Some Professions.

 Some Professions.

 

Talking with Connie Cooke about how some professions are pretty strange; for instance, if feeling useless were a profession, yours truly would have the top job! But then, there is feeding treats to silly dogs; again, some of us would have the top jobs! My two dogs are pretty picky and just turned down the dog biscuits purchased at the feed store. Nope, they want the “marrow bones” from Chewys, thank you very much! Ah, such interesting things to do on a very, very humid afternoon. The hens even seem to be squawking about things to the tune of humidity overload!

 

Noticed that the grass is growing again. Will have to wait and see if Lance wants to learn how to drive the zero-turn mower. His little lawn would not even have room for a riding mower, much less one this size. So, he might just find this to be a different kind of fun! Will have to remind Jennifer to have him bring some work clothes in case he wants to get dirty. Or not. The kids don’t come very often, so do not usually want to ask them to do much around here unless it is their idea.

 

The weather is supposed to start getting hot now. But then, it is July in Texas. This really has been a strange summer so far. Most of the time, June is even hotter than it has been so far this month. Not sure why the weather has been so different, but feel sorry for those who are dealing with extreme heat—especially those who don’t have the kinds of AC units we have around here. Even a swamp cooler is better than just fans.

 

Have not been on FB this afternoon, so have little idea of what is going on in the world or otherwise. Guess, to tell the truth, that it really is not my number one interest right now. Connie said that when we get old, we can pray about things and otherwise enjoy retirement and being semi-selfish with our time. Guess semi or otherwise, some of us get by with being pretty self-centered at some point. Another one of those professions?

 

Finished off the spinach dip today with the broccoli spears purchased at Aldi’s. The mushrooms were much better for dipping, but they just don’t last as long as broccoli crowns. Guess the rest of the crowns will have to be steamed and eaten with butter or something along that line. Nothing like raw veggies to make life interesting.

 

Sylvia just demanded that her tennis ball be retrieved from under the couch. She is about a silly dog. Both of them have been demanding attention today—well, more than usual. But it makes me feel good to know that they love me and want to be petted. Love playing with them! God knew what He was doing to give us critters to love. It is good practice.

 

Know very little tonight worth talking about. Have PT in the morning and kinda dread it, but if it will help, then it might be worth the sore muscles and achy joints. Seven more sessions are scheduled after tomorrow. Such fun. NOT! Oh well. It could be worse. Gripey ol’ woman!

 

Pray for peace and that love will prevail in our world. Pray for those who mourn, for those who are ill, for those who are in danger. May we ask for God’s forgiveness and be grateful that we may ask. May you all find rest each day. You are loved.

Weather Wonders!

 

Weather Wonders!

 

Ah, both dogs want under my desk and only one will truly fit. So now they are both between me and my bookcase trying to avoid the sound of thunder and obviously not enchanted by the sight of lightning. But the rain is wonderful! It’s cooling, cleaning, and refreshing! And this can just keep up a bit longer—as in all night! Nothing like a good rain for a good night’s rest—well, as long as it is not flooding. This rain might not be perceived as wonderful by those who have already had more than plenty of it. But right now, yes, it will make some of us very happy.

 

One of the copper Marans is cooped up—as in closed up—inside the long coop. That won’t make the rest of the Marans happy when it is time for them to go up to roost. Oh well. We shall see what happens, won’t we, as the rain is coming down in sheets now. It is not likely that the Marans will roost with the Black-laced Wyandottes, but one never knows how things will work out with critters. Stranger things have happened.

 

A friend came today and brought squash, cucumbers, and conversation. Sent home a couple of dozen eggs with her. She was encouraging me to hang tough with this PT stuff. It really has been hard—making this ol’ woman terribly sore. But maybe it will help in the long run. Still, it seems pointless to be this sore and not even have anything to show for all those sore muscles. Oh well. No furniture needs moving, you know.

 

Managed to reheat some liver and mushroom stuff this afternoon. Still just as tasty as when it was made. Can see the expression on the face of my daughter—Ewwww, she would be saying! Funny how some people think that things like lobster, crab, shrimp and such are simply wonderful. Others, however, prefer something a little less fishy. Oh well.

 

Turned on the TV to watch movies for a few days. Have not had it turned on since before the boys came and re-hooked it back up for me. Moving the TV from one side of the room to the other has a tendency to unplug all sorts of wires, and who knows where they are supposed to be reattached. Apparently, at least one of the boys knew which wire went where. So, a detective/police type of program has been pretty amusing: Pie in the Sky. The almost retired police officer is a chef and owns a restaurant with his accountant wife. Amusing and pretty interesting show. Nothing too serious is needed around here currently. So, this is just about perfect.

 

Have not been on FB much at all today, but noticed earlier that Rachelle Pollard said that they had removed the one port on Jacob. They will eventually put in another, but when she posted, the little man was in a lot of pain. Lots of IV antibiotics and pain meds were going, but nothing sounded all that positive—except for the fact that we can all be positive that this family needs our prayers. Please continue to pray for them.

 

Despite the lack of exertion, the aching body that belongs to this old person still feels the need of more rest. Maybe in a few days, things will get better. Anyway, let us remember to find joy in our lives wherever it may be found. God blesses us with so much that is good. May you all rest well tonight. You are loved.

A Day Off.

 

A Day Off.

 

Whether it is the PT or something else, this ol’ gal does not feel like talking, writing, or otherwise sharing a viewpoint tonight. Sorry. Even the hens can’t get me interested in a discussion of scratch versus lay mash.

 

Let it be said that life is too short to feel too tired and still push one’s self. Blessings of peace to each of you. You are loved.

Some Frustrations.

 

Some Frustrations.

 

Ok, so Wichita Falls decided to get traffic moving better by installing these blinking yellow lights. The idea is that if no one is coming in the oncoming lanes, a person can go ahead while the little blinking light is flashing yellow. Well, that is a great idea if some dunderheads could understand that they are still obligated to yield to oncoming traffic. This morning someone in a very nice black truck nearly got creamed by my 20-year-old truck. Even if no one had been injured—and how likely is that—both vehicles would have been totally messed up if my brakes were not as good as they are. [Thank you, Gary Ostand!] This type of situation makes me so frustrated! This is the second time something like this has happened. Anyway, from now on, this old woman will be watching like a hawk for those idiots who do not understand the principle of yielding to oncoming traffic. Sigh

 

PT was SO much fun today—not. They worked my tutu into a knot, but at least it was better than the first day. But then, yours truly took a pain pill before leaving this morning so that the right leg could cross over the knee at least a little bit. The left leg could show the entire world how it was done, but not the right leg. Oh well. Tomorrow’s session should be ok. At least it will be earlier in the day. Had already done a day’s work by the time of the session this morning. But at least 150 pounds of chicken feed is in the bins and ready to be fed to those hungry maws! Not griping, however. They are laying eggs as if that is their only point for being on earth—well, except for Athena. She just talks about things as she walks around. That hen is the most voluble critter. And she has an opinion about everything. Guess her little white eggs are not necessary for her existence since she has not laid one in two or three months. But she has finally started growing her tail feathers back in.

 

Cleaned out the baby pool for the dogs this afternoon. It’s kinda hard on my broom to swish all the green stuff out, but the little fountain thing that floats in there shoots the clean water up in the air and just makes it look neat. The dogs love the pool, too.  The hens can’t really get in it, but the bugs can! It never fails that June bugs get in there and drown. Anyone worth her salt would put something in there as a raft for them. Rolling eyes here.

 

Had an interesting thing happen today. When the Mustang went to its new owner, the old fire extinguisher came inside to be placed on a shelf in the back room. Today there was all kinds of powder around the bottom of the box. Apparently at some time or other, the thing went “off” and some of the powder blew out. So now it is in the trash bin. Hoping the one in the kitchen never does that!

 

SO happy to have Loran here this afternoon cleaning the house. She will conquer the dust bunnies and make the dust disappear for a bit at least. Patty said that she thought it must be the time of year for the dogs to all shed every extra bit of their hair because she believes that her dust bunnies are starting families. Know exactly what she means!

 

Asked Patty if Donny could come up this evening and remove the microwave that no longer works. Not like this ol’ gal can lift that thing and haul it out to the trash bin. Not sure it would fit, but maybe. JoAnn said that Jerry’s trash bin was an option any time it was needed. Certainly appreciate that today. Have my bin totally full of sunflower stalks! And no, none of the seeds were salvageable. Sorry.

 

Recently bought one of those stretchable couch covers to attempt to keep the couch semi-clean. Then a small blanket covers each corner where the dogs prefer to perch. Thompson looks so much like Snoopy being a buzzard that it is funny. He hangs with his head over the end of the couch arm and looks out the window. See, Charles Shultz knew the position intimately.

 

Honestly don’t know much worth talking about. Sharon Dickerson sent me a message from her niece who said that despite the pain, she plans on being around to give her family a hard time for as long as possible. Then young Jacob is still having lots of terrible pain. The doctors can’t figure out where the infection is coming from. My thoughts are tuned toward that new port they put in. He had not had any infections before that had been mentioned. At any rate, please continue to remember him, the doctors, and his nurses in your prayers. His parents will need your prayers as well. Know about trying to rest in a hospital. Pretty tough situation. And Danny is still trying to heal from losing part of one finger and then having one other reattached. Not the best situation, but at least it is on his left hand.

 

Finally, remember those in Europe who are being faced with terrible flooding while those in our Pacific Northwest are burning up with heat and out of control fires. May God bless all His people and His creatures.

 

Rest well and find joy in life. You are loved.

Outside Jobs.

 Outside Jobs.

 

The other day the sunflower plants out in the back yard got hacked down. Yes, you know who did that—and with Hanan’s machete. Today their stalks got hacked again so that they would fit in the trash bin. Yes, it was a bit hot and tiring, but already the back yard looks better. Would still like to put a little “fence” around the one squash plant that looks as if it could bear some veggies. May do that later this evening. It is already pretty warm this morning. SO many things need to be done that just have to sit there and languish until either the energy or the necessity strike. Sigh.

 

Forgot that other people actually sleep after seven in the morning and tried to reach the housekeeper. Ended up leaving her a message. Think my house “grows” dust bunnies. At least they do not seem as vicious as they once were. They are somewhat tamer and less likely to attack, or so it seems. Still have not satisfied my desire about what to do with that bookcase in the back. Have a box of Scrabble—the game—that really needs a reinforced lid or something of that nature. Did ya know that boxes left on shelves for years have a tendency to deteriorate? Well, what other explanation can there be?

 

SO glad that the CD and DVD collection did not get pitched in the “give away” box! Found a CD with backup pictures on it and a tribute to my friend John Van Natta from his retirement. It included a picture of “Mr. D.” because he often came up to the school to have lunch with us. The students knew he was also responsible for helping out a few of them with their vehicles. My husband was a kind and generous man! Miss him so very much.

 

Here it is after 9:30 and the liver is cooked and put back into the fridge until yours truly feels like putting some in a pan and making lunch. Or not. May just refreeze most of it in Ziplock bags now that it is cooked. It will be an easy lunch on some days after the new microwave gets here. Did, however, manage to reheat my brunch on the stovetop this morning. Chicken and rice with a bit of cheese to make indigestion more interesting. Oh well. The two cups of coffee probably had something to do with that, as well. Trying to remember when indigestion was not a problem in my life. Funny. Can’t remember when it was not.

 

Need to go down and actually get the mail sometime today. Know a couple of things are in the box that need to be brought to the house. Wish there were such a thing as home delivery for mail the way some folks used to have up in Faith Village and other places. We were a rural route for years until the city decided to include us in their tax base. It did not improve anything until they put in new water lines and a sewer system. Have lived here 53 years and have had three different addresses while here—in the same house! So much for government bureaucracy.

 

Got on FB long enough to wish my nephew Terry a happy birthday, but also saw a very distressing post about grand nephew Jacob. Poor little man has some major problems—sepsis from some infection. Only God can help him, but we need to pray for the doctors, nurses, and his parents. Rachelle is a brave woman who would stand and fight a circle saw for her little boy! May God bless them.

 

Washed a couple of loads of laundry. The “mud mat” that Roger and Susan Thonton gave me is so durable and nice to keep the kitchen floor from getting all kinds of crud on it. But it, too, has to be washed once in a while. So today the saddle blanket used by my desk, the mud mat, the heavy green towel for Sylvia’s crate, and a few other things made up a big load for the washer. It took two cycles to get those things dry, but now they are folded and ready to put back on the floor if the housekeeper manages to get here today. She has a little guy who has to have a baby sitter so that she can work. She has no idea how much she is appreciated in this house! Just keeping things up off the floor makes a difference. Yours truly does not mop or vacuum, but de-cluttering has helped the house in my estimation.

 

Read a story about one of the boys who has been coming here for tutorials. Had heard it before and thought about how much that family had been blessed by God and by others that were given the love to share with them. Then read about how one of the boys scolded a friend of his for being disrespectful toward a parent. It does not take long for young people to learn that they need to give that respect no matter what. These boys are blessed to have such good and caring parents. The world would be a better place if more parents could be as good as these are.

 

Talked to my friend Barbara today. She has some major issues with her back and can’t even bend over. It makes me thankful that bending over is not my issue. But then we both got to laughing about getting down and having to have something to hold onto in order to get back up. The “rising cow” position is hilarious if one has that sort of humor. But then there is the “what else can I do while down here” situation, as well. Could always put some cleaning cloths in my back pocket and carry around a bottle of cleaning spray if it ever comes down to it. Or not.

 

Think those little iron doo bobs that my daddy used to weld can have a position on the top shelf of the bookcase in the back room. That sounds like a project worth doing in a bit. So, will just tell you guys that we need to pray for those in the battles with fires. Pray for the firemen, the families, and the wildlife in those forests. May God bless them with safety. Pray for rain.

 

Rest well and find joy in this life. It is worth counting among our blessings. You are loved.

 

 

Weebles Wobble.

 Weebles Wobble.

 

Had not really thought about how wobbly things had become. And then they put me on a machine and told me to push the pedals. Ok. Got my feet in those things and did that for about five minutes. And then tried to walk away. Yep, a bit weird feeling. So, heat and electrical stimulation did totally zero for a muscle called piriformis. We stopped trying to get the thing to stretch before it just began to do more harm than good. Bending at the waist is not a problem. Just can’t do anything to the side. Came home and put the long ice pack in my chair and numbed things up pretty good. Wish they had made suggestions about what to do between sessions. Will ask them on Thursday. Doing this three times a week should be interesting.

 

Only six eggs today so far. Had bragged to BR that the hens were doing pretty well in their laying duties. Teach me to brag!! But at least they are laying every other day. BR said hers are still pretty young, and the older ones are not doing much. If she still has the Hamburgs, you can bet your bippy they are hiding their nests. It really was good to talk to her. Talk about a character! Miss Independence! My kids have no idea what it would be like to have a mother like BR! Not that she does not love her kids or anything! She is just very independent minded.

 

Thompson was just chasing a fly here in the living room window. Well, it was not a squirrel or a rabbit, but anything will do to keep from being bored. Love these silly dogs!

 

Stopped by Aldi’s on the way back from PT. Got the butter, some fresh veggies, a very small package of cheese cake, and some chicken salad. The one really neat thing about that store is the small space needed for walking. But by the time of putting those things in the truck, really did not feel like taking the buggy back to the store front. Gave it to some lady and thanked her for taking it back for me. It feels ridiculous to see some woman much older looking than yours truly just hip hopping right along. Oh well. This, too, shall pass. Or at least some adjustments will be made.

 

Just talked to a guy who went to school out at Petrolia. He and his twin sister were some of the children who were in my neighborhood. Mark was telling me about his brother Bud who has more physical problems than even someone with bad knees. Bud decided to get down to do something under his hotrod and probably fell rather than just get down easy. Anyway, Bud’s wife called Mark to see if they could get Bud up. Thankfully Bud was on a creeper that is used to go under vehicles. So, Mark fired up the forklift and set Bud up the easy way! Can you imagine! That sounds so much like something Sterling would do—firing up the forklift!

 

Need to let Donna Reeves and Barbara know that Mark’s sister Janie can go out to eat or go anywhere as long as someone takes her. She has Parkinson’s disease. Let’s say hooray for doctors who can actually treat some of the things that have us messed up. Mark has residual problems from Agent Orange that keep him from being able to do much, but at least he has a good doctor. Getting old is definitely not for sissies!

 

Honestly don’t know much worth talking about. It has not been a great day for being outside or even for being inside. Can’t do anything outside that matters, and can’t do anything inside that makes me any more satisfied with how the house looks. Guess it is about time to call the house keeper again. Sigh Maybe she can tame the dust bunnies at least.

 

Let’s pray for peace and healing in this world. Know that Sharon’s niece is experiencing too much pain with the stoma that the doctors created, so she is back and forth to the hospital again. We should all be thankful for what health we have that permits us to move around without too much trouble. We just need to be grateful for what we have.

 

Rest well, my friends, and find joy wherever it may be. You are loved.

Amazing Stuff!

 

Amazing Stuff!

 

Recently Connie mentioned cleaning out the dust that accumulates in a dryer. Each time mine stops after a drying cycle, its little tray is emptied. However, today an interesting discovery showed up more lint than the local feed store has oats! A YouTube video showed the two little Philips screws that needed to be removed so that the mess in the bottom of the dryer could actually be accessed. Understand, this has NEVER been done since Lewis bought the thing for us! So, yes, the amount of dust, hair, lint, fuzz, and assorted whatever would have been enough to start a stand of potatoes with just a bit of fertilizer and some water. Am guessing—though have not yet tried using it—that the dryer is going to do a much better, faster job of drying clothes now. Still shaking my head and thinking about all that garbage down there! Who knew!

 

Cut down the sunflowers out in the back yard. The hens were happy to work over the seed heads, but the seeds were not much punk. Not sure why they looked so bedraggled, but they certainly did not have anything that resembled a nice seed. The stalks were looking bedraggled as well, but the ones out in the side lot—the kind the birds planted for us—look healthy and sturdy. Anyway, after the trash truck comes tomorrow, the stalks will have to be chopped up in smaller pieces to fit inside the trash bin. Such fun.

 

Had two pieces of corn on the cob that had not yet been microwaved. And they did NOT get microwaved either! The little plate went round and round, and the buzzer sounded after five minutes, but the ears of corn were totally cold. Well, dudsville! Now this microwave will have to be set out on the bench until it can be hauled off or until some kid wants to “play” with it. Jennifer ordered a new one that Landon found online. It will be here Friday. Meanwhile, some old folks still remember how to heat things up on the stove top. Ahem Have some chicken and rice with cheese that can be heated up for lunch tomorrow after PT.

 

Have not heard from the MRI office, so have no idea if that is going to happen this week or not. Oh well. No sense in wondering. Some things can just happen in their own good time.

 

The hens are doing their thing on a happy basis. Thirteen eggs! That’s not bad at all. Did get pretty tickled with them last night. It was about time to shut the doors out there, but when they saw me coming, they ran just as hard as they could, squawking about something! Ah, had they only received ONE little container of scratch yesterday? Well, they got some in their coop. It made it easier to count them and be sure everyone of these feathered fluffy girls was exactly where she needed to be. It was just funny to see them heading toward me as if they were really upset about something. Guess they WERE concerned about their feed!

 

Dug around in the deep freeze today and found ONE more carton of butter. Guess that item will go on the grocery list next. But while rooting around in there, also found the ice packs that are made for flexing across shoulders, neck, or wherever they are needed. KNEW those things were here somewhere! This house hides things!

 

Have started one of the books that Michelle Malay brought from a sale she encountered. It means the overhead light has to be just right, but so far it is a good book. Nothing like a good book to make life interesting.

 

Just got a text from the PT place. Another review of insurance is necessary. Oh joy. Guess that means she will let me know if the insurance will pay for this or not. Then the clothing is supposed to give easy access to the injured area. Hmm. Not exactly sure what kind of clothing that would take. Sitting here laughing to myself. Oh well.

 

Talked to my brother Sterling today. His former mother-in-law turned 95 and danced herself sore at her surprise birthday party. Sterling said he got the first dance. He really thinks that old woman is a very special person. And truly, she is. Simply can’t imagine raising all those kids, running a dairy, taking care of her house, making meals, and loving everyone as well as she did. Think her daughters each made good women and mothers, too.

 

Sterling’s grandson Jacob is having to make another trip to Little Rock. The poor kid is just a mess. Honestly don’t know how he stands the pain. Maybe they should see if they can’t get him some medical marijuana. When Lewis was dying, it was the only thing other than morphine that helped with pain. Surely, they could at least get him some kind of gummies that would alleviate some of the pain. Have a feeling that nothing is ever going to correct the problems that continue to plague his little body. It’s enough to make a person cry out to God for peace—for him and his family.

 

Other than cleaning out the dryer, yours truly has accomplished zilch today. Walked out to the road to hand Connie a couple of dozen eggs and cut down the sunflowers—my exercise for the day! Not being fit to do anything is pretty frustrating. Oh, well, put those cruddy nuts in the blender and chopped them up for the hens. Had to put the mess up on the shelf so the dogs could not get into it. Did ya know that dogs are not supposed to have cashews at all?!! And no, the nuts did not have salt on them, so they were safe for the hens. Unless they start demanding beer to go with their nuts, we are ok for now.

 

Yesterday afternoon, some youngish girl was on the roof of Jerry’s house. She was taking selfies of herself up there. The dogs were not happy about her presence. It just made me wonder how the hey she got up there. Oh well. Just another monkey in a circus that does not belong to me.

 

Frances L. said that she was feeling better. But noticed online today that an older couple from Iowa Park has covid. He is not doing well, but she seems to be fairly good. Wish this garbage was not such a horrible threat, but about all we can do is stay away from others and behave ourselves. For sure it seems crazy that some people think that those who have not been vaccinated should be “punished.” That has a tendency to make me angry. Oh well. Will just have to hope that the Democrats that left Texas to get out of voting in the Texas Congress get a bad case of food poisoning at the Capital in D.C.! Vindictive ol’ bat, that’s me!

 

You all rest well and try to find joy in this life. You know that He provides the opportunities! You are loved.