Answers and Helpers.

 Answers and Helpers.

 

It has been a super day around here. The two dogs got to hear Lance’s truck come up the road and then were allowed to run out to meet him! Oh! joy and freedom to sniff the front yard and jump up on his legs! Lance did not seem to mind the extra dog hair even! His dog and his daughter’s dogs have him pretty well trained.

 

Had spent some time and made gravy and biscuits (the biscuits were canned), sausage, and some fresh natural eggs scrambled that Maria had brought to me. Lance thought it was a pretty good breakfast. The dogs got the leftover gravy and some few bites of scrambled eggs, so they were happy too.

 

Lance took the battery off my truck, and we found out that it would not hold a charge. That’s the second battery like that from Walmart. Anyway, it has a new battery on it now and should not give me any more trouble that way. Here’s praying that nothing else happens to it for at least several months. By the week after this one, the old woman should be able to drive again. Patty needs to go to the dentist to have her teeth cleaned, so there’s that. Anyway, maybe things will go a tiny bit smoother for a while.

 

Colonial Park provided the new prescription for Thompson’s meds for his old body. He takes a couple of pills a day and has stopped whimpering, so the meds must be working. Know exactly how he feels.

 

Talked to Sterling briefly today. He has been asked to make a boat load of benches to sell for the lumber yard. He said that they are relatively simple, but let’s face it, they still have to be picked up piece by piece, cut, sanded, and varnished. That is a lot of work. But he and his friend George say that it keeps them busy and off the streets. Funny guys!

 

Let’s just say that today has been a good day. The temps are supposed to drop tonight and won’t be much better for a couple of days, but at least the winds are not blowing a gale, and we don’t have ice coating the electric lines. Let us pray for those affected by the deep snows, the high winds, the fires, and the droughts. May God bless us and this nation. Let us take care that we as individuals are as kind and loving toward others as possible. God has so blessed us. Let us live in gratitude.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Expecting a Visitor.

 Expecting a Visitor.

 

Lance let me know that he would be here sometime in the morning. Weekends are just like other days around here, except the mailman does not come by on Sunday. The kids value those days away from their jobs. Can remember loving weekends after Lewis and the old woman retired. Quiet and no hurry to do anything at all.

 

Jennifer took a picture of some flowers that were growing in a pot in my kitchen window while she was here. Sent a recent picture of the flowers and compared the amount of growth. Amazing! They just took off! The stems and leaves are purple and then tiny little pink flowers have fine stems to lead away from the main purple stems. Neat. Can’t remember the name of the plant, but still enjoying it!

 

The dogs have been in and out several times today. Think they would really appreciate being able to enjoy more time outside, but it is still just a bit too cool for them. Some breeds like Jennifer’s Huskies don’t even think about colder weather, but then, the heat of summer about cooks them! These two can—and DO—dig a hole out in the yard and lie down in it to cool off. Wonder if coyotes do that, too.

 

Checking the weather around the central portion of the country while tracking the fires north of us and landed on a weather report that included Connorsville, Indiana. My friend Carla Beard lives up there and said that they had had some “impressive” storms. From the pictures online, it looks as if they had “rivers” of hail in some places!! Wow! The highway they showed looked as if it were hubcap deep in hail stones.

 

While talking to Carla, she let me know that she has a book that she wrote that is about to get published called Faculty Meeting at the Millhouse. It sounds like fun. It is being published by Water’s Edge Press. The lady publisher was an English teacher who just decided to become a publisher. That sounds amazing to me. But now we can look for other books by this publisher as well as this one by Carla Beard.

 

Still thinking about how to explain to my youngest grandson about how much difference there is between Allah, Jesus Christ, and God. He thinks that they are all the same. Yes, a copy of a Bible that is in modern language would probably help him if he ever took the notion to read it, but for the time being, my prayers are pointed at asking God to help me explain without being obnoxious in my words. Please keep my explanations to him in mind when you pray. Telling him that Nebuchadnezzar thought that all gods were the same won’t help him understand that there is ONE God. Wisdom in words and actions is a gift that some have and some always seek, but not everyone of us gets that gift.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

My Friend Maria.

 My Friend Maria

 

Maria came this afternoon and visited with me. This lady is very special to me. She has more courage than this old woman, but she has experience that never came my direction. It is something how we learn about others’ lives. She brought a dozen eggs that may have included some from the hens that Julian took home from here. It is wonderful to have “good” eggs in the house. The three prepared for my breakfast this morning were from the carton that Jennifer bought at United when she was here. The dogs helped me with them for our breakfast. No, that is not all they got to eat, but they like to share with me.

 

Next week my friend Judie Brunson will take me to the eye doctor’s office. They have a tendency to want to make your eyes open up wider than is comfortable, so driving home can get a bit scary with dilated eyes. SO glad that Judie is willing to take me!

 

Called the vets’ office today to see about getting a refill on Thompson’s meds for his old creaky legs and back. Here’s hoping that they will let him have a refill. It will be another week before the old woman should be driving—AFTER getting the battery recharged on my truck. Taking it to O’Reilly’s to see if it is a bad battery was my brother’s suggestion. Got the battery brand new in December last year, but have not been driving enough to keep it charged. Hope it has nothing to do with the alternator—whatever that is.

 

Have not been online today. The temps make me want to curl up and cuddle down in a big chair to just sit and read. SO glad to be able to do that and not feel guilty about not cleaning the house or anything. Just getting older and lazier maybe.

 

Was showing Maria the containers that Jennifer got to use in the freezer so that Fiesta Taco soup could be ready to eat just using the microwave. She really did a good job of keeping me in easy to prepare meals for awhile. It makes a difference when things are this easy to cook and eat. Eventually the old woman will have enough stamina to do it all for myself again, but it may take just a little bit longer. Certainly can’t work outside or actually do anything major like work on the fence line or connect the chains on the carport! Oh well.

 

One of the children bought a small electric blanket that is just about right for half a bed. Rooted around in the back chiffrobe and found it a few minutes ago. Much easier to use it than put the electric blanket back on the bed! You watch! It will probably be too warm to use it tonight!

 

Read the following: Veterinarian Dr. Randall Spare, with the Ashland Veterinary Center, has been busy euthanizing wounded cattle. He estimated 1,000-plus have died or will die as a result of the fire. This is just horrible, not to mention the homes burned, the fire fighters injured, and all the critters on God’s green earth that are currently suffering. May God have mercy!

 

We have to be aware of what is going on in the world around us and in the rest of the nations. Some things are pretty discouraging, but generally speaking, it seems as if we here in the U.S. are so very blessed. We have the medicines necessary to keep us relatively healthy and comfortable. We have the necessary foods to keep us going as well. Now if there were only some way to spread love to every fractious, ornery soul in every community, wouldn’t it be wonderful. Let us each take responsibility to be as kind and giving to others as we are able.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Colder with Fire!

 Colder with Fire!

 

The forecast is looking mighty pale, but the bad part is the fire that is stripping the land and causing evacuations all over the place in Texas and Oklahoma. Our county does not have a burn ban, but it would just take one idiot to let a fire get out of control here on the south side of Lake Wichita to burn Archer and Clay County. May God have mercy on those in the line of the fires. Livestock, wild critters, homes, businesses, and all the folks in the middle of this mess will have to depend on God’s help. Let us pray for those who are so in danger. The electric companies have shut the power off to grids to prevent sparks of fire from high wind in the lines. Imagine going out to milk in the dairy and not having any electricity. Surely hope the dairy farmers have backup generators. And the temps are cold and getting colder the rest of this week.

 

Despite the horrible news of the fires and high winds, this old woman has been doing well and feeling pretty good. Have noticed that there have been “sparks” in my legs lately. Guess the nerves are coming back to life that were compressed by the bone that broke off and was poking the nerve. It is a weird feeling, but nothing that really causes me any grief. It is just different.

 

Saw that New York has passed a law that says no foster child can be sent out to a home without some kind of bag that is meant to be used for travel. It might be a gym bag, but it would beat a black trash bag any day. Dignity makes a difference.

 

Thompson’s medicine is down to two pills, so the old woman has to call the vets’ office tomorrow to see if they will send a refill to the pharmacy—which will deliver. It will be a couple of weeks yet before driving is on the list of things that can be accomplished around here. Just hope the vets understand after they know the old woman can’t drive just yet.

 

Got a neat box of birthday cards delivered today. Think my sweet girl wanted me to have note cards that could be sent for the kids’ birthdays. They don’t really like the Jacqui Lawson e-cards. Having a message and Ma’s handwriting makes a difference to them. Sometimes the new tech stuff is not as important as the old timey things we used to do for everyone.

 

Saw that Germany has produced so many potatoes this year that they are just offering them to anyone who will take them. They are feeding the homeless and anyone who can cook a potato! Is that not wonderful? Yes, it is hard on the potato farmers because their products will not sell over there, but who knows where those potatoes may need to be sent? Wish it were possible to help others in this country with excessive supplies like this.

 

Let us appreciate each day and what it brings. Life can be so sweet if we can share whatever joy God gives us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Gratitude in Notes.

 Gratitude in Notes.

 

Many times, my daughter has told me that the children don’t really like those Jacqui Lawson e-cards, so guess who will do her best to find some decent stationery soon. Just finished writing a note to the men’s Bible study group at the church Sterling attends. Those men have lifted me up in prayer for some time now. And yes, it is encouraging and heartening to know that God shows His love through them and their prayers for me and for others. When one’s spirit is down due to pain and exhaustion, nothing is quite as good as being lifted up. Have you ever prayed for someone and felt yourself lifted up as well? If not, try it. We ALL know someone who needs our prayers.

 

Sterling shares my thoughts on these times, and we both feel concerned for our children and others who have no idea what is next. We are both so old that our lives are just a marginal note in the life of others around us. And we both have no dread for ourselves for the future because we have faith in God. But we both pray for our children and those we love and care about. This is our work now. Whatever we have or haven’t done in the past cannot do what God can do in their lives. May His mercy never cease!

 

Tried to take a “Grandmother nap” today. Jennifer said that Grandmother Pollard used to lie down at 2 in the afternoon and get up at 3 just as if an alarm had been set. Guess who tries to do that ever once in a while. My head does not want to stop thinking long enough for the old body to relax. Oh well.

 

It is supposed to get cold starting Thursday. No joy in that situation. But on the other hand, we are not going to need the AC units right away! Hmm. The calendar says that it is still February!

 

Thompson just got his nighttime pill, and Sylvia has learned that cheese is forthcoming about this time of night. She has to have her portion of the cheese, don’t you see. The office floor is total dog bodies at the moment. How they can be so comfortable and snore on the floor is beyond me.

 

Finally saw AJ over at Shona’s house this afternoon. Have not sent her any messages since she went to see her mom. Just was hoping that all was well. Maybe we will get to exchange hellos tomorrow. Her life is so full of children and their schedules. So glad that is no longer part of my life.

 

Niece Lesli got the news today that she has celiac disease. She at least can try to compensate for the loss of the foods that she can no longer eat and know what is causing her problems. Would not wish that kind of problem on anyone.

 

Let us be grateful for each day and the blessings—and flowers—that are given to us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Taking Some Advice.

 Taking Some Advice.

 

Paul Dowlearn suggested that anything that could be put in the ground right about now should be in the ground now. So, today the old woman pulled up a few dead things out of the raised bed in the front yard, pulled my little rake back and forth through the soil that needed to be chopped up a bit, and scattered seeds for turnips and carrots. We tend to go from 80 degrees to 100 so easily that getting those seeds in the soil now might actually give them a chance to sprout and grow. If not, well, that’s just how things work out sometimes.

 

Woke up hungry for the first time in—well, a while. So, someone was snacking on this or that all day. But on the bright side, some stuff was cooked and put into freezer Ziplocks for meals for either the old woman or to be mixed up for the dogs. It’s good food either way. Also cooked up four chicken breasts and have not exactly decided how they will be used. Getting a tiny bit tired of Chicken Fiesta soup after having it several times. Of course, that is my fault since there are plenty of other dishes in there that can be a meal. Peeled the last grapefruit and ate the sections with a bit of salt. That stuff is just so very good! Know that fruit is expensive and pretty much a luxury, but feel as if it is just as good for a body as two miles of steps. And even one mile right now is just not going to happen. Feeling SO much better, but still tire out quickly. Will tell you that your prayers have made a big difference.

 

The Upper Room is designed to be read along the lines of a calendar, but that doesn’t really satisfy me. Will have this one read and be ready to read it again before long. Just short little stories of how God has affected lives with scripture and prayer have helped to make this a better day. May God bless Sharon Dickerson and her gift of sharing.

 

The dogs got the zoomies this afternoon. Even Thompson ran just a bit. The warmer weather and the pain meds he is taking have made a difference. If the vets’ office will allow me to have another prescription for his gabapentin, that will probably be what helps him through the rest of this year. The galliprant has made a difference in his arthritis. This old woman knows how much difference it makes in life when things are not aching.

 

Looking in the workshop today for my three-pronged rake and saw that several fence panels were lying on the floor in there. Who or when that happened is a mystery to me, but those are going back down to the side lot soon to see if they can be wired to the fence in order to keep Thompson from trying to push under the fence. Loving my critters and not wanting them to get hurt means that getting things done around here just has to happen. Even noticed today that the battery on Thompson’s air tag is getting low, so need to get a new battery in order to keep up with him in case he does get out!

 

Oldest Dickerson grandchild had a birthday today. Called and sang the birthday song. Have not heard that it caused any ill effects, so maybe it was not too bad. Giggling.

 

Hoping that my neighbor and her children get home soon from their visit with Shona’s mom out in West Texas. Think they will be home either tonight or in the morning. Not sure if the children have school tomorrow or not. Anyway, have prayed that they will have a safe trip.

 

Sterling called and wanted a picture of my zero-turn mower and the year it was bought. He wanted me to be able to get a decent price for it since it is unlikely that the old woman will be doing the mowing anytime in the future. We will see how that works out. Mowing is actually fun on that thing, but not sure just how good it is on my back. Need to use common sense even when it is so tempting to just DO things. May just have to talk to Julian about mowing for me some in the future.

 

It’s dark and the old woman needs to sleep, so will tell you that we all need to remind ourselves that what we have done so far may be nothing compared to what we can do in the future that God has in store for us. Please pray for the opened eyes of those who cannot or will not see that the son of God is our savior.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Resting Easy.

 Resting Easy.

 

Jennifer finally got to go home today. That young woman is a special loving person. She has put up with her mom—not just when she was getting driving directions, but when she saw mom do a few things she was not supposed to do. Anyway, we got the doctor’s visit finished and the six staples removed, went to the vet’s office where she nearly lost her temper with the front row dipsticks who were doing their best to ignore her, and then we got gas for her car, and finally took the stinky heater back to Sutherlands. We stopped by Whataburger for a meal—the only eating out that we did while she was here! She got her car reloaded with all the suitcases, computer stuff, and whatever else that needed to go back to Rendon. Got a message shortly after she got home to let me know she was there. Know she was tired, but can’t stop telling God thank you for giving me such sweet children. She cooked extra food and froze it in some neat little sectioned holders that are easy to pop out and thaw for a quick meal. She cooked extra food for these two dogs, so the old woman did not have to drag up a chair to the stove and cook something to put on top of their kibble. Anyway, no one can imagine how wonderful it has been to have her with me since the week before my back surgery when it was so very hard to just move around. The PA explained to us today why the pain had been so very intense. Yes, it will take some time to get over this completely, but at least we are headed in the right direction. Just going to need patience.

 

Got a call from a friend from elementary school—Mark Ogle. Somehow, when trying to let Sterling know he would get a call back, the old woman managed to “MERGE” the two calls. Now that was interesting. Anyway, guess Mark will be up this way in a few days. Meanwhile, Sterling says that the walker they took home from here has been just exactly what they needed to help Jacqui get around. It is really too heavy to haul around, but maybe it will help them in the long run if they can manage to stay on their feet.

 

Don’t know about everyone else, but we appreciated that the snow and ice did not really have any bad effects on the electricity around here. The ground got a good soaking, so who knows what will come up out there this spring!

 

Patty has been drinking cherry juice to try to ward off the pain in her foot from the gout she has. She has another bottle ordered in her next batch of groceries anyway. And the old woman noticed that Albert took their trash out to the roadside yesterday. He may be feeling much better since he had the reaction to the diabetes meds. Honestly, some meds are pretty scary. This old person is trying to be very careful not to take anything that makes me even the slightest bit more wobbly than usual. God gives us good health as long as we pay attention to eating, sleeping, resting, and otherwise trying to take care of our bodies. Let us hope that our decisions and our efforts to do the right things in life will make life easier for ourselves and those around us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.