Another Book.

 Just finished reading another book by Hillary Avis--about a woman who loves her hens and her family. These are called Cozy Mysteries, but to me they are more like community stories. They remind me so much of what Petrolia used to be like back in the day. Everyone knew too much about each neighbor and their dog and cat. And back then we did not exactly have the wealth that comes from many small businesses. In fact, no one actually had a job much IN Petrolia. Most folks had to go to Wichita Falls to get a job. Some folks owned businesses--a grocery store, a variety store, a laundry, an insurance agency, a café, a drugstore--can't really remember any others. Of course, we had one Baptist church, a Methodist Church, and a Church of God. My parents were Baptists and Grandmother was Methodist, so sometimes my Grandmother got to take me with her. Learned all the songs but never knew them to be all that different. But to a child, nothing is all that strange in life unless someone points it out. Vacation Bible School just got doubled. God seemed to be everywhere we were.

Walked the fences again today to be sure that the neighbors' puppies could not get under the fence line. Found a couple of places that were not tight. SO, Amazon will be delivering some things that look a bit like tent stakes so the fence can be pulled tighter. Hoping that makes a difference. When first putting this fence up, bought some stuff called "dig defence" that was very expensive. It works, but it is hard to put in the ground and has to be cut into sections. That part is not going to happen since there is not a bolt cutter out in the workshop. Can't imagine needing a bolt cutter for any other purpose either. Let's just hope these new stakes work well.

Sat out back in the lawn swing and fed the hens from my hands. Isa likes to get in my lap, but the other hens are pretty rambunctious when they know it is all about feed. She won't get near them because she is not high enough on the pecking order. Sad. The ones that are so pretty are still timid. And the ones like Isa know they are not dominant enough to get by with much. A little like life, maybe. 

Tara Ross posted today or yesterday about how important news sources are in any society. They certainly have made a difference in the past several years. Sadly, they are not sources that we can trust completely. Years ago when college classes included technical writing and some basic journalism, one of the things pointed out was the use of slanted language.  Back then it was considered somewhat dangerous to use slanted language because it was obvious that it was a weapon in the hands of those who did not care for giving a true picture of any particular situation. That was one of the reasons that journalist were supposed to use words like "presumed" or other words that did not definitely find someone guilty in the press before a person could be tried by a jury. Don't think that sort of language is even considered today. We get the "mind reading" of journalism that indicates that knowledge is certain no matter what intention is or is not possible for those who are accused. Isn't it amazing how so many people can read minds!

Got locks on two gates and suggestions from Jennifer about doors on the workshop. Will have to see if Cindy Jones can get Stephen's phone number to me. Then will talk to Barry Ice about lights and cameras. sigh It's ridiculous, but this is how life is in this current world. Guess someone is always going to be a bit shady or underhanded. Just has never been that much of a problem before.

Tonight the big tub is going to get filled with hot water, Epsom salts, and smell-um goody. Going to see if the sore muscles are just needing a good limbering up or what. Haven't done anything this week to warrant sore muscles, so maybe it is just bad attitude! Getting ornerier by the day just does not mean we have to be sorer by the day! And then, too, the weather will change, and we will all have those little twinges that say, "Oh, did you need a knee to tell the barometric pressure?"

Guess the eggs should be gathered up and brought inside for the day. Try to go out at least twice a day, but if the pullets are on the nests, just walk away and leave them alone. They are not accustomed to sitting still for me yet. In time. Love my girls, but they are definitely particular about things. Well, that goes for ALL of us.

May you all enjoy a good night's rest and awake with a sense of purpose. You are loved.