Turning Heaters On.

 Turning the Heaters On.

 

Ok, not sure exactly what the temperature is, but the old woman is cold. And the bones and such that ache in bad weather can tell you all about the weather changes coming on. Got the weather report straight from Michelle Malay’s knees the other night, but now can definitely confirm that her report is right on spot. Sigh.

 

While 54 degrees is not all that bad, the little breeze that is carrying it around just nips all the places that are exposed. The sneezy nose and the back to toes just feel awkward. My hens don’t really seem to mind the weather. They are happy no matter what as long as they are dry. So far today we have had some rain but not enough to bother them or help the lakes any. Just no sense in griping about the moisture. Besides, we will need more of it this next two months to make it through the summer months.

 

Played with my dogs this afternoon. Can hide my hand under a blanket or something and they bite me gently and grin. They know hide and find plus nip. Then they get into a “battle” of big mouth. They try to act like one or the other has the biggest mouth. Funny critters! Love them to pieces. And right now, they are both very healthy. Thompson’s skin is looking good. And somehow Sylvia has managed not to eat all of Thompson’s food plus her own for a change. She had been gaining weight and now is looking slimmer. But that does not keep her from checking out the feed bowls after hers is empty. At least the chicken is good for them with their kibble. Guess tomorrow will be time to put some more on to cook.

 

Sterling is measuring twice and cutting once, but today he called twice to be sure that this rolling pantry is going to fit into my office. He is concerned that it may need to be anchored to the wall since it will be so heavy. He doesn’t want it falling on me. Plus, it may be somewhat wider than the one he made for himself since he likes the way this wood looks and doesn’t want to rip it up. The grain in wood is one of the things that we both love for some reason. Did you know that a “pollard” was the man who kept the king’s forest in good shape? He trimmed trees and planted them if needed to form walls and such. England had laws about how much wood people were allowed to gather from the king’s forest back hundreds of years ago. Different trees were even used to feed animals or make poles for axe handles and such. History is so very interesting.

 

This morning Shona sent me pictures of some of the wood work that Albert (her husband) has done for them using the wood from pallets that is free. He is quite the carpenter! He built a tree house and a playhouse for their children. Then he rebuilt her kitchen and enclosed an area for a pantry. Another man in our neighborhood is also in construction—Ricardo Miranda and his son of the same name. He and his granddaughter just came to pick up a dozen eggs. Not sure how to spell the granddaughter’s name, but she had to translate for us as the old woman only knows three words of Spanish. Anyway, he wanted to buy some feed for my hens, so we agreed that after four months, he could buy some wheat and some sunflower seeds for them. That should work out about right.

 

Made salmon croquettes today. Mighty tasty—and NOT chicken! Mom used to make them for us occasionally, but we had more tuna than salmon. As a teenager, my go-to meal was a quick tuna sandwich after a long ride on the horse. It was quick and easy for me and made very little mess to clean up. It made both Mom and me happy. She had fed her child and at the same time kept me from having to sit down at the table. Silly kid!

 

Set the pot of tulips that were given to me by Shona and Albert in the front window next to my double amaryllis. Love flowers! They just make me happy! Guess maybe thinking about what to get my girl for her birthday this year should include some kind of pretty flower again. Will have to ask what she thinks might make it this year in her yard.

 

SO very happy that God has given us beautiful birds with their songs (even the silly cranes that go over every evening honking at us) and the blooms that will soon show up on all the fruit trees. Yes, some of us will be doing double sneezes with all that pollen, but it is definitely worth it. Peaches, plums, grapes, and beauty! Seasons change and hearts can be lifted. Thank God.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.