More Grass--and Several Weeds!

 More Grass—and Several Weeds!

 

Every other Thursday, the men come to weed eat and mow this place. Today the guy who does the weed eating listened carefully to what and where my attention was on the front yard. Not letting him hack down my poppies and some bluebonnets worked out fairly well. The guy on the big zero-turn managed to mow around the bachelor buttons out in the east lots. So, all that was really left to do was the sitting down or squatting down on my knees and working the front flower bed. Most of the stuff is done, but those weed roots go all the way to Timbuctoo and back. Got many pulled out or broken off, but still need to do much more. Sat there in the dirt and thought about the times when this job was a real pleasure. In a few days it may seem like a better job, but for now, the old woman is sore and gripey. The weed puller upper did not work well when applied between plants. The poppies or bachelor buttons would have come out just as quickly as those weeds. Oh well. Maybe tomorrow will see some more work done out there.

 

Visited for a few minutes with Shona. Her children have a few days off from school, but she says that they want something to eat every fifteen minutes. That sounds familiar. Quick and easy snacks are not the easiest things to have around unless one buys a bushel of apples and has those and a big jar of peanut butter! SO glad my children are grown and theirs are as well. Keeping the dogs and these hens happy is about all the old woman can handle. Let eight of the hens slip out the gate and scratch around out front. They were not too difficult to get back in the yard. If a bench or chair were out there, might just sit and watch them or read and watch them. Knowing how to be lazy is something of an art, don’t you see!

 

Shona was telling me about some of the things happening in her family while my head was nodding up and down. We agree that some of the stuff today is right out of a soap opera. Almost every family has some drama working out right in front of them. It can’t be easy for children in these situations. Maybe that is one reason that not having any great-grands does not bother me in the least. Let us get on with living and trying to be kind to others without any extra crazy situations coming up. Children being taken by CPS, parents going to jail, grandparents needed for rearing their grands or great-grands are all part of the equation. Recently, learned that one of my grand nieces had decided to cheat on her husband. How can that woman possibly be proud of herself? Fidelity must not be in the vocabulary of some people. Can shake our heads, but the lack of trust that such relationships cause is one of the biggest indicators of why our nation is failing to be what it was when folks gave their word and kept it. May God forgive us.

 

It must be fatigue, but thinking this evening does not seem to produce anything of real value. My mind is concerned with children who are left in limbo between parents and those who will take them to foster just for the money. Some people have more empathy for lost dogs than they have for their own children. And just like adopting strays, we realize we can’t take them all into our homes and love that many at a time. But let us at least pray for the little ones who are left without the assurance of a loving home life or even someone that they can call family. May God bless them today and always.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Grass Grows, and Grows, and Grows!

 Grass Grows, and Grows, and Grows!

 

Tomorrow the guys are coming to denude this ol’ hill of some of the grass, weeds, and burrs that have about taken over. If they give me a chance to explain which parts don’t need to be mowed, then maybe some of the bachelor buttons will stand a chance. However, worse things can happen than to have a few cut down. The family across the street just got their grass cut back to the dirt, but that is not the best fit for my place. If the hens had their way, they would be outside the gate trimming everything up for me! If it were not so difficult to herd them, might just get my little blue stick out and let them trim up the front yard!

 

We got enough rain to soak the ground good last time, but the wind immediately whipped every drop twice before taking it elsewhere. Such is life on this ol’ hill. Wind, high grasses, and more wind. At least we can keep it cut back enough that it is not going to be a fire hazard. Still, need to get my backend in gear and pull out some of the weeds in my front flower bed. Have just had the aches so much lately that it was hardly worth trying to do anything that stretched another muscle. But Lance is coming this weekend, so maybe we can get some of the other stuff done to the coops that has been bothering me. It’s always something. Granddad Pollard said it was a good thing he was a millwright because he could never make a living as a farmer—it would have taken two men to get all the work done on that farm! Feels like that around here sometimes.

 

Was sitting in the living room reading some more on the lessons of Daniel. This man, Lehman Straus, said that on one section of the prophecies, if there was a possibility for two different interpretations, he could list six for each side in the index of references. He believed one way in 1948, the opposite way in 1958, and in 1968 he just could not decide one way or the other. It made me laugh. When we get right down to it, Paul said that what was important was that we believed that Jesus Christ was the son of God and that He was the way to salvation. Everything else is pretty unimportant. No matter what we learn and consider important “knowledge,” nothing is as important as believing what Christ has said. He is the Way. Mankind is going to do their thing and make up scenarios to fit their own purposes. If we keep in mind that reading the Bible is the way to learn what we need most, then we won’t be taken too far off course. Let’s just pray for Godly wisdom.

 

My friend M.M. is terribly depressed right now. Sometimes this happens to all of us to some degree or another. They have not yet developed a little pill to “fix” the depression or soothe the stupid worries that we have. But still, we can text, talk, or simply pray for those whose balance is a bit off because we all know that sooner or later it will be one of us that wobbles in weaknesses from mental and emotional strain. Let us do that tonight. Besides those whose health is precarious, let us pray for those whose mental and emotional balance needs God’s steady hand.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Passover and Easter.

 Passover and Easter.

 

At the risk of ticking off a few folks and of educating a few one way or the other, tonight let’s talk about God’s Holy Days. My brother assures me that no one in my immediate group of friends is even vaguely Jewish, but God established times regardless of our persuasions. The word Easter comes from various spellings: one theory is that it is from an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility—Eostre or Eostrae. Another: Ishtar is an ancient Mesopotamian goddess of war and sexual love¹². She is also associated with beauty, sex, divine law, and political power². She is the Akkadian counterpart of the West Semitic goddess Astarte¹. She was known by different names and symbols in different cultures, such as Inanna by the Sumerians and 𒌋𒁯 by the Assyrians². All kinds of stories have been associated with Ishtar, including the incestuous relationship she had with her brother. He was supposedly killed, and the child she had by him was declared his reincarnation or resurrection. He supposedly came down from heaven in an egg. Oh boy! Do we see where an egg might have been handy? Anyway, the word Easter always makes me think of Ishtar rather than Christ.

 

Now, let’s look at the timing. Easter was supposed to be the beginning of the reawakening of the earth because the goddess came back from the underworld to bring spring. In God’s way of doing things, the months are reliant upon the moon and its cycle.

Passover, also known as Pesach in Hebrew, is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ departure from ancient Egypt. The date of Passover varies each year because it is determined by the lunar-based Hebrew calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. For those of us who see it as important, Passover begins this year on Monday, April 22. And no, you won’t be finding any candy eggs out in my yard. If you happen to see any bunny rabbits, you can bet my dogs are barking at them and would do their best to make them into itsy bits of fur. Baby chicks, on the other hand, will remain in the coop to become egg layers, not symbols.

 

In America, we are considered, for the most part, Gentiles as opposed to Jewish. However, one scripture is for those of us who consider ourselves to be Christian: If ye be Christ’s, then ye are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Gal. 3:29

Sons Through Faith in Christ
…28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

Romans 4:13
For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.

 

Maybe it is just the way that my parents taught me, although they knew little to nothing about the days that God declared as holy, but if this old woman’s mind finds that something does not match what God’s word indicates, then it becomes anathema to me. Satan uses so many forms of so-called righteousness or godliness that are false. When the Anti-Christ comes to be seen, his coming will be proclaimed because it will be considered the coming of peace.

Jeremiah 6:14

“They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.”

 

Look around you at the political posturing and the declarations of empathy with those suffering. Have any of those been healed by the words of men?

 

For those of you who are offended by my words, may you know that offense has not been intended. But it is not possible for me to wish you a happiness under a false guise. May God bless you with understanding and with His care for your faith.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 That Strange Soup!

 

Ok, the 15-bean soup turned out pretty decent. The recipe called for sausage to be cut up and included along with onion stirred up with a clove of garlic in a frying pan, grease drained off, and then dumped into the pot to simmer a bit. Did not want to go outside in the wind and uproot a piece of garlic, so just used garlic powder, but otherwise pretty well went with the recipe—except, my sausage was turkey and had no grease in it. Turkey sausage is easy on my stomach, so there’s that. Otherwise, the soup is a teeny bit spicey. Still, not bad for a terribly windy, coolish day.

 

Took Rudy into the vet achingly early this morning. May not have bothered him to get out that early, but my body did not appreciate the wind or the temperature. Anyway, we got a good report on his blood sugar, and he is getting around almost as good as he has ever done. He did have a series of ooops around Patty’s house last night, but the old woman did not even offer to help clean up the messes. Guess that was not very considerate of me, but my dogs wake me up when they need to go out unless they are ill. Which he may have been. Anyway, she got the messes cleaned up and disposed of them in the bin. Not any worse than changing some diapers except for the location.

 

Talked to Sterling and listened to his and Jacqui’s latest problem. Seems one of the family has two German Shepards that are not restrained, fenced, or otherwise kept at home. Those two dogs scared the hey out of Jacqui by killing a cat in her yard. She was afraid to open the door and go out there to try to stop them since her dog thinks it is a Great Dane—about as big as Roxie or less. This is not the first time the dogs have tried to attack Sterling’s dog, so you can almost bet it will be the last time. He hates getting into messes with the family, but those dogs could just as well have knocked Jacqui over if she had gone outside—nevermind their little dog. Folks need to take care of their critters like family—love them and care for them and consider others when they are around. My dogs LIVE here, so no apologies are made for dog hair, but they are kept in the other room if someone like Shona comes over and is afraid of them. They would not hurt her as long as she is not screaming or otherwise making crazy gestures. Have warned her grandson not to act like he is trying to hit anyone because that is their signal to take care of things. Have also told the littlest one not to put her fingers in the fence. Just don’t want the kids hurt or my dogs in trouble.

 

Can’t totally avoid the news out of Israel right now. Moving over a million people here in the U.S. during a hurricane or floods is an absolute nightmare, but when folks are shooting at others at the same time, the scenario is simply unimaginable. If the country of Jordan would allow the Palestinians to cross over into their territory, it would be a simple matter of bulldozing the hiding places and replacing homes, hospitals, or other structures and then allowing the population to return as they are cleared as non-Hamas supporters. Even Egypt could open their border to Gaza for the same purpose. God will allow Israel to continue to do what they are doing no matter how many lives are lost. All we can do is pray that the innocent can be spared. A time is coming when Israel will be overtaken by the Anti-Christ much the same as when Antiochus exercised his hatred for the Jews—allowed by God “by reason of transgression.” Lehman Straus puts it this way: “because of the national transgression of Israel. The remnant returned to the land, but they did not turn back to God, a fact not to be denied as to Israel’s past and also as to her present status in the land today.” Our job is to trust God’s way of handling things and ask Him to forgive His people—including the Gentiles of America. My understanding is far from perfect, but just as Daniel trusted in God to fulfill the prophecies he was shown, those words still have meaning to us today! Let us return to God in all our ways!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

South Wind!

 South Wind!

 

Have been a bit concerned that the hens might have to lay every egg twice today since this wind is so strong. It has ripped bunches of leaves off the Bradford pear tree and piled them up near my front porch step. It’s not that the pear tree is good for much, but still. Some shade in Texas is to be valued. Just wish it had been a better tree or something useful. Still, the woman who planted it there was not using her head since it is so close to the water meter and front faucet. Sigh. Lewis used to groan every time the notion took me to plant something. He always had to point out that HE was the one who mowed that back yard. If he were around today to see the land that has accumulated to this old place, he might yell just a bit louder. Fenced in the west 40 and two lots on the east side to add to the original place. Now have slightly more than a half acre. The dogs and hens love having all that space to roam. Mowing isn’t too bad, but the old woman has not done any mowing in quite some time. Still have the zero-turn mower, so it’s not like it can’t get done after the lawn service is no longer available like it is currently. Also, have a battery-operated mower and battery-powered weed eater. They are not as effective as the big mowers and weed eaters, but they get the job done without making my back and shoulders hurt. They are just like me—slower.

 

Have to be down the hill to pick Rudy up early tomorrow morning. Will try to have him back home as soon as we see the vet and get the rest of his insulin needles and a Sharps container for disposing of the used needles. He gets such a tiny dose of insulin that it feels almost useless to give him a shot. If Patty can restrict her diet and the dogs’ diet, he may eventually not need any insulin at all. She said she really had not considered how much she was giving them when she ate whatever treat she had. It makes me wonder at what this old woman should be noticing about her own dogs.

 

Need to get in the kitchen and slice up some roast beef that is already cooked and ready to put in Ziplocks for meals. Made a sandwich out of some of it for din-upper. Not bad at all with some good sliced cheese. But have some bean soup mix on soaking for tomorrow. Have always wondered if that stuff was any good, so tomorrow it will be cooked and we will see. The bag contains a seasoning mix and the destructions for how it should be put together with onion, smoked sausage, and garlic. It really sounds good. [And yes, “destructions” is the right word.]

 

Reading more of Lehman Straus’ study of the book of Daniel this morning. It amazes me that many of the stories of that time were all jumbled up into one time period in my mind. Daniel lived to be a ripe old age, Dear Hearts. And he never failed to be obedient to God or to misrepresent what he knew to be right. Oh! How wonderful it would be to have been the kind of man he was! Or person. Three times a day he knelt to praise God and express his gratitude for the many blessings given to him. From a disrespected captive to a man second only to the king, he stood in God’s grace and lived his life as an example of what God expects of us—of all men! The kings and rulers may not have been converted to belief or to lead their lives differently than what was the custom of their days, but they could certainly see by Daniel’s example that God was good to those who were obedient. May we lead our lives as closely as possible to Daniel’s example. Praise God for His grace to us!

 

Again, please remember Raye Louise and little Zeke Ambrosious in their health emergencies. My nephew Danny Pollard is a grown man, but God can reboot his kidneys while he fights this blood cancer. And one woman known to me needs our prayers. Her oldest child is a lot like my youngest son. This young man needs psychiatric help, and there is none of any degree of usefulness in this area. If you doubt that, just ask me how that statement comes to be! Please ask for God’s protection on this family and for healing of this young man’s spirit. Satan works every day in every way and place to ruin lives and disturb God’s people. We need God’s protection and help!

 

Be aware that Satan has stirred up a hornet’s nest both in Russia and in Israel. Let us pray for Israel and those in the line of fire from Satan’s minions throughout this world.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Old Age!

 Old Age!

 

My sister-in-law says that she has the Arkansas crud. That means she is stopped up and sneezing with the breezes. Considering the pollen count right now, most of us who have any allergies at all will be “enjoying” this time of the year more than any other time with plenty of sound effects—from either end! Sneeze really big and see what comes out from under your nose while holding your legs together tightly! Dagnabit! Get just a wee bit over the hill and discover the fun of old age! But then, we have to celebrate each one of these days and thank God for each of them since not every person gets to enjoy these interesting events!

 

You will find some words from Diann Dennis concerning her granddaughter, Raye Louise. Poor child has been in considerable pain just lately with the treatments that are given her for the cancer in her eyes. Please remember the child in your prayers and remember that her parents and grands are in their own kind of pain for her. It just makes a parent ache when a child hurts. At the same time that you are praying for Raye and her parents, please remember Zeke Ambroisous and his family. They have no idea what is going on with the little guy, but they have had to go back to the hospital with him. He is the little one who kept having seizures even after he was placed in a medically induced coma.

 

Our lives are never anything like sure when we make our plans or try to accomplish even the least thing. You know that only God is truly able to make plans and carry them out. We just think we want to do things and try to head our actions in one direction or another. We would do about as well to try to design roses and their perfume as to make our plans and accomplish them. Not much is going to happen the way we want things. In my case, just smelling the roses can cause all kinds of interesting reactions. Only one rose bush around here—the Seven Sisters Rose—that does not cause me too many problems. It is beginning to bloom. The deep sigh you hear is mine because it lasts about as long as spring before shedding all its blooms. The best thing about this bush is the fact that it does not reach out and grab me with its thorns. Had to get rid of the beautiful roses around here because the thorns caused me to have infections if they scratched me. Nothing like being allergic to a silly thorn!

 

Sterling said that Danny Pollard has developed diabetes to go along with the blood cancer. Poor kid. Well, he is a grown man, but to us, he is still a kid. Anyway, the chemo is hard enough, and now he is being restricted as to what he can eat. Sterling said that getting older means—for some of us—not drinking late in the afternoon or not eating after 4 p.m. to avoid reflux and those trips to the necessary room all night long! He managed to pass out the other morning from getting up too fast, so now he will try to remember to get up slowly and act a little bit like an old man. Ah, life is wonderful!

 

For all our gripes and groans, isn’t life really something to enjoy and to appreciate! We are so very blessed. The birds sing for us; the hens come running to us; the dogs love us; the cats cuddle us; and our families make our eyes light up with love. Can we all hope that our Father feels that way about us, as well.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Some Birthdays Are Different!

 Some Birthdays Are Different!

 

Today is Reece’s birthday. He is 24 now. On the way to work this morning, some idiot decided to outrun the yield sign and hit his car on the driver’s side. The EMTs said they did not think it was a concussion, but he has a mighty nice headache. His car was towed ONE freaking block to H&O where the insurance company will have their wrecker pick it up. IF it can be repaired, he can drive it a little longer. If they total it, he will have to have another vehicle. It just makes me so glad that the police officers told him to have it towed rather than take a chance on it falling apart out there on that big road! And the best part—he just has a really bad headache instead of terrible injuries!

 

This is some way to return from a trip, but Jennifer’s sleep cycle is totally messed up anyway. It is afternoon in Scotland. Think Gary is still in bed—or was. Funny how traveling affects folks and their sense of time.

 

Have one of my favorite hens trying to be broody. Have to go put feed and water in a cage for her so she can be separated from the other hens. She was sitting on one egg, but don’t really think it was hers since she spent the night on that nest. Silly Thelma! She is my one naked neck Turken hen. The rest of them were roosters! May have to meet one of the kids in Bowie to get eggs to them. Will call Landon and see if he can come get eggs this week. Right now, he is in his car looking for a parking place! Never know where the kids will be when their phones connect!

 

Patty has decided that her dogs have a “godmother” in me. Rudy just stepped out of his carrier when we got home and thrilled her to pieces. The last time the carrier was opened at her house, he did not even lift his head. Had we not decided to take him back and leave him overnight, he would not have made it. Anyway, will go back down there around 6:30 to give him his insulin and see if Patty thinks she can do it in the morning after he eats his food. Then she will take over giving him his shots on Sunday. Monday morning, he has to go back to have his blood sugar checked while fasting. Such fun. Oh well. These critters are like children to most of us. FAMILY for sure!

 

Landon said he does not have anything planned for this week, so he will probably come pick up eggs. He said a quiche sounds good. It really does!

 

This old woman is tired tonight for some reason. Got up pretty early—before the hens were up—and opened the coops. Coffee kept me going most of this day, but feel like someone needs to talk to the cook around here about making something that can be eaten for more than one meal.

 

Let us be grateful for the peace we have, for our families, for good folks who care about us. Remember those whose children are ill, and remember that our health is always a matter for God’s concern. He cares about His children.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Some Great Rain!

 Some Great Rain!

 

We got rain this afternoon. This was not the piddly kind that makes a person cool and then cold. It CAME DOWN! Didn’t last long, but long enough to be appreciated. And it isn’t even April yet!

 

Rudy is still at the vet’s office. They are slowly weaning him off the oxygen and trying to get him to eat a bite or two. Talked for a bit with the veterinarian this afternoon about quality of life. He has to be able to walk outside by himself and go up and down the outside stairs. Patty is determined to learn how to give him his insulin shots if that is what we end up doing (and if he comes home, it will be). My hope is that he can come home and be a happy dog for a bit longer for her. She has lost so much in her life, so maybe God will bless her with another year with this doggo.

 

Have these two dogs to keep me happy, but Sylvia is going to have to stop eating Thompson’s food when he decides he does not want to eat. This morning it was the other way around. Thompson ate the chicken off of HER bowl and then ate most of the chicken on HIS bowl. Go figure. She did not care. If they keep this up, may just stop giving them any kibble and just give them each a half cup of chicken each morning. Not sure how that will work out, but something has to change.

 

Took a short nap this afternoon because my body just felt ready to lie down for a bit. Not sure why some days are like this, but those naps just happen. It felt as if no coffee had even been consumed this morning, but having emptied and washed the pot earlier, we can tell that it was from this morning’s coffee! Just the smell is enough some days to make me feel wide awake, but not today!

 

Jennifer and Gary are on their way home from London after flying from Aberdeen to the big smokey. They did not have time to really do anything after they got to Aberdeen yesterday, but maybe they won’t be too tired after this horribly long flight. Seems like it was nearly 12 hours when we made it in 2014. We talked then about upgrading to business class so that we would have more than six inches leg room! Those planes are built like cattle trucks!! Makes a person want to say “mooooo” when getting off the ramp! The only difference is the odors. Ahem.

 

Sitting here hoping that Grayson has changed the sheets on their bed. Seems Sora the cat got really ticked off about their absence and left a reminder on their bed. Ahem. Critters! Oh well. They have other beds and rooms.

 

SO glad to have them coming home again. Talked to Lance yesterday and may get to see him this next month. It always feels like such a long time between visits. Saving up eggs to send home with one of them. The girls are outdoing themselves on the daily count. Going to have to start carrying a larger basket for their eggs!

 

Sitting here thinking that God has blessed me so greatly. Love my children and grands and all the new neighbors. It feels like God has wrapped me in love. Will be praying for those whose needs are not quite met yet, and then thank Him for His care for all of us. We are in this time in history for a reason. Let us be a good example of how His love works. Quietly, gently, with good intentions, let us show what kindness can do.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

The Puppers.

 The Puppers.

 

Yesterday it was obvious to me that Rudy did not really feel all that great. He was not about to take one more step than was really necessary. Still, it was not obvious that he was sick, but today we knew for sure. His heart is not well; he has diabetes; he is in an incubator type thing with oxygen and adjusted temperature to keep him comfortable. Probably in the morning he will have some x-rays or one of those other big exams to see about what all is wrong with his heart. Yes, this is expensive, but this little dog is her version of a child. Lots of us feel this way about our dogs and cats. Anyway, Colonial Park vets are taking good care of Rudy, so in the morning they should call me to let me know how the night went. Patty just would have awoken tomorrow with a dead dog had we not pushed the situation. She does not need that. No one does.

 

Then a text from one of my favorite cousins—well, from his wife—let me know that John Pollard had died this morning in the wee hours. Poor Wham and John were married for over 50 years. Wham took good care of him, but he already had five stints in his heart, was on dialysis, and had liver failure or something like that. He was a good guy, a good Navy man, and a neat cousin. He and Wham had no children, but they had dogs like some of us that meant the world to them. Wham showed dogs for a long time, but John just smiled and enjoyed her happiness. John had talked about what was coming in the future with God’s handiwork on his mind. No need to worry about his future.

 

Talked to my son a bit and know that all the kids are ok, even though we have an unexpected batch of puppies due in a week or two. Such is life. He promises that there will be no more animals in their future after the children are all gone. One will have to take Boris the Russian terrapin or whatever it is, and the other one will have to take the two cats. Wondering if that will really happen. Smiling while thinking about it.

 

My day has been more than enough to wear me down to a frazzle since picking Rudy up several times was about tiring. He only weighs in around 20 pounds, but just pick that up and carry it around for a while! Anyway, my attitude is not the greatest tonight, so will just tell you that we each need to appreciate the blessings from our lives—from the tiny ones to the larger ones! God gives us the best!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Random Stuff.

 Random Stuff.

 

Patty asked me if the young girl stopped to say anything today after she delivered her tacos. Shook my head and said the dogs barked at the car, but it did not stop. It seems it was one of my former students who said she liked me. It is one of the most embarrassing things that my students could never understand until they get much older. No matter how many of my classes they took, it did not mean that the old woman (even younger then) would remember the person, much less know the name of the student. Yes, lots of young folks look familiar. One young lady was buying something at Sutherlands one day and kept looking at me. She “knew” me, but she did not say anything, so thankfully it was not too embarrassing to just nod my head and smile. That way she could think that she was noticed for who she was.

 

Life has some strange things that take place in cycles or at least in some repetitious form. Ten years ago, Jennifer took a picture of the two of us with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Today she took one of her and Gary with similar background. My hope is that someday these two will look back and remember these days as some of the best together. We all need those memories to sustain us.

 

Then today Brad Smith called me to let me know where his mother is now. BillieRuth was one of those people who just made my laugh come out and feel right at home. She was 83 in January and it seemed like she was the essence of the independent woman! She lived on a farm in Paducah by herself with barn cats, hens, and lots of wild animals—plus Petey her parakeet! But her health was not improving and she was neither eating nor sleeping right, so the kids took her with them. She now lives in a place called Avalon. Brad promised to call me the next time he was there so she could talk to me. He also told me that one of the hens she got from me was one of the orneriest he had ever seen. It would have nothing to do with the other hens, and when they moved all of them to a lady’s farm down their way, this one took up with a duck, thank you very much. The Hamburg breed is definitely not a “pet” chicken. But they survive. When mine were laying eggs, it was like an Easter egg hunt every freaking day. In the workshop in a bucket, in the flower bed under the rosemary bush, in the iris plants between the fences—just flip a coin and start looking. Took six to her, so having one left is not bad considering the coyotes, hawks, skunks, raccoons and such!

 

Jenn took a picture inside a pastry shop called Paul. The first picture was of some truly humongous blueberries. Made my mouth water just to look at them. Then she had a picture of the display case with all kinds of delicious looking things. It made me want to go to United for something like that. (Actually, ended up buying a small tiramisu and sharing it with Patty.) THEN she sent pictures of the catacombs. Ugh and double yeck. Really have never understood why they would make things like that, but have never looked it up either. It just seems unbalanced. Guess it is not any worse than some other things. Seems the Mongols made saddles from the skins of their enemies. Whew!

 

Finally, Sterling called today and we talked about his oldest son Danny. He has to be on dialysis for at least a while. Some folks were trying to tell Sterling that once he starts, he has to remain on it. Two of the men in their Bible study were happy to tell Sterling that they were both on it and have been off of it for years. So, there’s that. Still, your prayers for Danny Pollard and his family are much appreciated.

 

While we have our heads down and our thoughts toward our Father in heaven, let’s remember others who need His help: Raye Louise, granddaughter of Diann Dennis. The child has cancer in her eyes, and they are trying desperately to save her vision as well as her life. Zeke Ambrosious who suffered brain damage from seizures and needs some rehabilitation and lots of love—plus his parents to have the ability to care for him and help him develop normally. You have to realize that those parents hurt for him and for their own lives having been turned upside down. Then my sweet neighbor across the street said that they are waiting for their house in Childress to sell. Have not asked about it this past week as my head was as foggy as a November day, but she probably would have said if it had sold. All the things that have an effect on families will probably be reflected in these blogs. There is not much that is not common to us all. Family problems, children who worry us, finances that never are certain, and just the weather and its trail of tears because of drought, floods, blizzards, and storms—all these things come to us at one time or another. We just have to ask for God’s mercy and help through each step. Thank you for praying and believing that He is with us constantly.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Tossing Beds!

 Tossing Beds!

 

Two dog beds have gone the way of all things soiled and doggy smelling. It may cause the trash bin lid to stay somewhat open, but worse things have happened. Anyway, what could be washed is in the machine and what couldn’t be washed is in the bin. Meanwhile, Thompson’s one little bed makes him happy enough with a piece of carpet under it. The rest of that bed is in the washer along with some cleaning rags. Busy day for the house to get cleaned. If only the dogs would stop bringing in hay and dead leaves!

 

Jennifer sent pictures of primroses and a fluffy Husky in Paris. Such beautiful pictures of old buildings and statues. Glad it is her feet and not mine, however. After the Eiffel Tower, Gary had all his steps in since he went up the stairs instead of going up the easy way. Guess someone has to do that sort of thing.

 

Sitting here in the office and Sylvia has tried to get this silly ball to bounce on its own. It just won’t do it for her! At least Thompson was able to find a bone to chew—a very small remnant of a deer antler. Gonna have to order some more! But they need big cookies with that stuff for their hips anyway. If some old woman would go to TSC, she would probably find the cookies there, but she might also find baby chicks! Not sure, but think it is about to get cold again, so will wait a bit longer before thinking about chicks.

 

Walked down to Patty’s and played a bit with her puppers. Roxy acted as is she had not been outside in ages!! We know better. Anyway, Patty had some stuff for the hens to eat that included some tomatoes. The hens would holler thank you if they knew how.

 

Shona’s grandchild is outside playing in the green grass, so Thompson and Sylvia have to go bark about it. Better for them to be outside than inside to do that barking! Oh well, they are back inside again! Children and dogs have a lot in common.

 

The pollen count this evening is at a 10 on a scale of twelve. That is probably the reason the old woman just keeps sneezing. Hoping this allergy pill will take care of all the sneezing and snorting, but have my doubts. At least my sinuses don’t feel stopped up. Guess there is always some bright spot.

 

Well, the ONE dog bed is put back together and put next to my bed with the little fluffy bed on top of it. Here’s hoping that will be comfortable for an old dog. The rest of the stuff—cleaning rags and mopping forms--are also clean and dry and ready to fold up and put away, but the old person who lives here has little inclination to do much more today. Surely, she is not the only one who gets this way. After last week, it would be nice to just feel rested and a bit lazy—well, lazier than usual. Guess no one is going to do much if any complaining. The dogs don’t care as long as they are fed and petted. And the neighbors have their own concerns to keep them busy. Just so glad that this stage of life does not require me to care for small children—dogs are enough.

 

Still have reading to do in Daniel and this study by Lehman Straus, but not sure things are sticking with me. Sometimes it feels as if a few pages need to be re-read to clear my understanding of just the basic things he discusses. At least it is interesting to know that he is only one among the many Bible scholars who have done their best to let the Bible interpret itself rather than believing they know it all just from a cursory reading. The best thing that comes to me most often when feeling befuzzled is the fact that it is God who reveals things, not man.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Entertainment.

 Entertainment.

 

Yeppers! This has been an entertaining day. Bark, bark, bark, and what is more: BARK! If anything moves in this neighborhood, these two dogs can see it out the living room windows! The idea is that it is their “job” to keep me up-to-date on news of the movements and suspicions that result from movements! Now, that being said, the hens are well aware of any movements from the back kitchen door. THEY know what those movements might mean: food, pets, bits of leftover whatever, or just someone to tell their “troubles” to! We have had discussions today about sunflower seeds, the silly birds eating chicken feed, and how the grass is lying on its side after the rain. Also, the old woman has picked up about a dozen eggs. Yesterday something knocked over one of the nesting boxes and broke two eggs. Sigh. Not sure how that happened, but sometimes two hens will try to get in the same box at the same time. Velly intellesting! Ever seen one hen lay an egg in another’s face? It happens around here. May have to nail a tiny board across the face of the nest opening so the box can’t tip out. Another little job to put on the list.

 

Speaking of lists: Lance has no idea how his name is used around here. He just knows that it always seems he has more little jobs to do here than at his own home. Mine accumulate, you see. Nothing big, just things that take more hand strength than the old woman can manage. Patty laughs that she waits until one of the men come to visit before she has the batteries in her flashlights changed. Sounds too simple, doesn’t it. If you have no strength in your hands or your fingers have arthritis in them, it makes perfect sense to wait until someone comes along who does not even have to think about these things. Gave Patty a tube of stuff that came from Walmart some years ago and it reduced the swelling in one of her fingers. Now she has put the stuff on her toes, too! SO glad something works for her. Just wish something would help my friend Michelle Malay!

 

Phoned my oldest grandson a few minutes ago to check on him. He said he is feeling better but just still coughing. Asked him about his drinking. Kids never think to drink water—listen to this old woman talk! It is hard to remember to drink! But my bottle of water is here on my desk and is slowly going down. Need to start using my filtered water pitchers again. Bottled water is silly in so many ways, but it also helps me think about how much has been consumed in any day. Guess it would be so much more economical and less waste put into the ground to use my cups that have lids. Kinda strange to think we used to drink out of the water hose back home!

 

Son-in-law posted some pictures of them in Paris. Jennifer looked so very happy. She likes France the way someone likes music or paintings. It seems strange that we have never been to the Big Bend area of Texas, yet we have been to Paris to the Louvre or to Versailles. Their picture inside that place reminded me that it would take forever to really get to enjoy that place—just absorbing the beautiful paintings, not even counting the architecture. The immensity is almost overwhelming. But her smile told me that this trip was definitely worth the effort and that horrible plane ride over there.

 

Haven’t accomplished doodley squat today and don’t even care. Took the last antibiotic and hope to sleep tonight. Still have a few little tasks before bedtime, so maybe that will keep me busy and out of trouble. Have some chicken to debone and package up. Did not even look at the sales for United this week. Did not feel up to driving, much less shopping. Getting lazy in my old age. Did talk to grandson Reece about his cruise. Apparently, the spring break bunch were on a tear and being arseholes was very popular. So, the cruise company had to make some rules about any noise making stuff—speakers and such—that got taken on the island from now on. Whatever. Would have been much nicer if those rules had already been in effect. Seems many places are totally disenchanted with spring break and the idiots who do not have any consideration for others. And to think we thought we were being “wild” to have a water balloon fight on the streets of Petrolia from horseback! Oh! Times have changed!

 

Refusing to look at any news today because only God can handle this stuff. The world is too much with us, Dear Hearts. Let us put our trust where it belongs—definitely not in man.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 Missing Boots!

 

Been so long since we have had this much rain that the old woman could not find her rain boots. Oh well. It’s just mud. And we are gloriously happy to have all this muddy stuff, too! God is great to give us what we need. A couple more days of this stuff might truly help the lake levels and make the flowers bloom again to impress the ones who actually think “they” are growing flowers! We know.

 

Sylvia was on another nose booping mission today. Eventually, maybe it will make sense to me. It takes some of us a little longer than others to understand the ones who live with us. Lay down this afternoon after being booped a bit and took a decent nap. May not sleep tonight, but it won’t be any worse than last night. Sometime after 4:40 my brain shut up and sleep came along until 6:30, so it was almost time to release the hens from the coops. They were happy to be out and have more water in their bowls. Not sure what causes sleeplessness, but it should be easier to find something useful to do during that time. Sigh.

 

Jennifer and Gary sent back pictures from London and then Jenn announced that they were finally in Paris! She looked so happy! The pictures she sent back included that giant glass pyramid in front of the Louvre. She reminded me last night that the agency she used last time was able to keep us in four and five-star hotels. She said the one they are in this time is really nice. It did not occur to me when we were there that not every place has a buffet breakfast! But travel was not really one of my experiences other than here in the U.S. She has already spent enough time in Scotland that is enough to make me drool. Loved that place. Would love to stay more than a month there in a small village. Another deep sigh.

 

My yard has this wonderful clover stuff on it along with plenty of henbit (the kind that has those purple flowers). Not sure just how much real grass is growing under all that stuff, but so far, the hens are happy, so that makes me happy. Also, it helps keep the dirt out of the house to some extent. Always a plus!

 

Saw some posts online from the WF group complaining about this clover. Everyone was suggesting some kind of spray, and Paul Dowlearn kept saying that they were suggesting poisons! Wish folks would understand what they are doing to themselves when they spray that junk. The clover will burn off when it gets hot, and then the dirt will absorb the nutrients. That is the way God made things to work. We just need to mind our own business.

 

Glad that it occurred to me last grocery trip to pick up a bag of dog kibble. Amazon has not delivered this week. Hmm. Guess it will get here when it gets here. The combination of Lamb and Rice by Purina One and the cooked chicken has Thompson’s coat looking very healthy. The still get a few bites of my cheese sticks, but mostly they eat dog food. Now if the bugs don’t start irritating them when it gets warmer, we will maybe do ok. About time to get new flea collars.

 

It just amazes me at how many new species are being discovered in various places—but especially in the ocean! If you enjoy seeing what the world ignores, just pick up on some of the new discoveries. Even England has some of the tallest Red Woods in the world. Did you ever hear about that? Who knew that they planted thousands back during the Victorian era? And now those trees are showing off very well. It always hurts to see an older tree cut down for no good reason. Jenn and Lance were mourning a beautiful oak that the highway planners cut down near H&O this past year. It was not even in the road bed, but still, they cut it down. That tree had been around longer than our nation, but down it came.

 

Then there are the statues that are being removed—those that have absolutely nothing to do with the Civil War. Stored for “safe-keeping” is the reply. Our history is disappearing before our eyes in this nation. Someone is being very sneaky!

 

Still reading Daniel and what was revealed to him. Looking at the description of the seven years makes me think that mankind will be so puffed up in their own sight. They won’t even see the end coming because of their pride and ignorance. Yet the truth is right there in that book. Hope someone else is reading and understanding. But even today’s historians can see the effect of our arrogance. So sad. Maybe it will be during my lifetime, but it doesn’t matter. God has things in hand.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 The Pictures on My Computer.

 

Each time this computer is unlocked, the picture of my sweet daughter and her husband Gary shows up. It always makes me smile. Then, left on for a bit, the next picture shows Lance and his family—Tracy, Landon, Rachel, and her friend Damian. That picture also makes me smile. Sometimes remembering him as a small boy makes me want to laugh. His sister Jennifer always was right behind him, climbing trees or playing in the dirt or whatever caught their fancy. They had a good childhood—at least in my estimation. They held toads, caught bugs, played with chickens, and otherwise just used their imagination as they roamed all over this hill. And yes, they both had BB guns. They were not allowed to shoot birds, or at least that was their instruction. Who knows. But they always brought home some interesting finds in their adventures: the wounded duck that needed to rest and be fed, the rabbits found dumped by someone who should have known better, and even a fish or two. Remembering my children as they were back then still fills me with love. Of course, now their children have had a few adventures on this old hill. If ever the old woman thought to leave here, how could she ever take those memories with her?

 

Glad that those silly antibiotics can help one get over whatever ails one! Seems the young daughter in Shona and Albert’s home has about the same thing. She is on these wonderful little pills, too, poor kid! Maybe when all is said and done, we will get to celebrate feeling better. Think maybe an ice cream cone might be the thing for both of us!

 

Listening to Jennifer’s call the other day made me smile when she reminded me that she has to take two steps every time Gary takes one. Poor child got Grandmother Pollard’s short legs. Grayson and this old woman laughed at ourselves the other day saying that we have inherited whatever bad gene it takes to develop the bad habits we have—we both bite our nails! Surely there is a term for a person whose sensory perception is so messed up that the slightest difference from finger to tip makes us try to level things out!! Sure! Being dingy is already taken as a term, however.

 

Think grandson Reece is on his way home from the graduation cruise he took for spring break. It was his graduation present and a needed get away maybe. Forgot to ask him what he plans to do this summer, but you can pretty well bet it will mostly include work, work, and more work. That pretty well sums up life after school, huh.

 

Hoping to sleep tonight without any undue tossing and turning. Maybe it was a change in the weather and the wind, but it seemed like nothing about the old woman’s body was comfortable in bed. Woke up to the same type of aches this morning, too. Bet it is the weather. We go from one extreme to another! Now if only we could get about six inches of solid rain for a few days, maybe it would all be worth it.

 

Sterling said he was not sure if he had one tiny place on his body that did not hurt today after he had a “therapeutic” massage yesterday. Let’s hope that the shingles got the message and will leave him alone now.

 

Sometimes we all—herself included—develop an attitude about ourselves. We don’t feel “good enough” or something. But we are captives! We have to release the idea that we are who we think we are and realize that who we are is already a settled situation: we became the adopted children of God when we accepted His grace. He chose us. We are in His family. Those are the ties that truly bind. His arms can and will grasp us no matter what we do; he won’t let us be lost. If God loves us, we have worth and are worth loving! Praise His name!!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 Memories in the Night.

 

Grandmother Pollard always had the nicest robe to wear around the house. Mind you, she sometimes had to run all across the pasture to the sheep barn if she were needed. But it remained so pretty—at least in my estimation. It was worn more than once by children in our Christmas plays there in Petrolia. When my length finally got close to that height, that robe got worn again. Someone, not sure who, had a small child that came to the play as an actor one year. The child got tired of standing by the creche and dropped to her knees—so her “mother” did the same. Everyone thought it was a planned part of the play and all were so impressed. Think Mrs. Moon got the credit for that little performance, but it was a purely natural situation. Tired child, down on the knees. Funny how things work out.

 

My head almost feels as if it belongs to me this morning. It’s possible that survival might be worth it. Then too, it is an absolutely gorgeous day—no gale-force winds! If the men who cut the grass get here and get everything finished, may go down and walk the puppers at Patty’s. They will enjoy not having to “swim” in their yard. The grass doesn’t have to grow much to cover them up all the way to their ears.

 

Sylvia did not like for me to walk around inside the house this morning. She kept poking me with her nose. Not sure just what that was all about, but as soon as the old woman sat down, she acted happy again. Just wish the man who owns the dog down on the corner of N. Church would do something kind for his dog. That poor animal cries nearly all night. Honestly, if they are not going to be members of your family, just don’t get one! And in case you are wondering, yes, spay and neuter is a big deal in my estimation. Actually, have known a few young people with the morals of alley cats that would have benefitted by the TNR program. That is not being sadistic, more like realistic!

 

Just had a nice call from London. Jennifer is having fits with her sinuses as well. They can open the hotel windows over there, and the air is perfect for her, but Gary wants the AC on. She has not quite got the centigrade/Fahrenheit thing down yet. Besides, the house keeping staff come and turn it off. So there. Told Jenn to find me a home some miles from Aberdeen. Ready to move to Scotland—yes, cold and all. Small villages are so different there than here. And one does not have to drive just to go to the grocer or post office. Don’t you know it would be a true culture shock for anyone coming from there to move here where everything is at least a mile away.

 

Apparently, folks over there do not wear blue jeans like Jenn wears. Seems like that was one thing we noticed once before, but jeans are pretty much the only apparel this ol’ woman owns. Not going to go chip kickin’, but still wear those tough as nails pants.

 

Sterling is supposed to be in Missouri and then on his way home. Jacqui said he was going to this lady who thought she could do something about the stupid shingles. Never say the word shingles that it doesn’t remind me of the man who went to the doctor’s office and approached the receptionist in his dirty clothes. She wanted to know what he was there for. “Shingles,” he said. Exasperated she asked, “Well, where are they?” “Out back,” said the man. “Well, take a seat and you can see the doctor in a few minutes.” Most of you have heard this story, so you know what kind of shingles the man had.

 

Just finished drinking a bottle of water with something called Emer GenC stuff in it. Bleah. Not anything at all as satisfying as Liquid IV powders. Costs make a difference, but if you are trying to remember to drink fluids without caffeine or sugar, definitely recommend Liquid IV.

 

Still reading the study of the book of Daniel by Lehman Straus. The man makes it easy to understand how much God looks at His people with expectation. God knows we are going to mess up, and has allowed for the messes! But Lehman has also made it clear that Daniel knew which men were kings and what would happen to each. Amazing that we can read a history of the first Gentile leader of the world in this book by a Jewish man who was loved by God. And we are even told of the last seven years when all these things will come to one skidding stop! Trust God! He let us know how things will be and left it up to us to live the life of repentance for our mistakes.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 Swabbed and Dobbed.

 

Spring round up meant all the bull calves had to be neutered, dehorned, and given a shot. This ol’ gal is not a bull calf, but she has definitely been swabbed and dobbed. It was not covid, flu, or strep, so that pretty much left a viral infection. Such fun. The migraine med helped, but my right eye just does not really want to stay open cause it hurts to look at the light. Patty said if she were able, she would come pick up eggs and close up the hens, but my guess is that it won’t be so bad afterwhile. Anyway, staying down for the count for right now. Sorry to not give you any silly sayings or foolish scenarios, but just being still and not leaning over to let my head fall off right now. Just so thankful for Dr. Blackwell. She takes very good care of me—even turned off the light so it would not hurt my eyes.

 

Maggie Sewell’s car is on the fritz, so she could not come get eggs. Hope that gets repaired quickly. She said it has been something or other every week. We have all been there.

 

May you find gratitude even in the midst of problems. He still takes good care of us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.