Just Shake It Off!

 Just Shake It Off!

 

Winter time can certainly keep us inside and close to a stove or in bed under the electric blanket, but Dear Hearts, summer has the ability to make us all become reclusive. Staying near the fridge with its cold drinks, going to the bathroom for a quick, cold shower, trying to be comfortable in a living room that is at 98 degrees despite the AC unit trying for 62—all these little quirks amount to summer. Yes, it is the only time of the year that we can actually buy fresh cantaloupe or watermelon. The cucumbers and bell peppers and even the lettuce and tomatoes sound wonderful right now. But chili and soup weather are pretty good for some of us. Would certainly appreciate even a WARM shower from heaven right now. Have given up trying to keep the tomato vine alive. Still giving just a bit of water to some flowers, however. The tomatoes are probably costing more to water than the ones in the store would cost!

 

Saw a picture my daughter posted on FB. She has two Huskies. Apparently, they needed to be combed or something. Her floor was covered in Husky hair! Luna the Labrador looked on the situation and rolled her eyes. Not HER problem. She just looks for holes in the fence and finds them on a regular basis. She leads the other two outside the fence on adventures in the night. One night she left the “farm” and was something like five miles away by the time Jenn and Gary caught up with the dogs. In a pasture with a stock tank and lots of high weeds and stickery branches resulted in really gross dog coats. Nasty! But they love those dogs! It just takes a lot of patience.

 

Had an interesting conversation today about religion. Most of you probably have figured out by now that the old Baptist church that saw me grow up and be baptized is no longer in my way of worshipping. Tried going to a couple of churches and found it difficult to be around others to the point of taking my breath away, but also difficult because my understanding of what love means has changed over the years. We know where all love comes from—God the Father wants to love us completely. He can do that through His son Jesus Christ. We may go dig out from under a fence and wander off into some pasture to get burrs in our fur or roll in some nasty tank water, but God can clean us up and never stop loving us. He expects us to show that same love toward others. Sometimes it is better to avoid the drama in other’s lives, but that does not mean we should stop praying for those folks. If asking for God’s blessings on others is all we feel we can do, then we should definitely get busy and do a good job of asking!

 

We know the sayings our parents used: If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right the first time! Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your whole heart! Let’s keep that in mind right now. We may just have to start asking more often for the rain we so desperately need. But mostly, we need God’s blessings on His people. Wherever His people may be, in whatever situation, let God’s love rescue them today!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Dabbling in Duty.

 Dabbling in Duty.

 

Apparently, my accomplishment for the day may turn out to be the bath given to Thompson. And no, Maggie Sewell, have not bought any of the oatmeal soap for him yet. This stuff smells like it should repel just about anything, but don’t believe that is what is making him itch. Jennifer told me to buy some probiotics for him. That stuff is on the way here from Amazon. Hoping that this helps his infernal itching. Sterling may want to buy some for his shingles if it helps Thompson. The poor man is just miserable. He called this morning to remind me that it was Sunday and going to church today was impossible for him. He and Thompson are just two of a kind—miserably itchy.

 

Just shared a turkey and provolone sandwich with my dogs. They always get just as much as the old woman—and sometimes more. Oh well. We all got a few bites. Cooking right now just seems nigh on to insanity. Like the firemen fighting fire in this heat!

 

Just stepped out on the deck here at nearly 8:30. The thermometer on the porch there says 105. It’s on the west side of the house. And the hens and the chicks are out in the east side lot looking for bugs and anything to eat before it is time to be cooped up for the night. We still have a huge raccoon running around the neighborhood. He tried to open the lid on the trash bin one night and left his footprints. SO glad he was unable to get the lid open.

 

Eugene Ridinger took a picture of a crack in the ground around here somewhere. The measuring tape showed the crack to be 2 inches wide! Now that means that the folks with concrete slab foundations need to be soaking the ground around their houses to keep the slab from breaking up. Reminds me that there are some good things about the pier and beam foundations. NOT that it would keep that kind from cracking when the ground breaks open.

 

Think it is a waste of water to try to keep my tomato plants alive. The flowers are drying up even with water. And tomorrow is supposed to be hot—108 official forecast. Shoot! They should bring their thermometer to this old hill and see if the wind would blow dry the mercury in their tubes!

 

May have to go buy another AC unit. Had the one in the living room set on 72 today and it was just blowing hot air. Turned it down to 62 and it finally got a bit cooler. Guess the 72 would feel good if my body had been outside for a bit, but both dogs were very uncomfortable. The biggest drawback is trying to find a man to put it in the window for me. Not sure about that. Stephen, if he were willing, probably could not put one in by himself. May talk to him anyway and see if he has a boy to help him. Then will just go to Sutherlands and get a bigger one.

 

It seems the heat is all that is on my mind. Tell ya what though, if hell is anything like Texas in the summer with no moisture, it would definitely make a person glad that our sins can be forgiven and that we won’t be tossed into the lake of fire for eternity. So thankful for redemption through Jesus Christ—and not just because of the heat.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

Still Digging!

 Still Digging!

 

The mattress is on one side of the room and the box springs on the other side. The linens have been washed and the floor scrubbed, so the room feels MUCH cleaner. Smells pretty decent too since the spray Patty gave me is mint flavored (no, not edible, but you understand). It will probably take another two or three days to get everything out of the chiffrobe and sort through what needs to be given away and decide what to do with the rest. If it has not been used in five years, it is not likely that it is really needed around here. Storing blankets is always a problem since they take up so much room. But when they are needed, a person really wants more than one. Asked Lance if he would take the box of flooring out to the workshop the next time he is up here. For now, it is on top of the dresser out of the way. Made up my mind that the walker could hang in the rafters of the workshop and be dusted and cleaned off if and when it is needed. Still need to clean the AC unit thoroughly, but that can be done fairly easily and quickly.

 

Let the two broody hens out of lockup this morning and so far, they have stayed out of the nesting boxes. Maybe they got it through their feathered heads that they needed to go out with the other girls and be sweet and stop being so grouchy. Some of the pullets are getting more interested in seeing what is in my hands. They run for the deck when the kitchen door opens! Food? Treats? Anything? Funny critters.

 

Sent off for some dog aspirin for Thompson today. On the days he acts as if it is too hard to get up, he can have one to see if it will help a bit. Understand pretty much how he feels. The older we get, the more difficult it is to work the “come along” muscles and joints. Patty said she got down on the floor to do some work next to her fireplace. She had planned to use the recliner to help her get up, but it scooted away from her. She had to get on her knees and try again. She said she would have called me, but knew that even the two of us could not have got her up without getting a fireman to help us! She finally got up using the chair, but think it gave her just a bit of a scare. Maybe she will let me do whatever it is she needs done next time. Or not. She is a very independent lady.

 

Saw a lot of white smoke—grass fire—and then black smoke—oil field or structure—off northeast of us. Turned out to be a pretty good-sized fire off of Hatton Road. The article talked about evacuating some places out that way. Think that may have included the Women’s Refuge, but not sure. Just felt so bad for the firemen having to be out in this heat and fighting a fire! It was zero percent under control at the time. Probably out by now.

 

Fed the dogs half a bag of homemade dog food earlier. When Thompson finished his, he lay back down on the floor and looked at me. Got the impression he thought that was not quite enough, so split a can of lamb and rice between the two of them. That did the trick. They are not spoiled or anything. Roger got on to me for letting Sylvia go get her own treats out of the treat box. She really does weigh more than she should, so the treat box is on top of the bookcase now.

 

The mailman picked up a note sent to Rendon (Ft. Worth) to Jennifer. It contained a newspaper comic strip called Zits. It seems that kids are always going to leave their dishes somewhere else in the house—and LOTS of them. Jenn will understand exactly why she got it. Thinking one might do to put on the fridge! Giggling.

 

Still going through Baxter’s book and reading Luke along with it. Some of the things we read just don’t really make us realize that Jesus’ life had an order to it that made a lot of sense. His words on the way to Jerusalem were REPLIES to things asked or said to him rather than the lessons he had given to the people before. Luke records those replies. The Good Samaritan always made sense to me because it showed that actions speak louder than words or than someone’s position in society. But the important part was that Christ was telling us who our neighbor is—the one who needs our help. Again, answer life’s questions with love.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Being Still.

 Being Still.

 

Sometimes it is just better to find a sit-down and be still job to do when the heat and other factors make it too miserable to get around as if energy were a Texas breeze. In my case, energy comes and goes with the thermometer. Yesterday morning was a “getter ‘er done” situation. Today, it has been a day to go through papers and files—to either pitch or put in folders to keep. Found all kinds of interesting things to keep. If the children don’t want them later, the old woman won’t be around to be concerned about it one way or the other. But they did not need the Exxon travel maps, the old accounts of a defunct partnership, or other things of that sort. The trash bin was extra heavy today.

 

Other than sifting through family memories and the pictures to prove them, the only accomplishment was killing a stinging scorpion. Think the poison put out had pretty well already done the deed, but even a sick scorpion can still sting. Then ONE stupid khaki plant got dug up and tossed in the trash bin. Managed to get a tiny sticker in a finger. At least the weed is no longer there to reproduce those mean stickers!

 

Told Diann Dennis today that if she wanted to, she could put her posts directly on the page of Common Sense and Happiness. Same goes for Tami Yonts or any of the rest of you. I know my friend Robin’s little Angel—yes, a dog—has been terribly sick, and maybe some of you might not think that is the sort of thing that goes on a prayer list, but my prayer for Robin is that she be comforted by her dog—and that the dog remains in good health to encourage her. So many “little things” matter to make our world a better place. We don’t have to know all the ins and outs of each situation to know that it is too easy to become discouraged by life. We are here to help others and to show love in the best way we can. If any of you feel that our prayers would be of help to you, just ask—post a request, if you will. My brother’s wife Jacqui sent me pictures of his nasty case of shingles this evening. Oh! Horrors! How he could even put on a shirt amazes me. All over his neck and left shoulder, his face on that side, and his chest on that side are just covered in something that looks much like a second degree burn with blisters. Please pray for him.

 

The world is increasingly immoral and corrupt, but God expects us to not be like the world—be in it, but not OF it. Let us show His love for others and walk uprightly in His sight.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Deep Cleaning.

 Deep Cleaning.

 

Trying to really get Hanan’s room clean today and moving stuff around to get under and behind stuff. Have about a half a box of flooring planks under his bed. Thinking that should be on a shelf in the workshop or somewhere more appropriate than in his room. Then there are all the things that are never used or so seldom used that they are hardly needed. The vaporizer, an electric heater, a very expensive “bed” type thing for the retina surgery that looks much like a chiropractor’s table—all these things plus a very nice walker that would be better not to store in dust. Sigh. We will see. Have some plastic that things can be wrapped in or covered, but going back and forth to the workshop is part of the job, and in this heat . . . well, most of those things may wait in the kitchen until a cooler part of the day (morning).

 

Hoping to be able to untrack in the morning after moving stuff around. Semi-emptied the file cabinet and threw away an entire trash can of papers and junk and stuff. The children are NOT going to want this mess. Have several envelopes of pictures and things that might need to be re-routed. It just takes time.

 

Sterling asked me about the women in the Pollard side of the family that was in Arkansas originally—the ones that married the English Pollard. Cousin Pearl Agnes knew almost all of the details and Cousin John Pollard may know all of the details about the Webbers and Trouts. Will have to ask him. The picture of Great-Grandmother Trout made the woman look like a mule skinner. Sterling said that some of the men in the neighborhood knew better than to mess with her because she would sure enough whip them like a mule skinner!! How’s that for a family legacy!

 

Got a “close enough to masculine” haircut this afternoon. Can’t stand to have my hair in my eyes. How other creatures deal with it makes me wonder! It will grow back—and get cut again, too! Anyway, it is so much cooler and less frustrating to have it out of my face.

 

Cleaned out a couple of bags of sympathy cards and found one from Carla Beard that still touched me. On our way to the Hill Country, we stopped at Jennifer’s in Mansfield and Carla was introduced to Hanan. She said, “Oh, the poet!” He was both embarrassed and happy to be acknowledged that way. That means a lot to me now. Found one of his poems today:

Growing Old—and September Sad

I’ve killed away all the creepy crawlers

And the monster beneath my bed.

I’ve cleared up all the time

Left cluttered in my head.

Getting away for the day

From the city

And back to the fields

Where we would play as children of sin

Tugging away at our shirt tails.

Worthy of a day in the sun,

A dream left unspun.

So many roads I’ve been down,

All of them leading me back to my hometown.

Think that poem was one from his book Monsters Like Me.

 

Haven’t taken time to read much from my Bible except in Isaiah. It was a good reminder for what is going on around all of us right now: Isa. 41:13 “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, Saying onto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”

 

My fingers are getting insensitive or the tiny little raised bars on my keyboard are wearing off. Every once in a while, a glance at my page will show me that my fingers were totally off the right keys. No one would ever believe that keyboarding was one of my main subjects to teach! Well, truthfully, they might not ever believe the old woman taught English and business writing either!

 

Let us pray for rain and for those who are suffering right now. God knows who needs His help, but we need to ask and ask again!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

Cooking Dog Food.

 Cooking Dog Food.

 

Yesterday United had ONE package of leg quarters (10 lb) for $6.79. Cooked all of that package up yesterday after returning home and made rice in the broth. Left it all in a great big bowl in the bottom of the refrigerator. This morning, some frozen veggies that the old woman discovered are not all that good eating got cooked up in the microwave along with a package of butternut squash, a can of English peas and a can of green beans. All the veggies were smushed up with the little black whiz bang get-er-done instrument that Jennifer gave me. Then the rice and chicken pieces (boned yesterday) were mixed together and put in Ziplock bags to either be frozen or left in the bottom of the fridge for dog dishes. So, at least a week’s worth of food is ready for the happy critters that make my life good around here.

 

Had a humdinger of a panic attack this morning while on the phone with Sterling. Listened and tried not to talk much. But Sylvia heard me and came running in to get in my face. Honestly, she may not have a certificate for a service dog, but she gets the job done. Reached up in the fridge and got an ice pack to see if that would help. It didn’t hurt anything, but think the dog helped more by getting my mind totally off what was going on. She came by this trait naturally, so not sure if another dog could be taught, but Thompson always comes to see about me. He just does not get in my face to get me to breathe.

 

Sterling said that the prognosis for his shingles along with the blisters they cause is anywhere from two to six weeks. He is encouraging all of his children to get the shingles vaccination. Anyone who has ever had chicken pox already carries the virus. Isn’t that just wonderful---not! And Jacqui has her surgery—carpal tunnel and joint repair on one hand—on the ninth of August. Can hardly believe it is nearly August. Guess it should be easy to see—schools are planning their hours and bussing plans from last year. So sorry for anyone having to walk and wait for a bus in this heat. It just does not seem to go away!

 

Talked to my friend BillieRuth White. She is a corker! She ordered enough chicks that she is going to be about overrun with feathered critters. But the danged coyotes have her down to five hens now. Not sure what she thinks she is going to do that will be different enough to keep the coyotes out, but my first suggestion was to go to the nearest animal shelter and get herself a big dog. She hesitates because she lives too close to a highway, but most critters have just a little bit of common sense by the time they are grown. Too bad the same cannot be said of people. Sigh. But BillieRuth says her chickens give her a reason to get up in the morning. Know just exactly what she is talking about. They want out of those coops early, thank you very much. And my hens are learning to enjoy wheat instead of the normal scratch which causes their little bodies to overheat with the corn and milo. This morning they had a bag of frozen corn that Patty said was just yucky. Found the same thing in some corn on the cob bought recently. This stuff is gummy and not like any corn we ever had before. Not sure what they thought they were raising in those fields, but this stuff would not even be good for the worms!

 

Going to make myself a list that is actually for my son Lance. Have a few things to try around here to repair two or more areas. The screen door on the back of the house either needs to be replaced or rebuilt. Thinking the rebuild would be the easiest. Finding a door to fit this old house takes some doing. NOT that it bothers me to live in this old house. Love it, in fact! Some days it feels rather small, but then just walk into the kitchen—20 x nearly 14 feet. Of course, the deep freeze, the washer/dryer, the china hutch, stove and portable dishwasher, the trestle table and chairs, and the cutting table all take up some room. But still. My mother had a “one-butt” kitchen. We had to really try to make ourselves fit around a table after all the meal was cooked. But somehow Mom did it and fed us well. Anyway, Lance can do just about anything that needs doing around here. But HIS mom will take him to IHOP for a meal. Lazy ol’ woman!

 

Just finished putting out clean water, washing out the little coop next to the house, filling up the feeders and putting out some of those nasty looking soldier fly things. Bleah. But the hens and chicks love ‘em!

 

Roger Thonton came to visit for a bit and brought a bag full of those little golden tomatoes. They are absolutely delicious. Some of them have a little tough peel, but others are perfect. Figuring out which is which would be forgotten by the next time he plants them! Oh well. [Had to have a salad for supper!] Really enjoyed the visit. His sister-in-law Carol had a birthday today. Susan said she celebrated Carol’s birthday by going to Bill’s Catfish House across the Red River bridge. Hmm. Guess Carol could enjoy the fish vicariously.

 

Learned a new term today: Something like TLDR—too long, didn’t read—asking for a synopsis in other words. Lest Diane Mayo lets me know that this post is too long to read, will finish it up by saying that we can all be thankful to live in this land. It is not exactly the land of the free as we once knew it, but it is still better than so many places. And it contains some of the kindest folks in the entire world. Let us rejoice in God’s blessings.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

Songs from the Past.

 Songs from the Past.

 

Jennifer sent me a strip of the movie Crocodile Dundee yesterday where the guy with a knife tried to steal his billfold. His lady friend said, “He’s got a knife.” And Dundee said, “That’s not a knife. THIS is a knife!” Yeah, a real pig sticker! Had no idea why she sent it until Patty was telling me about some guy arrested near here who was threatening folks with a knife. Get in front of Patty’s car and see how flat you end up! What is really terrible is that if someone had taken him out, that person would have more jail time than the criminal! Dumb, just dumb.

 

The idea of the guy with a knife reminded me of a song that was played quite a bit ages ago when an old woman was a kid.

Let's Think About Livin

Bob Luman

 

In every other song that I've heard lately
Some fellow gets shot
And his baby and his best friend both die with him
As likely as not
In half of the other songs
Some cat's crying or ready to die
We've lost most all of our happy people
And I'm wondering why

Let's think about livin'
Let's think about lovin'
Let's think about the whoopin' and the hoppin'
And the boppin' and the lovin', lovie-dovie

Let's forget about the whinin' and the cryin'
And the shootin' and the dying
And the fellow with a switchblade knife
Let's think about livin'
Let's think about life

We lost old Marty Robbins
Down in El Paso a little while back
And now Miss Patti Page or one of them
Is a-wearin' black
And Cathy's Clown has Don and Phil
Where they feel like a-they could die
If we keep on a-losin' our singers like that
I'll be the only one you can buy

 

The hens and chicks have a handful of tomatoes from Patty’s house. The store sent her a bag of soft and squishy tomatoes, so the girls get a snack this morning. Then later they will get some frozen corn that must have been genetically modified to be pure starch, and soggy starch at that! Anyway, the hens won’t gripe.

 

Went to United and picked up a ten-pound package of leg quarters for making dog food. Also, got some bone-in chicken breasts for a decent price and threw them in the freezer. Will make chicken salad later for the old woman, but right now the other chicken is on cooking. The dogs are going through this lamb and rice canned dog food. They eat it well most of the time, but this morning, Thompson would not eat. Go figure. Maybe it is just too hot. If we could get a good soaking rain, it would help ALL of us feel better.

 

Think a package should be here sometime today with a pair of slip-on shoes. My new sandals are comfortable, but either the foot has to come up to the knee to be fastened or the back has to bend. Oh well. This too shall pass.

 

Gathered enough eggs to make a dozen for John and Mary Rhoads. Mary said her entire day is filled with appointments, so guess it will be up to John to stop by and pick them up. Mary said their pecan trees are dying from lack of moisture. So sad. Plant and pamper trees for years and one bad drought will take them out. Wish it were possible to catch enough rain water here to save even the small plants. Deep sigh.

 

Determined to get at least one more room cleaned today. Then the old woman is going to do one of those wild things that means everything that does not mean much to me is going to be boxed up and given away or otherwise tossed. Someone please hold me to that decision!!

 

Well, praying for those who are hurting includes so many whose hearts are broken, those who grieve, those who fear, and those who feel lost. Let us remember that each person we meet up with has his or her own trials to face. May God forgive and bless us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

A Dog's Rest.

 A Dog’s Rest.

 

Yep, that has been the day’s “work” for these two dogs and an old woman—just resting. Worked a bit harder yesterday or went at it rather strongly, at least. Today it caught up with some sore muscles and some allergy problems. Oh well. Tomorrow is another day. When we wake up, we can be thankful for the rest of the night before. Then we can let our bodies determine how much energy can be expended in some other activities. Sitting here hoping the early morning will bring just a bit of cool air and a visit with a friend.

 

Saw a video of a woman who always wanted to be a ballerina even though she was definitely plus sized. She found some really nice ballet shoes she liked that fit her oversized feet, and it seemed that she was teaching small children to dance, no matter how small or large they were. Ballet is not just for skinny people who fit a certain mold. Remembering back bunch of years ago when someone decided to teach ballet to a football team. Don’t remember whether or not it helped them win any games, but it could not have hurt them to learn to bend in different ways. That is the sort of thing that we expect from horses when we are training them. We all need a few lessons in how to bend and sway our thoughts and feelings. Life does not give us much choice, but it does not need to be as hard on us if we are willing to change our ways.

 

Words sometimes cause us to back off from folks. The ones who ask if they can pray for you might be offensive to some. But the person whose actions show love are better examples of prayer in motion. Things we do for others make us aware of the needs of many. Sometimes we can help. Sometimes we need help. Either way, the opportunities are sent from above. Try to accept them.

 

The shingles (not the kind on the house) are about to do my brother in. He keeps taking the medicine and trying to do what the doctor says, but he is just pretty doggone miserable. Would appreciate your prayers for him.

 

Friend Carol Thonton comes up with names for the children who are struggling with health problems. She called my nephew Jacob the Lion-hearted. She came up with a name for the granddaughter of Diann Dennis that made me feel it was just about perfect for a little one who is fighting cancer in her eyes: Raye Louise, Princess of Light. Please remember this child in your prayers.

 

Have avoided thinking about the world and its crazy conditions today as it makes me feel quite distraught. Let us ask God to touch those who so desperately need His hands on them. Let us be more aware of the joy of His love. May our lives be lived as a light for others.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Three to Go!

 Three to Go!

 

Got the sheets removed, washed, and now in the dryer. Have the bedroom floor vacuumed and mopped, and the bed remade with clean sheets. Had to remove the dog beds and slide the dog crate around just to clean the floor, but it is done! Now to start on the little bathroom and Hanan’s room. Absolutely need to MAKE myself get rid of some stuff. He has two work shirts that say Abner on them. That was his pseudo nom for some of his work. His checks were always made out to Hanan, but his shirts never said his real name. Some Japanese investors came into the plant and wanted to know “Who Abner Kane and why he boat alone?” One of the book’s titles was Boating Alone. He wrote three that we got on a memory stick, but reading them now still is not something the old woman can do. Such is life.

 

Have three chicken breasts on in the slow cooker and elderberry —lemon balm tea on steeping. Right now, it is only 104 degrees, but it isn’t even noon yet. The afternoon will undoubtedly get hotter. The hens and pullets are all out running around after the dumb insects that manage to get inside the fenced yard. Everyone else may have grasshoppers, but my girls are ready and willing to eat anything that hops or crawls inside the yard. Just put up another board for them in the roosting area. We will see what happens later if they decide that it looks like a roost. They have a tendency to stay out of the coop when strange things appear in there. Smart critters.

 

Here it is a little after six in the afternoon and hotter than a fire cracker. Surprise, surprise! Just fed the dogs again, and then Thompson wanted outside for some sunshine. He gets his vitamin D every day just lying around baking. Whew! Glad it is not that necessary for me. Just a few trips outside each day to water the hens or check for eggs has provided me with a farmer’s tan this year.

 

Visited on the phone with Rachel to wish her happy birthday; called her parents and Lance did one of those face-to-face type calls. They were “puppy sitting” Coti and playing with him to wear him down enough to get him to sleep good later. All puppy! They had his “puppy jail” there in the living room, and one of their cats got in it and decided it couldn’t get out. Not exactly the brightest cat.

 

Speaking of cats, had to laugh when Jennifer was telling me about all the cats’ and dogs’ antics while they were gone. Reece was concerned because his cat threw up twice and one of the dogs threw up as well. [Yes, he cleaned up the mess.] Anyway, while Jennifer was in Jamaica, she got two or three calls about the health of these critters. She finally told Reece that unless they were lethargic or seemed to howl in pain, it was not a good idea to take any of the critters to Vet ER when it was probably something they ate. When she got home, they were all still kicking, of course.

 

Apparently, the trip and all the tours they did were well worth the effort they made to see things. Fruits and trees they had never seen and even some leaves that helped remove the nausea Jenn had felt from riding a bus. Simply can't imagine! Grayson did not get to do a lot with the dolphins, but at least they know what to sign up for next time.

 

Now for the weird stuff: Along a mile and a half section of road from Stockton, Utah, thousands of toads were migrating from a lower area toward the mountains. The road was covered in toad stuff due to traffic. Too bad the toads did not know how to navigate across the road without leaving behind a path.

 

The other weird thing: Norway has just discovered its second mud volcano since they have been watching. Spewing mud and methane, it is clouding up the sea around it, but it is quite a large crater, so who knows how long this will go on?

 

This day is pretty well done. Tomorrow, when it comes, is another day. If God allows us to make and complete plans, we think we can do just about what we want to do. More cleaning tomorrow, so that should keep me out of trouble. Will be praying for rain for our part of the country. Dry and hot just seem to be absorbing this part of the world and spreading north. God bless us, please!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

Just ONE Room!

 Just ONE Room!

 

It has been my intention to get ONE room cleaned per day. Still has not happened, but the day is not over just yet. When the dust bunnies gang up on the dogs and attempt to strangle them, it is definitely time to fight back! Whew! Living room vacuumed, mopped, slightly rearranged. Kitchen vacuumed. Tea (mango-ginger) made and poured up into a great big mug! Dear Hearts, it is a good thing that the temperature is only 100 degrees! Might have let the dust bunnies win!

 

Made salmon patties for din-upper. Not bad. Tried to figure out which kind of tuna is best to buy and discovered three kinds NOT to buy—Bumble Bee, Kirklands, and Starkist. It looks as if Aldi brand is going to be better eventually, but Wild Planet and American Tuna are the most sustainably caught and canned. These are the kinds where a pole and fish line are actually used instead of nets that gather turtles and everything else. Oh, and albacore contains more mercury than skipjack or other types of tuna.

 

United has chicken breasts (bone-in) for a dollar a pound. Might be a good time to just buy and freeze a few pounds. Mixing sweet potatoes, green something like broccoli or beans, or carrots and peas with their chicken and rice seems to work out well. The expensive dog food from Amazon has lamb and rice and veggies in it, but they only get half a can each twice a day if they ask for it. Mean ol’ mom puts out kibble the rest of the time. NOT that the kibble is cheap! But the dogs do seem to be getting better about not scratching or having gas episodes. Went over to the Feed and Garden Store on 281-Old Jacksboro Hwy and bought a very large jug of Vetericyn Plus for their coats and itchies. Apparently, a good soaking did the trick. Just $30 for a big spray jug!

 

Sat outside on the deck this morning to eat some cantaloupe for breakfast. The chickens gathered round to ask for nibbles and got a few. They are SO much fun to watch. Most people probably don’t realize that chickens have personalities, but these hens and pullets are just plain fun. This is the first time ever for mixing four to five different breeds in one group purchase. The types seem to run together when they go out in the mornings to look for grasshoppers. The naked neck pullet is the only one who does not have a matched breed mate. The other three turned out to be roosters. Figures. They are so very ugly that it is almost funny.

 

Have not looked at the “news” today and just worked here in the house or read a book. Have not even done any studying. Thinking about what is prophesied and looking at the messes mankind has made of the environment and his own food and water is pretty discouraging. The excessive heat and the unusual weather patterns may or may not be part of a cycle similar to when the great glaciers first moved across the continents, but just because it is happening to us, it feels as if it is almost cataclysmic. The number of species being decimated also feels pretty sad and unusual, but maybe the changes in various species over the years has followed much the same patterns as have taken place previously. Just have to remember that God is in control of all things. Asking for His guidance and protection is among the privileges He has given us through His son Jesus Christ.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Time to Rest.

 Time to Rest.

 

Some days are just better for rest than others. Today has been a rest day. Maybe something will get done around here tomorrow. Or not. Whatever. Let’s just say that the old woman does not want to try to think about much this evening. Suffice it to say that fatigue won before the tussle even began.

 

Sterling has been ill and had to go to the ER this morning. Maybe whatever is wrong will be healed quickly. My prayers are with him.

 

Connie Cooke came by for a visit and a catch up this afternoon. We exchanged laughs about the drama that seems to touch our lives every so often. But we also talked about the fact that the U.S. is now on a digital banking system as of today. Strange way that things become more and more systemized. Then there was the article about how Whole Foods and even Amazon Prime are going to the “palm” system. One puts a palm over a reader and it identifies you and finds your financial information and withdraws funds accordingly. Not exactly what might have been expected in prophecy, but close enough.

 

Meant to call my grandson and his girlfriend this afternoon and did not get it done. Maybe tomorrow. His mom sent pictures of the family in Jamaica. Have not seen Gary looking that skinny ever! Hope they enjoy this trip as much as they did the one in Key West years ago. And may they get home safely.

 

Have thoroughly enjoyed the cooler temperature today. Just wish my enjoyment had included a quick visit out front to water the plants, but just did not feel good enough to go out there and lug the hose around. Now that is the height of laziness! Tomorrow is another day.

 

Let us remember to be grateful for the freedoms we once enjoyed and pray that what our soldiers have always fought for will not be lost. Pray for our nation and for peace.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Realism vs Wishful Thinking.

 Realism vs Wishful Thinking.

 

Maybe some of you have never had a Walter Mitty complex at any time in your life, but if you did and grew old with it, you probably realized eventually that what we dream of being able to do is never going to happen the way we might have liked for it to happen. Well, that was my day. Thought that driving somewhere and waiting for someone else to get something done would be a piece of cake. Then, just go home and do your own thing—like maybe doing a little house cleaning. Nope, did not happen that way. So, let’s just say that the old woman has had all she can handle for one day—or even two or three days. At 75, energy expends quickly and rebounds—well, basically, not at all. No need to rehash the trip or anything else since it will probably never happen again. Life is pretty positive as long as a person can laugh about it, but muscles are still stiff and sore when it gets right down to it.

 

The day started off a little cooler and even included a bit of cloud cover early on. That did not last. And the forecast is for a cool spell—a high of 95 or so tomorrow. Maybe watering down the underside of the deck will only need to be done once. The hens know what is coming when they see that water hose out again.

 

One egg today. Don’t blame the girls the least bit. It is simply too freaking miserable outside without any shade or water misting the air. Poor feathered ladies!

 

Need to remember to ask Jennifer to cancel the other type of dogfood that we put on subscription. Eventually, if the brain cells work together often enough, the old woman will have to learn how to adjust those orders all by herself. Kids can learn how to use a computer before they are four years old, but at my age, it takes lots of practice just to remember the simpler things.

 

Have been seeing a lot of scenarios where folks are taught how to deal with dementia patients. Guess that is natural that we would need that kind of education. After all, more old people exist in this world than young ones! Life lasts longer in some places.

 

Finding more and more reason to pray for others lately. So very many people are upset with this world and what is going on. It isn’t just the stupid changes that offend no matter what, but just the unkind and cruel things some have to endure. If we were not here wherever we live, would nature and life need us? Sometimes it feels as if we are not significant or just don’t have much affect on life. At other times, we can each be grateful for being able to love someone enough to pray for that person or situation. Who knows what our prayers can do for others? Guess that would be my request for tonight. Let us pray for others even when we don’t understand their lives or intentions. Maybe that one prayer can help somehow.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Quietly Growling.

 Quietly Growling.

 

Lewis used to work in this kind of heat in the Darr shop under all kinds of dozers, road graders, and assorted Caterpillar machines. The shop had a huge fan that blew air through the shop—much like one of those hot air fryers. He chewed on salt pills and drank tea by the gallon, and his clothes had to be peeled off when he got home after work. Not sure he even used hot water in his bath as most of the water from the cold-water faucet wasn’t really cold. And this summer reminds me of those days—and nights. Early—very early—morning was about the only time a person could go outside and still breathe while moving around. It was the kind of weather that made winter and ice storms feel reasonable.

 

Folks still get things done in this kind of heat, but common sense tells us it would be better to work at night rather than in the blistering daylight. Even so, Stephen called and suggested being in Electra at 6 this afternoon. Did not flat out tell him no, but after a few questions, it seemed the best thing to do was tell him either make the trip danged early or forget my assistance. Some of us are too danged old to deal with heat stroke. And we GOT this old by avoiding stupid trips in the heat. So, if he lets me know for sure that he needs to go in the early morning, then it might mean another trip to Electra tomorrow. Reminded him that a city worker died of heat stroke yesterday.

 

A big bag of goodies came for the hens yesterday. Now just have to decide how to store them and which little scoop to put in a container to give them just enough to tease their palates. Scratch has too much corn and maize in it to be good for them because it creates too much heat in their bodies. As it is, got up early this morning to soak the ground under the deck so they would have a cooler place to take refuge. Poor babies. Not sure if two of the black hens are going broody or if they are just making those silly chuckle sounds for the fun of it. One hen is still molting, but she may be laying anyway. But usually, broody hens don’t lay. Oh well.

 

Had planned to work on the roosts for the pullets today, but did not get it done. Honestly don’t know if the old woman is just becoming the laziest creature around or what. Have not vacuumed, mopped, or even done any more laundry this week. Keeping the few dishes washed up and a few things cooked is about the size of my endeavors. Did go out last night and soak the tomato plants and water the ONE squash plant. Not sure if it would just be cheaper to buy squash or pay the water bill. The city does not want anyone to turn on the water for anything except essential stuff during the day. Understandable. We are not going to get any real rain until the hurricanes start up the Gulf Coast. Any rain right now just adds to the stew effect. Not enough to soak the ground or fill up a stock tank. Sigh.

 

It does seem to me that constantly growling about the heat and lack of rain is not a very amusing subject if one can’t exaggerate and make funnies out of it—you know, so dry the trees have begun whistling for the dogs! Even so, will tell you that ONE watermelon is about enough for me and my neighbor Patty. Took some to her just a minute ago and was greeted on my side of the stone gate by Roxie. Had my head down and didn’t even notice her until she was right under me! Surprise! Those two dogs really love getting out to run. Glad they have the energy for it. About all the old woman can do is whistle for them to come back when they stray out a little too far. Patty just has to get ticked off good for them to mind her. Critters!

 

You know that all things eventually work out—whether it is heat, cold, dust, or fog from fires, but please remember to ask our Father for relief from all the extremes so many of us are enduring right now. Only God can control everything and all aspects of life.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Sweet Horses.

 Sweet Horses.

 

Had the opportunity to enjoy messing around with a couple of horses this morning. One thoroughbred was a sweetheart who got just a bit nervous when he heard the hot shoe sizzle against the hoof of his best friend. Standing between the horses with my back to him, he was able to nibble or rub on my shoulder and keep himself entertained. He fluffed my hair and wiggled his lips all over my neck and shoulder. It made me smile and was probably as good for me as it was for him. Nothing smells as good as a horse—even after he let me spray him with fly spray. Anyway, he remained relaxed while the other horse got his front hooves shod.

 

Haven’t been to Electra in ages, and certainly not out to see any of the area along the railroad. The east side of the town was pretty overgrown with tall grasses, so if they don’t get some rain out that way, they may find their fire department pretty busy. The town at least has an Allup’s, so they are not too terribly back country.

 

Stephen did not have a for sure ride to the rodeo grounds this morning is the reason this old girl had the entire back of the truck filled with horse shoeing stuff. His little Corgi puppy was also with us along with the bottles of water and Dr Pepper that were iced down and a couple of bacon and cheese sandwiches. We were only there long enough for Stephen to get one horse shod on the front before he became ill. He looked as if he were about to pass out and was shaking too much to get anything done. Anyway, we apologized and told the sweet lady he would return, if possible, to finish the job later. Before he even got the gate open to get us out of the place, he began to lose all the water he drank while we were out there. He wanted me to take him straight to the hospital, but the truck (with the back filled with tools), the puppy, my gun, and my sorry ol’ butt could not go inside with him, so his son Timothy met him at his house and then took him to the hospital. Here's hoping that he can finish the job tomorrow or at least soon. Have a feeling he is reacting to the new meds he is on, but the blood thinners make some folks feel very weak anyway. Combine that with the heat and it is really no wonder he was not doing well.

 

Yesterday the hens left four eggs in the nests, but so far today the nests are all empty. Cannot blame them in the least. It is simply too freaking hot to sit in a straw nest. Sprayed water under the deck where they take refuge. They came out just long enough for me to get it good and wet before heading right back under there. Poor critters! My dogs got to go outside and stay until my return, so they were also very glad to get to come back inside and have the AC turned on. Currently Thompson is lying on his back on his bed right under the AC unit—all four legs in the air. That is comfort. He is such a funny critter!

 

Ordered a few things from United to pick up later this evening. Maybe by then this wind will have let up just a bit. It feels a bit like one of those air fryer things outside. Kinda dread having to drive the truck again since a gallon of bug spray fell over and leaked on the back floorboard. It is all “natural” and smells like mint, but still! Have a feeling this truck is going to smell like mint until it either gets washed inside and out or until it goes swimming somewhere! Oh well. Such is the random life of truckdom—with emphasis on the dumb.

 

Really don’t know much today. Have seen pictures from Jamaica of all the fruits—coffee beans, pineapples, lemons—huge and unusual fruits for around here. They also got to go swimming where the water was luminescent. Each movement was outlined in blue light. Really neat! Glad it is someone else out there in that sunshine, however. Guess age and crankiness is catching up with me. Well, age anyway. Think crankiness has been there since birth. Hmm.

 

Remember to praise God and thank Him for all blessings. Each day we wake up is another blessing. Each night of rest is one more blessing to remind us of His love.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Lady-like Perspiration?

 Lady-like Perspiration?

 

Some women might just glisten when the weather is too warm for words, but then there are those of us who can sit under a ceiling fan and have the AC turned to 72 and still soak through every layer of clothing. Guess which one sits here tonight. And still, we are told to stay hydrated! Even my socks get moist!

 

Plan to start my day a little earlier tomorrow. Maybe by noon the idea of a nap will sound good. Can’t really say that anything was accomplished today, but sitting in front of the fan didn’t really make me feel the least bit sleepy, even rocking in the Papasan chair.

 

Maggie Sewell came by today and picked up some eggs and some other stuff. Think she has a sonogram of her heart scheduled for Wednesday. Eventually they will decide when to repair her shoulder, so until then, we can just hope that the doctors know what they are doing.

 

Raye Louise, granddaughter of Diann Dennis: Raye Louise had good labs last week and tomorrow she begins her 2nd round of 5-day chemo plus laser treatments in her eyes. She has had a really good week since the chemo side effects wore off. She started losing her hair last Saturday and it’s all gone now. I know hair is not important, but I know it was tough on her Mama (and me) to watch it go so fast. It was so good to see her feeling well this past week! Pray and send positive vibes for her this week, please. We love her so much. Chemo is rough & the side effects too but we need the powerful medicine to help her.

 

Tami Yonts also seems to be doing well with the chemo that she has been receiving. Had hoped to see what she said about the latest pictures, but it did not come up on my FB. But there was this message: What a wonderful break from the blistering sun today. I’m happy to report I’ve handled the chemo pretty well this last time. Other than a persistent rash that steroids are trying hard to suppress, I’ve not had the flu symptoms and joint pain I’ve had with the other 3 treatments. PTL and life is good

I am finished with round one of infusions and am scheduled for a PET scan on the 25th. Round two of infusions will begin sometime after the 10th of August. Praying and claiming in Jesus for huge progress results from the scan. This journey continues to be a positive one and I am so grateful for all your love, support, kindness and prayers. Our God is a mighty Healer and I feel His healing hands every day. Thanks once again for lifting us up and being by our side. 🩷🩷🩷

 

 

Prayers make a big difference. While parts of the country are being inundated by floods, we need rain here desperately—real rain and not just showers. Sure, the showers are nice, but they don’t fill the lakes or stock tanks. They don’t soak the soil that needs water for the grass to grow. Please remember that this little layer of soil is all there is between us and starvation. We need to take good care of it.

 

The pullets are growing and getting braver by the day. The big hens still can scare them off the feed once in a while, but they come right back. When the old woman sits there and talks to them, they are not the least bit skittish. Have not picked up any yet to pet, but give me time. Pretty soon we may have to figure out how to store umpteen eggs or find folks to come get eggs when the pullets start laying. See the grin on my face!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Fine Print.

 Fine Print.

 

This book by Baxter called Explore the Book is printed in what might be elite typeface. With a desk light and patience, it can be read. But a Kindle app on a tablet with backlighting makes reading much easier. Sitting here wondering if it has ever been produced in any other format—electronic, specifically. The last publishing date is 1973, so it probably has not ever been published since the copy on my desk.

 

Just stepped out to check on the critters and nearly got covered up in teeny tiny skeeters. They may have been small, but Dear Hearts, they were vicious!

 

Finally got a couple of pictures from Jamaica. It looks as if sunburn has struck at least one of the group, but Gary and Jennifer did not look to be burned yet. Hoping that they have sense enough to renew that sunscreen often. Grayson was out on the water in one of those two-person kayak things. Looks like fun. The water is SO clear and pretty, not at all like anything in our part of the country. Guess that is the big difference between the ocean out south of Cuba and that near the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Spectrum just informed me that we have an “outage” of service until sometime late tonight. Oh well. Most of you guys don’t sit around waiting until you get this post anyway, so it will be there in the morning—maybe. It may come as a fried pie, but it will get there.

 

Going back to Baxter’s book, think we know that Matthew referred to the royal aspect of Christ’s life—he came to become the end of the generations—the fulfillment that brings in the spiritual generation and the kingdom that will crown the preceding six thousand years of human history with the Millennium of the Messiah’s worldwide empire—ten times ten times ten years of peace and glory. This book would have specifically been understandable especially to the Jews because of the lineage of the generations. The Christ was royalty. The book of Mark emphasizes what Christ did. The things he did and the things he taught were all examples of Christ in action. Remember the four mnemonic faces of the cherubim in Ezekiel’s vision—lion, ox, man, eagle—kingship, service, manhood, Godhead. Mark emphasized Christ as he served.

 

When we were children, Daddy read Luke to us every Christmas. No, not all of it, but what we considered to be the nativity of Christ. Many years later it occurs to me that as important as that aspect of Christ’s manhood was, it was His intense dedication to His next goal: Jerusalem. Luke took up ten chapters dealing with that last journey. Seven times Luke mentions it: “He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” (9-51) Only Luke records the message and miracle of Jesus in the synagogue at Nazareth: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor…And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him…This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare witness and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said: Is not this Joseph’s son?”

 

Not sure that my life will be extended enough years to begin to understand all that God has given us just in the first four books of the New Testament, but it never gets old to read it again. Waiting and watching is more in line with what most of us do. We know certain things are prophesied to take place before the return of Christ. But in the meantime, the reassurance is there that God showed us exactly what He was doing.

 

The rain we got this morning early, along with the thunder to keep the dogs right under my feet, was rather nice. Since the thermometer did not go exceedingly high today (94), it might even be called a decent day. Tomorrow the forecast is for 106. It is summertime in Texas—and other places. Let us pray for those who have no shelter from the heat, for those who are being flooded out of their homes, for those further north who are dealing with the wildfires, and for those along the southern border who are inundated by the inhumanity of mankind. May God forgive us and give us relief.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.