Circling the Wagons.

 Circling the Wagons.

 

My friend and adopted sister Cindy Jones made a “corn bag” for me. Ya put the sucker in the microwave and heat it up, hope it is not scalding hot, put it on the spot that hurts like thunder, and sit back and wait for it to make a difference. And it does, for the most part. The hard part is not getting it too hot or not getting it hot enough. Microwaves vary, obviously, so what worked last time in the old one ended up being mighty doggone hot in this newer microwave. Even so, the heat feels good on an old back that might belong to some old mule. Hmm. Now we know. Braying might not run in the family, but kicking up the heels and chewing on barbed wire might have been noticed along the familial lines.

 

 Have not accomplished much today. Intentions don’t really count. The only good thing was getting an apple pie made. Since Reece and Molly will be here some time this evening, maybe they will enjoy a slice of pie. Have not made anything remotely resembling supper or a late meal. They will just have to decide what THEY want as my appetite has already gone south for the day. Just hoping that my ability to sleep is still hanging in there.

 

The FedEx fellow just drove by to the tune of two barking dogs. Wonder if those guys have a clue about how much barking they cause each day. Am pretty sure that Patty’s two dogs are standing on her dining room table looking out the window and barking their fool heads off. Thompson has just headed outside to run alongside the fence so he can defend the homestead!

 

The hens got their head of cabbage a little late in the day, so it is only about half gone instead of totally consumed. They gather around that big chunk of green stuff and attack like little Indians! Peck, whack, peck, stab, rip, snatch! If they were Indians, none of us would stand a chance! It’s a good thing the dogs are big enough to hold their own. Would hate to walk out there and find their hides lying around in pieces!

 

Got my cloak/serape/cape out today. It is absolutely beautiful. It has a hood on it, and one side or the other can be flipped over my shoulder so that it stays on no matter what the wind is doing. Cindy is such a wonderful seamstress. She and Sharon remind me of Mom so very much. Talented! Cindy is selling these capes for Christmas or whatever. Mine is solid blue on one side and blue tweed on the other side—soft flannel type cloth. Almost makes a person wish for colder weather—almost! Sharon told me how to get the forms for making hats, socks, gloves, scarves or whatever with a loom. She sits down and keeps busy with her hands and makes things that will keep other folks—especially the homeless—warm in the winter. She has also made hats and ear warmers for all of her grands! Now, how is that for economy!

 

If nothing rips, rears, or ravels, Mataska roofing will install my new roof on Monday morning bright and early. It amazes me that things like that can be done so quickly. If the weather holds, they should not have any problems getting everything off and then put back on while the mess is being cleaned up. Will just keep me and the dogs inside to stay out of the way.

 

Michelle Malay came by today. The dogs were as rambunctious as usual and had to sniff her up on side and down the other. She is used to it! And you can bet that when she got home, HER dogs would be having a sniff fest! Bet her six would put mine to shame. If you would, please say a prayer for Michelle. She is having a heck of a time with her RA and just fatigue in general. Her eyes even looked tired. Just wish my hugs and love could make a difference.

 

Oh, and Mariellen Rose is doing SO much better. She said the leukemia she has is one of two kinds—the lesser evil being what she has. Thank you for praying for her. Know that her daughter and sons love her and want her to be around a lot longer.

 

Keith Mattson’s friend Carole goes to dialysis rather often it seems. He took her and then tried for some pictures of the sunrise. Not sure exactly what time it was, but sunshine did not seem to be making any difference. Anyway, please pray for Carole—and Keith, too. It is hard to watch someone else hurt.

 

Jennifer told me today that she was coming up on the last week of December to stay with me. That was almost instant relief! She can handle these two dogs and all fourteen hens with ease. And when she gets ready to go home, she will be able to take eggs with her. Well, if we don’t decide to have scrambled eggs, she can take eggs home. In case any of you ever wondered, the kind of eggs gathered from happy hens running around on the yard are about six times as tasty as those things from hens that are stuck in cages all their lives. Besides, part of the happiness for my hens is fresh heads of cabbage, scraps from meals, and assorted veggies that did not quite make the table.

 

Ordered a tube of medicine from OptumRx today. Trying to get on the website just was an exercise in frustration! It kept saying that nothing matched. Finally went to the home site for United Healthcare and got everything squared away. Not sure if it was my mistake or if someone really was trying to hack my account. Whatever it was, it works right now. Oh, and if any of you have to go any distance—even two miles—to pick up prescriptions, OptumRx delivers to the mailbox right outside the door. Talk about a neat service. Just hated trying to get my truck through the drive thru at Walgreens!

 

Have another book started and almost wish it was not even started. Bad writing is ok if the storyline is good, but this mess just makes me want to shudder. May just delete it. Too many good books need—really need—to be read!

 

Have been reading about the kids that have been taken to Colorado for treatments with that funny grass stuff. Different people make these oils, but there is no standard or regulation of the ways they are produced. Personally, it would scare the whimwhey out of me to put something in my child’s mouth that might not even have anything good for the child….not to mention, it might be something either too strong or otherwise polluted. Yes, the reasons parents go there are understandable. Who would not sacrifice for one’s child? And no one really wants the government involved in the production or pricing of things that are probably only available in CO. Sometimes it would be nice if someone with enough money to make a difference would really MAKE that difference by organizing an outlet that could be trusted by anyone not understanding the chemical compositions, the production processes, and the possible benefits or drawbacks of various strength oils. It is just sad to see little kids having seizures or not being able to grow because of a defect in their hormones or in their brain!

 

Even with the breeze, it is a beautiful afternoon. It does not seem all that dark at night to me, but Lance said that it is really dark here compared to Saginaw. See, we all are oblivious to some blessings just because we are used to how things are for us. But we are not hungry tonight. We are relatively safe. We are able to join others in groups. God has blessed us so very much. Now we need to appreciate what He has done for us. Oh, and by the way, you are loved.