flowers—especially the Hollyhocks. Told her that getting up in the morning and seeing the lake just starts my day off right. Been here on this hill for 53 years, so it is a good thing the lake is one of my favorite sights. But this year has been an exceptional year for another reason. We must have an entire flock of wrens around here. They sing from the north side, the south side, and right on top of the place! Of course, the mockingbirds and cardinals have been around here for years, but have never had this many wrens. Then Donny and Patty have a family of roadrunners. They don’t make much in the way of noise that is obvious to me. According to the computer, they make a clacking sound with their bills and some buzzes and coos. Maybe just not listening hard enough? With all the doves around here, the coos would be easily lost in their constant noise.

 

Seems a lot of moving around and back and forth motions going on over on North Church Street. Have wondered if the old man who lives in the church house/home might have passed away. Have not seen him in ages, but his wife has been out and about in her house robe in their yard. Guess it is not exactly of national concern anyway. They don’t come over this way any more than the rest of us go over there. Neighborly? Not.

Guess the City of WF decided to bale hay or at least get some of the high weeds mowed on the lot down the street at the end of Jerry’s place. They had two humongous mowers out there trying to get it down. Looks better now, but they could have made a bale of hay out of all that stuff. Maybe it won’t be a fire hazard now at least. Still, some bank owns the two pieces of property that touch on the back side of that lot and the front of N. Church Street. Both of those places look like whodathoughtit! One has already been on fire a couple of winters ago when a kid who was staying there built a big fire in the fireplace and walked off and left it. Had it not been for Donny, the place would have burned completely. Probably would have been better in the long run if it HAD burned to the ground. At least then the bank would not have to pay to have it torn down.

 

Finally got in touch with my friend in Mississippi who lives on a hill. We laughed about her determination to live high above anyplace that might flood. Being from Texas, she knows what happens in low areas of land. And some of these contractors don’t bother overly much with drainage in areas where they build new homes. Her home may not be brand new—it isn’t—but she made sure to buy one on a hill. Smart lady! We got in a discussion about quilts when speaking of trying to date when one was made. She has one that Mrs. Baker, our mutual friend, made for her. Beth brought the pieced top and some backing and batting to Bertha to sew together. Mrs. B did not like the backing and used a different, prettier piece of material. The result was a quilt that is good in both winter and summer—and makes for good memories, too. That is what would be neat if yours truly could remember the approximate date for Mother’s Flower Garden. It was probably between 2000 and 2005, but just can’t be sure. Guess it is not like anyone is going to care that much about its date. At least the thread given to her by Ralph Van Winkle had to have been received before his death in 2008. So here we go figuring timelines.

 

Bought some Jolly Rancher candy some time back and have a watermelon sucker in my mouth! Do you know why a Tootsie Pop is semi-better than Jolly Rancher? You simply cannot bite a Jolly Rancher until it is quite small! And it is the same from beginning to end—no chocolate middle!

 

After cleaning out the closet in the back bathroom this morning, it occurred to me that the chifforobe in my bedroom could use the same treatment. Am hoping to find a decent purse in there that will hold my gun and just a few things besides. Big purses are a pain—both physically and otherwise. But small purses never have enough room for diddly squat! And a good purse needs a shoulder strap rather than a handle. Am sure some women would not agree. Look at Queen Elizabeth! Bet she has never had one with a shoulder strap! Wonder if she EVER had to carry a diaper bag?

 

Read online that the Pizer vaccine may have caused blood clots in organs in umpteen folks. They said the same thing about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. But then, the same number of people have blood clots anyway! Who knows if it is the vaccines that are causing them? Anyway we go at it, everyone will eventually die. Some us of can get to a certain age and wonder why we even cared about living a little longer. And we are going to be so forgetful it won’t seem to have mattered to us anyway! Such is life.

 

Really am as dumb as a doornail this evening. Have a silly book started and may or may not finish reading it. Sometimes things sound good when advertised and then end up being pretty “precious” and totally uninteresting. Think this is going to be one of those situations. May just spend some time trying to get on Libby for WF and see if they have Remarque’s The Night in Lisbon about WWII. The boys said that they would like to read that one, so guess who has to read it first.

 

Let’s all rest in the knowledge that we are and have been so very blessed. Take time out to tell others how much they matter to you. You never know who might really need to hear that. For now know this: you are loved.

 

 

Cool Relief!

Cool Relief!

 

Seventy degrees! Wow! Thunder, a breeze, some lightning and just a lovely feeling of refreshing coolness belong to us this afternoon. Truly wonderful weather even though it won’t last long. Not going to complain even a tiny bit! Just would like for it to rain all night long and soak the ground good. Pulled some dead flowers and weeds from the front flower bed, and where the water hose had soaked the ground, it was easy to remove the weeds and stuff. Guess the hose could be left out there tonight despite the rain coming down a little at a time. Nothing is exactly soaked unless the ground oozes moisture.

 

Filled up the trash bin and squeezed in all the weeds and dead flowers—well, all that could be shoved in there. Still need to dig around in the dirt and get some places ready for more flowers. May go see Paul at Wichita Landscaping and see if he has any flowers that might make it through the rest of this hot summer. The petunias will still be ok, but would love to have something that has both color and the endurance needed for the coming heat. Maybe some rose moss or something small would work. Things that are taller have a tendency to get whipped here on this hill in the wind. Will have to think about it and maybe go over to his nursery.

 

Started trying to get my hens to leave the nests again today. Those two broody hens are absolutely determined! Why they are so contrary is beyond me! Bet if Lewis were still around, he would say that they take after me! Big grin.

 

Talked to my brother this afternoon. He has bought a house on his old farm close to where his former wife lives. Had called him to ask a question about the quilt that Mom crocheted. He thought it was the one that she gave to Marion. Nope, this is the one that she called her “Flower Garden.” Each flower is made of a different color thread. Jennifer took it home with her to Mansfield when it first came out of the parents’ house. Oh my! It stunk to high heaven of cigarette smoke, so Jenn cleaned it and got the odors out of it. The thing is king sized and heavy as all get out, but it is also pretty. Don’t know exactly when Mom made it or how long it took for her to do it, but thought maybe Sterling would know. Fat chance! Maybe Marion will know, but not holding my breath.

 

Sterling and Jacqui’s “new” house had to be stripped down to the concrete since the kids who lived there let everything get totally nasty and full of fleas. He said that they were going to have to use nuclear waste to kill all the bugs! But they are also remodeling, putting in a new shower, new bathroom, new kitchen, and lots of new windows. They also have a fenced yard to keep their little dog from getting out. Sounds like they are going to be very happy with it. Think his son Terry is buying their cabin near Gentry so that will help them pay for the renovations on the new place. Anyway, life goes on.

 

Shelby brought a box of beef by this afternoon, so just took a big pan of liver out of the oven. As soon as it cools, most of it will be placed into Ziplock bags and slipped into the freezer. Not sure if it is my imagination or what, but the dogs really like that stuff as much as the old woman does. Also cooked a spaghetti squash to use tomorrow. Love that stuff. Need to plant some out front in the herb box and see if it will grow. It is a little expensive to buy, but it is so much better than the regular spaghetti—no carbs.

 

Patti called me a bit ago and told me that she had a snake in her house. It was in the stuff that Donny had brought in and set inside the door—his fishing rods, fishing boxes, and minnow trap among other things. She called him and stood there with her dog to watch that it did not get away from her until he got there. Turned out to be a gopher snake, but it mattered not to Patty. It was a S N A K E!! So, Donny is going to get a lecture on where his fishing stuff goes from now on! Had to sit here and laugh to myself. Understand exactly how she feels. Had to tell her about the time yours truly went to the bathroom and sat down, looked up to see a pretty, shiny green snake looking at me from where it was hanging off the back bathroom door!! Oh boy! Donny had to come get that one, too!

 

Don’t really know much worth discussing. Thought Grayson might call me back, but he must be busy. The kids are always busy, though. Their lives are totally different from what mine was like at those ages. Again, life goes on.

 

Looking forward to seeing and visiting with Michelle Malay and her sister tomorrow. Probably should have gone to pick up some cookies or something today, but just did not leave home at all. Lazy ol’ woman! No excuse other than getting pretty set in my ways.

 

May you each find joy in all the blessings we have been given. Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

One of Those Days.

 

One of Those Days.

 

Ok, first the news of the day: My daughter and her friend were in the friend’s car on the highway in Houston and hit something metal. The tire had to be replaced, and the car has a humongous dent. Have asked Jenn to let me know when they get safely to Galveston. Sheesh!

 

Then talked to my friend Donna Reeves about her great-grandbaby. The mom and baby are going to be fine, but they have been through their share of drama since the child’s birth. Know that Donna is now breathing easier. At least she felt safe to come home unless they need her help. She said that the daddy decided to take off a month to stay home with his wife and new baby and their other child. Understand and am SO glad that they are able to do that. It makes a big difference.

 

Then yours truly made the mistake of reading a bit of news. Oh my! According to the Infernal Revenue Service or the part that decides who gets tax exempt status, folks who teach from the Bible are probably Republicans and are trying to get others to vote Republican, so that means that they CAN’T be tax exempt! Nevermind that Michelle Obama started her own tax-exempt service that gets folks to get out the vote for Democrats. THAT is different since it never even pretended to have any reference to a Bible. Sitting here shaking my head.

 

Going to have to stay away from the Jerusalem Post. According to articles there, the Israelis don’t think too much of the current president of the U.S. Can’t imagine why. Would never want any other reasons to come out to show folks why other nations can’t stand the person currently in office.

 

Then there is the possibility of decent weather coming up. The forecast went from 90% to 60% possibility for rain tomorrow. Oh! PLEASE let it rain! Yes, feel sorry for the folks along the Gulf, but danged if we can’t use a good soaking and some cooler temps. Not holding my breath, but certainly would love to see lower temps for a couple of days. My hens would appreciate the lower temps, too. They might even lay an extra egg or two!

 

Had looked up the profile on my friend Roger and his wife Susan to see what is going on in their lives—yeah, nosy like that, ya know. The last post by Susan said that Kelsey had a broken ankle! Hope she is ok by now. Think that was in April. Anyway, in case folks don’t know, some of us are the nosy types that check and see what is being posted and if you seem ok. Just a different kind of socializing. If we had porch rockers and could see across the street, it might be different.

 

This haircut might not be much on beauty, but it is certainly comfortable and cool. It pretty well startles me to look in the mirror, but it may just take getting used to it. Afterall, looking out from under a curtain of hair is no longer necessary!

 

Walking around in the back yard this morning and had to laugh at my critters. The hens think that some kind of treats should be forthcoming. The dogs just want to know if they and their expertise on chasing things might be needed. And no, no treats were handed out, and the dogs got to follow but not chase. They sighed deeply and lay down on the deck to watch me. This evening the water will have to be changed in the hens’ bowls, so then the dogs can play in the water again. Not sure if it is the dogs or the hens that get so much dirt in those bowls. The dogs have a baby pool, but the black bowls must taste better. Dunked the two broody hens again, but don’t think it made even a tiny bit of difference in their attitudes. They just keep going back to the nests. Oh well. Eventually something will change—or not. How long can a silly hen stay broody?

 

Put on a pair of pants this morning and was surprised to find that they were a bit tight. Now really! Know that exercise has not been one of the choices made often around here lately, but honestly had not thought that much food was being consumed. Maybe it was the popcorn? Did have to laugh at myself, however. The mailman brought an Amazon package today. Had wanted to order some coffee stuff that just tastes so good once in a while. The package delivered was four POUNDS of Café d’Vita. Dear hearts, that is a L A R G E pack of coffee flavoring. Will have to send a small Ziplock home with Michelle when she comes up on Tuesday. And then we will see if Connie likes the stuff, too. It takes two tablespoons to one eight-ounce cup, but still. Anyway, that should last a bit longer than the small packages. Grinning

 

Sharon Dickerson brought some Skin So Soft oil for my dogs. It seems to be helping them. Not sure if it keeps the creepy crawlies at bay or if it just nourishes the skin, but the dogs are not scratching like they were. Thank you SO much, Sharon.

 

Have just enough of a headache to make me think that the barometric pressure must be changing. Or maybe it is my attitude about life that keeps making me look over my shoulder at what is going on around me. Not much telling. But as there is not much likelihood of changing either the barometric pressure or the BS going on around me, will just take something for the headache and go on. Meanwhile, let us all be thankful for the love we have been given. They call this Father’s Day. EACH day is my Father’s Day. So glad to know that He loves me and all those in this world.

 

Rest well and find something to make you smile. You are loved.

 

 

 

Who You Gonna Believe?

 

Who You Gonna Believe?

 

My phone says 95 degrees. The gauge on the deck says 100 degrees. Guess which one is believable! It is just hot, hot, hot! Ah, but summer means fresh veggies, okra especially! Ready for some fried okra. But will let someone else do the frying right now. Would love to have fried okra, fried squash, and maybe some fried onions—rings or otherwise. Stir fried some red onion the other night to go with my last rib eye steak from Bill Brown’s Beef. Guess yours truly needs to order some more steak and liver. Visualizing the expression on my daughter’s face and giggling! She thinks liver is about nasty. My dogs love it, and it is good for us—me AND the dogs! Bought some expensive dog food that has to be mixed with water from Dr. Marty’s. It has liver from various critters in it plus veggies and fruits. Think maybe just cooking liver would do just about as good. The dogs eat the same food as yours truly most of the time. Well, they don’t seem to care much for cucumbers, cantaloupe, or apricots. But they like fried okra and squash. Smart critters!

 

Lewis’ cousin Jimmy and my sister-by-another mother, Sharon, came by this morning on their way to Quanah. They were going to a family reunion on the Pilcher side of Jim’s family. They were also intending to see about the sister-in-law who had not been expected to live while she was in Dallas Methodist Hospital. Not sure exactly what will happen next, but most likely she will have to be in a nursing home as she will be unable to care for herself. It is just sad to get in these situations. But life goes on one way or the other.

 

Sharon brought some material and showed me the quilt she was taking to her sister-in-law Paula. The quilt had a piece of material sewn on the back, and that piece of material included a picture of the woman who made the quilt and the story of how it came to be made. Her work really impressed me with Sharon’s talent. Anyway, she brought some for me to use on the back of Mother’s “Flower Garden” quilt that she had crocheted some years before we put her and Daddy in the nursing home in Henrietta. Jimmy’s description of how his mother felt he had been mean enough to put her in a nursing home reassured me that yours truly was not the only one considered a villain because of what we had to do for the parents. Jimmy said that she was probably angry for the longest, but then she also had become accustomed to the setting of the nursing home. My kids may have to do that some day as well, but here’s hoping that they won’t have to deal with a vicious old woman. God grant me the sweeter attitude that some old women develop!

 

Saw online this afternoon that the hospital here had misdiagnosed a broken back and told the person he had sprained some muscles. Another person said that our wonderful hospital said that the patient had strained muscles when it was obvious the ribs were making sounds while the broken pieces were rubbing against each other! This is the kind of thing that makes a person wish for a better hospital at the very least. We used to have a surgical center here so that people could have surgery without having to deal with United Regional. Wondering if another place is available. Not sure about Kell West or its availability to just any doctor. Lewis had a couple of surgeries there. The gall bladder surgery went very well with Dr. Thomas. The rotator cuff surgery had to be re-worked because the sutures caused a staph infection! THAT was a big mess! But apparently that had happened to others who had had that same kind of sutures. Can remember that Mrs. Sosebee’s son was messed up pretty badly after the sutures caused a staph infection in him. Wonder if anyone ever sued the company that sold that material.

 

Sitting here having some string cheese sticks to share with these two dogs! If they don’t get a small piece every bite or two, they give me the most betrayed look! Tossing small pieces to Thompson is pretty much entertainment. He can catch just about anything in the air! But if the tosses slow down, he comes right up beside me to nose my hand or lay his head in my lap. My dogs are NOT spoiled rotten; they have always smelled that way!

 

Michelle Malay called to say she would be by this next week. We talked about some of the things a recent widow has to do and the decisions that have to be made. It is different for each of us in some respects, but nothing makes living without our husbands any easier. Anyway, let us pray for peace of mind for those who must live their lives without the love of those with whom we have grown up and older.

 

Caleb Williams, one of Hanan’s friends with whom he went to school after we took Hanan out of public school and with whom he drove to CA as soon as he had finished his GED, texted me today and forwarded a picture of Hanan in a friend’s house in Ramona. He was such a sweet boy and so loving back then. So wish that he had never met the girl who messed with his heart and threw him away! If it were possible to break a person’s spirit and heart by withdrawing any affection, she did it. And yes, it still makes me angry. But life will do to others what they have done. God can offer forgiveness.

 

Gary and Jennifer are on vacation this week. Hoping that the storm off the Gulf does not cause them any problems. Maybe their accommodations will be just perfect for them so that they can rest and have fun! Everyone needs some fun once in a while, especially if the folks work all the hours that these two kids work!

 

When Jimmy and Sharon saw my kitchen this morning, they were so proud of Grayson for painting it for me. They thought it really looked nice. Yep, it does indeed! Something there is about a fresh coat of paint that makes things feel better.

 

Have one more in a series of books to read. These are the Whodunit books that are more than just scary stuff. Love the attitudes expressed about researching folks and finding out the backgrounds of all these people. This kind of writing always teaches me something even when it is just something about food or how certain laws work to protect the criminals as well as the victims. It is almost scary to see that those restraining orders are absolutely useless. And it is pretty understandable why police officers get disgusted by the fact that criminals can be released almost before the officers get the paperwork filed that put them in a holding cell to begin with! If someone has the money—either ill-gotten or otherwise—it is almost impossible to hold someone in jail unless an officer saw the person shoot or stab or otherwise attack someone! And even then, a good lawyer could get a person out of jail easily if there is enough money involved. That would never happen in my life. Two dogs and eighteen hens would probably be on their own! Oh well.

 

Don’t know much tonight except that the weather forecast for Monday suggests 90% chance of rain. JOY to the world! Yes, it makes for humidity, but that rain makes the ground so much softer and the earthworms so much more active. Could definitely use a couple of cooler nights for a good night’s sleep! Not going to need do anything except open the back door to listen to it rain if it decides to rain at night. Just love the sound of rain and the smell right before it rains. Ah, nature is wonderful, despite the heat and the freezing temps at times.

 

May you all find joy in what God has given us in our lives. Give love where you are able, and take care each day to appreciate what is around you that brings you happiness. Life is short, but it is full of surprises. Rest well, my friends. You are loved.