Children.

 Something there is that just makes the heart swell with love and all kinds of happiness when the children come home for even a short visit. Today Jennifer brought Reece and Rachel up to visit for a couple of hours. And yes, she saw plenty of deer between her house and mine. Some dead, some in the middle of crashing into other vehicles, and maybe some others distant to the highway. Not sure. She was telling that one guy was having to turn around to put one out of its misery. Sad, but such is life on the Texas highways. At least she and the grands got here safely.

We did not celebrate Christmas when our children were little--or after, for that matter. But we used to give the kids something at Thanksgiving. For this year it was just eggs and some flower bulbs, and a hood for Reece from his Uncle Hanan. Know Hanan would have loved to have Reece use it. But still got to hear the story of how Gary caught his britches leg on fire while welding. Jennifer thinks that if it can be dangerous, Gary will do it. At least he tries and eventually learns how to do it. Not all of us are that brave. Certainly not me!

Rachel tried to tell me how to wear this new scarf she brought to me. It is so neat, but it is going to take some practice to get it right. Face warmer, head scarf, balaclava, mask, and bandana are some of the suggestions. It reminds me of these Polynesian girls who can take a square of cloth and turn it into sixteen different kinds of dresses. Of course, they are about as big around as a fence post, too! Anyway, it should be fun to learn how to use this thing. My funny daughter-in-law has a sense of humor. She sent me a recipe book called "Fifty Shades of Chicken." Yes, it will be used while laughing. And the medieval knife Lance sent me may even be used on the chickens before they are cooked. This sucker is some kind of sharp! Think it was made in the Czech Republic with some very hard steel or something. Betting it will outlast my last knife cause it won't be stuck in my jeans pocket! Oh, one more thing came to me with a date on it when it can be eaten--smoked gouda! Lance is SO good at doing that stuff. Will have to get some wheat thins or something like that to really enjoy it. And maybe a bottle of wine? Or not. Grayson likes antiques, so he found a sign that says Beware of the Chickens. That is going to be attached to the front door post. Not that these hens would attack, ya know, but pick up a spade fork or shovel and they will chase you all over the back yard! Worms, ya know.

Not sure why exactly that my house causes some folks problems, but Reece had to have an allergy pill after messing with my dogs. Then Jenn got a headache, so heated up the corn sack that Cindy Jones made for my neck. It did the trick. Jenn said she would have to get some corn and make one for her. Bet she won't find that pretty material with the zodiac stars on it!

Noticed that Brandy Stevenson has a horse whose ears were either mite infested or yeast infested. It reminded me that I have some stuff called Coat Defense that would work on Thompson's butt. Got him sprinkled down pretty good. This is talc-free, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial that works on skin folds, hives, rashes, and bites. Guess it is a good thing her post gave me a reminder. Not sure if forgetfulness is part of aging, or just has always been there in the background. sigh

Finally went down and got the mail on the way back from the pharmacy this afternoon. Got a sweet Thanksgiving card from Michelle and Joe Malay. Hope their family is still doing ok. Mother Malay is in her nineties. Not sure if she is still with them in their home right now or not. If not, then Tim has taken her back to New York state. Cold up yonder! Had only one prescription at Walgreens. Wishing it were that simple to get all my meds, but finally figured out how to send off for the main prescription to Canada. It is ridiculous that we have to buy things from out of the states just in order to afford our meds. But in a few weeks, those pills will be in the mail box. They are pretty dependable despite the covid mess. 

Have a couple of turnip plants out front that may get harvested this next week. Even a little bit of turnip greens can be pretty tasty this time of year. Of course, cornbread makes it even better. It is just hard to make a small pan of cornbread. Guess some of it could be frozen and used later. Hmm. Still have some of the dressing mixed up here, but it is not anything like that which Nikki Smith and Cindy Jones made. Oh my! That stuff was so yummy! 

Well, despite the fact that her team got skunked, Sarah Fuller just played for collegiate football. It is not exactly science, engineering, or technology, but it does show that women can do much of what men do. Not sure that it seems right for transgender boys to compete against girls as they are built differently, but a woman kicking a ball does not really bother me. Oh well, it's not like anyone really cares what an old woman likes or not.

Glancing over at this "Fifty Shades of Chicken" makes me want to cook! Oh dear! Will have to order some chicken or go to Sam's and get a couple of whole chickens to cook. Even have a roaster purchased last year for that purpose and only used once! A turkey would probably be too large, and they are seldom fresh, only frozen. Oh well. Tomorrow is another day. Only two more days in this month makes it feel as if 2020 is almost over. Deep sigh. Jennifer said that one of the towns south of them had closed down their entire school system. It just almost feels as if we are living in the Middle Ages. Plagues, pestilence, terrorism. And instability in our nation. Guess this is a very good time to remember that we are to pray for one another daily. Snuggle your dogs, cats, and favorite critters. Hug the children, love the spouse, and let others know you care and love them. Our lives are made for love. Practice love today.

May you all rest well and awake with joy and purpose. You are loved.