Sometimes it is really difficult to realize that one has been blessed because maybe the blessing does not seem to be one that would necessarily be appreciated. Well, that is pretty close to the situation today. The pipes in the east end of the house lead to the washer. And yes, it sounded like water was running somewhere, but common sense is obviously not all that common, so who would look at the washer and listen at that area? Yep, common sense did a walkabout, and sure enough a small lake had formed out under the hen coop that Gary had put together for my six hens that were taken to his back yard down in Mansfield. A call to Wilbourn & McCabe succeeded in getting an appointment to get those lovely little pipes replaced/repaired tomorrow afternoon. While the plumbers are here, they are to look over the situation for a couple of drops for gas lines. The wife/secretary said they usually just order the little gas stoves off of Amazon, so maybe a short perusal of that web site might be a good idea.
Now let me entertain you with some family humor. Lately had mentioned the sciatica and resulting problems in my hip and right leg to oldest child--who has a slightly warped sense of humor. His daddy would have at least smiled at the post sent to me. It was an advertisement for a product that contains glucosamine and other active pain relieving chemicals for dogs. In my case, the recommended dosage would be no less than four chewies. Yes, the child is loved. Has always been loved. But there are days . .
Listened to some beautiful singing today by Andrea Bocelli. His voice--even without the English translation of the words--wraps itself around one's soul and gives little squeezes. Each nuance is almost like the feeling of a cuddle and then the sudden removal of the wrapping around one's face. Seeing the emotion in sound makes it even more intense. It's not like any of us could wish to have his abilities, because it is obvious that much of his talent must come from his blindness to "otherness." What he can't see, he can still express. Some poets were like that. Emily Dickinson could pare down the language of expression to startle, leaving words to hang as our very thoughts from that point on. The slender fellow in the grass could easily follow us to: 'Hope' is the thing with feathers--That perches in the soul--
But how can poetry still speak to me in memory? Lines that come to me when least expected. Maybe it is the winter weather, or maybe it is some blessing not quite recognized. Who knows. Sometimes it is lines from the King James Bible, but wherever the words come from, it seems a voice is always there when it is needed.
One of the first things on FB for me is the post left by Tara Ross. Usually Mondays are reserved to tell us about the Medal of Honor recipients. But each day we are reminded by history in heroes of our American heritage. None of us can ever deny the fact that men and women have found the American ideal to be worth sacrifice. Some are military heroes. Some are even animals. But quite often the heroes are heroines. Women have always been a very large and steady support for freedoms. Things have not changed. The battles may differ, but the principles are the same.
Ah! Food! Today a craving for REAL French fries descended upon this little hacienda. Well, the oil was olive, but the deep fried potatoes were quite good. Had not prepared deep fried anything in ages. Stir fry maybe, but not deep fried. Drained over the pan and then wiped a bit with paper towels, salted, with ketchup on the side--ah, good stuff, Maynard! Sometimes it is amazing what food--or even the thought of certain foods--will do for you! When Lance was on the way, we had small squash plants in the front yard that made the very best food the next day after we returned from the hospital. Have always thought about Lance when squash is on the menu. His daddy would have preferred it fried, but with only two or three small fruits, it had to be steamed with butter and a tiny bit of cream and sugar. Mmmm.
Must be hungry tonight! At least no eggs have needed to be boiled today--no freezing eggs and no neighbor coming over to see if food would be forthcoming. In fact, the neighborhood has been quiet ALL day. Amazing! Maybe tomorrow will be another quiet day. Stranger things have happened.
Ok, have decided that what we need right now is another holiday--not the kind that requires taking time off or indebting one's self for gifts that may or may not be appreciated. No, we need a "Happy Surprise!" holiday. Since we are told not to gather together unless it is really necessary, why not get online and open up Nuts.com or CheeseBrothers.com. Little of this or that sent to someone can be a lovely gift just because. Amazon has all kinds of things, as does Etsy. The Etsy sites help those who are supporting themselves. Thinking about my friend Julia who does all kinds of things--some business things and some strange things like crochet. None of my family needs a webpage designed, but her pot holders are the best in my kitchen! She gave them to me the day of Hanan's memorial, and each time they show up on my counter, her face and life comes to mind. She lost her husband to brain cancer--glioblastoma or something like that. It is so hard to lose your mate, but when the person is so young, it is almost beyond comprehension to try to take care of one's self and children. Life can really be hard on us. Yep, a happy surprise would be about right for some folks whether or not we know just what is needed.
Just had a discussion with Sylvia about her bad habit of lunging out for the empty microwave dish. She needs to be a little bit more ladylike in her habits. That is difficult to teach when two dogs are in some kind of competition. Thompson does not snatch things away, however. He has innate good manners. Now a couple of the hens are pretty snatchy! They have a thing about cucumbers and assorted cut veggies. Oh well. Being pecked is not anything at all like having a tooth embedded in one's hand!
Be so very glad to get the water turned back on and laundry done. Honestly, if you meet up with me and the smell is somewhat doggy, it just means it is too cool to bathe the dogs or the water pipes are frozen up--or both!
Ronnie Talley seems to be improving, but they are going to try to take him off the tracheotomy or something along those lines. He has been on it quite some time now, so it seems to be a problem. Just pray for him, please. And Connie and Rebekah have not exactly been doing the two-step driving this past week. They were still in Mississippi this morning. Who knows if they will get here tomorrow or the next day. If you will, remember them in your prayers.
Have not called BillyeRuth, but am hoping that things on her place are calm and running well. My hens were happy to get out this morning, but they did not run over me as they have in the past. Do you think they are learning manners?? Nah. Think that BR just has a bit of trouble getting her girls to go inside when they need to go up. That has got to be irritating! Mine get herded once in a while by a big black dog, but generally it only takes once for them to understand "GO" to mean inside. Ah well. Pretty soon some of my girls are going to find new homes. Still have not seen anything posted by Michelle DeMers, so not sure if she has taken plumbing classes or if she is ready to burn her house down. Busted pipes are just horrible!
Not much on my mind. Probably just as well. Will watch some more episodes of Wycliffe and go to bed after getting the critters back in their coops. Will be praying for green growth out back to keep the girls happy. Feeding grain and sunflower kernels can be just a bit expensive. Maybe soon a trip over to Smith's farm will garner some leftover goodies from the veggie section. The girls always enjoy the leftovers.
May you sleep well and be rested as a result. You are loved.
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