Dumb As Dirt.

 Dumb As Dirt.

 

Well, SOME of us are about dumb as dirt, and then some of us just manage to be able to get mighty dirty. It might just be that the old woman qualifies for both. Sigh. Went to get some stuff to put on the flower bed in a box (rosemary has most of the space already taken), and some of the stuff was for the new compost pile that is supposed to grow worms and otherwise eat rotten cucumbers. (My kids would recognize that saying of their Grandmother Dickerson as “Oh, he was going to do wonders and eat rotten cucumbers!”) So far, a couple of rotten cantaloupes have been added to the compost pile along with what came out of the coops. Worried a bit about the DE being hard on earth worms since it runs off just about any bug out there. Guess we will find out soon enough.

 

Went and got the new dentures. Oh! joy to the world! Have a feeling this is going to be an interesting experiment in trying to learn how to speak and eat again. Feels a bit like Boulder Dam moved in. The instructions call for leaving them out at night. Things have certainly changed over the years. Have three other sets of dentures and each dentist said not to take them out at night. Oh well. We will see how it goes. Had to laugh at a story Gladys told me about one of their customers who always orders THREE sets of teeth each time he gets new teeth because his Pit Bull gets into his glass of water with his teeth and works them over. Can’t imagine not having a better place to keep my teeth than that!

 

Went over to Sutherlands the SECOND time today and picked up a couple of pieces of 5/8 inch sheet rock for Stephen. He is going to do some welding for me, so told him we would call that a square deal. He was satisfied with that. Me, too, since he will have to come get the wagon that needs the welding done on it. It is too heavy for me to lift into the bed of the truck. He is hurting pretty badly as it is. Think he went six months without a seizure and then had two bad ones. Just wish that God would help him to heal both physically as well as emotionally.

 

Got the new CD player that does NOT have a speaker to it. That is why it was so cheap. Figures. Think an old speaker may be sitting in the back bedroom that might work on it. We will see. It would help if someone were not so technologically dumb around here. Guess it could be worse. Can still tie my shoes.

 

Made some beef and beans today that turned out pretty good—at least it suited me. No, not much in the way of spices or salt, but it just tastes a bit like beef and Ranch style beans. The dogs like it just as well as the old woman does.

 

Got six little plants for 50 cents apiece over in the garden center at Sutherlands. That is where the worm stuff came from. It was more expensive than just dirt, but if it helps make a few worms around here, that will suit me. Maybe tomorrow it will get spread where it needs to go. Just did not have enough energy to finish that part today.

 

Noticed when walking back up to the ramp to the porch that one of my hens had been out and scratching around the porch post. They just spread joy and junk everywhere they scratch! Little leaves and dirt are a sure sign of hen activity. But they are so very sweet. God made them to be loving—maybe not as cuddly as dogs and cats, but still sweet. My hens purr when they are happy. If you don’t think so, just come pick one up and stroke her neck and back. They love being petted. Wish the world could slow down long enough for everyone to take time to enjoy petting something that is loving. So many stray critters that need our love. And so many little kids and even grown ups that need to be cuddled. Some day God will fix this mess. May it come soon!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Typical Blonde?

 Typical Blonde?

 

Started the day out by cleaning out both coops and piling the residue on the area that is intended to be a compost pile. The hens think it needs to be re-arranged as quickly as they see what is piled up. Raked it up AGAIN. Going to have to put a little fence around it to keep it together. If they want to hop the fence and scratch, at least maybe most of the stuff would stay inside the little fence. Might get the fencing done tomorrow, but not holding my breath on that one.

 

Went over to Sutherlands to get some heavy-duty plastic to put on the two shelves in the front coop. Here’s hoping that it stays flat and doesn’t slide down onto the floor of the coop. It is just so much easier to slide the plastic off into a trailer to dump the poo if it stays where it is supposed to be.

 

Talked to Mary Rhoads about hay this morning. She said that the water is still standing in their driveway, so they can’t get to the hay barn right now. But she said she would bring hay when she can get out there. She sounded pretty tired. The pancake festival did better than ever for their fund raiser. She is right in the big middle of doing the tallies and whatever else needs to be done—plus going to rehab still for the second knee surgery. She is definitely a hard worker!

 

Stephen came to fix the broken drain line and then came back after yours truly went back and got the correct size pipe and fittings. Then he explained the oil and filter change for the zero-turn mower. THEN he told me to get the make and model number for the refrigerator so the door gasket can be replaced. He knows how, apparently. Last year—or maybe two years ago—he helped me by putting down the bags of dirt to cover the drain lines. Just plan to use hay this time. The dirt is just too much weight for my hands and skimpy muscles.

 

Went to Affordable Dentures this afternoon to try in the wax teeth model. It really felt weird, so here’s hoping it will feel better when the real one is made. This is the first time ever having to have wax impressions made. It has been quite a process! The one thing that bothered me was being rushed into signing a piece of paper that said the bite and looks were approved by me. Hello, not even sure what was in my mouth!! Just going to pray that things work out well. Have to go back tomorrow afternoon to get the “real” things. Shaking my head here and hoping. So freaking tired that the dogs could argue with me and get their way.

 

Went to United a picked up some 97 cents a pound chicken and a couple of steaks that were marked down. REALLY do not want to cook anything right now. It may have to wait until next week to see the bottom of that roaster that Jenn brought for me to use. Would feed the dogs cheese sticks at this point rather than cook any more chicken! Lazy? Tired, for sure.

 

Some days my phone never rings at all. Today it has rung at least six times—one right after the other. Now that is strange. And it is only Tuesday! Wonder what tomorrow will be like. Will have to let God know that His voice matters most. Not on the phone, but in my mind and wrapped up in my emotions. SO thankful for the beauty of this day and the sunshine. Fatigue is not nearly as bad when a person can smile at the sun and watch the birds fly over. A male cardinal is pitching his territory down on the end of the street in an old pecan tree. Certainly hope he and his mate can raise a family there. Know for sure that my two dogs would love to rid the neighborhood of all these stray cats! Between all the gas company employees, the stray cats, and the plumbers, our road has been very busy lately. Even the young man across the street said that he had noticed my truck pulling out a few times. Yep, someone needs to stay at home some this week. Maybe the owls will take care of the overload of felines. God balances things out in His way.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

How Much Is Too Much?

 How Much Is Too Much?

 

In any endeavor, we have to consider results as opposed to the actual expenditure of energy or resources. When a human body, with all its attendant encumbrances, contributes to the overall equation, getting things accomplished becomes a study in practicalities as opposed to consequences. In Texan, that means that our get up and go sometimes gets gone before the job gets done. And that is the story of today at the old house on Dickerson Hill.

 

The hens did a nice job of scattering the hay that Jennifer helped me put around the coop to keep the slick mud from becoming a hazard for an old woman’s steps. Then they managed to lay a dozen eggs so that eventually—around Thursday to be exact—the granddaughter and her boyfriend will have more than a couple of dozen eggs to take home to wherever it is that they live. Looking forward to meeting the young man—even if trying to remember his name might be embarrassing to my wobbly mind.

 

Talked to Sterling a bit ago. He said these drugs he is taking are about to make him as wobbly as his sister keeps tracking around here. Stopped taking one drug because the relief of pain was not enough to make me risk trying to drive while using the drug. Knew the police officer who would pull me over would say it was a DUI if the old woman wobbled out of the truck. Don’t want my brother to hurt, but realistically, those drugs are dangerous. Not sure what they do to the rest of the body, but he said his measurements on a shelving unit he was working on might have come out of a child’s imagination—or a Doctor Seuss book! Certainly would not work on anything useful!

 

Bought some ginger beer recently. It is non alcoholic and has sugar in it, but it certainly does taste good. Not exactly like ginger ale, but close—stronger on the ginger part maybe. They had some that contained zero sugar, but it did not state what they had used for the sweetner. Guess some of us are a bit picky about those things. Was laughing with Shona this morning about the taste of the tap water in WF. Yep, some kind of chemicals are in use, but who knows what. Any way a person goes at it, we are drinking downstream from someone and whatever has been put in the water upstream! Most likely, Ozarka water comes right out of the tap from Ft. Worth water company! The best water this old woman ever had was called Crazy Woman Water. Think maybe it came from Mineral Wells or thereabouts. Best tasting stuff ever. The only other water that really made me think we don’t ever get the real thing was from a cave spring in Missouri. Drink, and drink, and drink and never feel full or satisfied. It was called the Civil War Cave, but the last time we were there, it had caved in from the blasting from a highway construction. Kinda sad.

 

My dogs are probably tired from all the barking they did today. The gas company had some work done on a line between my place and Patty’s. They had the entire road blocked with about six trucks, a tractor, a trailor, a supervisor, a Lone Star Gas witness to the work, and a fella with a switch blade knife—no, a fella with a fire extinquisher. Honestly was very happy that nothing else needed to get down the road, except the postal man had to walk down to Patty’s to give her a package. Ridiculous to park the truck and trailer right in the middle of the road when it could have been left at the bottom of the road on one side. It’s not like the tractor could not be driven down there when it was finished. Oh well.

 

Every time the news comes up, somebody is threatening to throw a nuclear bomb or zap the entire world with a couple of EMPs. So, we can all go back to living in caves and throwing spears and trying to kill those wild pigs that have taken over the fields. Iran has just put three satellites into orbit. How much do you want to bet that at least one is capable of dropping an EMP over us or over somewhere that no one can exist without electricity. We may all be packing our backpacks and heading for Colombia, SA. Or not. Some of us are too old to do that sort of thing. And, all things considered, if God allows things to go that direction, who are we to argue. This is not the only life, and the next one won’t require stupid drugs. My decision is to trust that God will hold us in His hands no matter what comes next.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Clutter Busting!

 Clutter Busting!

 

Someone came up with this neat idea of de-cluttering by degrees or by increments—15 to 20 minutes of work and then that long to rest or think about it. Right this red-hot minute, my lips are on fire or think that they are. The neighbor sent her son over with a paper plate of tajin seasoned fruit. Very tasty! And then the lips tell me: Oooo la la. That tingles! The old woman has one orange on her table that will get peeled one of these days when she wears gloves to protect her hands. How can anyone be allergic to the peels and not to the pulp? Oh well.

 

Anyway, today my office floor got mopped and the furniture rearranged and some fans stored out in the shed. Still have some stuff to get rid of one way or another—weather radio that the dumb person who lives here could never figure out; a faux vase that has a faux flower in it that folds and unfolds; a multitude of wires that went to something somewhere. It makes me wonder if other people keep collections of junk and stuff like this. Something tells me that this is a noble assortment of folks who grew up never throwing things away because those things might be needed SOMEDAY! Now to redecorate the vase so it can be regifted. Ahem.

 

Bought a bunch (six) tea towels the other day when we went shopping. They are a charcoal greyish black color. PERFECT! The ones that were once white are now whitish and look as if they might have mopped the floor a few times—which, to tell the absolute truth—might have happened! Whatever is handy, don’t ya know. My mom would have been horrified. But she used bleach on everything under the sun. My daughter is like that. Guess the bleach gene skipped a generation.

 

Made some guacamole from the four avocadoes that were ready to eat. Not what was planned, but just right for the situation. That is one fruit that is ready to eat and then gone as soon as it is ready! Either eat it or lose it!

 

Just went out and shut up the workshop and fed the hens one more good throw of wheat and sunflower seeds. Probably need to go get more wheat tomorrow or soon. Since using wheat and sunflowers, they seem to be much happier with the food they get. But that might just be my imagination. However, they never flocked my feet for scratch when they ignored most of what was in the stuff. They would not eat the corn unless that was all they had left. The doves were not the least bit particular! But the hens come running every time they hear that kitchen door open. It is like they are starving for goodies! And they still eat a head of cabbage a day! Any leftovers that the dogs don’t eat are quickly consumed by the feathered wonders out back! Sweet little egg makers!

 

Never had seen a dog have an asthma attack, but that seems to be what Roxie had this morning when we were out enjoying the sunshine. Roxie just suddenly stood there doing a strange snortish breathing like Sylvia does—backwards sneezes is what it looks like. After she was held and calmed down and patted on her back for a while, she seemed better and started to breathe normally. Patty said the dog has allergies. New one to me! Anyway, my little wagon pulled Patty’s old printer up to the trash bin at my house so that the trash man will not have to lug it up the hill. For some reason, Patty just loves my little wooden wagon. It pleases me, too.

 

Aren’t we all glad that God gives us that wonderful calm and relaxing sleep at least once a day or so? It feels so good sometimes to just know that we can lie down and rest and know that He has us and all of our concerns in His hands. No matter what else is going on, He is always there for us. Let us be grateful.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

A Shopping Trip!

 A Shopping Trip!

 

Jennifer came today, and she took me to a store called something like Home Alone or whatever. We had fun! She found a few small things that she wanted, and the old woman bought two dog toys and a whole bunch of stuff that wasn’t really necessary! Anyway, got home and cut the part of the front door mat to fit the tray that it is supposed to be inside of and then played with these two dogs. Took Sylvia less than fifteen minutes to totally discombuberate her toy. Thompson’s toy lasted much longer until Sylvia got it, too. The squeaker was a tiny little thing on the end of a plastic bag. Both had some of that stuffing in them, but most of that is now in the trash baskets. Thompson’s toy had one ear left to crinkle. Sigh.

 

We decided to go to Chicken Express for lunch—catfish and sides with Dr Pepper. Expensive lunch, but my eyes were much bigger than my stomach for sure. Neither of us could eat more than one piece of fish—especially with corn nuggets and two fried cheese sticks. Will know better next time.

 

Jenn helped me strow some hay over the dirt where the rain had the ground so very slippery. The hens immediately took on the job of scattering the hay out around the places we placed it. It will still work to keep the ground from being quite so slippery. Just glad to have the hay to cover that part of the ground. Talk about mud up to your eyeballs! It did not seem like we really got that much rain, but maybe it was more than what it seemed like. Have about two inches in the big metal tank just from the last two days of rain.

 

Sent about six dozen eggs home with Jenn. Guessing that she will take some to work for her brother. That’s usually the way the kids manage to share things since they both work in the same office. Also sent home a “surprise” for a grandchild. That’s always interesting. Waiting to give Rachel’s boyfriend some tools when they come here for the first time. Have a picture of her boyfriend, but have not met him. Families can be interesting.

 

Lake Wichita looks a bit more like a lake for a change. It still has almost as many tumbleweeds as it does fishhooks, but at least some water shines through in places. Can’t imagine what the nasty dirt in the bottom of that lake would be like and where it would be safe to haul it considering what all is in it. For years the waste water from the communities around it went right in the lake. Reminds me of a video about how India has only about an eighth of the homes and businesses hooked up on a sewer system. Their rivers are all full of raw sewerage! Horrors. One of the biggest things that causes problems with their rivers is the flowers that are dedicated to their gods along with the plastic or clay images that they dump into the rivers. The flowers are supposed to be disposed of in a “reverent” manner—dumped into the river. The same thing is done for the images that are supposed to represent each god that they worship. Guess coffee grounds and the sludge from beer distilleries would be about the same over here. Hmm.

 

Thinking that the ink and paper making processes are not exactly good for the environment, but maybe we are not quite as hard on things when we thank God for life and all that He provides when we pray. Let us think about what effect we may have on those around us no matter how we live our lives or how we worship.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Clean Floors--Among Other Things!

 Clean Floors—Among Other Things!

 

The old woman has been a wee bit bushed and not really feeling like doing anything exciting like mopping the floors or dusting the furniture, so today my new neighbor and friend Shona came and vacuumed, mopped, dusted, and otherwise made my house feel mighty nice. Oh! It is wonderful! So far today my accomplishment is to clean out ONE desk drawer—and that was after the nap that was taken while Shona was in there working her conjunction off! Felt sort of wobbly for some reason, so it just made sense to lie down rather than fall down. Feeling some better now, but don’t plan on doing diddly the rest of the week.

 

Got the dogs a couple of squeaky toys this morning when a run to Wally World was needed for a couple of things like rubber gloves and stuff like that. Was lying down on my bed with both dogs nestled up against me. Bet you did not know it was possible to go to sleep with a squeaky toy making noises every so often. But finally, she woke me up with a gas attack. Oh my! Sylvia reminds me of one of those bull dogs or terriers that could have been used in the war for emptying the trenches!

 

Absolutely could use a few hours of warm sunshine! Sat in front of my light box the other day while reading, but an hour of light box is not nearly as effective as even thirty minutes of real sunshine! Maybe the book currently on my Kindle will be enough to cause some good smiles. Vitamin D with calcium and real sunshine is what the whole world needs right now! That and a couple of good Victor Borge performances!

 

Looking forward to seeing Jennifer this Saturday if nothing rips, rears, or ravels. The hens are busy accumulating several dozen eggs for her to take home with her. Think she usually shares with her brother and his family. Fresh eggs are hard to beat if you have a pound of bacon to go with ‘em.

 

It is a strange thing, but do not have an address of a woman known since we were kids. Was not even sure of her last name now, so asked Sterling. He said he would try to get her address for me. Life is strange. Then the other day got a friend request from a guy from Petrolia—Paul Cannedy. Had no idea why he would even want to be friends on FB. Of course, it was a scam. Not sure how to let him know about it, but just told the person who sent the message that he was a disgrace for trying to scam someone! Guess some folks have nothing better to do.

 

Sterling got his water bill today—understand, they were without water for a week while things were frozen from the road to their house: $8428.41 was the bill. Mind you, the bottom of the meter was busted out, but the meter was still running! Guessing he could fill up a swimming pool and maybe start a new creek with that much water. Anyway, they replaced the meter, so he won’t be taking out a government loan to pay his water bill this month.

 

Well, have that address now, so will write a letter and express my feelings about the loss of a parent. It is never easy in this life to lose someone we love, but knowing the future that has been promised by the Son of God makes all the difference in the world. Even so, we always feel the need to hug that person just one more time.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

And WHAT Exactly DID You Do?

 And WHAT Exactly DID You Do?

 

Sitting here wondering what the old woman accomplished today. Yes, another load of laundry—whoopie tie yie yay. Emptied the canister on the vacuum—big deal. Gathered eggs—eleven plus one later—a dozen, in other words. Sat down to scrub a rug and decided it simply was not worth the effort. Then noticed that the spray pretty well did a job on the grease spots that the dogs got on the rug. Finally remembered—cleaned AT the oven. Argh! Can’t really remember ever having Easy Off do all that much to clean the walls and top of the oven. Oh well. Here’s saying that it got the old school spirit try—or whatever. It is still not “clean” in my estimation, but it is not getting any more of my energy today.

 

Have some steamed veggies in the microwave. Had purple cole slaw and chicken salad for lunch. Breakfast was some kind of Spanish rice with beef and onions and lots of good spices. My new neighbor is German, but Dear Hearts, that lady can certainly cook any Spanish dish a body might want to try. So tomorrow she is going to get a package of deer sirloin and backstrap to figure out how to cook that stuff. Had some years ago when Hanan fixed it out on the grill, but don’t remember it one way or the other as far as taste or texture. Shona was wanting some beef tongue and the only place that comes to mind is the butcher shop on Kemp or Bill Brown’s Beef out of Megargel. Our family used to have that come home from the processor when Garland would have a calf butchered, but have only cooked one in my entire life. Not bad. Not great, but whatever rings a person’s bells. Cowbells, that is.

 

SBAM [Sister by another Mother] Sharon Dickerson was telling me that Chase Bank is no longer backed by FDIC or something like that. It made me wonder, so sent a message to grandson who should know about stuff like that. Still have not heard from him, but was thinking that it would not do to lose my pittance of savings to a bad bank. Think it may be referring to those who have a quarter of a million or more, however. Will find out. {It’s safe.}

 

Well, that was pretty good steamed cheesy broccoli. It stinks the house up, but can think of worse things. Besides, broccoli is just good stuff, Maynard! Sitting here thinking that NO ONE ever asks about Maynard G. Krebbs. They just don’t really appreciate good thinking or eating:

Maynard G. Krebs - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maynard_G._Krebs

Maynard Gwalter Krebs is the "beatnik" sidekick of the title character in the U.S. television sitcom The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, which aired on CBS from 1959 to 1963. The Krebs character, portrayed by actor Bob Denver, begins the series as a stereotypical beatnik, with a goatee, "hip" (slang) language, and a … See more

 

My grandson who used to love the Scooby Doo series should see the reason it began! And ALL of my children need a lesson in good veggies!! “Good stuff, Maynard!”

 

My life is a series of throwbacks! From walking down to commit my life to God to riding through pastures and learning to maneuver a horse through a gate or over a bridge! And children are not much different than maneuvering a critter that weighs a little over a thousand pounds!! God has blessed me!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Too Tired to Eat!

 Too Tired to Eat!

 

Noticed this morning that ALL SIX chickens were thawed and then some, so they all got cooked today—two in the oven and three in pots! Good way to start the day—NOT!! My body is tired already from just putting on clean sheets and doing laundry and dust mopping the bathroom and bedroom—well, and the kitchen and office. Guess, come to think of it, the old body has a good excuse for being a mite pooped! Made some chicken salad for myself and took some breast meat off one of the chickens to Shona so she could make salad or whatever with it. She is going to come Thursday and clean my floors for me with a good mopping. They really need it. This wet stuff is just what we need, but would love to have it stay outside instead of tracking through the house. Despite that nice rug in front of the back door, stuff still gets tracked inside.

 

Jennifer said she has a big turkey roaster that she only uses once a year. SO glad she offered to let me borrow it. Had looked into the prices of the ones online. Just a mite expensive. Anyway, the electric roaster should give me a way to cook a couple of chickens at a time. Have thought of going after more to put in the freezer, but just too tired to drive. Besides, if the old woman has to look at another chicken right now, she might just squawk!

 

One of the things online that told us not to give dogs turkey skin made me wonder about chicken skin. You can bet there are less savory things in commercial dog food, but it bothered me just a bit until it dawned on me that my hens would love to have anything that comes out of the kitchen—well, mostly. They can’t have spinach or onions or salt. Understand the salt, but not sure exactly what chemical in spinach would hurt them. Oh well. It’s not like it would grow in the back yard.

 

Last load of dog blankets in the dryer and the clean sheets ready to be folded and put away. Just sitting here trying to decide if some more chicken salad would do for din-upper. It is still a little early to eat the last meal of the day, but know that at least it won’t give me indigestion! Chicken salad is the best! Well, next to Pioneer’s famous indigestion!

 

Tried to set up the Google home thing so my audio would play again. Hmm. It will probably take a kid to figure it out. Just love to listen to old timey music—ya know: 70s, 80s. Funny how old that makes me feel.

 

Think a short nap might be a good idea.

 

Nap did not happen yet, but got the sheets folded and put away and a few other things done. Two of those little capsules taken and hoping the shoulders quit hurting soon, but need to go pick up the eggs. Now to put those nasty shoes back on. Sigh.

 

Let us not forget to pray for Diann Dennis’ granddaughter and for our friend Tami Yonts. Cancer is a big club that hits all of us in some way. Some more than others. But God knows how to deal with big clubs and insidious things that can make our lives miserable. But we must ask. Always ask.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Praise God for Warmer Weather!

 Praise God for Warmer Weather!

 

The water lines on the washing machine are thawed this morning along with the drain lines. Have at least three or four loads to wash and dry. This includes the dogs’ vests and blankets! Sylvia decided to roll in her sweater one day while it was still semi-dry. Argh!

 

As soon as I get things rounded up around here, need to go over to the United on Kell and get gasoline for the truck. Have my bonus points ready to use. They might even have the chickens that the closest store ran out of the other day. Not going to hold my breath over that one.

 

My niece Lesli said that it takes a few days to get over the sore muscles when she has to shovel snow and ice from the driveway or walkway. Suggested Brownie points for her boys if they did some of that stuff. She informed me that Brownie points don’t get it anymore. It takes cold hard cash! Kids!!

 

A quick trip to Market Street saw gasoline in my truck for $1.79 a gallon and six chickens brought home to cook up—at 77 cents a pound. Can’t beat that with a stick! Of course, the most interesting thing about this outing was meeting the man who put my groceries in the truck. His name was KIM. It seems his mom was reading a book by Rudyard Kipling called Kim. He told me the background on it and now it is on my “to be purchased and read” list. How very neat to meet someone like that and get the background story to his name. He looked as old as the old woman, so it was not like he was worried about some strange woman flirting with him. Wondered if he had to defend himself as a child with a name like that. Maybe he spent his school days explaining about his mom’s favorite author.

 

Have decided that a new invention needs to be made. My sheets won’t stay tucked under the mattress. The fitted sheets come up in the night because someone does not just lie down and stay in one spot all night. May find the old body lying across the bed instead of straight up and down one side. Thinking about elastic like hose used to have on them to hold up back before panty hose were invented. Those little suckers that fit the top of the hose would probably hold a sheet. So, elastic with two ends to meet under the mattress to hold two sides of the corners might work? We will see if those little holders are still made. Even elastic might be hard to find these days.

 

Not much going on around here today. Think the new young neighbors moved in yesterday, so eventually we will get a chance to know them better. Right now, it is just a bit wet and cold to be out any more than necessary.

 

Sterling misdialed and got my number instead of Karen Diane’s. She is on her way to Arkansas to attend the service for her grandmother Betty. She was very fond of her and that went both ways. Sterling said even the dirt roads were slick with ice this morning, but things have begun to thaw somewhat. Maybe by tomorrow it won’t be too bad to have her funeral.

 

Just got back from doing some impressions—plural—for the new set of teeth. Apparently, my mouth did not suit the young tech person twice, so we had to do it again. As far as it goes, the upper felt too loose to be useful. We will see what happens when they get a new one made. Just would like to have teeth that don’t remind me of Nancy Pelosi trying to grumble her way through an interview.

 

Let us praise God for the rain and for the thawing weather. The land needs the moisture even if it does make oodles of mud and stuff. Things will eventually wash.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

So Much for What Thought Did!

 So Much for What Thought Did!

 

Got up this morning and let the critters out. Went into the living room and the heater in there would not come on. Go figure. Said a couple of words inside my head and decided to go over to Sutherlands to get another electric heater. Had my first cup of coffee for the day—mighty tasty. But the heater that got into my basket did not say if it was 110 or 220, so the checker asked a young man to look at it. It was for butane. Duh. He walked away saying that they had about sold out of any electric heaters. Wisdom should have called ahead, right? Lowe’s heating and cooling department would not even answer the phone. Guess they were tired of saying that they did not have anything.

 

Went on down the road to United on SW Pkwy and Kemp to get some more chickens at 77 cents per pound. They were out and would not get any more until Monday. Bought a few heads of cabbage and a box of popcorn to pop. Cheapest run to the store that has ever been made in my life!! Came inside after putting the truck away and decided to mess with that heater ONE more time. Plugged it in and it worked!! Not sure why it had sat there all night and decided not to work first thing this morning. But can just be thankful that it works now!

 

My friend Michelle Malay called last night to let me know she would be here Tuesday as she has a doctor’s appointment and a hair cut scheduled. Will be sending eggs home with her. Meanwhile, hoping that Maggie comes for eggs before the wet stuff starts. And no, I don’t deliver. Maggie said that they are hoping to get rid of all the oxygen equipment for David by Monday. Let’s face it, pneumonia is nobodies’ friend. That is what John Rhoads ended up with while his wife had covid! What a mess for them. They both serve at the pancake breakfast for the Kiwanas, but not sure they will be able to this time. Think Mary is the president of the thing this year.

 

Read more in the study of Revelation. Seems the two witnesses are two God knows very well: Enoch and Elijah were both “translated” and never saw death. They were the prophets of judgment as well. And the judgment is what comes after their time on earth is finished and they are killed and then resurrected to be seen by all of earth. Never would have thought about the fact that everyone on earth can see what is happening at one place on earth simply through the type of information transmittal that we have today in TV and live broadcasts. But these two will be slain because they are so hated by mankind, so their resurrection is going to blow away the folks who hate them so much. The damage the two witnesses can do is much like what Elijah was able to do before—withholding the rain or making the seas into blood. At least the church will already have been taken up from the earth before all this happens. This book certainly makes some things more understandable.

 

Had soup for breakfast and now soup for supper. Good thing soup is one of my favorite foods. The dogs have already been fed, so they are not even watching me eat for once! They have been busy watching the kids across the street move into Jerry’s house. Hope their water finally thawed out. Shona and Albert finally have everything working in their house. Now if my lines to the washer would just thaw!!

 

Praise God that He makes promises to us to keep us in His way. Let us rejoice that He keeps his promises!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Just Visiting.

 Just Visiting.

 

So, Patty has happy puppers, the lady who came to pick up a couple of carriers will have unhappy cats to carry to Colonial Veterinarian, and the old woman will be trying to find more folks who like eggs. Thought the hens only laid TWO eggs yesterday until looking in the long coop. Seven eggs with one broken all over the other six. So now six washed eggs are in my fridge. Guess scrambled eggs for tomorrow’s breakfast. Lance told me that eggs are only good when scrambled. Reminded him that his wife knows what to do with them—cheesecake!

 

Shona came over for a nice visit. Her family was watching a really boring movie in her estimation. It reminded me of all the football games that have been played out in my living room. But it only got better after Lewis got headphones so the neighbors did not have to listen! Not sure what kind of movies kids watch these days, but since my TV is never on any longer, it just would not bother me at all. They have those tablets and things to watch. Much quieter.

 

The old bones are achey today, but not planning on putting any of that expensive stuff on the joints until the weather warms up. Think this cold is what makes everything hurt! Could definitely use another 20 degrees on top of the 20 we have currently. That wind was pretty bad the other day, but with lower temps, the wind feels a bit like sandpaper trying to remove the skin! Winter gripes!

 

Finished deboning two chickens this morning before putting another one on to cook. Then deboned the last chicken this afternoon. It was a lot of work, but much easier than a turkey even putting two chickens at a time in the oven. Guess this is the kind of work that is good for me and for the dogs as well. It’s not as hard on my as vacuuming or mopping anyway. Even so, as soon as the weather gets semi-decent, will get the floors cleaned one way or another. Just wish this old woman were not such a clutter bug! It amazes me that some people just manage to keep everything looking neat and tidy all the time. Not here! Sigh.

 

Got a little bit of reading done today in Revelation about the two witnesses. Don’t know why my idea was that these two came before the Tribulation. Still have some reading to do to understand what is to come. Is it necessary to know? Not really. But if the knowledge is there to be gained, why not question and wonder and search the scriptures. Maybe that is a job for some of us right now in this time.

 

Really don’t know much today except that the weather is going to be on my mind until things thaw out around here. Not sure when that will take place, but it can’t be too soon to suit me. The hens keep going to their old drinking bowls and only find ice, but they have water inside the long coop, so they are not really thirsty. The bowls are habit forming just like a coffee cup is for me. See cup; want coffee. Silly ol’ woman!

 

Be grateful for all the blessings of our days and nights. We have so very much for which to be grateful.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Vet Visit.

 Vet Visit.

 

Patty’s dogs have been registered and examined and poked, prodded, and otherwise had their nails trimmed and anal glands expressed. They were SO glad to get home to their mommy! She had bought these two carriers on wheels that made the trip much easier, but still, it was a major undertaking. The old woman is glad to get home.

 

Just put on a pot of vegetable soup. Need to vacuum and mop, but not sure either thing will be done. My hands hurt even though wearing gloves protected them from the extreme cold. My truck said it was 19 degrees inside the truck! Not sure what it was outside in the wind, but did not care to know either. Just do not appreciate this cold stuff. Not going to start a comparison between the extreme heat of our summers with the cold wind right now. At least our winters are not like up north in Wyoming or Michigan! Can still see the ground. Our cattle might do well in barns, but we still have to feed hay this time of year. Ranchers and farmers never have it easy.

 

Used some cream stuff that Jennifer bought for me to help with the pain in my hands and hip. It works, but could never afford to pay for it myself. Little bottle is $75!! Why can’t things that work be made cost effective. Talked to a lady at the vet’s office who had to go back to work because her SS did not cover the cost of her drugs. Need to be glad that the old body works fairly well despite the arthritis.

 

Shona Leos sent some supper across the road last night. Oh boy can that woman ever cook! Would gain weight like a champ if eating like that on a regular basis!! Her Spanish rice was extra tasty! The taco was good, but boy that other stuff would make a person sit up and take notice. Such a sweet neighbor!

 

Just put two chickens on to roast. It will be at least seven before they are ready, but the old woman probably won’t sleep anyway. If they can cool down before having to debone, it would be easier to do that tomorrow. We will see. Now have a humongous pot of soup to either give away or freeze or something. Do not really like soup with frozen potatoes. Doubt that Patty could be talked into wanting some of it. Maybe Maggie might come get some? She could season it to suit her and David.

 

Tried to take a nap. That did not work. Being tired does not guarantee sleep at all. The dogs always cuddle up with me—well, Sylvia does. Thompson really kind of likes to just know that the old person is on the bed. He guards from his nest.

 

Sylvia knows where the treat sack is and has been pawing at the chair. Not spoiled! Have often thought about the Israelites wandering around out in the desert for all those years. They had been spoiled to the fresh vegetables and things available in Egypt. But God gave them just what they needed. Our needs are quite often filled way beyond what we can understand. It is so easy to find different foods and things to drink in this age. Years ago, folks were lucky if they did not have to drink dirty creek water and eat whatever they could kill. Read one book about the first settlers in Texas and how they were malnourished because all they ate was dry corn. They had no idea how to give themselves the type of variety that the Indians had—berries and greens to go with fresh turkey and rabbit meat. They even had turnips in some places. The Indians were much healthier even though the settlers did not consider them to be “civilized.” Today we are too “civilized” by fast food and sweet drinks to be healthy. A bit of a turnaround on what we think we need and what we actually want. And corn today has been—for the most part—genetically modified. No bueno. Next spring maybe we can all plant cabbage and turnips! God gives us choices.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Comparisons.

 Comparisons.

 

We were told as children not to compare ourselves with others except to be thankful for being so blessed. This morning at the Feed and Garden Store, a sign made me realize how blessed the old woman is. Free Range eggs are $5 a dozen at their store. SO glad to be able to give these eggs away to friends, family, and neighbors. Also, am very thankful to be able to load that bag of wheat into the little trolley thing to haul out to the coops. It is SO much easier to load and unload. Don’t know why using it had not occurred much sooner.

 

Bought six whole chickens this morning at United near home. Today three of them will be put in the oven to roast so that the meat can be removed and put into bags to be used later. It is easy to freeze it in bags and thaw it quickly. The lady who helped load my groceries said that they used a pressure cooker to cook some turkeys that way. My pressure cooker went south some years back, but not sure a whole chicken would have fit in it anyway. It is later now and only TWO chickens would fit in the roaster, so that is what will be ready here in another hour or so.

 

Walked the east side lot and found the other antler piece. Sylvia is mighty happy to have it back, but you can almost bet she was the one who took it out there. Oh well.

 

Tomorrow Patty’s dogs will go to Colonial Vets to see about nail trims and whatever else she thinks they need to see them about. Roxie is still waking Patty up every hour or so for some reason. Let us hope the vets can figure it out.

 

Sterling said that his water is working now, but the city had to come replace the meter thing because it froze and blew the bottom out. At least he has water and pressure now. My washing machine is still waiting on the lines to thaw. Maybe by next week everything will be thawed out. Here’s hoping.

 

Looked at the news this morning and shook my head. Maybe the hostages might get some supplies or maybe not. Anyway, some supplies were taken into Gaza that were supposed to be of some help. Think if the old woman were in that place, just about anywhere in the world would be a better place to be rather than in line with bombs, missiles, rifle fire, knives in the hands of hateful men, and any other type of violence. If South Africa had a place for me, would go there! Move over, lizards! Actually, Big Bend would hold an entire city worth of folks if they just had water and food. Well, and sticks to roust out the rattlesnakes and hila monsters. And scorpions. And other sneaky, bitey critters. Nevermind. Maybe those folks would prefer the kind of meanness that they find in their part of the world.

 

For today, peace of mind is something to be desired by those of us who have our children on our minds or other stressors that we feel we have to handle ourselves. Too bad that we are not very good at letting God handle our problems. We always feel we need to help Him along somehow. As Lance tells me, we always have these “woulda, shoulda, couldas” in our minds. God doesn’t need our help. He just needs for us to ask Him.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

For Your Mood of the Day!

 For Your Mood of the Day!

 

Follow the temperatures to see your mood of the day. If the wind is blowing, stay out of other folks’ way! If the sun is shining and the wind is not blowing your hair off the top of your head, just grin and bear it! Someone is bound to be happy! All these moods may differ slightly with the upward or downward direction of the temperature gauge. Currently, on Dickerson Hill, the mood is restless with only a slightly discouraging word. If someone wakes up and her feet hurt with arthritis, all holds are barred!

 

It truly amazes me that the critters can tell us the seasons just by the way they react to the weather. Spring sees heels in the air out there in the pastures. Winter, however, sees huddles of fur out by the fences or in the draws where the grass grows a bit higher. Yep, we are not the only ones who react to the weather.

 

My hens are so spoiled that they expect treats or at the very least a head of cabbage when they see the kitchen door open. Not this week for cabbage. The kids in Jerry’s house brought over a package of doughnuts. The old woman nibbled a bit and gave the rest to the hens. Need sugar like we need more cactus in Texas!

 

May or may not see Hanan’s son on Friday. Rylan said that his Noni and he were going to be here and wanted to come by. It was fine with me, but if Sharon (Noni’s real name) feels like the rest of us, it might depend on the weather. Have not seen the kid in eight years now except for some pictures online.

 

Sterling called today to talk about things he had on his mind. We talked about joy and satisfaction and how those two things are pretty well connected. He builds things and feels satisfaction and joy as they turn out well. Sometimes it makes me feel like it would be neat to be able to make something with my hands. But no longer really want to sew or bake. And cooking is just one of those necessary things that takes up time and effort. The critters make me happy, but growing things provides quite a bit of satisfaction. In Texas, growing things pretty well is at the mercy of the weather. Oh well. At least we have good dirt.

 

The neighbor across the street finally thawed out somewhat—at least she has water. The drains were frozen, however. My washing machine has frozen lines and probably frozen drains. Guess sometime this year we will do something about that situation. Lance has the know-how to insulate things for the water pipes. The drains are a different thing altogether. We may have to ask someone’s advice about that. Just have to hope the water lines don’t break underneath the side of the house for now. Not that it helps anyone, but we are not the only ones with frozen pipes and drains. SO glad we don’t live up north!

 

Really would like to take a nap and wake up with the world turned warm. Not hot, mind you, just warm. Meanwhile, guess until that kind of dirt nap comes along, will just go read a good book. When God allows me to take that last nap, maybe the weather will be a totally different critter—or my attitude will have improved.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Finally Flannel Degrees.

 Finally Flannel Degrees.

 

It finally got up to 30 degrees on the back deck. Not sure about the front porch as the unit needed new batteries and doofless old woman could not figure out how to get the temp to show. Oh well. Can tell you right now that with the light breeze out the back door, a quick check of the nesting boxes was done in a flannel shirt and quick steps.

 

The neighbors just left to check into a motel so that they all four could get a shower. Not that they did not have another offer, but understand how they feel about using someone else’s facilities. Just not a great way to start out at a new place. Clint told Albert that he thought that the heat tape would work, but apparently Albert did not want to do it that way. And who knows? Maybe this is a learning experience for the entire shebang.

 

Have a heater on the lines for my washing machine. Kinda hoping that the drain pipes will work tomorrow and the water lines won’t have broken. Do not want to have to call in a plumber! Guarantee that if that call has to be made again, the old woman will go get some insulation stuff to put around those pipes under the house!

 

Have thought several times about having water put in out in the hen house. Thinking is about as far as it has ever really advanced because the ground between the house and out back is nearly solid rock and rubble. Once upon a time, years ago when she had more muscle in her back and a whole lot less going on between her ears, the younger woman dug a trench across there for a drain for the kitchen sink. It did not work out well and floated part of the back yard because the ground won’t let the water seep down. Go figure.

 

Considering we don’t usually have a really long winter, maybe all my thoughts are concentrating on things that are just temporary. That seems to be one’s tendency when the ride is rough!

 

One of the dogs has taken an antler outside and now we only have ONE antler between two dogs. Oh wonderful! Will have to go outside tomorrow and look for the other one. My luck, it will be buried!

 

Have had a semi-sneezy headache for a couple of days now that would do to tempt an old person to have a shot of something liquid—like the stuff that Granddad Pollard would imbibe early on a cold day before hauling off to work or after coming home after a very long day. My head feels as if it is bigger than it is supposed to be, or maybe that is just my sinuses! You can bet that if my neighbor Donny Anderson were still alive, he would have something that would either reduce the head ache or cause it to call calf-rope!

 

Thompson has the deer antler now. Funny dog. Don’t know what people do who don’t have dogs. Well, for one thing their house might be much cleaner or at least less furry! Jennifer has three dogs and three cats in her house. Know the house keepers just love to TRY to clean for them. At least the floors get cleaned once before the dogs get to establish their next big mess. Around here, it is the old woman who makes more mess if she forgets to clean her feet on the brushes that Roger Thonton put on the back deck. Those things work very well—especially when she remembers to use them before going inside.

 

Having looked briefly at the news, noticed nothing has changed for the better. Folks are still pouring across the borders, and the Feds still think the states do not have sovereignty rights. Shaking my head here. WE give the Feds the right to help all of us, but the Feds do not see the need to help even one. They want the power to do as they please without consideration of the rights of the nation and of the states. Am sure Tara Ross could tell us where in the Federalist Papers that these things are discussed, but for now, it is just disgusting to see the warped approach. Sigh.

 

Let us trust that God is the same today as He has always been. Let us ask Him for peace of mind and for His grace in our lives.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Water Woes!

 Water Woes!

 

The neighbors in the modular home did not wrap the pipes under the house as they were told to do, so now they have no water. Don’t know much about buying or selling real estate, but the water works are a main concern for an abode in my book. And we all have to be aware of what kind of an effect the weather will have on the utilities—heat and cold. Hoping that Albert will be able to thaw their water line soon. Meanwhile, they get a bucket of water from me as needed. Praise God! Lewis taught me about keeping water dripping good to prevent this kind of problem. Sterling knows to let the faucets drip, but his froze between the road and the house. Still, if the faucets had been dripping good, that should not have happened. Not sure where he will be getting buckets of water.

 

Lance sent a text with picture this morning of the snow down there in Ft. Worth. Jenn said Osiris ran outside and said, “Oh! Food!” and started eating the snow! Crazy Husky! Just hope they have no trouble getting to work.

 

Went out later than usual yesterday morning and found some frozen eggs that had to be boiled and fed to the dogs. This morning, if nothing prevents it, have some bananas that need to be made into some banana bread with walnuts. It just sounds good!

 

One year since the Natural Grocers opened over on Lawrence Street, the old woman went in there and found dehydrated veggies that are good for making into soups. Bought some and used them fairly quickly. Don’t remember how much they cost, but it seems like they were fairly expensive. Anyway, Amazon carries them in two-pound bags, so now a plastic bottle contains an entire bag on the back of my kitchen counter. Love noodle soups, but really am not crazy about peeling veggies just for a quick bowl of noodles. This makes it a snap.

 

Guess a recipe for banana bread would be a good idea about right now. Well, might have been a good idea, but didn’t turn out all that great. Ate a slice and gave the rest to the hens. They haven’t died yet.

 

Have a really rotten attitude today. Think the cold weather and pain have a lot to do with it. Dear Hearts, get out in that wind and the stuff eats the hide off your face! So far have only picked up about a dozen eggs, but will not be surprised to see egg production slowing WAY down! Know it would bother me to sit on a nest and plop out anything in this cold!

 

Took some eggs and a stick of butter and set the sack in the doorway of the kids in Jerry’s house. Hope their water thaws out soon. Patty said that so far, she and the puppers are doing fairly well. She is getting online to fill out the paperwork for me to take Roxie to Colonial Vets. Not sure what is bothering that dog, but she is acting funny and as if her bottom hurts. We will see, but would prefer to wait until Wednesday when it is supposed to be warmer.

 

We all need to be grateful for electricity and natural gas—or propane. Honestly can’t imagine how my grandparents (and even my parents) managed to live back when they had outdoor potties and coal oil lanterns! Can actually remember when the Pollard grands got inside plumbing!! Had to take a few baths in a big ol’ galvanized tub in the kitchen so we could go to church on Sunday. See, we took a bath every Saturday whether we needed it or not!

 

Have some more reading to do, so will tell you that we are so very blessed today. God loves us and has given us the best life has to offer—His Son!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Too Cold!

 Too Cold!

 

It is supposed to get worse, but today feels doggone cold enough! Have the water dripping—more like a drizzle—in the kitchen. That room is on the north side of the house, and doofless old woman forgot about putting dirt bags on top of the drain lines this year. It’s not like she did not know it needed to be done. Just did not do it. Oh well. Maybe after this spell passes Lowe’s or somewhere will have dirt on sale. Imagine! Buying dirt! But here on the hill, it is something that we have done for years. Cover lines with complete sacks (plastic and all) in order to keep the lines open. So far, the kitchen drain is ok, but would not want to try to push it with much water. The bathroom drain is fine, but it is covered by house. The new neighbors have frozen water despite leaving it drip last night. Just hope it is not the outside lines! Sterling said that the water between his house and his road had frozen up there in Arkansas. But they have plenty of drinking water. Makes me wonder what folks up north do about such as this!

 

Really glad that the old woman made the mistake of having Grayson’s snacks sent here to my house. Know these chocolate toffee-covered pretzels are definitely not good for me, but they are so very tasty. Might get into the beef jerky as well, but the fudge can just sit there until he comes by to get it. It has zero nuts in it. Why get fudge unless it is packed with some kind of good nut—NOT peanuts!

 

Surprisingly enough, my joints are not hurting too much this morning. Went out and strung the electrical extension cord from the workshop to the middle coop and then plugged in the water warmer for the hens. Put fresh water on the deck, and it froze within 30 minutes!! Put another head of cabbage out in the coop for them as well. They may have to stay inside tomorrow. We will see what things are like when the sun comes up. The hoodie that the kids bought for me came in handy while working out in the back. But got the hoodie and my gloves soppy wet messing with the water. Had to put them in the dryer. Oh well. Just so happy that the electricity has not been affected so far. Would worry about Shona and her family if it goes off. They do not have gas over there. All electric homes are great until the lines get taken down by ice and tree limbs.

 

Just went out and gathered eggs again. Last time two of them were so frozen that they had broken their shells. Boiled those and gave ‘em to the dogs. No waste that way! Will gather them up one more time before the hens go up for the night. The girls may be disgusted by their shepherd by the time this cold snap is gone. They are going to stay in the coops if we get snow or ice tonight and tomorrow. They will have plenty of food and water for the duration.

 

This is the time of year that it really pays to enjoy reading. Don’t know what other people do who don’t read! Sterling said that the controller for his TV and Jacqui’s TV don’t gee haw very well. He will be watching something when she turns her channel and it messes his up. Sounds like a tech problem to me. That’s one for the folks who have more TVs in the house than they can operate!

 

Just glanced up at the bulletin board above my desk at the card showing Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian—south of Edinburgh. Jenn saw to it that we got to visit there while in Scotland. It is one of the intriguing places that are famous for some of the things caused by bad temper. The pillars inside the church are all ornately carved—some more intricately than others. One such pillar was supposedly carved by an apprentice when the master carver went out for some reason. When he came back and saw how beautiful and intricate the work was on this pillar, he became angry with the apprentice and killed him! Not exactly a reason to be famous, but it kind of figures that the guy must have thought the apprentice was making a better show of his work than the master carver was capable. We sat and petted the cat they had there inside on a bench. They have always had a cat in that place. This one was apparently used to being the center of attention and handling. Funny how cats seem to be universal in their appeal.

 

Someday animals will not be abused like they are today in our world. Saw the other day that South Korea had outlawed the use of dog meat. Shaking my head. They did not mention rats, bats, and elephants. Sigh. While being a vegetarian does not necessarily appeal to me, it is obvious that animals have the same feelings as we do. May all the dogs and cats be blessed during this cold weather with a place to stay warm and food to eat. Yes, and the same for the homeless on our streets. No amount of riches will ever take away the poor, but no one should be outside in this cold.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.