Lazy Day Results.

 Lazy Day Results.

 

Just have goofed off all day and did not go out and collect the eggs except for once. One of the hens obviously got a bit rowdy and broke an egg, so now those had to be washed and put in the fridge. Oh well. Funny, but will find a way to use them.

 

Apparently two of the “wild birds” that have been getting the hens’ water dirty are the two ducks that have been enjoying the corn or whatever in the chicken feed. And Sylvia did not bother to chase them off a few minutes ago. Sigh.

 

Asked Patty if she cried today. It bothered me when Donny’s truck went by. Knew she had it for sale; she got $24,000 for it. Told her it was a valuable commodity since it did not need a Chinese chip to keep it on the road. We will both miss it being there. But now she can see me, and her door is a clear shot from my deck.

 

Thought Tim would be here this morning or sometime today to pick up his pay for house sitting. Haven’t heard from him yet, but the day is not over. Patty said she saw him and some girl playing with the dogs in the back yard. Bet both dogs thought they had won the lottery to have someone to play with them! They love playing chase!

 

Have been playing a couple of games online and reading, but finally got out the dust mop and swept up the worst of the dog hair and dirt. May have to call Maria and see if she feels like cleaning house next week. Mopping makes everything feel so clean—at least for a day or two or until it rains again. Who knows when we will get rain again? Monday and Wednesday are forecast to be stormy. Today, at least, has been pleasant and not all that hot. The wind howled through about 5:30 this morning and had Sylvia upset and wanting out of her crate, but it settled down finally so that now it is only 8 mph. Yay for calm winds!

 

Connie said she would go with me in the middle of the week coming up so that maybe we could find some size 16 shorts for me. Would even like to have some “tank tops” that are cool, but we will see. It’s not like these are things that yours truly wears out in public, but messing around here at home is so much more comfortable with fewer clothes to get me hot and uncomfortable.

 

Jennifer went to Sam’s for me yesterday and bought a bunch of veggies, meat, milk, canned food, and paper products. It is expensive, but a body does enjoy some variety and fresh stuff. Think the old woman could live on salads! She even got a package of croissants and a rotisserie chicken. Ummm.

 

Loved getting to see my cousins and meeting some that are new to me. The venue would be wonderful for a wedding or something of that nature. Kinda bet it was expensive, but it’s not like we can take it with us. The only real drawback was the traffic and trying to get the GPS to work properly. It was Art’s little Ford that we took. Told Jennifer to apologize to him for me as the “Oh! Shtuff” handle probably had grooves in it from me holding it so tightly! Those folks drive 75 to 90 on those roads. Jenn says that it is absolutely necessary or someone would run over you! Easy to believe!!

 

Talked to Carol Thonton just now and the doctor just NOW got around to coming to see her. She still has no idea how the surgery went, but they kept her longer than she expected and wants to go home rather badly. Let’s hope that her BP is stable and that she gets to go home in the morning.

 

Mariellen Rose got to go home today from the hospital. Chemo is just about the most horrible stuff. My sister-in-law Jacqui had it after breast surgery and now her hands don’t work properly. Go figure. It is just not fair!

 

Really know very little of interest tonight. Hoping that the Ukraine can recover and that the Western nations help them resolve the damage even though the lives already lost are irreplaceable. May God give them peace.

 

May those of you who are not suffering through heat yet enjoy every day of the decent temperatures. Let us pray for rain—especially for the West where it is burning up and dry as a fizzle poot! Let us enjoy each of God’s blessings. Remember: you are loved.

Cool Green!

 Cool Green!

 

It was cooler than expected (by me, anyway) this morning. A light, long-sleeved shirt felt pretty good this morning when it was time to let the hens out. Not sure if it got over 74 today, but it definitely was not hot. We have cloud cover, but no rain. It is supposed to get up to 88 on Thursday and 92 on Friday, but the wind is expected to blow again on Friday. Oh, joy.

 

Saw some creature moving at the end of the east lot this morning, and got my walking sticks out and walked down there. A cottontail bunny zipped toward the back yard with two dogs in hot pursuit! They missed! But Sylvia had already had some exercise when she first went out this morning since a Mallard pair were out by the coop looking for corn. Thankfully she did not catch either of them. That would have been a mess—besides, they are mated—probably for life. Kinda neat that some birds do that.

 

Yesterday Cari Guidry came to pick up some eggs and told me that they are in the process of building a chicken pen. Told her to be sure to buy pullets instead of straight run chicks since she would not want to kill and dress the little roosters. She gave me one of those horrified looks when that was mentioned. We had many a dressed rooster back when the in-laws were raising chickens and selling eggs. The meat is totally different than what you buy in the store. The chickens in the store are raised mostly for breast meat, so they get huge in front and don’t live very long. They get too heavy to even walk.

 

Jacquie Lawson has a new country kitchen to add to her fun stuff for the computer. The recipes are definitely different. They include “Bangers and Mash.” The bangers are sausages that might have some water in them so that when heated, they go bang in the oven. The mash, of course, is basically mashed potatoes. Sounds ok to me. But Patty said my chicken salad was good, so for the time being, this old woman is not going to buy any sausages and experiment with a British recipe. The bread sounds good, but it also calls for seeds in it with heavy flour. Not sure about the heavy flour. That is a new one on me.

 

Have been reading a fairly good book today, so have stayed off the computer for the most part. At least the book was not depressing. The news: well, you know about that mess. Here it is nearly May, and the world is so messed up that it makes me wonder when the bombs will start falling or the EMP will happen. About the only folks who would have transportation in the event of an EMP would be the ones like Sterling who have a car without any type of computer chip or electronic stuff in it that keeps the motor running. Well, and folks with horses and mules could still get around just fine. The Amish will have it made, in that case.

 

The problem with depending on anything electrical will be that ALL of our modern conveniences—including water—depend on electricity. Charcoal for the barbecue pits or something would work to cook with, but clean water would be a pretty important commodity. Reading about Kate Ellen and her family in Kenya where they have to make everything out of mud has made me realize that we could survive without many of our modern conveniences, but so many folks would not make it more than a week or two without some help. Can’t even imagine what one could feed the hens, the dogs, or any other critter unless it could live on what is found in the wild. Our dogs at home had a rabbit every once in a while, but Thompson just chases and kills them. Doubt he would eat one unless he was really hungry. Well, maybe the old woman would figure out how to dress and cook one!

 

My house-sitter has not called this afternoon, so may have to check in with him. Think he worked today from 4 to 12, so he is probably a bit tired. Even so, he needs to see my list and know where to find the keys. Really looking forward to seeing my kids and my cousin.

 

Will remind all of us that we are in God’s hands, so no matter what the future may bring, we have a destination that is the best place for us. Take time to appreciate what we have been given. And then remember: you are loved.

 

Preparing for a Visit.

 Preparing for a Visit.

 

My cousin Betty will be 90 on Thursday. She and her brother Keith were my closest cousins. And that closeness was doubled by the fact that her mom and my granddad Kennedy were first cousins. Her dad and Granddad Kennedy’s wife (my mom’s mother) were brother and sister. Anyway, Betty was older than all of us kids, but Keith was such a neat guy that his ten years of age difference did not matter. He was just fun to be around. He was in the army before Vietnam, but never got sent there. He was a cook and took care of officers’ messes. Anyway, Keith and my husband Lewis were great friends at the time, and Keith wanted me to meet Lewis. Eventually that happened despite the fact that Daddy did not want me to marry until my college classes were finished. Yes, that was a good idea, but pretty unrealistic. Anyway, Jenn is going to take me to the celebration for Betty’s birthday.

 

It has been a pretty day. The hens must have been enjoying it as well because there were a dozen fresh eggs out in the boxes today. Sending home two dozen to Cari Guidry and taking five dozen to Jenn’s house—spreading the joy, ya know.

 

Took a small container of chicken salad down to Patty a bit ago. Seems my eyes got bigger than my ideas about how much it would take in case my house sitter got a bit hungry. Guess maybe a call to the guy would be appropriate either tonight or in the morning. He needs to know a couple of things that will need to be done.

 

You may or may not find a post Thursday, but probably one on Friday. Meanwhile, please pray for my friend Carol who is having some work done this Friday in the hospital. It is extra hard to go have things done without a husband or child to accompany one. And so many folks are just exactly in that situation. Let us remember those who are so very alone.

 

The political-world situation just keeps getting darker. The “news” portrays stuff as important that hardly matters—who hit who in Hollywood is hardly of earthshattering import! But which nation is throwing bombs at other nations DOES matter. No peace will ever be total on this old earth until tanks become tractors or communication relays only truth.

 

My mind is wandering without supervision this afternoon, so will just tell you that watching little black hens scratching for worms and grubs is about all the entertainment needed around here. May you all find joy in the world around you—the flowers, the trees, the birds’ songs!

 

Rest and know: you are loved.

Betty's 90th Birthday!

 [Keith was Betty's brother.]

Happy 90^th Birthday!!!

 

Dearest Cousin Betty,

I promised to tell you how Keith introduced me to my husband Lewis. This is most of the story:

Keith asked Daddy if he could introduce me to a friend of his when I graduated from high school. Daddy told him that he did not want me mixed up with dating and wanted me to finish school—college—before getting involved with anyone. So, Keith said nothing to me.

 

I went to Texas Woman’s University where Keith’s fiancé (Patsy) was also going. He took us both out to dinner one night. He asked if I had met anyone. I had not. Was not interested at the time. Then I transferred to Midwestern University in WF. I worked full time during the summer and carried a full load during the fall and spring semesters. In February of 1968, we had a blizzard in WF that kept me stuck here in WF—staying with Pat and Keith at their house. Keith told Patsy to call Lewis and invite him over for a bacon sandwich and coffee. I was busy trying to study for a French final that I had to take the next morning, but Patsy asked me to take a cup of coffee to Lewis. Clumsy me, I stumbled over their coffee table and spilled hot coffee in Lewis’ lap! The next morning—after I had already left for class—Lewis called and offered to take me to class because of the ice and snow. Soon after that, Keith managed to get me to “double date” with them and Lewis shortly after that. Lewis took me home that night.

 

After several dates and a lot of visiting, Lewis asked me to marry him in April. We went down on the river with Daddy to hunt squirrels—basically so Daddy could talk to Lewis. I got into poison ivy big time and had it all over my chin. It was a mess! But we married in June after classes were over for the semester. Patsy had filled my suitcase with rice! That was her first surprise! Keith and Patsy and another couple that Lewis knew ended up coming to the hotel where we honeymooned!

 

Patsy brought Donald Keith over to my house one day so he could play with our first son Lance. They were so cute together. I wish I had a picture of them back then!

 

Keith was my favorite cousin, but I did not realize that we were cousins on both sides of the family: your mom and my grandfather Kennedy were first cousins. Your dad and Grannie Connie Kennedy were brother and sister! We are more than just first cousins!

Sunshine and Breezes.

 Sunshine and Breezes.

 

This afternoon is plum pleasant. If wishes were fishes, we would all swim and have this kind of weather more often. It is just almost enough to make me want to go walking somewhere. Have those two stick things that Jenn bought for me to carry and use to keep my balance, but it feels as if it should be easy to just walk around and look at the flowers. Poppies of two different shades are gracing the front yard. The irises—yellow, deep purple, salmon, and white—fill the extra spaces out front. Oh! Spring is wonderful!

 

Got tickled at my brother today. He called and we talked about Granddad Pollard and why he waited each year until the bull calves were big enough to cause trouble before he worked them. Sterling has his theory about why he waited, but what amused me was the fact that Granddad always had Buster Zachery to bring Ladd Brown over to work calves. He said that Ladd’s IQ was about the same as his hat size, but that when Buster told him to do something, Ladd got it done since he was as strong as a bull and almost the same size as one. Had not heard that expression in ages. Reminded Sterling that when he left to go off to the army, yours truly had to help in the spring with the cattle. Grandmother had to go to Henrietta to register a brand because one of the neighbors would claim any calf in his pasture—knowing it was not his! Anyway, Daddy made some irons that had to be kept hot and returned to the fire when he was putting the calves down and holding them. My job was to keep the irons hot. That year we had had some snow that was still in the corner near the wind break Daddy had made for my horse. The snow was dirty with sand, the wind was blowing a gale—as usual—and the dust was blowing in our eyes, but we had to watch where we stepped because of the mud: so there we were in dirty snow, mud, and sand all at the same time! That was the year Daddy let me flank a calf and throw it so if anyone ever asked me, yes, that was one of my experiences! Funny now!

 

Went to Tractor Supply today. Yes, the chicks were talking to me. No, they did not come home with me. The Vetericyn that should have come home with me is still on the shelf. Got some hot spot and itch relief stuff, but did not notice until it was sitting on the kitchen table that the stuff was danged shampoo! Not going to give my dogs a bath this time of the year. Brrrr. Oh well.

 

Have six dozen eggs on the kitchen table. Jenn will take them this time and give away what she does not need. The girls are just laying as if their lives depended on it. Which is not the case.

 

Have been getting a bunch of Medicare spam calls. It’s my own fault. I clicked on a thing to find out about costs and have not been able to figure out how to block all these dipsticks. Patty said she is about to turn 65 and is having the same problem. Those folks do not realize that she has been on disability for years! Wondering what it would take to get them to quit. Maybe if one call was answered and got some questions sent in, that might do it. Or not.

 

Got forms from the city planning office today asking if we cared if they allowed a mobile home to be placed across the street. Nope, would definitely not appreciate it. One of those prefab things that is on a concrete foundation is one thing, but a mobile home is just a piece of junk in my estimation. They are ok if that is all a person can do for the time being—like after the tornado—but on a permanent basis—just nope. Anyway, sent in the three forms and then filled out the stuff online as well. Patty said she did not appreciate mobile homes along here either. She was going online to object. Not that they will listen to us. The city will do whatever makes the most money for their officers and big wigs. Argh!

 

Looking at our taxes this year seems a bit strange. A 20% increase for the two new schools plus all the roads they will need to get to them is just semi-insane! Plenty of places in this city could be utilized better than where they want to put those schools. Oh well. In a few years this old woman won’t care anyway. May not even be around to fuss about taxes.

 

During the thunder storm last night, the electricity went out. It always worries me since Patty has to have her machine on electricity—24/7. She uses it at night and has a CPAP machine as well. Anyway, Oncor got our juice back on fairly quickly. It is not usually a big deal for me. Bedtime is early for me anyway. The chickens have nothing on my schedule!

 

Glanced at some of the hogwash being slung around overseas and in the pig pen in DC. Honestly wish some of these people had two brain cells to bounce together. Now we know why Davy Crockett told them they could go to Hell and he would go to Texas. Guess Texas didn’t exactly do him any favors, but still. Then there was the young guardsman who drowned in the Rio Grande trying to help some folks. Turned out they were drug smugglers. What a waste! Unless they are children, no sense in even trying to help! But maybe that is a little harsh. The young man must have felt it was his job. Sad.

 

Made some chicken salad today using a chopper that Jenn got for me. Used four chicken breasts, a whole bunch of celery sticks, cranberries, and walnuts chopped up with salad dressing. Hoping that the young man who will be staying here Thursday will enjoy it. Certainly made enough for a teenager! Now if he just remembers to give the hens clean water and scratch, lets them out early, and puts them up around eight!

 

Let’s hope tomorrow is another beautiful day—everywhere. Just wish we could have peace all over the world and no more horrible disasters. Can’t imagine what it would be like if everyone were to get along well. Let’s pray that we get rain in its season, crops make, the bird flu stops killing our critters, and that nations will stop the asinine fighting. Let us ask God to help us to see our brothers and sisters as His children.

 

Rest and rejoice in His mercy. You are loved.

REAL Rain!

 REAL Rain!

 

Praise God! We are getting our first day-long rain. Of course, we are also getting lots of thunder and lightning, so Sylvia REALLY wants in my lap. It’s a bit hard to type like that, however. So, at the moment she is slobbering on my knee with her chin. Have my rain boots in the kitchen waiting for me to try again to go out to the hen house. Last time it was cracking a bit out there and then coming down a small downpour. Not griping, understand. We need every drop of this moisture.

 

Was thinking about something today that made me need to do some research in the Bible. You probably realize that King Saul was suffering from depression that was somewhat alleviated by the music that David played. Yep, music sometimes lifts us up and takes the focus off our problems. Now, Elijah was another example of someone who did all that God asked of him and yet still had problems with depression. First, he was exhausted physically by all that he had done and the circumstances in which he did those things. First, he saw the miracles given to him by God—preventing the fall of rain, making oil and flour last for himself, the widow and her son, raising the son from the dead! But then he had to prove that God was greater than the gods of the heathen people around him. Facing off false prophets after building an altar, seeing the repentance of the people, running ahead of Ahab, and then running and walking 40 miles into the wilderness. Elijah was, after all is said and done, still just a man. He had physical, emotional, and mental needs. He needed to rest his body, feed it, and believe that God was taking care of him, and then he needed to be reassured that he was doing what he needed to do because he was NOT alone. God had to reassure him that a hundred other prophets lived and that 7000 still prayed to God. He could not be left to believe that he was alone! If we as individuals sometimes get down and depressed, it might do us some good to see that even the mighty prophets were susceptible to depression. And God will not leave us to be alone either. We might have to find someone to help us lift our eyes beyond our present circumstances; we might need to see that the horrors around the world are not the end times yet; we might need someone to remind us that we will be as our savior was—raised from the dead to eternal life with God. If your life looks a bit dreary and gray at the moment, look beyond the day, beyond the circumstances, and lift your eyes to see the sunsets, the sunrises, the birds in song, the new life showing us the cycles of life. And never judge the one who falls down in depression and sadness. It can happen to any of us.

 

Don’t think any of the wild birds will be trying to bathe in the chicken water bowls today! It is only 53 degrees out there! A bit warmer here in the house, but still pretty cool. The ceiling fans are definitely not needed at the moment. The thunder shirts are also keeping the doggos warmer. My long-sleeved shirt is currently working pretty well for me. Now if the thunder stops rumbling . . .Guess it is unnecessary to gripe since we are getting this wonderful rain.

 

The poppies are looking good out front. And the bluebonnets are gleams of blue out there as well. Just wonderful! It is not like having the front flower bed a solid sheet of beauty, but what we get is good enough!

 

Forgive my “sermon” of today. Sometimes things make me realize that mankind has not really changed all that much no matter how “advanced” we might seem to ourselves. Yes, we wash our hands and try to stay “clean” to prevent diseases and germs that cause problems. Yet at the same time we have allowed pictures of horrible events to take our minds away from what is good, happy, sincere, and pure. My mom used to remind me when things were bothering me to “remember to think on these things—whatsoever is good, pure, or of good report.” And what do you see on TV or the internet? Is it good, pure, or of good report? Well, Sterling reminded me that these things will happen now and maybe for a time to come before God lets the end begin of this world and the evil that is in it.

 

Rest and remember: you are loved.

Bon Mots.

 Bon Mots.

 

In French, one can ask for a “bon mot” and get a funny—not necessarily a joke, just something to make one smile. That is what Wes Evans made today—un bon mot! Someone was talking about steaks or something, so he made the comment that folks need something to eat other than bullsh*t . . . So, God made a farmer. That made me laugh out loud. And then there was that storm chaser out toward Amarillo in the fifty mph wind whose billfold got blown out of the seat into a cotton patch. They had to get out and work in a grid pattern to find all the silly stuff he had in there. Actually, found his driver’s license!

 

A package came today from Amazon—delivered by one of the mailmen on our route. Was surprised to find a new mattress protector in it along with three other things that were in my order. Seems Jenn found a good sale on and had it included. She is good to find bargains like that, and sweet to think of me.

 

It's only 87 degrees outside right now, but the humidity is a bit much. The wild birds are cooling off in the water bowls for my hens. Danged messy creatures, but really can’t blame them! All of us look for ways to cool off when it is so sticky. One would think that the wind would keep us cool, but somehow it simply does not work that way.

 

Have been thinking about what needs to be said in a letter to my cousin Betty for her birthday. She wanted to know how her brother had introduced me to Lewis. But there is a back story to the situation. He had already asked my dad if he could introduce me to his good friend. Daddy did not want me dating and wanted me to finish college first. Then Keith (Betty’s brother) came down to Texas Woman’s University where his fiancé was going to school also and took us both out to dinner. With my return to Midwestern State, Keith again had a way to introduce me to Lewis when a February blizzard stranded me at Keith and Patsy’s house. They invited Lewis over for coffee and a bacon sandwich. Patsy asked me to hand Lewis a cup of coffee. This clumsy thing tripped over the coffee table and slopped hot coffee into Lewis’ lap. But being a male of susceptible age and inclinations, he called the next morning to see if he could take me to class. Guess the hot coffee did little to deter him, because after a few more dates, he asked me to marry him. Almost 44 years of marriage to that man taught me what a blessing it was to have a good mate—and what his loss meant for me and our children.

 

Ah, nuts and berries—or at least plum bodies! The wind is whipping the trees so hard that any fruit is going to have to work hard to hang on to the limbs. The grass that was already up fairly high is being whipped as well. Dry grass all over the hill is just a fire waiting to happen. Hoping we don’t have anyone silly enough to strike a match.

 

Read some news this morning that made me about sick. If Russians can be blamed for the horrors, then we should probably take part of the blame for not giving the Ukrainians much more support and much sooner. It reminds me of the scripture that says that those who are taken away now will not see the horrors to come soon. Simply cannot imagine how horrible it will be if being killed now can be any kind of a blessing. May God give the survivors peace.

 

Please remember in prayer those like Mariellen Rose who fight against the diseases prevalent in our society—in her case, leukemia. The drugs that are coming across the borders are just as sickening as any military devastations to my way of thinking. That drug that takes about a teeny, tiny amount to kill a person has got to be enough to scare the pants off of anyone who has to deal with criminals or drug addicts. Get some of that dust on your person and become unconscious within a minute! How scary would that be? May God protect our military where they prevent the incursion of the drugs and may He protect our law enforcement officers when they have to deal with these people.

 

Let us not become discouraged. We know the promises and have proof of their delivery. Let your love be a blessing to those around you. YOU are loved.

Stir Fry Stewing!

 Stir Fry Stewing!

 

It is not terribly hot this afternoon, but the air—even with the wind—feels sticky! The temperature is only 85, but the wind is blowing at 21 mph to remind us that it is never going to be still as long as the sky has even one cloud up there! Here we sit needing a few days of soaking rain while Arkansas makes folks who have been to Vietnam think about rice and rotten fish! At least, that is what Sterling said yesterday about the humidity. Not that they don’t have wind as well!

 

The hens have not been upset by the wind today and still laid eggs like clockwork. So happy to see them going out of the coop every morning as if they are ready to get to work out in the grass finding whatever it is that they eat out there. Some of that stuff has to be grass or other green stuff because the grass is not getting all that tall in most of the yard and in other places in the east lots. The only truly tall grass is at the end of the water line where the apple tree is planted. Someday maybe that tree will produce fruit for someone to enjoy. Meanwhile, it just makes me happy that it lives there and has blooms on it.

 

Have been semi-watching the comings and goings across the street. Today the red truck backed in with a load of doors and windows. Am betting that it won’t be long before they will have that place ready to sell. The girl that has been working so diligently on the inside every day got outside with a lawnmower and cut about half of the grass. Not sure if the mower quit or if she ran out of gas, but it still needs the high stuff cut. Know a mattress or the springs can be found back in one of those corners, too. That should be interesting. Would not want to be around to see what comes out from under it.

 

Sylvia would really like to become a Cheetos addict. She doesn’t exactly beg, but it is quite obvious that she feels slighted unless she gets at least a couple of hands full of those little yellow bits. They are pretty addictive! The tiny little bits are the ones that bug me. Why not make them all long and crispy? Oh well. Sylvia will take the little bits and grin about it.

 

Just gave both dogs a bento ball to keep them busy. Thompson just sits there and calmly licks on his. Not Sylvia! She wants to figure out how to get it out of the holder so she can really chomp on it! Hers is the big holder. It only slows her down marginally, but if she can take the smaller one away from Thompson, it will disappear quickly! Funny dogs.

 

Honestly about as dumb as dirt today. Nothing on the computer really makes me smile or laugh. Well, love to see a lady pulling her old dog around in a wagon so the dog can enjoy “walking” with her. When your dog gets to be seventeen and has health problems, you just do whatever it takes to make both of you happy. That is love.

 

After listening to the young man at Walmart tell me that they could not get anyone to work for them, it has been on my mind. This happens to almost every business out there. HOW is a business to stay open if no one works? Where is the American work ethic? Maybe work and patriotism went the way of the dodo birds? Truth, honesty, punctuality, pride—are these just words for the dictionary now? We know the economy will not improve until people begin to work and take care of themselves. And our government will not improve unless people begin to take personal responsibility for themselves—including the dip sticks who believe they can run the rest of us into the ground with taxes and laws that they can personally disregard!

 

Sorry, will try to stow my soapbox. It is just somewhat depressing to see that most people think that they don’t have to work in any way whatsoever. Many of the folks like me who are on social security still do whatever they can to help out—working without wages. It might just be doing cafeteria duty and opening milk cartons or working two days a week at the food pantry, but Dear Hearts, every little bit helps. Maybe old folks like me are just here as an example to the kids. Let us do what we can to encourage others to help our nation see the satisfaction that comes from a job well done.

 

Sorry, the soapbox slipped out. Until next time, let’s pray for our nation and those that are terrorized by bullies and dipsticks full of self-pride and delusions of grandeur! Personally, praying for those today who mourn, who fear, who are ill beyond words. May God give them peace.

 

Rejoice in the promises. You are loved!

Been There, Done That.

 Been There, Done That.

 

The punch line is that you know who made that trip twice because apparently, she does not learn very fast. More branches to stuff into the trash bin. And still more to go later after this batch goes to the trash station. Put an old rug on top so that the branches could be squashed down, but that still did not leave room for all the other branches. Oh well. Another day, another mess.

 

Have to figure out what happened to the fastener in the ground that held onto the chain that anchors the car shed roof. Eventually it will either be found or another pounded into the ground. Meanwhile the stones that have been around the bottom of that part of the fence have somehow been scratched out into the grass just far enough to interfere with my mower. Kicked and shoved most of them back toward the fence, and now one of the boys can mow the grass sans stones. The folks who are working on Jerry’s place have begun to mow the grass over there. Glad to see it get mowed as it was becoming a fire hazard. Now just have to weed eat some in my east lot to remove anything more than three inches tall. Two of the trees out there died, and they will eventually have to be removed, too. No rain means no growth or even enough moisture to keep things alive. Deep sigh.

 

Watching a mockingbird out on the fence that Hanan built and wondered where that creature was going to find any insects, worms, or whatever to feed to baby birds this year. The back yard simply does not seem to have any little bugs out there. Once in a while a feed trough will have a few little black beetles under it that the hens attack fervently. But those are few and far between. And the troughs are seldom moved. And it’s not like meal worms are cheap enough for my hens, much less for the wild birds!

 

It's only 92 degrees right now, but my body appreciates the AC anyway. Think this is going to be a good day to just read and do very little else. Already powdered Thompson and put some Vetericyn Plus on his tail feathers. He has a hot spot!!! HOW that has happened already is beyond me. And the powder that is supposed to keep mites and fleas off of him has a truly horrible odor! It makes me wonder if heat is part of the problem because diligent searching has not turned up even one flea on him. Mites are much more difficult to see, but looking carefully did not uncover any. Guess his bed will have to be sprayed, too. Dadgumit!

 

The news has not changed other than to become more toxic and horrifying. Let us pray for peace and for the removal of those who are determined to reduce our world to ashes and heaps. Meanwhile, may God give peace to those who mourn and to those whose illnesses are beyond what this world can help to heal. Not all wounds bleed on the outside, so let us be aware of what the psychological effects of terror can do to us.

 

Rejoice in the many blessings of spring and the seasons of song. Let us rest in the certainty that we are loved.

Fleas or Mites?

 Fleas or Mites?

 

My big dog has been scratching, so today a trip to Sutherlands ended up with flea and tick stuff and some powder to put on the yard. Let’s hope this does the trick. Both dogs are healthy right now, so if they get droopy, it is going to be because of the flea and tick drops. Here’s hoping this helps and does not make them ill.

 

Earlier it was 100 degrees on the front porch where Lance put the thermometer thing. It has some way to send the message to a display on the inside wall of the living room. Now it is only 98 degrees. Yep, this morning long pants and a decent shirt were needed. Now shorts and a top are working just fine. At least it is not 50 degrees and blowing a gale as it is in NW Arkansas. Some folks on the East Coast think that their weather is even worse. Guess it is for them. We need more rain, but would just as soon not have any snow or hail.

 

Did a little shopping at Walmart after finishing over at Sutherlands. Bought some blue berries and raspberries! Oh boy! Love those things. Did not buy any meat of any kind, and the total still came to $134. Unreal. The lady who was in front of me at the only “REAL” register that was open said she had already been standing there for 26 minutes. Can bet it was another 20 minutes before we got to check out. But at least the young woman got a man to help me unload the basket into my truck. Asked him why they did not get more checkers, and he said they could not get anyone to work for them. Guess it makes sense. They hardly pay enough for a person to be able to even shop there. The older employees—one of which was passed down the tea aisle—do not want to do anything “extra” like pick things up off the floor. And she was quite emphatic about it. How incompetent can an employee be? It made me want to turn around and pick the bottles up just to show her that someone cared, but the old woman was already getting too tired to do much more than make it down a couple of aisles to the milk section. Be so very glad when my endurance picks up. Can’t see that happening if it is going to get outrageously hot soon.

 

Have to go give my hens clean water in a few minutes. Not sure if it is wild birds or what that is getting the water dirty. Not the dogs this time! Just hoping none of those wild ones bring in that bird flu that is killing off all the chickens. No way to go with free-range hens if attempting to avoid wild birds.

 

Under the plum tree are all sorts of green little bodies—plums that will never get to be picked. Sigh. The wind is just doing a number to everything out there. The hens can walk sideways with the best of Michael Jackson and crew, but at least they still lay eggs.

 

Please remember those who mourn tonight. SO many people are being killed in horrible situations—wars, drug overdoses, automobile crashes, and weather-related deaths, and so many diseases. May God give us relief from the terrors involved. Let us have faith that our future is assured in God’s kingdom.

 

Rest well, my friends, and know that you are loved.

Not Quite Drizzly.

 Not Quite Drizzly.

 

Thunder shirts were not necessary—at least not yet. But we did have to listen to the thunder and a few drops of rain hitting the house windows earlier. At least the wind has died down more than a little now, so it is not too bad. Here it is after five, and the temperature is 67. Tomorrow the forecast is for wind and 98 degrees! Argh!

 

Maybe tomorrow the living room floor will get mopped. Was sitting here reading when my glance fell on the floor. Have you ever had a hairy floor? Two hairy beasts—well, three if you count me—live here. Had to vacuum and decided to finish Maria’s moving idea about the couch. Now the couch is on the opposite wall from the AC. That should help on hot days. Meanwhile, the vacuum cleaner got a good hair plucking from its head. Could not believe it was that gooped up with old hair. But then, this house has plenty to restock it soon. But if the rain actually makes any mud outside, the mopping will have to wait until it is a wee bit drier.

 

Moving furniture is not a recommended activity for such as me, but shoving things around is not quite as bad as trying to lift something. No lifting involved today. The PA warned me about vacuuming before he let me leave the office the last time, but he is not the one who has to live with the dirt and dog hair—or to pay the house keeper. Love having the house as clean as Maria leaves it, but not enough to pay more for that than for groceries each month! It was SO worth it when Jennifer was here and then the last time Maria cleaned, but the old woman is getting stronger now.

 

Got a phone call from a former student today. She wanted me to know that she had written a book! She got my phone number from a mutual friend (former co-worker). Anyway, it was delightful to know that she was so happy with what she had done. Maybe it will be something that will work out for her. She also told me about her family. Aren’t we all just pickled tea green about our grands! Loretta was laughing and saying that it would really be grand if we could have the grands before we have to raise their parents. Not sure how well that would work out.

 

Cleaned up that entire pot of soup today except for one small container that got put back into the fridge. It was about the best soup that has hit here in a while. But then, it was the only thing heated up today except for coffee and hot cocoa. Just did not make any other food. Soup for breakfast might not be the average fare anywhere else, but it works for me.

 

Going to look up a map of Garland tonight and see what kind of parking they have near the Granville Arts Center. Will have to figure out exactly where the Atrium is in that place. Pretty sure Jenn would not hand her car keys over to anyone offering to park it for her. But it would be sensible to have some idea of how things look before we leave here concerning parking. Walking is not usually a problem, but stairs and such might make it a bit more interesting. Just want to have some idea of what to expect.

 

Tonight let’s celebrate the rain! Even a little rain is better than none—especially if it will be hot for a while now. The flowers are getting prettier by the day with bachelor buttons threatening to bloom all over the hill on this side of the road. Wish the hollyhocks could do as well as those little bachelors! Just requires more rain.

 

Let us remember to be grateful for all the blessings we are given. Flowers and green grass, rain, even thunder, let us know that the cycle of life continues. The wheat seed has to pretty well decompose before it produces enough seeds to make bread. We just get older and hope that the love we have given will continue the cycle. Let us rejoice in life! God has blessed us! And you are loved!

Drying Up!

 Drying Up!

 

Twenty mph is not too bad if you are riding a bicycle that fast, but this wind is drying up all the grass out there right now. And yes, we are a fire hazard just waiting to happen. Some of us are praying for rain; not sure what everyone else is praying for, but if it is hot weather, that’s next—probably by Wednesday.

 

Lance gave me a present Saturday for Mother’s Day/ Birthday. It’s a neat knife that fastens with a clip onto my inside pants pocket. A little button pressed down makes the blade fly out, so guess who is being very careful with it. He told me that it was “crazy sharp.” It is for a fact! It reminds me of one that Joe Malay sent up here to me that cut my finger when it was unsheathed and then again when it was re-sheathed. Yep, careless old woman?

 

Made soup today. Not sure just why soup seemed the thing to do, but maybe it is something in the air because Patty said that is what she made today as well. Guess a bunch of mine will have to be put in the freezer since cooking for one person is totally never going to happen around here. Sitting here shaking my head.

 

Talked to Sterling again today. His friend George went to the hospital last night, and they flipped off the switch on Carol’s ventilator. As sad as it was, Sterling said that he did not believe that Carol had been aware since the day George found her on the floor. Still, a person hopes that things might change. Guess Sterling will play the music at their church for her funeral.

 

Think my girls are working overtime at this egg laying business. Eleven eggs yesterday and nine today is pretty good stack of eggs. Sent two dozen home to Jennifer over the weekend that made her happy. And Sterling is STILL bragging about Texas eggs.

 

Brandy, cream, and salmon colored iris are right along the fence row today. And the yellow ones have tall stems started without the blooms just yet. Just wish they lasted a little longer. Like tulips or any of the other spring flowers, they just leave almost as soon as they get really beautiful. The bluebonnets last longer, but they don’t fill out all the way up the stem until they are about ready to go to seed. Oh well. We just have to enjoy what we get.

 

Sister-in-law asked me today how things were going and if exercising was part of my routine. Told her about trying to “march” to 70s music and how that turned out. Nope, not exercising, just doing the usual stuff that has to be done and avoiding some things that should be done. Have some small limbs broken off of the Western Soapberry tree out back. Those need to be picked up and put in the fire pit to burn if the wind ever stops. Or just picked up and tossed. Deep sigh. Need to get out in the east lot and dig up some of those weeds with the little digger tool Jennifer brought to me. Not sure when it will get done, but maybe before they go to seed. Or not.

 

Talked to one of the doctors’ offices today. No, that was not the final bill—just the first one. Tried to figure out what the insurance had paid or what had been submitted. Connie said she would look at it for me because it makes a difference if the insurance company says it will pay something and then the hospital or whoever does not count that payment. Twice have received checks from the hospital that made absolutely no sense to me. And the billing department could not explain the checks either. Such fun! NOT.

 

One of the bird houses on the front porch blew off and shattered today. It was not the greatest and certainly not one Sterling made, but still. That was some kind of gust.

 

Not going to look at the news again for a while. Know that so many need our prayers—all over the world. Close to home Stephen says he is still trying to deal with the pain from his knee replacement. Think Cindy’s hand is healing slowly but surely. Barbara says they are not going to remove most of her colon until June 1. Shaking my head and wishing something different could help her and those like Mariellen with the leukemia and other kinds of cancer. Eventually we will know the causes of all these illnesses and be able to stop them. Meanwhile, the government is getting ready to ask us to wear masks again. Think this old woman will mostly just stay home. So, tonight let’s remember those who are ill, those who sorrow, those who can’t help themselves for whatever reason, and those who do not know that there is a promise for each of them.

 

Rest and feel refreshed from all the kindnesses and goodness around you. You are loved.

 

 

Music or Noise?

 Music or Noise?

 

When my dad told me that he could no longer understand the words to songs, it made me sad because he had always really enjoyed music. Now he was not in any way whatsoever musical as far as singing or even all that great at keeping time with whatever instrument he played—the guitar, the French harp, or a set of “bones.” But he liked to get together with others to play and listen. He eventually told me that music became just so much noise because of his inability to hear much of anything. Some men might think that inability to hear kept a man from having to listen to a nagging wife, but that would have been the only advantage for Dad. He gave all his tapes and music to my husband because he knew they were useless to him. Well, it was not much better for Lewis because the noise for 30 years around heavy equipment had long since ruined his hearing. But for Lewis it was much easier because we got him some of those headphones for the TV so he did not have to entertain the entire neighborhood while watching football or whatever. Today Sterling told me that he had to give up playing his guitar at church since the “music” was those seven-eleven songs of praise that did not have a real tune but ended up just so much noise to him. That made me sad. We both can remember the old hymns from our Baptist upbringing and can still recall most of the words. Ah, such is life. [Seven-eleven songs are generally eleven words sung seven times or vice versa.]

 

Certainly hope that Northwest Arkansas has a huge bunch of bluebirds because Sterling has built enough bird houses for everyone of them and their uncles’ adopted children. Think the church plans to sell them to raise money for the kids’ program. Now we just need to get Sterling interested in building other kinds of bird houses or maybe rabbit hutches! Maybe he could build a different kind of little chicken tractor to move around their place to keep the grass mowed the easy way. It would not take many hens to keep them in eggs and to keep the grass cut down.

 

While it is 50 degrees of cold and wet up in Arkansas, it is 80 degrees of warm and too danged dry here on Dickerson Hill. We need a rain so badly. The ground is cracking open in the east lots. May go out there and find a chicken stuck in one of those cracks! The rain gauge has a crack in it, so it is pretty useless anyway, but it would be nice to see it wet once in a while! Ah, the weather reports are just as varied as the birds flying through—spotted and briefly vanishing.

 

Robins always make me smile. The meadowlarks and robins were the happier birds of my childhood. The meadowlarks have just about vanished around this part of the country. Seeing one is about as uplifting as seeing a horny toad. We enjoyed horny toads all the time when we were children. We learned how to pet one and rub its back to put it to “sleep.” But then, Harvester ants were plentiful and no one used poisons for insects back then. Now everything has been poisoned or otherwise starved of their natural sources of food. A lady we know has two ant hills that she guards over with fury if anyone pulls into her yard. She is afraid the hills will collapse and the ants will die. Can’t have horny toads without those ants—and ONLY that kind of ants. Not sure that fire ants do anything other than aerate the soil, but you will never find me protecting one of their hills. Mean suckers leave horrible blisters and infected places where they bite!

 

Jennifer sent me a picture of the mint that she has growing in her flower bed. Mine is not doing very good right now. Really need to water the herb bed to see if it can be brought back. Sigh. Looks like it will be the start of another drought at this rate.

 

Filled up a big tub out back for the dogs. Sylvia said, “Why, thank you Ma’am!” She got in twice and turned around but did not lie down in it. Thompson had a drink but no wading for him. Guess which one came in and rolled on the couch where it is covered for the dogs. Ah, well, love ‘em.

 

May not get more than three eggs tomorrow, but found eleven of them out there today! Lance was concerned about taking all the eggs in my house yesterday. Not sure if he thought about the fact that they just don’t suddenly stop laying unless there is an excellent reason. He even found some on the top shelf when he cleaned out the coop! Gave those two eggs to my dogs. No telling how long that they had been there.

 

Made the mistake of reading some news today. May God forgive His children for their insanity and cruelty! May those in the Ukraine be given the help they need to survive and restore their lives. Four million folks have left that place in order to protect their families—leaving behind all the men that are 18 to 27 years old. All we may be able to do individually is pray, but God can and does make a difference when we ask. Let us ASK!

 

Before the wind comes back as a gale force again, let us be grateful for still mornings, the flowers, the songs of the birds, and the peace and security of our lives. Rest and be restored in the faith that God will see us through to His purpose. You are loved.

Breakfast of Champions!

 Breakfast of Champions!

 

Lance got here rather early this morning and wanted coffee, so we had the second cup of coffee for both of us. Then he prepped the veggies and bacon and made what he called an omelet. Mighty tasty! Told him that Jennifer had made breakfast here for four weeks, but the old woman could not remember what we had any of those days. Of course, she also could not remember much else during those four weeks while recuperating. My children are just extra special and so kind to me. They are God’s blessing to an old woman.

 

All the stuff on the list got finished today along with a couple of things that did not make the list. Glad to have the coop cleaned out and extra feed put in a bin. The wire door for the coop was also put back up today, so the hens may be prepared to get up earlier every day with more light in the coop. Will probably just push one of the doors slightly closed to keep the wind and any rain out. When it starts getting hot again, that wire door will let them have cooler air.

 

Have done more walking today than usual, so soreness may accompany tomorrow’s efforts. But just a little more each day is bound to build up some stamina eventually. The kids keep reminding me that healing takes time. Got that down now, but it does not stop me from expecting more limberness and less soreness. Got the weed digger out of the shop today, but did not use it yet. Have about three dozen of those danged yellow, sticky weeds that need to be popped out and thrown in the trash bin. Maybe by Tuesday they will come out of the ground easily.

 

Lance took me to Target today to pick up a small black purse to go with the swoopy pants and neat top for Betty’s birthday. We found an inexpensive one that should be just perfect—besides having it on hand to use when it is needed. Ordered one from Amazon that is for concealed carry and got to thinking about it—where does this old woman ever go any longer? Oh well.

 

As soon as the hens go up tonight, the old woman will be heading off to bed. Did not even take a nap today. We had chicken tenders and fried okra from our favorite chicken place, so maybe indigestion won’t bother me overly much tonight. Lance said that Jennifer had bought some high-powered ginger ale that was super good for getting rid of indigestion. And he was still burping the bell peppers from his omelet as he left WF. Poor kid.

 

Gary bought Jennifer a Ford today. She sent me a picture that reminded me so very much of my first car—a Ford Ranchero! It needs some work, but she plans to drive it. Bet it will get better gas mileage than my truck. Or not. Can’t remember having to put much gas in my little truck back in the day. But then, gas was under 25 cents a gallon back then. Imagine that!

 

It seems this year that all the religious holidays celebrated in the spring time have hit at the same time. Tonight begins Passover—and Easter weekend and something else. Can’t remember the name of the other one. Actually, think there may be more than three. Anyway, whatever you observe, may you feel the love of the Creator in your life.

Yesterday two pink roses showed up on the Seven Sisters rose bush at the corner of the deck. The vines of the grape have tangled into the rose so that it makes both of them prettier. Not sure if grape blossoms have an odor, but look forward to seeing grapes again this year. Lance found plums on the tree by the steps, so unless we get a bad storm or another bad hail, maybe we will have plums. Here’s hoping.

 

Watching the flags come down the flagpole across at the hospital makes me remember the one we saw today out on Highway 79. Those folks really need to replace their flag. It is disrespectful to fly a torn flag. Maybe they just are not aware it is tattered and split. But then, it also makes me think about what some politicians consider an acceptable rendition of patriotism. Kinda sad.

 

Sixty degrees and cloudy weather here is so much better than tornadoes in Arkansas. Let’s pray for better weather conditions all over our country. Rain for those places that need rain and drier weather for those that are already saturated might make a lot of folks happier.

 

Consider the flowers—whether or not they are lilies of the field—and know that we have a promise. We may rest as needed and know that we will awaken when the promise is fulfilled. You are loved.

Not Just the Weekend.

 Not Just the Weekend.

 

Weekends are not that special to those of us who no longer work a five-day week or even to those who work a part-time week. Nope. The weekend is only special if the children don’t have to be at work and can come for a visit or vice versa. That is just what may be on the horizon this weekend—a visit from number one son. Looking forward to seeing him and getting a great big hug.

 

Do other people enjoy hugs? Know that some folks would just rather not have anyone touch them—much less hug them. But to me hugs are about as good as it gets. Two or three grands are pretty good to accommodate the old woman, but they are just so seldom around me. Ah, such is life when the children and their children leave home. About the best that happens on a regular basis around here is a dog or two who like to let their mom know they love her by getting on her lap or putting a big ol’ furry head on her shoulder. Yep, they like being around me. And it is mutual.

 

Hoping to get a bunch of things done outside tomorrow including going after more chicken scratch. It seems that is a regular purchase around here. Only 14 hens, but then we have to figure in the two dozen doves and multiple sparrows and blackbirds galore! Yep, lots of hungry beaks out back!

 

Yours truly got up before the dawn light even thought about breaking this morning and found a dead cottontail rabbit in the living room. Let Thompson out last night around 12:30 and fell asleep before he came back inside, so the back kitchen door where the doggy door is located did not get shut up. Thus, a “wabbit” was brought inside for entertainment or whatever. Maybe it was just bragging rights. Good thing the trash truck came today. Sigh

 

More irises were opened up this morning. They just don’t last very long at all. But they are SO pretty and smell good. A couple of poppies are also blooming along with several bluebonnets. Yep, can enjoy them even when they are not a solid mass of blooms like they have been in the past.

 

These two dogs are having a “fight fest” of play growls and open mouths to accommodate the other dog’s nose! Silly critters, but it is also good to see them play. Love it when Sylvia gets the zoomies and Thompson bends down in that “let’s play” mode. He does not run with her as often as he used to, but then he is getting a bit older now. Know the feeling well.

 

Have the AC on right now, but tonight will be considerably cooler. Sterling said that it is colder than usual up his way in Arkansas, too. But so far, they have not had a freeze to kill the fruit trees or their buds. Just wish they could send us some of that rain! If we don’t get any more rain and soon, it won’t even be necessary to mow the grass. Have that one great big spot out there where the hens have dug up grubs or whatever that is almost bald now. It would be a good place to plant if we were to get more rain. Deep sigh.

 

Really don’t know much and want to talk about the world and its worries even less. You will just have to excuse my lack of desire in considering the hellish situations we can see online. Some things are just better not to even think about. No one wants to shed more tears, so will just have to pray for God’s intervention for now and for the soon coming catastrophes that are in the winds of politics and policies. God knows what needs to happen even if we don’t.

 

May you all rest well and find peace of mind. He came to give us HIS peace. That is all we can ask. You are loved.

More Blooms!

 More Blooms!

 

Yes, another color iris is blooming, but even better, the apple tree has the most heavenly scented blooms on it, too. Furthermore, standing next to the purple plum by the deck and saw a tiny green plum on one branch. Sterling assures me that the wind can pollinate fruit trees even though the bees and other insects do a much better job. Walked the fence line and discovered a metal post broken off near where the boys usually mow. Will have to ask either one of the boys or Lance to attempt to remove it or otherwise mark it so it won’t tear up the mower. Not sure what it came from since it is not in the fence line itself, but there it was bigger than Dallas!

 

Sterling said that George’s wife Carol is in ICU on a ventilator. Please remember them both in your prayers. It is so hard to lose someone you love and depend on when we are this old. Well, almost any time is hard, but couples who have been together this many years just lose any sense of independence by the time they have spent over forty or fifty years together. Each is the other half of a whole that can’t ever be considered whole again without the other half.

 

Sylvia is working on one of those Bento balls from Chewy. She licks awhile and then bites it awhile. You can almost bet she will have one of the treats dug out and consumed before the afternoon is over. Honestly believe that if she had a reason to chew on an anvil, she could chew holes in one of those things, too.

 

The wind has blown today, but it is still not as bad as it has been lately. According to the weather app on my phone, the gusts are only 21 mph. But it was plum cool this morning at 41. Supposed to be 94 as the high tomorrow and then the high Saturday will be 74. Not bad! It is just difficult to decide what to wear when the weather keeps one guessing.

 

Still have not gone out to gather up the old stalks from the sunflowers that Lance cut down. Thought that might be one of my projects for today, but it has not happened yet—and probably won’t. Not so lazy as much as just a wee bit sore. Have moved the water containers for the hens closer to the faucet so the hose won’t be as likely to trip me again. Getting too old to be falling on my hands and knees! At least my body is short enough that the fall is not from any great height!

 

Have done my best to stay off of the computer today and stay away from any news reports that will cause sadness or dismay. The world has totally gone nuts in some places and has been whipped by the insane weather in other places. Sterling said this morning that they are still getting rain with no where for it to go since the ground is totally saturated. Wish we had even a few inches of that wet stuff. But then, would not want any of the blizzards or cold crud that is hitting other parts of the country. It makes me wonder what will happen next. But looking across the street to the State Hospital grounds, it is easy to be convinced that mowing is not a good idea right now. Their grass is going to die unless we get rain. Mine may be a little higher than it should be, but it is definitely not thick and can’t hide a snake at this point. The hens keep the pretty stuff trimmed up, too. We will see what happens in a couple of weeks. Just hoping the fires don’t start within the city limits when the high grass in unkempt yards can catch fire. The city is trying to get people to buy these places for chump change, but taking over a dump means a person has to have some way of cleaning it up or bulldozing the structures. That represents an enormous amount of work or some pretty expensive services. Not my problem right now.

 

Spring makes most of us feel a bit more positive with the coming of green grass and blooms, plus the cheerful chirps of dozens of birds who are proclaiming their territories. Fall has always been my favorite time of year because of the cooler weather and colors, but to tell the truth, spring has much more to offer. Thinking about planting cucumbers—when the body gets up and goes to the feed store to get seeds—and enjoying the idea of okra growing out in the side lot. Suspect the hens will leave those plants alone—maybe. But the tomato growing may just have to be left to someone who knows what they are doing. Sitting here shaking my head. Have had very few tomatoes grow on this old hill in the past. Roger Thonton grew some of those little grape sized tomatoes that were just as sweet as grapes! And to top it off, he shared! Maybe a plant or two like that might work up here on the hill. Or not.

 

Will remind you to pray for those who are ill and those who have lost those they love. We know that this week represents hope for a new life and forgiveness of sins. Not that we should relax our efforts to give love when we can, but we know first that we are loved by the One who can make all the difference in this life and the next. Good night, my friends. May you realize the blessings in your lives.