Stick a Fork in Me!

 Stick a Fork in Me!

 

Yep, done deal! Living room vacuumed and mopped, kitchen rearranged, mopped, and the rugs washed, hall mopped, dog food made (three pounds of ground turkey cooked along with about four cups of rice to mix with veggies), and a 20-pound sack of rice rearranged so it can be set up without spilling all over the kitchen. Now a plastic bucket with lid is going to be called for in order to store that stuff (the rice, not the dog food). Thinking that Lowe’s might have the bucket(s) with lids. Not sure how many it would take for all that rice. This was a purchase last year when it looked as if we might be totally having to make all our foods last until whenever this covid mess is over—if that ever actually happens. Anyway, this kind of rice is definitely not Uncle Ben’s instant rice. Learning to cook real rice is another skill to re-learn.

 

Was SO happy last night to discover THREE of the Black-laced Wyandottes had decided to roost in the little coop. Took the other two in there and set them on a shelf. They found their happy place on the other side with the three sweet girls. One more night to see if the other two will make the change voluntarily, and then the Marans get to find out what it is like to change coops. Oh boy! They are not anything like the Wyandottes. They are just a bit more standoffish. But at least they don’t run from me. Have all the feeders in the little coop now, so that may entice all the hens to that coop. Only have water bowls in the middle coop and none in the green house section. When it starts freezing, the electric heater—a flat screen looking thing that can’t start any fires—and the heated water bowl will go inside the little coop. It is small enough to stay warm in there with mostly just the body heat of the hens, but nothing was warm enough back in February! That was a mess and a half! Hope we don’t have any more of that stuff. The dogs can stay warm with me here in the house, but it would be pretty bad without electricity for the hens. None of them got frost bite or anything when it was so bad, but it certainly could have happened quickly.

 

Not sure how the FreshPet people make this dog food in these six-pound rolls, but it reminds me a bit of spam in that it doesn’t really look like meat. The dogs are happy enough to eat it, however. They are not as fond of the chicken as they are the beef, but as long as they eat it, one leg is both the same. [Weird expression used as long as memory!] Anyway, Lance suggested making the turkey and rice combination with veggies, so we will see what happens. It probably will taste a bit bland since it did not get any spices or salt included in the cooking process. But maybe the dogs won’t care. Could always cook up some bacon and use the grease to flavor it. That would definitely give it some taste.

 

Just put the new, cozy blanket into the washer to wash. It is not dirty, but dang that smell! Oooh! Just hoping it stands up to being washed and dried—even on mild temperatures. Anything made in another country always makes me wonder about what has been running across their floors and into the fabric piles. Yes, paranoia runs rampant around here!

 

Went out to see if any eggs were in the nests. Already brought in a couple this morning, but one more was waiting for me. The combination of molting and the lack of daylight makes a difference in how many eggs are produced. Won’t gripe. They are still the best eggs ever! These hens get fed well and have lots of fresh grass and whatever else they can find over about a quarter of an acre. They are, generally speaking, happy hens. And the old woman is a happy hen mother. And no, John Pollard, a rooster is not necessary to keep the girls happy. Ahem

 

Ok, now have served some peas, carrots, ground turkey, and rice to my two wolves—er, dogs. They ate every smidgeon. Guess it was not too bad if they did not leave any. On the other hand, they did not have any dry food all day either. We will see how this works out.

 

Made myself a salad for din-upper. Looked for the sour cream in the fridge and did not find any. KNOW that it was on my list. Hmm. Who knows if it made it to the grocery store list! That’s what one gets for not double checking both the list and the stuff received. Oh well. Not going to suffer for lack of sour cream. My first list included two heads of cabbage—one for me and one for the hens, but you know who forgot that when making the list for Market Street. Oh well.

 

Read on one of those news sites that Bernie Sanders was still objecting to any domestic spending bill that did not include a way to lower the cost of prescription medications. Don’t care for the man, but that is one thing we could agree on. Almost any kind of health care in our country is out of sight too expensive. Dread paying the co-pay on this procedure in November. Think the least it will be is about $400 for one time shot. Know he is the expert and should know what he is doing, but it just amazes me that he will be paid that much by Medicare and then that much more by yours truly. Guess it could be worse. Could live the rest of my life in pain the way Granddad Pollard did. Don’t know how he stood it.

 

Think Danny Pollard’s youngest son is now back home from the hospital. Jacob has a bad ear infection and sinus infection. The poor kid just can’t get a break! Not sure how Dylan is doing or if he is still in ICU. Pretty bad to have two sons and both of them sicker than a dog. Please pray for both of them.

 

Tomorrow is Monday. Such fun. Those who work will probably not be looking forward to another work week. Not sure if that ever bothered me with my jobs, but know that Lewis sometimes dreaded it. He seemed to always work such horrible hours. He called it working from can ‘til can’t. The only days that really worried me were the ones where he was sent out into the boon docks somewhere with a map and his tools. He never knew what he would find.

 

Well, it’s supposed to get colder and wetter this week. Hope everyone is ready for it. Fall seems to last about three days before we get gusts of higher winds and anything from rain to hail to sleet. Such fun is Texas weather! But there is no other place on earth quite like it. May you all remember that God created this ol’ world—including Texas. Whatever is in His plan will work out for the best.

 

Rest and be happy, my friends. You are loved.

A Gorgeous Fall Day!

 A Gorgeous Fall Day!

 

Sometimes the sunshine and the temperatures just go together to make life happier. Such is this day. It was plum cool this morning, but the sun was shining, and it only became more joyful as the morning passed. The birds outside were singing as if it were a celebration, and my dogs both must have felt the need for the zoomies because they chased around until yours truly felt the need to get close to a gate post to prevent a runaway! They don’t “see” anything in their way, guaranteed! Anyway, tomorrow may be pretty nice as well even if Monday will be colder and not quite as sunny. Then we can look for the possibility of rain on Tuesday. Oh well. Fall weather is nearly always crispy cool in this part of the country. We must like it that way since no one has ever managed to change it.

 

The hens have not been very productive today. Thought there would be enough eggs to finish filling up a dozen to give to Maggie and David Sewell, but still need two more hens to get busy and plop out a couple—done deal! The girls have been flocking together all day as if they needed company or something. Got tickled with them last night, too. ONE of the Black-laced Wyandottes decided she liked the little coop and roosted there without being taken over there. The others did not show any fluster at being picked up and moved, but it took a couple of minutes for them to settle down after being placed on the roosts. This morning one of them was up there with Athena where she normally sits. It may be interesting for the next few nights to see what arrangements they make on their own.

 

My poor Thompson barely is getting over the itchies and now has a problem getting up and down. He may need some glucosamine or something like that for his joints. Think maybe grinding up some of my “Move On” pills might do to put in his dog food. It can’t hurt him. And he likes this new dog food so well that he might not even notice it being in there. Ordered some more of that for the two dogs today from Market Street. It was not any more expensive there than at Walmart. Besides that, Chewy will be sending him a special self-warming bed for his old bones. Each night he has to be covered up to keep him warm enough right now. Sylvia has enough hair on her to keep two dogs warm!

 

Don’t you just hate to go shopping and get home to find that something was left off your list. This old girl no longer goes shopping, but the shopping list still manages to get shorted somewhat when the old brain tries to remember everything. Today two heads of cabbage were left off the list. Argh. One was for me and one for the hens, but not all is lost. The hens have discovered fresh green grass growing out back. It might not be as much fun as watching them attack a head of cabbage, but at least the grass is free.

 

Picked up the nasty rat that Sylvia and Thompson caught yesterday afternoon and threw it in the trash bin. Bleah. It was definitely a rat and not just a large mouse. Be so glad when those things stop coming into the yard and hen houses. The danged doves have discovered that the feed trays have been moved, so now ducking one’s head as entering the little coop is totally necessary. An unbelievable number of birds can come out of that doorway at one time! SO glad that rats can’t fly!

Just glanced over to the couch to notice that the dogs are watching me. Not sure just what they are expecting to happen right now, but they both seem less sleepy than they usually act. Maybe this weather is giving them a reason to be alert and happy.

 

Went out to check on the plants in the “green house” part of the coops. My begonia is blooming! The bucket of basil that Roger hauled out there for me is looking pretty good, but everything will have to be watered by next week. But it is supposed to rain this coming week, so we will see if the leaks in the top help or hinder their growth. Found two tiny tomatoes on one plant along with two more blooms. It made me happy to find them. They will be the small kind, but that is ok, too. The ones that Roger brought yesterday were small and oh, so sweet. That is the way tomatoes that small should always taste.

 

Roger asked me where Jerry was when he got so sick and was not sure. Jerry’s mom said it was the WF annex. Not sure how a place like that could ever be cleaned sufficiently to remove all the viruses and yucky stuff. Lysol would not even do the job! My dad did some welding downtown at the jail years ago. He said he had never smelled anything that rank since living near the cow lot! You can almost bet it would not take long for the new annex to get to the same level of mess. Sadly, that does not seem necessary. Not sure how they manage clean up. It would have to be pretty strict to keep it decent.

 

The “bird for the day” on my calendar is a turkey vulture. That makes me laugh. They are a very useful and necessary bird, but they hardly seem the type to be put on a calendar. However, 365 days takes a lot of birds! Guess the planners for that situation were simply not going to be picky!

 

Not that it was needed or anything, but a nice carrot cake came home to me this afternoon with the grocery order. Patty said it was not her favorite cake. She likes plain chocolate. Donny would eat just about any kind. But some of this is going home with Maggie this evening, so that keeps me from pigging out!

 

Don’t really know much—as usual. My lack of interest in what is on the “news” might be somewhat like it was before TV or even radio came out. Folks had to get the newspaper which actually had something interesting in each page—even the advertising might have been interesting to them. Then, of course, it could be taken to the outhouse. That is where most of the stuff on TV today really should be taken. But that is just my opinion.

 

Found out that the guy who wanted to buy Jerry’s place wanted to pay it out. JoAnn was not going for that mess. Lisa is going to work on it and may eventually live there. She is a pretty sweet girl, so maybe it will work out. But it will take a lot of work to get that place livable. Working on what we want makes us appreciate it more, wouldn’t you say?

 

Please keep Marielle Rose, Kathy Jarlberg, and Dylan Pollard in your prayers. Then remember those on both coasts that have been affected by the storms, flooding, wind damage, and all the rest of the mess whether man-made or weather induced. We tend to build in some of the dumbest places like birds expecting trees to always provide shade. We don’t think about the lay of the land as much as we should. And, of course, the builders just think about getting paid for their work. Planning should be the first priority, but it seems greed always comes first.

 

Let us be grateful for each day and each good memory. God blesses us so very much in this life. We know that He has planned even more for later in His kingdom. Praise His name!

 

Rest and be happy. You are loved.

 

 

 

Egg-cellent Snacks.

 Egg-cellent Snacks.

 

Had boiled about a dozen eggs last night and just peeled and fed them to these two hungry hounds. Yeah, you KNOW that they are really hungry! But eggs that have been in the fridge over a couple of weeks are just perfect for feeding to the dogs—or to the hens, if necessary. Sometimes eggs are just the perfect food for hens if they need a bit of something during molting to get them back on their feed and put their feathers back on more quickly. Such is the magic of eggs that they help the hens who are not laying.

 

Want to ask for prayers for my grand nephew Dylan Wayne Pollard. He is in ICU with pancreatitis. Seems the young man is a diabetic, and his blood sugar went through the roof. Don’t think he realized he was a diabetic. Anyway, he needs our prayers to recover and get his act together—no alcohol whatsoever. His dad, Danny, is also the father of Jacob who has the juvenile scleroderma. That family definitely has some battles to face. Our prayers certainly cannot but help them.

 

My brother and his wife Jacqui are making chili today for their October Fest tonight at their church. Sterling is making red chili and Jacqui green chili—or maybe the other way around. Whatever. Indigestion for the evening. Yours truly had a Frito chili pie for brunch this morning and had the ensuing indigestion for the rest of the day. Figures, huh. And October Fest had nothing to do with it.

 

Sitting here sipping on a cup of hot lavender honey tea. Something about hot tea this time of the year is just perfect. No caffeine makes it easier to go to sleep at night, but still satisfies that desire for something as hot as fresh made coffee. And tonight may be another night of restlessness. Thompson spent the night barking about something—who knows what? It made sense the night before when the wind was blowin’ a gale, but last night was relatively calm—well, as calm as a breezy night can be on this hill above the lake.

 

Have not done much today other than folding and putting away some more laundry. That never seems to stop around here. Probably need to do the kitchen floor tomorrow. Such fun. Cleaned the living room floor late yesterday evening so it would be nice and ungritty today. These dogs are a mess—a sweet couple of messes, but messes nonetheless. Thompson has had the whines today for some reason. In and out, in and out. But at least he is not scratching and biting on himself. Guess the allergy bites and the different food may be working for him. OR whatever is in the grass is not as bad as before. Just not sure. Don’t want to give him anything expensive and weird like Apoquel, but want him to be comfortable.

 

Speaking of comfortable: sent off for a blanket on Amazon today. Have all kinds of “throws” that are fluffy and cuddly, but not one of them reach from my head to my feet or across the other way either. So, this one may cover me entirely and even leave room for a dog to cuddle up to me—Sylvia’s favorite place to be. Thinking that it is a good thing that only two dogs live here with the old woman.

Spent a few minutes rearranging a couple of things out in the hen house this morning. Put one of the “ladders” for the girls in a different place in the little coop so the girls could go wherever they wanted to go in there. Went out early this morning and found Athena down on a different roost because one of the Wyandottes had crowded her over. Kinda surprised that happened. Athena is not one to be pushed around. But who knows what happens when they start moving around in a new place to them? Hoping no feathers are pulled or beaks used as weapons for the next couple of weeks. Would really like this transition to be as painless as possible. Reaching up to get the Marans down off their perches may be rather interesting as they are up much higher than the places the Wyandottes have been staying. Ah well. Maybe it won’t be too hard to change them around.

 

May have to call my friend Roger to get him to move my basil bucket to the chicken house. Lance forgot it—just like his mom did. And it is really too heavy for me to pick up and carry. Have one small pot of lavender in the kitchen window, but it can stay there all winter if it has to. Really like that to stay in the kitchen anyway. It just smells SO good to put my fingers in the leaves. The rosemary, sage, and thyme have done well out in the “herb garden” out front, despite the freeze we had in February. The poor purple sage bush had to be trimmed back with bunches of dead ends on its branches, but it still did well all this summer. They are so pretty and are pretty good at predicting rain. They nearly always bloom before it rains.

 

Poured an inch of rain from the gauge out in the side lot. Need to go down and empty Donny’s rain gauge. Patty would never notice it one way or the other. She mostly just watches TV and whatever shows that appeal to her. Not that it matters. Yours truly just reads all the time and hardly ever even watches movies, much less the commercial stuff on TV. Michelle Malay calls me up every once in a while to inform me of the latest weather report when something is predicted for our area. She said that when the trees out her way get to moving around, she knows there is high winds because nothing else moves out that way. Her place is covered in black jack oaks or other trees. Don’t think she has any mesquites. Anyway, she helps me keep up with the weather and whatever can be expected from our part of the world.

 

Saw something that appealed to my sense of wonder the other day. The term “Bo Chord” means “book hoard” in Old English. That is what my house used to be—a repository for LOTS of books. The book currently on my Kindle talks about one woman who would spend her entire life in a library if she could. And then she and her cousin inherit their grandmother’s house and its library—wall to wall and ceiling to floor books! Can’t imagine! Life is not long enough to read all the books that make me want to sit down and read. Jennifer says that is what is so wonderful about those audio books. She can listen to them from that thing that hangs in her ear. She can even work and listen to a book at the same time as long as she is not doing computer work. Kinda neat!

 

This time of the afternoon the cars going by on the highway down below the hill make reflections on my living room wall. It always makes me think that someone is on our road. But that is seldom the case. Two trucks and the mailman have been out here today: one delivered a package to Patty and the other brought her oxygen bottles to her. The mailman just brought out the water bills. Oh well.

The sons of Mariellen Rose said that she seems to be improving slowly, so let’s keep praying for her. She is loved by her family, but she belongs to us as well. And Kathy Jarlberg has begun her chemo for the leukemia, but she gets to go home every week. Her husband is still her caretaker, so let us remember him—and all the others who care for those of us who need that extra help. It has to be one of the hardest jobs on earth—even more so than taking care of small babies or growing children. Dr. Ohman’s nurse told us the other day that she had just had triplets. They are now 12 weeks old, but she has a mostly sit-down job with the doctor. However, taking care of babies will wear a woman—or man—down very quickly. It is a 24/7 job—just like being a care giver for an older parent or one’s spouse. God has to bless young mothers and those who care for patients no matter the relationship.

 

Still have not gone out and rounded up all the things that blew in that gale the other day. Might do that tomorrow—maybe. Lazy ol’ woman. Lance wanted to throw the sunflower stalks in the back of the truck and haul them to the transfer station, but that place is so very nasty. It is a wonder that no one comes out of there with punctured tires at the very least. The last trip did not cause any damage to the tires, but the young man helping me did not clean his feet when he got back inside and got yuck all over the floor mat. Yes, that is being entirely too gripey, but such is an old woman.

 

Don’t have much on my mind tonight. You all will probably get tired of thinking about hens, dogs, Texas weather, and house cleaning stuff. Sorry. That is about all that seems to stick in my head these days. Don’t want to read about who shot who or why. Don’t want to know which senator prevented passage of which over-rated piece of stupid legislation. Don’t want to think about taxes on anyone. Just know that whatever happens in this world will be wiped out eventually. We can clean up the Pacific garbage patch, but unless we clean up our acts individually, the litter we create here in Texas nearly always ends up right out there in the ocean—killing fish and polluting whatever we might find to eat from that same water. We just have to be responsible individuals.

 

Our greatest responsibility is to love others as God loves us. And if we keep the book handy and read it as a reminder each day, we can know that His love is greater than all the horrible things that we may see or hear. But we have to make the choice to hear His words.

 

May you each find joy in gratitude. May nature surround you with its voice of life. May the seasons fill you with expectations of renewal. Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

No More Paper Hats!

 No More Paper Hats!

 

Dadgumthewar! That is what Granddad Kennedy used to say rather than use any bad language. But he would have been shouting this phrase today if he wanted to be heard. The wind is a blowin’ a gale! Well, actually it is only blowing 30 mph from the northwest to the southeast, but it is whistling for all it’s worth! The pile of sunflower stalks that Lance piled near the fence have blown intact as a pile down toward the east fence. Who knows where they will end up? And the lake is not just ruffled, but plum surging with high waves. Ah, Texas.

 

Have stripped my bed and changed the sheets plus completed the load of resulting laundry. It actually took two loads since the extra “dog” sheet needed to be washed as well, so it made more sense to throw in the bath mat and some other things as well. Never waste water when doing laundry is my feelings on the subject. This is why the laundry water goes out on the side lot to water out there. It used to only water a couple of trees, but now it is farther down the side lot to water some grass, too.

 

The dogs have been content to snuggle up on the couch today rather than help chase things around the yard. Think the hens and the dogs believe wind has to be avoided. At least, some of the hens have begun to go inside the workshop door to sit inside out of the wind. Under the deck is still windy even though it is covered. Not a good day to be a feathered piece of fluff trying to walk around in this mess.

 

Lance and Tracy had intended to go camping this weekend and changed their minds with the weather. Makes good sense. Wet, windy, yucky, and not much good for quiet walks in the woods. Maybe another day will be better sometime in the future. They always seem to do well just sitting in their living room reading books. Their house is so quiet that it makes me sleepy! Lance says everyone complains of the same “problem.” Funny!

 

Having a cup of hot tea—honey lavender stress relief. Jennifer is a great one to suggest such drinks whenever something comes up, but some days are just good tea drinking days whether or not any stress is lying around ready to grab a person by the ankles and trip ‘em. Have been wondering how things are going for some of my friends and family. Noticed today that Rachelle and Jacob looked so happy getting ready to go to school. Jacob looks as healthy as if he did not have any horrible disease to knock his socks off. And Rachelle looked as happy as a mom could be who was going off to teach. Now maybe Keith Mattson will be happy to deal with whatever is on his plate in Florida. We can remember that he has a friend down there who has health problems.

 

Sylvia keeps coming up to my knee and giving me this look every time the wind hits the house so hard that it sounds as if the entire place is about to fly off! Maybe she needs her thunder shirt on even for this mess? She certainly is not interested in any of her toys. Hmm. My lap? Well, maybe curled up with Thompson.

 

Wiped down the counters and the stove top this morning after touching it and feeling all the grit. HOW does all that stuff get inside so easily? It would be different if the windows and doors were open, but with those entrances closed, it does not make sense for all that stuff to get on the counters. The floors are different. Walking from outside to inside can bring in enough dirt in to support a petunia at the very least! Oh well. Just happened to look up and noticed that the fan in the living room needs to be cleaned again!! Honestly! A full-time maid would be exhausted trying to keep this place clean! NOT that a maid would ever be employed in this ol’ house. It is comfortable, dirt and all. Nothing glitzy about this place.

 

The dogs really like this new dog food and look at their bowls and then look at me. Yes, they can “talk” with their eyes. It is easy to get the message. And if the old woman is a little slow, they can speak to her in their very own language. Each bowl has to be washed and scrubbed after they finish, so then they go back and check sometimes two or three times just to be sure nothing was missed in the licking. A bit of 4-Health food is generally put back in one bowl so that they can nibble if they get hungry before evening. The directions say one pound per dog on this food, but dear hearts, that is a LOT of food. A half pound in the morning and some more in the evening seems about right. They get treats during the day, but fewer now than before. Thompson acts as if he feels better now and is not chewing or scratching like before. Who knows if it is the food or the allergy bites that are doing the trick? Whatever is working, it is wonderful!

 

Took the five Black-laced Wyandottes into the small coop last night. They were not the least bit thrilled, but four of them were up on a roost along the south wall this morning. One was on the floor in the feed bin. Picked her up and checked her out. She was ok, but not sure why she was down there. Tonight they will be moved back there again and will be sure that they are all on the roosts tonight before yours truly goes to bed. Don’t want any of them being abused by the others. Athena and Rhoady are not mean hens, but they roost up near the top of the coop away from where these hens were this morning. Don’t think they would have been fighting with the Wyandottes.

 

Looking through the pictures that Jennifer sent from her trip made me appreciate that our country is so wide and expansive. Then it occurred to me that many of the places she saw were now having problems because of the storms that came right after they left. Talk about timing! So glad that they were not caught in any of that mess and feel sorry for the folks who are dealing with the electricity outages and the destruction caused by the winds. It is not quite as bad as the February Freezer we had this year, but close enough.

 

Have had to change my password on FB a couple of times lately. Not sure just why FB has a tendency to be so corrupted by dipsticks trying to get into other people’s business. But it is definitely irritating. And then a lady—supposedly one who had recently obtained an invite to my blog—tried to convince me that she had had her account compromised and wanted another invite to be friends. Nope. Those who know me fairly well have my phone number. It is not like my blog or a friend status is that great. Definitely not worth having my account messed up again.

 

One of the hens broke an egg in the nest, so the nest had to be cleaned and the three eggs washed. Guess who will have to keep those three eggs and use them. Sigh. Believe it or not, very few eggs are consumed around this house. Kept a carton of 18 because they were in the fridge the longest. Did not want to send them home with the kids, so Lance made scrambled eggs for our breakfast the other day. He also cooked the sausage very slowly because he said that frozen sausage patties should be SLOWLY cooked. Whatever. It was good, and HE did the cooking. It does not bother me to clean up, but am not overly fond of cooking any longer. Picky about food, too. Have considered Frito chili pie for this afternoon and indigestion for supper. Ahem.

 

Really don’t know much other than the weather report. Not particularly interested in knowing who is suing who or who expects to be the next man/woman on the moon. Suffice it to say that the rat infestation has been somewhat reduced. THAT matters.

 

Rest and be grateful for all the blessings given to us by God. We might not be able to believe that all the votes were counted correctly, but we CAN believe in the promises God has given us.

 

You are loved.

MORE Wind, Again!

 MORE Wind, Again!

 

Thought it was a good time to get this written and posted before the wind hits. It is supposed to be up to 55 mph again this evening. Did not check the rain gauge, but it will undoubtedly float a skeeter or two. Just hoping the thing on top of the roof for the internet relay does not get blown away or even blown off kilter.

 

Connie drove me to the doctor’s office this morning. She is a lot of help, but she is especially good at asking questions and remembering stuff. Anyway, the doctor said he makes a living poking people with needles. Sitting here laughing. Remind me after the first bit and see how it goes later.

 

We had planned on going to Market Street for breakfast, but before we even got out of the parking lot, we changed our minds to IHOP. Feel like it is better not to go wobbling off across a dining room with a tray or drinks. A waitress at IHOP got the ten percent discount that they give seniors as her tip, so that is a positive. And we were both happy with the poblano pepper omelets. Super! Connie wouldn’t take any fresh eggs home with her because she let the last dozen she bought at Market Street get old and ready to be thrown out. Oh well.

 

My goofy brother called today. He reminded me of some of the things he has done. He got to take piano lessons long before little sister could do much more than get the board up off the keys. He said he has forgotten how to read music, but he could always play by ear. It was not until the 80s when we had a piano here at the house that yours truly finally figured out how the chords go with the melody. No, no reading music here either unless it is a painstaking process—but mostly listening to the sounds. Oh well. Sterling played a guitar, a French harp, a piano, and probably something else besides his whistle. Only the radio and record player caused noises in my room. Some folks are just talented.

 

Moved the baskets the Black-laced Wyandottes have been sitting in each night. Those baskets now reside in the front coop. Tonight an old woman will put on her head lamp and go pick up one hen at a time after the little door is closed between the two coops. Each hen will be placed on the shelf either in or near one of those baskets. This same process will be repeated ad nauseum until those silly hens start going to the “right” coop each night. Then the Marans will get their turn. Big ol’ grin on my face. Tonight, the hens will have a small lamp in there with them so that they can see their feet. It helps them to adjust to their new digs.

 

Talked to Jennifer a bit ago. They all went to get their booster shot. It took Reece all of 30 minutes to get sick. Jennifer said the directions said to eat something before coming to get the shot. She had coffee after the shot. Her balance left forthwith! Thinking she should eat a few things to stop feeling loopy, she sat down on the floor by the vending machine while David was filling it and asked for chips. One of the other employees walked by and said that he had not seen a sit-down demonstration in forty years! Not sure my children actually ever saw anything of that nature. They have probably heard about those demonstrations, however. During the 60s, it seemed as if the entire country was sitting down or marching or something unrelated to normal work. The farmers mostly just kept praying for rain and no bugs. The ranchers watched to see if the cattle needed to be moved from one over-grazed pasture to one slightly less over grazed. The teachers—for the most part—kept their noses to the grindstone and kept sloughing away. Not many adults had time for demonstrations unless it was Betty Brown, Faye Lion, and Thelma Camp Pollard and the Home Demonstration Club! Such fun! Oh! growing up was truly interesting.

 

The sons of Mariellen Rose have said that she is about to undergo major chemo. Let’s pray that it does no lasting harm and that God will bless her and her family with peace and healing. Kathy Jarlberg is also going to begin some chemo for her leukemia. She does get to come home part of the time, however. Her husband did not realize that he had the capability to be a nurse, but he certainly has a loving attitude toward her. That is half the battle.

 

It pays part of the time to stay off of any news channels—well, unless it is a weather channel. Our attitudes shift with the weather, of course, but they can also become nasty around the edges if we watch much of anything called “news.” And just about any talk show today would have failed the moral standards back in the 50s. SO glad my parents drug me to church every week! We were not rich in money, but we were so very blessed. And those “we can” attitudes started back there. We did not have cell phones, each person his or her own car, instant anything, “fast” food, or any number of other things young people never knew or will ever understand. That’s ok. It was a good life.

 

Don’t know enough to bother to remember what might have been forgotten. Or something like that. Just thought about the old sheriff’s wife in Petrolia, Mrs. Jeff Donalds. She would babysit for Mom. Mrs. D had this sign over her bed: Willyaquityerbellyachin! Believe it or not, eventually it made sense to me! So don’t ya spend a lot of time bellyachin’.

 

Rest and be happy. You are loved.

Early Morning Sounds.

 Early Morning Sounds.

 

Stepped out on the back deck this morning and heard a killdeer calling. Not sure just why it was away from the shoreline, but never did see it—just heard it. Love being able to recognize birds from their calls. It is something that Mom and Dad did when we were children and learned to follow suit. Not sure that our children ever learned much of that, as Lewis loved to tease: sparrows, just sparrows! He would laugh about the doves and translated their calls to English—the manly kind of English. It would not do to tell anyone here what they said in his estimation. But Lance and Jennifer will remember—and laugh.

 

The sky over Lake Wichita often is filled with birds of one kind or another. The geese go over so close to the house tops that it seems that they might even scrape over the satellite pole, but hardly anything lights on that area of the house. But oh! Those grackles squawk and chatter ever so often when they are going wherever it is they go. But my favorites are the Cedar Waxwings! They get out in the Western Soapberry trees and pull the berries to share with one another. If you have ever seen them passing a berry from one to the other and back again, you might wonder if they ever get anything to eat at all! But each year they clear out the berries in the tree on the west side of the house. Between the birds and the southwest winds, those trees have to be relatively tough. They drop a few berries, but more often they drop small branches and twigs big enough to go “whack” when hit by the mower. Those trees are appreciated by the birds; and then the trees are appreciated by folks like me simply because they provide shade. Otherwise, a good elm, hackberry, oak, pecan or even a fruit tree would be better to have around. The stupid bores will kill any kind of tree in this part of the country, so Lance says they have to be trimmed correctly to prevent bore infestations. Not sure exactly how that would help, but will take his word for it. He is the one in the family who really has a thing for trees.

 

It has been a very good day of feeling good and moving freely while walking. These things make a difference in life, believe it or not. Even Michelle Malay seemed to be feeling pretty good when we went to Hunan’s today. We laughed about a few things, but mostly we enjoyed the good food. Good company is as important as good food. And Michelle is good company.

 

According to our retired weather man, Skip McBride, we could have storms tonight. Looking for straight line winds of 50 to 60 mph. Guessing that my dogs are not going to be overly happy. Will have to get their “thunder shirts” out for them. Thompson gets right under my chair to huddle up. Sylvia really, really wants in my lap, thank you very much. She is giving me looks as if she knows she is the subject of this epistle. Funny dog!

 

Michelle reminded me today that there is still such a thing as a “no call” list. Will have to look it up since it seems my cell phone is collecting so much garbage in nasty calls or commercials. Bleah! Every time one gives out one’s number, it gets sold to the highest bidder—or to several of those bidders. Disgusting. Irritating, too.

 

Fed the dogs their first “real” food in the tube from Walmart this morning. One pound seemed like too much, so gave them a half pound and put dry food out for them to nibble on if they still wanted something. Think the tube food satisfied them for the time being. Lance suggested buying ground turkey and cooking rice to go with it. The stuff in the tube has carrots and peas in it, too. That should not be too difficult to manage. Anyway, we will see if it helps Thompson feel better. He is already acting as if the allergy “bites” are helping him not to be so itchy.

 

Last night the driver from Walmart told me that they basically make what little money they get from tips alone. Walmart does not pay them enough to even pay for their gas. That is really sad. So many people need a job, and then those who do their best don’t make enough to hardly make working worthwhile. It makes me realize that tips for drivers of whatever service deserve to be helped more than the companies that send them out. It would be better if they actually worked for a place like Market Street so that they would get a salary instead of hopes and maybes.

 

Even if we did not have a weather man to tell us, the house flies coming in the screens would tell us the weather is about to change. They are getting “sticky.” Persistent little bugs!

 

Made some banana pudding this morning with the two bananas that were left from the last grocery order. They were about ready to go flop, so it was pudding or trash. The hens really are not crazy about bananas, and the dogs aren’t fond of them either. Such is life. This is why my weight never goes down very far for very long. Sigh

 

Really don’t know much this evening. What little has been accomplished around here is no more than any other woman would do: laundry, a few dishes washed, extra bed stripped and remade, one floor mopped, and a few things done in the hen house. Well, not every woman would have fourteen hens talking to her about the feed and whatever they could finagle out of her larder. A handful of lettuce and sunflower seeds made them happier this morning. Doesn’t take much.

 

Let’s remember those in Missouri, Illinois, and all those under threat by the Northeaster storms that seem to be about to hit the East Coast. Life can truly be hard just making it through the normal stuff without worrying about storms and the elements that can kill us. May God protect this old world and His children.

 

Rest and be happy. You are loved.

Lazy Day and Lazy Dogs.

 Lazy Day and Lazy Dogs.

 

Today was a good day for not doing anything at all! And other than unloading the dryer, folding and putting away the towels, and giving the hens fresh water and some feed, the old woman who lives on the hill did absolutely nothing! Went down to Patty’s and took a dozen eggs and brought back the trash bin. We did chat a few minutes, but dear hearts, it was such a pretty afternoon for petting her dogs and just visiting. She said she had some things being delivered from Walmart about 8 p.m. Told her my groceries were supposed to be delivered around that time or maybe a little later. Usually choose an earlier time, but the choices were nine or ten, so not a whole lot of choice. By ten my yawns will be pretty wide and deep! Even the dogs know it is past time to be in the bedroom by then!

 

Plan to see Michelle Malay tomorrow if nothing rips, rears, or ravels. She has to come in for a doctor’s visit or two, so we will try to eat at Hunan’s. She enjoys their food, too. All the pictures Jennifer shared of their food experiences on their trip through 20 states were pretty inspiring. Not sure $20 for a lobster roll would appeal to me, however. She said she thought that was bad until the next place wanted $30!

 

Just went out and closed up the hen coops. Almost forgot! Usually do that as the sun is setting, but was on the phone! And the dogs did not even try to remind me!

 

Have been reading a book about two Irish women whose husbands were in the military. The husbands lost a card game and had to agree to having their wives cook Irish stew for—well, it was supposed to be about 150 people, but at this point in the book, it sounds like the entire base will be partaking of Irish stew! Whooo boy! Can’t imagine feeding several hundred people with only two women to do all the prep work—much less the cleaning up part. Bet there would be two husbands busy on KP and clean up given their part in the deal! Hope the rest of the book is this amusing.

 

Have no funny stories to share with you this evening. Have felt pretty good for a couple of days, so will hope that the rest of you are happy and healthy as well. Will just remind you that we are so very blessed. Let us give thanks and praise His name.

 

Rest and be happy, my friends. You are loved.

Signs of the Times.

 Signs of the Times.

 

Got tickled with Patty this afternoon. She ordered a sign to put up on her fence—well, that she will have me put up on her fence. It tells folks that it is private property—deliveries only, and her address so the delivery folks will know that they have the right place. Then she told me about some other signs she saw that had us both laughing. So glad that we can find some things that make us laugh! She was upset yesterday about the price of an oil change, and then she was informed that her blood pressure medication could not be delivered to her because it was out of stock and not likely to be back in stock for some time. She said it meant a call to her doctor’s office tomorrow. It is not like there are not sixteen different kinds of meds for that stuff. But still. It took nearly a year before we found one Lewis could take that did not cause him problems. Of course, that was many years ago now.

 

Patty also planned to see if she could find out if the guy who wanted to buy Jerry’s place would be able to have a business over there since this is a residential area. Hoping that only homes are permitted, but we will see. A new neighbor is not that big of a deal if the family wants to live there, but a business is another problem altogether.  

 

Jennifer and her friends are still technically in East Texas, but another hour and they will be in the Metromess. Will be glad when she is home with her family and her critters. It has been fun watching their progress and seeing some of the places that they have stopped and played. Diamond fields, beaches, alligators, sandy beaches, crab legs and shrimp, lots of scenery! Trips are hard, but can be oh, so much fun!

 

Lance asked me if Thanksgiving at his house would be a possibility. Had to tell him no. Patty said that she thinks Thanksgiving can be at home with just plain food as long as a person gets to say hi to family—or friends—at some point. Think that will about do it for both of us. Might buy some turkey bologna. LOL

 

Have not had any hawk guests today. Certainly hope that they were just coming through on their way to another area. They did not get to eat their kill, so maybe they were not too encouraged to stick around. The pelicans are still thick on the lake, but they have things to eat—fish. They are not particularly pretty birds, but they are amazing to watch. Love to see an entire flock just hit the sky and circle around before landing again. Then there is the white stuff that they leave behind on the ground. Whooo! Glad my place is not one they would ever camp on! Pretty nasty even if it is as much feathers as it is bird poo.

 

Sitting here looking at the details on this map of Texas on my phone. Texas has some very neat areas and some towns with strange names. Our homes have been here in the Red River Valley for so long that anything else seems totally different. Mesquites don’t grow everywhere. In fact, a friend—from Oklahoma—who took a bus trip with us to California back in ’83 had never seen a mesquite tree before. And then, when we went to Corpus Christi one year, the young man at the desk of the condo complex told us that there were some “exotic” trees down on Corpus Christi Drive. Hello! Did we ever laugh at the exotic trees!! Mesquites! But then, they had black bears down that direction and huge deer with great big racks of antlers on their heads! Our deer are like jack rabbits compared to theirs! Hard life in this part of the country for critters!

 

Just tried to find Palo Pinto County and couldn’t find it. Hmm. Looks as if Mineral Wells is in that county or maybe that is northwest of there. Certainly would not want to look for neighbors in that county! Looks as if there might be one tiny town around to the west of Mineral Wells.

 

Lance told me that he has been feeding his dog some “real” food that comes cold from Walmart. He thought my dogs might do well on it. Willing to try anything to make Thompson feel better and have less trouble with his allergies. He is, however, less itchy since he has been taking these allergy chews. Eventually maybe he will get over the itches and such. Poor baby. Know exactly how he feels. Have had allergy problems all of my life. Sigh

 

Slowly but surely shifting the feeders into the front two coops so that eventually the hens will maybe roost there as well. Only two hens roost in the little coop that is weather proof. If the others will roost there by this winter, maybe it won’t be so hard to keep one heater in there for the water and one for keeping them from getting too cold. Praying that the disaster we had in February won’t take place again. That was a mess and a half!

 

Read a post on FB from Mariellen’s sons that said she still has some pneumonia in her lungs. They have begun a milder sort of chemo for a couple of days before going for the hard stuff. Hate to see anyone my age or older going through that kind of crud. It is just about as easy to just live with the results of the cancer as it is to live with the effects of the chemo. God bless those who are dealing with this stuff!

 

The new rugs in the house have seemingly made a bit of difference. At least the living room floor is not covered with crud. Sylvia goes and walks in the dog pool and then walks inside the house. Footprints always have more to them around here than simply toes and heels!

 

Took a nap today and woke up feeling very good. It does not take much some days to make me feel better. But it never makes sense when my feet hit the floor and they have a mind of their own about where the body will go. Oh well. Maybe the doctor who does the spinal punctures will be able to correct some of this mess. Being able to feel my feet might help considerably.

 

Even though the wind is supposed to blow a gale on Wednesday, the temperature is supposed to be much lower. It should be an interesting day. Connie is supposed to pick me up to take me to the doctor’s office—just in case this is not just a conference meeting. Will buy breakfast for her at IHOP or Market Street—whichever suits her. Market Street has great breakfast foods at a decent price—and no tipping is necessary. We will see.

 

Really don’t know much. Lance sent me some information about the IRS thing where the government wanted to know where we had money and how much. It is a proposal rather than a law at this point. Here’s hoping that this one goes the way of the rest of the sewer garbage. No more politics for now.

 

Let us pray for the ability to love others as God loves us. Rest and be happy, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

Two Hawks.

 Two Hawks!

 

Ah, my favorite hen was killed by hawks today. Lance found her amid all the feathers and put her in the trash bin. Sad to see Isa dead and gone, but such is life—and death. Critters, just like us, don’t live forever unless it is just in passing memories. She was a sweet little hen who loved to be petted and swung in the yard swing. Have only had two or three hens like that in all the years that chickens have grown up on this old hill. Gonna miss her.

 

Lance worked all the way through the list that was ready for him. He reminded me that he would be back in December unless he was needed before then. He and Jennifer have worked out a deal that each one would come every other month to “take care” of mom’s little jobs. Some of those jobs are not so little, but Lance certainly handled the ones today. Probably the hardest one was taking a large folding table to the long coop and putting the flower pots on it. Think we forgot about the basil plant, but maybe it won’t freeze or something before we can move it later. One job not on the list was the front door knob. He discovered that the thing inside of it had worn out. He bought a new one at Sutherland’s that just needed to be programmed with the keys we already had for the old one. Neat, huh! No new keys needed that way. Then he got 25 pounds of winter rye grass seed to sow out in the back yard. The hens should have something green to eat if it comes up at all. And it might accidentally smother out the danged khaki weeds! Wouldn’t that be great!

 

One other thing that Lance did today is going to contribute to weight gain around here. He found a sack of peanut butter logs and a small package of coconut dips. Yum! Good thing diabetes does not run in the genes around here. As it is, Jennifer sent me a pair of jeans that were sent to her some time back. Tried them on earlier and ended up wearing them all day. They are snug, no joke, but are a size 14, so that made me feel special! Doesn’t take much to affect a woman’s feeling of size!

 

Life 360 shows Jennifer and her friends to be on a beach in Florida. Sounds so very neat and fun. At least we know it is not cold down there! It has to be sunny and pretty out there on the beach. It feels as if it would be a perfect day for beach combing. But then, who knows what is on that beach.

 

Donny Anderson’s son and daughter-in-law just drove by in Donny’s truck. It has not been driven since the last time they were here. Think they may have had it washed. It looked nice, anyway. They are here today to do some more stuff for Patty. She made a list. Big smile here thinking about two little ol’ widow ladies and their lists for the families. It works.

 

Thompson and Sylvia really enjoyed having Lance here. Thought that Sylvia was going to get in bed with Lance, but she just reached up and washed his face for him this morning. He is not used to dogs doing that. His dog sleeps on the floor at the foot of their bed. Not too sure about the cats, but don’t think they get to sleep with anyone either. Everyone has a different feeling about critters. Mine don’t really know that they don’t belong on the bed.

 

Have a “new-to-me” iPhone. Lance gave me his and took his daughter’s phone. She has the newest one. Her old one had a scratched screen, so that is why he gave me his. He said the screen is expensive to replace. Then he told me about taking pictures with this one. It seems each edition of phone that comes out has a better camera. And then, he wears a watch that tells him all kinds of things about himself and what is going on. It tells him to stand up once every hour! Can’t imagine! It counts his steps and tells him how many calories he has used in exercise, too. Hmm. With my luck, a different phone would tell me how many calories were eaten! Argh!

 

The rugs for in front of the doors came today and seem quite capable of handling the traffic through the doors without rolling or wrinkling. SO glad to have something to catch the crud from outside. The dogs are pretty messy, but they especially make messes when they wade in the doggy pool. Sylvia loves that silly pool though. She walks in and stands there with her tongue hanging out and a big grin on her face! Funny dog!

 

The hen coop door has a plastic cover on it now to prevent rain and wind from bothering the hens. Now it will be great if the temperature does not get up too high again. Texas weather is pretty unpredictable, however. We will see what happens.

 

Last night as the moon came up, it reminded me of a shot that Keith Mattson would have taken. Yes, it was lovely. But honestly think that about one shot of moon just about does the trick. Someone asked me about watching the meteor showers. Ya know, if you have seen some of them once, it is about all that is needed. They don’t really change all that much. Kinda like the moon. Sunsets and sunrises can be awesome, but the rest of it pretty much stays the same. Did notice and put down on the calendar when the “Star of Bethlehem” was supposed to show up on the 21^st of December. It will probably be cloudy, but such is life. Lance reminded me about how much darker it is here on this hill and how much quieter it is out here on the lake. But then, the employees for the State were not whizzing down Kemp to get inside the gate before they were due for work, too. Compared to what it was like 53 years ago, this place is noisy and very bright with the city lights. Can’t imagine what it would be like out in Clay County on the farm where the grandparents used to live. None of those stupid wind turbines blinking excessively and going whump, whump. Wish they could think of better ways of generating electricity.

 

Gripey ol’ woman probably needs to find a good book to read. Will tell you that life is good in general and wonderful for family. We can appreciate all the blessings that God has given us and hope to love others even nearly as much as He loves us. May He give us peace and rest as needed.

 

From this hill to your home: You are loved.

There Came a Woman of Samaria--from 7/29/09

 There Came a Woman of Samaria 7/29/09

Former President Jimmy Carter has declared in an article called “Losing My Religion for Equality” that a group of men called The Elders have determined that women are misused and abused due to tradition and religious viewpoints:

 

"The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable."

 

We are calling on all leaders to challenge and change the harmful teachings and practices, no matter how ingrained, which justify discrimination against women. We ask, in particular, that leaders of all religions have the courage to acknowledge and emphasize the positive messages of dignity and equality that all the world's major faiths share.

 

In order not to confuse religion with faith, let’s clarify that neither Jimmy Carter nor any other person is being asked to disavow his or her faith in God in whichever name one knows Him. Religion is, after all, man’s view of God. Faith is a gift from God that allows us to believe in that which is not seen.

 

The subject of woman’s image in the eyes of man has taken many convoluted turns throughout the centuries. Only literature, and now other forms of entertainment, can give us an accurate measure of how women are or have been perceived. Literature, especially the Bible, has been instrumental in forging the foundation of men’s opinions about woman’s place in life. One work that had such a strong influence was Dante’s Inferno. Even the Church itself could not have prevented such lively and ingenious images from becoming part of man’s concept of woman and of her place in causing so much sorrow. But not many people read Dante today, so why are the concepts so prevalent?

 

Ian Fleming wrote some spy thriller books back in the 50s which became movies in the early 60s. About the only name more familiar than James Bond is John Wayne. John Wayne was sure to treat a woman with respect, but the James Bond woman played only an ancillary part to preen the male ego and purpose. Death for a James Bond woman provides realistic, if merely collateral, damage. The same is true in a later movie called The Bourne Supremacy. About the only movie that shows respect between a woman and a man in modern times is the new Walt Disney movie UP.

 

Most people today who have the luxury of belief, faith, and any concept of a higher power have heard of the Christ. The story of His life and the repetition of the things He said have been the basis for many of the traditions that men have created concerning their place in the world and its order. Two important stories from His life are quite often ignored. During the lifetime of Jesus Christ, the people of Samaria were considered less than illegal aliens and squatters upon the land of Jacob. No Jewish man would even speak to a Samaritan, much less a woman of Samaria. But Christ did. He first revealed Himself to the Gentiles through a woman. He flat out told her that he was the Christ for whom they watched. Oh, the men of the village came to see Him because of her report, but they were quick to tell her that they believed because of HIM, not because of her part in the revelation. They missed the point. HE had shown her respect.

 

Finally, the woman who loved Jesus was the first to see Him after He arose from the tomb. And it was the women who went by themselves to wrap in spices the body they expected to find in the tomb. No man went with them to help in any way. The women served Him to the bitter end. And it was their voices which brought the good news of His resurrection.

 

Oh, no one has to believe in one man’s version of the creation or the names of a creator if that belief can be avoided, but we are all the result of an ongoing process of becoming something other than individuals or egos. We share this planet and its destiny. The final result for all lives can be much more than ideas, beliefs, and determinations if we treat each other with dignity and respect.

Forgetfulness.

 Forgetfulness.

 

Forgot to post last night for some reason. Guessing that forgetfulness has struck right on Fenoglio Avenue. But not to worry, Keith will keep the page colorful and lit up with pictures of the moon or sunset or sunrise. Not much changes in some ways.

 

Slept hard last night. Read a book and then just took one of those little gummies to kill the pain. Guess it worked. Woke up at 4 a.m. again. Nothing changed there, either.

 

My entire week has been somewhat of a mess, but looking forward to seeing Lance late this evening. He was going to bring stuff to make tacos for supper. I have not eaten any tacos in a long time. And eating after 5 p.m. is a recipe for a disaster—or at least a terrible case of indigestion. The spices in taco mixes used to be one of my favorite smells and tastes. My! How some things do change.

 

Made two batches of chicken yesterday to mix with greens or whatever. One is just chicken with spices. The other is chicken with a pound of sliced mushrooms and spices—including the last of the rum that Donny bought for me. Pretty sure that will be the last brought into the house unless someone comes who is familiar with a place like Local Boys. Lance bought some beer for me the last time he was here. Most of it is still in the fridge. It really is a good beer, but it takes thinking about it to remember to have it with a meal. And thinking takes some brain cells firing all at the same time, ya know.

 

Jennifer sent a message this morning about my youngest grandson. Apparently, he ran away from home, but he is back now. Have no idea what is going on in his home or with his family. All your prayers would be appreciated. This is Hanan’s son.

 

Think the gardenia tree is a lost cause. If an old woman had kept the water going out front on those few pots, maybe it would have lived, but it is probably too late to keep it alive now. Jennifer trimmed it up at one point, but nothing green is left on there now.

 

Spent some time looking for Lewis’ cane this morning. Looked in the hen coops, the workshop, the deck, the house---finally remembered leaving it in the truck the other day because my hands were otherwise full. Oh well. At least an extra cane was in the house this morning. Not everyone is this silly.

 

Watching Life 360 to see where Jennifer is today. They did not make it quite to Myrtle Beach last night, and now they are headed south toward Florida. She told me their destination, but brain cells have slept since then, so will just continue to watch to see where they go. Such fun!

 

Lance is bringing my granddaughter’s old phone to exchange with the one currently being used here. More things to learn, no doubt! But it has been nice to be able to use this one to learn the basics before going up one level to a different phone. How these young kids do it is beyond me. But it is not like we have the same interests. Reece sends me Tik Tok videos that stop right when they get interesting. Not sure how to do anything with them, but they at least let me know he is thinking about me.

 

Landon has been house and dog sitting for one of their neighbors. He could probably make a living doing this. But he is not charging their friends all that much since it is someone they already know and love. Have read stories about folks that house sit and dog sit. If a person had to have an easy job, that sounds like one.

 

The trash man has come and gone and the bins put away, so maybe it is a good time to do something here about the dust on the furniture and the crud on the floors. Sigh

 

Please remember those who are trying to deal with all the curve balls that life throws at us. Prayers for others are also prayers for ourselves. We ask; God loves; we ask; God gives.

 

May your prayers be answered. You are loved.