Just Clouds.

 Just Clouds.

 

So, it was pretty decent this morning and not overly warm. Just definitely not cool. But at least the day has been just hot and not disastrously and dangerously hot. Jenn said that it just poured down rain at her house this afternoon (north Ft. Worth). That must have been quite pleasant. They are expecting lots of fireworks tonight, so maybe nothing will catch on fire. Poor critters will be hiding in the closets!

 

Yesterday the dogs let me know something dangerous was outside. Looked out expecting a person or something along that line. Could not see anyone or anything that set off my own alarm, but the dogs were just adamant about. Sure enough, they knew what they were barking about. A rather long and large rat snake was on the walkway. HOW they knew it was there is beyond me unless it made a smell that came in through the AC. Anyway, it is a non-venomous snake, but it is probably the same one that scared me in the hens’ coop the other day, so this snake was sent to glory and put in the trash bin until it is picked up Wednesday. Really wish some way could be found to remove them without their return—or their death. Not much choice unless sharing the eggs appeals to me. The hens are not fond of the snakes either. And you already know what the dogs think of them!

 

Put some beef stew meat on in beer to cook, and then added dried mushrooms, red onion slices, and julienne potato slices. Hoping it cooks up good and tastes decent. Slow cookers are the berries! The kids (grands) all love their insta-pots or air cookers. Not sure exactly how one works, but a slow cooker lets a person enjoy the smells and the anticipation.

 

Sylvia just brought me her treat ball that takes a couple of tries for her to get to the goodies. Meanwhile, Thompson said he wouldn’t mind a bite or two. So, she is over there on her bed trying to get the second treat out while he has found a cool spot on the floor. Love these critters! But love the silly chicks, too. The young ones have discovered that they get goodies when they follow me around, so now a handful of scratch is their reward for bugging me. Gave the hens a container of frozen applesauce that was made last year with a bunch of old apples. That went over well, but this morning decided to give them frozen English peas. They were not overly impressed. They would peck one up and drop it and then hit it again until it came apart. All the peas are gone now, so eventually some of the chicks got their share, too.

 

Grandchild sent me a photo of a water bottle wrapped in a crocheted holder. These kids amaze me. The same one made a cake today for the family. Sigh. Sent a recipe book home with Lance that apparently was appreciated. Guess it will be next week before Reece gets the one sent to him. His is all about chicken dishes. But then, he really enjoys chicken. It is so much cheaper and easier to digest than beef. But anyway, someone gave me the book and now it is finding a new home. Still have more books to remove from this old home place, but it may take a while.

 

Have read a little bit of the world news as well as a bit about the messes here in the U.S. France is having problems in Paris. Would not want to be there right now. They have armed guards—like military men—walking the streets not two blocks over from the Louvre. Scary guys. But in the U.S. we have police officers who were unable to stop something similar to a massacre in a night club. Honestly would not want to be a young person wanting to go out dancing right now in just about any state. A rodeo, maybe, but not a night club.

 

The mushrooms turned out good in the “stew.” They were some dehydrated from fresh last year and then frozen. Trying new things is fun when no one is going to gripe about the dish.

 

Let’s remember to be grateful for all the blessings from God. He has given us so very much. We need to pray for those who have been affected by senseless violence as well. May God give us peace.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.