Sneezy, Cold, Windy Weather.

 Sneezy, Cold, Windy Weather.

 

The hens were way up in the top of the roosts this morning. The heating screen was not on last night, so they had really fluffed up their feathers. Mrs. Broody was cuddling her chicks until the water holder was taken out and fresh feed put in for them. Then you might have thought she had found that feed all by herself and was showing the chicks how to scratch for it. Silly ol’ girl. Love seeing her taking care of those chicks, however. That part of the green house is much cooler than the front coop, so she is going to have to take good care of them. Would rather not have to bring them in the house as a full-grown hen in the house would be not only a first but probably pretty messy. You know dadgum well she would not stay in the bathtub with those chicks. However, the forecast is for cold, ice, frozen whatever—rain, sleet, snow. Bleah.

 

Put a jacket on Thompson this morning so he would not get cold inside the house. He just has enough fur to keep his back warm, so you know his other parts get cold. Had no idea that Labs (or whatever his heritage is) had very little fur. Think he sheds every time he gets upset at that nasty squirrel that cusses them from the back fence.

 

Sautéed chickpeas, baby bok choy, and some maple flavored (left over) sausage together for breakfast. It’s not great, but will do to fill a hole in my appetite. What does not go there can feed the dogs or the hens—my living garbage disposals.

 

Trying to find the acute e* symbol for the word sauté reminds me that so much that came to me easily once upon a time is now a matter of searching or substituting in MS Word. Can remember now that making a template for legal or medical documents was a skill that was actually taught in my classroom—and has now been forgotten by the instructor. Sigh

 

Had to move my hanging basket to the kitchen to keep it from freezing against the cold in the living room. Can’t stand to be hot, but realize that the cold affects my critters and the plants. These grey drapes keep out the cold, but the old woman needs the light so it does not become depressing to be in the house.

 

Reading Pastor Ken Puccio’s sermon this morning made me realize that some of the violence we see is partly our own fault: we are to know what God expects:

God is always seeking from us.

Ø Do justice—here, not a state, but an action. 

Ø Love kindness—without loving kindness, justice is incomplete. 

Ø Walk humbly—or rather, reverently with God.

(Micah 6:8)

My own Bible study does not often take me to those sections of the texts that Ken uses, but instead finds me reviewing things like the Samaritan’s generous kindness to an injured stranger in the ditch near a road—ignored by those of his own race and by those who should have had the type of concern that he showed. We probably will never know WHY these police officers chose this man to beat senseless, but it is necessary for us to all to demand justice. Those in positions of authority have a high degree of responsibility to “do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly.” Here in Texas we have a terrible problem with cartel violence and human trafficking. It can be exceedingly dangerous to even come in contact with some of the illegal immigrants brought across our borders, but we still need to seek justice, find ways to show kindness, and to walk with the spirit of God. Answers to problems on every level—whether officers of the law or individuals attempting to protect their homes and animals—will eventually be judged according to the laws of man, but first we must realize that we are being judged according to the way that God sees us. This knowledge does not mean that an old woman would stop carrying a gun, but it does mean the necessity of use must be very clear.

 

Well, the wind is out of the north and the temp is down to 28 degrees now. The kitchen cabinet doors under the sink are open and the water dripping, so for now that is all that will probably get done. Still, this is dangerous weather for old folks and small critters. My attention to the needs of my dogs and chickens might seem excessive to some, but any creature taken in around here is loved with concern and committed care. That is the same commitment we need to show for others. May God give us the direction to see with clarity the needs and the best way to provide the best we can do.

 

Please remember to pray for those who will suffer from this weather here and in other places across the world. May God provide safety, subsistence, and hope.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.