More Unrealistic Expectations.

 More Unrealistic Expectations.

 

In the summertime, Texans almost have braggin’ rights about heat, drought, varmints, and other uncomfortable situations. And, to tell the truth, we sometimes feel we have the same braggin’ rights during the winter—if not for the numbers on the temperature gauge, then we just have to talk about what we might expect to happen. Yes, Wisconsin and even Arkansas have colder temps during the winter than we normally do here in Texas. But we have the attitude down pat to say we can hardly believe it when the water lines freeze even at 8 feet down in the ground. The summer temps get much higher in Death Valley, but we talk about how the oil tends to boil out of our oil wells. And when it is dry, well, we might mention the trees whistling for the dogs. About the only thing we don’t talk about too much is the wind. Congress has us beat hands down in that area.

 

The hens let me know that they did NOT care to leave the coop this morning. It was only 15 degrees, but they were bunched together up on the roosts to stay warm and did not even venture out of the hen house until the sun had warmed things up considerably. Can’t say that anyone could blame them. Really wanted to stay in bed this morning!

 

The dogs have been out a few times, but they were happy to return to the warmth of the house each time. They both have jackets that are warm enough to keep them covered and dry, but if their feet and noses get cold, you can bet they will make a bee line to the couch in the living room. They would love to sleep on my bed with me, but the new rule to prevent problems later is that Sylvia has to sleep in the crate, and if he won’t sleep in the recliner, Thompson has to share the crate with her or go to the living room. Last night he went to the living room. It has to be hard to be a big dog.

 

Found my other knit hat in the closet, so now two are in places that are easy to notice. This haircut is going to remind me of why short hair is great in the summertime and not so great in winter. Oh well. Doesn’t take but a pinch of shampoo to clean my head.

 

Earlier the post from the Jarlsbergs made me feel that my family is so very blessed. The man of the family is trying to take care of everything and still be a positive influence when his wife has no stamina and little way to even help herself. Please read the post about them and pray for the entire family. It really has to be a difficult situation. Peace and health are great gifts from God.

 

My number one grandson has his 25^th birthday on the 14^th of this month. He is working full time and still trying to finish his master’s degree in whatever it is he is doing—something to do with finance maybe. Know both boys are ready to be finished with these classes! They are both as sweet as a grandson can get. Yes, the old woman might be just a wee bit biased.

 

Remembered to let the water drip last night. The water bill may be a doozy, but that is cheaper than paying a plumber. And the gas bill for heating the house may be something else again, but it is still not going to be as bad as the one my nephew got for heating his chicken houses last month. Can you imagine getting a bill for over $9K? That would put me into shock! Have heard that energy bills were going up, but the month before, his bill was a little over $400! Unreal!

 

Have tried to stay away from the news of any kind. So far, so good. The loss of some politicians, some athletes, and a person like Betty White seem to be keeping the news sites busy. Whatever we think of these folks and what has gone on in their lives, all we can do is try to be kind to others and live our lives as truthfully as possible. No matter what a person does or does not do, someone is going to find reason to be critical. If a person looks at how the people around Jesus Christ looked at him, it is easy to see that slander and lies were going to be believed by those who chose to accept slander and lies. It would not matter if He had healed every blind person on earth while He walked the streets of Judea, He would have been criticized and would have been otherwise slandered. Satan just has so much time before God the Father puts an end to his reign.

 

Rest well and remember to find joy in the life God has given you. You are loved.