Those Indispensable Teenagers!
Over the past year or two, three teenage boys have been so
kind as to come to my house to help me with various projects from mowing,
moving feed bins, filling feed bins, painting, digging holes for trees, or just
doing the regular little things that needed to be done like taking down rat
traps or moving things around that were a bit too much for an old woman. Their
parents even helped to paint this old house on Dickerson Hill. It occurs to me
that not everyone has access to such good helpers. They have never “charged” me
for their services, but did not exactly go unpaid. However, if anyone knew how
much it would cost to get a tree planted, it might surprise us to find that it
would be quite expensive. Just knowing that they are fairly easy to reach and
persuade to come over to help has been a great blessing as far as this old
woman is concerned. Talked to a lady today who said that just needing someone
to caulk around her windows has been an absolute frustration. No matter what
kind of window in what kind of home one has—well, as long as it is not two
stories up—caulking a window should not be that big of a deal. Yes, it takes
practice to keep from getting caulk all over heck and half of Georgia, but
still. Guess the same is true about paint as one of my hens ran around here for
nearly half a year with paint on her wings. Still am not sure just how that
took place. Anyway, schools should have classes in how to do some regular types
of home maintenance. Even if it is just considered a tech class, it would make
life so much easier when home ownership came along for these young people. And meanwhile,
plenty of folks my age could appreciate the work done by the kids if they are
available. Wonder if an extra credit could be earned by students if they are
willing to learn on the homes of some of us who can no longer climb a ladder?
Smaller cities like Petrolia, Byers, Odessa, Vernon, Megargal, and Paducah
should see what kind of classes they could initiate.
As wonderfully frustrating as yesterday was, today has been
decent. The new roof—barring any unforeseen problems—will go on next Thursday.
Managed an uneventful trip to the Dollar General to pick up some Christmas
lights for the hen house and some Scotch tape for Michelle for when she is able
to come by. She is having a terrible time with her RA and associated problems.
Just wish it were possible to help her in some way. But meanwhile will be
praying for her. Know how hard it is to deal with debilitating pain.
My dogs just ate what might be considered their supper.
Have cut back to one-fourth of a large Ziplock bag (flattened out) of homemade
dog food. Today’s meal was a mix of turkey and chicken. It is worth the effort
since they are not having the constant itchies!
For those who might not know, a Texan by the name of Tara
Ross is a historian, lawyer, mother, wife, and author. She puts out a daily
post on FB about our history—usually about different people who might have
otherwise gone unnoticed or underappreciated. On Mondays she does one called
Medal of Honor Monday. If you like history—and not a warped version—you might
truly enjoy her posts. She can send them to you by email or will send ones with
links to FB. It is something to appreciate.
Sitting here eating some red grapes from Market Street.
Crisp and sweet! Earlier this morning, made some beef stew from Market Street
meat. This stew is very tasty, but it won’t last very long after lunch
tomorrow. Mixed with a package of good stew veggies, some basmati rice, and some
seasoning, it just hit the spot. In the morning, it just might happen that a
caramel apple pie will get made for the visitors. Not exactly sure what supper
will be, but some kind of food. Won’t ask anyone to try the dog food. Ahem.
Have not yet opened the London Advent calendar for today.
Carla Beard does not realize how easily distracted some of us can be. Hoping to
open each day before it is over. This is not like one of those chocolate
calendars where it is consumed before the third day! Was so totally impressed
with Carla’s reading of the first chapter of Luke leading up to the birth of
Christ. She did a very clear and expressionistic reading of the scripture. My daddy
used to read the entire book to us each year when we were young. It reminded me
of those days.
Will ask you tonight to pray for those like Stephen who has
had back surgery, those like Michelle who have had to deal with RA, those who
are widowed and have no one to help them, and those who are dealing with the
results of our economic woes in this nation and others. May God bless those who
are starving and have no shelter. Let us do what we can—even if it is by prayer
alone—to show love to others. And may He help us not to be unduly resentful
toward the idiots who cause even more despair!
Rest well, my friends, and find joy in creativity, reading,
growing, and in family life. You are loved.
No comments:
Post a Comment