Our Flags Fly at Half Mast Again.

 After going outside and noticing that the flag was at half mast again, it made me wonder what had happened this time. Thankfully, Prince Phillip lived a long and relatively happy life. His family will undoubtedly miss him dearly.

Reading the emails this morning and noticed something in the Stilton's Place that surprised and pleased me. Apparently Joe Malay enjoyed the satire and barbed comments from Jarlsburg's fevered mind. The man's comments pretty well are wrapped in barbed wire. Anyway, Stilton's Place made mention of how much he appreciated the comments and barbs from Joe Malay as Rem1875, not sure why Joe chose that as his email address. His Severe Starboard List always made me smile. Anyway, Jarlsburg said that he would miss Joe's comments and lifted his hat to Michelle Malay and family.

Got up early this morning and got the weed eater out of the shop. Cut down a lot of weeds from the posts out front that prevent folks from driving into my yard. Had to plug in the battery for a bit after that. Still have a bunch more to do around the drive way and then up in the area next to the front yard. The poppies are about to go into frantic bloom mode, so it is necessary to be careful to cut around them. Love those pretty red flowers. Planted some other colors from seeds, but who knows if they will ever make it. If we don't get rain soon, nothing is going to last.  

Got four cart loads of chicken poop cleaned out of the three coops. Should have been done a couple of weeks ago, but it is just hard to make myself get it all done at one time. And doing one third just is senseless. Anyway, the birds may be confused again as some things got moved around. We will see. May find eggs in some strange places until they figure things out again.

Walked by the bottom of the bed in my room and caught the bottom footboard. It snapped off. Joy! Just what is needed right now. May just find something to wrap over the ends of the things that fastened to the footboard. That might keep me from getting cut or bruised at least. According to Parr's Furniture Store, they can't get anything ordered like that for at least six months. Rolling my eyes and thinking that at least my bed does not consist of four posts, tight ropes, and a corn shuck mattress. However, looking on Amazon, the kind of frames they have do not have that little lip to allow the box springs to keep in place. Oh well. Will continue to make this work or get a hack saw and cut off that end that pokes out.

Just picked up eggs. Getting a dozen a day means that someone needs to want eggs soon. The doctor and her nurse, my friends John and Mary, Maggie Sewell and family, and the neighbor below me will not use up a dozen a day! The problem that occurs to me revolves around the fact that many women no longer cook at all. It is so easy to buy ready made sandwiches, meals of all sorts, or even just run by Whataburger! In fact, yours truly bought a package of frozen frittatas. That involves eggs baked in a cupcake with veggies and some meat thrown in for good measure. Easy peasy. No clean up involved.

Got a notice from the mail order pharmacy that they thought the drug requested cost too much: $560 for a three month supply of a sleeping pill. Nope, something else has to work. Anyway, let Dr. Blackwell know and then decided to double up on the melatonin. It is at least natural(ish). Last night was an impossible night because of the Famous Indigestion that Debra Jones ordered--so did the old woman. We both knew better and scolded each other--then enjoyed every bite! So, brought the anti-acid tablets in from the truck for whatever doesn't sit well on this night, but think it should be ok. Broiled fish, Brussel sprouts, and a banana for dessert. Maybe that will not cause problems.

Will tell you the story about a really bad dust storm we had once. Was out at Granddad Pollard's farm--about three miles from home. Looked up to the northwest and saw a wall of black coming fast. Got on my horse and told Grandmother to let Mom know we were leaving the farm heading home. Duchess was a good horse, one that liked to run and not just real calm. We got as far as past Mayo's ranch headquarters and ran into an open shed belonging to the janitor at Petrolia school. He was so nice to let me go inside the barn and hold my horse there until the worst passed. Hail, some rain, but mostly gosh awful wind that seemed to be whipping in circles. Duchess stood for me, but it was not easy to keep her still and calm with all the noise blowing over us. Finally got back home and shocked Mom by being there so soon. That horse could cover three miles in three minutes if she wanted to run. And that day she was allowed to have her head. Miss getting to ride like that now, but a lone rider is not real safe any longer. If something happens to the rider, no one knows where to look. And too, horses are terribly expensive to keep. They even have rules about the vaccinations that have to be given. Never thought that was right unless a person was going to be around strange horses. Oh well. Just have to take care of dogs and hens now.

Some of the birds on this little calendar will never be seen in Texas, much less our back yards. But they truly are beautiful. The Purple-crested Turaco is not from Texas for sure! Their feathers are used in the headdresses of the governing folks of Swaziland. Sometimes it just doesn't pay to have bright feathers! 

Not much else going on around here. My neighbors finally got their gas lines laid and the gas turned back on. Patty said a hot shower had never felt SO very good! Can't imagine!

May you all rest well this night and awake with joy! You are loved.

Resting.

 So a very nice meeting of the Route 66 Group was followed by a lie down and deep rest for at least one person today. Both dogs thought they had found their niche as super pups, but they got still very quickly and let me actually rest. Did not go to sleep, but just let my bones relax. That does make a difference when things seem too sore to move easily. Donna Reeves gave me the phone number for the chiropractor that her daughter uses. It would be great to find someone who could do even part of what Dr. Jensen did for me! Making arrangements to have someone stay here and take care of the critters is a major obstacle next to the long drive down there. Oh well. Maybe this guy can help me get some relief. It just feels as if yours truly has become a griper in her old age!

Won't be long before it will be time to put the hens up. They will need scratch and probably clean water. Not sure how they get the water so messy. You'd think a duck had slipped into the flock!

Know that Patty and Donny Anderson are going to be SO happy to get their gas turned back on tomorrow after the inspector comes out and looks at the plumbers' work. Patty said that if she  had had to go somewhere, she would have had to get a "real" bath, but for two weeks she has dealt with sponge baths. Such fun. Remember what that was like after the tornado. And Lewis was working in tractors that were covered with fiber glass. HATE that garbage! It has to be just as dangerous as asbestos ever was. Just my opinion.

Jenn said that Gary was going to hire some guy to dig out a bunch of their dead bushes. At least that is what the plan was supposed to be. Gary has wanted some trees taken out ever since they bought the place, but Jenn likes trees of just about any kind. We learned years ago that trees make shade--even the stupid Western Soapberry! Now have to come up with a way to put a rag barrier up high enough the hens and dogs could not get into it, and then it will have to be soaked in poison for the bugs. Will ask the men at Shoop's about what to get and how much to use.

Need to figure out a restraint system for my dogs when they get to ride in the truck. Have a net to keep them in the back, but really would like to have a harness clip of some sort to hold them down to the seat so that if the truck has to stop suddenly, they won't go flying into the front. They go see the vet this coming Monday for some shots and Sylvia's nails clipped. Not sure the shots for distemper are really necessary, but don't want my critters sick either.

My friend Donna Reeves has a great-granddaughter who is 26 weeks along and has pre-eclampsia. If you would please, say a prayer for both the little mother and the unborn child. Even if they can save the child at this time in its development, it would be better for both if they could go much closer to full term. These little lives matter.

My other friends James and Debra Jones have a daughter who is 41 and about to have her first child. They are going to induce on Tuesday to get this one here before it can get into any trouble of its own. Please pray for the daughter Amanda and that little life.

Meanwhile, some of the waitresses at Pioneer asked about my friend Michelle Malay. They used to work with her years ago and still think fondly of her. Don't know if they contacted Michelle by note or anything, but at least they are thinking about her. Know Paula, Tami Yonts sister, always honks at MIchelle as she drives by on her way to a patient's house. Think both Paula and Michelle like saying hi that way.

Got plum tickled at the description of Janet McIntire and her twin grandgirls. Seems Janet can't get one clean before the other one finds a way to get both of them dirty again. Sand seems to be like the favorite appetizer and decoration at their house. It made me want to tell her that it is a good way to stay young at heart, but can still remember being so exhausted with all the laundry, meals, cleaning, snacks, cleaning, ad infinitum. But these are her GRANDS and not her own children. Probably feels about the same when they are in the same house with you.

Just gave the hens clean water and some scratch. They are almost as fond of the clean water bowls and running water as they are food--unless it is something in my hand that they want. The hands have got it for special effects around here. Have one Black-laced Wyandotte that would just as soon be in my lap as not. Silly hen.

Jennifer suggested that maybe Daniel Hernandez would be able to help me with my laptop and transferring stuff from one to the other. It always worries me to think some of the poetry that Hanan wrote would be lost. ONE of these days, maybe getting it printed or put on Amazon would take care of that concern. No one ever buys my book, Destinations, so his stuff would probably just sit there as well. We had Boating Alone printed, but they only sent us three proof books. And yes, some stuff needed to be changed, but he let the books get away before there was time to make changes or have more printed. Oh well. Life goes on.

Have a feeling yours truly is going to have to go digging in the closet and see if some shorts can be drug out. Don't want to turn on any AC until absolutely necessary. The fans are usually enough, but no moisture in the air may change that pretty soon. Pray for rain, folks. We can't deal with another five-year drought!

Really don't know much this evening. Have a book waiting to be finished and another one in the queue after that. Have about fifteen books downloaded, so will take my time and enjoy them.

May you all rest well and make good plans for the rest of the week. You are loved. 

All Forked Up!

 Had some salad today that got whooped up right here in my kitchen and doctored to suit me. Went back to finish cleaning it up but still had about two tablespoons more than was desirable. So, fastened the dogs in the living room with the Dutch door that Hanan made to keep them corralled and went outside and sat on the steps to the deck. Of course, "flocking" is one of those things the girls do ever so well. But as the fork with a bite of salad on it was offered to them, one of those yayhoots grabbed the fork firmly and took off a little ways. Of all the carrying on they did over that stupid fork! Crazy chickens! Finally just scraped out the rest of the lettuce pieces to let them clean it off the concrete slab. They may dull their peckers, but at least they got ALL the salad.

It has been a bit of a busy day. Tried to find my cane and looked everywhere reasonable and some not so reasonable places. Still think it was left in the basket the last time a trip to Walmart resulted in actual walking around inside the store. Oh well. Bought a new one that is camouflage green with a nice soft handle. Maybe it won't get set down in the grass and lost that way.

Went to Walgreens to pick up some new meds and looked at their canes. Dearly beloved, they are PROUD of their handicap equipment. Thirty dollars for a cane!! But at least they had several. Walmart had ONE--which is why this ol' gal is carryin' camouflage now. Asked one of the young stockers where to find a cane. She shrugged and said, "Don't know" and just went right on stocking whatever. Some very nice lady came and got me to follow her to where she could point. And she did not even work there! Some folks are just so very sweet. 

Connie just left. She came over for a nice visit and is going to bring a Teeter board to me later--not tonight. It is supposed to take the pressure off of the spine. Thought it might be worth a try. Just about anything beats the tar out of hurting all the time. Have put off doing the MRI until we see if this might make a difference. Connie said that it had helped her lower back after she hurt it. She also promised to stay with me until we get the old girl comfortable enough to know what she is doing. Can just see me lying upside down on a board with the tornado sirens going off. Oh joy! Actually kinda hilarious if you think about it. Remember the big steer in Waurika Lake that got blown there in 1979? Well, how about a woman on a board flying through the air? Or not. Guess it is time to start thinking about where to hide if the sirens go off. sigh

The poppies are blooming! Only have three blooms right this red hot minute, but the buds are there on gobs of them. Then the irises are blooming as well. The wind today was horrible and just beat the loll out of them--and anything else that was outside. Pollen count of 11.6. Is it any wonder we can't breathe? Sterling thinks that it is worse up there in Arkansas where everything is covered in yellow tree pollen. Whatever. Just because it is not stuck out in bright yellow does not mean that we don't have as much pollen. We just mix ours with dirt from Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, and assorted areas west of here. 

Had to change a light bulb in my living room light fixture. Turned on the light and heard it pop! Those three little bulbs do a pretty good job of lighting up the room, but not just any bulbs will do. That is the problem with choosing a fixture that requires a special bulb--can't buy those suckers just anywhere!

Took the covers off the couch today and washed them. They are all put away and different covers on the couch for the dogs to get dirty. If we get any rain, it will take another switch out for clean covers, but the forecast is not looking all that great for moisture. Maybe NEXT Wednesday with a 30% chance of showers. Meanwhile, it is about to start getting a bit warmer until next week when it will be in the mid 60s. Still spring in Texas.

We can assume that Michelle Malay has had a day of it with family and the service for Joe today. She will need our prayers for rest and for comforting. 

Talked to Jennifer Garcia about Kaylee who had to have brain surgery. She is cutting back on the two remaining medications and should be off ALL meds soon. Jennifer was so upbeat about it that it just made me feel good for her. 

Have not been on FB except for a short time this morning, so have no idea what is going on with everyone. Will ask you to pray for Kimberly Alvarado, Sharon Dickerson's niece, who is trying to recover from some major surgery. She is having a hard time of it.

Yours truly noticed this morning that my laptop was not closing properly. Think it is broken in the case. It is still working, but dadgumit! Have the security program, Microsoft Office Suite and other stuff on this one so that it will be a major pain in the keester to have to change it over to another lap top. And really am spoiled to using a laptop now. Being anchored to a room is not nearly as inviting as it might once have been. A tower probably would work longer and stay in better shape, but it is harder to make room for all the stuff it needs. Oh well. Will talk to the son-in-law soon about what to do. My last laptop--before this one--was a touch screen. Really did like that, but now am used to this one. sigh

It's almost time to go out and close up the coops. The girls have been super messy lately with their water, so put out two more containers on the deck and one extra inside the big coop. This morning that container was dirty and still had about one third of the water left in it. Dumped, cleaned, and refilled it before putting out the medicated water. They get a few drops of VetRx each week in clean water. So far they have all stayed healthy. But then, they have plenty of room to roam around. Connie said it was fun to watch them. It really is, especially if you know just exactly what they are doing. Sneaky little dinosaurs!

May you all rest well and get a good night's sleep. Know that whatever your plans may be, it is good to ask God's guidance in those undertakings. You are loved.

Saying Goodbye Softly.

 When we have already been told that the end is close, it is hard to walk away for any length of time, but still necessary in some circumstances. My children were so protective of me when we knew that Lewis would not be with us more than a few hours. It was so very difficult, but the children were so very sweet and loving. It was Jennifer's birthday the morning before he was gone, and it never even dawned on me. He had requested a May birthday party for everyone just about a week before so that he would not miss anyone's birthday. Seems like most of the birthdays are in May in our family. But that was a really hard year for birthdays. And a really hard year for saying goodbye. Lewis died on May 18. My daddy died on October 8 the same year. Jennifer and I sat with him and Mom until it was time to put Mom to bed that night after they had picked up Dad's body. Never was sure she even understood what had taken place, but maybe that was for the best. The next year she went to sleep before October 1, and never woke up. The nurse said she had a smile on her face when she went to check on her. Sometimes we say goodbye and just have to accept that it may be for the last time. Think both of my parents were more than ready for that last goodbye.

This morning Michelle told me that Joe chose Easter Sunday to say his last goodbye. He had already visited with his mom, his three brothers, and two daughters, but he called for Michelle and waited until she got there before removing his oxygen mask. I am so glad that he got to choose the time. Now their family will need time to mourn and heal from loss.

My doctor told me this morning that it is ok to cry, and that it is probably a good thing to do that. It is not easy to deal with emotions, at least it is not easy for me. It feels as if one is in a freefall that has no certain boundaries. Where are the brakes, the parachute, the reins to pull up to a stop? And then there are the dogs who want to comfort their mom with licks, cuddles, and whines. And nevermind about being around anyone else in public. See, tears feel private to me. Only Lewis and the children ever saw me in a "meltdown" moment. And dear hearts, crying gives this ol' girl a humongous headache. Not exactly a migraine, but close enough. Anyway, being emotional over my own feelings about others is enough to keep me away from public displays. So funerals and such are almost impossible. When Janis, Connie's mom, died, I went to be there for her two girls as they had absolutely no family. Not sure just how much help it was to them, but it made me feel as if they knew I cared. Now Connie has spent enough time with me that we both know and agree that some things are just bound to happen with Rebekah. The timing is totally uncertain, but some things do seem inevitable. This past few years have not been easy, but it seems our world just keeps getting more wobbly every day. It is good to know that God is on His throne. And that someday there will be no more tears.

May this be a night of rest for all of you. Remember always: You are loved.

They Call It Easter.

 The term Easter came from Isthar. Several sources on my computer came up with all kinds of interesting factoids: Easter is an ancient spring festival. Long before the time of Christ, the pagan goddess Ishtar, or sometimes known as Astarte or Ashtoreth, was worshiped in different countries. Our modern practice of sunrise worship originates from the pagan festival honoring Ishtar.

A funny source of useless factoids is on this page: 50 amazing facts about Easter! (List) | Useless Daily: Facts, Trivia, News, Oddities, Jokes and more!

Whatever the origins of the celebration, Easter means different things to different people. Obviously the Jewish people do not celebrate Easter. They celebrate the holy days as commanded by God in the Old Testament--Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. In point of fact, Christ was celebrating the killing of the Passover lamb when He and his disciples celebrated His last Passover. Anyway, the result was the same the year of Christ's death. His death was the sacrifice for our many sins. His resurrection was the assurance that we, too, would live again. 

It bothers me just a bit to not wish someone a happy Easter whenever that is said to me. It's not like they would understand being wished a happy Passover. But nonetheless, asking for God's blessings upon others is the general intent. So, may all of you be blessed by this Passover time and its meaning.

This has been an interesting day. Well, sort of. Cleaning out the vegetable crispers and picked up the top part of the shelf. The glass fell out but did not break. Took the glass to the sink carefully to clean it. It shattered inside the sink. Some of the pieces popped up inside my shirt. Not a problem. No cuts. Closed the dogs up in the living room and began the project of cleaning the sink, the floor, the counters, and then hauling the trash out to the bin. Got the crispers put back without the glass top, so that looks a little different, but what the hey!

Michelle and Tim came and took away the "lawn ornament" that was a Husqvarna mower. No matter what was changed on it, the silly thing would not stay charged. Think Hanan's impatience with the safety feature that brought it to a full stop if the driver got off the seat probably had something to do with the battery not staying charged. Oh well. Happy with my zero turn.

The dogs are standing here panting and begging for liver. Put some cooked liver in the freezer when it came from the ranch in Megargel. Now all is needed is to thaw some when it appeals to me, so it is a liver day. 

John Rhoads just left. He picked up a couple of dozen eggs and left a half sack of corn here. Will call Nikki Smith and see if she wants it. My hens don't eat whole corn. If it were planted, it would produce what is called "field" corn. It is a lot of things, but tender is not one of them. Guess a row of corn behind the iris plants might be ok. We will see how much energy it takes to even think about that. My back is really giving me fits. Will see what Dr. Blackwell says tomorrow. Connie is going to take me over there, and then we plan to go to Market Street for a few things--mainly lunch at the deli. That office is so very convenient.

Hoping to have my truck back by Tuesday and hopefully no later than Wednesday. The mechanic says it depends on parts. Joy!

Don't really know much this evening. That seems to be about par for the course lately. Ignorant but opinionated. Oh well.

Pray for rain and for rest for those who are suffering. Please remember Kimberly, Sharon Dickerson's niece. She is really having a tough time. 

May you all rest well and awake ready to see another day. You are loved.

Zero to Go!

 The little twit that semi-lives over on Lake View behind my place has been driving a puter-scooter all over heck and half of Georgia, and it gave me an idea. Got out my zero turn mower, fastened the dogs in the house, and drove down on the mower to get my mail. So there! Talked to Patty, and she said if she had to she could drive one of Donny's little four-wheel gizmos. I would love to see that! Hooked up to her oxygen bottle and wheeling down to get her mail! It's not like either of us do a lot of walking anyway, but she has the breathing problem for her reason to not walk. My knee is just not very helpful, not like it would hurt me to walk a bit, but not over rough ground.

The wind has blown today, as usual. The pollen count is high, as usual. Connie said it woke her up in the night all choked up and unable to breathe. Yep, pollen is about as bad as it can get for folks who are allergic to that garbage.

Made some bread today. Didn't turn out the best in the West, but tried using some strange kinds of ingredients. Will try again tomorrow and just use regular flour and let it rise twice. Thought it would be fun to use some almond flour and coconut flour. Nope. It tasted ok, but the hens had problems eating the crusts given to them. Now that is some tough crust!

Finished the book With the Makers of Texas by E. C. Barker and H. E. Bolton. It was written back in 1904 and compiled for the University of Texas. Several sections tell about the founding of Texas and its settlement. Some letters are from Travis from the Alamo, Stephen F. Austin from Peach Point near Brazoria, and the founding of the Texas Rangers back before Texas was even a republic. It is truly an amazing book. No wonder our ancestors were happy to be Texans. They had to be a tough bunch just to survive! Asked Lance if he would like to read these two books, but he said he thought he had that part of history covered. As much history as has sifted through my brain, the German settlements and this one that outlines the battles with Mexico and the Civil War just boggled my mind. Know one of my great-great grandfathers was in San Antonio making shoes for the army during the Civil War. His wife and a friend went down there horseback from Traskwood, Arkansas, after word was sent to her that he had been injured and needed a nurse. He was working on shoe leather and pulled an awl up and hit himself in the eye. Imagine riding all those miles horseback without any man to accompany them. Riding through rivers and trying to avoid Indians would be the hard part in my estimation. But according to these stories, thirty miles in a day's ride would have been very hard riding. It has to be pretty tough since there were no roads like today. Today it is 563 miles, or a little over 8 hours, from Traskwood to San Antonio. Divided by the best riding--30 miles a day--it would have taken at least 19 days to get there. You can bet they were not going that fast, however.

While he was up here helping me paint the kitchen, Grayson got to look at my dad's papers from his time in the service. He was supposed to go to Europe in the tank corps to replace the men that had been lost in that battalion. Can't remember the name of it right now, but their signal flag had a big ol' black panther jumping in the air. Daddy used that picture of a panther in one painting he did for the Zachrys for their fireplace. It was a panther about to jump down on a horse coming through under some rocks. Have wished several times that we had asked Clara Zachry if she would let us have that painting. Oh well. Have some of Dad's paintings still. Sterling has the one he did of the old homestead in Jack County. Was only there once and felt terrified by the rattlesnakes and the stinging bugs that would raise a blister if they got on your skin. The men out trying to dig an oil well said it was the worse place they had ever been for stinging and biting creatures! And just think: my Granddad Kennedy grew up there!

The hens are steadily filling up egg cartons. Will have several dozen to take to Dr. Blackwell and her nurse on Monday. Then some of you need to let me know if you want eggs. Sent some home with Michelle and Tim Malay the other day since Joe's daughter was to be at their house. Not sure how that situation is going. Don't want to call or bother them. It can't be easy. 

Have thought several times about how being a widow can really warp one's mind. We don't want to be a burden to anyone, but we really need help of all kinds, plus the assurance from our kids that they truly love us and appreciate us. Know that Jennifer and Lance do their best to check on me. Jenn reads this blog and is one of the administrators. Lance does not get on FB at all any longer. So he knows what Jenn tells him or whatever he finds out when he calls. Have even begun to call my granddaughter just to check on her every so often. She is applying for a job that would truly be good for her, so that has gone on my prayer list. She loves the outdoors and reminds me of some of my friends who are part of the "wilderness" group. Anyway, would prefer to see her working on a tree farm rather than in one of the big stores like Target. She would probably be safer in the woods!

Jenn told me the other day with excitement in her voice that the honey bees were alive and well in their big oak tree. That made me smile. They live in an HOA so they can't claim a beehive as a tax exemption. Thought about Judie Brunson and her mini donkeys and horses. Not sure how she managed to get it declared a farm, but it cuts down on taxes when that is possible. Kinda neat. Can't do that here on the hill within the city limits--at least don't think it can be done. Oh well.

Have you ever thought about the greatest gift you ever received? It is easy for me: forgiveness. The Passover pictures that forgiveness. And His resurrection pictures the victory over death and our sure life in him after death. Thought about the one time when my head got konked, and the next thing of which my mind was aware was the horse standing over me blowing her breath in my face. It could have been minutes or even longer, but to me, it was just a second before when we had been running over that meadow. Truly believe that our resurrection will be like that. Waking up is like that each day, for that matter. Sleep is so necessary, but the waking up part is a celebration. Now is the time to appreciate that God has given us both the rest and the awakening. Just my thoughts tonight.

May you all find a corner of your thoughts to share with those you love. May you rest and awake with joy. You are loved.

Twenty Years of Service.

 Twenty years ago Lewis sent me down to Decatur to Karl Klement Ford to pick out a truck. When my decision was made, they started the paperwork for Lewis to sign the next day. We got there, signed the papers, and drove out of the parking lot. A great big ol' gravel truck threw a piece or two of gravel which hit the windshield and chipped it. Dadgumit! Lewis had it repaired in whatever way the glass people knew to keep it from cracking all the way through the glass. Since then, my son-in-law had the brakes redone on the truck about three years ago so that it was safe to drive. Other than that, the truck has just had the normal care given to any vehicle. So today Texoma Truck and Fleet Repair told me that the truck needed about two thousand dollars worth of work done on it. That is a pretty good sized bill, but for twenty years of service, hardly anything to gripe about. SO glad that it is being done before something got ruined. Anyway, maybe the government will get around to sending my $1400 deposit soon. Between my decision not to replace the flooring and the government stimulus, that pretty well takes care of things. God is good.

The hens placed 15 eggs in the nests today. They certainly have been producing their fair share and then some. As long as they have fresh water and plenty of feed, they are happy. They keep the grass down pretty good, too. Little lawn mowing dinosaurs!

The weather is cloudy and cool. Won't gripe, but rain is actually needed. Took a couple of buckets of water down to the new Macintosh and then ran water around the dwarf cherries. Still am disappointed that the apricots did not bloom out this year. Maybe they will surprise me. Not likely, but still.

Jennifer was wishing for some kind of bird that would eat the freaking love bugs. Only so much can be done to prevent those insects without damaging the soil or poisoning the critters that are beneficial. She thought maybe some kind of bird would eat the stinking bugs, but if they had a bird that would do that, you can bet that Florida would be hand raising those birds! Think they are so bad down there that they have to carry windshield wash just to drive from one town to the next. Won't chop down the Western soapberry trees, but the bugs don't seem to get on any other tree. Maybe a ring around the tree too far up for the hens or dogs to jump and soak the tree with something that would kill the bugs. Diesel? Nah, that would kill the tree. If any of you have an idea, please let me know. Dread having to fight those bugs.

Have failed to post the past several days of birds. The one for today is the Helmeted Guineafowl. Never have seen that kind of guinea, but know that the noise the regular ones make will send a person straight up the wall when those critters find a snake or anything in their territory that does not belong. Loud and obnoxious, but great snake hunters! If ever a person was infested with any kind of snake, a bunch of guineas would take care of the problem. Not likely to make any neighbors love a person who has them, but still. They roost up in the tops of trees in the summertime, and maybe they would roost in a barn or some other place in the winter. Not sure that they would adjust too well to a covered place unless they were raised there first. So many different characteristics with fowls! Hens are sweet like the kind out in my back yard, but have heard peahens screaming and would definitely not want any on the place. And ducks are so nasty that only someone with a good stock tank out in the pasture would want any of them around. They are funny, but such messy eaters and well . . . just nasty! Geese are more likely to take over a place and herd the other livestock! A drake will attack anything he considers a rival--especially his reflection in a glass door. We had to try to get inside the school before the school was moved away from Sikes Lake and the geese that lived there. Such fun to be chased down the sidewalk by a big, heavy winged drake! Have heard that swans are even worse! Oh well. At least they are not mean like hogs.

Mother used to tell the story of learning how to twirl a baton for her drill team. She carried that baton everywhere and twirled it along her way. They had an outdoor facility and geese between the john and the house. Mom apparently attracted the attention of the drake because he came after her. She used her baton to her advantage and the drake lay down and died. She cried and told Granny Kennedy, "I killed your big drake when he attacked me!" Granny told her not to worry because she needed a new pillow and that drake would make a good pillow full of feathers. Granny must have been a sweet ol' woman.

Just talked to Patty Anderson, my neighbor to the west on the lake. We were talking about how blessed we were to be able to afford repairs on this, that, or something else. During that week of the horrible weather, we had no electricity. Both of us had pipes burst and were without water for a week. And now the gas company found a leak in their line so they have been without gas for a week! Yep, we are blessed. Told her to send Donny up if she needed something cooked, but he has been going to get their food from wherever for the past week. They should have the gas back on by Wednesday. My truck should be ready by Wednesday--hope, hope, hope. Anyway, it is a blessing to be able to deal with such situations.

Just stepped outside to see what had the dogs in an uproar. The neighbor behind me was hauling crud out to his trash bin and making lots of noise. At least he did not hollar at them. They don't like him even a tiny bit because he has shot Thompson with a BB gun. You can imagine how this ol' woman feels about that. Patty says she would take a shotgun out there and ask the dogs, "Is that man bothering you?" But no sense escalating the problems unless it gets worse. Not that shooting my dog is in the least bit acceptable!

The dogs got a good case of the zoomies while they told me about things. They scatter hens every which way and run around and across the deck and the walkway to the hen house. Good exercise. Wish my ol' body could manage that kind of exercise!

Don't really know anything worth talking about. It is a good weekend for being at home and being still. Happy that we have not had a bad storm yet and praying that we will only get rains and such without the high winds and hail. It is Texas, but sometimes it can be mild weather even here.

May you all rest well and awake with the energy to appreciate life. You are loved.

Service with a Smile?

 Talked to a man at Texoma Fleet about taking my truck in today rather than in the morning. Asked about what time would be best: "Oh, in about six weeks." Then he added a slight chuckle. Yep, six weeks might not be the best thing for the truck. Anyway, they have it now, and because of Connie Cooke, yours truly is not exactly on foot. We had lunch at some place called Cheddar's. Have been there before, but dearly beloved, won't be back for a long while. The service was friendly but totally inefficient. One has to ASK for salt and pepper. And the dishes that came out were not complete until we asked about the food that we had ordered. Connie ended up asking her to remove part of her order since it was not brought out in a timely manner. The young girl finally brought my broccoli by the time everything else on the plate was finished. Good thing broccoli in one of my favorites! Would have been 100% cheaper and better to make this stuff at home. The dogs might have begged a bit, but hello, at least the salt and pepper would have been on the table.

Maybe Covid 19 has caused many of the current problems, but sometimes it just seems that is an excuse. A meal has to be complete and served in a timely manner or it just doesn't seem as if it is worth the bother. Gripe, natter, natter.

Spent some time visiting with Connie and laughing about some of the things we both consider strange. She left home at 24--and to go to another college. My first real stay away from home was in 1966 for one semester of school at Texas Woman's University in Denton. Never been so homesick in my entire life. Missed my parents and my dog and horse. The dog had to be put down before the semester was even over. He had been hit by a car earlier and it developed into cancer or some kind of internal abscess. Poor Freckles was the sweetest dog ever. He was a shadow for Duchess. She loved him almost as much as he loved her. Sad to think how many dogs, cats, horses and assorted critters have moved my heart over the years. Know my children felt the same way about their dogs and our cat Oliver Twisted. Harley Bastard was Hanan's first dog. He ended up here with us after Hanan went to California. Such a sweet ol' boy. Lots of good memories.

Michelle Malay and Tim came by this morning. She brought the dogs some treats and brought yours truly some teas, honey, and lemons. Going to try very hard to stay completely away from caffeine for a while. So if a headache blooms in the morning.....Oh well. 

Jennifer was saying that she thought the ragweed must be blooming. Did you know that most ragweed does not even appear to have blooms? The tiny yellow buds just look like part of the plant. But the results are still the same no matter how it looks. However, ragweed normally blooms in September or at least in the fall until the frost gets it. Honestly, if it is growing and is in the ragweed family like asters or chrysanthemums, nobody will have to tell you they are blooming. Lifting my Allegra to you!

Had to water the plants today. Yep, we could definitely use a good soaking rain. And it isn't even May yet. Texas never fails to get weather in May, but let's hope it will bring a good rainy few days. Won't even mind wading out to the hen house if we just get some solid rain.

This Sunday is Easter. When we were children that was a big deal because everyone had to dress up more like a funeral than just normal Sunday services. Hats and shoes and gloves for the ladies were extended to the little girls. The boys got by with wearing dress pants and polishing their shoes nicely. And then we had to take pictures with the grandparents each Easter. Not sure why it had to be Easter, but that was how our family did things. Then the big meal after church was over. Yep, not your everyday fried chicken Sunday dinner. Ham and deviled eggs, mashed tators, English peas, gravy, and pies or cakes or both. It was like Christmas without all the wrapping paper and much warmer weather. Have thought about my parents these past few days and wondered how they afforded to do all they did back then. But it could have been cornbread and beans and they would have made it feel special. Daddy never let a reason to pray stop his respect for the Creator. And we learned so very much from him and Mom. Miss them now more than ever.

For years my own family celebrated the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread. Lance had just turned three when we started doing that. Jennifer never knew any other way until she was older. And yes, they heard many a prayer from their parents over many situations other than meals. So very glad that we both believed that God was in charge. It still makes my life much easier knowing that whatever happens will work out for the best as long as our faith remains in God. Can't imagine a world without that kind of faith, but the times are certainly changing in this society. God hasn't changed. But people don't really realize how much their lives depend on the blessings afforded to us by His hand. From the smallest problems to the largest worries, God is always there for us. We have much for which to be grateful.

Not really much on my mind today other than old memories. Jenn was reminded of having the chicken pox so bad that she could not stand up straight. Kept her out of the hospital through prayer and Jello water which was the only thing she could keep down! How we ever made it through the years is not really surprising, but nodding my head knowing how we were always blessed with love. 

May you all rest well, my friends. Let the Master take your worries and sift them out like sand. You are loved.