Pest Control.

 Pest Control!

 

Not as if the neighborhood has not already been inundated by rats and mice, now someone has just finished mowing the jungle down on Texas Street. That means we can expect another influx of rats, mice, snakes, and whatever else that has been living in that tall grass. Bobby Waller kept old cars down there in his yard. He is dead now, but the cars are still there. The house is empty—just another empty house in this two-block area. Two are in this block, one on Texas Avenue, and three are in the block between my road and North Church Street. It truly seems that the city has no problems with allowing empty houses and their lots to just get overrun by weeds, critters, and assorted trash. Yes, a certain old woman is terribly gripey tonight. Just ordered a covered rat trap from Amazon that might accidentally do the trick. It looks as if it will be large enough to kill a rat. And it is reusable. Plus, it is made in America. So there’s that.

 

Have not felt great today. Woke up at 3:30 hurting for some reason. Got up and chewed up a gummy. Woke up again at 6:55!! That NEVER happens. Might have to set the alarm tonight since my sister-in-law plans to be here in the morning around “6ish” to leave for her doctor’s office. Hoping all goes well for her. Cataracts are not the big deal they once were, but still.

 

Something small bit me the other night. Not sure if it was a little spider, a bull gnat, or what. It does not act like a mosquito bite, but it itches like one. Usually, the OFF spray keeps the skeeters from getting me, but this happened inside the house. Such fun. Guess spraying the house again could not hurt anything.

 

The Fed-Ex man came today with a trainee and my Chewy order. The dogs are currently begging. They have some kind of “bones” that stink like peanut butter. And they are eating them so fast that it makes me wonder if they are just hard slices of peanut butter! This Fed-Ex man has been a very nice young man. But it seems like the new one will be nice as well. SO glad that he is a nice one. Jennifer says that the one who comes to work to deliver and pick things up is a total dipstick. Guess that happens with any company.

 

Finished two books and started one of short stories today. The first two books were about dogs and the people who train them. Very interesting! Dogs are so very talented. And they can help folks who have PTSD or other problems more easily than any medication out there. The search dogs who find specific drugs, bugs, or other things are very valuable, too. It is truly difficult to imagine paying $12K for a dog that can find bed bugs! Imagine what a drug dog must cost!! Can you imagine what the border patrol must pay for the dogs that find drugs, illegal aliens, explosives, and the like?

 

Put the hens up finally. Can go get a bath and maybe read a bit longer. The dogs don’t care what we do as long as they get to sleep either on the bed (Sylvia) or in the recliner (Thompson). My critters are not the least bit spoiled.

 

Let us pray for those tonight who have suffered through the latest traumas of flooding, fighting, uncivilized mayhem, and assorted criminal activities. May God forgive us our inhumanity to man. May He give us peace with His love.

 

Rest well and look for ways to express kindnesses. You are loved.

 

 

Confessions of a Goof-Off!

 Confessions of a Goof-Off!

 

First is good news from AnnaBeth Graf: “We were blessed. House is fine—maybe a few shingles. We escaped IDA’s fury but are still in alert mode for the tornadoes being ‘spun up’ as they say, in a wide area. Even where my sister lives two hundred miles away, straight east in Florida. My beautifully landscaped yard is pretty sad, but I can live with that. I still have a house. Thank you for your prayers.”

 

Honestly, if you never remember anything else, remember that your prayers matter. God hears. His answers may not always be what we want or expect, but He does answer. His love never fails.

 

This has almost entirely been a goof off day for yours truly. Fatigue and orneriness abound on some days. This was one of them. Other than changing the water for the hens and giving them feed, just gathering eggs was the extent of my “work” today. Walked down to Patty’s and visited with her, talked on the phone with my good friend Michelle Malay, and heated up the leftovers from yesterday. All in a day’s work! Yes, laziness has happened.

 

My son managed to find the name of a plant that came up in my back flowerbed. Not many things actually grow out there other than grass because of certain beaks and claws that are covered in feathers. You know: hen scratchers! It doesn’t bother me if they scratch up everything, but they have nibbled considerably on the mint plants out there. Good thing mint is tough to kill.

 

While goofing off, the “news” was also totally ignored. Didn’t even post anything inflammatory on FB! How very strange. The dogs even seemed to enjoy the day off. Kinda sad to see one’s animals as lazy as this, but life is hard on them, too. Equal time for goofing off needs to be shared.

 

Know about as much as the screech owls that fly over the place every morning. Lately the moon has lit up the mornings so bright that a flashlight was not even needed. But the owls don’t seem to need the moonlight or flashlights. Must be nice. But this morning was overcast for quite a while. It was cooler, too. Yes! Fall can’t be too terribly far off. Some of us just really don’t appreciate the summer heat. Remind me when the temps get to 32 degrees and continue to fall. Sigh

 

Remember to pray with gratitude tonight and ask that those who are suffering without the help of electricity, wading through floodwaters, or otherwise in vulnerable situations can be aided as quickly as possible. May God bless our nation and our people. Rest and ask for His peace. You are loved.

Hurricane Ida.

 Hurricane Ida.

 

My friend AnnaBeth Graf sent me a couple of text messages today as Hurricane Ida hit Mississippi. She wanted to let me know that she was as prepared as she could be under the circumstances. She lives on a hill near the ocean. According to Bing, 62 hurricanes have been recorded in the Diamondhead, MS since 1930. The largest hurricane was Georges in 1998. The most recent Diamondhead, MS hurricane was Isaac in 2012. All we can do for folks living in the path of this latest hurricane is pray for them. It makes me feel helpless, but living in Tornado Alley here in Texas is not all that much different. We just never know when something will blow through here.

 

This weekend was the celebration of the Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred bike race. To each his own. At least this particular sport does not have people running into each other on purpose, and for Wichita Falls, the influx of money can’t really hurt our businesses. It is a VERY good weekend to stay at home, however. Even if one is not daunted by the extra traffic and all the extra bodies everywhere, just being around that many people is a great way to expose one’s self to any number of unvaccinated and contagious people. Guess who is staying at home.

 

The headlines in one of the publications read around here told about President Biden falling asleep while in a meeting—one on one—with the Israeli prime minister. Perhaps the situation could be worse. Maybe he could be carrying around the little football with the codes for nuclear war. Right now, my head is whirling around in amazement at some of the stupid things happening in this world. That is just one that makes me sad. What a major disparity between even the most ineffective president in our history and this one.

 

On a funnier note, it took two men to accomplish what Donny Anderson used to do in a day taking care of all the mowing and weed eating down on his property. The amount of dust and flying grass was also pretty wild. The man on the mower had the deck set low enough to almost scalp the ground. Oh well. It won’t need to have them cut it again for a while unless we get some major rainfall. Well, the same could be said of this place, to tell the truth. Mine may not be quite that short, but it is definitely short. The hens don’t seem to mind, however. May have to try to get some greens for the hens to nibble on soon. They ate a watermelon this week that made them go around making messes. They loved it!

 

Cleaned the truck out and washed the floor mats. It was an involved affair that required getting out an extension cord, taking the shop vac out front, using cleaner to get some stains out of the carpet, and wiping down the seats, the pockets on all four doors and the back of the seats. Threw away two completely ragged rolls of toilet tissue that a mouse had gone through. What a mess! Cleaned out the console with its four cup holders. Did not expect to find mouse pills in there for some reason. Should have known better. Anyway, a trip to Wally World is going to be required unless Amazon will send me a new filter for the shop vac. Not being able to see the actual size of the filter might cause some problems, so may just make the trip over to WW. Or not. Really don’t want to go anywhere right now.

 

Anne has to be at the surgical center at 7 a.m. on Wednesday. She is driving over here from Henrietta, so that means she will be getting up very early. It is not a problem for me to get up that early, but she is not exactly a morning person. So thankful she can drive over here in the dark. Yours truly does not see well to drive in the dark. It scares me to face bright lights while driving. Have done it, but it is definitely not one of my favorite activities. She can remain here until it is time for the doctor to check her eye again, then she will either let me drive her home or drive herself back to Henrietta. She should not have to wear the shield to drive home.

 

Cooked the last package of ground beef today with a large purple onion and four small potatoes. Not bad eating. It needed some kind of spice other than Mrs. Dash, but will add some more spice to it tomorrow. Just did not want to put anything in that might cause indigestion this afternoon. Don’t even usually eat potatoes, but these needed to be used up. Potatoes are one of my “comfort foods.” Mashed potatoes and gravy just can’t be beat! Don’t want any fried potatoes, but have eaten some fried ones from Chic-Fil-et that were excellent. My grandsons have great ideas for nibbles! And now my granddaughter works there. Lance says that she is only in it for the money, however. Not sure she really likes the food all that much. She is so slender that any calories would be burned up from whatever they could feed her! Busy girl!

 

Sylvia decided to ask for treats today. The only ones left were dog biscuits from the feed store. She didn’t care. Thompson didn’t even bother to come ask for one. Not his bag! They are not spoiled dogs. But they are well loved.

 

Plan to do some reading tomorrow. Almost finished with all of the Murdoch Mysteries! Some of the episodes are really pretty stupid, but some are excellent. One today was about a rabies vaccine that could be developed as a one-shot preventative. It reminded me of what our dogs take every three years now. Some of the ideas show how microwaves were originally developed and how some governments wanted to use the microwaves as a weapon. It seems to me that sound waves or vibrations were developed at one point as a battlefield weapon. It reminds me of how some of our diplomats have been injured by sound waves or something in some places in South America and other countries. Scary. Again, whatever man can imagine, he can develop. Not always a good thing.

 

No one can imagine what the future may bring in our lives and in international problems. We know the ultimate answers lie in the hands of God, but meanwhile mankind must suffer from our stupidities. Let us pray that God will bring His government soon. May we be found as faithful servants who show love to and for others.

 

Rest well and find joy in each day, my friends. You are loved.

Kettle Corn!

 Kettle Corn!

 

Umm. Lance bought some kettle corn at Wally World when he was here, and today has been the first time any was made in a very long time around here. Not sure just what the ingredients are besides corn and oil, but it tastes somewhat sweet. Delicious! Know popcorn does not usually sit well, but can make an exception at least once—even more often perhaps!

 

An entire day’s work was accomplished before 9:30 this morning. Know it was really too much for one old woman to do—at least at one time—but so happy to have the things done around here. Finished mowing the back yard, emptied the dog’s bath water, no small task since it takes a bucket to dip it out and pour it on the grass. Cleaned and refilled the dog pool; weeded the front flower bed using the weed eater since a certain person no longer gets down to pull the weeds; scrubbed the big bathroom floor and the baseboards in there; and managed to give Thompson a couple of Benadryl in cheese without him suspecting anything. Yes, a nap was also part of the day’s activities. Patting self on the back and waiting for regret to set in later this evening. Oh well.

 

Sent some eggs home with D.G. and his wife Michelle. They have been down helping Patty with things today. And Mr. Couch, our mailman, let Patty know he was sorry for her loss when he brought her packages today. So slowly but surely a few things are making her feel better about life down there by herself. Know how very difficult that can be. We need to pray for those who have been left behind by those we loved. Whether it is this horrible virus or just life itself, readjusting to life alone can be pretty difficult.

 

Have been noticing that that the hurricane—Ike, maybe—is expected to decimate parts of New Orleans again. The elderly have been encouraged to evacuate, but just the logistics of removing one’s self from a situation like that would probably be overwhelming even for young, healthy people. And none of the hospitals in Texas are able to take any extra patients. How very sad that all of the hospitals are full to capacity or worse. It seems the world has become increasingly more dangerous in every manner imaginable.

 

It occurred to me that the words political and criminal have become more and more synonymous. Consider yourselves blessed that a diatribe about some situations made the old woman sit here, shake her head, and delete a paragraph or two. Suffice it to say that too many things in this world come from greed and corruption and too few come from caring concern for others. Let us continue to strive for kindnesses in all that we do and say. The only ones we can truly control to any extent are ourselves.

 

My hoe came home nice and sharp this afternoon. My thanks to Nikki and Stephen. No promises are being made about when it will be used next, but at least it will be sharp enough to get a job done now!

 

Thompson just informed me that he needed—“needed” a treat! My dogs are not spoiled! The hens feel the same way about scratch as the dogs feel about these silly chomps. Guess that is their kettle corn!

 

Rest well and find joy in your lives this day. Remember that fall is on its way with cooler temps and rain. Praise God for seasons! You are loved.

Small Victories.

 Small Victories.

 

Two rooms are dusted and mopped, another one is just dusted, and two dogs have had a bath. The dogs are outside in the heat drying off and rolling around in the grass, so not totally convinced the baths will have done much good. Oh well.

 

Ten eggs today! And Athena’s little white egg was among them. Besides being beautiful, she still produces one small dinosaur egg—tyrannosaurus clux, you know. The temperature gauge still says 100 degrees, so how they can stand to sit on a nest is beyond me. Beaks open panting, wings out from their bodies, and heat waves coming from them! Poor babies! But they got some fresh cantaloupe that had a bit of an earthy taste to it. Not bad, but not exactly prime fruit. But for free, who can gripe?

 

Have one curtain open slightly to watch for my friend Maggie who said she would come get eggs this afternoon. Can’t remember if she was one of those who wanted flower seeds. Guess she will tell me when she gets here.

 

Woke this morning around 3:30 and could not get my mind to hush. Sometimes sorrow and concern is hard to ignore or to leave in His hands. We become so accustomed to dealing with whatever comes up in our lives that we don’t know how to hand it over and not try to put our hands to the “plow” ourselves. All those sayings about keeping one’s eyes forward on the rows and not looking back don’t always take care of our tendencies. Regret lives in the dark hours of the night sometimes. Concern for others helps us to pray for them, but sometimes situations are much bigger than we are.

 

Just spoke with Sharon Dickerson, my sister-by-another-mother, and she gave me the blow-by-blow account of her struggle with a parking lot that would not allow her to leave. Tell ya what, Baylor Medical is making a killing on their parking lots! One place was $7 and the other $5, but remembering which level one parked on can be hazardous to one’s health—or it would be to me. Sharon said she managed to lose her wallet, which ended up in the floor board of her car. That alone is enough to frizzle one’s nerves. Then she paid $908.03 for the procedure. When she asked the man if she didn’t owe him some money, he looked at her with some trepidation and replied yes as if he felt concerned about the amount she owed. But she let him know that she was already aware and prepared! The best part was the phone call she got from Baylor while she was talking to me: her heart is good! The shortness of breath is not heart related! Praise God! Told her that my shortness of breath goes with my attitude and persistent struggles to accomplish all that is planned, whether or not the energy is present at the time. It is called stubbornness or determination, depending on one’s point of view. It runs in the family on the Pollard side. Think Jennifer inherited the tendency, but did not know that Sharon was that close kin to us!

 

Want to thank all of you for praying for Sharon and for my grand-nephew Jacob. It is obvious to me that prayers are definitely making a difference. Honestly believe that the only answer to the horrible problems facing this nation—the entire world—is to turn to God and ask for forgiveness. Before the sun comes up in the morning, my prayer begins with my requests for protection for my children, my nation, my home, and especially for those who have extra needs. God knows even when we don’t. The little girl who very fervently recited her alphabet answered the question about why by saying that she knew God could put those letters in the best order to help everyone who needed help. My prayers don’t necessarily encompass the alphabet, but surely He knows who needs answers better than the rest of us.

 

Have changed dog food and am hoping that the difference will help Thompson’s itchy situation. Poor baby. Once before we had some dog food that caused problems. Should have thought of this much sooner. Think Jennifer mentioned it some time back, but yours truly did not think that was the problem at the time. Silly ol’ woman!

 

This morning while standing out on the deck, someone off toward North Church Street kept making moaning sounds. A call to the police department garnered the arrival of two police cars who just shone a light over that direction as they turned north off my street instead of going over on Church to investigate. If someone was injured or otherwise in trouble, they would never know. It wasn’t for lack of concern on my part if something bad has happened. Yes, the sounds of the State Hospital echo over this hill, but these were east and south of my place. Oh well. Nothing like trying. They probably think this old woman is just a pest.

 

Learned how to delete messages in my new phone without having to delete the person who sent the message. Lance said he did not know how, so that made me feel a little bit intelligent—well, maybe just braver than usual. Technical stuff is sometimes quite beyond me. For instance, the little round thing that hangs from the ceiling fan light came off this morning because the sheet spread over the bed hit it and broke two links off the chain attached to the round thing. Had to take part of the chain down just to be able to take those broken links out of the piece, and then trying to reattach the old chain to the round thing seemed overly complicated. FINALLY got the things put back together and rehung. Simple, really, but it made me feel so terribly inept not to be able to just slip that section of chain into the little groove. Yes, an old woman sometimes just needs time and determination.

 

After mopping the living room this morning, went back and found a huge dust bunny. It fought back, but finally ended up in the trash. If it creeps out of that bin, will have to use something other than a wet mop to control it. Found another one on the bottom edge of my desk. It was already dead, so into the trash it went. How do they multiply so quickly? Only two dogs and an old woman should not produce this much “fur” or whatever composes those wild things! Can’t imagine how women lived with dirt floors and wood burning stoves years ago. Maybe clean had a different standard back then.

 

Listened to the owls making their clicking, screeching noises this morning while they circled around my house. Wish they were finding all the rats in the neighborhood. Did not see any in the coops this morning, but know the neighbors north of me have been moving their junk and stuff outside. Undoubtedly, they are stirring up rat nests. If the lottery winnings ever came my way—unlikely since no tickets are ever purchased here—would offer to buy that place and have it bulldozed. A junk yard is much more organized and less hazardous!

 

Just spoke with Patty and discussed her problems with the humongous rats. She put a plastic crate in a folding chair out by her door for the newspaper person. He put in the paper and the rats took it out!!! She thinks an exterminator is the answer to the rats and the wasps.

 

Will ask that all of you remember our soldiers and law enforcement officers tonight. May God protect them and give them wisdom.

 

Rest well and be happy. You are loved.

Taking Charge.

 Taking Charge.

 

When one is told that one will see a doctor for some particular reason, it seems to make sense that the originating office for a consultation would set up some sort of exchange of information and possibly even set up an appointment. Guess not. The doctor’s office had my information, but not any appointment at all. Of course, asking to make an appointment is not that difficult, but it seems it would have taken forever had the request not originated from me. The appointment is in TWO freaking months!! Good thing my pain is not unbearable. But at least taking my sister-in-law to have her cataracts removed won’t get in the way of this appointment. So, there’s that.

 

Today Patty told me that she is cleaning house one corner at a time. She seemed proud that she got Donny’s table cleaned off. Not sure which table she meant, but if it made her happy, that is all that matters. We discussed “widow’s brain” a little bit. The fog that comes with grief can make one do stupid things. Just ask me. Patty said the only thing she can say she remembers NOT to do is make any big decisions in the first six months. That length of time is not always possible, but perhaps it will work for her. Right now, she is concerned with keeping her place mowed and the rats at bay. Understand.

 

This morning a trip to the coops resulted in the sighting of one large mouse or small rat—whichever. Then standing on the deck, looked up to see a large rat headed across the electric wire to the rooftop! The dogs saw it, but it was not accessible to them, of course. Not sure how to stop such runs by critters, whether rats or squirrels. But at least the coops do not seem to be overrun by vermin at the moment. Maybe the poison, the pumpkin pie spice, the cinnamon spray, and the glue traps have influenced their traffic. Here’s hoping.

 

Have a head of cabbage that Lance picked up for me the other day. Think coleslaw sounds excellent for the next few days. An entire head of cabbage is a LOT of cabbage for one person. But it is also good for filling up one’s gut! Nothing like fresh veggies to satisfy the nibbles. Just need to pick up some carrots soon so the humus can be enjoyed. Miss the store that was on the corner of SW Pkwy and Kemp. It was so very handy. Now it is over a mile to Walmart or more to Market Street or United on Jacksboro Hwy. Oh well. Such is life.

 

Still have not started on the floors today. Yes, being lazy is one of my hobbies. Ahem. But at least no laundry needs to be done or dishes washed. The dogs are happy, and the hens are laying like clockwork. Need to call my friend Maggie and see if she needs some fresh eggs. Barbara wanted some flower seeds, also, so will call or message her as well. Just looked at my contacts on this new phone. Apparently not all of them transferred. Joy. Guess FB messages will have to do.

 

Dearly beloved, it is unbearably hot outside! Just went out to check for other eggs and found ONE. Can’t fault the hens for not filling up the nests in this weather. Even Thompson does not want to stay outside in the sun.

 

Got the coleslaw made and included the one apple. Probably would be prettier with one or two carrots grated up in it, but it is pretty good just as it is. Used the blender to grind up the cabbage and apple. Drained the water each time back into the blender so the good stuff was not wasted. Very tasty stuff! Was standing there thinking about salt and my mother-in-law. She once accidentally used salt instead of sugar in a cake she made. It was an embarrassment to her, but not nearly as disastrous as throwing the resultant cake out for her chickens. That was in the morning, and the hens who shared her cake were dead in an hour or so later. Chickens cannot have salt. Go figure. Mammals like horses, cows, goats, and deer can eat salt and even need it, but not fowl.

 

Sent my hoe—the dullest implement ever purchased—over to see if it could be sharpened. Hoping it makes it home soon. Each time the path to the water faucet is traversed, the khaki weed winks at me. Cruddy stuff! Filled two five-gallon buckets with the stuff recently, but there are probably six more buckets full out there waiting on me to assail it! A sharp hoe and a modicum of energy might do the trick!

 

Need to get out the zero-turn mower tomorrow and see if it still cuts. Hoping the blades are not ruined. Sterling told me how he lifts his to take the blades down to sharpen them. However, no overhead crane exists on this hill even if the knowledge and tools existed to remove the blades and sharpen them. Some people can make things sound SO simple. It must be nice.

 

Not especially energetic this afternoon—well, or this morning either. Therefore, not a lot will get done today or maybe even tomorrow. Laziness seems to be sprouting new shoots daily around here. Such is life.

 

Cari Guidry’s mom just left with a dozen eggs. She brought melons, spaghetti squash, and a good visit. She is a sweet, sweet lady!

 

You all probably know what the situation has become, not just here in the U.S., but in areas where our soldiers and citizens are in danger. Right now, our prayers need to be focused on escape, return, and safety for those who are trying to leave areas of extreme danger. The folks south of the border are being used as objects of political manipulation and profit for criminals. May they be released from such horrors. May God give us the common sense to turn to Him for answers.

 

Rest well and be at peace, my friends. You are loved.

Livestock and Wildlife!

 Livestock and Wildlife!

 

Everything from the bumble bees out front to the hens under the deck have been seeking shelter from the heat today. The wild birds have taken over the water bowls in an attempt to drink, bathe, and otherwise reduce the amount of heat under their wings. Very understandable! Supposedly it was 101 degrees, but the gauge on the deck was closer to 105 degrees. Whew! Went down to get the mail at 2:15 and nearly burned up just touching the mailbox! Lance told me that the temps are supposed to drop in the next few days. Could not be a minute too soon. Even the sage plant has wilted!

 

The dogs ran down to the corner of the east lot when my truck left the road to go to the post box. Came back to find two very hot dogs out back. They were definitely ready to come back inside to lie down under the AC. It certainly is understandable why the hens would not want to sit on those nests in the coops right now. Summer. Honestly! The veggies are the only reasons summer is worth enjoying at all.

 

Reminded myself of Keith Mattson watching the sunrise this morning. He often sees only clouds but manages to regale those who read his posts with at least one sunrise and one sunset. Or he will post pictures of his “psychiatrist.” That is a bird for anyone who wonders. Apparently, the psychiatrist has an office at a nearby lake. The pictures are cool and often close ups of various insects or birds. His pictures are as good as those posted by Ardie Jenkins. Both excellent photographers.

 

Ate the three squashes that Lance picked up at Walmart the other day. Did vegetables ever really appeal to anyone else the way that they do to me now? Beets, cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, carrots—need to pick some up soon—and other veggies make life interesting. Lance got some humus that need carrot sticks to complete a meal. Would never have thought that such foods would be my best enjoyment years ago. Mom’s tuna fish salad was about the only food other than her homemade chicken noodles that made my life happy. Noodles was my nickname as a child because it was the one food that never made Mom demand that it had to be consumed! English peas were the only food that made me feel as if it would immediately come straight back from whence it was put. Think Sterling felt the same way about English peas. Go figure. Mom should have known better. My children never had to eat any specific food if they could not stand it. It was easy to remember being forced to eat stuff. Bleah.

 

Finished off the excellent piece of cake brought over by Cindy Jones. She advised me that it was NOT chocolate cake despite the fact that it contained all the good things that made me think it was. But then, she also told me that her mom knew how to make pecan pie with beans!!! Simply cannot imagine!

 

Gathered eggs just now and brought it three more. The girls are really doing a fine job despite the heat. After six p.m. and the temp is still over 100 degrees!

 

Thompson killed another dove and did not even get scolded. Really do resent the fact that they eat as much as a grown hen! Did not see a rat out there this morning before daybreak, but the doves come all day long. Sigh

 

Still watching Murdock Mysteries. Some of these shows are really neat. It is like watching history unroll from the viewpoint of people who lived back then. It made me wonder how old Grandmother Pollard was when her parents brought her to Texas from Indian Territory. She told me she came in a wagon, but not sure if she was old enough to remember or just told me what her parents told her. She did tell me that she attended the Academy of Mary Immaculate when she was just a girl—nine years old maybe. She was a boarding student who came up here on the train with her daddy. At least, that is my memory of her story. She loved to dance, and her daddy took her out to the Pavillion at Lake Wichita when she was just a girl. They rode the street car to get there. She would be terribly disappointed to know that the Catholic school here has shut down and the land to be sold. Of course, Notre Dame was not on the land where the Academy was years ago. Think they have an imaging office and a surgery center there now. Times change and things go away. Sad, but true.

 

Have to go back out and shut the water off soon. Have the hose on the Jerusalem artichokes. The petunias are the only flowers that are holding their own right now. Everything else needs water and cooler temps. Sigh

 

Sharon Dickerson is having a heart test of some sort this Friday. Please remember her in your prayers. Just about any test is enough to make a person nervous, but one’s heart, head, well, just about ANY body part being tested can make a person nervous. My sister-in-law said that she was scheduled for eye surgery recently and became so nervous that she got sick. So sorry for situations like that. A person really needs a friend or family member to be there for them for medical procedures.

 

Yours truly has to clean floors tomorrow. It has become obvious that dirt and dog hair are about to take over the place. Walked into the living room in socks and could not put on shoes with dirty socks! Yep, time to clean the floors. Deep sigh.

 

Amazon got the new Britta water filters here today. Was trying to tell Lance about them but my phone called them Brittany filters. Told him the phone was using PRESUMPTIVE text rather than predictive. Still think that pretty well describes the situation. He thought Brittany was pretty good.

 

Thompson just informed me that the dog food bowl needed to be refilled. Poor, neglected dogs. The dogs have one of those gravity-fed water bowls next to the deep freeze right inside the kitchen door. From my desk it is a clear view of all the splashes around its rug. Not sure which of us is messier—me or the dogs. Oh well.

 

Really don’t know a bunch today. Took Patty her mail and walked the two critters around so they could go out the front way and mark their territory. It was too hot to stay outside and visit, so maybe some other day we will talk. Patty seems to be doing fairly well, but know how lonesome she must be. Just not having him there with his noise and assorted habits can be pretty depressing. Been there, done that.

 

Let us to remember those whose lives are in imminent danger, those who are trying to protect them, and those who are trying to keep the peace even here in Texas. May God protect us and those we love.

 

Rest well and find those things that allow us to be grateful for life. You are loved.

 

 

Fifteen Hens--Six Eggs.

 Fifteen Hens—Six Eggs.

 

Although Athena seldom lays an egg, it does seem that these hens should be producing more than six eggs per day. But such has not been the case in the past few days. Today one of the Cuckoo Marans had to be shooed off the nest where she was sitting on an egg. Here’s hoping that she is not in the process of going broody! Just eating and drinking should not be the extent of her production activities. But those sound so much like the old woman who lives here. Sigh

 

Woke up at a stupid early hour again this morning. It is just so very irritating to not be able to sleep all night. And then feeling sleepy all day makes for a rather dull person around here. The dogs and hens don’t complain, but seriously doubt that it would do them any good if they did complain. Some things are just not ever going to be fixed. But then, the dogs don’t mind sleeping all day and most of the night!

 

Got the sheets and blankets changed on the bed this morning. Look forward to sleeping on nice, fresh sheets. They always smell so good when they are put on the bed. No fabric softener or perfumed detergent is used, but they still have a fresh smell. Now if only the dogs could be persuaded to sleep in the crate or on the couch in the living room. Sylvia snores, too. Someone in the family says that yours truly snores, but surely that is an exaggeration!

 

Cindy just left after a lovely visit. We talked up a storm—well, not literally, obviously. But we definitely discussed family, friends, schools, and assorted things that only concern women. She gave birth to four girls and no boys. To have babies in three different decades just blows my mind. Thought filling up the 70s with babies was pretty wild, but having a child begin school as another leaves high school or college! Wow! Mine were blessed to be born within four to nine years of each other! My brother had three years before Mom and Dad had me, but we were fairly close. He still calls me today and checks on me. It makes life much more interesting to have a brother who still loves me.

 

You know, having family a person can talk to and friends who care about one, those are really treasures from God above. Knowing that we are loved makes a big difference in our lives. We pray for one another and our families. We may never meet another person’s children, but that does not keep us from caring and praying for them. Cindy said that she still prays for my grand nephew Jacob. And prayers for Cindy’s daughter, her son-in-law, and her grands happen around here, too. My prayers also cover a certain Sharon in the Dickerson family. But she knows that. So many of the problems we have seem to be lessened by the application of the prayers of those who love us. So we are truly rich when we are covered by prayers. Let us remember others often. We are spending our riches wisely.

 

Rest well, my friends, and remember to be grateful. You are loved.

Another Day, Another Lesson.

 Another Day, Another Lesson.

 

Lance may regret trying to teach his mother to use an iPhone. It seems she managed to delete her entire contacts list early this morning. She also has not been able to find the phone numbers of those she wants to call—just knowing the phone numbers so they can be transferred to paper might help fill out forms when someone wants to know the person to call in case of emergencies. Not that she can’t CALL the person in question—but finding the silly number may not be all that easy for someone who knows nothing. Maybe saying, “Hey, Siri, what is Jennifer’s phone number?” might work. Or not. Siri has a tendency to tell me she does not know when asked about things. Sigh This, too, shall be an interesting lesson in patience.

 

Siri just told me that it is about 97 degrees outside right now. And yes, it shows up on the screen, but it was fun to ask and get an answer. Learning things can be serious fun.

 

Met Connie Cooke at Whataburger for lunch today for her birthday. She turned 64 today. She does not appreciate the fact that Whataburger has discontinued whole wheat buns, and she is not too convinced that the burger has real meat on it. But she liked the fries. She did not fuss about the Dr Pepper either. So there’s that. She reminds me so much of her mom. Can tell you that the salad was excellent with grilled chicken on it. Brought home what was more than a body could eat and added avocado to it. The apple slices were fresh, and the dried cranberries were good, too. Yep, good salad.

 

Hoping to get my hoe sharpened soon. My old hoe disappeared somewhere, and the new one is about as sharp as yours truly! Hoeing up khaki weeds is next to impossible with a limited amount of energy. Maybe a sharper hoe will help to get more done.

 

Brought one of the rat traps inside and put it in the little bathroom. Found mouse pills back there! Yuck and stuff! Will have to check it in the morning. Think its entrance is too small for those large rats anyway. May have to get some of the old-fashioned kind that snap and take fingers if one is not careful. We used to have some, but who knows where they went? Will just have to put them on top of the hen coops where the hens can’t get into them. My luck they will catch doves instead of rats. Of course, one of my professors used to say about pigeons that they were just feathered rats. Not a lot of difference between pigeons and doves in my estimation. They certainly eat an enormous amount of feed.

 

Jennifer had some stuff delivered from Sam’s today. These are protein drinks that include some caffeine. They are called Café Latte. Mighty tasty! About two cups of coffee is my limit, but one of them can be this drink. Yuban is good coffee, but this stuff has both the lift and something that is supposed to be good for the body. Anyway, it is enjoyable. And my girl is so sweet to do things like this for me.

 

Stopped by the mailboxes on the way back from Whataburger and found that Patty had two boxes, a bag of pills, and some pieces of mail. She seemed happy to get the stuff. One of the boxes was quite heavy. SO glad that the post office will deliver this stuff to the big package boxes! Once in a while when the box is too large for those boxes, the mailman will stop at our houses to drop it off. Mr. Couch is very kind about bringing all the mail at the same time. Not too sure about the other mailman who works the other days. But he does bring the big boxes.

 

Sylvia practiced her fox hole digging this morning, and then Thompson had to sit in it. They are about too funny for words! She had dirt all over her mouth and face, but they got into a tumble and the dirt went everywhere. Then the hens needed to check out the dirt and hole. Ever seen hens finish digging up a hole? Well, these hens are super-efficient at removing any remaining dirt in a hole. Ah, and now the yard has another hazard to negotiate.

Someone managed to hide the treat jar behind a curtain and had to go get the box of treats out of the office. Now Sylvia is letting me know to “hand” her one. This is called hand feeding, despite the fact that she could reach in there and get the “bones” herself. My dogs are not the least bit spoiled. Thompson just looks at me with that “where’s mine” look.

 

Did more laundry today. Now it is all folded and put away, too. It included the clothes Lance left in the bathroom after he took a shower after mowing the grass. Was reminded that my daughter-in-law was not impressed with my laundry skills. Not uncommon for my white socks to go in the tub with the jeans and blouses. Whites do better if they are only put in with other whites, of course. Or even if the socks are mixed with towels. Oh well. Jennifer swears that Gary had to teach her how to do laundry after they were married. Probably true.

 

Forgot to call Dr. Ohman’s office today. Maybe they will call me instead of me having to try to find out when an appointment has been made. That would probably be too much to ask. Will try to write myself a reminder—and then actually read the reminder. Ahem.

 

Don’t know much tonight. Other than looking at pictures of pretty flowers and things like that on FB, have not been online very much. Honestly don’t think anything happy is going on right now, and the sad stuff is just a bit much. Did see a picture of a woman who grew up with my kids. She really looks good, and she was wearing a nautical themed blouse to go with the decorations in her classroom—fish all over the room! Some of these teachers are such inventive people. They, and the students, need our prayers especially right now. Remember all personnel who deal with the children—including the bus drivers!

 

Rest and be happy tonight. Let us be grateful for all blessings. You are loved.

Learning New Things.

 Learning New Things.

 

Ok, maybe we get smarter—or wiser—as we get older, or maybe some of us just stay the same no matter what. Trying to learn a different system using a phone should not be that difficult. But yours truly has entered a password oodles of times now to try to connect with Life 360 with my family on this new phone. It has not connected to anything as far as what it tells me. Oh well. Jenn and Lance can keep up with me with some other thing they have on their phones. Most of the time, yours truly knows where she is—more or less.

 

Jo Ann’s husband came and mowed Jerry’s yard today. Guess that means another pack of rats will be over to visit soon. Put out two traps this morning and have stuff out that might take care of the small ones. Saw one in the chicken coop early this morning that looked like one of those Norway rats—huge sucker! Wish the dogs could get them as fast as they surface! Despise rats—even worse than snakes.

 

Have done diddly-squat today. Went out early this morning to drink a cup of coffee and changed the water for the hens. Sat down on the yard swing and decided to lie down on it instead of just sitting. Fell asleep. Go figure! Came back in and did a few things before deciding to take a nap. Not sure why naps have become such a necessity, but no sense in fighting it. Maybe tomorrow will be a more energetic day.

 

My recent hair cut has decided to stand up on the left side and salute or something. Maybe it is the way my head lies on the pillow, but it certainly makes my head look off balance. Just amusing. Who knows! Maybe my off-balance walking has gone to my head!

 

The dogs have been happy to stay inside most of the day. Even though we have had much hotter summers, it seems the humidity is just a bit much lately. Gripe, natter, groan, whimper. It’s August in Texas.

 

Talking to Patty yesterday about the air horn she sent up here. Have not tried it. She tried hers and said it about blew her and the two dogs off the couch! That really made me laugh. Those two dogs act as if they are brave, but they scamper behind her at the least excitement. Can just see all three of them about having a warm water hemorrhage.

 

Have you ever had one of those things sent to you in your email where they want you to sign in to the hospital account so that they can tell you the results of tests or that you have an appointment? Well, yours truly had trouble with the passwords again and couldn’t get into the file. Therefore, no information is forthcoming from UnitedRegional—whatsit. Infuriating is putting it mildly. Why can’t they just call or send a regular email. Oh well. Tomorrow will see a phone call to a doctor’s office to see if an appointment has been made. And then maybe a call made to URHC or whatever the initials are now. Argh!

 

Because passwords have to be so complicated, it seems silly that a person can’t just use something familiar only to that individual, but passwords, in order to be considered “strong,” have to have numbers, keyboard characters, a Walt Disney nephew, and the forbidden fruit salad. Someday someone will invent something less likely to be lost or guessed at by some bad character who wants to hijack one’s accounts. So sickening to have to protect one’s property of all kinds just because someone has nothing better to do than steal things. We don’t have enough trees in Texas to take care of the rustlers—much less other varmints.

 

Really don’t have much on my mind tonight. Not that that situation is uncommon. But still trying to keep sane and avoiding the local news, the international news, the political BS, and even the weather summaries. Have ONE book that never fails to encourage me, and will just stick with the “news” in that one.

 

Rest well, and remember the One Who cares for His children. You are loved.

A Happy Day!

 A Happy Day!

 

Lance came up today and spent the better part of the day with me. Such fun! Worked his little hind legs off, too! He mowed, he shopped, he taught me how to use a new phone, and he hauled stuff back down to his house and to work. Both dogs got a bunch of unexpected attention as well. They were so happy to see him that they carried on out back until they could greet him inside the house. They MIGHT think that they have had a back scratch or two, but it would not stop them from asking for more.

 

After cleaning out all three coops and hoeing up a bunch of khaki weeds, my back was telling me all about it. So, Lance cooked our scrambled eggs for breakfast. The bacon was already prepared—did that while he was shopping at Walmart. It seems my new microwave does a lovely job of getting bacon quite crispy. Quite enjoyable. Crisp bacon and freshly laid eggs scrambled in butter—can’t beat that with a stick!

 

It is going to take a bit to learn how to use the new phone. It is about opposite to the old phone—the difference between an iPhone and an Android. Anyway, will practice when my patience is not already about run out for the day—or my energy level is a little higher. It has really been a hot day—well, especially humid, anyway. Walk outside and feel as if a sponge surrounds one’s body.

 

Lance unloaded chicken feed and dog food so all the heavy stuff is pretty well done for the time being. He called me from WallyWorld to find out what size bag of frozen chicken to get—the 3, the 5, or the 10-pound bag. My list had said a large bag. How a really big bag looks might surprise you! Told him to get the 10 pounds. Won’t be running out of chicken for a L O N G time! Oh well. And then he peeled an orange for me! Probably should have let him peel the other two oranges as well. Sigh

 

Think another tiny nap may be called for here shortly. Had lain down earlier for less than 30 minutes, but it helped. Just can’t quite get my back to stop aching. Gripe, moan, groan, and carry on! The dogs won’t mind as long as they don’t have to get up to let me share their couch—not likely! They take up the entire couch all stretched out from end to end!

 

Lance found a snap rat trap that might help out in the hen house. The package has two traps. When the rat is caught, one throws the trap including the rat in the trash. Kinda makes me feel wasteful or something. But the idea of not having to touch the rat makes me feel better about that.

 

Had pickles on my grocery list, and somehow pickled okra got in the basket and came home with Lance. We had pickled okra with our breakfast, too. He would not take the rest of the jar home with him, but he DID get to take a bucket of cut up okra home to be fried up at his house. Good stuff, Maynard! [Doby Gillis would be proud of us!]

 

My son makes me happy. He reminds me so much of his daddy. He even had a Lewis Dickerson walleyed fit today when he hit a brick with the mower. If you have never seen a walleyed fit, remind me to ask him to show you. Giggling

 

Have dishes to wash and then need to go check to see if the hens have been working in this heat. Have the gates locked and everything put away out back, so only things inside the house will really need any attention this evening. The hens have clean water, clean coops, and lots of good feed. Can’t supply grasshoppers or other bugs, but tomorrow is another day. Now to see about the next load of laundry!!! [Things never cease to get dirty!]

 

Let us pray for the peace that only God can give. May He strengthen our faith. Rest well, and find time to be grateful. You are loved.

Laundry--AGAIN!

 Laundry—AGAIN!

 

It never seems to fail that when one thing gets done, another pops up that needs to be done. In this case, of course, it is laundry, the constant efforts needed to remain semi-clean and non-stinky! The dogs don’t care how things smell, but some of us would rather not smell like wet dogs. And then, the couch feels and looks better with clean spreads on it that are NOT covered in dog hair. The floor is less of a problem, actually. A dust mop gets most of the hair and dirt, but wet mopping would probably take care of the rest of the mess. Every time it rains—and this is NOT a gripe—the dogs present themselves as willing stampers of their own distinctive signatures—four paws each covered in assorted types of mud and dirt. Therefore, the floors are often imbued with impressive splotches of the hairy beginnings of dust bunnies. Ah, such loving critters!

 

Other than laundry, the clean spread on the bed, the changing of the spreads on the couch, and cooking some chicken pieces, nothing has been accomplished around this old house today. Someone who shall remain nameless really needs to get out to the coops and rake up the mess the hens leave behind, but the humidity seems to slap one in the face as soon as the door is opened! Staying in under the AC just appeals to at least two dogs and one old woman today. Have gone down to pick up the mail, but otherwise have remained right here on Dickerson Hill.

 

Read that some of our soldiers were being shipped back to help bring Americans home from Afghanistan. Sitting here shaking my head and then praying for the safety and success of getting those folks back home. Whatever we think or however we feel about the reasons behind our withdrawal and its administration, we have to pray for not only our own citizens, but we must pray for those who were friends of America. May God bless and protect all concerned.

 

Sharon Dickerson said that she had to cancel the test for amyloidosis because the insurance company would not cover the test. Maybe it is just as well. Maybe what her problem is will be better treated by the doctors who already have her under their care. Sometimes the ones who are familiar with a situation are the best prepared to deal with it. Anyway, let’s pray that her breathing and her heart beat will level out for the best.

 

Truly looking forward to seeing Lance tomorrow. Have a list. Giggling. He asked for it. Maybe we will get all the things done, or maybe we will get a few things done. It doesn’t really matter to me as long as we get a chance to visit and enjoy one another. When our children leave home, all we can do is look forward to having them come home for visits. Their visits make life worth smiling about! Even the dogs love my kids!

 

Hoping the weather cools down some more soon. Know that folks like Roger Thonton don’t appreciate cooler weather at all, but this heat just about makes me wilt. Guess the world is full of different needs for folks who like heat or cold. And then there is England, Scotland, and other places where it rains more than anyone could ever appreciate! At least we have blue skies and lots of sunshine, even if it does get to well over 100 degrees in the summertime. And if we have another winter with the kind of freezes we had in February, well, let’s just pray that we don’t have that situation again! That was just entirely too hard on everyone and every critter.

 

The bird calendar picture yesterday was the “Splendid Fairywren.” It was a very sweet looking little bird of blue and grey. And you will have to admit, the name makes one wish to see one up close. If those little birds had been in my neighborhood years ago, can you imagine what tales we could have invented for fairies! Ah, nature’s delights.

 

Rest well, my friends, and find reasons to be grateful. You are loved.

Squash and Okra!

 Squash and Okra!

 

The only reason summer is good—fried squash, fried okra, fresh tomatoes straight off the vine, cucumbers, melons, cantaloupe—garden produce! Love it, love it, love it! Just fried up one large squash for din-upper. Also fried a double handful of cut up okra to go with the rest of the squash. Yum. Is there anything better than fried okra, squash, or fried green tomatoes? Not likely! Just appreciate the fact that Cari Guidry’s mom will drop off the stuff from their garden that they can’t use. The best part of the melons are mine, and the outer edges belong to the hens. They run to the deck when they think something might be forthcoming. Have you ever seen a dozen or more hens running toward you? Funniest thing ever!

 

One of my beautiful black-laced Wyandottes died yesterday. Not sure what caused it, but this is the third one to die of that breed. Not sure if a dog ran over her or if she became egg bound. Either situation is deadly for a hen. Anyway, knew one was missing as the count goes on each night before the coop is closed up. Only seven Marans now, and now only five black-laced Wyandottes. Three hens in the little coop—Isa, Rhoady, and Athena. Ah! And Athena laid another egg today! How about that! Really thought she was through laying eggs forever. They can only lay for so long before they totally run out of egg making materials in their bodies. And three years is a good run for a hen. Some can live up to ten years, but it depends on the breed and the conditions around them. Mine are free range, but they share the area with these two crazy dogs, so if they get hit by a dog, their life expectancy definitely goes to zero.

 

SO appreciate having a doctor that will let me call or text and ask for something without having to go to her office for an exam. Dr. Blackwell has common sense and knows her stuff. When something comes along that she doesn’t do on a routine basis, she finds a specialist for her patients. She has stopped taking any new patients for now, but eventually she will probably take more. If she were not my doctor, would have to find one like her or use Dr.com or something like that. Know that there are better ways to get medical help than to just use a doctor who stays so booked up that seeing one is next to impossible. A urinary tract infection should not have to wait two or three weeks for help! And calling a prescription in should not be a problem for something like that. Love being able to get what is needed when it is necessary!

 

The “news” of this world is about enough to make one sick. How we can face what is going on and is about to happen soon is frightening. But the only thing we can do is trust God’s hand in our lives. We can ask for His peace.

 

Please remember my sister, Sharon Dickerson, as she sees a doctor tomorrow about her heart. Let us ask God to give her peace of mind and good health.

 

Remember our teachers, students, bus drivers, and all other school helpers in the foreseeable future. May God protect and bless them in every way possible.

 

Rest and be grateful for all blessings. You are loved.