Weather Watchers.

 Weather Watchers.

 

Ok, the weather forecast says that we might have all kinds of good, cold, wet stuff by Wednesday afternoon. As long as the winds don’t blow us away, that might not matter all that much. Right now, the wind is only blowing at 13 mph. Jennifer said that it was really rocking the big rigs on her way here this morning. And it seemed to her that they were all empty rock haulers with their tailgates flapping in the wind! Scary!

 

Sylvia and Thompson gave Jennifer their usual greeting: licks, jumps, more licks, vocalizations, and lots of snuffing her all over! They were making themselves acquainted with her dogs by proxy. One of her dogs had to go to the vet today. And, of course, it was Luna who gets carsick! Reece did not complain about it, so maybe the windows being down made a difference. Now if Reece can remember to give her the meds, maybe she will feel better soon.

 

We are having some animal crackers for a snack. Sylvia really likes animal crackers. Thompson could care less about animal cookies, but he is rather fond of a FEW kinds of cheese. Who knows why a dog would be picky about cheese?

 

Since the temps are not supposed to get over freezing tomorrow, the hens are going to have to stay in the coop. They have a head of cabbage hanging in the middle coop, so they may need another head in the morning. It would probably freeze, come to think of it. Bleah. Winter is hard! At least we have had some rain and may get some more. Water is totally necessary to this old world.

 

Jennifer bought a plant at Kroger the other day and did not know if it was toxic or not. Well, guess what. Now the plant has to go sit on her desk at work because the cats could die if they nibble on it. Such is life and critters.

 

Something like plants can be so uplifting just to look at, but they can also cause some problems. Lewis and some plants just did not get along. We went to Six Flags Over Texas one summer and had to deal with what felt like an acre of lantana and his allergies without any meds. Now let me tell you, dear hearts, that was truly scary! That park was covered in plants!

 

On her way here this morning, Jennifer had to throw on her brakes and then speed up quickly. The tower to her computer fell over, so now she is in the office trying to see if it is going to boot up. Fingers crossed here.

 

Despite the wind and low temps, it is rather pretty outside. A stupid squirrel climbed the post in front of my window and chattered at me this morning. Those creatures definitely have an attitude! He didn’t exactly use his paws, but flipped his tail at me several times. His thoughts were clear enough to me. Nanny, nanny, boo boo! Hmmm.

 

Jennifer may or may not post tomorrow evening, but be patient. She has plenty to do to keep her busy around here. If nothing else, she will be trying to keep the house warm.

 

May you all rest well and appreciate all the many blessings that God has given us. You are loved.

Sunshine and Shadows.

 Sunshine and Shadows.

 

Did you know that a flame has no shadow? Just sitting here thinking about a quilt top that my great-grandmother made that was called Sunshine and Shadow and remembered reading that Jesus was the light, and like a flame, there is no shadow with Him. Yes, sunshine can cause shadows, but it has none of itself. Just interesting.

 

Our day has been somewhat like that—sunshine and then some shadows. The wind, naturally, is blowing enough to keep the sunshine from keeping us very warm, but such is life in Texas. The hens are pretty smart cookies; they huddle down in holes that they dig and stay with their ends to the wind. But right this red-hot moment, they are out in their favorite corner where they can be seen from the living room window. Athena and Rhody stand out as different from the Marans and Wyandottes. But they don’t even know that they are beautiful.

 

My phone rang a bit ago. My granddaughter called me just to talk. Love that to the moon! She and a young man are going to the Stock Yards this evening. She gets to wear her new boots. Not sure if she got the boots for the wedding she attended recently, but they will be perfect for downtown Ft. Worth. At the wedding, she had on the most beautiful dress—blue. She said that she doesn’t usually wear dresses, but she really likes that one. Just about every woman has a favorite dress. If the old woman ever bought another dress, it would be floor length.

 

The FedEx man came today as did the mailman with packages. Now a big box of lamb and rice dog food sits in the living room. Then Jennifer bought some neat pillow things to be used later. A bottle of dog treats, some monk sweetener, and a couple of jars of dog vitamins came in the other boxes. That should be the extent of FedEx deliveries for a while.

 

Stephen and son came last night to put the feed in the bins. Got to see the “new to him” car that was bought that day. Such a grin on a boy’s face. He was so very happy. Glad that his dad can teach him what he needs to know to take care of it. But Stephen also told me that the “bacon seeds” were not doing well. Not sure if that was the first batch of piglets for that sow or what, but sometimes the little ones just don’t do well. It always hurts to lose a critter.

 

Won’t have to let the water drip tonight, but this will be the last time it will be safe not to do so. Seems this next week is going to be colder than the whiskers on an Artic seal. Brrr. Good thing the trees have not been trying to bud out yet. REALLY want some fresh fruit this year. Need to find some kind of netting to put around my peach tree. Last year a squirrel ate two of the nicest peaches! Dadgum squirrels! Of all the fresh fruits available to us from the markets, nothing tastes nearly as good as what you pick off the trees in your own back yard!

 

Have not even had the computer on today after reading over some stuff on FB and my mail in AOL. Just not interested in seeing what idiocy is going on right now. Once in a while someone will come up with a good jab. Like that guy named Kennedy out of Louisiana. He is a bit like Will Rogers to my way of thinking. Enjoy hearing him handle words and phrases.

 

Did just now check the news. Seems Queen Elizabeth has Covid. Certainly hope that it does not take her out. Then on to the news—well, news if you want to call it that—that Russia seems to be putting their generals in line for an invasion of the Ukraine. God help us and those people. So very sad that this has come about.

 

We know the world needs our prayers. No justice, no mercy, no common sense. Let us ask our Father for healing of this world and its ills. We know that He will make things change, but sometimes it just seems such a long wait.

 

May you all rest well this night and find a reason to hope in awakening. You are loved.

False Spring?

 False Spring?

 

Sitting here not even wearing a long-sleeved shirt makes me think of spring. If we ignore the forecasts, we could just blithely go about our monkey business and play in the dirt to plant things. My father-in-law would have been out plowing his garden by now. And mother-in-law would be busy cleaning out the brooder house so that they could set up to raise a new crop of chicks. As much as baby chicks appeal to me, the idea of raising more chickens can just go by the wayside. Normally, hens don’t last that long. But mine are healthy and well fed, plus they have the protection they need from varmints and weather. Have lost small chicks in the past to rat snakes, and that still bothers me exceedingly, but just because the right kind of equipment now resides in the coops does not mean that growing more chickens is the best idea around. Sometimes think that a lamb or even a goat might be better than having a dozen or more chickens. Pretty sure the City of WF does not approve of sheep or goats in the city limits. Any larger animal would require year-round hay with our climate. Sigh.

 

The one thing to be dreaded about spring is the storms. Oh, we can have storms any time of the year, but the spring storms are nearly always some variations of tornado or cyclone. We sometimes have deadly downbursts of wind that can tear the roof off of big buildings, too. Sounds quite a bit like what has been happening in England and Ireland for the past couple of days. Really have to feel for them. They have lots of trees that kill folks and hamper travel either by road or by rail. Not so sure about how effectively our Amtrak trains travel in different areas of the U.S., but it does not seem we have as much disruption as they do. Of course, our country is humongous compared to either England or Ireland. Shucks, Texas is bigger than most of Europe! When a large tornado hit us back in ’79, it traveled through parts of Central North Texas to Oklahoma—miles and miles of storm. Don’t remember off hand how many miles it covered while on the ground, but just from Vernon to WF takes about an hour when driving. My guess is that is about 60 to 70 miles. Then it traveled north from WF through the rest of Texas to Oklahoma going east by northeast. When we were in high school, our science teacher told the sisters to take us all to the basement because the barometer was dropping drastically. Sure enough. The north part of WF got hit by a tornado! That was the first time the connection made sense to me.

 

It must be a really nice day for flying. Some of the smaller planes have been going overhead toward the southwest. Think a couple of ranches out that direction have their own landing fields. It’s actually pretty neat that Texas has little airstrips all over the place. But when there are so doggone many miles between places, it just makes sense to have more places to put down a small plane. Eventually folks will have those little private planes that look more like hover craft. When the price comes down to about the same amount as a good motor boat, we can start worrying about the traffic in the air.

 

Someone on this side of town must raise pigeons. The tall electric lines are completely covered with all colors of them this afternoon. Haven’t seen any hawks lately, so those creatures must have moved on to better hunting grounds. They don’t mind picking off a random pigeon, but my guess is that an entire flock might make it more difficult to focus on just one.

 

Jennifer called this morning and told me that she was going to have to drive a different car. Gary drove her car and messed it up somehow. Certainly hope the loaner has four-wheel drive. She also told me that she was having some things shipped here. By the time the next Chewy order gets here and a box of raspberry jam from Illinois—well, the bench out front may get a little loaded!

 

Trying right now not to think about situations that seem too desperate, but know that we all need to consider the lives of those in the Ukraine, those still terribly affected by Covid, those who are fighting orphan illnesses like Nate S. and Jacob the Lionhearted. Then there are the caretakers like Kathy’s husband Stilton Jarlsberg. Let us ask for peace and healing. Only God knows best what we really need.

 

Let us rest and be joyful. We know that we are loved.

 

Sunshine and Cackles!

 Sunshine and Cackles!

 

SUCH a beautiful day! Thompson has had to go out on the deck twice now to sympathize with the hens. They lay an egg and stand outside the coop to carry on about what they have done for the day! “Laid a biggun, Ladies!” And Thompson says, “Arroooorah, roooah!” But then he carries on like that for ambulances, too.

 

It's so pretty that the old woman had to walk down in the side lot and pick up a few pieces of trash that had blown into the corner near the house. Yes, it could stand to be raked and the sunflower stalks disposed of, but that probably won’t happen anytime in the near future. C’est la vie.

 

The frost was down on the pumpkin this morning, and the water bowl by the steps of the deck was frozen over—not solid to the bottom of the bowl, but definitely frozen. Since then that bowl has been rinsed out and fresh water put there and inside the first coop. It is supposed to freeze again tonight and then have two nights of non-freezing weather before all crud breaks loose! Snow and freezing rain are in the forecast for Tuesday night and Thursday. Will have to remember to post a note somewhere to remind Jenn to let the water drip in the sink and leave the doors to the cabinet open. Eventually we will see spring.

 

Read on the news that someone left a cargo ship loaded with expensive cars to burn. Wow! What a mess. Wonder what the fish, octopuses, and sharks will think of that “present.” Can’t imagine any of them honking the horns or blinking the lights. But who knows? Maybe a burnt VW would make a decent place for fish to swim. Or not—most likely not.

 

The Lincare van is coming up the road to take a bunch of bottles down to Patty’s place. Noticed yesterday that she only had about six bottles left. Reminded her that the weather is supposed to get icky again, so she ordered oxygen from Lincare and Dr Pepper from Walmart! Giggling to myself. The only two things we can’t do without around here: oxygen and Dr Pepper.

 

Wish everyone could enjoy the sight of these silly hens scratching around in the corner close to the fence. They are just SO industrious! They have that entire corner pretty well scratched up so the dirt is obvious. But they keep coming back to it, so something is attracting them.

 

Had an old sharp-pointed rake type thing banged through a head of cabbage, but the girls apparently did not want it like that. So, now it is hanging from a chain in the middle coop. We will see how that goes. If they have to stay in for a couple of days, it will get chewed up—pecked at, anyway.

 

Just can hardly wait for spring. Would love to have some nasturtiums planted and placed on the front porch along with a few geraniums along the walk. Probably won’t try to plant anything this year unless it is just a pot of something. The bluebonnets are coming up gangbusters, but only the bachelor buttons are giving them any competition. Now if the old woman would sit down there by the posts and pull some of that grass, the hens would love me forever—or at least until they got it all gobbled up.

 

Just made some chicken noodle soup that turned out pretty tasty. Took a container of chicken salad down to Patty yesterday. She liked it very well. She is a little like me in one respect: what someone else cooks is nearly always better. This soup was made with the broth from the breasts that made that salad. Love to use Mrs. Dash to flavor things like that. Just yummy!

 

Reading a series of books that are good but a little infuriating. Each one has another one in a series of the same kind. Found one so far that did not cost anything. Read five of the six available, but would not pay for the sixth one. Argh! Steve Higgs writes several different series with different characters. Sometimes the characters overlap into another series. That is actually a bit fun because it makes the characters even more believable.

 

Think we need to thank God for good health and ask Him to heal those who are in the care of doctors and idiots. Kathy Jarlsberg is being kept alive with blood donations since the chemo they continue to give her is never going to allow her body to heal by itself. Honestly think chemo is the most horrible way to try to “help” someone overcome cancer. Yes, some folks have been cured, but isn’t it just possible that they would have recovered without that stuff? Guess that is not one of my strong points. It just seems barbaric to make someone suffer the way she has. Then there is her husband and daughter. Father, help them!

 

May you all rest well and find something to make you smile. My cousin John sent me an entire email full of funny cartoons. That was neat and made me laugh. Wish those would transfer here, but that is pretty well beyond my capabilities. So, will just tell you what matters most: You are loved.

Chicken Salad.

 Chicken Salad.

 

Left three chicken breasts on slow cooking this morning while making a trip for my appointment. Came home to perfectly cooked chicken. Now it is chopped up and mixed with craisins, bread/ butter pickles, celery, and dressing. Plum yummy. Need to put labels on the containers in the fridge to say “chicken broth” on them. One of these days will come up with a good label that sticks where it is needed. Meanwhile, Patty said she likes chicken salad, so will take some to her in a bit.

 

Ordered groceries to be delivered from Market Street this morning. Had to go through the process three times before it was at the right store and for delivery rather than pickup. Duh. Honestly feel pretty dense at times. Just hoping nothing essential was left off the list.

 

We might not have received much rain last night, but we certainly got our share of wind! The dogs had to have their thunder shirts on to calm down a bit. Sylvia whimpered and whined a bit, but then she settled down and went to sleep. She was not sure she even wanted to get up this morning. Knew exactly how she felt!

 

The mailman brought the dogs their marrow bones. These are smaller than the last batch and may be a bit tougher. It took a couple of minutes for Thompson to conquer his. Their licking treats that go inside a plastic holder came yesterday. Thought maybe Jennifer might want to use them after she gets here to keep them busy. Sylvia can take one out of the holder in nothing flat!

 

Looks as if we might get some more snow next week. You won’t hear any cheers of delight from this quarter. Getting the hens inside and keeping them there is not a biggie, but they need something to keep them busy. Ordered three cabbages. It usually takes about a day for them to eat an entire head—depending on the size of the cabbage. Need to move a holder inside the first coop to keep it off the floor. Have a chain hanging from the rafters that will hold it up, but need to figure out how to put something all the way through it so they don’t get it dirty. Yes, that is probably the least of their concerns.

 

Ran out of craisins while making the chicken salad. Not sure just where to get a package that big again. Michelle Malay cleaned out one of her freezers and found them in there. They have been mighty tasty in several dishes. Think a “normal” package is about three ounces. This package was 48 ounces. She may have found them out at the Base.

 

Patty’s friend just drove by. Need to check and see if they got the little dogs taken to the vet’s office. Thought it was Patty’s car that left our road a bit ago. Yeppers! Toenails trimmed and puppy dogs back home to have their lunch!

 

Just went out to pick up eggs and found an old garden thing that might be driven through the cabbage head to hold it. My dogs are so silly. They went out into the workshop with me to look around. They always find something that “might” need to be moved and explored under. Not this time, kids! Not in the mood to try to move things around out there. So, they took a few treats instead after we came inside. Rewards for not doing any grumping!

 

Got a letter from some agency wanting to know if two of my former neighbors would be good foster parents. Yep, they definitely would. They are both good with children, and considering that some folks are pretty horrible with kids in the foster system, it was easy to recommend them. Just pray that God blesses both the children and the couple who are willing to help them.

 

Can actually see green down in the east lots. Woo whooo! Just wish that some of it could be that clover planted last year. Actually saw some growing along the fence last year, but it may have either been sprayed or cut too close to the ground. Sigh

 

As usual, this old woman is about as dumb as dirt, but will try to smile about anything just a wee bit funny. If you want to share a funny with us on this blog, please do. Most of us could certainly use a little laughter.

 

Please pray for those who have health problems and feel as if the problems are insurmountable. Each of us has been there at one time or another or can understand.

 

Rest and be easy. Winter won’t last forever. You are loved.

That CLEAN Smell!

 That CLEAN Smell!

 

My house smells good this afternoon. Maria did such a good job. She even polished my poor desk in the living room. She also cleaned off the couch where the dogs always camp out. Next time she won’t have to clean three of the rooms since the door to Hanan’s room is always closed. It’s just nice to know that if Lance or one of the boys come, it is ready to be used.

 

Talked to Michelle Malay today and found out that she is doing just fine. It always worries me if she does not answer. She has six large dogs out there. My two can easily trip me, but six! Can’t even imagine!

 

The nice FedEx man that has been delivering my packages said that Friday is his last day on this route. He will still be working out this direction, but not on my street. Chris is a very nice young man. He is a former Marine and veteran of the mess in the Middle East. We talked about the problems that so many veterans have. Not all the counseling in the world would ever heal the minds and spirits of some of those folks. Simply too much to consider how they had to react to the things around them when the Iraqi were blowing up babies in carriages!  Father in heaven, give those men and women peace and a sound mind.

 

Maria did all the work, but yours truly is so very tired this evening. Just have to remember to let the faucets drip tonight as it is supposed to freeze again. Such fun.

 

May just sit down and turn on the TV. Think it has been months since it was last turned on!

 

Sharon’s niece Kimberly is having some more health problems. They want to put a port in so that they won’t have to try to get a vein every time they do an infusion. Please pray for her. Veins tend to blow out after they have been destroyed by too many punctures. Poor little Jacob has the same problem, but the disease he has makes his skin so tough it is like trying to puncture a piece of leather. And he is having similar problems.

 

Let us pray for peace of mind and for a cloud of love to encompass our world. Each person matters to God, but not very many realize their worth to Him. Let us seek to show that love in any way possible.

 

Rest and be renewed in life. You are loved.

No Need to Knock!

 No Need to Knock!

 

Saw something on FB this morning that made me laugh. One of those doormats had a picture of a small dog like the ones Patty has looking out from under a blanket. The words: No Need to Knock! Yep! My big dogs are just as vociferous as her little dogs, but neither of us needs a doorbell as long as the dogs can hear an engine or a cat or a dog or any strange sound that makes them wonder about what might be going on outside. They announce the mail truck, the trash truck, the guy going by to deliver Patty’s meals or her packages. Then there are those days when the wind blows worse than normal. Something blows by on the street or down on the highway, and these two guardians think they have to sound the alarm! Certainly hope that this semi-drought does not progress any further. Tumbleweeds make interesting “monsters” that fly across the lake bed and stack up around the bottom of the hill. Get a bad enough wind and those monsters will stack up across the highway against the State Hospital fence!

 

Talked to Robin Christian just a bit ago and found out that Illinois is having a drought there about the same as here. They have had one fairly decent snow, but it won’t be enough to soak in and keep moisture down in the ground for their fields. It is so sad to see things die off for lack of water. Of course, have seen the reports about places in Africa where the animals are dying off and the people starving for lack of water or any way to produce food. The goats and cattle can’t wander far enough to find grazing. And the wild animals are just as bad off as the more domesticated stock. We all need to ask God to bless our earth with rain in due season. No matter what kind of things come out of the ocean to feed folks, we have to have enough of it produced or gathered to feed all the hungry people. Have read that kelp will feed livestock, but then, how does one get kelp from the ocean to the people in Ethiopia? How can we feed Texas cattle with enough seaweed to make it through a drought? Seems to me that only God can help us.

 

Did a little Southern engineering this morning. Had a beware of dog sign on the fence next to the end of Lakeview. The zip ties on the top of the sign were broken off. Went out to put more on the top of the sign and took the wrong size out there. Decided wire would last longer and work better. Now the sign is reattached firmly with wire. Meanwhile, it occurred to me that the zip ties would keep two of those little cubby things attached to each other for a nesting box in the middle coop. The hens raise up on their legs when they are getting ready to drop their egg, so they have been dislodging the top cubby. Turned it over so that the two open ends were together and the hens have more room to stand up. Took me long enough to figure this out! Duh. Some folks are just not into seeing things from a practical point of view. Guess who is one of them!

 

Took a test at the clinic yesterday and found out today that it was negative. Yay! Next week is the one where the nurse scrapes the bottom side of your brain through your nose for a covid sample. It is a horrible virus and would not want it in any way form or fashion, but that test has got to be improved! Horrors!

 

My dogs snore. Sylvia reminds me of Lewis. Deep, rumbling snores! She does not talk in her sleep, however. But she also wakes up at the least little sound if she is in the living room with me. She will give me an accusing stare if my noises are enough to make her think she needs to get up and go somewhere with me. Tried to spell the word “accusatory” and could not get Word to even consider my spelling. Oh well. The meaning is disapproving and that is how Sylvia feels about any extraneous noises made by yours truly. Oh well.

 

Offered Thompson a marrow bone snack and watched him make a mess. But he found it on my desk later and reached up to get it. He is funny. He really prefers getting his own snacks, thank you very much. But if he thinks that Sylvia might get it—well, Katie bar the door! He will get it first or run over me trying.

 

Just went out to prop the coop door open again. That wind is something else! Looked out to the east lot and noticed a SLIGHT green tinge to the grass. Maybe we will have some grass this year after all. Have been thinking that the stems on the apricot trees looked a bit thicker. Hope they get to make fruit this year. The frost nearly always got at least a couple of trees years ago.

 

Was able to hook up the water hose again this morning and put out water for the critters. We are supposed to get freezing temps again this week, so had to put the cover back on the faucet. Such is life. At least the dog water bowl is easy to fill and has nothing inside to be covered.

 

Made some banana pudding this morning and had planned to use the whisk attachment to the Braun tool that Jennifer bought for me. WHY the attachments are never where the old woman thinks they should be, who knows? Ended up using the mixer and whisk that daughter-in-law gave me. One of these days—nah, organization will never happen. It takes thought. Rolling eyes here.

 

My nephew Danny’s son Jacob has an incurable disease that is similar to RA and a bunch of other stuff that makes folks miserable. The insurance company was refusing to pay for the drugs he needed, but the company that makes the drug is letting them have it for something like $5 a month! That is such a blessing for them. Anyway, Jacob has a terrible time when they have to stick him for any kind of blood work. His veins are not good after all he has been through.

 

Then there is a lady named Karen S. whose son also has some incredibly rare diseases that prevent him from walking. Karen is older and should not be lifting, but her son fell and HAS to be lifted. Please pray for her, her son, and any answers that can be given to her for help. She really needs a full-time helper that the boy can learn to love. Only God can give answers to situations like these for Jacob and Karen.

 

Rest and enjoy whatever life has that makes you smile. You are loved.

Prep Work.

 Prep Work.

 

Ah, did ya know that pre-surgical work has to be done a week or more before surgery. Well, now ya know. Got a couple of swabs inside my nose—one of which smelled a lot like my old microwave after something burned inside! Bleah. The sweet nurse came to my truck and did the swabs and said they would let me know if the tests came back positive. Really hoping they were negative. Then we have a pre-op covid test just a few days before surgery. Guess that makes sense. Deep sigh.

 

Patty called the City of WF today to find out if they would come to her driveway next to the mailbox to pick up her trash bin. Yep, they will start doing that pretty soon. This way yours truly will not be hauling it up here across from my house.

 

Patty also is trying to find someone to come to her house to trim the nails on her two little muttniks. Suggested putting them in carriers and hauling their happy tails to Western Hills Clinic, but she did not want me to have to pick them up. Roxie might have been just fine, but Rudy gets spooked pretty easily. Probably better to just not get them away from their mom. Plus, Roxie gets excited and twiddles all over! Poor creature.

 

Have not been all that hungry today, but still have some broccoli salad to finish off anyway. Wish coffee in the afternoon did not keep me awake all night, but night owls would have nothing on me with any kind of caffeine after 10 a.m. Oh well.

 

Bought a book—actually meant it for the granddaughter, but Lance said thank you, so he assumed it was for him. It’s just fine. Maybe she will read it—or not. She really does not enjoy reading that much. The book’s title is something like Why Every Girl Needs a Daddy. Know I really needed mine growing up. Think Jennifer did, too. For that matter, every boy needs a daddy. Men have such an important place in the grand scheme of life. God knew what He was doing.

 

Absolutely as dumb as dirt this evening and just don’t really feel like talking or writing. Will suggest that all of us can pray for peace and healing in this world. God knows what we need better than we do.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Appreciating a Good Marriage.

 Appreciating a Good Marriage.

 

Having just read some things about a woman whose husband did not truly appreciate her and about his nefarious activities, my own experience made me feel that my marriage was one of the greatest blessings that God could give a woman. Poor Lewis might not have got the greatest, but at least he pretty well knew what to expect from me—well, most of the time. Except for moving the furniture around constantly, he knew he would have decent meals and clean clothes and relatively obedient children. A couple of times he came home to find fish in the bathtub or rabbits in the small linen closet, but he knew not to be too terribly surprised by what he would find around here. My point was, however, that other than his temper, he really did a pretty good job of being a husband and a daddy. He loved us. You know a man really loves his children even when he shouted at them when he did his very best to help them in their every circumstance.

 

 

Tomorrow is supposed to be Valentine’s Day which we never celebrated, but Lewis wore his heart on his sleeve for me and for his family. A heart picture just does not fill in all the spots that love changed us. Gratitude to the God who gave us to each other is about the only way that it is possible to express that love now. Know many a widow who feels the same way. Sue and Glenn, Sharron and Butch, Carol and Ron, and those like Olga and others whose husbands’ names never come to my mind now—those are the ones today who will remember and nod their heads. Silly red hearts just don’t cover all that love.

 

Rest and be grateful for the love and the memories.

Funny Uses for Music.

 Funny Uses for Music.

 

 

Ok, the truckers have a point, but the millions of dollars of commerce and the loss of wages for some people on either side of the border between the U.S. and Canada have spurred some freaky happenings. Specifically, New Zealanders have been inspired by the truckers to object strenuously to the mandates enforced in that nation. Yes, they probably have the lowest number of cases of covid and the lowest number of deaths as well. However, the funny part is the strange war of musical numbers that they have chosen in the fights. According to the BBC, New Zealand authorities are fighting protestors with music:

 

Authorities in New Zealand have been playing Barry Manilow's greatest hits in an attempt to dislodge protesters camped outside the parliament building.

Songs by the US singer are being played on a 15-minute loop, along with the Spanish dance tune, Macarena.

 

 

Guess what the protestors did? The demonstrators, who are angry at Covid-19 vaccine mandates, responded by playing songs such as Twisted Sister's We're Not Gonna Take It. The protests began on Tuesday when a convoy of vehicles drove to parliament.

 

 

Years ago, an audience of young people got very enthused over a band in the Petrolia School cafeteria who were playing the song, “Lucille!” Paul Patterson had to go out there on stage and practically unplug the musicians, so obviously, music speaks to some folks more than to others.

 

 

When people have their minds on things other than griping about rules and regulations, we can find things that some people eat that we might never have known exists. For instance: Scientists say the plant enset, an Ethiopian staple, could be a new superfood and a lifesaver in the face of climate change. The plant is almost unknown outside of Ethiopia, where it is used to make porridge and bread. Research suggests the crop can be grown over a much larger range in Africa.

 

 

"This is a crop that can play a really important role in addressing food security and sustainable development," said Dr Wendawek Abebe of Hawassa University in Awasa, Ethiopia. Enset or "false banana" is a close relative of the banana, but is consumed only in one part of Ethiopia. The banana-like fruit of the plant is inedible, but the starchy stems and roots can be fermented and used to make porridge and bread.

 

 

Mariellen Rose’s niece, Kate Ellen, got scammed out of over $600 dollars when she was trying to buy a refrigerator for her little compound. That could just as easily happen here in the U.S., but sending money to Kenya is a pretty sketchy deal. Over there it involves government regulations or taxes on the taxes. Not sure just exactly what is going on with Kate and her family right now, but know they could use our prayers for safety and security.

 

 

Let’s talk about Kathy Jarlsberg. Stilton is trying so hard to have a decent attitude, but some of the things that have happened to his wife make me want to shake a nurse or kick a doctor. Can’t do either of those things, so let’s ask God to find the best solution for that family. It hurts to think that the family is in such limbo.

 

 

Science has always been fascinating to me, but lately the discovery of a skull that is neither Neanderthal nor more like modern man turned up in China. It is basically being called “Dragon Man.” A construction worker found it in a river while the area was under the control of Japan (WWII). He took it home and hid it in the family well. {Garf!} But he told his family it was there and where he found it. So eventually they may find more like it. The skull looked like it came from a really stocky person, so we may all have some ancestors that looked more like a buffalo than a Geisha girl!

 

 

Honestly have no original thoughts to share with you this evening. A very long nap seems so appealing at the moment, but it is just too early to go hit the hay. Sigh. At least the dogs are being good lately and not trying to lie down on my bed at night. Good dogs!

 

 Have just about given up on the idea of cooking food for my dogs. They both turned their noses up at ham and rice! We are going to go most of this coming week with just kibble and maybe a can of dog food shared between them. Who knows? Maybe we can all lose some weight.

 

 

Rest well and enjoy these next few days of decent weather. Remember to be grateful for each blessing. You are loved.

 

 

 

 

Strange Memories.

 Strange Memories.

 

Some years ago, soon after Lewis died, my friend took me under her wing and got me out of the house and caused me to think about some things that had never quite made it into my consciousness before. She said that the seasons often saw elderly folks dying off at a heightened rate—northers and cold snaps taking them when nothing else seemed to be part of the equation. Not illnesses, but a changing of the seasons. Honestly don’t think that we could blame very many deaths on seasons when that cold snap hit us back in February of 2021, but if a window was left open in the room of an elderly nursing home patient, the cold would have been enough to take life rather quickly. Even if all the patients had been camped out in huddles in a common living area, just being close enough to touch someone else might have been a help when the electricity and heating systems went down. Just thinking about what this stupid virus has done to people has made me wonder if some folks would not have been better off to at least be with someone rather than facing problems alone. Just a thought.

 

Have had the hose hooked up to the back faucet for a couple of days, but guessing that it will have to come off tomorrow when the weather is supposed to get a bit colder. It was nice to be able to just turn the water on for a change rather than having to haul water in a bucket. Such is life. Still have it SO much better than all my grandparents and great-grands. Great-grandmother Camp had a pump on their well—not an electric pump, Dear Hearts, but the kind that has a handle on it. Can you imagine how cold it would have been to get out there and pump that handle in a cold snap? Whoa! With all the stress that life has going for us today, we still have it SO much better than any of our ancestors.

 

Dr. Blackwell came by today, and we talked about a couple of things including the children’s books in my library. Actually, don’t have that many of them now, but what is there can go to their school where her husband is director. The ones by Tara Ross are great! Have a couple by Dutch Henry and want to get one by Diana Erbio to give to them. Really wish my daughter-in-law still had her closet full of children’s books to give away. Oh well.

 

Dr. Blackwell said that the Clinic did not do a test for MSMR any longer because they just spray something in one’s nose now to kill any bacteria that might be there before surgery. Knowing how dangerous that infection could be, that approach sounds pretty reasonable to me. Guess the PA will let me know when she sees me this coming Thursday.

 

Saw an egg holder that Brenda Jones has on her counter that had all colors of eggs in it. But she said the two Marans from my house had not been laying. Can almost bet those girls are hiding them somewhere! My Marans have been laying for the longest! The hens taken to Paducah hid their nests relatively well, too. But it did not look as if Brenda had that much space for the girls to hide in.

 

Posted a note about Bruce Major. He had to have most of his stomach removed, so he is going to become quite slim and trim pretty soon. His recovery looks as if he has a very good chance of the cancer not returning, so now it will be more a matter of healing. He was the pharmacist at Albertson’s for years—until they closed or right before. Miss being able to ask a pharmacist questions—someone who already knows the meds being taken. Guess the insurance company would do that for me if asked.

 

Have never seen so many cement mixing trucks in one area before they started working on the road and guard shack over at the State Hospital. They may have it all poured by now, but earlier, maybe fifteen trucks took turns going down Kemp and pulling in to have their loads pumped into different spots. Dear Hearts, that is a LOT of concrete!

 

Have been reading a book about a disease called “The Heat” that is based on a future scenario where the death rate is something like 99.8%. Can’t imagine! That would be like maybe one thousand people alive out of a town of 100,000! Math is not really my thing, but in this book, the bodies just dissolve into grey dust rather than a normal situation of decay. The wild animals stop being afraid of mankind as well. That is believable. Take the monkeys in some of these places like India where they are considered little less than gods. The monkeys savage people and other animals—including dogs and cats. Shaking my head at the thoughts. It is almost that bad with wild hogs here in Texas. Those creatures are not afraid of anyone or anything! Their favorite snacks are rattlers!

 

On that cheery note, will say that my wildest wanderings and wonderings are pretty useless at the moment—nothing unusual, that is.

 

Pray for this world that God will establish justice and His love beyond anything that man can currently understand. Let us give of ourselves in the best way we can, even if that is only through prayers for others.

 

Rest well, and look for joy in the living things around us. You are loved.

Sunshine Happy!

 Sunshine Happy!

 

Outside today is plum beautiful! Every bird out there is singing about something. The thermometer on the deck says 72 degrees. And yes, it is still February! No matter how long it does or does not last, this weather is wonderful.

 

Cooked a ham yesterday and ground a bunch of it up a bit ago to make dog food. Connie was trying to make a point about the cost of this food in contrast to the expensive food in the big sacks. Yes, it is probably cheaper to just feed them kibble. But for now, at least, they are healthy. Yes, they have gained more weight than is probably advisable, but then, the same is true for the old woman who has been feeding them. Anyway, as soon as the sweet potatoes are cool enough to peel and mash, they will have another week’s worth of food in bags. Have half a ham left to make either dog food or people food with, too.

 

My friend Barbara Matthews’ brother died last night. He has been in a care home for a long time and was not in a good place—hurting constantly. Sometimes it is hard to let folks go when we love them, but the pain makes life unbearable for both the person hurting and the folks who have to watch them hurt. God knew what He was doing when He allowed us to have an end to this life.

 

Have you ever wondered why Christ said that the poor would be with us always? Does that mean there is no answer for poverty, or does that mean that there is more than one kind of poverty? We may sit in our homes and be so depressed that we think we might never find joy again as long as we live, while a poor herdsman in the Sahara may delight in having two goats and finding some good grazing for them where he can be out of the sun. It makes me wonder about poverty and resources and how those resources are used. Everyone who has an eye to read can see condemnation of huge churches that do not heed the call for helping those women and children who are hungry. But what if hunger for food is not the need that God wants filled? Not going to give you any of my thoughts on this subject. Would like to hear from you all. Know a couple of folks have opinions on poverty. Or just think about the kind of poverty that bothers you most.

 

Lance came up once and looked at the backyard and all the hens out there and asked me if there was something in my nature against the growth of green grass. Yes, the hens are out to get every little bit possible, but give the grass a month and it will be way ahead of the hens! Then it will be time to call the Smith boys and see if they have time to start up the big mower. Love seeing the grass all cut and clean looking.

 

Have had some strange dreams lately. Have you ever dreamed about a store that has been gone for years? Do any of you remember Downtown WF before all the businesses left for the west or southwest side? A long, long time ago, there was a store downtown called The Fair. Daddy bought me a pair of boots in there—a size 5 ½ men’s boot fit a girl’s size seven foot. Daddy was determined that is where he was going to get my boots. The only other place he liked was in Henrietta. Had those boots for years until they finally wore out. But the smell of that store was leather—much like the leather shoe shop repair in Henrietta where Daddy bought leather to make bridle reins. Yep, certain smells and certain thoughts must trigger dreams.

 

Talked to Sterling the other day about the songs they sang at his graduation: This Is My Father’s World and Suddenly There’s a Valley were the two they sang. Do any of you have a memory of a song sung at your graduation? Mrs. Moon was the pianist in Petrolia, and you can almost bet she chose the songs. The church goers in Petrolia would have all been in agreement with those two songs. Can’t even remember if my graduating class had a song played the night of our graduation. Don’t think so. It might have been on the day of the Baccalaureate, but not the night of graduation. And you can bet no Catholic girls would have been singing This Is My Father’s World. Oh well.

 

Wondering if the Olympics will still be in existence for many more years. Never have heard so much controversy as when the games have been played this year. “You have been taking drugs!” or “Your pants are too baggy!” Good grief, Gertrude! Now if they want to get upset about something, why not just take the word “game” out of the entire deal? Let’s just get realistic and say, “My boots are better than your boots” or “My woman is taller than your man!” Used to think the tribes of South America were pretty barbaric with their so-called games. The winners got to eat the losers or something like that. Let’s hope it doesn’t get quite that bad.

 

Obviously know nothing of interest to discuss at the moment. Will let all of you just enjoy Keith’s pictures of the moon, the lake, the snowy streets, or his favorite café. Meanwhile, the dogs are going to have to keep me laughing by taking their toys out of the toy box for me to pick up for them. While THEY laugh!

 

Please remember to pray that God’s will be done. We have no answers to anything, but He does. Let us reconcile our thoughts to His ways.

 

Rest well tonight and look forward to life with joy! You are loved.

Just Winging It.

 Just Winging It.

 

Groceries are put away; a toll road fee disputed; and the x-rays paid for all means that today is almost finished. Market Street in WF does not have an active website today, so this old woman hobbled inside and leaned on a cart to pick up the necessities. It really would have been nice to be able to have that gentleman who loaded my groceries to just go home with me to haul them inside. Oh well. Then the toll fee was charged in Austin this past year. Hello! Have not even been out of WF in at least two years!! Yes, the tag was misread. Hoping it is taken care of now. The chest x-rays were to be sure that everything is clear to go forward. Certainly not going backwards if at all possible.

 

Jennifer called and said that Dr. Jensen had to put three of her ribs back in place. Honestly do not know how that girl does it, but she is quite a bit like her headstrong mother—bullheaded, gonna do it or die attitude! She came by her looks from Lewis’ side of the family, but the attitude is totally Pollard or Camp! Grandmother thought she could move the Grand Canyon—or at least her refrigerator!  And she was only five foot tall! Jennifer is slightly taller than that, but not much.

 

It is an absolutely gorgeous day with sunshine and not much wind. It could just stay this way, and we could all enjoy it! Even fastened up the water hose out back so the hens could watch as the water was sprayed into their water bowl. While it is this warm, will not use the lights or heater in their coop. They are tough little critters. But one has hurt her leg somehow. Who knows? Maybe the dogs ran over her. Maybe she will get better soon. Don’t want to have to put one down. They are so trusting and sweet.

 

One nice thing about making my own dinner. If it is too much, two dogs are more than willing to take care of it for me. Yes, it could be put in the freezer, but fresh is so much better. They agree.

 

Got some stuff today called Propel. It is basically just flavored water with electrolytes in it. Not bad at all and no sugar either. Sometimes it is just nice to have something different to drink without feeling guilty about sugar. This was peach flavored. Yum.

 

It seems this is a very, very good time not to watch the news or listen to the ones who want us to know that North Korea does not like us. Ditto for China and Russia. It reminds me that so many of the things bought for my dogs are made in China or some other Asian country. Sigh     

 

Have a book over there in the corner calling my name. It’s close to the bookcase where my Bible stays, so there is always a choice of reading material. You have heard the one about the little boy asking his older brother why Grandma was always reading her Bible. The older brother explained it this way: “You know how I have to study for tests sometimes? Yes, well, Grandma has a big test coming up. She is studying for finals.” Friends, if we only needed just a little bit of that book, it would be enough to know that Jesus Christ was born the son of God, died for our sins, and lives again so that we may as well. We may miss fellowship with those of like mind; we may miss the old-time hymns; but we may never miss the opportunities to be loving toward others. That is our job right now.

 

Rest now while we are able. Find joy in each day. You are loved.

Under Construction.

 Under Construction.

 

Went to the Market Street site today and found out that it is being updated or whatever. So, a person who wants a delivery today or tomorrow can just get over it or log on to Walmart. A certain old woman made soup today with chicken, baby bok choy, carrots, celery, and some dough made into little drop dumplings. Not bad at all even if it was missing some milk. Not a biggie.

 

Made some more dog food this morning using boiled eggs and some Campbell’s soup that just did not suit my fancy. Chicken, broccoli, potato soup. Bleah. The dogs ate most of what they were given, but made it clear that they were not all that enamored of that particular mix. Oh well.

 

Just talked—well, texted—with Dr. B’s nurse. I have to go to the clinic out on Barnett for x-ray and some blood work, but will call Dr. Kern’s office first to be sure the timing is ok. It seems that sometimes they really don’t want to get that stuff too far out from surgery dates. Hmm.

 

My classmates are going to Bill’s Catfish place over in Okie land this Thursday. Saw that Roger and Susan will be going, too. Bet they are happy to be getting out and about with everyone again. Roger pulled through like a champ after having his quad bypass. Tough guy! And Susan has got to have some major patience to deal with the stubborn critter.

 

My little black hens are so pretty out in the side lot. The Marans have those black feathers that show out in the sunshine to have some glints of purple and copper orange on their necks. The Black-laced Wyandottes are pretty, but they have a totally different look about them. Their feathers don’t gleam like those on the Marans. But the dogs are just as different in their coloring. Thompson gleams in his solid black coat. Sylvia just shows up more when she moves against the brown background. Won’t be long until they will all be enjoying the green grass again.

 

The text message from the Michigan Bulb Company today said that they had 30 perennial bulbs for $30 including shipping, but yours truly just deleted the text. Unless the bulbs could be put in containers, no sense in even getting any. It will probably be late summer before digging is an option. Just looking forward to seeing green grass at the moment. Of course, then we will begin to watch the barometer for our spring storms. Such fun.

 

Have thought about buying some more clover seeds to spread in the east lots and shutting the gate so the hens can’t get out there. This clover is not supposed to grow over four inches tall and crowds out stickers. That would be great! My dogs get those doggone khaki stickers in their feet and just gnaw on them forever! But the clover seed is very expensive. Still, it would be great to have it covering that area out there. Have to think about it. Probably great rabbit fodder!

 

Listened to just enough news to realize that China and Russia are doing the same garbage that they have done forever. If Germany can’t get gas from the Ukraine, they will undoubtedly fold to any kind of pressure from Russia. The same goes for France. Could worry about it or just not think about it. Not much can be done in our particular position anyway. Guess turning off the news is probably the best bet! We depend too much on China and other countries for too many things—but especially drugs. At one time, our country produced almost all of our own drugs. My! How things have changed!

 

Feel sorry for folks living in Canada right now. Have you ever heard several truck horns blow at the same time? Horrible noise. Guess that is the idea, however. And now the numbers show that the omicron virus is backing off in most places. Quite a few schools have removed the mask demands. Eventually folks will get to make up their own minds. Not like they didn’t do that already.

 

Thinking about those who are ill tonight and have to deal with medications and the shortages of good nursing staff. Things will eventually work out for the best, but right now it is so very difficult to hire anyone for any position in any company. Let us pray that folks will be able to go back to work while they have dependable daycares or whatever is needed so that companies can meet the demands being made on them. It is not just little “mom and pop” places that can’t get helpers. And it is not just hospitals and schools that can’t depend on having the folks they need. Go to any grocery store or pharmacy and you will see the same problems—no one to work for them. Is it our government handouts that have caused this problem or something else? Unsure. But we can’t just clone teachers or nurses. It takes training and time just to learn how to operate everything from technology in the classrooms to technology in the patients’ rooms. Yep, sooner or later things will have to improve. But let’s pray that it is sooner.

 

May you all rest well this night and awake with a positive attitude. You are loved.