If Only.

 If Only.

 

Reading a book that is centered in the wine country of France has reminded me so much of stories about the Resistance, about the arrival of the Americans, and about some of the resentment toward different elements or peoples who came to France during and after the second world war. We are certainly not appreciated currently in that country for various reasons. Yes, we Americans seem to have an attitude that rubs those in other countries the wrong way. But we are not the only ones who have caused resentment in that country. Generally speaking, it is not a wealthy nation of privileged people. Right now, anyone coming into the country who might take work from nationals might find themselves being outcast in more ways than one. Not everyone wants to pick grapes or become landscapers among the French. Those people who do are a bit like the Mexican immigrants who have taken over jobs in the fields of California or in any other Southern state. Many European countries resent the transfer of their money into Asian or African areas the same as we might resent American dollars going into Mexico or Central America. Ah, to tell the truth, most conflict centers around money in one way or another—greed or avarice spreads either despair or hatred no matter which nation is involved. How very sad that we do not see each other as fellow human beings rather than as rivals. If only.

 

Have finally found something among the many bottles of medicines and healing aids that seems to help Thompson. Will go to Tractor Supply tomorrow and see if they have any more of it: 3E, Medicated Wound Care Cream for horses with insect barrier!! He already looks better where the cream is on his skin. And he is not biting or scratching as much. On Amazon it is less expensive, but not sure it would get here before this bottle is used up. We will see. Poor baby. Nothing has helped that much before this stuff.

 

Made a baked potato in the microwave and put it in a bowl with sour cream, salt, and pepper. Thompson is cleaning the bowl for me. Sylvia had a couple of bites, but she was not interested in challenging him for any licks! Smart cookie!

 

Found a dead rat in one of the expensive snap traps and threw it in the trash bin. Two days from now it will leave the premises in the big trash truck. It does seem to me that my blog has an unnecessary focus on rats right now. Ahem. But at least there are fewer of the nasty creatures. Hard to believe that some folks think they make great pets. ARGH!! Bet they don’t have chickens.

 

Totally disgusted with the neighbors to the north of me. Apparently, they threw some bad food over my fence for the dogs. It made Thompson sick enough that he tossed it on the kitchen floor. At least he is not still sick. It was obviously not something that came from my kitchen! They have their own dogs—or at least a trash bin! Dang ‘em!

 

Nearly did the splits when my foot hit that mess. Had not even looked down while going to the back door. Now soaking my sore toe in iodine and hot water. And the mud rug is in the washer—again—to be cleaned along with another rug. At least the kitchen floor got another mopping. Not sure how to teach a dog not to take food that is lying out on the ground. Or that is given to them by strangers. Hope it does not happen again.

 

Went over to Sutherlands this morning and bought four sacks of play sand—fifty-pound sacks. Rolled two of them off the tailgate of my truck into an ice chest that Donny had out in the yard. So, when and if the other mailbox gets here, one of the guys that said he would help us can put together BOTH of the new mailboxes and have sand to weight it down. Still have the other two sacks in the back of my truck for use up here. Gave my letter to Mr. Couch so he could talk to the Post Master and leave notes for the other carriers. He said that they might change his route soon to include a higher traffic area. He also said that his daughter who has had such terrible health problems since birth is in the ICU with Covid. Please remember Mr. Couch and his family in your prayers. This mess is so very hard on everyone.

 

Only found ONE egg today so far. Not sure just what is going on with the girls, but unless they are hiding their nest, they are certainly falling down on the job. Can understand that one is molting and one is getting too old to lay, but that still leaves thirteen to lay eggs every other day. And so far, there have not been any rat snakes out there eating eggs! None that have been noticed, at least!

 

Stayed up rather late last night finishing the last book. Have felt sleepy all day today. Can remember doing that sort of thing years ago as a child during the summer when we would go to the Henrietta Library. Such good books! And a great way to spend the summer days when it was absolutely too hot to move either during day or night! Don’t know how my daddy managed to work in that heat and weld all day! Same with the work that many men—including Lewis—have done forever. As hard as women may have it, honestly believe that men have to have a strength that is only theirs! Maybe that is why American men have always been so determined. Wonder if they are that way in all countries?

 

Soaked my foot in a pan under the desk. Next time it will be in the bathtub! Too much trouble to move water like that. But my toe already feels better. Iodine and hot water. It works.

 

Just about had a hissy fit. Could not remember where my phone had been laid down. It was on the table, but just about took my breath away there for a minute. Moving between the trash can, the washer, the bedroom, and anywhere else it might have been put down! Going to have to get one of those beeper things that find it for me. Had to laugh at Jennifer, however. She has a beeper on her phone. She beeped it and found her phone in her back pocket! Giggling

 

Facebook has had a series of neat pictures where folks take pictures out of their doors or windows to show what they see every day that makes them happy. Some of the pictures are absolutely fantastic. Mountains, lakes, villages, rolling green hills, and assorted ocean views all make it possible to feel as if we can see the rest of the world despite having to stay at home. No matter whether or not we get to go anywhere anytime soon, we can still enjoy looking at the world and the beauty that God has provided. Inspiration and celebration!

 

Very little on my mind by now. It’s already getting toward time to just be still and talk to the dogs and hens. They seem to appreciate the attention. And looking down toward Patty’s house, it looks as if Donny’s cousin is down there helping her with something. So glad he had good friends and family to help her. She is a bit of a hermit. Said that she has seen more people in the past two months than she saw in the last five years! Simply can’t imagine. But maybe right now, it is just as well. One light case of Covid would take her out with her lungs as bad as they are. Please remember her in your prayers. I love the lady.

 

Rest and be happy with the life God has given us. You are loved.