Getting Stuff Done.

 Getting Stuff Done.

 

It seems as if it has been a busy day, but looking around, not sure just what got done. Went to United on Jacksboro Hwy to pick up some 99 cent chicken breasts and a few extra things before going over to their gas station to fill up the two jugs for mowing. Did NOT get any mowing done. Will be like number one son for a bit and just brag on how green and healthy my weeds look right now! He said he did not want to brag, but just knew his were greener than anyone else’s weeds!

 

Took the first nine chicks to the coop today. Put the flat screen heater in there for them with Christmas lights, their feeder, their waterer, and a third of a sack of alfalfa leaves that Mary Rhoads brought to me today. Think a bigger feeder will do a better job of feeding them. Just have one that isn’t being used, but it needs to be cleaned thoroughly first. Still can’t let them have a large water bowl lest they drown in it! Now have to clean up the bath tub before the old woman can go soak her sore backside in it. Funny how moving around can cause pulled muscles even when hardly doing anything different.

 

Did have to climb up in the bed of the truck after the danged gas jugs fell over. Washed out the bed and hope that it won’t cause any problems later. Know climbing up there is definitely one of the unusual stretches made today! Oh well.

 

Cooked one package of chicken today—three bone-in breasts—and gave the dogs the broth and the skin portions. Have the rest of that meat in a Ziplock so that someone’s old foggy brain can take time to decide what to make out of that meat. Really prefer chicken to beef any day, but cooked some calf liver at the same time and had some for lunch and some for supper. My daughter is sitting there going, “ICK, Bleah!” Giggling. Hanan was the only one of our children who would eat liver with me. Now the dogs will eat a bite or two if it is from my hand. Some critters!

 

Number One sent a text about something called Miso. My eyes can’t read all of that stuff even enlarging the text, but will look it up and see if it is something to consider. As it is, Jenn has looked up something about “aspartame poisoning” from diet drinks and stuff. Stevia is much better for a person, but it is not found in many soft drinks. Have seen a few, but not many. They must leave the stores rather quickly. Anyway, the children may not realize it, but their old mom eats more veggies than their entire families. If we ever have to start grazing on the fields and weeds, guess my books on what is or is not edible might come in handy. Like Lance, my WEEDS are very green and healthy looking!

 

Have to go back to the Farm Store out on 281 tomorrow and pick up some pellets for the big hens. Will get some okra seeds while there. Have decided to plant okra along the front fence on the west side. Have a few irises and a peach tree there, but otherwise that ground is not being used for anything. The sun hits it good enough for okra for sure. And too, it will be easy to reach with the water hose.

 

Made up a big old jug of decaf tea for myself yesterday. Pretty good way to get myself to drink something since water just doesn’t really appeal to me that much. Have those little things to put in water to help with electrolytes, but don’t like the ones that were cheaper. And the good ones are pretty expensive. Sigh

 

Have not had time—or interest—to look at the news today. You can bet that Christ did not return today--the only headline that would matter to me. And that is the one thing that we will ALL know on that day! He promised to return, and that is as sure and as good news as anyone could ever hope to hear. Holding on to those promises!

 

Remember to pray for those who are living life with the addition of chemotherapy or any other type of cancer fighting agents. Let us hold these folks up as our brothers and sisters to our Father. We all need His help.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Midnight Chicken Raid!

 Midnight Chicken Raid!

 

Last night the last four of the Black-laced Wyandottes left the premises. The youngsters in the little coop near the deck got spooked and would not go back inside, so we gave that up as a lost cause. Woke up around three trying to think what could hold them and how to go about transferring them to Stephen’s place. Finally, at 4:30 a “container” came to mind—the clothes hamper! Went out and caught them in the upper part of their coop one at a time, clipped one wing, and dropped each chicken in the hamper. Had to hold down the lid because these are some wild and wooly chickens! Got them all in there, but feared for the police to show up because they each sounded as if they were being killed in some terribly drastic manner! Used painter’s tape to keep the lid closed, and then lay the hamper vented side up on the deep freeze. Right now, they are in there bonking around inside the hamper as if they might be digging out of jail! Have to wait until someone is awake over at Stephen’s place to take them over.

 

The Coo Coo Maran that has gone broody is now in the coop where the chicks were hatched. She doesn’t get to sit on any eggs today or until she changes her attitude and starts laying her own. So there! Think enough chickens have made this their home for now.

 

Coffee is made, so maybe this day might get off to a decent start. Have to vacuum and mop some today to catch up with the muddy messes that have been made the last few days. Not griping, however. We really needed that rain.

 

Planted some seeds that came from China—unlabeled. Have no idea what they were, but here’s hoping they were petunia seeds. The little plastic Ziplocs reminded me of some kind of “drug” bust evidence. Threw them in the trash as soon as the seeds were dumped. What with all the screaming chickens last night and then these little plastic bags, would not want any officers to ask me about what’s going on up here on this hill.

 

Number One son suggested a neat birthday present for Sterling—a can of 2-in-1 oil. It made me laugh after Sterling wondering where the grease insert was for his new mechanical knee. He told me the other day that the fella in rehab told him that he could not “hurt” that new knee and just needed to really work it. After all, he was “only” dealing with pain! So glad my daughter did not tell me, “It’s only pain, Mom.” Simply can’t imagine.

 

Emptied out the buckets and stuff from the green house side of the coops a bit ago. The cinder blocks were the only things that nearly got me. Those suckers are heavy. Lifted them just enough to put them in the little two-wheeled wagon thing and dumped them alongside the coop. May put some potting soil in there and plant dill or marigolds or both. Would love to be able to have flowers all the way across the front of the coops. Some of those flowers are the kind they recommend to put in the nests for hens. The more it is considered, the more the idea appeals to me!

 

Jennifer told me today that her husband Gary is still having a load of trouble with the Crohn’s or whatever this is that is making him so weak and hardly able to get enough oxygen. It occurred to me that all the kids have had that stupid virus this past year. Wondering if that has affected him with blood clots or something. So far, the doctors have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of blood loss and low blood pressure. Dadgumitall! Want my kids to be healthy and happy. Please say a little prayer for him and his family.

 

Have not looked at any news today, but can guess that nothing much has changed in our world view. South Korea and China are going to bump heads and exchange heated words or worse. Sudan is going to dry up and blow away or blow up—either way, the folks trying to live there have no chance of living in peace, much less plenty.

 

Let us pray for peace. We are so blessed despite the number of shootings and irresponsible people who drive like idiots. Each of us must take responsibility for our own actions and thoughts. God will forgive those who are repentant but we still have to live with the results of our actions.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Chicken Fried Brainwaves.

 Chicken Fried Brainwaves.

 

Yes, some of us are just a little warped about certain subjects: horses, dogs, chickens, cats, birds, flowers, and maybe other species of fin or fowl. Love watching wild birds generally, and enjoy having flowers and bushes growing into beautiful mounds of blossoms. But right now, even though it feels too cool outside to be messing around in the flower beds, my little feeble brain is concentrated on these silly little chickens. Have decided to clear out the green house side of the coops where a nice chicken coop is built in for babies. Then the floor can be raked and turned up a bit so the soil will cover some seeds. May plant both wheat and oats for new grass for the critters to eat when they are big enough to go in there without a heater. Right now, the first batch of baby chicks must be about a week old because they are already stretching their wings and trying to fly. One hopped up on the flat-screen heater this afternoon. That means draping something over the top of the tub to be sure they don’t get out and run all over the bathroom! Oh boy! Think some lace curtains saved up will work well enough. (Michelle Malay will find that funny!)

 

Stephen is supposed to come pick up the two roosters from Jolene’s little family tonight after they go up in their coop. He will also be taking four hens home with him as well. Right this red-hot minute, another Coo Coo Maran is broody and one Copper Maran is molting, so that makes two not laying. Oh well. Still getting a few eggs from the Marans and the four that will leave tonight. Won’t have as many eggs to give away for a few months. Or as many hens to feed.

 

Have invited a few extra people to read this blog, so you may see Clint and Sandy Robertson, GaryWade Smith, or others joining the group. Have not laid any real ground rules for those folks because they are kind people who are not the sort to use “fowl” language or try to change your affiliation to either church or political party. And though some of them may be great photographers and enjoy poetry, doubt that any of them will be any more appealing than some of the things that Keith Mattson posts. Most of us know that if we don’t want to read or listen, we don’t have to do so. And if any of you get really tired of hearing about my dogs, the Texas weather, my chickens, or the wind, well, you know what you can ignore. You are welcome to brag about your grandchildren, dogs, cats, or fire ants!

 

Sutherland’s has soil on sale next Friday, so guess who is going to go over there and load up. Need to throw some sacks around the bottom of the hen house, over the water pipes in the back flower bed, and in the beds next to the house. Got a 50 lb sack of potting soil at the Farm Store on 281 the other day. Have ten planting bags (a special bag just for plants) for use in planting flowers or veggies, so now will have to get some seeds for veggies if tomatoes or cucumbers are still on my brain when the wind stops blowing so hard.

 

Have been reading about people who are building their own “tiny” houses. Sterling built a cabin for his place in Arkansas when he and Jacqui decided they had had enough of the camper. Think he bought a framed building and had it brought in and placed on the foundation over his plumbing. It really wasn’t very tiny in my estimation, but it certainly was not as big as the place where he currently lives. Two bedrooms, a decent kitchen, bath and a half, and some storage space are pretty essential in my estimation. But then, the price of building it one’s self as opposed to buying something already made is totally mind boggling. Sterling has the ability to do stuff like that. Some folks are just talented. Lewis could do so many things, but he would not have wanted to start from scratch! Hello! They have horse trailers out there that would make a good tiny home!

 

Need to sit down and figure out how to protest the amount that the tax assessor put on a 50x90 lot next to my home. Can’t figure out why it would suddenly be worth three times as much as its purchase price. Now to read all that fine print! Sigh

 

Haven’t looked at the news lately, so maybe we still live in the USA or something along those lines. Don’t think they have taken the flags down across the street, so maybe we are still using the same ones for nation and state. Honestly wonder about this country at times. Do believe that the teenagers who murdered that woman by throwing a rock through her car window deserve to spend the rest of their life in prison. But who knows what our justice system will do to them. Maybe outlaw big rocks?

 

Remember to look for reasons to be grateful for life and love. You know where blessings come from and why you can appreciate the love and forgiveness.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Gluteus Maximus?

 Gluteus Maximus?

 

Dear Hearts, bend over and pull grass or weeds out of a flower bed for a bit and see what hurts that day AND the next day! Whew! Caleb used my wonky shovel to plant three little bushes for me because my get up and go got up and went. Been just a wee bit busy. It’s the season, probably. At least that is as good a blame as there might be.

 

TSC had their plants on three for $12. Kinda high. The bushes were 25% off, but the water sprayer was not on sale. The one out back was made out of plastic and went south one day this week. A water sprayer seems necessary to me. However, when we were kids, we put a thumb over the end of the water hose. Couldn’t stop the water unless the person was strong enough to bend the hose double, but don’t remember ever having a good pistol sprayer back then on the water hose.

 

And yes, pullets were back in the chick section. Wrangled the metal water trough and put it in the big bathroom. So now the bathtub and the water trough have chicks in them. The first chicks look to already be about a week old. They were leftovers from what had already been bought. So, four naked-neck chicks and five Easter eggers (straight-run so can be either rooster or pullet) are in the bathtub. Four blue Australorps, four Wellborn, four gold sex-links, and four Amberlinks are in the water trough—all little ladies. Have a man coming for my four black-laced Wyandottes and the two little roosters that came from Jolene sitting on some eggs. Only have one pullet out of that situation. Going to keep the two Coo Coo Marans and the five copper Marans. They are not as friendly as the Wyandottes, but they produce well. So far, have never had any hens that were just stupid or ornery except the Hamburgs. They would hide their nests and sneak out of the yard to do it!

 

Ordered some soup bones, ribs, stew meat, and fajita meat this morning from Bill Brown Beef. Had been intending to go down to Megargal to try out their restaurant, but they are closing it the 30^th of this month. Running a café or restaurant is a hard situation. Either employees that are dependable are hard to find, or customers are not real reliable—or both. Anyway, sorry to hear of its closing. But at least the price of his beef is still reasonable.

 

Jennifer sent me a picture of Grayson’s sunflowers that he planted out by the putting green. They will make a neat screen when they start getting taller. The seeds he got were the pretty colored ones, so here’s hoping he can save us some seeds. He also raises peppers and tomatoes—well, something like that. Will have to ask again. Right now, the yellow bell peppers, English cucumbers, and mint are on my mind. Have lost a passel of mint this past year. Have not had very good success with tomatoes for some reason. Good tomato seasons are only a memory now.

 

A man stopped to ask about houses in my neighborhood this morning. Don’t think there is such a thing as cheap real estate these days, but his church was trying to find someplace for a woman and her three children to live. Nope, not much available with anything like a decent price in WF. But it does seem as if the guy who owns most of the property over on North Church is getting his buildings fixed up. More of his family moving in, no doubt.

 

The poppies out front are so very pretty, and the bachelor buttons down in the east lot look pretty neat in my estimation. If the three little bushes planted this morning actually live, maybe a Rose of Sharon will be one of the things to make the front flower bed look as nice as it used to. Have some more seeds to spread out there, too. Watering is a bit iffy when the wind blows, but watering at night still works for most plants. Here’s hoping.

 

Talked to my dingy brother a bit, and he told me that when that new knee starts to squeaking, he will have to ask the surgeon where he put the oil insert in that thing. He figures the doctor will hand him a can of WD-40 and tell him to go on about his rat killing. We laughed about how we would look walking down a street with me with a hand on my right hip and him with his cane and both of us just a wobbling. Couple of old crows. But at least we can still laugh about it.

 

Guess we can consider ourselves very blessed with rain and no hail. We will undoubtedly be dry again by next week since the wind hasn’t stopped blowing, but maybe we will still miss the hail and tornadoes. We can ask for protection, anyway.

 

Remember those who need to be healed and those suffering from emotional stress. Our entire nation seems to be riddled with problems of the heart—the spirit of violence is upon us. God forgive us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Fried Dill Pickles.

 Fried Dill Pickles.

 

Michelle Malay brought some stuff by one day that included a package of chips—fried dill pickle chips! Not many folks would probably buy something like this to try, but these things are just plum morish—one bite calls for more. Made by a company called Utz, they come from Pennsylvania. Have a feeling that my tongue will be sore by the time they are a memory, but still, enjoyment means new flavors at times.

 

My weather station indicates that the rain came down to amount to over an inch. Not bad considering all the thunder and lightning. That was something else! The dogs were miserable even with thunder shirts on for the duration. The only part that bothered me more than the thunderous bangs was the wind that whipped around out there. It must not have been too bad as the irises that were already in bloom did not get torn up. And the poppies still look pretty happy.

 

My stupid front window leaked again, and the hen coop roof did likewise. Anyway, a young man by the name of Cliff King is supposed to call me tomorrow to see what he thinks about my windows. Then if things are reasonable enough, we will see what he thinks about the entire roof of the green house and chicken coops. Not like spending money is the most enjoyable pursuit, but some things need to be done no matter what. It’s a bit like being sure the brakes work on your vehicle.

 

Made some spinach noodle pasta with Italian meatballs and Rotel tomatoes with extra stewed tomatoes. The dogs were not impressed and it was really too much for one person. It is not easy to plan for one appetite sometimes. Oh well. Fresh veggies are all better than anything, so should probably just stick with them.

 

My brother tells me that soap operas are a mess and a never-ending situation for some people. And all kinds of folks get caught up in those messes. So, this afternoon SS was able to come down to Patty’s to get his Jeep. He thought he had a restraining order on his wife, but the judge had taken a week off because the courthouse was flooded. Sheesh! Guess his attorney did not bother to tell him that it would take another week. Meanwhile . . . But what really made me feel that it was worse than a soap opera was the fact that she took his service animal. Now that is just mean!

 

A young man who knew Hanan years ago is supposed to come tomorrow to see about these front windows on the east side. Have hopes of seeing them reset or whatever it takes to get the leaks alleviated. That water leakage can not be good for the walls. Here’s hoping it does not cost an arm and a leg.

 

Found a flea on me today. Guess the house will have to be sprayed again. This morning a spider joined me for breakfast. No, he got whammed onto the dishwasher and did not go into my food, but still. Spiders, snakes, assorted critters—and this is not just because the house in on the lake. Keeping a gallon jug of Home Defense has been the standard around here for years now.

 

Saw some memes earlier this morning that suggested that politicians were the least favored people in the U.S.—or maybe anywhere. Some of the jokes were much better than the folks who got elected in various offices. Guess that may always be true.

 

Storms may be pretty bad down around Waco this evening. Let’s pray that no one gets hurt and that property is not destroyed. We all needed this rain, but the wind and hail, not so much.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Expensive Hobbies.

 Expensive Hobbies.

 

Now granted, the potting soil (50 lb) was $16.25, but still, the feed bill came to $76.95 this morning. Not buying that scratch was probably why it was so expensive, but the hens won’t eat the freaking corn! Go figure. Oh, the wild birds appreciate it greatly, but not my hens. Then on to TSC for a new feeder and waterer, some grit, four naked necks (Turkens) and five Easter Eggers. That was not cheap either--$58.34. Have never had Turkens, but BR says they lay nicely—brown eggs. We will see how this goes. AND to top it off, they were all straight run, so who knows but what there might be nine little roosters in between the five and four! Oh well. I have not been too happy about having to kill a hen—the one who walked like a penguin after the dogs ran over her. But she left us with the trash man this morning. May end up having fried chicken if someone doesn’t come get these two little Maran roosters. Have done it before, but didn’t enjoy killing chickens then and not looking forward to doing it again. One thing about it, fresh yard chicken does not taste anything at all like what you will find in the grocery store. These critters have the run of about a half a city block of grass and green stuff, plus any bugs that are stupid enough to get in the yard. And when it rains, they find worms.

 

Got out and worked a bit in the front flower bed until the old woman tuckered out. Got about half of it done, but need to get the dadgummed Bermuda roots out of that one corner. Those things go to China, don’t you know. Have some five-leaf ivy growing next to one post and plan to just allow it to grow. Mom and Dad had to remove some from their house one year. It was taking the siding off the house and was headed for the roof! Will try to keep this stuff corralled. Really need to get out and work with the little lawn mower around the sides of the east lots and then weed eat some on the inside and by the gates. Such fun. You know, having a membership to the YMCA would be a waste of money for me!

 

Ah, just went online and ordered a new SS card. Where things get to is beyond me, but it seems that several things have gone to that big empty over the years. The reason for thinking about the SS card was the information that was required for a new driver’s license. Then, when filling out the form for a new SS card, it asked when the latest DL was issued and when it expired. Dear Hearts, they must trust old women more than some other folks: my DL does not expire until my birthday in 2031. Oh my! Well, that is only eight years from now, but then, the old woman will be 75 in May of this year, so by then it will add up to 83 years old. Hmm. Have heard of a woman who had to get her license renewed at 105, but wondering if my grandchildren will wonder when their mom has to accompany me to the bureau. Not that 105 would be all that old, but 85 is just the normal lifespan for the women of the last generation. All the great-grandmothers lived into their 90s. Oh well. Maybe by then we will be riding horses and carriages again.

 

Oh, and what brought about all the curiosity came from a strange deposit in my bank account. It seems the SS bureau had been somewhat lax in figuring how much the old woman was supposed to be getting for some time now. So, they made a deposit of nearly $400 to my checking account. Maybe they will send a letter to explain it eventually. The lady on the phone was quite helpful about it. If a letter does not arrive, it will not bother me.

 

Have two repairs that need to be done on the hen house doors. Nothing ever lasts forever, don’t ya see. Made one-half of the coop door on the front by myself, and that part is still working well. However, the metal door needs some reinforcement at the bottom. Guess it will take a bit of maneuvering to get it to be more stable and less likely to fall apart. Then the wind blew the who’dathoughtit out of the wire door on the side of the middle coop. Cracked that thing at the bottom smooth as ex-lax ever hoped to be. That will either take a couple of slats to put on either side of the crack or some metal pieces to hold it together good.

 

Saw Patty’s favorite plumber going down to her house a few minutes ago. These washing machines throw water out faster than some drains can deal with it. SO glad mine is pointed toward the east lots and uncommitted to any other drain lines. Grey water is not bad for the environment like some things. But that does not mean it is good enough for fruit trees. Such is life.

 

As soon as the weather decides it will be one way or the other—mostly warmer—these chicks will go to the west wing of the coops or green house. They can grow up in there about as well as anywhere. Plenty of room for nine chicks. Just thinking that these naked neck chicks certainly look different. First thought they called them turduckins. Had no need for anything that would paddle about in the water around here! Dogs are about enough. Brown, dirty tracks on the carpet runners in the kitchen. Sigh

 

Just went out to change the water for the dogs and hens. Lovely. Dead starling in the dogs’ water and plenty of poo in the hens’ water. Dadgumitall! Put square things on top of the water so the hens could get water and the dogs or starlings would not get in it to cool off or whatever. Didn’t work very well, but hey, nothing like trying.

 

Have thought about some things today and folks that need blessings. Patty had to have that plumber down today, and he did not want to charge her since all he had to do was take off an end cap. But he called in and asked and they said he had to charge for thirty minutes. He was a very nice man. Said he and wife had had some problems until he got counseling and found out that it was not up to him to “fix” everything. They are getting along a lot better. Wish that could work for all the folks that are having problems, but even counselors may not get to all the problems with folks who have been troubled for years and working on more than one marriage. God bless the children.

 

Remember those in pain tonight. Let us ask God for healing and peace of mind. May He bless those who fear for their lives as well. We have to ask for patience and common sense. Those things are not on a shelf for purchase.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

Weird Cravings.

 Weird Cravings.

 

Made a banana split for myself for the first time in—well, can’t tell you how long. No pecans and the cherries were from pie filling, but that is ok. Still pretty tasty. Had eggs with picante sauce for breakfast, then cucumbers sliced and splashed with Olive Garden dressing for din-upper. Yep, weird stuff just appeals to me some days.

 

Have enjoyed watching the hens today. They found a little snake this morning and fought over it. Think it got pecked to death right away, so it did not suffer the slings and jerks of the mighty hen fights. Had noticed a little opening in the workshop floor which was probably a lizard hole in my estimation, but now think that maybe that was an opening for this little snake. Hens are not picky—lizards, sparrows, snakes, fuzzy things, anything with wings—well, except for the danged pair of ducks that they let enjoy the water bowls.

 

Sent off for a couple of signs about biting dogs to put on the front fence. Have seen folks over on Church Street with children, so it seemed like a good time to put up the signs to prevent any law suits. My dogs are not vicious, but they are territorial. Anyway, was very shocked to get the signs today since they were only ordered yesterday. But then Amazon is either going to be Johnny on the Spot or slow Sam!

 

We have a 60% chance for rain tomorrow! Hurray! Maybe we will get more than just a sprinkle of mud like it was last time. We really could use a good soaking rain. It won’t help the grass much that has already turned brown, but it will help new growth and stuff that folks have put out to grow in their gardens. Yours truly did not get out to pull any grass out of the front flower bed today. Lazy, no good for nothing old woman!

 

Think son-in-law goes in for an MRI on his guts tomorrow. They had him drink some stuff that would choke a badger! But they have to figure out what is wrong before they can help him handle the problems. Just wish he could get to feeling better.

 

The little rooster has stopped crowing—or the old woman hasn’t been hearing him. But he has definitely started behaving like a rooster. What is absolutely hilarious is the hens’ reactions. He dismounts and they get after him and chase him off or peck the crud out of him. It makes me laugh. John Pollard would doubtless have suggestions for the little guy!

 

Really have nothing earth-shattering to share tonight, but know that feeling good and getting outside in the sunshine helps all of us. Let’s pray for those who are going through cancer treatments, adjusting to new body parts, feeling helpless and alone, or otherwise needing the comfort of someone who cares. May God bless our families and our nation.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

One of Those Days AGAIN!

 One of Those Days AGAIN!

 

Yep, the muffins stuck to the cups, the cake fell, the rabbits taunted the dogs, and it’s cold. On the brighter side, we got some rain—not a lot, but some. Sterling is looking forward to getting the staples out and getting rid of those nasty support hose. Just nodded my head as he talked. Understand.

 

Maggie and David Sewell came by to pick up some eggs and told me that she is waiting to hear from the hospital now that she has been cleared for the rotator cuff surgery. Let’s pray that all goes well and that she heals completely and quickly.

 

My son-in-law is still losing blood and feeling mighty sad with food in general. Poor kid. His youngest son has practically the same thing except that he just has trouble keeping things down. Honestly would like to tell them both that veggies blended and put in the pasta sauce would make them both feel better so much sooner. But SIL won’t eat most veggies and no fruits. Have thought of suggesting ways of sneaking in the veggies, but Jenn knows how that might work out if he found out. He would surely think if he did not feel good it was because of the “stuff” she put in his food. Sigh.

 

As soon as it warms up a bit, the old woman is going to tackle the front flower bed. Just sick and tired of not being able to get down and pull stuff out by myself. Now, if the old woman does not post for a day, someone might want to check and see if she has grown roots out front. Never can tell.

 

Grandchild got the crochet kit this morning. Now that was fast. Just waiting to see what happens with all that string. Taught myself to crochet in a basic stitch once upon a time. Decided to make a curtain with the thread that came here from somewhere. Had it all stitched up and ready to hang and wanted to wash it first. Threw it in the washer with the rest of the stuff. Took it out and it looked a little funny, but when it came out of the dryer it was about the size of a place mat. Uh huh. Wool. No wonder my hands itched!

 

Patty said she had to turn the heat on this morning. We have just a bit of wind, but with the temperatures this low, that wind just about cuts a body in two. She said the doggie door has to be closed to keep her living room warm. Guess that means she will be getting up and down just to let the littles out to do their stuff. Chased a wabbit down that direction earlier. Heard them barking and thought she would probably feel like shouting at me!! My dogs make a LOT more noise than hers do.

 

Have a friend who is going through some family troubles that cause me to shake my head. Won’t go into any details, but please pray for SS and his family. Drugs among young kids can cause so much trouble, but when a parent is not only condoning it but allowing it emphatically, it scares me. The drugs that are sometimes mixed in with others can kill a child or grown person in a heartbeat. When a man is not allowed to discipline children and have the mate’s backing, the situation is pretty hopeless. May God bless those who try to live an upright life and find nothing but destructive attitudes in their families.

 

More and more we can see that we are being pressured to accept what other people consider their rights without any consideration of OUR rights. Sometimes it is simply not enough to shrug my shoulders and say “whatever.” The laws of loving my neighbor have been put in stone in some places, but those laws are in my heart, cut in spirit by my Father in Heaven. My love is not conditional, but don’t expect kudos for your choices. Just sayin’.

 

Praise God for the rain and all blessings!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Messes and More.

 Messes and More.

 

WHY, when dogs have nice clean metal bowls for their feed, do they nearly always at least dribble a few pieces of kibble on the floor. And if the meal includes some baked chicken thighs, at least one piece has to be taken to the nearest dog bed to be consumed. Why? And if the water in the hens’ bowls has just been changed, why do at least fifteen starlings find the need for a bath? And a couple of them were too dumb to realize that the dog water trough is too deep for bathing birds. Bleah. Bird bodies! Then the wild ducks have to come to the bowls to chase out the starlings so that the duck hen can sit inside the bowl and play like she is paddling her way down the Nile! The drake just stands guard and watches for the dogs. Naturally the dogs send them flying again, but meanwhile the water has turned an ugly shade of duck nasty. Ack! Oh well. Now clean water is in all the containers except the dog trough which can be changed tomorrow or the next day. Suspect the dogs won’t find it necessary to go take a nice cool dip in the water with the temperature of 53 degrees. Oh, the life of a farmer/chicken lover!

 

The wind and cooler temps are not exactly conducive to enjoying the great outdoors. In fact, am sitting here very glad that my trip to TSC occurred early this morning. Getting a package returned at the UPS store turned out to be easy peasy—thanks to Patty for printing off the label Jennifer sent to me. Will try to remember not to get too terribly ticked off when mistakes are made, but think the idea of a “restocking” fee is major BS (blown smoke). Guess a trip to one of the stores here in town to get some Bermuda shorts will be one of the items on the next list.

 

Thinking that marigolds would look good in the flower bed out front, especially since they can tolerate full sun. Had zinnias in there one year that were so very neat, so it depends on what kind of seeds can be discovered soon. Looked at TSC and was about flabbergasted at the prices! No way is a package of a few seeds worth nearly $5. Just need to make myself get busy and get some more potting soil and cow poop to mix up for some planting bags. Not going to try to dig holes around here this year. Getting too old to deal with shovels, roto tiller planters, and big-pronged rakes. And it looks as if the weather is so ornery and off its normal course so that planting a little later may be just the thing to do this year. But have seen cold days in May before! It’s Texas.

 

Started to put together a list for United today but just did not want to mess with it. Had some proofreading to do that made me sit and think a bit. Wondering if age makes me cranky when something doesn’t suit me. We all have a particular way of expressing ourselves, but it seems that a scientific paper for research purposes tends to be pretty cut and dried to one extent or another. Opinions are not expressed in scientific research for the most part, but it seems to me that cause and effect are never going to be left out if one is to prove a point. But that is just my opinion. Proofs are only proof if they are substantiated by facts. Oh well. Will let the author present her proofs her way and keep my well-used inferences to myself. My perspective may be skewed all to thunder anyway.

 

Really love the greenness of this spring, but would so love to see about two or three inches of rain before April ends. Of course, wherever Beverly N. happens to be got both rain and then hail. Argh! Have enough holes in the green house roof right now. Not sure the old woman will ever get that redone, but it would be nice to have a water tight roof on there again. My luck the winds from the west would take roof and all if it were to be replaced!

 

Sent my oldest Dickerson grandchild a graduation present today. It made me giggle. Have a book about different types of sewing projects that might be a pretty handy thing for some folks who want to learn how to do crochet or even knit. Know my patience has long passed that stage. Have some mending to do now on the kitchen table along with some shorts to hem and other things that need a seam or two to take them in. Crazy body has ways of making things fall off one way or the other. Guess it could be worse—at least don’t need to let seams out!

 

Our world is a bit insane—well, more than just a bit, but at least we know who will always be the same one day to the next. Our Father in heaven made promises that will be fulfilled no matter what we think. Let us ask for the blessings He wants to give us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Enough for a Day!

 Enough for a Day!

 

Saw something on FB that made me smile. The Scottish term for mental and physical exhaustion: dumfungled. Dear Hearts, that is me tonight. The days and the tasks of each seem to gang up on me at times, and today was one of those days. Mowed yesterday—just the east lots—and took Patty to the doctor today and waited out in the truck while reading. She says he might be a great doctor, but she just can’t do this two or three hours of waiting. Seems my right hip agreed with her. Not sure if the cramp was from my back or just sitting too long in the truck, but it really got to me there for a while. We finally left before she was able to see the doctor and went by Whataburger. Got us a couple of burgers, her some fries, and me a big box of onion rings. Hit the spot for both of us—oh, and for our silly dogs as well. Think Rudy believed that he had been starved today and had to sit close enough that he could smell her meal. Yes, and she had fed the dogs before sitting down to eat her own meal. My dogs lay at my feet and just told me that they were glad to have me back home. Thompson ate most of the buns and Sylvia tasted the meat to be sure it was satisfactory. Thompson assured her that it was. Funny critters.

 

Took a short nap after talking to Jennifer about how to send something back to Amazon. Patty printed out the return label for me, so tomorrow it is just a matter of going to the UPS store nearby. Then to TSC for Sevin dust and flea collars. May pick up some DE if they have it. Have let the feed bins get a bit low, but trying to stretch it out to the end of the month. Saw a suggestion for feeding grains rather than pellets, but have a feeling my hens would not be all that happy with it. When they get picky, it might not work. Cucumber peels, carrot peels, lettuce leaves that are rusty—these are the things that they consider and may not necessarily eat. But give them a squash and watch ‘em peck it up!

 

Saw that Sharon Dickerson has loaned her sweet niece her dad’s electric wheelchair thingy. It has two batteries at $100 apiece. Whew! Have a battery on my weed eater that cost that much though and feel like it is pretty necessary as this old woman cannot use the heavy gas things. We do what we have to do, right?

 

Haven’t talked to Sterling today, but you can bet he went to bed sore and tired. He is about as ADHD as a person can get, and it is his shop that their church is using to have their “garage” sale. At least the sale should be over tomorrow, and then some Christian outlet will come haul off what did not sell and do whatever they can with that stuff. Sterling will just be glad to have his workshop back—not that Jacqui will let him work out there and get too tired until his knee has recovered from the surgery. It is mighty hard to imagine how they replace these parts, but we can be thankful that God gave mankind the abilities to replace worn out parts. It is just amazing what has developed for some situations. Now they have little things that diabetics can wear to tell them what they need to do to keep things level. Not sure it is something an old woman can understand, but Susan Thonton said it has been one of the best things ever for her and Roger. She no longer has to worry about his levels and how much he eats. Think Lowry Mayo may have something along the same lines. Just amazing!

 

Really don’t know anything worth talking about. Just know that we need to pray for rain and for protection from these storms that seem to be coming right along with the rain—and hail. The wind has dried out the grass no matter how long or short it is, so we can expect a bad fire season this year. May God protect and watch over our firemen and other first responders.

 

Remember that all that is good comes from God above. We even learn to be patient and stick with what we know to be right given His blessings.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

Tree Trimmers!

 Tree Trimmers!

 

Ben and Blake W. came to mow Patty’s grass and to cut some dead trees down for me and haul off the branches already accumulated that came from other dead trees in my yard. To put it mildly, trees are a risky business out here on this ol’ hill. About the only ones that survive and drive me wild while at it are the Western soapberries. They spread, they attract bugs, they don’t provide much shade, and they drop branches like dandruff! Can’t even begin to count the number of plum, peaches, and apricot trees that have died out there in the line of the drying wind. Not sure if a good, solid fruit tree could even live in this ground long enough to send out roots for new trees. Have had five apricot trees—Lewis’ favorite trees—over the years. The apple and pear trees that died last year just added to the different kinds that have been planted. We had pecan trees nearly 55 years ago that Lewis had to cut down to prevent them from jacking the foundation up on one end of the house. Don’t think we should count that kind. Some squirrel planted those. Oh well. The cedar trees that a storm took out were there for well over 60 years, but the old elm out front was there that long as well before it died. Hanan planted some cedar elms on either side of the car port, but so far, they have not turned up their toes. But it is early in the life of a tree. Only the Hackberry trees are determined enough to keep on growing and living. So wouldn’t you know some sprouts had to be removed yesterday to keep them from taking out the side of the workshop. Trees: the foundation of voices for both man and beast.

 

Called Sterling a bit ago and discovered that he was totally exhausted. The “garage” sale started at 7:30 this morning and has made at least $600 so far. If the next two days are as fruitful, the church should have a good amount to send on the mission trip. Now if only Sterling would SIT down to help. But he promised that he was about to go get a garbage sack, tape, and clean night wear before he headed to take his shower. Certainly hope that he rests well tonight. The blood thinner they are giving him makes him look as if he has been taken out behind the barn and whupped thoroughly.

 

Cousin John sent pictures (taken by wife Wham) of the pulley system he has for his bird feeders. Looks as if it would work very well for a short person like Jenn. This way she can put the feeders up out of the way of the tall people at their house and then let them down when she needs to refill them. Neat!

 

Went out and mowed the east lots this morning and got grass in every wrinkle in my shirt, every part of my socks, shoes, and hat and mower! Just enough wind to be “helpful” for moving that grass! Doesn’t matter. The lots look nice and the flowers that were surrounded by grass show up better. Just wish the storms last night had brought us a good rain. But would not have wanted the dadgummed tornadoes. As it was, the neighbors across the street had their car picked up and dropped a couple of lanes over from where they were. Then they were hailed on from Chickasaw to Lawton and had to take cover until the hail stopped. Just thankful they got home safely.

 

A guy that made my acquaintance lately said that God doesn’t like ugly, so it seemed a good idea to think about flowers. Went out and admired the flowers out front. After we get back from the doctor’s office tomorrow, need to get the weed eater out and trim the fence line grass down. Have a feeling that this is going to be a year for fires. The only thing that is not ugly about fires is the growth of new grass afterwards. Will try to post some pictures of the irises, bluebonnets, and poppies later.

 

Let’s remember tonight that we need to cultivate the loving thoughts that God has for His children. Doesn’t mean we have to lie down and be drug through the dirt, but we don’t have to focus on the nasty stuff either.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

That Exercise Thing.

 That Exercise Thing.

 

My friend BillieRuth had a stint put in her heart ‘cause they thought her lungs were in trouble. The lady who came to see to it that she had plenty of exercise told her not to stop exercising. BR said, “Well, I HAVE to exercise. I have chickens!” See, she said some days she would just as soon stay in bed, but she knows her girls need to be turned out and fed and watered. Critters are good for us, just so you know.

 

Had to tell BR about John and Mary Rhoads as patients. First Mary had her knee replaced, and then John had his ankle rebuilt with washing machine parts or some such. John claimed that Mary was not just a real good patient as she hurt so bad it made him grit his teeth. But am pretty sure that Mary believes that John is worse that a bad patient because he is NOT very patient. He wanted to get up and go to work LONG before he was supposed to have that ankle allowed anywhere but up in the air. All this makes me think of my cousin John Pollard who informed me that dialysis three days a week is “just another adventure.” Unreal! But that attitude helps when nothing else would do.

 

John Rhoads sent me a joke by email and it made me sit here and laugh out loud. The dogs were concerned about me. But then had to send it to Sterling who called back and laughed just as hard. Will hope that no one is totally insulted by the joke, but if it is offensive to you—well, sorry about that. The finger through the TP was the one that nearly made me fall out of my chair.

https://youtu.be/mpFZiwn-Ltg  Now this may get me in trouble with FB, so if you don’t see me any longer . . . .

 

The dadgummed wind has been blowing well over “moderate” to the beginning of “strong” all morning. Wanted to go out and water and dig in the flower bed, but it feels pretty hopeless at the moment. When a body opens her mouth and gets the latest grit from Amarillo, well, it makes opening one’s eyes harder than chewing on the barbed wire residue from up in irrigated cotton country.

 

Patty went to see her dentist around noon. They took an x-ray and told her that if it happened again to come in to see them tout suite. Then they could tell what was going on—maybe—but currently nothing showed up to tell them which tooth was the problem. Such is the “practice” of dentistry.

 

Recently bought a bag of “fried chicken pieces” that could be put in the microwave. The bag said that the microwave would not produce as crispy a product as the oven. Duh. Not bad tasting, but think the little toaster oven might do a better job than the microwave. Will try that next time. Probably about time for some more tuna salad with peppers. Thompson said no thanks to the chicken, so that tells you what he thought of it.

 

Looked at my cell phone this morning and realized it needed to be recharged. Memory problems include words, charging phones, making lists, and a few other things not currently brought to mind. Sigh. BR said she has a cousin who comes to help her every so often, but doggoned if she could remember his name. He takes care of trapping and sending possums to heaven so that they don’t eat her hens. But we commiserated with one another over the things that seem to slip by our memory. Told her that even worse than trying to make a list of her meds for her doctor was trying to see what the letters on the bottles said! Lists need to be big enough to see without glasses, don’t ya see.

 

Don’t currently know what is going on in the world and can’t say that it bothers me overly much. My world is whizzing by sitting here too close to a highway and its noisy traffic. SO glad my dogs can’t get near that road! Sylvia keeps earning her keep by trying to help me breathe; Thompson keeps everyone’s hands away from the fence tops—bites of people might not taste good, but they never offer the second time.

 

Will ask you to pray for rain. My part of the world is so dry that the trees are beginning to whistle. Then, seriously, pray for those who are healing and attempting to get over infections (Sharon Dickerson) and surgeries. Will remind you all to be sure that you are staying hydrated. WATER is good for you, especially before bed.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Hiring Help.

 Hiring Help.

 

Patty has said it before, but today we agreed totally that hiring help is not anything like being able to make a plan for something to get done and then doing it yourself. We were both disappointed to not get a job done today that we expected to be finished by this afternoon. And now we are wondering how the guy is going to be able to get two jobs done despite the fact that he has two jobs to do on the same day. Here’s hoping that we will be pleasantly surprised.

 

The wind is whipping everything in its path out back. Can sit at my desk and look out the west windows at the tree waving at me. Kinda wonder if the kitchen counters will be gritty again tonight. Cleaned off all the dirt earlier and then left the back door open so the dogs could go in and out at will. Already know the floor will have to be mopped again. Sigh. Love my dogs.

 

Was thinking again about getting a couple of lambs and then thought of all the reasons why it would be a bad idea. Be about like having a donkey out back—something noisier than a rooster! Sheep, at least, do not collect large amounts (in mounds) of fertilizer when they have open land to roam. Still, the city would undoubtedly object. We had my horse up here right after we married, but since then we have had some geese, ducks, and chickens of various sorts—but nothing noisy. Well, other than the children.

 

Got my tax appraisal the other day and looked at what it was last year as opposed to this year. Guess all of us little ol’ widow ladies are on the floor for paying for those new school buildings in WF. Anytime something doubles or triples in “value,” it would seem the entire neighborhood must have gotten at least a facelift. Nah, not ours. One house can’t be lived in because the roof is holey; another house has the siding off the back side and the yard is knee high to a giraffe; another house has walls that are held up by the junk the hoarder has stuffed inside the place. Oh, and the house on Kemp has been empty for well over twenty years. The only improvements are Jerry’s place and the trailer house across the street. Oh well.

 

My daughter is fairly short, hardly over five foot. So, the hummingbird feeder has a long holder with a hook on the end, and that goes into a hook that hangs down from the patio ceiling. Now her youngest is well over six feet tall, and her husband is as well. Guess who has been bumping into the feeder. Uh huh. Next time she needs it put back up after a refill, maybe one of the tall persons in her home will volunteer to hang it for her!

 

Do you know what a mosquito hawk looks like? If you do, you might understand why Jennifer’s cats love to chase the silly things. They are not likely to catch one, but it doesn’t keep them from chasing and jumping. Such fun!

 

Have been staying away from the news and any other source of trouble, so find myself enjoying the calm. Will just continue to ask God to handle this ol’ world in His way. It’s not like my thoughts would provide any answers to world problems. And, as long as greed and hatred rule in most of the world, no one else is going to find any good answers either. But will continue to pray for peace and blessings of love for this world. Will also continue to ask for healing of those who suffer and for the natural world to be healed as well. Mankind is so destructive. Let us pray for God’s will to be done.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Braum's Ice Cream.

 Braum’s Ice Cream.

 

Yep, succumbed to the desire and inattention to detail. The sign said two for seven dollars, but it referred to the frozen yogurt. Now yogurt is pretty good stuff, but seriously? When one can have homestyle vanilla or cherry, pecan, vanilla ice cream, do ya really think yogurt would do the trick?

 

My sweet friend Michelle Malay came today and made these two dogs so very happy. She always loves on them and brings them treats. Today it was the extra-large sized marrow bones by Pedigree. Guess those things must be mighty tasty if a dog says so. Think the old woman will stick to spinach noodles and chicken for dinn-upper with ice cream for dessert.

 

Went out and cleaned up the water bowls and partially refilled the dogs cooling trough. Thompson got busy shouting in dog at a cottontail that he saw from the living room window. He chased back and forth from each side of the house until he was too hot to bark any longer. Then he lay down in the trough and hung his head over the side with his tongue dripping from his mouth. Hot dog!

 

Did just a wee bit more weed eating (does anyone else think that sounds so funny and imagine a cow?) this morning. Got the weeds around the fire pit cleaned up and looking as if someone cared. Speaking of fire pit: granddaughter called me today and told me about the woman who lives next to their house in Charlotte, NC. Seems she watches everything they do as if they are going to do something terrible. The kids had a small fire out in their fire pit and stepped back in the house to get their food to take out there. The door bell rang and the woman told them that they could not have a fire out there and leave it. After assuring her that they were coming right back outside, they went on with their evening. [They had a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher out there nearby.] So later they saw lights coming down the street. The fireman had to go out back and look at their fire and just took one small stick out and put it aside and told them to try not to let it get much higher than what they had it. Then he looked at them and told them that they had a Karen living next door. Pretty sad. But the fireman was at least nice about it.

 

The critters are all put up in coops or otherwise in for the evening. And just so you know: the skeeters are out in full force! Think getting some Sevin Dust is going to be the next purchase at either Sutherlands or TSC. That might help keep the chiggers off my dogs at least. The hens roll around in the DE {diatomaceous earth} to avoid bugs of any kind. Great stuff, but not so good to have in the house.

 

Don’t know diddly squat tonight. But will remind those of you who might never have experienced the depression that goes with being put under for any reason. Whether it is major surgery or just having your wisdom teeth removed, being put out can lead to some unexpected depression. For your own sake as well as for others, try to be aware of this tendency. God gave us great bodies and minds, but we need to be more aware of what chemicals can do to us in some circumstances. Be careful out there!

 

May you all be happy and healthy and remember where blessings come from each day of our lives.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Sunburn?

 Sunburn?

 

When your skin turns bright red and your face and arms feel plum heated, do you suspect that you should get out of the sun? Went down to Patty’s so we could run the littles and sat outside on the glider and managed to start getting quite warm. She was too, and then we both opened our eyes wide and came to the same conclusion: stay out of the sun when taking antibiotics! Duh. The last one for me is tonight. Her last one is Friday, but we will both be more careful now for a bit. She has to go to the dentist Wednesday, so maybe he will be able to take care of whatever caused the abscess. As for the old woman, just hoping whatever was wrong is no longer going to be a problem. A UTI does not just affect one part of the urinary tract, don’t ya see. But orneriness affects me all the time, so it would be difficult to see the difference.

 

Jennifer sent me pictures of her flower beds. She is taking Aleve just to be able to get around now, but her flowers are going to be beautiful. Told her mine might not be as neat as hers, but the irises, poppies, and bachelor buttons make me happy. Maybe this week will see a little digging being done in that front flower bed.

 

Thought about going to Braum’s today for ice cream and milk and did not get that done either. But made a really good salad that has made me happy most of the day. About the only thing not in it was olives and croutons. Tomorrow is another day, but probably no salad tomorrow. Thinking about chicken and rice casserole. Or something of that nature. Have to figure it will be something that will make at least three meals. Sigh.

 

Hoping to see Michelle Malay tomorrow so we can sit down and visit. Not too often that we get to do that. She does not get out much anymore, and usually it is just for doctors’ appointments or some such. My trips to Henrietta are non-existent since Anne died last November. Know maybe one person over there now—Donna Reeves. Not even sure where she lives. Anyway, here the old woman sits on her backside and does her thing with hens, dogs, and growing grass and weeds. Not bad doin’s for an old woman.

 

My little rooster is going to get his head wrung off if he keeps it up, but he has decided that he can chase me. Now, mind you, he has not jumped on me, but he has it in his mind. Silly bird. The big hens can make him run in a heartbeat, but he thinks he can chase me!!

 

Really about as dumb as dirt. Have been praying for Kimberly, David and his dog Lady, my brother, my kids, and my country. It seems so much is going on right now that it is difficult to keep up. At least God knows who needs what, so there’s that. Let’s be glad He cares even when we forget.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.