Hidden Talents.

 Hidden Talents.

 

Know some of you personally and expect that your talents are the best thing close to professional as anyone could have. One person used to play the piano and organ and had a beautiful voice with which she entertained us—us being a congregation. She did the same at another church when she was younger. She also has the business savvy to run a high-powered delivery business. And did so for years after her husband died.

 

Then there are those who know nature craft, photography, crafts of sewing, quilting, cooking, and making things that help others. Among the men (AND women) are carpenters, welders, farriers, and those who know more about farming and ranching than the entire U.S. government. Some of the skills developed due to necessity; and some developed through our tendency to believe that those were the skills needed to help our personalities to bloom. A teacher, a woman married to a lawyer, an accountant/business advisor, a writer, a land developer, a pastor, a former police officer, and just about any kind of skilled person you might ever need are among those who read and laugh over this silly blog daily or thereabouts.

 

The reason these talents matter is that as far as we know or suspect, each of these folks has something even deeper in that well of talent—each person cares about others around them or those they see or hear about. None who have stayed around a bit show disdain or disgust with our feelings or endeavors. Now if only the entire world had an attitude like that!

 

The calendar doesn’t hold much water for me, so tonight ending the year of 2022 and beginning 2023 is not really that big of a deal. Some of us are just happy to remember which day of the week it might be—trash pickup days, ya know. But let us step up to develop those hidden talents that we can share with others. Already know that my one sister-by-another mother has taken on a new sewing project to help children. And my other sister-by-another mother has begun to help others to learn to can food, preserve whatever is needed in a home, and various other projects through her church affiliation. Whether it is donating to a local dog and cat rescue, finding social services for others, or any number of the ways we find to help, let us commit to doing more of the same this year. Let’s take that talent of love and spread it around.

 

Thank God for ALL the blessings He has given us that we may share HIS love to and with others. Remember those still encased by the snow and ice up North. May God send them rescue and refuge.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

THOSE Words!

THOSE Words!

 

Sat here and laughed until it hurt. Friend talked to me today about how strict her parents were about the terms she used. She said her dad would not allow her to call him “Father” because only one father exists—the one in heaven. Years ago, it seemed like it was so very hard not to use the words heard in the corral. Had mostly managed to remove “golly,” “good grief,” and “gosh” from my vocabulary. But today my friend gave me a neat little thing to use for some situations: Son of a toothbrush fairy! Giggling!

 

For years it has been my mouth that has gotten me in more trouble than just about any action. Nothing like having an attitude! But vulgarities are just not happening around this old woman. Barnyard language is one thing—you know, the stuff you step in or where the IRS agent needs to go in a New York minute, but about the worst use of body parts would involve someone’s hind leg—usually a rat’s rear leg! Children today have a vocabulary that would turn your grandmother’s ears blue. But then, the things on those video games are a bit much. It’s a different world, dear hearts.

 

A white car pulled up out front earlier today. Jo Ann Hobbs had come to visit and bring me a happy surprise! Two pot holders that will never be used as pot holders because they are simply too pretty to take a chance on messing up. A rooster and a hen covered with pretty flowers! She has a sewing machine that embroiders wonderful pictures. She even makes baby quilts that include the picture of the baby and its parents, foot prints, and such information as one would want to remember. That is so very neat. Think it is similar to the program that Tracy’s machine has on it. Tracy made scarves for all the women in her circle and included an initial. Love my red plaid scarf!

 

Jo Ann showed me pictures of her Navy grands. They are coming home this weekend to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Day with her and Smitty. Turkey and dressing time out on Lake Arrowhead. Sent the eggs home with her that were intended for Barbara, but have a dozen left to give to Barb if and when she drops by.

 

Ben and Caleb dropped by this morning and brought seven fertile eggs. One happy ol’ hen is out there in the little coop just chuckling away. If any of the eggs hatch, they will start hatching around the 21^st of January. By then the little pen will be ready for them in the green house. Will put down straw until the weather warms up a bit more. And that may take a while since this is not even quite January!

 

Made a big salad for lunch that may also be most of supper. One package of mixed greens, two tomatoes, some feta cheese, two kinds of olives, one green bell pepper, croutons, and dressing (Ranch) serve the purpose of keeping my mouth busy with only crunchy noises forthcoming.

 

The mailman brought the master’s degree announcement for Grayson Ostand this morning. SO proud of that guy! Started to say “boy,” but he hasn’t been a “boy” in a long time. His daddy depends on him for lots of things around the place. It’s not like he has to herd sheep or brand cattle, but still. Living out there on that hill can be complicated with all the stuff that has to be done to keep things going right. Just keeping the fences up to snuff is part of the work they have to consider. Those three dogs are escape artists.

 

Thompson is giving me one of those sleepy-dog looks. The house is not cold, but it is definitely not hot, so a blanket over him makes that dog happy. Sylvia has much more hair on her, so nevermind the blanket for her, thank you very much. They are such sweet critters. Last night they had to wear their Thunder Shirts because the dip sticks were setting off firecrackers! Despise the noise and wish sometimes that fireworks could be silent and pretty like the stars above. Oh well. Something else to gripe about.

 

Sterling is taking Jacqui today to some kind of reunion of the folks who worked in the bank where she worked years ago in Oklahoma. He was not sure if any of them would still be alive, but she wanted to go, so there was that. Sterling said that it is getting harder and harder to keep friends. Age, ya know. Like our muscle strength, it seems sometimes that we lose things so quickly that we hardly even notice. But such is life. The things and people we love just go by the wayside rather suddenly.

 

While Jo Ann was here, we talked about feeding the birds—the wild ones. She buys scratch because the wild bird feed is even more expensive than the chicken scratch. But touching nature makes just about anyone happier if not too much of the marks of civilization are camping out there. For instance, lights. Folks don’t realize that our little tinkly lights mess with the lightning bugs. If someplace is meant to be a nature preserve or a garden of natural habitat, then those stupid lights mess up all the critters! Sometimes lights “force” plants before they should come out of the ground in the wrong months. Then one has to consider the idiots who plonk their big feet around where the lights are when getting pictures. Yep, go right ahead and stomp down the earth, break the roots, and pack the dirt so hard it is impenetrable. Well, doggies! Someone took a grouchy pill early this morning. Maybe this afternoon will get better.

 

Have some sausage to cook up and some asparagus to steam. No, they don’t go together, but won’t cook them at the same time. Just trying to remember what is on the menu for tomorrow so nothing gets left in the fridge long enough to go bad. REALLY don’t like to waste good food. And have a blueberry muffin to take down to Patty. She sent milk, bread, lettuce, tomatoes, and popcorn up to my hens yesterday. Even Miss Broody wanted some of that popcorn!

 

Walked down to Patty’s to give her the extra blueberry muffin and to show her the two pot holders with flowered hen and rooster. Like me, she said that is the sort of thing one hangs on the wall and looks at with fondness. Have always tried to have flowers on this hill, especially out front, but now will try to put at least garlic along the fence for some green when the grass won’t do anything. Anyway! Picked up Roxie and petted Rudy so my dogs had to sniff me from one side to the other and up and down thoroughly. Patty got to see the “chickens” and the dogs got a bit of exercise!

 

Got one of those FB past books for last year. Of course, it had much more in it than just the past year since we reposted memories including Lewis, the tractor, Donny Anderson, and Jerry Hobbs working on the green house. Had quite a few silly pictures to include the “fidget aprons” for the nursing home folks and lots of flowers and hen pictures. Just good memories.

 

Really don’t know anything. Hoping that sleep will be easier tonight than it was last night, but you can almost bet the firecracker dip sticks will start in about the time the sandman will come around. Sigh.

 

Pray for rain. Honestly believe we are going to be in big trouble if we don’t get some decent amounts of rain pretty soon. Lake Mead we don’t need, but Lake Arrowhead keeps bunches of people from going thirsty. It’s raining in Mississippi, so maybe we could entice the clouds to come this way? We just have to ask the Creator for His blessings.

 

Rest well, my friends. You have reason to rejoice in His love.

Maybe a Letter T or P.

 Maybe a Letter T or P.

 

Whichever it takes to get the message across, the muscles hurt, the head is ready for bed, but common sense says even tired or pooped, it is too early to go to bed. Somehow the day just kept getting more things to do and quite a few of them actually done. Sharpened the pole saw blade as best it could be done by a non-scientific minded old woman. It DID cut a few limbs, but only the small ones. Simply do not have the strength to do those bigger ones. Used to have an electric pole saw, but the saw part got stolen when Jerry set it down one day. Never did get a new pole saw, just the saw part. And guess who never could use it right. Oh well.

 

Got the air stapler reconnected and put up more plastic in the coops. Hoping to keep the freaking sparrows and starlings outside the coop instead of inside. We will see. Even put a piece of plastic over the little exit door to the inside coop. If the girls are not in the middle coop in the morning, we will know that they don’t get it that they can go through. Here’s hoping my body wakes me up early enough to see what they are doing that time of the morning. If nothing else, can just open the middle door and let them wonder what happened.

 

Fixed up the coop next to the house (with plastic sheeting) that we used down at Jennifer’s place in Mansfield. Guess who is inside—the broody coo coo Maran! Asked Stephen if he has some fertile eggs. Hope he remembers that he said he did and why they are wanted. Also, got on Chickens of WF today and found a teacher who needed 22 fertile eggs for her class. Hmm. What happens if only 20 hatch? Some little kid is going to be so disappointed. Guess being a teacher, she will figure it out.

 

Also, asked Stephen about cutting down this tree next to the house. It provides some very good shade, but it is right under the power lines. Hanan cut it WAY back years ago to three stubs, but since then it has spread out and up until it has to be hacked back to the “bloody” nubs again. Hoping Stephen can handle it, and the boys can load the limbs in the back of my truck. Hope the city still lets folks dump tree limbs at the transfer station. It was closed recently for some reason.

 

Ah, just happened to think that all that vacuuming and mopping yesterday may be why the muscles are so sore today. No good deed goes unpunished, ya know.

 

These silly dogs! They are NOT hungry, but Sylvia thinks she needs some treats inside her treat toy. It did not actually begin as a treat toy. She chewed the squeaker end off, so now that is where the treats can be pushed inside. She loves getting them out! Thompson just sighs. He does not really want any, thank you very much.

 

Really do not know what is going on in the world other than the deaths of some famous folks—soccer player and a Canadian cowboy musician who wrote These Four Winds. Sometimes a death makes a difference to just a few more folks than usual.

 

Noticed on the WF page that comes in my emails from AOL that one of the young men in that horrible wreck is not doing too well. Considered “serious” in condition. Need to call Barbara and see for sure, but think this is her grandson with the crushed hip. Neither one is out of the hospital yet, at least don’t think so. Just please pray for those boys. Young men do some of the stupidest things, but we love them and have to appreciate that God watches over them.

 

Still praying for my son-in-law. The camera will tell the doctors where the bleeding originates if that is the source. Meanwhile, New Year’s Eve could be interesting in all sorts of ways. Sigh

 

Let us rejoice in the goodness we see in our fellow man. Some of the rescues in the North came from those who just had electricity and a place to let folks lie down and rest with food to feed them. Praise God for those who gave of their time and resources to help others.

 

Rest well, my friends. We have so much for which to be grateful. You are loved.

The Letter C Day.

 The Letter C Day.

 

Some things just happen and then look as weird as anything. Bought a chocolate cake at Aldi’s the other day. This morning breakfast was coffee with cream and a piece of chocolate cake. Lunch was a coke (yeah, brand name) and chicken salad. Supper was cauliflower with sweet cream butter melted in it. Oh, and cool water. Wonder what tomorrow will look like.

 

Haven’t really talked to anyone except Patty today. She was having a time of it in this nasty wind. When my anemometer gets moved, maybe we can tell just how fast that wind is moving. It certainly had the propeller on Sterling’s little airplane buzzing! And then, too, the pollen count was 11.5 on a scale of 12 for juniper pollen. Such fun to breathe. Go stick your head inside a real Christmas tree and then try to get a breath of air! Kaccckkk~!

 

The neighbors are back from wherever they have been. Good to see the car back over there, but this is Wednesday, so they will have some folks over tonight for prayers or whatever. As long as they are not any more bother than that, yours truly will be happy to have them as neighbors.

 

The city of WF came to North Church Street today and fixed whatever the big hole covered up. Guess it had to be a water leak. Not sure just why that side of the community has such water pipe problems. Only one has sprung a leak in all the time this old woman has lived here, and it was caused by the folks who were burying those orange pipes for internet or whatever. They dug holes all over that part of the ground and then left the holes open. Those little orange cones don’t really show up all that well, but the water spurting out causes a few folks to pay attention.

 

Cleaned the cover on the recliner and washed a rug given to me by Roger and Susan Thonton that helps keep the dog tracks to a minimum in the kitchen. Vacuumed and mopped the two floors, and even moved the fridge and deep freeze enough to clean around the edges. Sterling called me about that time and chewed on me for trying to act like a bull about doing stuff. Sat down then and rested after that. Was feeling kinda ornery anyway. It’s probably a good thing that no one was around to talk to me. The dogs don’t mind my attitude overly much. At least they don’t take it personally unless their names are called out loud.

 

That silly broody hen is still out there on the nest. Maybe tomorrow she will get moved into the little hen coop by the house. She can have water and feed and still sit to her heart’s content. Don’t think anyone is going to have fertile eggs around for her to hatch out. Not sure if any little chicks would live through the winter anyway. Doubt if Nikki and Stephen have fertile eggs either.

 

Keep thinking that these new drapes need to be tossed in the dryer with a wet towel to get the folds out of them. Still haven’t done it as it is a major job just getting them up and down on the wall. Piddly little job, but it takes stretching and doing that more than once. Yep, move the deep freeze and then gripe about trying to take the curtains down and put them back up! But it is a different set of muscles. Pushing things around with my hips is one thing; lifting that weight up to the wall is totally different. See, this is why a husband comes in handy once in a while. Laughing to myself. Lewis never put a curtain up a day in our marriage! But the old woman made all the curtains in this house for years!

 

Three more days left in this year. It seems counterintuitive to consider the middle of winter as the new part of a year. To me, spring begins the new year. New plants and growth, new leaves on the trees, the birds begin building nests, and the freaking tornadoes spring up like tulips. Oh well. This weather forecast is calling for floods in some areas. Not where the rain is needed, of course. We don’t need a flood either, however. We just need several days of a good slow soaking rain to fill up the lakes, stock ponds, and give the wheat a good soaking start of growth. Oh well. God will see what we need and either furnish relief or not.

 

Son-in-law still has another test this weekend. The poor guy can’t catch a break, but at least the insurance part is covered for the year. He and Jenn have an anniversary on the 31^st. Think this will be twenty-eight years. Sent them a Jacqui Lawson card. Really like those things. Music and pretty scenes are easy to come by. And no stamps are needed. At least our postal service can continue to function. Quite a few states simply can’t get the trucks on the roads. How blessed we are here in North Central Texas!

 

Almost time to shut the doors on the chicken coops. The girls get up there on the roosts usually before dark has really happened. They are so much fun to listen to. They have a purrish grumble that floats down around my ears along with a pock or two. Guess you just have to be there to listen to them for it to be impressive.

 

Fed the dogs chicken today without anything else except some kibble. Sylvia’s gas could be used as a national weapon of mass confusion. Was that a chicken or a dead potato?

 

Guess my sense of humor needs to hang it up for the night. Let us remember those who have lost loved ones tonight. So many law enforcement officers and service personnel have lost their lives lately. This is a terrible time to be in public service apparently. One guy was driving a tow truck to remove wrecks and such. Stupid driver wiped him out without a backward glance. Horrors! Let us pray for the families of these men and women.

 

Please remember how blessed we are to be able to function this time of the year without danger of freezing to death at the moment. Let us thank God for His protection.

 

Rest well, my friends. Know that you are loved.

Residual Blessings.

 Residual Blessings.

 

Bought some decaf coffee recently and have been trying to cut down on how much caffeine the old woman consumes. Can have an entire pot of the hot stuff this way. The headaches are about gone now, so that is a good thing. Still try to stay away from the Dr Peppers in the back room as they have as much or more go juice in them as coffee. Good reasons exist for not having that much excitement in my life starting with the first cup of anything in the morning. Last night reminded me that one can of Coke had left my brain on overdrive by bedtime. Had to get up and take something to get my mind to shut the hey up. Overslept. Ticked off hens. Sigh.

 

Did some mending yesterday on my favorite sweater jacket lining. Had to use a large needle and still had some interesting things to say to that thread and the eye that kept sliding right on by. Great to have distance vision as good as God could provide, but the steady hand and up-close work is a bit of a challenge. Just happy to be able to still know how to do what has to be done to keep my clothes in presentable shape. Had to tell a friend about learning to sew on buttons. That was one of the first lessons Mom had for me. Then one Sunday Daddy’s shirt needed a button sewn on. Mom had a needle already threaded on her sewing table, so the button got sewn on rather quickly for the trip to church. When Daddy saw the button: “Gene! She used blue thread on my white shirt!” Giggling. Daddy was not pleased. Imagine that!

 

It's been one of those days that reminds a person of how very nice it is to have some things delivered to the house. Umpteen years ago—back before my time—some small-town grocers got a list from their customers and delivered to their homes. Well, some things have come back around. The big difference is that the list is on the computer on the store’s website. And the store charges close to ten dollars for the delivery fee. Today the old woman decided she could do it herself. Went to Aldi’s, which is at least a dollar cheaper on nearly everything. Bought four pounds of butter—nearly $4 a pound!! Used to get it for $2 a pound. Sigh. Got a ten-pound sack of chicken quarters for $4 something where United charges $6 a sack. Anyway, it was a costly trip simply because looking at things makes them more desirable than simply filling out a list of things that are planned into meals. Such is life. THEN the sacking of the stuff, putting it into the truck, coming home to use the little blue wagon to haul the stuff into the house and put it all away. Yep, it is a job for muscles.

 

Took a couple of buckets of water out to the hens. Could have used the hose, but hooking it up includes remembering to remove it and put the freeze guard back on the faucet. Haven’t really looked at the weather forecast to see how many nights might not go down to freezing for a while. Feel so very sorry for those folks up North who have no water and everything frozen solid or worse. God, please bless them. Can’t imagine having a baby in that kind of situation and not having wipes, water, or oodles of diapers to use. The elderly and the littles are so very vulnerable in these situations. That is not even considering all the dogs, cats, chickens and whatever is roaming around trying to find a warm spot.

 

Need to call my friend Barbara and see if she wants these eggs. Sent the ones on the table home with Lance the day she was here. Now have 18 in a carton that would do for her and Mike. Just called her and she was in a bit of a slump and then some. Her grandson, her grandson-in-law (same thing as a grandson?), and a friend of theirs were in a bad wreck the night before Christmas. The grandson is still iffy but better—crushed hip and head injury among other things. The grandson-in-law broke a leg and foot and has had one surgery and another scheduled for tomorrow. They have kept the doctors busy. The other young man, thrown through the window, is being taken to Dallas as a donor. God bless these young men and their families! Such a waste and so sad. Please pray for the grandson—Clanton Sanderson, and for the grandson-in-law Ashton Tedwell. Know this is going to hurt Barbara and Mike until their children are back to decent health. The parents of that young man who is a donor are going to be crying for a long time. No one’s pain ever hurts just the one person, does it.

 

Let us rejoice in knowing that God will give each of us peace. It is His promise. May we show others His love as He has loved us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Blessings.

 Blessings.

 

Have thanked God for many years for the things that were NOT broken as often as for the things that came this way by surprise and by love. Recently the water did not want to spin out of the washing machine. It made me feel just about sick to think that the silly thing might be on its last legs. Had talked to my daughter-in-law who told me about her machine problems. Lance took something out and cleaned its drain to find all kinds of stuff in there. Dumping the junk solved that problem. Jennifer had less luck in that area. Her machine was giving her fits, so she called a repair person. To fix the silly machine, including parts, was going to be close to $900. A new machine was about $1K. She ordered the new machine. Today it was warmer on Dickerson Hill, so the problems (two) that might have been decisive concerning the possible need to replace this one were semi-resolved. The water drained out correctly, and the washer did its job. Chose a different setting for the thing that might have something to do with its ability to get the work done. This thing has several settings on it, but usually the bedding and heavy-duty wash were the only ones used. Few times were the clothes the kind that needed the delicate wash, but it worked just fine on that setting. Anyway, have just been thanking God that the silly machine is working correctly and no extra expense will be accumulated this month.

 

Just had the last of the Christmas turkey and ham that Stephen brought over the other night. Wrapped in one of those tortilla things with cheese, it made a good sandwich. Tomorrow will take a trip to go to a store and get a few things like yogurt, milk, half n half, and cottage cheese—plus cheese sticks. Not sure this house can run without cheese! Lance brought me some Gouda that he smoked in his smoker. Hope that was not the cooking thing that he caught on fire the other day. He had not scraped out the grease from the bottom tray, and guess what caught on fire when he was cooking sausage and bacon. He said they just had Dickerson Hill eggs that morning. And to top it off, Rachel’s boyfriend was there to see the situation unfold! How embarrassing. Still, told him he came by such foolishness honestly. One time it started raining while my hamburgers were on our grill, so pulling it under the front porch seemed like a good idea. Well, not with the lid on those greasy burgers! Took the lid up and whooomp! Put a grease fire right up on the top inside the porch. What a mess. It got painted over eventually, but it was a definite lesson about grease and grilling!

 

Just went down to Patty’s and put the trash out for her. The sack was a bit too heavy for her. She has been having some trouble since last night when her oxygen machine stopped working right and set to blasting the beeps. She called her providing lady who was kind and sweet enough to come out right that minute. But still, it upset Patty to have the machine go haywire and to have to call someone on Christmas night. Anyway, now she has a new machine and her trash is in the bin.

 

Sterling called and discussed how life gets weirder by the day. Yep, we take a strange course or direction the older we get. My old cantankerous self is quite satisfied to stay right here on this hill for the rest of my life. But he told me if it ever crosses my mind to do so, he has a trailer out beside his house with room for chickens and dogs. Think he might get tired of having around these two dogs, but we would probably get along otherwise. The only problem would be the freaking cold weather up that direction. It is at least two blankets more to live up there—with or without the electric blanket! They have ticks, skeeters, and more copperheads than Michelle Malay has in her front yard. We mostly have bull snakes and rattlers, but sometimes one thing outweighs the other. Just kinda hoping that the old woman will never have to make that decision. Can’t imagine the kids driving six hours just to see the old woman.

 

Looked at the weather forecast. It seems we can still call this winter. It may get up to 69 degrees on Wednesday. That suits me just fine. Would love to be able to just walk around out there and see how the weeds do grow! Here’s hoping the ground is still moist enough in a month or two to grow stuff early.

 

Will suggest that we continue to pray for rain in this part of the country. It would likely become snow or sleet, but we really need that moisture. Wheat won’t grow without it! God gives us rain in due season, but it does not hurt to ask Him for what we need.

 

Until the turnips sprout and the soil will grow cabbage, let us rejoice in nature that God has given us. The trees will have leaves again and the stock tanks will quench the thirst of these critters. Let us thank Him every day.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Soft and Quiet.

 Soft and Quiet.

 

It has been a good, slow day today. Nothing happening in the neighborhood and nothing exciting the dogs like that cat last night. Have snacked on all the good foods that Stephen brought over last night. Have enough food left to eat for the next few days! No cooking necessary!

 

Finally figured out that the new charger thingy that Lance got for me was turned around wrong with the wire that is supposed to charge it. Have it now working correctly and 100% charged. How about that, Tech people and other wise ones! Once in a while, the old woman does something right—maybe not the first time, but eventually!

 

Still letting the water drip and have the cabinet doors opened to keep it warm in there. Not really too worried about things freezing tonight. It might get down to freezing, but if anything went wrong around here, it would be due to the wind factor. And currently the wind is not even stirring! Amazing!

 

Have enjoyed looking at all the family pictures on FB and commenting on a few. Cousins and friends seem to have such joyous looks on their faces. Nothing is ever perfect except for God’s love, but some of the families make a person smile at their happiness.

 

Daughter-in-law embroidered my initial on a pretty red scarf, and the scarf is large enough to use as a shawl or head wrap. It is hanging on the back of my office chair at the moment. Not quite cold enough in here to need a wrap. But the color and the thoughtfulness make me happy.

 

Just spoke with Lance. They did not have sausages and bacon to go with the scrambled eggs this morning because Lance set the stove thing outside on fire. Nothing messed up except breakfast. And Tracy got a big kick out of telling her dad about the fire—as it was happening apparently. Giggling. Had to tell Lance about the time PawPaw Leland built teepees for the Cub Scouts he gathered in our yard. The teepee had burlap feed bags for covers. Daddy told the boys not to take fire inside the tents. Guess the message missed me. Guess who took a torch inside the teepee and had to be rescued. So, see; Lance came by the firebug thing genetically.

 

Don’t know doodly squat. It is an easy day for resting. May we all know that God has blessed us so very much. Let us rejoice and pray for those whose needs are so much greater than our own.

 

Rest well, my friends. Let your hearts be happy. You are loved.

Good Books and Tiny Frustrations.

 Good Books and Tiny Frustrations.

 

The Innkeeper at the Edge of Paris is a good book. Well, at least it has kept me interested and entertained. J. Schlenker wrote it and she has also written another—her first—called Jessica Lost Her Wobble. Looking forward to finding it in the Kindle editions and downloading it. She has written others: Sally, The Missing Butler and Other Life Mysteries (short stories), and A Peculiar School, and Alice Black. Will be looking for all of these books.

 

One of the frustrations of this day is trying to find the right kind of plug thingy for the new charger and one to use on the Kindle meanwhile. Never fails that if you are NOT looking for chargers, at least four or five will jump out at you. Nope, not the right kinds. And what do they call the ones that have a small end on one end of the cord and a large end on the other end of the cord? The ones for the Apple phone are not the same as the ones for the tablet that holds the Kindle app. And Lance said that the new charging thing will have to be plugged in over night to get up to its ability to do what it should in charging my phone. Oh well. May just call him and ask what the charger is called for the tablet. Brought the one in from the truck, but it is for an Apple with an end that fits the plug in for the place where the cigarette lighter would have been umpteen years ago.

 

Sterling just called and was saying that they got information from the SS people telling them what a raise they got. Not bad for old folks; now if the prices of things were not so outrageous . . .

 

Think Stephen Smith may drop by with a plate of Christmas dinner tonight. He said he only had one line to the chicken house to freeze up and would have to haul water until he could get the part. Some day—maybe—a water line may be put out to the hen house on Dickerson Hill. We will see what happens by next year.

 

Have not talked to my girl today to see if they have had a plumber come out or what. Their lines are in the attic and some froze. More insulation coming up! Only lines in this house are gas and electric in the attic. Everything else is in the ground. The old woman took a shovel and covered up some lines that come out from under the house and go to the washer. And sure enough, the washer is not running any water when it is turned on. Sigh Maybe it will warm up tomorrow or the next day enough to thaw the lines. Surely hope no places froze hard enough to break the lines.

 

Sterling just called and told some jokes to me that got me laughing. He told about the firemen who were setting up the nativity scene for the city. They just about had everything under this little lean-to when one fireman said he had to run go get his helmet and fire coat. One of the firemen asked him why in the world he needed his gear for this job. The answer: Well, the book says that the men came from a far. Ahem.

 

Just took my roast beef out of the oven and took the boiled eggs to cool in the sink. Haven’t made deviled eggs in a long time, but it just sounds good.

 

Thompson has been on a tear today. He kept mully grubbing at me. At one point decided that he wanted the recliner. Yep, the old woman was sitting in it reading. Silly dogs. Sylvia slept in her crate last night, so it was much easier to roll over! She has a tendency to crowd.

 

Just set the water to dripping in the kitchen again. Will have to remember to open the cabinet doors to let it stay warmer in there. Cannot imagine having to fix pipes on Christmas Day!! Jennifer just let me know that most of her stuff had thawed out today. Boy! Warm weather definitely makes a difference.

 

Probably should look at the news sometime soon. Other than the government loading up on fake money to keep things rolling along, nothing new has really happened. And they do this nearly every year. You’d figure that sooner or later someone would let them know that we all know it is funny money. When the national debt is much higher than its income, it stands to reason that we are banking on some fallacies at the very least.

 

Well, the “deviled” eggs were more like chopped egg salad by the time the shells came off. And the roast is pretty decent with just Mrs. Dash seasoning. Just need a milk shake or maybe some juice. Think there is some juice in the pantry if the old woman will just go look for it.

 

Let us rejoice over the meaning of this holiday that man has made. We know that its deepest meaning is that God gave us His son. You all know the story, and it is NOT just a story. It is the basis for every hope known to mankind. Jesus Christ came as a baby. He lived the life that we are to emulate—one of loving others more than self. Let us ask for His help in that endeavor.

 

Rest well, my friends. Know that you are loved.

 

 

 

 

Winter Weather and Water.

 Winter Weather and Water.

 

Ok, Lake Wichita froze overnight. The chicken water bowl—the unheated one—froze solid and would not drop the ice out when bonked. Just poured hot water on top of the ice cake in it. The heated bowl in the other coop is still ok, but the hens like the middle coop better for drinking and eating. It is darker in the front coop. Guess the white Christmas lights would be better instead of the colored ones. Maybe tomorrow. Not going to mess with it tonight. Have had about all the cold outside that an old body can endure for one day.

 

Talked to Jennifer. They have frozen pipes in her house, so Gary had to turn the water off in most of it. Dang! Something all the time! At least they don’t have it as bad as Angel’s daughter Zina. The cold made one of their windows just break in two. Had never seen that, but one of her friends said his entire windshield broke with the cold. Never had heard that one either. Guess we should all just be thankful for the blessings we have and don’t realize are blessings.

 

Talked to Sterling today and confirmed that Arkansas is still on the map—maybe frozen on there, but there. He said he has enough propane for another week. Hope he can get it refilled soon. Plenty of wood out in the workshop, but no beds out there. He was staying busy and staying out of trouble by painting more planes and bird houses. Whatever it takes!

 

My dogs should be tired. They kept me awake off and on last night. The folks over in the old church house must have had a major water blowout behind their house. The city water folks were out with their big truck all lit up and flashing. Maybe it was flooding part of South Kemp or something. Heard something that sounded like someone beating on steel drums. That may have been a backhoe digging that frozen dirt. Anyway, they have up barriers and signs on their street.

 

The folks across the street had more than a few cars coming and going, but at least no one was yelling and carrying on otherwise. Hope the house is still in good shape when the young couple get home on Christmas Day.

 

Talked to Carol Thonton. Her neighbors let their dogs run loose and they come over to her fence. Her whippet jumped the fence, and they killed him. Feel so sorry for Carol. It is hard to keep an animal from jumping the fence in the first place, but he was probably thinking he was protecting home. And the people who let their dogs run loose should have their butts kicked at the very least. If that had been Carol out there instead of a dog, it could have been so much worse. Truly hope she turns that over to a deputy. Adopting another dog may come soon, but she is still hurting over this one right now.

 

Not many eggs today, but the hens have totally eaten one head of cabbage and worked another over pretty well. The broody hen is just still sitting on that plastic treat ball. Crazy critter! Know they will all be happy to be able to get outside again, but the grass is lying down in the front yard from the ice, so it won’t be any better in the back yard or side lots. Even the wild birds are having a time of it. Threw out some bird food next to the Nandinas where they sometimes roost. Opening the coop doors tells me that they have discovered a warmer place to roost. Thompson thinks he has to chase them out each time, but he has no idea that they go straight for the workshop. It is easy to tell where they have been by looking down and seeing all the funny little white droppings. Sigh

 

Wish it were as easy to go to sleep and curl up somewhere as the dogs make it look. Thompson is in the recliner draped over one arm. Sylvia tried draping herself over the Papasan chair today and flipped it over. Oh well. So, now she is on the two dog beds over in the corner. Would really like to put her in the crate tonight and have Thompson sleep on his dog beds in the corner of the bedroom. They both have a tendency to crowd, but it IS cold.

 

Have been following this older couple on FB who write about the silly stuff that happens out on their farm or on their neighbor’s farm. Today it talked about how cold it got so that the neighbor let all the chickens in the house to stay warm—including the rooster. The old man wanted to know if a crockpot would work for a rooster as all the hens had settled on all the chairs in the house so that only the kitchen counter was left for the rooster. If it did not behave itself, he thought he would just put the temp on high on that crock pot and slip the lid down on Mr. Rooster. It made me think of my friend up in Paducah. BillyeRuth had two of the meanest roosters. One attacked me and got his tailfeathers kicked for all his efforts. Those two roosters went home with a guy that night and were no longer out there attacking my friend! By now she has probably raised more of them! Sometimes, even if you buy “pullets,” you get a cockerel or two. I won’t kill chickens any longer, but know how. Just won’t do it. Thinking of my friends across the lake who bought enough poults for an entire flock of turkeys! Good grief! That is a lot of feathers and a lot of work cleaning that many critters up to sell for food. Only dressed one turkey in my entire life. Never again. That sucker was like dealing with a body! BIG! HEAVY!

 

Have totally stayed away from anything that resembles news other than the headline that said the president of the Ukraine had spoken to Congress. Noticed that the weapons they have given him are useless against the drones. Don’t we have something that will take those out? Putin is not messing around. He plans to hit them again with everything he can scrape together, even if he has to get folks out of Siberia!

 

Apparently, the stupid virus from the Pacific area is still around to give folks fits. If it is not RSV or some other letters of the alphabet, you can still make use of those masks your sister sewed for you. Have an appointment for January 3 with a home health nurse. Such fun. Have been asked to wear a mask. Not really a problem. It only takes less than an hour for one of these health visits, and the nurse answers questions if a person has one. Eventually, folks like Patty are going to need someone to come in to take blood for tests that are ordered. She can still drive, or someone can take her, but it would be much easier if the nurse came to her. We will see if that ever happens.

 

Know nothing of any depth or real interest, so will just remind you to be thankful for what we have: health, food, shelter, love, and peace to a great extent. How wonderful each is!

 

Rest well and warm, my friends. Remember that you are loved.

Toasty or Toasted?

 Toasty or Toasted?

 

Today would be a nice day to have a woodburning fireplace—or even a gas log fireplace. These electric heaters just do not do the same work of a gas heater---just thought you might like to know. Sterling said this morning that he had to build up his woodburning fire to get his workshop warmed up. He even brought his truck inside the shop and let it de-ice itself in the heat. Sounded good to me—hot fire, hot coffee, and just sitting around shooting the breeze.

 

The dogs stayed in bed with me until it was getting late—about 8:30. Then later on we went out and were going to check on the hens. Thompson circled the coops two or three times just all excited. It made me consider that the danged coon might be back, but all it was hit the plastic on the screen door when it was opened—an entire flock of black birds! Some sparrows came out of the middle door, but the main door was just slammed with birds. Thompson had a fit! They have only been out a couple of times since then. It is just entirely too cold to be outside.

 

Some guy posted a picture on FB of a trolling motor put down in his cattle’s water trough. It was hooked up to a battery and solar panel to keep it running and the water broken and moving so the cows could get a drink. Much safer than cutting the ice on a stock tank! Many an old cow has drowned by going through the ice and being unable to get back out. But dear hearts, cutting ice is a hard job. Granddad hated having to do that, but had no choice. It has nearly always been like that for stockowners.

 

Talked to Lance and told him that the soup he made the other day had encouraged me to try to make some like it. Only cabbage was substituted for the kale. And a can of cream of chicken soup was substituted for the heavy cream. He said it sounded terrible. It wasn’t. But mine had onion in it. He does not have any onions in his house!! Takes all kinds!

 

Jennifer said that she is getting a new washing machine for Christmas. This was NOT in the plans, however. Her machine cratered on her the other evening. If it is not one thing, it is another. Story of our lives, right?

 

Gary went in to get his blood test for hemoglobin and see if everything was ok. They blew two of his veins in his arms and ended up having to use one of his hands. Jennifer is so very worried about him. She has read somewhere that iron infusions can have side effects. Let’s just pray that he gets over whatever is causing these problems.

 

Guess the old woman does not really know anything worth sharing. It is cold and my body is well aware of that fact. Think an early night may be called for if the dogs will stay calm this evening. Clint is letting someone use his spare bedroom over across the road, and apparently the entire family has come to visit. Oh well. Not much different than when Jerry was there in some ways. But at least they are doing their smoking outside.

 

You all take good care of yourselves. Let’s pray for those who have no protection from the elements or have no place to call home. It is just a rough old time right now with all the stuff going on in the world and with the economic mess we are in currently. No matter how we shake our heads, things are not going to change right away—if ever. So, we pray for God’s mercy and protection.

 

Snuggle down and keep the critters close, dear friends. You are loved.

Visitors.

 Visitors.

 

It has been a good day. The temps were not great, but the company was. Lance and his oldest came and stayed most of the day. It was so nice to have them here. School is out for a bit, and Lance took off this week. It was neat to have them relaxed and not worried about getting back to work or classes tomorrow.

 

Lance makes biscuits. These were frozen and probably could have used a few more minutes to thaw before they were put in the oven, but they were good biscuits. A WHOLE lot better than the ones made here right after my first breakfast in this house. Those were the ones the dog buried and we dug up years later in as good or maybe better condition than when they were first put in the ground!! Yes, they were that bad! Lance does a much better job. We also had fresh eggs (Lance scrambled), black pepper gravy, and apple butter. Not a bad breakfast.

 

Barbara Matthews stopped by for a little visit as well. She was telling me about Pat Harmon and her family as well. She was shocked at the price of eggs. Told her about the Feed and Seed Store on 281 having them for $4.50 a dozen for farm eggs. Mine went home with Lance for their family. Just looked at my Google locator, and he is almost home now. By the way, Barbara looks and sounds healthy! She seems to be doing so much better. So glad to see her happy. She has obviously been making goodies because she brought me a sack from Victoria’s Secrets with another box inside with cookies, candy, and pretzels coated in white chocolate. A pair of warm booties and a jug of hand cream were inside the bag as well. Sweet lady to think of such things!

 

Lance had some major technical help from Ellie, but they set up my new weather station. Lance thinks it will need to be moved to a better location away from the front of the house, but at least he got it pointed north. His oldest is a whiz on the computer and reading directions to make sense of them. SO glad these kids can do this stuff with computers. Lance updated everything on my phone, tablet, and whatever else he could consider. Who knew how to find a latitude and longitude at home? And now my Google location finder tells me that they are a block from home! Is that neat or what!

 

We were a bit surprised that the dogs did not offer to jump all over everyone who came in the house today. Maybe they are beginning to calm down a little bit. Don’t expect them to offer to go outside very often the next few days. They don’t like cold weather anymore than the rest of us! Sterling said they already have the danged stuff at his house, but they are prepared for a long haul of bad stuff with fuel for the generators and plenty of wood for the wood burning stoves. Lance ordered some kind of battery powered thing that will keep my phone charged if we lose power, but it won’t be here until Saturday. Oh well. We know where the old woman will be the next few days! And the hens are going to have to just bear with the temps and stay in their coops.

 

Have to get off this computer and send my daughter-in-law a Jacqui Lawson card with music as thanks for the neat things she sent me. Well, think Lance made the soup, but she made the brittle candy and embroidered an “N” on a beautiful red scarf for me. Thought that was so very neat. She is just about as handy as a pocket on a shirt anyway! She thinks of things the rest of us would not even consider!

 

Guess my son-in-law might have been able to go to work today. Jenn was very concerned about him yesterday. The blood thinner is considered pretty dangerous all by itself, but the blood clot is even more so. Kinda hard to win in a situation like that. Will call pretty soon and check on them.

 

Let us pray for those in our nation who are being slammed by this horrible winter storm with floods, deep snows, high winds, and everything in between misery and disaster. And not just in our nation! We still need to think of those in the Ukraine who are still being pelted by bombs of one kind or another. May God bless them and rescue them!

 

Rest well, my friends and don’t take any undue risks in this weather. Remember: you are loved.

 

 

 

 

The Pie Crust.

 The Pie Crust.

 

When Erin was a little guy, he liked Auntie Nan’s pie crust—just the crust. It was always easy to make a few pieces of crust on a cookie sheet with a bit of sugar and cinnamon for the kids. And he never failed to say how much he liked it. So, this morning when the butter, the flour, salt, and cold water was mixed up, it was with the intentions of making quite a bit more than necessary for that apple cobbler. The apples were great tasting by themselves, but a dash of lemon juice helped the tartness along. While the apples were cooking in my big iron skillet, the pie dough got rolled out to fit a big pan for the cobbler. Then, after the apples with cornstarch and sugar cooked to suit me, they got poured inside that big pan and covered with dough. The rest of the dough got rolled out, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon like that on the cobbler and placed in the largest pan from the bottom of the cabinet. When Erin came today and had a salad for lunch with his visit, he got to take home a small container of apple cobbler and a large Ziplock with big slices of pie dough sealed up in there. Here’s hoping it still tastes to suit him.

 

Erin brought a picture of a man and woman from Anne’s house. The trouble is, if anyone ever told me who they were, the old woman has forgotten. Erin said he wondered if someone in the family was named Ollie. The only one in my memory banks was a sister of my father-in-law. This picture is too old to be her. A relative, no doubt, but kinda unknown. Such is life when no one labels things. Ah, we figured it out. This had been in “Grandma’s” room. It was the picture of her in-laws. The woman might have been named Ollie since Grandma named one of her twins Ollie and the other Oliver.

 

Looking forward to seeing Lance and his oldest child tomorrow. Tracy told me that we are having buttermilk biscuits for breakfast tomorrow. That means a certain body will have to get busy and make pepper gravy when they get here! Love pepper gravy and biscuits! Have eggs that we can either scramble or fry, but that’s up to them. Just plan to enjoy the visit.

 

Erin looked at the new roof on my hens’ coop and said it looked like a good job. Just have not heard from Stephen since they left the other day. Not sure what to do with the spray stuff he said to buy, so will just wait and let him do whatever rather than mess something up. He seems to stay pretty busy with horse shoeing and such. It would take a strong back to hold up a horse’s foot like that—especially if the horse tends to lean. And they do that sometimes!

 

It has been pretty nice that my legs have not hurt that much today. Getting too old to do a bunch of climbing up and down and then expecting to be able to walk without hurting. Strange how we might think we are relatively active—until we suddenly are and pay for it!

 

Have not talked with Jennifer today to see how Gary is doing. He was supposed to go see his family doctor again today. Not sure if he was driving or if one of the boys was going to take him. Just asked, and Grayson said Gary was tired and had seen the doctor. Jenn took him. This has been pretty hard on him. He is used to being able to work all day with just a little gripe here and there. This is an entirely different ballgame. Can’t imagine Gary with anemia. He is such a strong guy.

 

Had to laugh at my grandson. Grayson found some “super” soup that he thought was spectacular—tomato soup. He bought himself some more cans and some for his dad. Jennifer had to tell him that Gary can’t have it because it has too much acid in it. So, Grayson will be eating tomato soup for a while. Big SMILE! These kids have no idea what it is like to eat veggies all the time. We are not talking potatoes, either! They think French fries are vegetables! –You KNOW what is meant by that. Yes, potatoes are vegetables, but they don’t match up with carrots, cucumbers, squash, broccoli, peppers, etc. Speaking of which, kinda would like to have some spaghetti squash with sauce and cheese. Forget who was talking to me the other day and complaining that the spaghetti squash always drips on the plate after it is cooked. Will have to try paper towels and a colander next time any gets cooked around here.

 

Took a little bowl of apple cobbler down to Patty. Let her know to expect me, so she let the dogs out to come greet me. Roxie ran to the driveway gate, but Rudy stood at the end of the carport as if to say, “Huh uh. This far and no farther in this cold air!” Funny critters!

 

Ok, let us remember to be grateful for all—so very much—with which we have been blessed. Clean water, food, safety, love and animals that cuddle with us. God loves us and shows us each day what He wants us to have. But not only in this life. Let us thank Him for the promises of things to come.

 

Rest well, my friends. Look forward to each day with joy. You are loved.

 

 

Too Early o'Clock!

 Too Early o’Clock!

 

Woke up at three and could not stop thinking. Not sure if that is a common thing with old folks or just something that develops with folks who have ADHD. Whichever, the old woman fits the bill this morning. The bad part is coming in here after my shower and sitting down to discover that my internet is down. Argh! No reading the mail or playing games to produce that mind-numbing effect of silly stuff. Not going to think about why the internet is down. That will just incite a riot of unpleasant thoughts.

 

Got the trash bin put across the street yesterday. It was not all that heavy after all. Think the bottom layer was mostly feed sacks and Amazon empty boxes. Have to figure out a good use for those dadgummed boxes. Someone suggested putting them on weeds to keep them from growing. Some weeds the hens won’t touch, but grass is almost non-existent in places around the yard. Learned to look for spurge the other day. It is a poisonous weed that should not be too hard to dig out. About the only use for the stuff is to hold the soil.

 

Twenty until eight and the internet is working just fine. Rebooted the ‘puter and reconnected to the thing on the internet list. Whatever, it is working and keeping me entertained. Have been looking at the Jacqui Lawson Advent calendar for Sussex. It has been fun to build a virtual snowman, a gingerbread house, assorted snowflakes and packages that can be gift wrapped with the computer skills instead of my clumsy attempts. And the colors suited me as well.

 

The dogs went with me to let the hens out. Neither was very excited about going back outside after they had already been out once this morning. Now both are cuddled up—one on a dog bed with a blanket and the other in the recliner with his blanket. They are loved and looked after and know it!

 

Have to make a new ladder for the girls. Not sure just which ladder got put where, but they are not happy with the arrangements that currently have them up high and having to fly to get down. Hmm. Sitting here wondering if one of those silver things could be used as a ramp for the hens. They worked on the truck. But tires and toes or claws might not work like that. Will have to try it or at least think about it.

 

Asked Siri to find Pinnacle for me, and she shows it to be on Jacksboro Hwy but in a different location than what it was originally. Guess it would pay to call them first before trying to get to the office. Then the stuff Stephen wanted has to be found at Sutherlands. Hope getting it right this time does not prove to be an impossibility.

 

Still sleepy this morning. And sore. And gripey! Will finish this later and maybe my mood will change!

 

4:45 p.m. Have decided this has really been a pretty crappy year. Just got a text from Jennifer. She and Gary are back at the ER. He has a blood clot in his arm where he had an IV infiltration, and it has caused an infection! He is going to have to be put on blood thinners, but that worries the doctors because they still don’t know where he was bleeding from in the first place. It’s looking like he is going to have his last days of THIS year living with his doctor or back in the freaking hospital. PLEASE pray for Gary Ostand. I love the dude despite the fact that he is my son-in-law—or maybe because he is my son-in-law. Anyway, love the nutty guy!

 

Got my basic business out of the way early today—well, after nine but before lunch. Finally found Pinnacle over on Kell West after Siri tried to get me to go to Ft. Worth. Had to tell her to shut up! Irritating fixture sometimes. Anyway, the spray stuff is in there on the deep freeze waiting for Stephen and son(s) to apply it however it is supposed to work. Read on the label that the vapors are highly explosive and dangerous. Not sure this will get done today as the birds are already getting ready for night. Some go roost rather early so they get their “special” place. Just like people! Cranky when they settle in.

 

Noticed today that everyone around me seemed to have a smile and a good attitude. That was a bit surprising to tell the truth. Just wait until Thursday when everyone’s backside freezes to the side of the cars. We may all be singing some different songs—giggling to myself. Nothing like having private jokes about certain songs. Think Ray Stevens and his camels—bells on her toes and a bone in her nose! Plenty of bells hanging everywhere!

 

Have had cream cheese, golden bell pepper, cucumber slices, and cooked cauliflower with butter, salt, and pepper. May burp all night!! And then there is that explosive gas—can blame it on the stuff from Sutherlands!

Know there is nothing we can do except ask for God’s mercy for those like Gary who are down with whatever has come along. Of course, his health is pretty personal to our family, but know that several LEOs have been killed this past week. Some officers were in traffic accidents where some idiots just flat ran over them. DAD-nab-it! If you can see those flashing lights, that means pull over or go WAY slow.

 

Nephew Erin is supposed to be here tomorrow. He has been going through all the shtuff that accumulates. You know how it is. Have no idea how to clean my house out of all these things. Maybe Jennifer and Tracy can get together when the old woman takes her leave and just toss what doesn’t matter to them. An entire trunk of Hanan’s poetry is in his bedroom, but reading it now would set me back to blithering. Have three of his books on flash drives and have thought about getting them printed out, but again, they need to be edited and this old woman simply can’t do it right now. Or maybe ever. One of his friends set at least one of his poems to music, and some would be very good that way, but knowing where Hanan was in his mind and the outcome just puts a quietus to doing anything with the poems.

 

Received sweet cards from Sue Dickerson, Sharon and Jim Dickerson, and Carla Beard. About the only cards getting sent from around here are the Jacqui Lawson kind. They always have music in the background and something that makes me happy. We probably all need some of that uplifting kind of thing.

 

Let us pray for God’s mercy and healing on this world. Rest well, my friends. You are loved.