TSC Trip.

 TSC Trip.

 

Went to Tractor Supply today. The entire building looked different inside because they opened up the back storage area so folks could get to the supply of hay, feed, or whatever. Yours truly did not go back there, but stood by the chicken scratch and watched a lady just about lose control of her Doberman. His collar just nearly came off before she was able to get it back on him. He was not aggressive toward people, but there was a dog back in the grooming area, and he wanted a piece of that dog! Whoa! A collar that will slip over the dog’s head is not the best bet for a dog, dear hearts. Bought one of those Halti things for Sylvia and have not used it on her yet. But am hoping it will make it easier to deal with her pulling on me.

 

Unloading the feed and diatomaceous earth from the truck and left the freaking gate open—both dogs got out and decided to explore a bit. Sylvia went to the Anderson’s place, and Thompson went down on the Zupkus field. They both came back happily enough, but it bothered me that they got away from me so quickly. No one was out and about, so it was not a big deal, but still. When that gate is open, it is Katy-bar-the-door as far as they are concerned. Good thing the hens are not like that. Would be herding critters all day!

 

Ordered some treats from Amazon last night and then got six lamb sticks from TSC today. Each dog knows that it is available, but they still fuss with one another just a little bit. Seeing the other dog chewing must trigger that “where’s mine” reflex. Usually get two of every toy so there won’t be any reason to fuss, but one or the other will still be a favorite even when they are identical. Go figure. It is surprising how much dogs and small children have in common.

 

Lance and Tracy will fly back tomorrow and get picked up at DFW by their oldest. Having children who are willing and able to pick someone up at the airport is mighty handy. Have driven down there a couple of times, but that road is marked fairly plainly so even little old ladies can find the airport. And then there is trying to figure out which one of the terminals to go to! Such a puzzle unless someone has figured it out ahead of time. Probably will never do that again anyway. Can’t imagine willingly driving that direction again.

 

Had the big portabella mushroom caps with cheese baked in them this morning for breakfast. Just thought you might like to know: camembert cheese melts nicely and tastes pretty good with the mushroom. The goat cheese and feta crumbled and did not melt at all, it seemed. Tasty, but not like gouda or any kind of cheddar. Anyway, now we know. Really like the camembert on crackers and the feta in salads. Different kinds for different foods.

 

Jennifer sent a picture on her phone of the butter rolls that she made today. Boy! That was just enough to make a person drool! Those things are just wonderful. If the old woman were not so terribly lazy, she would make some. An entire batch would last—well, not sure an entire batch would last at all even with just one person eating them. When making them for Thanksgiving, a doubled recipe just about took care of everyone having all they wanted for dinner and for snacks later. There is something about butter crescent rolls made from scratch that just makes the entire house smell delicious! Wasn’t even hungry before she sent that picture!

 

Talked to Patty for a bit about dogs and memories. She seems to be in a pretty good mood. The other day coming back from her appointment with Quest Lab, we talked about the fact that Home Health would come to her house to do the blood work needed. Don’t really think she wants to mess with them, and she certainly does not want to mess with Hospice yet. Maybe next year, but not right now. She is to be admired for wanting to be as independent as possible for her own feelings. No one really wants to be dependent on some health service—even when we really are. As it is, she has to have four or five bottles (the small ones she can carry around) of oxygen each week. She cleans her own house, does dishes, cooks, and does whatever cleaning of the floors, does her own laundry, and keeps her bed made to suit her. She is a tough lady. Have been following along with the adventures of a woman named Karen S. who cares for her disabled son, keeps her own house, and takes him and herself to national parks or whatever places they can go in the camper on her van. She has some kind of tumor and really needs some surgery, but am not sure anyone is available to help her in the recovery, much less the care of her young son. Asked her if home health care was available, but apparently it is still in the works. Simply can’t imagine doing all the things like Patty does with just half of her lungs or that Karen does while caring for herself and her son. May God bless them and others like them with the strength and resources to get their lives to be as happy as possible.

 

We never really think too often about what makes us happy, do we? Have you ever just sat down and made a list of the things that you really like in your life? Did that one time. Still need to do it more often. The top of my list always involves those children and grands. They have no idea how happy they make me! My critters, this windy ol’ hill, the house that holds up to the wind, a neighbor or two, good books, the quiet of just being and listening to the birds on the porch, the flowers when they get a chance to grow, the rain storms (when the wind doesn’t take down any trees), the lake down the side of the hill, the friends from years ago who are still alive and remember what we were like umpteen years ago, and the newer friends who seem to understand where we are in life today. Those are just some of the things that make me happy. Oh, would list our country and the relative safety from war and hunger that belong to some of us, but at the same time, those things worry me because they are not available to everyone. Pretty hard to think about safety and comfort when one considers that down each road are those that have no reassurance of any of the blessings which are in my life. Then come the bigger things that make me truly happy: faith, God’s love and blessings, forgiveness, assurance of a life to come in His presence, and justice—true justice—in God’s kingdom. Of all the things that we might have in this life that others may or may not enjoy, the things of God are always available to everyone in equal measure. We all can be thankful and find joy each day that we wake up to this knowledge.

 

Have been having dreams lately about my parents and grandparents. Lewis is always driving our truck in my dreams. He never says anything, just knows what to do. Just like he always was in our life together. Strange dreams.

 

Am reminded again after reading some things on FB today that everyone noticed the crowd reaction at the football game the day of Hamlin’s injury: no one shouted or caused noise. Silence. Prayers in the stands. Comforting words and gestures to each section of the fans to the other. Yes, faith is still alive and well.

 

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