Keeping On and Moving On.

 Keeping On and Moving On.

 

Some things don’t really change all that much. Like dirt. It is everywhere, and we can be thankful for that little thin cover on this old planet that gives us a place to plant things. Granted, some of that dirt is in our houses, on our feet, and invariably in the vacuum cleaners. Oh well. Today some of the dirt was stirred up just a bit in my front flower bed. Here’s hoping that the bulbs planted out there actually have a chance to grow into pretty flowers. Simply cannot walk by a half-price sale of flower bulbs.

 

Thompson’s new dog bed came this morning. It was supposed to be a “large to extra-large” bed. See my eyes rolling toward the top of my hairline? Even if they had given a weight type of measure, this bed does not encompass enough room for legs, tail, and nose. It IS soft and fluffy, but it would only fit one end of a dog. Stephen and Caleb stopped by for a few minutes to visit and said that they got one that size for their dog for nine dollars at Ollie’s. Maybe two of them might work put together. Or not.

 

United had three packages of thighs in an end cap cooler where they were selling the thighs and drumsticks for one dollar a pound. Plenty of drumsticks were in there, but another lady and the old woman took the three packages of thighs and asked if they had more in the back or if they would have more later. Supposedly a truck is to bring more on Saturday. Uh huh. Bet it will all be drumsticks. Oh well. Cooked these up and put the meat in freezer bags for my dogs. Still have some ready to feed them tomorrow from the stuff already cooked. Got tickled at the check-out ladies because they recognized me as being the lady who buys the huge cabbages for my chickens. Had four heads in my basket this morning, so we talked about chickens and cabbages. One of the managers asked if the hens would get to eat any of their “cousins” in the thigh packages. Nope, the dogs get that stuff, but did not tell her that. Did ask if the managers would consider selling the packages of shredded cabbage that they throw away at a discounted price so that the hens could have it. Supposedly the city won’t let them give that stuff away. We will see.

 

Looked around both coops this morning and thought about getting busy and cleaning them out. So far, thinking is as far as that task has moved along. Maybe tomorrow. It is really not that difficult, but like other little jobs, it takes a certain mindset. Really wish it were possible to create a type of compost with just this stuff that comes out of the coops. Bet it would make some good compost. But the hens find the piles made from the clean outs and scratch them out all over the ground. Looks like a feather explosion!

 

Trying to avoid looking too closely at the news. We know pretty much what to expect from various situations, but seeing things blown up or at least blown out of all proportion just feels disgusting. We can just praise God that some things will happen no matter what mankind thinks. The universe just keeps right on spinning and sparking. God will level things out when He decides the time is right. Until then, may He watch over us and lead us to His way.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Living Well.

 Living Well.

 

Received a couple of pictures this morning from Sharon Dickerson who is now down in Shreveport, LA. The little cover of woods could hide a deer or two easily, and she said she was sitting in her glider out on the front porch just enjoying the morning. Music and her breakfast cooked and brought to her by her son did not hurt at all! Just a big difference in atmosphere can make one’s heart swell with joy. So glad she is going to be happier now.

 

The surveyors were here this morning to be sure that the land lines were right on Jerry’s land since the man who is buying the place is doing it with a VA loan. Remembered that my parents had a VA loan to build our house back when the old woman was about three years old. My dad and granddad did the actual building of the first part of the house which was just a one-bedroom place to start. Eventually, when we two kids were a little older, Granddad Pollard and our dad built on the rest of the house. We had our own rooms by then. Our parents were so proud of themselves when they were finally able to pay off the entire loan. Think our first house cost $3000. Can’t imagine even building a chicken coop for that now!!

 

Dr. Blackwell came to pick up eggs today. Really enjoy visiting with her even if it is just for a little time. She said that her husband Justin made the dressing for Thanksgiving using his great-grandmother’s recipe. Keeping traditions like that going means a lot to families eventually.

 

Just read an article about how things were unavailable during WWI and WWII. Grandmother Pollard gave me her “jam cake” recipe that used whatever they had in preserves down in the cellar to sweeten cakes that were made when sugar was rationed. It always reminded me of applesauce cakes because that seemed to be the most prevalent item in the cellar—that or plum butter. Can’t imagine how difficult it must have been in Europe when those folks had absolutely nothing to eat except what they could dredge up out of the forests or out of the streams. Kinda wonder if Texas will ever run out of wild hogs!

 

Sometimes it is difficult to imagine what it was like when my parents and their parents lived back during the world wars. The great-grandparents and great-greats left a certain amount of history, but back then our society was much more consistently agrarian. Just about everyone knew what it was like to have hens in the back yard or at least out in the barnyard. Today’s children think that milk comes from cartons and eggs in plastic containers. What would it be like if we suddenly had no power—no electricity? Some folks have already considered this as a likelihood. And then there are those who have already prepared for what they consider the inevitability. Even during the world wars, most of Europe had little to any of what we consider the necessities. We never really think about just how blessed our nation has been. One of the largest places on earth (next to Australia) has been the garden and storeroom of nature’s bounty. God has SO blessed us. We should remember to be grateful.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Patiently Waiting.

 Patiently Waiting.

 

Sitting here thinking about how to contact someone whose phone number is not in my phone. Sharon tried to leave the Metromess last night and kept getting turned around—plus the prisms in her glasses were making sparks in her eyes. Anyway, she ended up sleeping on the couch in their house until this morning. She called to tell me that she was waiting just a bit to go to Shreveport, but still have not heard from her or her son David. Things like that bug the crud out of me. Maybe David will call soon. AH! She is now making her bed after the movers put her bed together for her! Yay for getting to her new home!

 

Went to see about getting a new upper plate this morning and discovered that it was going to take both upper and lower to make it work. Had just about ground both to the nubs! Oh well. At least in a month the new ones should be in and working! Here’s hoping, anyway.

 

Sitting here having a bowl of cream of chicken soup. Just wanted something hot and comforting. Ritz makes these neat veggie flavored crackers. Smear a little chives and onion cream cheese spread on that and it feels very uptown and special! It does not take much to make me happy.

 

Went to the feed store yesterday for more lay mash (crumble), and while there bought some spicy stuff for the kids. The problem turned out to be that the spicy mix has peanuts in it. Reece is extremely allergic to peanuts, so that can’t even go to Jennifer’s house. And it can’t go to work with Lance because Reece might accidentally pick up a handful off Lance’s desk. Oh, the wonders of allergies!

 

The neighbors who are moving are going to give me the camera that they asked to put on the front of my place to keep an eye on their house. I don’t access it right now, but have not felt the need to do so. May give access to my kids just so they can know what is going on outside here. Now, if one were in the back yard, they could enjoy the chicken parade!

 

Ok, now it is toward afternoonish—especially the ‘ish part. Here’s hoping that tonight is a good night for sleeping. Last night was just about perfect except for having to get up with the dogs just the one time. Can live with that, especially since sleep came right back. Honestly! God gave us one of the greatest gifts in sleep. When nightmares don’t interfere or indigestion doesn’t come back at ‘ya, sleep is pretty hard to beat for letting a person feel good enough to face another day. Have managed to get some laundry done today and thought about vacuuming, but maybe that will happen tomorrow. Laundry and dirty floors are just cyclic in nature—we wear clothes, so we have dirty ones. We walk around outside and track in whatever is out there, so there’s always something to clean up on the floors. Life goes on and we can just enjoy the better things and endure the “normal” ones! Sleep is one of the best to enjoy!

 

Have to go gather eggs one more time this evening. Don’t like to leave eggs in the nests very long—especially overnight. The hens get busy and lay oodles on top of the others. At least their shells are good and thick so nothing breaks. Have had hens that were too big for the nests and too heavy for the other eggs. This batch of hens are just right. They are also very sweet and love to be handled. That makes me happy.

 

Let’s be grateful for all the blessings in life and for beautiful sunsets and outstanding sunrises. Life is full of joy every day if we can just open our eyes and hold back feelings long enough to appreciate what we have been given.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

More Mice or More Plans?

 More Mice or More Plans?

 

Have something planned for early tomorrow that has been put off for a bit longer than it should have been. But then, sometimes we dread things just because we have done something like that in the past that was not all that wonderful. Have never had anything done to my teeth that really was fun and exciting. It’s about like getting a new pair of shoes that are too expensive to leave in the closet. You know that they will not be comfortable right off the bat, but getting them broken in just takes some gritted teeth. In this case, it is the teeth that will be gritted and no new shoes!

 

My sister-by-another-mother is in the process of having all her “stuff” packed into a moving van so she can get to Shreveport. She reminded me—though she doesn’t know it—that we tend to keep too much “shtuff.” She said that if she had not hoarded so many things that they would have already been on the road. Such is life. It is hard to do away with things. Someday this ol’ house needs to be cleaned out and so much stuff given away or thrown in the trash. Have a potty chair (for an adult), those things we used for me to keep my back still after surgery (two of them), a thing that looks like a bed a masseuse would use (from retina surgery), and several other things that should never have to be used again. Getting rid of them is definitely something that needs to be done. It’s not like they would ever really be needed again by this old woman—at least, hoping not.

 

Bought a huge head of cabbage this morning—7.38 lb of green goodness! All the checkers at United had a fit about its size. But then they found out that it was being bought for my hens! That amazed them, too. Yes, it is rather expensive, but we did not have rain this summer, so we had no green grass. In my estimation, green stuff is pretty important. The head Connie and Rebekah brought Saturday was gone in nothing flat. Only a bit of the stem/core was left this morning and one sad, limp leaf.

 

Have some chicken broth simmering for soup type meal this evening. Just felt like soup but not anything heavy. Threw out the rest of the chopped onion and celery because it smelled funny to me. Picky, picky. But all things considered, waste a bit of food and escape any gastrointestinal problems. Wish I were as good a cook as my mom was.

 

Seems there will only be one small boy on the street after all. The second couple were married but had no children. Guess the one little boy will just have to learn to enjoy chickens and old folks.

 

Saw some of the hostages reunited with families and felt so sorry for those who were left behind—as well as those who were never going to see their families again. This type of situation just makes it plain that all the stupid missiles and weapons in the world will never make any kind of peace possible unless they make the tanks into tractors to till the soil. May God forgive those who kill and terrorize others.

 

Let us be grateful for the peace we have right now. May God continue to protect us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Things That Teach Us to Appreciate.

 Things That Teach Us to Appreciate.

 

Colder—well, even cooler—temps make me appreciate when the wind does not bring an icy feel to the back of my head. The only time of the year when taking care of my horse did not bother me was when it was not blowing a gale or icy wet. In other words, my love for my horse was tempered by my desire to stay pliable and not frozen into a pretzel shape covered with layers of coats and sweaters. It did not bother me to lie down on a couple of bales of hay in the barn/shed Dad had built. Lying there talking to my horse was a bit like having a best friend over to enjoy not having to be out in the weather. While Freckles, our bird dog, would snuggle up to me up on the hay bales, Duchess would finish her feed and then blow her nose on me to give me a hard time. She was thoroughly opinionated. She was one of the reasons that decent weather was appreciated around our place.

 

When it is cooler, gas pumped into the truck’s gas tank does not expand as quickly—or so it has been said. Who knows for sure. Someone said that the tanks don’t get as hot since they are underground, but this past summer it seems to me that everything got pretty hot no matter where it was. At least today the dollar amount for the gasoline was under three dollars. So, there’s that. Spoke with Patty about what Donny used to do about “winterizing” his lawn mowers. He let the gasoline burn empty before putting the mower away. Was not sure if one was supposed to put fresh gas in before putting the mower away or what. Hope being empty is the right way to do it. Going with that method anyway!

 

Finished off the last of the dressing and cranberry sauce. Leftovers are always interesting. But can’t feed things with onions in it to dogs or chickens because of some kind of chemical in the onions. Whatever it is, the last of that stuff went to that ol’ trash bin in the sky. Still have some Edwards cheesecake stuff. It is terribly sweet, so not sure just what will happen to it. Happen may be the important distinction here. Normal cheesecake is not that sweet. My daughter-in-law makes one that is fantastic but not horribly sweet like the commercial ones. Was hoping that one would show up here this year. We will see. Their oldest child makes cookies! Oh my! Butter cookies are interesting, no matter what shape is chosen. Thick and fluffy cookies! In all my years of baking cookies, mine were never that good!

 

If all goes well, we will soon have two young boys on the other side of the street—one straight across and one on the corner in Jerry’s house. Here’s hoping the two boys like each other and get along well. It would be wonderful if they can become good friends. Just would like to see folks be happy. We had numerous boys in our Petrolia neighborhood years ago. Mostly boys. Jeanine Wilson was the closest girl for me. She was—and still is—a sweetheart! Her mom worked so very hard to keep things going for her family. Mrs. Wilson ended up in the same nursing home where my family eventually landed. She was such a nice lady. But then, several nice ladies lived on our street and in our neighborhood. Guess they taught us to appreciate what good neighbors were back then.

 

Changed the background and home screen shots on my computer to some autumn water and trees. The family shots of the kids and Lewis seemed to make me more homesick to see my kids than anything. Sometimes it is difficult to realize that ALL of my children work now. They not only have lives of their own, they have jobs and responsibilities that keep them busy. One of these days, we can all get together again for some reason, but it will have to wait until the weather is decent and the kids all have a day off at the same time. Still have good memories of picnics, barbecues, and just family reunions that make me wonder if we will ever do any of those things again. We did not appreciate them as much as we should have back then. Guess that is another lesson in life.

 

God has given us time to enjoy each other still today by letting us have phone calls or some kind of communications when we can still “see” each other by phone. Even get to enjoy my niece Lesli and her family these days with her bubble gum jokes and funny pictures of the boys. Let us rejoice in our love of family.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Funny Weeds!

 Funny Weeds!

 

Had AS-para-grass with new potatoes for dinner tonight. Pretty tasty. Connie and Rebekah came by to visit and to pick up a couple of dozen eggs. Rebekah thinks that she wants to learn how to preserve boiled eggs in lime or something. To each his/her own. Fresh eggs are pretty good just scrambled in my estimation. The dogs only get eggs when the old woman prepares more than her stomach will fit. The girls thought that my dogs probably got lots of eggs. Nope. Eggs are a good source of most of the things we need, but just like anything else, too many is not a good idea.

 

Talked to both kids. Jenn is taking it easy today and just reading and goofing off. After having 27 people in for a big meal, she might be just a bit tired. And that was after attending the wedding of the nephew the night before. Never a dull moment. Lance said the family that hosted their meal determined that all leftovers were to go to a homeless shelter. That is one way to prevent leftovers.

 

Finally think this steroid is doing some good for Thompson. He acts like he is not hurting as much and uses that right hind knee now. At least he is not crying at night. It is worth the money if he can still get around easily and not hurt. Wish that were possible for everyone and their aches and pains these days. Most of us just grin and bear it, but then there are always days that no one feels like grinning, much less bearing it. Nothing like forecasting the weather with your knuckles and knees.

 

It is supposed to get down to freezing for the next few nights. Filled up the water bowls and then disconnected the hose from the faucet and covered the faucet with one of those things to protect it. The hens will do just fine as long as they don’t get wet or if the wind does not take off the roof on the chicken coop. Think that situation is going to be ok. Lance did a pretty good job on the roof of the middle coop. Thought about going to Sutherland’s today to get some of that spray stuff that expands into holes, but just did not want to get out. Lazy ol’ woman. As it is, will need to get lay mash this next week. Oh well.

 

Jennifer was bragging on one of the in-laws and her Brussel sprouts. Meant to ask her to get the recipe to see what the young woman does to them. Kinda like them, but know very little about cooking them. Time to learn. Would probably never make a very good vegetarian, but really like veggies better than most meats.

 

Saw that the prisoner swap is still ongoing. The American prisoners are to be the last to be released, of course. In my estimation, Israel has done everything they know to do to prevent further slaughter of the Palestinians, but if things go south on this prisoner release, it won’t be the fault of Israel. Egypt does NOT want the Palestinians in their country. Go figure. And the UN wants to expand the places they are allowed to resettle. Sitting here shaking my head and wondering what they think will happen next. Let us pray that this war can be finished with the least loss of civilians and innocents. It just does not make sense to try to negotiate with terrorists. Maybe God will pull out a special miracle for His people.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

EGGS-Zackly!

 EGGS-Zackly!

 

Seems lots of folks would love to have fresh eggs, but the ones who actually show up are the ones who get them. That means that the ones who asked for eggs and did not show up will not be getting eggs unless the hens are just out there dropping eggs into their hands or something. The girls are doing a great job of filling up cartons, too. But that does not mean they have produced an endless supply. Just so you know.

 

Have one of those Jacqui Lawson advent calendars that has oodles of games that start on December one and just keep going until after Christmas. Those games are so much fun. The cards are fun to send, but they are forgotten almost as soon as the address is typed in for the recipient. Oh well. Guess it beats singing happy birthday to someone in the old woman’s frog voice.

 

Ordered some seeds from Walmart. We will see if they actually get here. Want to plant them out front in the area near the house where the soil is actually soft. May have to cover the ground with chicken wire to keep these hens away from them after they notice something growing out front. Day before yesterday a hen decided to scratch up anything in the iris bed that would possibly be edible. Then yesterday caught another hen to put back in the yard after she found a nice soft place out by the gate. Oh well. Not sure if they found a place to crawl under or if they are flying up onto the fence! Either way, anything planted will have to be protected.

 

Monday is already planned for next week. Not that my plans always get completed as expected! Just want to make a bit of a change in the way things are going around here. And, too, Sharon Dickerson will be heading to Shreveport on Monday. Not sure if she will drive or if her son will come up with the movers and drive her back home. Either way, know she will be happy to be away from where she is and around someone who actually loves her. Plus, she can enjoy a couple of dogs and some open space without nosey neighbors. Will be praying for her peace of mind.

 

Finished off the raw broccoli salad today. That was a LOT of chewing! Three broccoli crowns made a bunch! It was tasty and probably very good for me, but got a little tired of chewing and chomping. Lance said that they ended up bringing home the turkey that they took to the home where they were invited for Thanksgiving. Can’t say that it is all that surprising. Lots of folks cook too much for big groups expecting everyone to actually eat. Told Lance he could assure his oldest that Ma would eat any kind of cookie or cheese cake that made it to WF. Lance always has to brag on the cookies that are made at his house. Naturally. Just makes me envious. Have not baked cookies in umpteen ages!

 

The new neighbors are across the street visiting with Clint and Sandy Robertson. Not sure when they will be able to move in, but will hope that it will be soon. Wish that Sandy and Clint would be content to stay in Jerry’s house, but they have business in Idaho and other places that keeps them on the road. Anyway, they may have to move soon as the folks that came to see Jerry’s house have decided they like it well enough to buy it. AND, the folks that bought the modular home have a grandmother who may have a tiny home out back so she can be near her daughter and family.

 

Read that some of the hostages have been released—women and children. The children will be going home with distant relatives since their parents were murdered. This entire situation is just so very sad, but maybe Israel will be able to clean up Gaza so that the terrorists will never be a problem there again. Guess they could always flood the tunnels with sea water.

 

We have so many things for which to thank God today and every day. We have some history we need to appreciate when we see how very determined just plain people were back when we were first struggling for our national freedom. We may have to do it again for a different reason if the government continues to remove civil rights and property rights. May God direct our lives and goals.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

The Aftermath!

 The Aftermath!

 

The chicken breasts were already cooked, and the chopped celery and onion for the dressing was easily stir fried into the cast iron skillet before mixing that in, and the cranberry sauce was in a can. Pretty simple dinner even if it could cause indigestion considering the speed with which it was consumed. Had never seen a Red Lobster honey butter biscuit mix, but tried it anyway. Threw in some shredded cheddar just for laughs. Not bad. Not as good as my butter rolls, but quick as anything out there. Then tossed the paper plate in the trash and took—or tried to take—a nap. My children and their cousin had a recipe discussion that included sharing my recipe and my late sister-in-law’s recipe for rolls. Told them to be sure to teach their children how to make these rolls. Would not want those recipes lost. Jennifer said that she is pretty picky about the ones with which she shares my recipe. Guess that is ok, too. It is pretty special. It is one of the traditions that make occasions special.

 

All things considered, our traditions make for special occasions anyway. We hardly ever get entire families together any longer. And so many of us will not be around much longer. Thinking about it today: among my classmates, only two or three are still with their original mates (Roger and James). And most of the widows have remained unmarried. And children have a tendency to move away from this part of the country to find decent jobs in the Metromess. The grandchildren will never know what it was like to live out in the country on a farm.

 

Connie and her sister plan to stop by for eggs this afternoon. They will benefit from my homesickness for the country life. Can’t really have the room to have critters here in the city the way we did on either of the farms where the grandparents let us stay. We worked hard there, but we also learned so very much that is unknown by young people now. Sterling said a lady asked him what they did to “work” the cattle, and he found himself restricted to telling her about dehorning and branding, but not the other part of reality when bull calves became steers. He is nicer than the old woman would have been. Some folks do not have any idea what makes the difference between a cow, a heifer, a bull calf, or a steer. We have all heard jokes about the old girl that tried to milk the bull. Ahem.

 

Today is the birthday of my mom. She would have been 95 today. She and Dad had birthdays one day apart—the 23^rd and 24^th of November. Not unoften they had a Thanksgiving birthday. Guess it could have been worse: it was not December 24^th or the next day.

 

Tara Ross used a quote from George Washington about how much our nation’s existence and the blessings upon it have depended on God. “[I]t is, in an especial manner,” Washington said in 1795, “our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God and to implore him to continue and confirm the blessings we experience.”

 

Tonight, my prayers include those who need peace of mind and the patience it takes to live with those who have mental problems—whether it is Alzheimer’s, mild dementia, or simply a narcisstic personality. And those who find that families do not understand or care about the problems involved with living in that situation can just remember that their attitudes reflect the same lack of concern for mental stability as is currently prevalent in society as a whole. Dealing with narcissism is very unpredictable and can be scary. No woman should have to live with a man screaming and shouting at her. Or the other way around if it is the woman who is behaving as if demented. Life is too short to live without peace, beauty, some good music, and some critters. Just ask my two dogs if they are loved. They both grin and wiggle to be touched and brushed. Peace is love.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

ONE Dozen!

 

ONE Dozen!

 

Got my first complete one dozen plus a couple of more eggs. Kinda neat. The girls “flock” me whenever my steps take me past the kitchen door. Have to watch where my steps are placed to keep from stepping on a hen or missing a step completely and going flying face first!! And you had NO idea that chickens could be dangerous!!

 

A couple came by today to pick up a six-foot folding table, three Bibles with very small print, and a dozen fresh eggs. They run an organization called Church without Walls. Someone stole their trailer with all the tables, chairs, electronic equipment, and Bibles inside. Not much most of us could do, but whatever little might help. Meant to tell them to check the Refuge Shelter store for extra Bibles, but forgot. Maybe someone else will donate.

 

Cooked three chicken breasts this afternoon and had some of it with jellied cranberry sauce. Just sounded good. Guess the other two pieces would do for a meal and more. Have some celery and cheese to make for snacks, too. Not exactly your basic Thanksgiving, but feel pretty thankful, nonetheless. The dogs ate a can of dog food for a change. They may have to just accept that the old woman is not going to cook for them all the time.

 

Tired as anything tonight for some reason. Could be because sleep simply didn’t happen until late last night. Thankfully that does not happen very often. Sterling has been calling around seven every evening, so will definitely be up until then. The hens go to bed right before dark, so that will keep me up until winter is over. Daylight changes with the moon and sun, not with the stupid clocks. The hens prefer the light, understandably.

 

The new neighbors may take a while to move in across the street in the modular home, but meanwhile the young couple just put Jerry’s house on the market and already have folks looking at it. The first couple did not want it because it has no grass for their child to play on. Praying that God gives us a good neighbor over there. At any rate, things in the neighborhood will be changing.

 

Bought some deodorant online without checking the ingredients. Not one of my better ideas. It contains aluminum sulfate and lanolin. Allergic (big time) to lanolin. Think the aluminum sulfate can cause cancer—or is carcinogenic—same thing. Anyway, it went in the trash. Really like LUME products, but they are pretty expensive. Guess wasting money on this one just proves it should be worth it to have something safer.

 

Sylvia kept pawing at something behind me. Thought she wanted the tennis ball in the play box, but it was a dog cookie—thank you very much! My dogs are not spoiled. Now there will be cookie crumbs on the office floor. Sigh.

 

Have not even messed with looking at the news today. That is probably the best thing the old woman has done today—avoiding any “news.” So calm is centered on reading and thinking about family and such. Noticed the birthdays on FB mentioned today. Some others were not listed but just came up otherwise. It has been a nice day and one to appreciate the weather—not really cold and just pleasant. May each of you know to whom we owe our gratitude.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Despite Knowing.

 Despite Knowing.

 

Have you ever wondered how the prophets felt about the different scenes which they viewed for their own times or even for the future. We have Ezekial and Daniel and even the Revelation as given to John, yet these men leave us shaking our heads and wondering. Surely, they saw the promise of the rainbow of the future that would provide a light around the New Jerusalem. But some of us can read what these messengers have provided us of God’s promises and still wonder: how, when, what? Knowing that God is in control of the present as well as the future can still leave a few of us shaking in our boots. Life goes on, until it doesn’t. We have been told that there would be no more tears. So, while some of us watch what is happening in this world today, we are bent down in sorrow watching the pain of hatred-inspired acts perpetrated by Satan. Maybe it would be better not to watch, despite knowing the end outcome. Can grief support the growth of character, of love? Or is this the godly sorrow that teaches us the need for His grace?

 

Psalms 46:1—God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea . . .9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. 10Be still, and know that I AM God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

 

It is enough. Like calming the frightened horse from the sounds of screams and fire, we can know that He will comfort us, too.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

COVENANT with GOD.

 COVENANT with GOD.

 

Remember back in the olden day when a man's handshake was as good as his word? Where did we lose that? But even before that, there was something more important than a handshake. Now think on this … what is a covenant?

A covenant is a permanent commitment made between one or more people before God and witnesses. It is more than exchanging vows or a contract, and cannot be broken.

There is so much talk about our country nowadays, but no one does anything about it. I heard this on radio a few days ago, then found it in writing. I wanted to share. Please read to the very end, pray, do some soul searching, and listen to God.

“I, (state your name), alongside my fellow countrymen, and as a witness to my nation and the Almighty, now come forward in humility to covenant that the Lord is my God. I further covenant to remember to regularly commune with Him through prayer; to turn away from sin and error; to rear my family in righteousness, in patience, love, and kindness; to discern and sustain the law; and to perform my several duties properly, punctually, and to the utmost.

Now, if the Lord shall please to hear us, and inasmuch as we honor this covenant, then shall His bounty be poured down upon us as has never been seen.

We humbly implore and beg His protection and favor; that we may experience His everlasting peace and concord; that our own sins, those of our family, those of our nation may be pardoned; that the disunity in our country and suffering may be healed, that once again our family shall delight in each other, and we shall rejoice together, mourn together, and increase together. The Lord will be our God and delight to dwell among our families, so that we partake of His wisdom, power, goodness, and truth. Love and solidarity shall reign within our households.

May our nation unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care, for his protection, that He may promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue. He shall grant unto this nation temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best. No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand created this great nation. It is the gracious gift of the Most High God. Only his tender care shall heal this nation's wounds. He will raise it to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, union, and plenty.

He has made us a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. We enlist His almighty hand that we may once again choose life, that we and our seed may live by obeying His voice and cleaving to Him. He is our life and our prosperity. May my family and this country ever stand in solemn testimony of the most High.

Amen.”

What better time to show this than while your family is gathered this week. It needs to be spread, read, promised, and remembered.

A covenant with God is not to be broken. “If my people

SUGGESTION: even better, print it out, sign it, place it where you will see and heed it daily. Then share it with others.

“If My people which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

From the author: I made an oath to God live on air that has been a decade in the making. Will you do the same? Glenn Beck.

 

May our nation have peace and a renewed commitment to the basic tenets that our Founding Fathers established as a nation under God. npd

 

SCRIPTURES FOUND on FB.

 SCRIPTURES FOUND on FB.

 

Dear friends, when you pray for Israel, pray the scriptures. Here is an example that you may find helpful:

O Lord God of Israel, You who keep Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. (Psalm 121:)

You promised that with all Your heart and all Your soul, You would bring Israel out of all the nations where You had scattered them and that they would dwell safely in their own Land, never to be uprooted again.(Jeremiah 32:41) (Amos 9:15)

You said that the nation of Israel would never cease as a nation from before You as long as the ordinances in the sky remain. (Jeremiah 30:36)

Remember Your covenant with Israel. Arise O God and let Your enemies be scattered. Let them flee from before You seven ways. (Psalm 68:1)

But let all who bless Israel be blessed. (Genesis 12:3)

Help those who stand in the gap to give You no rest until together, we see Your salvation. (Isaiah 62)

We pray for Israel's armies to be strong and courageous. Let their hearts not be afraid. For You, the Lord our God, are the One who fights for Israel against her enemies, in order to save Israel. (Deuteronomy 20:4)

We pray that no weapon formed against Israel will prosper and every tongue that rises against Israel be condemned. (Isaiah 54:17)

We pray for freedom for those in captivity, and comfort for all who mourn in Zion. (Isaiah 61)

Save Your people Lord, that the nations might know, there is a God in Israel. Amen.

 

These scriptures just hit the spot! These are the things we can rely on when all else goes south or wherever things go when they are completely wrong—like world governments! Let us be grateful that God blesses us with peace and the certainty that He loves us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Froggy Day.

 Froggy Day.

 

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves about how very blessed we are. Looking back, shucks! Looking around, seeing how many women still can do the things they want to do makes me wonder why this old woman does not get more done. My one activity for today that was not planned but had been in consideration for a bit was painting a sunflower on the glass of the bathroom door. It is not the best representation of a sunflower, but it is going to have to do for now. My friend Barbara Matthews quilted a fantastic quilt just finished today. Absolutely gorgeous! Now that woman is talented! Have a feeling that if she wanted sunflowers on a quilt, they would be perfect! Ah well. Some of us just make do with what small talents we have.

 

Thompson has been whining today more than usual. Put his jacket on him and that helped for a while. But it certainly would be nice if these silly pills would help more. Know his hips are hurting him, but they did not show the arthritis in them that the knee did. Guess the changing weather might be part of the problem. It has really been a foggy, froggy day. Early this morning the mist was between here and the hospital and between here and the lake. It was not a great distance, but it looked smoky with mist. The hens did not seem to care. Gave them some leftover salad and some dog food that did not get cleaned up. They are very appreciative of such goodies. Each one runs to grab something and takes off with whatever they spear with their beaks. Crazy or smart, they each get something to make them try it again the next time.

 

Have not even turned on the computer much today except to look at a couple of things. Diann Dennis posted about her granddaughter’s eyes. The right eye is doing fairly well, but the tumor in her left eye is not calcifying the way they want it to. It seems that it can be destroyed by calcification, but for some reason this one is not doing it. Let us remember this little one in our prayers. She is blessed to be so well loved, but we would want her to be whole and happy and live out her life with joy.

 

Jennifer’s doctor’s office messed up the schedule for her surgery, and she was at the end of the day for the procedure. He went in and found nothing to cause the pain she has been having, but he plans to do a couple of more tests this next week. Great way to have guests and Thanksgiving with this kind of problems. At least she knows it is not an ulcer.

 

Had a cup of ginger-mango tea a bit ago. Good stuff! Made spinach noodles with garlic alfredo sauce and meatballs for brunch and dinn-upper. Tastes like garlic whether it is hot or cold. But noodles aren’t made like what my mom used to make. Her noodles were so very tasty. Guess my cooking will never be as good as hers was before she stopped cooking. Reminiscing with Sterling the other day about the fact that we never bought any kind of dog food for our dogs. Mom made extra biscuits and gravy to feed our dogs. Sometimes Dad would shoot a rabbit to feed to them, but not often. And it did not seem to me that we had much in the way of leftovers to feed them. Times have changed.

 

Finished Baxter’s study of the book of Daniel today. Will have to go back now and look up the scriptures that he suggested as points of reference in various books—but especially in the book of Matthew. It made me think of when reading through the Bible about the second time as a teenager. It seemed to me that it would have been a great thing to be a Jew since God had made such wonderful promises to them. Then a special scripture made me think of the fact that God looks at things so differently from the way we look at them: “if ye be Christ’s, then ye be Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Will have to look it up to see where that is in the New Testament, but right there is how God looks at His children. Some scriptures just come to me without me remembering where they are, but just what they meant to me at the time. Guess that happens to other folks just as much as it has to me. May the words you need come to you.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Napping Again.

 Napping Again.

 

Got up in time to let the hens out by seven, but wanted to go right back to sleep. That didn’t happen. Later on, the dogs thought that they would enjoy a nap with me. But that got interrupted as well. So, now that brunch is over, if indigestion gets past the ginger, will just go pick up the eggs and then maybe lie down again. Naps are so wonderful. WHY did they seem so objectionable when we were children?? Oh! Just because my brother was outside doing something that had to be interesting, that was no reason for Mom to put me down for a nap! But here the old woman sits thinking that a nap would be just what was needed around here.

 

Talked to Sterling earlier to find out that they may come down shortly after Thanksgiving to go visit his number one daughter Karen and her sidekick. He plans to bring a bench and a little side table he made for me. Looking forward to seeing him and Jacqui. Hope that his shingles are not going to make this a bad trip for him. For any of you who have not already done so—be SURE to take the shingles vaccines!!

 

Went outside to give the hens some extra wheat and feed. Thompson saw a hawk and ran it off. Smart dog! Love that he keeps active despite the pain in his knee and feet. Now if only the old woman would stay that active!

 

Jennifer goes in for an endoscopy at the hospital in the morning. Reece is taking her, but they are going with my prayers. Certainly hope that the doctor can figure out what is wrong and maybe fix it. Life is too short to be miserable. She feels that working as a “fireman” has something to do with it. Stress can easily get to a person if it feels as if everyone needs something from you all the time! Can’t imagine how any of the women years ago made things work out with ten or thirteen children running under foot, plus the cows to milk, the chickens to feed, and the garden to work, plus meals to put on the table and laundry to cook in a big vat of boiling water! Mercy! And it’s no wonder folks died earlier than we do these days.

 

Let us remember to pray for Israel tonight again. May God bless them and help them to wipe out the terrorists that attacked them and their children. May the Israeli government be strong and resistant to all persuasions against their endeavors. Let God be their guide and shield this day and for ever more.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Too Pooped to Care.

 Too Pooped to Care.

 

Yesterday was about enough to get me tired to the limit. The dogs were really good, but dealing with getting them into the truck and safely strapped in when Sylvia moved herself in front of me every time the strap to her harness was in the wrong place to get her fastened to the headrest was a bit much. For this time, both dogs were just mostly loose in the truck. It was just too much trouble to try to harness them into the seat belts or to fasten their chains to the head rests. Since my grand niece lost all three of her dogs in a car accident when they flew through the windshield, it has made me doubly aware that they need to be restrained when we go somewhere. Thompson would REALLY like to stand on the console with his head up in the roof opening.

 

Michelle Malay has spoiled my dogs, and that means that they will have to have some more of these Purina Busy Beggin’ Twisted Long-Lasting Chews. They even growl at each other over pieces!! Then, too, Thompson needs some vet tape for his left front where he licks because his arthritis hurts. Hoping these Galiprant pills soon alleviate most of that pain. He does seem better today after his second pill. At least he is getting up in his favorite recliner chair.

 

A man by the name of Robert Cole just stopped by to pick up the nine dozen eggs being sent to Jennifer’s house. Only one dozen had not been in the fridge as the date for their pickup was unknown. Two weeks is the max for them to be left out of the fridge in my estimation. Told Jennifer how to successfully peel fresh eggs that were boiled for whatever purpose without getting them all messed up with peels sticking to the egg. In case you wondered: boil for intended period of time; immediately drain and pour ice cubes onto hot eggs; when some of the ice cubes have made water, take one egg at a time and crack and peel under the water. Usually, the peel comes right off in the cold water.

 

Made a pot of coffee a bit ago. Had already cooked up some meat with veggies for dinn-upper. The coffee just made everything taste that much better. Some folks really like tea the way Lewis did—by the gallons! Coffee doesn’t need to be by the gallons to suit me, but a couple of cups make life more interesting at least.

 

Discussing the price of groceries with Patty, she said her bill has gone up anywhere from $30 to $40 more each time she orders groceries. Other than some detergent for the washing machine and a can of deodorizer for the necessary room, my morning trip was mostly veggies and some cream. The bill, after some reward points were used, was $93 plus change. Unreal! The only meat purchased was $4.13 for some sirloin wrapped in bacon—in the reduced cabinet. Figured if it was too tough for me to eat, at least the dogs would enjoy it. Cooked it once and then made some stew type stuff out of it. Going to have to buy a bottle of tenderizer! Or maybe just get some new teeth!!

 

Got down on the living room floor a few minutes ago to put some ointment on Thompson’s leg. Had to use the old cow lift to get back up on my feet. Ridiculous! At this age, apparently getting down for just any reason also includes the requisite consideration for the accompanying journey back on one’s feet. Better plan to have a very good reason to get down there in the first place!

 

It has been a beautiful day with mild wind and beautiful sunshine. It looked a little frosty yesterday morning, but the sun must have brushed off the white stuff rather quickly. God gives us some beautiful sights and sounds year ‘round! We are so blessed to have the peace that we have here in Texas and in other places. Think my friends and some family in Florida may be wading right now, but we can hope that no real damage will be done by flooding. If Alaska gets through the extra two or three feet of snow, maybe they will all be ok as well.

 

Meanwhile, let us pray for Israel. No matter what the Israelis do, they will catch the hatred spilled out from Satan and his demons as well as the idiots who can’t think for themselves and understand that terrorists can’t be coddled. May God bless Israel!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Vet Visit.

 Vet Visit.

 

Thompson refused to put his right rear foot on the floor this morning, so we (both dogs and the old woman) all went to the vet at Colonial Park Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Julia at Western Hills could not see Thompson until two weeks from now, so that was not going to work. Anyway, a couple of vaccines and some x-rays later, we are back at home and the wallet is a little lighter. Now Thompson will be taking a little over $100 worth of pain meds each month, but at least they should make him feel better. What made me think he had allergies turned out to be pain in his legs and feet. Go figure. It hurt; so, he licked it. Poor baby. Here the old woman thought it was allergies or something like that. Anyway, now both dogs are happily lying together on this dog bed in the office.

 

A person would not think that sitting would hurt your body, would you? Well, Dearly Beloved, the old woman hurts after sitting just a bit. Thinking an ice pack may be in the mix this afternoon. Dadgumit! If this pain medication works for Thompson, might have to ask if people can take it! [just kidding!!!]

 

Picked up thirteen eggs from the nests a bit ago. The kids are going to have to send a grandchild soon or my fridge may fill up! The feed purchased yesterday is the good stuff—none of the wasteful scratch that we used to buy. They get good seed wheat, black sunflower seeds, and good protein percentage lay mash. Patty says she can tell from looking all the way from her house that my hens are fat and sassy. If it is a bad winter, maybe that extra weight will help them stay warm. Have thought about closing off the long section of the coop to plant some wheat for them to eat. Will have to think about it. That will be a lot of moving things around in there. Have a wagon and some other things stored inside. But may just resort to buying heads of cabbage.

 

Stopped on the way home for Chicken Express. Really did not have the energy to make something. The dogs love the roll dipped in gravy, and then they share just a bit of the chicken tenders as well. We are not spoiled, either!

 

Thinking a nap sounds pretty good about now. Thompson got me up two or three times last night whimpering and making noises. Thought maybe his tummy was upset, but he did not want outside. Guess he was aching. Understand completely.

 

Let us be grateful for rest and for relief of the pains that we have. Let us also be grateful for the wonderful animals that God has given us who love us and protect us. They are here to teach us unconditional love.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

The Feed and Garden Store, Inc.

 The Feed and Garden Store, Inc.

 

Only $57.15 today. One sack of lay mash--$18.85, one sack of Forage Max wheat--$21.00, one four-pound sack of Muenster Mills salmon (plus coconut oil) dog food--$15.95. Like the idea of buying locally from Muenster, TX, but the 40-pound sack would be cheaper per pound. Let’s see first if they will eat the stuff. It says “locally sourced,” but where the hey would they find salmon in this part of the country? Oh well. It does not contain grains, so maybe that is something good. Anywho, the mash and wheat are in their respective storage cans and the dog food is sitting on the deep freezer for the next meal. The dogs refused to eat the lamb and rice kibble with cooked chicken this morning. It would just be lovely if they would eat this Muenster stuff without needing to cook anything to go with it.

 

My last cup of coffee is still warm in the insulated cup on my desk. Here it is two in the afternoon and the old woman is still drinking coffee. Oh well. Couldn’t sleep last night anyway.

 

Have decided that turkey is just a bit much. Neither of the dogs really seemed to care for it, and the old woman definitely doesn’t care for it. Would much rather have a good barbecued brisket or something of that nature. As long as it is not tough, beef just beats the tar out of just about any other kind of meat. Have had buffalo and venison, too, but you can keep all those little wildly bounding critters with the white fluffy tails. The buffalo is pretty good, however. Lamb is the best, but who can afford the stuff. Never have had mutton, but am told it tastes a bit like wool. Argh.

 

Watched a bit of Fox News this morning. Seems San Francisco can clean the streets when they have guests coming. Too bad they can’t put the homeless somewhere decent on a permanent basis, but at least now they have disinfected the areas where they were before. Hope the horrible smells went down the drain with the power washes. Meanwhile, the illegal immigrants in Chicago have decided they need to go back to Venezuela. Chicago can no longer help them with any services due to overflowing bodies that need every type of help from emergency medical to food and housing. Well, duh. Bring in several thousand people and dump them in a place that has trouble taking care of their own homeless and see what happens. Texas still has the worst problems for the time being, but apparently, we are seeing border problems from the north as well. The Canadian border is the least guarded there is. So far it has been a sticky situation with Iranian people who have nothing nice on their minds. Figures.

 

Jennifer reminded me to get my “light box” out and use it when reading so that the problems from SAD won’t be as bothersome. Seasonal affective disorder is pretty common in places where sunlight is not all that great. We have sunlight, but fewer hours of sunlight and the season’s change to cold can cause problems for those of us who are susceptible to depression. Such fun—not! Remember to call and talk to your friends who may just need a laugh or a kind word to help them through a day.

 

Grandson had a procedure this morning and came partially out of the anesthesia fighting for all he was worth. Finally, a male nurse flattened him out on the table to keep him from using his upper cut on anyone. He is SO much like Lewis that it is not funny! Lewis did that more than once and even had warnings on his chart about how he reacted to the drugs to keep him out. Guess this ol’ girl can’t say too much. The nurses told me that when Dr. Schaffner took Lance with forceps, he got kicked right in the face. Think a nurse got in trouble for not having me strapped down good. Oh well.

 

Just looking out at my hens grazing around on the stuff in the yard. Still need some real grass to grow, but apparently they can eat “storkbill” like people can. Had no idea the stuff was even edible. It just looks like a funny, flat weed to me. But my hens are healthy and happy, so that makes me grin and chuckle when they chase me around. They get right under my feet, but make it very clear that they expect treats! Not spoiled or anything. Just like us when God gives us so very much in life. We are spoiled—but thankful!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Mealtime for Doggos.

 Mealtimes for Doggos.

 

Thompson has a particular manner of going in to lie down on the kitchen rug to look at me with his “it’s that time” look. If he has not lain down on the rug, it might NOT be time to eat according to his whims. Sylvia does not care what time it is; just put some food out and she will take care of it! Anyway, they are currently wiping out the last of the dark meat of the turkey we had this week. The legs make lots of dark meat, but they also have oodles of tiny bones in those muscles. So, tomorrow the last of the white meat may accidentally get used to make a salad for me while the dogs have some chicken from the freezer. Tonight, more chicken will have to be put out to thaw in water in the sink so more can be prepared.

 

Have been hoping that we would get some decent neighbors in the house across the street and your prayers for that would be appreciated. A couple with their grandchildren were here yesterday to look at things. They seemed so very nice. Plus, the oldest child used to have a rooster that she walked on a leash! Sounds like my kind of folks! Anyone who has children that are obedient are my kind of folks, to tell the truth. May God bless them to be able to arrange the financing.

 

Have been reading the Blue Moon Investigations series by Steve Higgs. He is supposed to be a paranormal investigator, but of course, he does not believe in the paranormal. Smart dude! Excellent writer. He makes me laugh. Somehow my need for laughs and good thoughts has been rather frequent lately. Not sure if it is the changing weather or just the stupid aches and pains of getting older, but just cleaning house has slowed me down considerably. Did manage to mop today, but had to stop midway into the kitchen to rest my back and right leg. Started to say my right “hind” leg, but that is about right. The muscle back there is just giving me fits. Oh well. At least the floors were clean for about thirty minutes!!

 

Having a cup of mango/ginger tea. Nice flavor and almost sweet. Sometimes tea is like that when it is made from something unusual. Black tea is just not really my thing. Other than craving some kind of chocolate, my coffee has been fairly satisfying lately for a few hours. Guess it could be mixed with hot chocolate!

 

Had to sit down on the front porch with a trash can and pick beggar lice out of Thompson’s jacket that he was wearing. Wish there were some way to get rid of those weeds before they go to seed, but about the only surefire way is with real fire. Can’t very well do that where they are between the fences. And those weed killers are too dangerous and not especially effective either. Oh well.

 

We all need to be asking God to bless Israel right now and to protect her soldiers and her leaders. Think what we have in D.C. is pretty well ready for the nearest nursing home or for a lockup for swindling people. If you want to know ALL about anyone, just encourage them to run for office so that their family tree and all their business dealings will be printed up—whether or not the dealings were illegal. Our world has lost the ability to expect honest people to be in charge of anything. Was so glad to see that Tim Short became the mayor of our little city, but just hope that someone does not try to say that he finagled them out of their IRA or some such. He has always been honest and helpful as far as it concerned my business, but this ol’ gal is pretty dumb about business anyway. Let us trust him and pray for him that he can lead WF to become a better city and a good home for those who choose to live here. The same goes for Israel. It needs to be a place ONLY for those who are intended to live there and make the land a better place. The terrorists are not intending to do anything except be terrible! May God cause them to cease from this earth!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.