Energy?

 Not sure where my energy went, but it does not seem to be inside with any attitude. So far today, my accomplishments have been limited to cleaning the water bowls for the hens and discovering their new hiding place for their eggs. Thought there was some reason the hens were not laying the normal number of eggs. Well, surprise, surprise, surprise! They decided to lay in the old coop box where they were raised until they were big enough to be around the other hens. And even the older hens decided to lay their eggs in the same spot. So fifteen eggs were brought into the house and washed because one egg had been cracked and messed them up. After washing the eggs, a call to Cari Guidry meant that the eggs had a new home. Don't like keeping eggs in the fridge, so had to tell Cari to keep them in her fridge. My eggs are never washed unless they have mud or poo on them. Those eggs that are washed are either boiled or otherwise used quickly. A hen leaves what is called a "bloom" on her egg that seals it. Unless it is hot outside, those eggs will keep without refrigeration for two weeks. Just in case you might ever wonder.

The red-headed tanager is the bird of the day on my calendar.  It is not likely that we would see one in this part of the country--maybe in the Pinewoods of East Texas. We have more mesquite and jack oak in this part of the world. Used to be amazed at the birds we saw in Montague County when we went to the family farm in Bonita. They had the usual plus plenty of colored birds--even a painted bunting once. Ah, beautiful hills and lots of good growing trees! The Dickerson land had springs on it and walnut, pear, and persimmon trees. And the ground seemed to grow just anything planted. Garland always said that this land up here was better for growing things, but it is so difficult to keep things watered. Oh well. Will never have a reason to return to the land down there again.

My brother Sterling called today and said he and Jacqui would be here this weekend maybe so. He asked me about some cousins that used to live here in WF when we were young. It was Bill and Mary Sheets and their two kids: Sharon and Kent. In my memory it was Sharon and Keith, but what do memories say after this many years? Mary was my granddad's sister--one of three. She and both of her sisters died of ovarian cancer just like Grandmother Kennedy--granddad's mother. That is the sort of thing that makes a person sit up and take notice of genetic tendencies. My mom had ovarian tumors, too. Anyway, have not seen or heard from any of that side of the family since the late 60s. Guess we are not exactly a close family.

The weather today has not exactly been inviting or even semi-pleasant. Sterling said that the cold and the wind were doing the same thing in Arkansas. Spring will probably be stormy this year, but when was that ever a surprise? 

This morning about 7 a.m. Jerry set off some fireworks. It made me growl since it was not really time to crawl out of bed that red-hot minute. Even the dogs were not impressed. Not sure what is going on with him, but it would be kinda nice if he could go somewhere else to make his noises. And take his noisy friends with him! Gripey old woman here. 

Have been reading the sequel to Murphy's Luck. It is a cute book and pretty thought provoking. It really is true that some of us just float along through life as if everything is going to be either good or bad--not our responsibility in either case. Taking time to think about things just means that we can more easily accept that what happens is not just a fluke or happenchance. Lewis used to think things through like his daddy before him. It always amazed me that he seemed to know what would happen next in any situation and prepared for it. Not me! Just walk into things like a blind bat without radar! Such is life.

Have been sneezing today as if something is in the air. The pollen people seem to think that the pollen count is low, so that is probably not it. Maybe a hot mustard bath tonight might make me less sneezy. Could just be the beginning of an old-fashioned cold. Those still happen, right?

It is still too sad to look on FB much lately. Even my phone has stuff on it about folks dying of Covid. God just has to help us do the best we can about staying away from others. Thought about that when Sterling said they were coming by to see me, but how do you tell someone to stay away when they live two states away! Guess a mask might help, but doubt it. May try anyway. Jacqui has had cancer and does not need anything else. But she and Sterling have both had the first shot for this mess. Read one person's account of taking the second shot. Sounded painful and scary with fever and fatigue. Think this old woman will just stay home with the dogs.

Going to have to start writing down what food disappears around here. Someone is eating too often. Yeah, me. Nikki Smith warned me that one of the meds taken around here will cause weight gain. Isn't THAT just wonderful--not. Hoping that warmer weather will encourage more movement and a cleaning spree inside. Guess that might be a good thing to do tomorrow since Sterling and Jacqui will be here Sunday. Could actually dust the furniture! Not much telling what will turn up underneath some of the things lying around the TV table. Need to keep the next Amazon box to put things for the dogs inside. And some books need to be taken to the bookcase in the back bathroom. Yes, you read it right--a book case in the little bathroom. It did not start out to be a bathroom, but it is now. Worked out well, but the office got moved to where the original bathroom began. Remodeling is such fun!

Don't really know anything worth sharing. Feel sore and grumpier than usual, so there's that. But who needs to share the grumpies? Oh, worked on the door to the chicken coop with my little drill and some screws. Because the air tool has to be connected with a little metal thing. May ask Sterling to apply it to the hose and the staple gun for me. But he warned me that his hands hurt, too. See, getting old is definitely not for sissies! Grumpy ones or otherwise.

May you all find something to enjoy and rest well. You are loved.