Barking Dogs!

 Some company that has to do with power lines and assorted things of that ilk has had a man in a black Ram out here part of the day. No, it has not been particularly interesting nor cause for a mild case of curiosity. But the dogs have announced their feelings each time he moved. At one point, he was walking out in front of the house with a long yellow pole in his hands when he suddenly became aware of the dogs hanging off the back of the couch cussing him in dog for all they were worth. He seemed a bit shocked--maybe he understands dog--or maybe he was just reassured to see them INside the house and not where they could get to him. Anyway, never a dull moment around here.

Have brown rice in the steamer that is going to be joined with stir fry veggies and sauce from another type of meal. Rice and veggies--especially with mushrooms--makes a pretty decent meal. Lewis would not have concurred, but then, unless the mushrooms were deep fried in a batter, he did not eat mushrooms. Sometimes coming up with a decent meal for anyone is a challenge, but feeding myself has been anything if not boring. Same ol' same ol' just doesn't do it.

It is cold and wet currently. Have a sweater on over my tee-shirt and am actually wearing shoes. After finishing off the weeds in the east side lot, it made me appreciate how nice the weather was yesterday. Warm. Right now the wind is brisk and cool. The hens don't seem to mind overly much, but inside the house, Thompson is enjoying his fuzzy jacket.

Took a couple of pictures of Athena the Campine hen yesterday, but have not uploaded them to FB. Just kinda lazy today. When coming inside today after picking up the first round of eggs, Isa reached over and grabbed my pants leg. Think she was trying to get some attention. Poor babies just need to be handled more. They are like small children who want your attention. They even yell about it--especially one hen that has been called "The Squawker." She is really loud and demanding. Thinking about Lewis' pet cow--his first calf from working for his dad. Shirley would let Lewis sit on her or even ride her. Our kids loved giving her watermelon or anything she liked. They got to grow up in a totally different atmosphere than their friends from school. Think it was good for them.

Currently reading a book about a computer engineer who programs driverless cars. The storyline is pretty out there, but it makes me think that the "Rover" car would have so many good applications--especially for those who can't drive due to seizures or some other physical handicap. Of course, in Wichita Falls, there would be very little demand for driverless cars. We have such big distances between one side of town and the other for one thing. But it would be a great service to those who can't ride the bus or otherwise have transportation at their demand. Wouldn't it be something to have better taxi service in a place like this. But the expense would probably keep most folks at home. sigh

Well, Sylvia was not impressed with the green bean offered to her. Have to agree just a bit. Not impressive sauce or texture. Oh well. The hens don't turn up their beaks to anything. Nothing is ever totally wasted when the livestock take on the leftovers.

Have skipped the Chilean Flamingos, the Northern red-billed hornbill, and today the Crested Penguins. Somehow my hens are more impressive to me. And they come when called, don't ya know. Besides, we will never see one of these birds unless we are outside the U.S. Flamingos have been known to fly through this area, but again, not likely to see them. And penguins? Nope, not ever gonna happen around here. It does amuse me, however, that each bird comes up quickly in the search box. Apparently someone else--or many someones--have been looking up the same birds. Maybe someone gave them a bird calendar!

Kinda hoping that Jennifer may make it up here this weekend. She wants more eggs for one thing. But she also put in an order for beef to be delivered here. We will see how that works out.

Hoping to get the sunflowers and corn planted soon. All the plants put into pots are looking good so far. May have to go pick up some cucumber seeds, but that should be it for seed purchases. Gotta have cucumbers! Last year three different people brought cucumber seeds--and they all made good little cukes! It does seem to matter where they are planted, however. The ones out front did the best, but the ones under the AC unit lived longer. It is just awfully dry and hot here on Dickerson Hill in the summertime.

Years ago we walked through the mall--Sikes Senter--for some reason and a lady at GNC offered us each a small sample of papaya juice and said it was SO good for digestion. Lewis loved it. So we bought a bottle of it that had to be mixed up with water. As much as we liked it, the price was pretty high. But now yours truly has bought some dried papaya chunks. Sweet without being too sweet. And it does not make my stomach hurt or burn. It would really be something if those chunks could reduce the need for indigestion meds. And yes, have tried ginger, pickle juice, Tums of assorted kinds, and something prescribed by my doctor. Think it is caused by a stupid hernia because even water has a tendency to hurt just for a minute. Oh well. Life goes on, lolly lolly.

Sitting here glancing up at the little whatnot shelf that Lance made for me years ago in junior high. Jennifer has about filled it with little horses, a rock or two (amethyst), a tractor, and a little blue motorcycle. Just good memories. But then, most memories from my children make me smile and feel loved. They have always been the treasures of my life. 

Don't really have much on my mind tonight. Have not read anything that has set me off on a spiel about our government, so there's that. 

Just got a call from "Shelby" of BillBrownBeef. Jennifer's order is on its way here! She accidentally ordered twice, but one of the orders was cancelled, so she will just have a few boxes instead of an entire deep freeze full. Hope they like this stuff. I look forward to liver and onions soon.

May you all find peace this night. Please remember those like Joe in your prayers. And keep your attitude positive! You are loved.