Friends and Memories.

 Friends and Memories.

 

My friend AnnaBeth Graf called this evening. She is the only person left from the twenty years that we attended the same church—mostly in Lawton, OK. We had to share a minister with another church, so it was easier to bring people to Lawton rather than only have a pastor every other week. Whatever. The memories of Beth and her family include a lady who lived down the street from my family in Petrolia, TX. Mrs. Baker lived right next door to Roger Thonton and his family, so he knew her, too. Some of the trips we took all over the country included camping out and otherwise seeing much of the places from East Texas campgrounds to the small motels in Tucson, AZ. Yep, life was not exactly being lived in the fast lane back then, but it was more travel than my parents ever knew during their lives. Not sure if our children appreciated the trip to the Grand Canyon or to the desert museum or to Carlsbad Caverns, but they made memories for us. Next Sabbath we will probably talk about the Passover and some of the memories from back then.

 

Maggie Sewell and her husband David plan to stop by tomorrow afternoon for eggs. This morning they drove down to Azle to celebrate his cousin’s 98^th birthday! That must have been fun! Families that have some of the elders left around are doubly blessed to keep memories alive of other family members that have gone on before us. In a way, that is how talking to Beth affects me—living memories again.

 

Lance did not come today because he was not feeling all that great, but we both noticed that the wind was supposed to get up this afternoon as well. Even if it did not cause a vehicle to use more gasoline, the wind can throw a large vehicle off the road or into another lane where someone else is driving. Just not worth it. It's springtime in Texas. Wind, wild weather, storms, wild fires, and an increase in skunks and snakes of various sorts. Yep, it is springtime in Texas.

 

Nikki Smith posted a couple of pictures on FB showing her twins watching cartoons this morning. Guess who was over in his recliner watching cartoons with them! Stephen looked good sitting there, but you can bet he will be hobbling around for a good while until that knee heals up. Let’s pray that all things work for him during this process.

 

Made some good rice this morning and then put it in some beef soup this afternoon. Chili peppers, stewed tomatoes, beef, rice, carrots, and spices made some pretty good soup. Did not realize that chili peppers tasted that good, but these were some that came in little cans. Mighty tasty.

 

The thermometer says that it is 88 outside on the front porch. Not much more of that until the AC unit will have to keep us comfortable! And yours truly has no idea where the other pairs of shorts were stashed last year. Oh well.

 

The dress code for this birthday celebration that is being held for my cousin says “casual dress.” Thinking that all those ladies who know my cousin will be in heels and sparkles! Not sure exactly if a trip to Kohl’s would be best or what, but this old woman has nothing dressy—casual or otherwise. Thinking that my chicken shirts might not be in the best form. Oh well. Will have to do something about my lack of decent clothes.

 

Talked to Sterling again today, and he was telling me about filling up the family dumpster with garbage that came out of a couple of storage places his daughter had been renting. Furniture to the ninth degree and other stuff too much to consider! They hauled off one or two trucks full of stuff to give to what they call “The Potter’s House.” It is better than Goodwill as it actually helps the community with funds for those who need help. Anyway, Sterling said that it may take this next week just to get all the stuff hauled off that they brought to his workshop. Would not want that job!

 

My friend John R said that he is going to have to have his ankle replaced. Things like this just amaze me! Even 50 years ago, patients would just have to pop some pills and grit their teeth. Now things have changed drastically. Backs, knees, ankles, and even heart valves can be repaired! What man has dreamed of doing, God has given him the ability to make happen.

 

The irises out by the fence have stalks about to break into blooms any time now. With the wind we are having, it will take some doing to get out there to cut them before the wind tears them to pieces. By tomorrow or the next day, maybe a flower on the kitchen table will be present. Love the smell and the sight of these pretty things.

 

Saw the tiniest wren earlier today. It was not as small as a hummingbird, but it was definitely the smallest wren ever! Its tail bobbed a bit like a wren, so will continue to call it a wren until proven otherwise!

 

Really don’t know anything much today. Have just goofed off more than usual. The hen house needs to be cleaned out, but yours truly is not going to go out and rake anything this week. Maybe later. Right now, the calculations have begun on how long it will take before having to get the zero turn out and call one of the boys over to cut the grass. Such fun. It would not be so bad if it were not for the many Marine fox holes out there. Those hens can dig a hole faster than the dogs can!

 

Will encourage you to enjoy the songs of the birds, the green of the grass, and the blooms we see everywhere. Let us appreciate the peace and calm with which we are blessed. Praise God for all gifts! Rest and enjoy life. You are loved.