Overcast But Decent.

 Overcast But Decent.

 

Woke to cloudy skies this morning. Did not hear the little rooster crow, so maybe the chicks were happy to just eat their feed and drink water without shouting about getting out of their pen. Yes, that means the old woman slept a little later than usual. But the hens hardly ever criticize my habits—the ones that concern them. But they got left-over kibble that had stuck to a dog bowl with some out-of-date milk, so they have no reason to gripe this morning anyway.

 

Have almost finished my first bottle of water for the day. Put some of that hydration stuff in it so it goes down rather well. It dawned on me last night that not even one entire bottle of water had been consumed yesterday with everything that was going on, so made up my mind to actively think about water before coffee ever sat in front of me. Something in my mindset has to change in order to keep hydrated and have healthy kidneys. How my parents ever lived to be 85 just amazes me since they hardly ever drank water—not that anyone who ever tasted Petrolia water could blame them. Frog bath water, anyone?

 

Julia Davis went to be with Lexie at the hospital last night, so my best guess is that she would have slept in this morning. It will be a good day for that. Just hope she brought a sweater or something warm. Even with 60 degrees out there, the breeze can make a person feel chilled in a hurry. Hoping that Lexie got to come home today.

 

 

Patty just called me and told me about a couple of things that bothered her. She just needed to vent. Said she had wished a couple of times before that she could just sleep for about five years and wake up and read about what happened. Life just doesn’t work that way. We are destined to live life by the detail. We can accept those elements or ignore then as much as possible, but either way, we are not the ones who will change how life unfolds.

 

Noticed increasingly that some of the pictures on various parts of FB had been pretty risqué. Not interested in seeing that stuff. Not to say that kittens, puppies, lambs, horses, and hens are the best pictures, but they make me smile. The flowers usually make me drool, but such is life. Walked the east lots this morning and found two new kinds of flowers—just two of them. Wish the entire field could be covered in these flowers, but the wild black birds probably had the seeds for lunch at one time or another. Will try again maybe in a week to see if any seeds might come up. We might get some more rain, and that is about all it takes in this soil.

 

It’s about time for the irises to start making flowers. Seems when the hyacinths stop blooming, the irises begin to bloom. It might be a wee bit early though. The weather affects all kinds of things—growing things like calves, lambs, flowers, and spring sprouts—but it also affects old things as well. Sneezing and snorting with the wind and the pollen and trying to get along in the come alongs. If a person is old, that one will understand the “come alongs.” It means it takes some real effort to get up and then get going. But, praise God, we can still get to going.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Flowers and Visitors.

 Flowers and Visitors.

 

It’s the time of year when every woman out there—just about—wants something pretty to grow in the flower bed or in the house. So, Sutherlands has their flowers on sale. No, the old woman has yet to get over there, but has petunias on the brain!! Just love those flowers. But Roger and Susan Thonton came this afternoon and brought a couple of neat flowers. One is in the ground and the other is hanging from the little gizmo in the front flower bed. Susan said they like sunshine, so that is where they will stay unless the wind whips them away somehow.

 

My dogs got to get up close and personal with my visitors. Susan had on black slacks, so she wore the badge of honor of white hair. Sylvia was happy to share with her, don’t you see. These dogs! They think laps are made for them.

 

Looks like we will have a pretty good chance of showers tomorrow and Friday. Then Saturday may be decent. Julia said that Lexi still has to spend another night in the hospital, so maybe she will get to go back to Bowie on Thursday or Friday. Rain is forecasted for both days to some extent. Saturday should be clear if it does not blow us off the map. It’s Texas.

 

Went to United to pick up some meat and stuff this morning and saw Barbara Moser. Had not seen her in ages. Years ago, she gave me some of the prettiest irises. They are still growing and doing well. Funny how we associate some folks with certain things—flowers, horses, goats, chickens and the like. Roger was talking about Sandy Reeves and Barbara Matthews enjoying quilting. It reminded me of Mrs. Baker who made the most beautiful quilts once upon a time. It is neat to remember folks you grew up around.

 

Really don’t know much. If it does not rain tomorrow, will get out and trim up the front yard some. Not too excited about doing much of anything, but have no excuse to be lazy. Oh well.

 

Let’s remember to pray for those who are recovering from surgeries or anticipating surgery. It can be scary, to say the least, but God gave mankind the ability to take apart and put back together some of the main body parts. Poor Roger had a quadruple bypass back a year or so ago. He is blessed to be with us still, and we are blessed to have him around.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Wind Before Summer.

 Wind Before Summer.

 

Looks like the temperature will be in the 80s sometime next week. So, guess spring has already been here and now summer is rushing us a bit. Today it has been cold as far as this old woman is concerned. The wind just about moved everything movable in the backyard last night and this morning. Some chicken wire that was planned for a small sunflower garden got moved twice! Put it back and won’t be a bit surprised to see it back over in the yard again. Honestly!

 

Went to the Feed and Seed Store on 281-Old Jacksboro Hwy. Put two sacks of scratch in the bins out in the workshop. They have not been eating much of the layer feed. May have to stop letting them have scratch except for once a day. But then, the older hens have been getting into the chicks’ feed! As far as the hens are concerned, it is open season on anything edible. Oh well. The chicks seem to be growing and doing well. The one has developed a lower tone of crow now. Hate to make fried chicken out of him. He is such a character. Maybe he will get to stay around just a bit longer. Too bad it is not possible to remove the roo from the rooster.

 

Had to vacuum the living room again this morning. Not sure if the dogs brought in those leaves and dirt of if the old woman traipsed in with that stuff on her sneakers. Either way, the floors are clean now in the living room and kitchen. Need to be thinking about making some bread around here. That will undoubtedly be another mess in the kitchen, but it is well worth the mess to have fresh bread. Wish it were possible to have all the different kinds of seeds that the company puts in Dave’s Killer Bread. Guess some walnuts and some pumpkin seeds might be pretty good. We’ll see.

 

Just finished speaking with Julia Davis down in Florida. She is flying into DFW tomorrow so she can be in Bowie for her friend Lexie. Surgeries are never a sure thing, so let’s pray that her friend will do well with this and that her husband and father-in-law will do a good job of taking care of her littles while she is down. Julia said that she is going to have a new experience—gathering eggs from Lexie’s hens! So, this old woman will not be taking eggs down to Bowie. That would be like hauling water to the river.

 

Speaking of water—California is beginning to get their lakes to rise a bit at a time now that the flood waters are being pushed into their drainage system. And the snows have not even melted yet! Some of the farmers are flooding their fields in order to replenish the ground water under the fields, too. Smart move. Then the San Francisco Bay area got a small earthquake this morning. Let’s hope that hunk of land over on the West Coast stays stable and doesn’t fall off in the ocean as so many have suggested might happen someday. Noticed when driving down Hwy 79 that the stock tanks are full. Makes me feel SO good to see that water level up high. One of the ranchers has longhorn cattle in his field along with what looks like yearling steers. Kinda neat to see those.

 

My friend Robin C. finished reading my book, Destinations, and made a few helpful comments. Would like to go back and put the headings on each “chapter” of characters the way Hal did it when he published it in Slightly Creaky. It is easier to keep up with who is doing what when each person’s actions are begun with a heading. Anyway, she still thinks it needs a sequel. Will be thinking about that seriously this summer. Not like the old woman will be busy or anything.

 

This evening, let’s pray for those like Lexi and Tami Y. who are recovering from surgery; pray for the children and families of those who were in the Presbyterian school shooting; remember the families who have lost their entire world in those tornadoes in Mississippi and other states along the South. Our world is not predictable. But if we continue to have faith in God and His love, we can know what our final answers will be to any questions or fears.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Putting Things Off.

 Putting Things Off.

 

As much as it was dreaded, defrosting the freezer was almost a snap. Just removing the stuff still in there was the biggie. And after the little plastic freezer sacks were removed, not much remained to be put back again. Frozen fruit, some bags of meatballs, frozen veggies, and mushrooms—no, they did not GROW in there! They had been dehydrated and bagged for future use. Now the task will be to fill it up again with stuff that is on sale or otherwise useful. Have tried to give away the little frozen plastic bags that are useful for picnics and such, but so far no one wants them. Oh well.

 

Isn’t it strange how we can dread doing something and find that it makes us feel so good once the task is accomplished! With Grayson’s help, we managed to get the kitchen painted a couple of years ago. Now it still makes me feel good to see that pretty color. If dusting could be done this way—ONCE—and then not have to be done for a few months, who would need to dread anything? Would rather clean out the hens’ coop than dust this entire house! The coop stays pretty decent most of the time. The DE—diatomaceous earth—keeps the odor and wet stuff taken care of for quite some time before it needs to be raked and removed. Oh well.

 

Well, this day is about done. Made the mistake of reading a few headlines. God forgive us our inner rages and frustrations that we take out on others. No gun control can ever prevent the horrors of insanity playing out in any place, but our children should not be subject to unhampered murders. Just my opinion, but schools—all schools—should have locked doors and someone who can stop anyone trying to crash into the classrooms or offices. Churches should be just as well protected. Protection won’t stop insanity, but at least it might prevent some of the assaults.

 

Have not accomplished all that much today, but feel as if two days sleep would certainly be welcome. Nothing like dragging. But think the pollen count has a lot to do with my fatigue. Even though the wind did not gust and bluster today, my eyes still feel sticky. Hackberry pollen.

 

Talked to Barbara Matthews today about chickens. Mike is turning a shed into a chicken house. Told her about DE and a couple of breeds to avoid—Bantams lay eggs, but it is hardly worth the feed. My Hamburgs were good layers, but they hid their nests and flew the coop every chance they got. Just have to say that the old-fashioned hens that our grandparents raised were the best. Also, told Barbara that lay mash should be the hens main diet. Scratch is supposed to be fed as a treat rather than the regular diet. Had no idea about that until watching the videos of the Chicken Chick on FB. She has all kinds of good information.

 

Really don’t know much tonight. Just tired and feeling as if sleep can’t come soon enough. So glad that God gave us the ability to recoup our strength, our mood, our spirit with the simple closing of our eyes and relaxing the muscles in our body.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Yard Work.

 Yard Work.

 

It IS that time of year, but this year some trees need to be taken out and hauled off to be recycled. It’s sad, but true that Texas and bores are hard on fruit trees. Lance said that pecans trees would have been a better bet for growing around here. That is definitely true, but no guarantee that they would live either. Our winds and the extremes of heat and cold can just about kill anything other than an ornery mesquite tree. Anyway, Stephen is coming over one day this week to cut down some more limbs and haul them off.

 

Ben just cut most of the grass, but his weed eater was out of gas, so he will be back. He can do most of the front yard then if the old woman does not get it done tomorrow. Good intentions don’t necessarily get things done, but that is about all that gets done around here—intentions! Did get a few things done today, but cleaning out a big tub for the dogs to wade in got pretty stinky. Had some potting soil in it with some plants, but the roof leaked and made it stink. Oh well. The plants that made it through the winter are still green and ok for now.

 

Ordered a couple of no-flat tires for the zero turn. My hands can’t make the air hose thing adjust to either of the things that go into it. Getting old involves crazy fingers and toes, but at least those things can be done once or twice and don’t need to be done again for a while. Lance put the stapler on for me last time, but Stephen put the air nozzle on the hose for the tires. Then he suggested the no-flat tires since those front tires are the ones that pick up all the crud in front of them. Here’s hoping they work well. For sure the old woman could never remove a tire by herself. Once upon a time maybe, but not any longer. Never would have thought that getting old would be this complicated. Sigh

 

Just pretty tired tonight, so will just suggest that we do our best not to be judgmental of others. We can pray for those who are suffering with illnesses or recovering from surgeries. God knows who needs what better than we do. It is our job to try to remain positive no matter what goes on in this world. Let us give our thoughts to our Father in Heaven that He can direct us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Weather Watchers.

 Weather Watchers.

 

By now most of you know about the tornado(es) that wiped part Mississippi off the map. Jennifer woke me up by texting about it this morning. SO much destruction and pain caused by the weather this year. And tornado season has basically just begun. We still have hurricanes and anything else for the future, but maybe we can get by without any major earthquakes here in the U.S. May God have mercy on us and those who are affected by these weather-related disasters.

 

Hoping to see Stephen’s boys after church services tomorrow to get my grass mowed again. Normally the old woman would at least try to get the east lot done, but such is not going to happen until my body stops hurting quite so much. Turning over in bed makes me hurt right now. Go figure! Think something like this has happened to me before, but may have just taken a pain pill and kept on trucking. Not too bright, but then, that’s typical of stubborn people. Not supposed to have any milk or milk products with these pills, but some food is called for. Not hungry, so popcorn it is.

 

The mail person took one of my packages down to Patty’s this morning. Had to walk down there in some hard blowing wind. Had to hold my hat down just to get down the hill, but it blew behind me on the way back at least. The package was a long box holding my new rug for the living room. Took it out of the box and set it on the floor, rolled it out, and THEN the black dog held it down for me. He said that was HIS rug, thank you very much. It is now double taped to the floor. And it looks half-way decent to boot.

 

Brought my hanging basket plant in today off the deck. The spider plant part of it is doing well, at least. The wandering Jew would do a lot better if someone could remember to water it more frequently. Sigh. Have not started on the flower bed out front since the two boys pulled up most of the grass. As sure as something could be planted, we would get a freeze. May just put peppers and tomato plants out there this year since most of the blooming plants have treated soil. That kind of stuff can poison the bees and other critters that suck on the nectar. The nicotine is in the potting soil to prevent bugs, but it comes out in the nectar as well. Never would have considered that except that someone posted about it on FB a couple of years ago. The stuff is not called nicotine, but that is the origin. Only Wichita Valley Landscape does its own potting soil, but they run out of plants rather quickly. This old woman would be happy to have some of the old-fashioned petunia seeds.

 

Guess my son-in-law will be back from Colorado this evening before he heads to El Paso to see his dying uncle tomorrow. So glad that my family never goes anywhere—MUCH! Think Lance is leaving for Corpus Christi soon to go fishing with his father-in-law. Never a dull moment.

 

Know less than nothing except that the grass is green after the rains. The birds are singing praises. And my hens are finding worms in a few places. Spring does seem to be here even if we all have a few misgivings about the future of the temperatures.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Head Wind or Just Wind and Headache.

 Head Wind or Just Wind and Headache.

 

So, the wind is blowing. Only a bit over 10 mph most of the time. We got nearly 3 inches of rain and hail last night, but today we have an inch or more of Hackberry pollen. Headaches are free with a serving of pollen, you see. Jenn said their pool has a skim of some kind of green stuff and yellow pollen on top of that. Such fun. She has pollen allergies, too. Why couldn’t we all just eat tree bark or something and not be allergic to the pollen!

 

Sitting here drinking water with electrolytes in it. Not sure if it is any better than just plain water, but with it sitting here on my desk, someone will maybe remember to drink it all gone. Feel like a child who has to be reminded to drink water! Jenn reminded me that they used to ride their bikes all over the hill and then fill up with the water hose!

 

Had noticed last time we got a heavy rain that the main chicken coop had a leak right square dab in the middle. And it did it again last night. Guess maybe one of Stephen’s boys might need to get up there and spray some of that rubberized stuff that he had me buy over at Sutherlands. It’s not like it is a drastic problem, but would like for the coop to be water tight.

 

Noticed a while ago that one of the chicks had slipped through the gate and was grazing on the grass in the front yard. If the old woman were any good at all, she would go get some of that orange plastic fencing to let all the hens out to the front to graze. Keep thinking about it and still have not done it.

 

Have had green veggies today and still want some salad. Maybe it is the seasonal thing for bunny rabbits and old women to desire fresh greens. Since the salad stuff is currently in the fridge, just have to get up off my chair and get it stirred together. Radishes, bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), cucumber, grape tomatoes, and romaine with shredded cheddar, zesty Italian dressing, and maybe some nuts sounds about right. Even have some Ritz crackers to go with it instead of croutons.

 

Glad the storm last night did not do us any real damage. Think they had some bad hail over west of us in Burkburnett, but did not read of any wind damage. Jenn said that a tornado hit a couple of places southeast of us. It is a blessing to get the rain, but the wind and hail can really mess things up. The tornadoes, however, just make life pretty miserable. Scary situations.

 

Really about as dumb as dirt tonight. Only got laundry done and the sheets changed today, but that felt like plenty with the way the old body is reacting to this infection. Guess it is a blessing that it is getting treated before it gets worse. We are so blessed to have medications to take care of this kind of thing.

 

Let’s remember to pray for protection from the elements of nature for those who have been battered, snowed under, or flooded out. Then we can pray for those whose bodies are fighting illnesses and accidents. God knows who needs His help.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Been There, Done That.

 Been There, Done That.

 

Will be taking Cipro for the next two weeks for a kidney infection. Such fun. Remembering how this stuff affected me last time. NOT fun. Still, it beats running a fever and having pain. Feeling for Sharon Dickerson for having to do just about the same stuff this past couple of weeks. Must be something in the air. Thought the fever was just my stupid allergies. Nope, not this time.

 

Sterling called and said they were getting thunder bumpers and lots of rain. We could use some rain, but with the way things usually run on our side of the border, it will more likely be wind and hail. Guess hail does eventually melt. Just hoping that things calm down by next week.

 

Got vacuuming done in the kitchen and living room. Cleaned the rug runner in the kitchen by scrubbing it with Oxyiclean or some such with a brush. Thought the old woman was not going to be able to get her rear up from there, but finally did. At least the kitchen smells good now.

 

Have a saddle blanket down in the living room instead of the large throw rug. Put the throw rug under my office chair to prevent messing up the flooring. The one under my chair was so very thin and got dirty in a hurry. Probably need to get a new runner rug for the living room next to the front door. Oh well. Maybe tomorrow or sometime. Hmm. Patty just called and told me where she got the rugs she gave me. So now one is on its way.

 

Everyone and his kid sister are mowing grass today. So, my eyes are watering and my nose is running. Only exercise someone gets around here is keeping up with a runny nose!

 

Sterling said that his little Toby dog whined and wanted in bed with him when he was taking a nap. Jacqui asked where Rosie the big dog was and Sterling had no idea until he saw her feet hanging out from UNDER his bed. Smart ol’ dog. He said that the Thunder Shirts did absolutely nothing for his dogs. Mine still think they need to be right under my feet when we have a storm—shirts or no shirts. But at least they sit still while they listen to it thunder.

 

Stopped at the local liquor store this afternoon to see about getting a six-pack of Shiner Bock. They just barely had any stock in the store because they are going out of business. Ended up getting something called Yuengling traditional Lager. The man said lager is pronounced as if you are talking about a log. Learn something every day. Daddy might have enjoyed sitting down to have a beer with me, but my mom might have been shocked at the idea of my buying beer. Sometimes coffee and tea just don’t quite get it.

 

Really don’t know much. Still praying for Tami Yonts and her family. Know that she is very loved by so many folks. One of my prayers now is for Sterling and whatever the doctor decides he needs to do so that knee can stop crippling him. Honestly don’t think he wants a replacement, but am guessing he will do what they say. Arthritis is not any fun, plus the broken pieces sliding around in there can’t be comfortable. We’ll soon know what they decide.

 

Let’s remember to be thankful for the changes of the seasons while we pray for those who are still being inundated with snow and heavy rains. The flooding may fill the lakes, but folks are losing their homes at the same time. Plus, the fields where California grows so much of our produce are being flooded as well. May God protect those in harms way from cyclones and such out there.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Neighbors and Such.

 Neighbors and Such.

 

Lately, if the old woman does not get outside very early, one of those chicks has developed a kind of squawky yell like a poor excuse of a rooster. Guess he will stay around a bit longer before he has to go be Sunday dinner over at the Smith house. Actually, it would take two to make a meal around their house with three teenagers, two women, and a grown man, but at least it would make a snack. Hoping like anything that at least one turns out to be a pullet. Not too interested in raising any from TSC. And have not had another broody hen lately. Oh well.

 

Took Patty to a doctor’s appointment this morning early. She promises that she does not have to go back for six months. The doctor in Dallas wants to fly her down there and check out her heart, but she refuses to get on a plane. Think she really does not see any need to check things out. Kinda “it is what it is” attitude. Can’t really blame her.

 

The man who used to live down on the bottom of North Church was across the street today. Took him a dozen eggs. Think he has cancer of assorted organs and just not doing well at all. He needs prayers to finish out what his life is now. His name is Jerry Jones if you would like to bring his name before our Father. Have to say that my attitude toward cancer is as bad as it can get. It just seems so terrible for anyone to have that disease.

 

The grass—well, the henbit—is growing up pretty quickly. If the wind ever lets up, maybe the old woman will get out and mow. Today the pollen count is close to eleven on a scale of twelve. My eyes just feel sticky! Sterling says the wind up there in Arkansas is almost as bad as it was here in Texas when he was a boy. Yep, we could almost fly some days. So far, no more rain for us and the metromess. But maybe that also means less likelihood of storms as well. The lake is an ugly shade of brownish green today. Good thing we don’t use that water for anything. That might be like boating in the sewer ponds.

 

Have mostly stayed away from any news accounts today. Not in the mood to hear or see any unhappy political posts. Only God can provide mercy and true justice—not to mention His wrath against the terrible things pushed onto mankind by Satan. Just easier for right now to thank God for spring flowers and friends and family.

 

Still need to get some work done around here this week, but can’t seem to get too enthused. Deep freeze still needs to be defrosted, but will have to move some veggies to the little freezer on the refrigerator. Such fun. Maybe this week. Or not.

 

Let’s remember to pray for those who are dealing with the illnesses and upsets in life that come to nearly everyone. And let us praise God for His love in healing and caring for us in love.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Sunshine and Good News.

 Sunshine and Good News.

 

Woke up to a cloudy day, but it got better with sunshine and warmth. Then later on in the day, Tami Yonts sister Paula posted that the surgeon thought that he had removed over 99 percent of the tumor in her brain. She will be in ICU at least overnight, but should be able to come home soon. God is great! Let’s pray that this mess will no longer affect her life in any way and that she and her family will have many years together.

 

It has been a lazy day—well, the old woman has been lazy today. Not much accomplished around here. Guess what. Someone does not even really give a rat’s patootie. Who is going to come around griping about what has or hasn’t been done? Neither of these two dogs seem to care. The hens just want to be fed and talked to. Well, once in a while, one of the hens will duck down to have her feathers ruffled. Strange birds. Put some egg maker in their feed, but have a feeling the wild birds got as much or more than the hens did. May have doves laying eggs all over the neighborhood!

 

Shared my sandwich with the dogs today. Will have more chicken gumbo tomorrow until its gone or until it ceases to be enjoyable. Can’t let the dogs have any since it contains onions. But the hens would clean it up quickly. Got it a wee bit spicey, but that is not going to bother me—or the hens.

 

My youngest Ostand grandson turns 23 tomorrow. Sent him a couple of Jacqui Lawson ecards. He got them today and sent me an email saying he thought that they were cute. Know it is hard on the companies who produce paper cards and the post office that does not get to sell stamps, but really like these cards. They play music and can be sent easily and quickly. Anyway, so glad to have the opportunity to make the kids smile.

 

My dogs snore and talk in their sleep. Woke up this morning to yips and running—in the bed. Thompson was catching something in his sleep. Had been making the critters sleep in the crate and dog bed, but lately they think they need to “help” me at night. Oh well. They are good company.

 

Want to work in the flower bed out front and see if the ground is soft enough to plant flowers, but have some asters to put out there that got water logged in the green house. That hail storm really did a number on that roof. Such is life. Maybe rolling the little dump trailer out there to fill up with asters will work. Then they can be planted wherever is handy. If they don’t make it, can blame it on too early or some such. Plants are like small children that need attention to thrive.

 

Time to go shut the coop doors. Will ask you all to keep praying for Tami Yonts and her family. Also, remember Lexi who will be having surgery next Tueday. So much sickness in our world. We just have to remember that God is in control.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Heinz 4x4.

 Heinz 4x4.

 

Sterling called a bit ago and was talking about the different kinds of chickens that folks are raising for Tyson and other chicken companies. The Tyson chicks may die at three or four times as often as the other company’s chicks. Anyway, Danny Pollard has had much better results from his chickens since he left Tyson to go to another company. Then we got to talking about my three little chicks—that are two months old today—and how they are nearly as big as the Maran hens now. Who can guess how big they will get when they are full grown! The old woman is just wishing that they could all be pullets and not all roosters! Prefer my fried chicken to come from the chicken place where they serve ‘tators, gravy, and fried okra!

 

Have been exceedingly lazy today. Had intended to clean the rug in the kitchen with a scrub brush and some carpet cleaner bought yesterday at WallyWorld. But that did not get done. Did not plant any sweet peppers either. Somehow it is just easy once in a while not to do a dadgummed thing. And today is one of those times.

 

Have been thinking about Sharon Dickerson who is trying to recover from a UTI. If you ever have a friend who suddenly does not seem to be thinking clearly and just feeling washed out, be sure and ask about the symptoms that go with a UTI. Have only had one of those in my life. It was not funny. The symptoms, if left untreated, will make a woman seem insane or close to it. Paranoid and frightened are two of the feelings that seem to go with it. And to top it off, men don’t usually have this problem. Go figure. So, of course, hardly any doctors ever ask about such things when a woman is having that kind of problems. Praise God, Sharon’s doctor asked the right questions. They gave her a shot of antibiotic and she will be taking some strong meds until this clears up. She already feels better, but she should be over this within two weeks.

 

Will be driving down to Bowie probably on the 30^th to meet up with Julia Davis. We “know” each other from online, but have never met in person. Haven’t driven that far in quite a while, but it should not be a problem. At least the truck will need to be taken out on the highway since the last time it went to Henrietta in November. Will have to find out what Lexie’s children will eat so Julia can feed the littles. Know something was written online recently warning parents not to give small children grapes because of possible strangulation. Guess we could not afford grapes when our children were little. But we used cloth diapers, too.

 

Finished doing some editing late last night. Prefer to work in the morning when my mind is rested, but didn’t do much to wear me out yesterday anyway. Just remembering some of the shortcuts for MSWord would be handy. It is unnerving at how much a person can forget when not using a program all that much! Duh!

 

The dogs have not asked for food today. They always have kibble, but neither one has asked for treats. Did see Sylvia go get one for herself out of a large box. A person would think that they would just go whole hog on treats with a box sitting there open. Not happening. Strange indeed.

 

Really know less than nothing worth talking about. Have seen the posts about the possibilities of the arrest of President Trump. Simply cannot imagine how these folks think that is a good idea. But don’t plan on getting excited about more political stupidity. It seems someone always wants the American people to react. One stupid post showed a line of Chinese soldiers saying that 800K had enlisted to attack us. Guess we could just sic the Mexican cartels on those soldiers. Ahem.

 

Let us trust in God and believe His promises. He WILL find faith here when He returns.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Bones!

 Bones!

 

The dogs shared some ribs with me, and Sylvia has a bone over on her bed making all kinds of noises with it. Clack, clicks, and clump. Thompson had his outside on the deck. No fusses that way. He does have a tendency to chase the hens off if they are anywhere near the deck while he is chewing on a bone, but maybe they didn’t come out from under the deck this time. If the dogs could go to the store and shop with me, we would never get anything except bones! Well, meaty bones.

 

Had a message on FB today from Julia Davis. She is coming to Texas on the 29^th of this month to help a friend who is having surgery. The young woman will need some help, sure enough. She has a developmentally delayed three-year-old and an 18- month-old child. Sounds like a regular three-ring circus to me. Getting too old to be a babysitter. Anyway, let’s pray for Lexie as she goes in for surgery on the 28^th (Tuesday) and for Julia’s safe trip to Bowie on the 29^th (Wednesday) from DFW airport. No way this old woman would want to fly off somewhere by myself, but courage is what is needed to help others sometimes.

 

The sun has been a happy attraction outside today. It has not been all that warm, but it has not rained either. Freezing temps tonight and tomorrow night just sound like Texas around Easter to me. Sigh. The mesquite trees out in Patty’s pasture have not even the slightest sign of a bud. That’s a pretty sure sign that any fruit trees that bloomed are not going to be able to make fruit. Dadgumit!

 

Got the sheets on my bed changed and the white ones put in the laundry and washed, dried, folded, and put away. One other load of clothes included a handful of white socks. Those are put away as well. While at WallyWorld, bought a stiff brush and some carpet cleaner for the rug in the kitchen. So far my enthusiasm for getting down there to scrub has not resulted in any action yet. Maybe later this evening—or in the morning. We shall see. Some jobs are just hard.

 

Have a passel of toilet paper cobs to make into seed holders for planting some flowers and stuff. Have two small boxes to put them in, but may have to find a shoe box or something of that caliber. Starting things inside the house has never been one of the things that happened around here, but may just have to try it this year. Have ten planting bags for larger things, and may get some of the plants in the greenhouse put into a couple of those. Bought some asters and other flowers and have them out there, but the asters are the only ones that stayed alive. Think it was too cold in there for the others. Oh well. Nothing like trying.

 

Don’t really know much worth talking about. Keep finding more eggs in the nests, and that seems surprising to me. Seems they are taking turns laying, so each day has five to six eggs in there. Wondering how old these three chicks will be when they start. The Marans were five months old when they started laying, but these chicks are already almost as large as the Marans. Tomorrow they will be two months old. If any more of my hens decide to go broody, will have to see if Stephen and Nikki will let me have more fertilized eggs. Don’t think it would pay to get chicks from TSC for nearly $4 each, but the only advantage would be choosing all pullets and not wondering if one or more might be a rooster. Oh well. Haven’t got a broody hen right now anyway.

 

The days are getting longer—well, the sun is not going down as early. That means the hens stay out longer and eat every blade of grass they can find. Have a feeling that mowing is going to go well this summer if the girls can keep up with the Bermuda grass. Only have the weeds to cut! Doesn’t really matter. Just love the bright sunshine—well, at least until it gets past 85 degrees! Yes, you will hear complaints when it gets over 100. Just getting older and gripey. More gripey. Can’t spell it any other way! Well, unless it starts with a letter B~.

 

Let’s be grateful that the storms that hit Texas have not been too expansive. May God bless those whose lives have been affected by the weather all over our nation. May He give us peace of mind and the joy of knowing His love.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Three Hundred Chicks.

 Three Hundred Chicks.

 

No, don’t worry, Jennifer Ostand! None came home to Dickerson Hill. But the cashier did say that the last one left last night. The young woman who loaded the chick feed for me said that they were all gone within an hour every time they got some in. She was shaking her head and saying that these folks have no idea what they are doing. Wait until they start paying for the feed. Well, yes, that is something to consider, but the weather and the temperature would be a consideration in my book. IF a person has a good place for chickens, then getting a dozen might be ok. Just wonder if any of those folks have a clue about caring for them. The young lady seemed to think that they were going to be “pets.” Yes, mine get treated almost as well as the dogs, but they also do their own thing more than follow me around. The only time they flock my feet is when they expect food! Hope all those little chicks find good homes and are well fed and protected from other critters.

 

Will ask you to pray for Tami Yonts and her family. She is going into the hospital for surgery for a brain tumor on Tuesday. She also has “Cousin It and Friends” in her lungs. Tami worked forever at Pioneer Restaurant here in Wichita Falls. She and Michelle Malay were our favorite waitresses. Tami seemed to keep everything on a good level basis when she was around. She saw what needed to be seen and took very good care of her customers. Her husband was a police officer and retired some time back. Think they had two sons and one granddaughter. Anyway, my prayers are that Tami and her husband Mike will get to go fishing again this spring. Peace of mind and a fishing pole.

 

Dear Hearts, it is cooler than it needs to be outside, and the wind is not helping one iota! It is supposed to get down to 30 degrees this weekend, so the water hose is off the faucet again and the faucet is re-covered. Sigh. Sterling said it is raining sideways up around Gentry, Arkansas, and he has to be a pall bearer at the church and cemetery today. Hope he does not get chilled and wet. He said it is supposed to be 15 degrees up there tonight. Glad this old woman lives a couple of blankets south of Arkansas.

 

Pictures online (on FB) showed my son-in-law in black shorts and his Irish get up! He looks like Zorro left his horse at the barn and walked into a costume party—which he undoubtedly will this afternoon. They always go somewhere for St. Patrick’s Day. At least they have fun!

 

Got a fountain to have out front for the birds and bees. It is solar powered, so all it needs it some water to circulate and plenty of sunshine. But it would blow away in the wind because it is so light weight. Not sure exactly what that will require, but maybe a rock or two around the base might keep it upright and from flying off to the wild blue yonder. Once upon a time, Hanan built a fountain using an old water cooler pump and a bunch of pots. He put it up in a tree and had it flowing down the side of the tree into the pots and then back again to the top with some little black hose. But it had to be plugged into the electricity out in the workshop. That was really a bit much. Oh well. That was like the swimming pool we bought for the kids one year that required electricity for the pump and the filter system. Not a good situation. Electricity and kids don’t always work out well.

 

Sitting here thinking about the different “pools” we had. The last one was a stock tank made of heavy-duty plastic. The kids and dogs loved it. Since then, the old woman bought a couple of tubs—one was that rubberized plastic that works as a feed trough or water trough, and the other was a sure enough metal oblong water trough for keeping chicks inside. That is how they use those metal troughs up at TSC—chick tanks. Empty ones right now!

 

If anyone wondered why the request was for prayers for women who have endometriosis, Bindi was on FB the other day before she went in for surgery to help remove the growths of the tissue that causes a woman to have horrible cramps each month. This is not the uterus, but the abdominal walls that have growths lining the walls. Have known several women with this problem. About the only thing that has ever worked was surgery. And having children either before or after surgery is an iffy situation. Someone once said that if men cramped every month like women do, something would have been developed to remove the problem ages ago. It is definitely a thought.

 

Just going to read and think about vacuuming up the kitchen and living room. The dogs don’t really care one way or the other what the old woman does. They have been fed, so all is well in their world. Meanwhile, got some potting soil and will be making containers from toilet paper cobs to start plants. Just need to push the kitchen table over to the east window for that sunlight to help them get started. Growing things is good for the mind.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

The Nagging Headache.

 The Nagging Headache.

 

Yes, Lewis used to call me “The Nag.” He was “Fang.” But this afternoon the wind and barometric pressure have produced the REAL nag—a headache. We are under a tornado watch, naturally. The wind changed directions three times in less than five minutes, but it went from 13 mph to over 20 mph in the same amount of time. Such fun. Both dogs are wearing their thunder shirts. Sylvia has finally removed her butt from the toes of my feet. Thompson just barks every once in a while, when the wind blows something extra hard. Looking out the front windows at the clouds rolling in makes me realize that the dirt from the west has placed a margin like a bathtub ring on the bottom of these clouds. Pretty sure we don’t have a fire over that direction, but the clouds are the right color for smoke and ash. Maybe by the time the tornado watch is over around eight tonight the clouds will have just dropped some water on us.

 

Boiled a couple of eggs to put in tuna salad and used some dill relish and some pepper rings. Made a pretty decent sandwich. The dogs like the tuna water over their kibble, too.

 

Mary Rhoads came by for eggs earlier. She was complaining that John wanted to get up and move around instead of behaving himself. Sent him a text and reminded him that he does not want to have to do this mess again. We always think that if we are not  having too much pain, we must be good enough to get up and at it. NOT necessarily so. Ask me why. Of course, Mary is still getting over knee surgery. That is not a fun situation. But John’s ankle must really have been a mess. He is in a cast for three weeks before they will even look at it.

 

Sterling got his stitches out of his foot today and has to be a pall bearer tomorrow. He was pall bearer for the woman’s husband, so somehow he ended up as one for her as well. Oh, such is life and its endings. He mentioned some time back that it really was bad that all the friends he has had are leaving him behind now. Think that is the way things work out rather often—old age and the passing of friends.

 

The trash truck will be here early in the morning, but my trash bin will remain in my yard until it is time to be picked up. Don’t want to see anything blown all the way to the state hospital! Or to Lake Wichita, for that matter.

 

Had to clean up one of my hens this morning. She was pretty sweet about it even though she was not too overly happy to be held. Sometimes they just accumulate “shtuff” on their fluffy butts. So, it was water hose and spray time for this one. Of course, that meant clean clothes and washing off for me. More laundry but cleaner chicken butt! Can’t stand for the nests to get dirty. Then the eggs collect yucky stuff. Not happening on my watch! No one gets an egg that has been on the ground, and no one gets a really dirty egg. Grandchild said something about a dirty egg one time. It reminded me of what mother-in-law had said about using eggs she had collected for their own use. Clean eggs are for customers—they sold eggs. Dirty eggs are washed at home for your own use—as you use them. Of course, the best situation is to have clean nests and clean hens. But things happen. It always amazes me that their backside feathers will stick to the egg that is being laid. Oh well.

 

Going to be praying that the weather does not get horribly messy this evening. Would really rather not have to pull that humongous mattress over an old woman and two dogs. Would rather just enjoy the sound of rain and not too much wind.

 

Let us be thankful for spring and flowers that brighten our lives. May those in the Ukraine, in Turkey, and in Syria be blessed with hope and succor. We may not be able to send them food or blankets, but surely we can give them our prayers. Finally, let us pray for answers for every woman who suffers from endometriosis. Let them be healed.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Grass and More Grass!

 Grass and More Grass!

 

Dear Hearts, grass grows so fast that even cows could not keep it down up here on Dickerson Hill. Stephen brought a couple of teenagers over today. They put my new electric (battery operated) lawn mower together. After charging up the two batteries, yours truly went out to the side lot to try it out. Works like a champ and is light weight to boot! Meanwhile, the boys got out front and started pulling up the grass in the front flower bed where the old woman had given up the other day. They may or may not have pulled a few blue bonnets or poppies, but worse things have happened. After it rains this Thursday, we may find it easier to pull more grass as it comes up.

 

Still have not gone to TSC to pick up more diatomaceous earth. Just don’t really feel like getting out. Thinking that getting older means that a body can work or not work at the things that are a bit unnecessary. Some things are essential, but getting to the store is not all that much fun. Let’s all say hooray for grocery delivery and such as that. Meals are different for some folks. Patty doesn’t cook unless she is really feeling pretty good. She has some meals delivered. The old woman has some of those things that come in boxes and stay in the deep freeze until the notion strikes. Have not so far ordered any food to be brought to the house. Not even pizza.

 

Want to see if Wichita Valley green house has what I would like to have for color out front. Love old-fashioned petunias and the peppermint smell, but those are not the type sold around here in the nurseries. They have those hybrid things that ruffle and do not produce the seeds. Think if anyone will have the real things, the guy at Wichita Valley will have them. They also have red honeysuckle. Love that stuff almost as much as the humming birds do.

 

The little black chicks are getting so much bigger. If they keep this up, they will be bigger than the Marans or the Black-laced Wyandottes. One of the reasons it is wise not to go by TSC right now is the big tubs of baby chicks. Really have to think about this stuff. Do NOT need six more baby chicks! And it is SO tempting!

 

Thompson just spit out his piece of cheese stick. He WILL eat it to keep Sylvia from getting it, but he is not really in the mood for cheese, thank you very much. Weird dog. He prefers that his be pulled out as a stringy thing. Oh well. Good thing my grands never lived that close to us years ago. Between the two of us, Lewis would have had those kids spoiled rotten. They would have been head to toe dirt following me around. Playing in the dirt was my favorite thing to do with our kids.

 

Just a wee bit concerned about my apricot trees. Thinking bores may have already killed one and not too sure about the other. For the past few years, they have not had a chance to produce much of anything. Either frost or something has taken the blooms or the fruit. These are the kind that come from out of state where they grow such things easily. We had some Texas natural grown natives years ago. Boy! They had the most tart apricots a person could ask for, and they produced by the buckets! When Jennifer was on the way, Grandmother Pollard came to stay with us and was out front giving away apricots! No way could the two of us have ever canned or frozen that many apricots! But she thought it was the greatest thing ever to pick those things and give them away! Miss my Grandmother Pollard. She was a sweet lady.

 

Need to call Sterling and ask him what kind of things goes in the propeller to fasten it to my plane. The wind took it off one day this past week. It was the first thing that Stephen noticed and asked about. It makes a lot of noise, but it still pleases me to see it up there whirling around. The other evening the wind fluctuated between 10 to 20 mph according to the weather station on top of my house. Is it any wonder that the propeller came off?

 

Still feeling sorry for the folks out West where it is flooding now and the folks in the East who are under tons of snow. We know it will be our turn soon. Not snow and floods maybe, but Texas stuff. Let’s pray for our nation. Of all the things that the weather can do, some of the things that our politicians are doing will eventually cause more damage. May God bring us to Him softly and not by horrors of war or disease.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

Trees Trimmed.

 Trees Trimmed.

 

Two of the trees have been trimmed. The Bradford pear looks much better and the hackberry in the back yard no longer hangs toward the electric lines leading to my house. Blake did a very good job. Maybe Oncor will eventually get some of the stuff done to the middle of the trees and trim up the hackberry so it won’t hit the trash truck. Yay!

 

Heard from Jennifer today as she showed me her house after the painters were ALMOST finished. Know they will all be glad to have it done and over with. Meanwhile, they have squirrels that the dogs have killed that need to be disposed of. Jenn and I laughed—yes, it was not nice of us—because Grayson went UKK ukk a few times trying to get the mess cleaned up. Pretty sure Jenn will have to finish that job. Men can be so funny about stinky things.

 

Seems like the days are getting a bit longer now. At least the hens are staying out of their coop longer. Showed Jenn a picture of the chicks. She thinks that they are quite big. Hoping that they do get as big as the Marans, but since they are a mixed breed, who knows how they will turn out. One chick—the male—picked on another one. Thought he was going to hurt the other one. Silly chicks. Have seen the others do that to one another, but he just held on longer than necessary. If he really does turn out to be a rooster, will have to find a home for him. Stephen said he would be Sunday dinner at their house. Oh well.

 

It has sprinkled some this afternoon. Not really rain, but not dry either. Go figure. Jenn said it was raining in the DFW area off and on as well. Weather is always iffy at best and surprising all the time. At least it is not too dry now. The lake levels are much better! Won’t gripe in the least.

 

Not sure what else might need to get done tomorrow, but plan to go to TSC and pick up some diatomaceous earth for the bottom of the coop. That will give the ladies something to fluff their feathers in to keep bugs off of them. May put some in the bottom of the little coop for the chicks, too. They have not started to dust just yet, but it won’t be long.

 

Had thought about making some bread today, but that did not happen. Maybe tomorrow. The best laid plans of an old woman and all that. For sure the floors need vacuuming again. Sigh. If it rains, it makes mud; if there’s mud, there are dog tracks. The story of a woman’s life. Could be much worse, trust me!

 

Know about as much as those silly hens tonight. Have listened to the songs of the birds all day. Not sure which ones are leading the choir right now, but the orchestra must include lots of wood winds and flutes of a high echo. Life goes on here on Dickerson Hill.

 

Let’s remember that all good things are from our Father Above. He gives us what we need when we need it according to His plan.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Yards and Acreage.

 Yards and Acreage.

 

Not sure exactly how much land these four lots encompass, but let me tell you that lots of grass and stuff can grow up out there. Today Stephen brought the twins and their zero turn, a good weedwhacker, and a push lawn mower. Then Stephen worked on mine, and glory be if it did not start! SO happy over that. Now maybe the old woman can do her own thing with cutting just the areas that need to be cut and leave the rest alone to flower. But, last night when sitting around grumpily assessing the necessity for grass conquering ways to suit myself, danged if the old woman did not get online and order one of those push lawn mowers that runs on a battery. Stephen will undoubtedly have to help put it together, but at least it should be here by Wednesday. Anyway, did a little weed eating and pulled some grass from the front flower bed. It will take several days to get it under control, but such is life. Sitting on my backside is not all that difficult for weed control, but some of those roots are really embedded. Wish the hens were able to help me. Even the dogs love this grass.

 

Went down to Patty’s to let the dogs run a bit. Both of us were having trouble breathing. No excuse on my part except for allergies and the high pollen count. She has some fire ants, so sprinkled poison under the table and tried to keep the puppers out of it. Finally gave up and left them next to Patty, so she took them inside. Her tree trimmer is supposed to be here Tuesday, so we will see what gets done. Meanwhile, have to call Oncor and see if they will come cut the limbs out of the high lines. Have seen them make a V-cut in trees before, and that is fine with me. If the stinking Bradford pear went all the way to the ground, it would not really be much of a loss. It is good for bird nests, but that is about all. Otherwise, it is only a small amount of shade for the front yard. Meanwhile my yard looks pretty good. No one would understand why only part of it is cut, but if they walked out and saw the Bachelor Buttons growing up tall, they might understand. Stephen accidentally got some of the poppies growing up next to the front flower bed, but that is not exactly a disaster. Still have plenty in the bed and in the edge.

 

Cooked a beef roast last night and have been using it for topping off kibble for the dogs. It was a really small roast, but it still fed all three of us. Now have the GOBO or BOGO roast in the bottom of the fridge thawing. Will probably cook it tomorrow. These initials for things have thrown me for a loop more than once: get one, buy one or buy one, get one. Silly stuff that we are supposed to be able to translate. Sigh

 

Picked up a case of water the other day at Market Street and then had to put it in the wagon back at the house, so guess whose back is somewhat sore. Yes, really stupid thing to do, but no one was around at the store to ask, and here at home the dogs can’t help me lift much either. Oh well. The tap water is not that bad lately, so anyone with a brain cell would use one of those filtered jugs and just keep a closed mug handy. May have to think about that and decide if my mugs will work for that. Use one for hot coffee when going somewhere, but not here at the house. Silly, huh.

 

Athena the hen is looking mighty droopy. She does not seem to want to eat, but she does not show signs of illness. Not sure if catching her and dosing her with VetRx would help or not. Catching her would be the hard part. She is definitely a squawker!

 

Well, tomorrow the time on the clocks will change. Guess what. The hens do not give a rat’s behind what the clocks say. Open the coop door and they will either get off the roost or not. Same in the evening. If the sun is still up, they hesitate to go to roost. They live by daylight and dark, dear hearts, not anyone’s time piece. Why can’t we do that? At least it should remain the same all the time like they do in Arizona. Stupid time changes! Now have to go through the house and mess with the clocks again. Oh well.

 

Sitting here wondering if my brother is doing ok with his gimp foot. Called him and he said he forgot he was a gimp and stepped down off the trailer where he was hauling wood to his ex-wife’s house. Reminded him quite quickly that it was still might sore. Ah, such is life. He told me the mower would make it a lot easier for me. Here’s hoping. Wondering if Roger Thonton and his wife Susan are mowing their property out in Petrolia. That has to be a pretty big job. But they have a zero turn as well. Ah, my thoughts just went to the fact that gasoline for my zero turn needs to be bought. Danged stuff is expensive as everything right now. Oh well. It is just money, right?

 

Let’s remember to be grateful for life and laughter and friends who are as sweet as honey. Let us ask God for His mercy for all. Life is not complete without His love.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Greener Grass.

 Greener Grass.

 

Rain has a way of stopping lots of things—droughts, plans, and assorted activities. But given its necessity, who cares. The brides planning on garden weddings wouldn’t agree, but the ducks raising a nest of ducklings are pleasantly surprised to get more rain for their ponds. For this ol’ hill, rain means the grass and various plants will take over and hide bunny mothers who want to make a nesting place to raise their littles. Unfortunately, my dogs can smell those little critters and root them out of the nests. And the pair of ducks who come to enjoy the chicken feed can’t raise their ducklings on this particular hill for the same reason. The coyotes and raccoons forage for goodies—including ducklings and baby rabbits—down around the lake, and my dogs keep the nests empty up here on the hill. Such is life.

 

Patty has her mowing people down at her house working on the jungle that was her yard. Dear Hearts, Roxie almost got lost in that stuff out there. The henbit was so tall that she had to jump to get out of it. Rudy just plowed on through as if it were so much fluff. He is somewhat bigger though. When the man finishes her place, he will be up here to talk to me about my trees. Will ask about the price of mowing once, and then maybe Stephen can get my mower repaired or bring his and a boy or two to work this place over. It’s always something.

 

Talked to Sterling this morning. He and Jacqui spent until nearly eleven at the ER last night. He had been digging a steel splinter out of his thumb and dropped the knife on his foot. It went all the way through, so eight stitches and some pressure bandages later, he is wearing his new sneakers and appreciating that they are larger than his last pair. The things my daddy’s knives have done to his son! Daddy’s knives were always as sharp as anything could get and still be metal. Still have one of his in my desk drawer.

 

Just finished talking to my friend Barbara M. Love talking with her. We had the same kind of upbringing. The same kind of neighbors and the same attitude lived where she lived. We got to talking about her grandson Clayton Lee and her granddaughter’s husband who were in a wreck with another guy. Clayton needs our prayers. He was working for the sheriff’s department down in Graham, but he had both hips broken/crushed and is maybe going to be able to use a cane soon to get around. If he does, he wants to advance in the police force so he can become an investigator rather than chase criminals on foot. Let’s pray that his bones heal, the concussion won’t cause any lasting damage, and he is able to get his hearing back on the one side of his head where he flew out through the truck window. Honestly, seat belts make a big difference. His brother-in-law got one foot smashed in the wreck, but he will eventually be able to go back to work in the sheriff’s department in Henrietta. Let’s keep this family in our prayers.

 

Whew! The pollen level must be out of sight! It is really thick out there! Using saline solution last night and already feel it would work right now before it is even bedtime. Guess that is one of the wonders of spring and all these beautiful blooms, lawns being mown, trucks flying down the highway, and breezes through the Bradford pears out there. Argh!

 

Sitting here yawning as if it were time for bed, but know perfectly well that it is too early to even consider it. Not sure why a person gets so tired as they get older, but it must be the way we are made. Sterling assures me that it will only get earlier before it gets later—meaning it is too early to get tired and too late to change the situation. Or something like that. At any rate, God has blessed me with nearly 75 years, so maybe it is better to just enjoy the yawns and fatigue and not gripe.

 

Let us give thanks for what God has given us. Time, seasons, friends, family, and His blessings. Rest well, my friends. You are loved.