Spacing Time Out.

 Spacing Time Out.

 

By seven this morning, the front coop was cleaned out and the manure spread along with feathers and diatomaceous earth onto the major dusting area out in the east lot. Those hens keep that area well dusted and dug! Anyway, it looks a bit neater in there, and there was already a hen trying to do her business before it got hot. Then both dogs had a bath, a dirty roll, and a rinse. What is it about a bath that makes a dog think it needs to find a dirty place to roll after a nice bath? Maybe a change of odors? Oh well.

 

Had four trays of boneless thighs on cooking along with three big sweet potatoes to mix into their dog food. Got the meat cooled down and used the broth to cook their rice. Mixed everything together and put it into freezer bags or containers in the freezer. By that time, the old woman had a shower and hair wash. Whew! Just giving the critters clean water can get a person wet from head to toe without even using the water hose on one’s self! But it is supposed to be cooler tomorrow. Here’s hoping.

 

Vacuumed the kitchen and living room a bit ago and attacked the dust bunnies. Good thing we don’t have to have a hunting license to get rid of those things! Someone would come up with a bag limit! Anyone with more than one dog—or even one Husky—would have to get a special bag limit license. Being silly here!

 

Had planned to combine two trashcans of feed into just one can, so dipped some of one into an empty trashcan, alternated between the two cans until one can contained everything mixed together. Tomorrow maybe a trip to the feed store will get mash and ONE sack of scratch. They love the scratch, but the Chicken Chick says it is not really good for them in hot weather. And boy do we ever have that in spades! Anyway, the oats, wheat, sunflower seeds, and a bit of scratch will keep them happy until cooler weather. They have lay mash available all the time, so they are not ever hungry.

 

While out there messing around, Thompson insisted that something was behind the handful of siding pieces that were stacked next to the coop. Moved two ladders for the dogs, and Sylvia caught a lizard. The mouse was already suffering because the old woman dropped a weight on the siding pieces to hold them down in the next wind. Oooops! Squished mouse! Thompson knew what he was talking about, don’t you know!

 

Talked to my niece Lesli today. She is not going to have the surgery that they had originally planned. Her doctor thinks that maybe a different drug will reduce the problems her hormones have been causing. Never think about hormones that it does not remind me of Gene Stratton-Porter. She said that she had never seen one of those hormones, but she surely would like to get a hammer after it!

 

Sterling is looking forward to his oldest daughter’s visit tomorrow. Seems her daughter has been promoted in the Walmart corp. She is also going to college now on a grant from the company that will alleviate any need for loans. Super neat! She is changing her major to business or finance or something like that, but she can still get her master’s in one and get her degree in social work as well to use later if she wants to. Common sense strikes again!

 

Still praying for the granddaughter of Diann Dennis. The little girl is having chemo at Saint Jude’s and will probably be there most of a year with treatments. Let’s pray for the child and family. May God bless the child that she is able to keep her eyes and vision.

 

While the weather is about as wild as any Mustang ever thought to be, we may still get some cooler weather for a couple of days. So, for Texans at least, it will be prayers for rain.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Technical Issues.

 Technical Issues.

 

My computer hasn’t been able to connect to the internet for a bit now. Maybe one of the lines melted. Would not surprise me if something like that happened! Or it could be that the ground has shifted and ate a line or broke a water main to flood the silly things. Honestly! It seems TXDOT or some highway department is working on Kemp and lots of Southwest Parkway right now. It figures that Kemp would be needing help since the pavement and the foundation for it were never right in the first place. Someone did not pay attention to the values (numbers) put down for the bedding of the road, and then the same happened with the pavement. Both were too thin for our soil types. Only concrete could really repair the situation effectively, but that will cost too much to consider. Of course, the level and nature of the traffic on these roads just keep getting heavier and more complicated. Trucks and buses run on Kemp all the way to Hwy 79 in Archer County. Oh well.

 

Before the internet went down, ordered some groceries from the United up the street. The first open spot for pickup was 2:30, so that is the one selected. Had hardly thought much more about it when United called to say my groceries were ready. Just got back and put everything away. Got more chicken to cook tomorrow, some watermelon, some cantaloupe, and some salad stuff. Gave the chickens the last of my milk this morning since it was pretty much out of date. Patty always sends her out-of-date milk to the hens. They don’t care where it comes from. They just like it. Extra calcium is bound to be good for them.

 

Talked to Maggie Sewell earlier. The heart doctor said the murmur was not something to worry about, but they will do a sonogram on the 17^th just to be sure. Then the other doctor can go about scheduling the shoulder surgery.

 

Blake came this morning to mow the grass. Hardly had enough to call this a job, but he had to be out in this heat, so that is worth something. But the yard does look better. Asked him not to mow very close because of the heat. Patty had the same idea. The grass just cooks when it is this hot. Had to laugh: one of her dogs got out when she was not looking—scooted right between her feet and the door. She was shocked to see Roxie out! But it was not any worse than hearing one of the chicks doing a high-pitched cheep-cheep when one got out the driveway gate as Blake drove through. Had to go out there and get her headed back inside the yard. Silly chick.

 

The dogs just insisted it was time to go check on the squirrels or whatever. Looked about the egg situation and found a Black Maran sitting in the nest panting. Poor little lady! It’s just purely hot out there! And yesterday a rat snake was lying on the ground underneath the nest boxes, so they may have had some interference as well. Tried to get the snake raked out from under there, but he was faster than the old woman ever hoped to be. Thompson wanted to help, but all he could do was bark. Oh well.

 

Saw a question asked on FB by my friend Lowry M. He was concerned about the idea that all the Jews did not believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah, but rather was to be respected as a rabbi. Think his question was one that bothered me until recently: are they condemned if they refuse to accept Jesus Christ as their savior? The question should easily be followed by another: is Jesus Christ the only way to God the Father? As mentioned before, our sense of compassion wants everyone to be saved. But some things are not up to us. If another judgment is to come later, will those who refused to believe be given another chance? Guess we will have to read Daniel and Revelations again—and then some. See, my understanding is not anywhere nearly fully developed despite having read this book more than a few times. The old woman reads things like: the dead know not anything—and that pretty well tells me that Lewis and our little Susan, son Hanan, our parents, and all others who have gone before us—they are asleep. Sleep is so restful, so peaceful. The moment of awakening will be fantastic! No fear, anger, or pain will remain with us. Imagine everyone being healed!

 

Well, will see if Spectrum has a reason for the internet being down. Then maybe this little reflection can be posted.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Normal Conversation?

 Normal Conversation?

 

Right now, in the parts of my brain that are still not stewed into mush, the thoughts circling the kettle include the difficulty of trying to carry on any semblance of a “normal” conversation—one that does not include the groans and moans that accompany the lack of comfort found in the atmosphere. Other than early in the morning with a breeze out of the east, it does not seem possible to enjoy being outside. Sprayed down the ground underneath the deck and suddenly discovered that Thompson had found that cool, wet place. And the silly ol’ woman wonders how the floors get so dirty!

 

Two brave—or foolish—hens had dropped their bounty in the nests today. Had offered a dozen eggs to the young neighbors who sometimes hold a Bible study at their house. One of their attendees is a guy by the name of Jerry Jones. He has cancer and has told them he thinks he is about ready for hospice. His breathing has become more than just difficult. Anyway, a little prayer for his comfort and hope have been on my mind and in my heart. He is pretty much all alone. Just sad.

 

Keep getting sweet pictures from Sharon Dickerson showing their little “garden” of cone flowers, yucca flowers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. Growing something makes a person feel hopeful even when all else seems a bit hopeless. Think Sharon and her husband Jim may be coming this direction for his high school reunion in July. Have hopes that they are both feeling better by now.

 

Went down to check on Patty this morning. Saw her going down the backside of her steps on the east side of her porch. Then she even went out of sight. It scared me just a bit, so after getting the house key, took off to see about her. Got down about half way to see her make her way back up the stairs holding on to both rails. Seems she was putting caps on the rail ends to keep it from being sharp and make it look nicer. Ended up asking her to PLEASE put her phone in her pocket if she is going outside like that. Tried not to be bossy, but she really does worry me at times. We sat out on the patio and let the pups run around in the grass where it is still green.

 

Have read more in this book about the Bible. Some of the things have made me laugh. Had never thought about the idea that the folks who try to produce a “harmony of the gospels” are actually trying to reconcile four men who never argued! Baxter talked about the reasons that God showed the differences between the writers and their relationship to Christ. Baxter explained the creatures of Ezekial—the lion, the ox, the man, and the eagle. Matthew referred to the Messiah-King. Mark sees Jehovah’s Servant—the ox. Luke portrays the Son of Man—the man. And John portrays the Son of God—the eagle. Sometimes it really amazes me that the pictures are right in front of us, and yet it only becomes clear when something is pointed out. The Bible is often like those hidden mystery puzzles that take a certain perspective to become clear. It takes God to show us the outlines and then the whole picture.

 

Praying tonight for all those who must work in this world of pain and despair tonight. From dawn to the final ebbing of light, it feels as if we are hardly strong enough to endure. May God give us all strength and hope.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Ways to Stay Cool.

 Ways to Stay Cool.

 

First, don’t live in the South or in the West or in Texas. Second, don’t live in the Midwest or the East Coast. Oh, and be sure to have refrigerated air conditioning no matter where you settle. Second, sit on a block of ice in front of the fan and refrigerated AC. Third, remove all unnecessary clothing—yes, ladies, you know which pieces to leave in the bedroom. Clip the sides of a tank top if necessary to vent more body parts. Fourth, don’t go anywhere—even shopping—during the daytime. But if you plan to go out at night, wear eau d’mosquito spray! Fifth, drink. You can start the day with coffee if you feel sorry enough for other folks, but just plain peach tea will do the rest of the time. Finally, don’t share the temperature readings with anyone north of the Red River! It will just infuriate you when they sit there griping about 80- degree temps and humidity. Hello! We can beat that any day! Texans never have trouble sharing their brags—even if it is just about the 117-degree heat somewhere south of Austin. Even so, when we celebrate autumn and football season, it is because we are actually hoping for rain and cooler temps. We deserve a break from summer.

 

Have not actually accomplished diddly squat today—for real! Yes, the chicks got fresh water and a bit of feed, but the old woman just stayed inside out of the heat for the most part. Even trying to read was a bit difficult since the perspiration kept sliding down my backbone. Jennifer wanted to know how anyone could sweat while sitting under the AC. Don’t have a clue why, but Dear Hearts, it goes right on happening. Cut up a tank top and wearing only what is essential. Even the dogs are panting inside the house. Just humid and hot and somewhat uncomfortable. Texas summer!

 

Was asked today to be a character witness for a friend. No problem. The old woman is definitely a character. Ahem. Attitude is not one of those things that just grows on trees. It comes from the way a girl grows up and the way she learns to shoot marbles, shoot slingshots, and gathers China berries for China berry wars! Yep, a brother is an essential element in learning how to climb a tree and hang upside down. Do you suppose that will do for a character? Let’s just hope that the judge knows about old women who grew up being characters.

 

Called Sterling early this morning and sang the birthday song for him. Then read a story about a kid who thought everyone knew and sang about his grandmother since her name was Minnie Moore. Made me grin. Doesn’t take much to make me smile.

 

Patty said she saw this lizard thing that scared her and the trashman both! He threw his glove at it before he reached in and took out the trash bags. Told her it was just one of those Texas striped lizards that eat bugs. They will bite, but not unless they can’t get away from the threat. We had a family of them in the old cedar tree before the storm came and blew it down. Then it moved to the workshop. And yes, it surprised me more than once in there! Was happy to see it leave and a great big old toad take its place. But then a snake came out of a small break in the foundation. A hen took care of that little guy! They don’t live long when a hen can swallow them! Can’t imagine what this hill will look like if all these pullets keep growing and eating everything in sight. If we don’t get rain pretty soon, the grass that is still here will dry up and crumble. Guess a bale of alfalfa would take care of some of the green needed. Or maybe a few heads of cabbage. That’s what the hens used to eat. They could eat an entire head in a day! Anyway, as long as it is hot, the hens won’t be laying many eggs. Simply too hot to get in a box filled with hay.

 

Really don’t feel like discussing anything that matters. Not sure my brain can handle anything other than silly stuff tonight. Hoping that the rest of you have found your own ways of keeping comfortable. May God bless us with patience during this heat.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Two-Year Stews.

 Two-Year Stews.

 

Seems the prisons—maybe the mental hospitals as well—don’t have AC in Texas. So, a two-year sentence may be a two-year stew. Pretty sad. Not that it would change the behavior of many of those who burglarize, assault, murder, or otherwise prove themselves to be anything other than good neighbors! Deferred adjudication, probation, and other types of “correction” don’t seem to be doing much as a deterrent for some of the things going on. Business owners may have to work out something with the insurance companies to see about finding the repeat offenders and changing their attitudes. Hmm.

 

The mailman brought a jar of little bites of mushroom stuff for Thompson this morning. Have tried just about everything short of surgery to help his problems with various swellings. The mushroom is “supposed” to help alleviate growths, among other things. He has two fatty tumors on his chest that seem to be getting larger. Don’t think they are cancerous, but will try this stuff and see if they reduce any at all. Love my critters and want them to be healthy and happy.

 

Two of the very large planters out back have attracted the chicks for roosting and scratching at the stuff in the pots. It looks as if they are growing in them. Kinda funny. Carla Beard had sent me a picture of a sign: Butt nuggets for sale. It reminded me of that picture. This would have been: grow your own hens! By the way, checked to see if Carla’s town was in the mess resulting from tornadoes in Indiana. She said she was about an hour south of the closest one. Dang storms are tearing up the entire nation one village at a time!

 

Had the notion of airing out the house this morning of the stale AC air and letting in some of the fresh breeze that came up. Opened the front storm door and lifted the glass panel. No problem. Went to the big bathroom and opened the door and looked down at the screen door. Big problem. It was broken all to wham at the bottom. Guess it might could be repaired, but not sure the old woman can do that. Sigh. So much for stirring the air in the house. It was a lovely idea anyway. Still have some things to do out at the chicken coop and workshop. Maybe tomorrow morning will be a good time to raise the screen door on the front coop. And then put the latch on the workshop doors. Something has to be done constantly. But then, that keeps an old woman out of trouble—mostly.

 

Patty called this afternoon and said that the plumbers had found her leak between the front faucet and the lower faucet. It will end up costing over a thousand just to replace the silly pipes, but at least she will still have water in the house. Just glad that they figured it out. She said she could have just left one faucet not working, but someone will live there after her someday. Pretty good approach to taking care of things in my estimation.

 

Here it is nearly seven in the evening and the temperature is still right at one hundred degrees. Guess it will get worse. This is just June. Of course, we are not living in Italy where a volcano is threatening to erupt and wipe out part of the country. One commentator thought the explosion might just cause a world wide “winter” from the fall out. Great! Just what we have always needed! NOT! The folks in Europe nearly starved to death the last time Italy blew its top and caused a “winter” of sorts. They couldn’t get anything to grow except turnips! Guess we could learn to like them a whole lot better if that were all we had.

 

Well, if Russia does not blow us up or Italy doesn’t spew, maybe we can all just remember to try to appreciate what life has to offer us. Let us thank God for all blessings.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

New Vocabulary Words.

 New Vocabulary Words.

 

Let’s start with facinorous. It means extremely wicked. Wow! Just seeing it used in a sentence, my first thought was that it referred to the separate factions of the time who were deadly against each other in their beliefs and in the way they lived. But no, even though they were each as horrible as the other in the effects upon the nation and the common people, each sect was just extremely wicked. If someone said that about our political parties today or any of the greedy corporate abominations that seem to rule our nation, whoever called them wicked would be considered as dingy as an old cow bell. Oh! And old-fashioned! But reading S. Baxter’s book, Explore the Book, has given me a new perspective on the times of Christ—before, during, and after his life. One of the similarities reminds me of the FBI, CIA, and assorted agencies of so-called peace keeping that hide and manipulate information and public trust. At least in the time of Jesus the Christ, many of the common people realized that not one of the organizations were “in it” to help the nation or the common man. Baxter gives a rundown of all the religious, civil, and political organizations of those times. He emphasized the fact that none of them wanted to help the other organizations—until they ganged up on the simple, loving man called Jesus. Two things that Christ said struck me as pretty definitive: He would say, “it is written” when He spoke of the law—that given to Moses on the mountain. When He spoke about the additions stuck onto the law, He would say, “you have heard it said.” Yes, they were oral traditions, and not just repetitions of the law. Remember when He said, “By your traditions you have made the law of God of no effect?” Well, he was talking about all the opinions that came from men who ADDED to the law of God! Anyway, this old girl may not get off the topic for a bit while reading and learning more about what caused the perfect setup for the murder of Christ.

 

Meanwhile, slightly after 6 this morning, the old woman got outside and mowed a bit of grass and rolled up (tightly) four large sections of chicken wire. Cleaned up the yard a bit and put out fresh water. Dadgum but it was hot by the time she got her old body back in the house. But cut up and cooked some fajita meat and cooked carrots and broccoli before eight even got here. Dear Hearts, it is simply too hot to do anything after 90 degrees around here. Sitting here wishing for about 6 to 8 inches of rain in a very slow, soaking.

 

My granddaughter called today and told me what she was given for her birthday. Suggested calling the critter Eba since that was what cousin Elizabeth’s sisters called her as children. Rachel’s middle name is also Elizabeth, so thought that would work. Just hope that she still will keep running and exercising. Animals are good for us in so many ways. Oh, and she had to remind me that her birthday was on the 23^rd instead of earlier in the month. Had her birthday and Jennifer’s messed up. Getting old is definitely not for sissies!

 

Have been thinking of different ways to cut up a tee-shirt to make a halter top. Maybe someplace like Etsy would have some ideas. Hmm. If a good idea shows up, will put a link here for anyone interested. Yes, old age has some major benefits. Mainly, an older person just simply does not give a rat’s behind about what someone else thinks!

 

Read some very interesting information about the Great Lakes. Now it appears that we could build a very nice pipeline between Superior and everywhere we need water out West. Hello, West Texas could definitely use a bunch of water. But it takes a hundred years for that lake to refill, so maybe that might not be such a grand idea. Even so, it certainly would be nice to not have to watch the lake levels so closely around here!

 

Cantaloupe, cucumbers, real tomatoes, and melons are all coming off about now. These are the only real reasons that summer has not been abolished! Kidding. But if the AC did not work, how many of us would just go ahead and call it quits! Let’s pray for those who have still not got their electricity back up. And if the East Coast wants to send any of that constant rain our way, well, we would appreciate it! May you all have a comfortable place to relax and sleep.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Four Hundred Years of Nothing.

 Four Hundred Years of Nothing.

 

Sitting here eating leftover broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, and beef for lunch. The dogs got chicken this morning, but the old woman went to United and bought MORE chicken and currently have it on cooking with an entire bag of rice. This stuff is supposed to be good for them. Better than dog food. Doesn’t seem to be hurting me, either. Researching different things for them and for me has helped me see that they also need veggies—no onions, but carrots, squash, broccoli. They seem to be doing better weight-wise as well when they don’t get any pork. Go figure.

 

Wondering how in the world our nation is making it. Then was reading Sidlow Baxter’s Explore the Book. Did ya know that there were four hundred years between the prophet Malachi and the NT writer Matthew? What would happen in our nation if the Bible was not seen or preached for four hundred years. Remember that question: will there be faith when He returns? Hello! Our nation is not even that old! Will my grand children and great-great-great grands know anything about the Bible? Will they have ever heard of the Ten Commandments?

 

Sterling talks with me often, and we know that the seeds are still being planted. His minister talks about the large number of Muslims that are being converted to Christianity. They are almost as fervent as the Baptists used to be! Their fervency began with a different religion, however. Like the Mormons and the Seventh Day Adventists, they are determined to “do” their faith. Mentioned the Baptist Men’s Association that took up a position in East Texas recently to do the type of things that make a difference for those who do not have electricity and have suffered through storm damages. Personally think that love means more than just praying sometimes. Sometimes we need to hold out a hand either physically or financially or in some manner that makes a difference we—and others—can see. But when that is not possible, prayer is our best approach. Mentioned the daughter of Pepper B., Somer P has RA to the point that her organs are shutting down. My friend Michelle M can hardly function at times—especially in this heat. And Judie B has lived with this stuff for umpteen years! That is just ONE disease that mankind gives a name to that can be semi-treated. Then there is depression. A friend told me about a young man who worked for her who just “lost it” when she corrected him. Some of these young folks have something called ODD and other types of mental issues that cause them to lose control of their thoughts and actions. Having an organ fail is one thing, but to have one’s mind to fail is much worse in a way. Yes, dementia is similar, but it seems to come at the end of a life rather than in one’s youth. What can we actually do for those who have these problems? Prayer is my only thought.

 

Each new generation has faced strange social changes, drastic scientific changes, medical “miracles,” and political and financial disruptions of what anyone would consider “normal” life. We now have gender dysphoria rather than hippies, lawlessness and corruption, financial disfunctions, and political destruction rather than national or individual pride. What can we expect next? Gave away the books in my library yesterday: 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and some other tales that seemed impossible. If my life means anything to the future, let it be a reminder that God’s love comes first in all things.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Questions of Doctrine.

 Questions of Doctrine.

 

Now first, let me explain that faith and doctrine are not necessarily sitting together out on the front porch sharing a nice cold glass of Southern sweet tea. From Wiki: “Doctrine (from Latin: doctrina, meaning "teaching, instruction") is a codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions, as the essence of teachings in a given branch of knowledge or in a belief system.”

 

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, faith has multiple definitions, including “something that is believed especially with strong conviction,” “complete trust,” “belief and trust in and loyalty to God,” as well as “a firm belief in something for which there is no proof”.

 

Faith is the substance or assurance of things we hope for, but have not yet received. Faith (confidence, belief, trust) is also our evidence of that which is not seen—the invisible spiritual things. Faith comes before a prayer is answered or before an individual has received what he or she has requested from God.

 

Some conversations and reading have made me consider lately what my beliefs have been based on and how much of those beliefs are backed up by scripture. From before we could read, our parents had us memorize John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever should believe on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Now Dear Hearts, that is scripture. Now then, Satan himself knows that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God. He believes that. But he does not believe ON him. Satan would not look to Christ for salvation. In the first place, not that my guessing is all that great, but eternal life without God would be hell in my estimation. Separation from God, from the light of the world, would be the worst kind of life if one had to live eternally. Better to go up in ashes than to live without God and His love.

 

Now it amazes me how my mind works at times—or doesn’t work. My “compassion” caused me to want to believe that everyone would eventually come to Christ. But is that backed up by proof? One person mentioned the rich man and the beggar who died and went to separate places. The rich man went to suffer; the beggar went to heaven. When the rich man asked Abraham to send someone to his brothers “from the dead,” he was told that they would not repent: “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” AH! Who was it that rose from the dead?

 

It bothers me that so many “religions” consider themselves to be the way of truth, yet they do not rely on the Word of God or the sacrifice of the Son of God. These folks have doctrines, ways of believing, teaching, and positions that fortify their knowledge. In all of my reading, the old ways that men lived before they learned of the Son of God held them to certain principles. Can you sin if you do not know the law? Did the pagans of old know how to love, how to give full measure, how to help his fellow man? You can bet that they had a code of conduct, even if it was not based on the ten commandments. In literature, (Robert Browning) there was a poem about Caliban Upon Setebos. Caliban was the earthly, slimy portion of paganism. Setebos was Caliban’s idea of his god. Caliban tries to infer from his own experience of anger and hurt what his god must be like. Sometimes that exact problem shows up in our thoughts—even among Christians. We think what we feel must be what God feels. Guess what. That is not scriptural, not even relevant, for the most part. If we really want to look at a perfect man, we have to look at Christ. If we want to see the nearest thing to a perfect man other than Christ, we have to look at Job. Job had to forgive those who blamed him for his own troubles.

 

Ah, we have so much to consider when we attempt to know what God wants of us. But let us keep trying, keep praying, keep being the type of love that we see in God’s way. When we fail, let us repent. Let us ask for forgiveness. We have a loving father.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Strange Days!

 Strange Days!

 

Last night about ten, the dogs were lying down snoozing on their “chargers”—you know, the dog beds next to the front windows that enable them to hear all the traffic or whatever gets them in the mood to set off the “bark alarms.” Anyway, the old woman was happily reading a book. Suddenly it sounded as if an electric transformer had exploded right over the top of the house. The entire house shook! Guess the lightning was unusual in color, too. Nothing showed up on the radar, but Dear Hearts, we certainly had the noise and light show of a mighty battle. This evening we have had just a bit of distant thunder and nary a drop of moisture. Think we got a few drops overnight, but not enough to measure. At least it was not as bad as what happened in Matador, TX. They lost a good café and other places up there. Poor folks!

 

My brother is about fit to be tied about this insurance on his car wreck. The insurance company said that they could not find Sterling or anything about the wreck. Mind you, the police report was right there to look at! Anyway, it will be a lot calmer at their house when Sterling knows what the insurance company is going to pay for fixing up their car. Jacqui is definitely not a happy camper about the entire situation. And you know the saying about what happens when the wife is not happy . . .

 

Danny and Rachelle Pollard’s son Jacob (the lion-hearted) posted some pictures. Rachelle took Jacob up to Philadelphia to see a special doctor. Not sure what he told them, but Jacob looked happy enough. They are making this into a vacation type trip for the two of them. Still am asking God to give this kid what he needs to let him grow up to be a man. Am asking the same for Nate S. so that he can become a happy camper as well. His mom has taken him to every national park that she can find just to let him enjoy life a bit more. If mankind has an answer for a boy who will become blind but who wants to learn how to use computers, then maybe that will be what my prayers should lead us to. God knows what the kid needs.

 

Today was reading about the daughter of an old friend of mine. Pepper Brewer was such a sweetheart. She died of kidney failure or maybe it was liver failure. Can’t remember. Now her daughter has RA so bad that all of her organs are just barely making it. Only know a few people with RA, but so far two of them are still functioning pretty well. The diseases that mankind deals with can really be horrible. At least my cousin John Pollard is getting better so that now he only needs three hours of dialysis a week—at least, that was my understanding.

 

A couple of things made me pause and thank God lately. Looking at this house and the critters—and the neighbors—makes me realize just how blessed the old woman really is. Two children, two outlaws, at least four grands, and lots of sweet friends make my days better every day. As long as keeping my attitude decent is possible, it is easy to realize the blessings. Why me? Why so blessed? Was it the prayers of our parents? Is there something God wants me around to do at some point? Whatever the reason for all these blessings, praise God! May we each do our best to please Him and do whatever it is He desires of us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Use ICE!

 Use ICE!

 

Dava found all the sore places on me this afternoon and suggested that ice would take out some of the swelling. Well, at least the ice should feel good in this heat! Stretching the muscles on the right side made me well aware of the area that got hurt the last time a fall happened. Swelling at this point should not be happening, but who’s to say that walking around and doing things either in the house or outside haven’t been more of an aggravation of the problem. She asked if the old woman had gone to the doctor’s office. But she granted that she feels pretty stubborn about that sort of thing, too.

 

Maggie Sewell was supposed to have had shoulder surgery yesterday, and they got her all prepped and ready to go and then found a heart murmur. Surgery is off and now it is time for her to find a good heart doctor. If it isn’t one thing, . . .

 

Heard from my friend AnnaBeth Graf. She lives in Mississippi and has had rain and more. But she has electricity. Still, she says her grandson plans to come back to her place soon and bring his two cats. Feel for her. Said that if OliverTwisted ever was gone, no more cats here. They are such sweet animals, but litter boxes are a bit much in the house. My cousin Eba used to have cats and even had a catio built for them. Not sure she wants any more cats now. Guess a phone call is due to see how things are going in her part of the East Coast.

 

The heat has not been too bad today, but the wind is up and blowing things around. We had a little sprinkle of rain this morning, and now it is just humid. Such fun! Patty said the guys who repaired the steps to her side porch planned to paint early tomorrow morning. That means she has to be up rooster early to greet them. They really don’t need her to open the gate, but still. When someone is on the property, the dog alarms will sound out loud and clear. Mine did that today when the UPS man arrived.

 

Got the little beeper thingy to put on my phone. Four of those things were in the box, so if this one gets lost or falls off, another one will work. The main unit sits on the TV table and can go with me outside if necessary. Handy gadgets!

 

Have some Hollyhock seeds to plant in a bag. Two little containers of seeds were given to me by an online acquaintance. Black Hollyhocks are rather rare. Had one before, but did not manage to keep the seeds for myself. Kinda like the Texas Star. Those things are gorgeous, but the plants look so much like marijuana! Oh well.

 

A squirrel lay out on the cement next to the workshop as if it were cooling its underside. Watched it for a bit and then let the dogs out. They were not going to be able to catch it, but Thompson really tried! Think a rat trap on the fence might be called for again. Squirrels are really just bushy-tailed rats!

 

Know very little this evening worth sharing. The chicks know to go under the deck in the heat of the day, so it really is pretty funny to see them pouring out of there when the back door is opened. They don’t want to miss any snacks, don’t you see! Wish everyone could enjoy chicks like this.

 

Tonight, let us pray for those who have dementia and for those who live with them or have to deal with them. It is so sad when someone just doesn’t really have what it takes to be a decent person until the very end of life. We can all pray that we can be a kind and loving person to the very end. But we never know if we will be one of those affected by dementia or other types of mind-boggling problems. We just need to remember to try not to judge either the one living with it or the ones dealing with that person.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Too Hot to Care.

 Too Hot to Care.

 

Have decided that old age and extreme heat don’t mix well. Not going to do one thing that does not absolutely NEED to be done. Just watered down the area for the chicks to have a cool place under the deck. Have the water hose out front on “mist” and it isn’t going to be moved unless totally necessary. The news clip on AOL asked us to not use any excess energy (electricity) from four to eight tonight. But everything—the grid—is JUST fine. Uh huh. All those folks offline from storms are suffering in this heat. Time for prayers. Let us ask God to help all the critters, the folks, the ones trying to restore power, and the first responders who have to find and help those folks.

 

The old woman is sitting under AC and reading. May you all be blessed with good health and a cool place to cuddle down.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

That Two-Dollar Pistol.

 That Two-Dollar Pistol.

 

Daddy used to say that it was hotter than a two-dollar pistol—meaning that the cheaply made models were going to melt in your hands! Well, that is about how this day feels right about now. Oh, the indicator on the thermometer has gone back down a fraction, but Dear Hearts, it is still over 100 degrees on the deck on the west side of the house. The weather station on top of the house only says 98, but maybe the breeze up higher has lowered the temps. Down here at ground level, it is mighty warm.

 

Sprayed under the deck today so the chicks would have a cool place to rest and recuperate from the heat. Guess it worked. Haven’t found any dead feathered chicks so far this evening. Also gave two dirty dogs a bath out in the yard. Sylvia promptly rolled in dirt and had to be resprayed to get the mud off. Didn’t see the mud on Thompson until he was already inside. Whoo boy! Floors had to be mopped. Oh well.

 

Cleaned the filter on the AC in the living room. Unreal how much lint or whatever collects in those filters! Guess going through the other rooms and cleaning those filters would be a great idea—maybe tomorrow. Sigh Does anyone have any extra energy to loan out?

 

Believe that Maggie Sewell goes in for shoulder surgery in the morning sometime. Please remember her in your prayers. At least she has her husband and her daughter there at home so that they can help her when she gets out of the hospital. Being retired does have its benefits.

 

Patty has the concrete men coming early to put in some new steps on her side porch next to the dog yard. She will have to let the littles outside near the driveway until things are finished. It scares her to let them out on that side since they can get away from her so easily out that way. If Roxie sees a rabbit, it’s Katie Bar the Door! During the day it would not be that much trouble, but at night is an entirely different situation. Let’s just hope the dogs stay close and that they mind their momma!

 

Got the paint tray and the plastic drop cloths out to put near and under the new shop doors. Yep, that’s all that got done. Just don’t have it right now. We will see what—if anything—gets accomplished tomorrow. No promises.

 

Nate’s mom said that his doctor talked to her—in front of him—about his blindness. It upset him and upset her even more. She could not believe his own doctor would ask her questions about that subject in front of him. Poor kid and stupid doctor. She ended up having to comfort the kid and was pretty ticked at the doctor. Have no idea how she can deal with all his problems along with her own physical situation. Please say a prayer for Nate and his mom Karen.

 

Diann Dennis’ granddaughter was at Saint Jude’s today, but did not see any other information about the babe’s eyes or prognosis. Just please remember the child and ask for God’s blessings.

 

Read about the Baptist Men’s group that have gone to East Texas to try to help out the thousands of folks down there that have no electricity and considerable damage to homes and businesses. The men took their trailers in there and had washers, dryers, and showers available for folks—along with a food truck to help those folks with food. No electricity means no cooking, for the most part. They also had crews of the men with chain saws so that they could clear a path from the homes to the streets so folks could get their vehicles out of the driveways. Doesn’t matter what kind of tree comes down in the yard, if it is bigger than an okra stalk, a little ol’ lady is not going to be able to move it. Some of the sunflower stalks around here are too big for an old woman to move!

 

Really about as dumb as dirt tonight. Can’t get too enthusiastic about moving around and doing anything. Made some decent pasta salad stuff with stir-fry veggies and some meat. The dogs liked the fatty pieces. But Thompson did not think they had really had all they needed. Ah, well. Know just how he feels. My coffee cup gets that way sometimes.

 

Trying to have a positive outlook is sometimes kinda rough. But whatever we do, we have to know that things will always change. If it is too hot today, we may look back next week and realize it was not THAT bad! Let’s pray that this heat will calm down considerably so folks can just breathe.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Misplaced Phone!

 Misplaced Phone!

 

Had to get on FB and send a message to my daughter to call my phone so maybe the old woman could find it. Had left it out on the deck on the stock tank. Made me feel very insecure there for a bit. And, to top it off, Patty was getting ready to call Jennifer because she had not been able to get me to answer my phone. Made me feel pretty good that she would check on me that way, but at the same time, made me feel pretty dumb. Just because these pants don’t have decent deep pockets, it is inconvenient to put my phone in my pants pocket. Sigh. SO, just got on Amazon and ordered something that will make noise loud enough that an old deaf lady can hear it when it is activated. Should be able to find my phone within a hundred feet or so. Technology is great.

 

Haven’t accomplished diddly squat today. No excuse except reading and being still. Had thought about painting the doors on the workshop, but just woke up feeling lazy—well, lazier than usual. Didn’t even vacuum or sweep anything. Still have a broody hen who thinks she is being abused. She wants to go sit on someone’s eggs, thank you very much. Nope. She has feed and water and a shaded coop. When she starts talking like a regular hen instead of chuckling like a broody mother hen, she will get out of the pen again. Mean old woman! But ya know, she thinks SHE needs to accomplish something!

 

The dogs have been sharing chews on a deer antler that Stephen left here for them. They are not even fussing about sharing. Love these two critters! Tried giving both dogs allergy pills today. Thompson finally agreed to take three tablets. Had to hold Sylvia’s mouth to get her to take three—one at a time. Such fun. But at least maybe the itch will leave them alone for tonight. Got some more shampoo to use that should keep any bugs off of them, too. Really prefer to use Cousin Wham’s formula, but the bugs out back are thick this year. Teeny, tiny little black bugs. One got on me, but it did not bite. Just sat there. Not sure if they bite or not. The chicks eat them, but only so many bugs can be consumed by these chicks. Not going to spray the yard because it might make my chicks sick. Not to mention it might make my dogs sick. Nope, just wash the dogs and use tick and flea shampoo.

 

Watched some things on FB today that made me think that God gives us little messages sometimes when we need to listen. Every time we listen, we learn more about how to love. How difficult it is to slow down and listen some days. We have heard it all our lives: slow down and live with awareness. Awareness means that we consider others, too. Eventually that lesson may soak into my old mind.

 

Let us rejoice in each day and all the blessings we have been given. And around here, we will be praying for rain.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Non-Cloud Covered.

 Non-Cloud Covered.

 

Not sure what this mess is called that is over the skies this evening. Sometimes it is there in the morning as well, but it feels different then. This mess feels as if it is a threat of mild concern with no promise of true moisture—no rain, in other words. Not anything to be done about it other than to be patient and live with it. Kinda like the smoke up north, only this is somewhat easier to breathe. Can’t say in my 75 years that anything like this has been around for me to notice. But then, some of us are not overly observant anyway. But we are still in a weather advisory until around ten tonight. We shall see.

 

Just came in from watering the front flower bed. The wind is not blowing it around, so maybe the water will do it some good. One little tomato on my plant that came from Walmart, and one little one on the plant that came from the Feed and Garden Store. Would really like for the squash plant to live and produce, but the heat and the dry weather might take care of that possibility. You know what things are like if you put things outside in the ground.

 

Both dogs have been fed—in Sylvia’s case, overfed. However, they are closely watching the bacon and eggs that are currently in residence on my desk. Thought it would be a good idea to use the three eggs that had to be washed today since some ornery critter broke an egg in the nest. Cleaned the nest out, but those eggs definitely had to be washed. Washed eggs have to be put in the fridge ASAP. The dogs will probably get most of this. Gave the hens the milk that is nearly expired since another carton had been purchased on the last trip to the store. It sat outside long enough to clabber, and the hens love it that way. But then, they also love cottage cheese and any other milk product. That may be why their egg shells are so hard. Lots of good calcium.

 

Grandson Reece called me today to talk about how long Lewis knew me before we got married. Could not have been long enough for him to expect me to be as ornery as he found me, but such is life. The kids today live together and think that will take care of the getting to know you stage. Uh huh. Think the biggest test of whether or not you should get married is whether or not you both have a sense of commitment. Love is all good and well—and definitely necessary—but the respect and commitment to the other person needs to be very strong. Passion is like a fire. It might be bright and look nice, but that total staying power relies on the moral sense that ONE person is the only being—other than God—that matters. Sometimes folks find reasons that have to be considered to leave the other person, but it should never be about finding someone else. ONE love until death do us part. If he or she becomes abusive or mentally and emotionally deranged, then it might be acceptable to leave. Mom suffered from dementia for a long time, but Daddy never left her. He suffered more than she did, for sure. But he did not feel he had a choice. He did his best to remain patient.

 

Planted those things from the Feed and Garden Store yesterday and gave myself some sore muscles in the process. No sense griping, but used the little blue ball between the wall and my back and hips to work on the sore spots. Whooo boy! Going to see my favorite masseuse on Wednesday evening. It is expensive, but it always seems to help.

 

Looking at some of the news of the weather reports and all the damage that has taken place this past week. It is so hard to imagine what folks in Oklahoma must feel like. The tornadoes have just skipped from one place to another and either beat the crud out of things or simply whipped them out of existence. May God bless all those who have been affected.

 

Let’s remember those who have family who need our prayers: Nate, the little man who has been told he will be blind—whose life goal has been to learn about and use computers. Let’s hope that some answers to his problems will be found and that his mom can deal with the pain of her own conditions. The granddaughter of Diann Dennis also needs our prayers. She will be at St. Jude’s on Monday. Let’s pray that the doctors can find some answers for the child. Finally, let’s pray for those who hurt emotionally from being abused and misused. Yep, plenty of those in this old world. May God lift us up and help us to keep going forward.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

End of Day.

 End of Day.

 

It has seemed like a long day, but maybe it was because the heat got to me pretty much at one point. Looking forward to another dawn and letting the critters out of the coops. They went up a bit early tonight with some sneaky treats. Got extra worm things at the feed store today. Forget what they are called. Honestly, some days it seems my name is almost too much to recall.

 

Got a phone call from Sterling. He was relaying all the “interesting” things that had taken place in his day to that point. It had to get better. He still has not heard from the other person’s insurance company about paying for the wreck the lady caused. Deep sigh. It’s not like they are on foot or anything. But some folks get antsy unless they have things just the way they want when they want them. Been there and learned to be more patient.

 

Spent part of the day with Stephen because he took me to the feed store in his jeep. While we were there, they gave me the plants they had out to the southeast side of the building that were going to die for lack of water and too much heat. Brought them home and planted them in the flower bed out front. If any of them survive, so be it, and happy surprise! If they don’t live, the exercise was good for me.

 

Keep finding dead birds in my yard. Not sure what is killing them, but the grown bird must have eaten something poison. The people who put out ant poison have no idea that birds think that stuff is edible. It looks a bit like grain, but it will kill a bird quicker than sunstroke will get an oilfield worker. And yes, it was pretty hot today. Not as bad as some years have been, but it seems to get to me rather quickly these days.

 

Couple of things to suggest for prayers: family problems when one or the other decides he or she no longer loves the mate for whatever reason. It would have to be devastating in my opinion to be treated as if my love did not matter. Sometimes folks have to live apart for any number of reasons, but that is no reason to treat someone like the drizzling stuff that occurs with a bad bate of chili. Respect matters. Especially after ten or more years, each partner needs to be giving to the other and not be hostile. Second: dementia, cancer, long-term illness that incapacitates, or any other physically and emotionally demanding situation of either a mate, a parent, a child, or some other significant person. No one is superman/superwoman. We need help. But we need to ASK for help. A minister, a social service, a volunteer organization, or just a group of folks with the same or similar problems might be where one could find understanding, if not actual help. Sometimes it helps just to know that we are not alone. Finally, personal care. Today a reminder that the pain of the past is just a couple of thoughts away hit me a little harder than if someone else had asked me too many questions. Rest and be still if that is what helps to get past the pain. Or find something that makes YOU happy. Remember that no one except God knows what is in your heart and mind. Let Him help you. But be prepared to help yourself.

 

A couple of invitations to the blog have gone out today. If you see someone you don’t recognize or if someone makes a comment, just be kind. Not everyone who reads this mess finds it easy to deal with life every day. Some are strong Christians; some do not trust any religious organizations. Just be loving and kind. That is what is required of all of us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Expectations vs. Realities.

 Expectations vs. Realities.

 

Earlier today we were expecting a severe storm with hail and high winds. So, at the moment, we have wind speeds at 16 mph and slightly above, plus some thunder. The chickens are scattered all over the lots and refuse to be tempted by scratch or those nasty, dead worm bodies. Oh well. If they get wet, it won’t hurt them. They have plenty of places to hide—under the deck mainly. And maybe when it gets dark, they will go back inside their coops. Jenn was worried earlier that the silly, old impulsive mother around here might dash out into the hail trying to protect the chicks. She has no idea that my dashing days are far behind me.

 

Told Stephen to stay at home after it got so blamed hot today; he had been to his doctor’s office to get some mean shots in his shoulders. It did not look like it would have been much fun. Pain doesn’t do much for a person’s outlook on work, so there did not seem to be enough reason to try to get anything done right away. The doors to the workshop can be shut or opened as needed currently. That is all that matters. The hens might accidentally go in there to eat the stuff put out for them, but it is doubtful. They don’t like strange places.

 

Thompson brought his bone inside to chew on. It makes me wonder what it is about a bone that is so tempting for dogs. Guess it might be the memories of what was on it before it was just an empty bone. He just wagged his tail at me because he noticed me looking at him.

 

Still have two more shirts to work on this evening. Have not accomplished squat today. Swept out the sawdust in the workshop and cleaned up a little out there, but that about finishes any list of real work. Didn’t really have much expectations in that department considering waking up with the same headache that accompanied me to bed. Still can taste sawdust despite the saline solution to rinse my sinuses.

 

Made some decent lunch for myself and shared a bite or two with the dogs. Sylvia will eat a cooked carrot, but Thompson will kindly spit it out after one bite. The chicken strips were a different story. Those things are so very handy to microwave and mix with some cooked veggies. All things considered, the expense is pretty high, but the convenience is wonderful. Already cooked meals that just need to be steamed in the bag or warmed in the microwave are wonderful for an old woman who does not really want to manage from scratch to feed herself. Still have never used door dash or any of those services that Patty claims are so great. Seems pretty expensive, but some folks feel it is worth it.

 

A few sprinkles have begun to fall, but the thunder has passed. Guess the “storm” problem has been removed. Don’t mind some good rain, but can live without high winds and hail stones. Jenn said they had some the size of grapefruits around the metromess area yesterday. It missed my kids, for which my thanks are given to the One who watches over us.

 

Talked to my sister-by-another-mother this morning. Sharon is feeling much better after all the procedures and upsets. Your prayers for her are still appreciated. And a post from Tami Yonts said that she is getting ready for another round of chemo. Let us remember her daily that she will be healed and have many years ahead to enjoy her family. Finally, an online friend, Diane Dennis of northeast Arkansas has asked for prayers for her granddaughter whose eyes have developed cataracts—she is just a tiny toddler! Something is causing pressure from one side of one eye and the other has the sight disturbed by the cataract. Can’t remember the child’s name right this red-hot minute, but God knows who she is. All we have to do is ask.

 

Let us remember that we never need feel alone in our beliefs and in our ability to trust in our Creator. Despite the depth of corruption and perversion in society today, God still has a core of deeply concerned believers—those with morals and character that try to be attuned to His laws. Let us rejoice in His love.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Calm Before the Storm!

 Calm Before the Storm!

 

It doesn’t take much to tick me off. Seeing or hearing another woman threatened will get my back up faster than Ol’ Rosie kicked the milk pail! Yes, we both know that problems in marriage can be caused from both of the partners, but sometimes it is pretty obvious when one or the other is being run over and shut down. We will see what happens, but Dear Hearts, my prayers right now are with a woman who has put up with crap for nearly 40 years! Stephen reminded me that just living in the same house and working on the same job does not mean that either partner is always in the right—or wrong. May the Lord give us common sense and a calm approach to living with others. Reminded of a thing posted on FB that said that never in the history of mankind has telling a woman to calm down ever accomplished any kind of calm. My speculation is that if there is calm, it is likely the calm before the storm.

 

Stephen got the door frames adjusted to fit together. When he got back from trimming a horse’s hooves, we unloaded the plywood pieces to cover the doors. By the time he finished, we both had a head full of sawdust and lots of sweat. He will work on finishing them tomorrow. Maybe the paint in the workshop will do to put on the new doors—whether or not it matches doesn’t really matter to me. May do some free-hand pictures on them when they are coated enough to keep the rain from messing them up. Now to do the hemming on some shirt sleeves for Stephen.

 

We were out there talking, measuring, cutting, and talking some more when we got to talking about the influence of social media and how people tend to hang their dirty laundry out to get sympathy or to get others to shore up their opinions. Had to laugh and tell him about the woman that we had known who decided that online “sex” might be the way to go. She left her husband, who we both knew provided well for her, and went to stay with some guy she had met online. She came back, and her husband was glad to have her back. We just shook our heads. Asked Lewis if he would ever consider doing that online sex thing, and he looked at me and said, “I don’t type that fast. Plus, I would have to ask you how to spell the words.” Have thought of his reply several times over the years. The man loved me for whatever reason, and it made things work out well for us. If only every man could feel about his wife the way Lewis felt about me. He once sent me a card while he was off in Oklahoma at one of those stupid workshops that Darr Caterpillar sent them on. The card is right next to my desk. It shows a character hugging a heart on the front. Then when opened, it says, “One of the nicest things that ever happened to me was you.” Under that, Lewis wrote, “I couldn’t find one with a picture of me on the front that said what I felt on the inside: I love you.”

 

Our country would be one hundred percent better off if both men and women would stop being so freaking selfish and self-centered and think first of the other person. GIVING love becomes a source of love that is given back. That is the way that God has always done things, it seems to me.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.