Busy Resting!

 Busy Resting!

 

Have you ever just done about all you can do and suddenly felt as if sleep were just about to take you away? Got up early—well before five—to clean up an accident one of the dogs had in the kitchen. Such fun. Got that finished, sprayed the room, cleaned my hands, and went back to bed. The dogs got me up before six, so went out and opened the hens’ coop door. Made coffee, thought about food, and got ready to go to TSC for chick food. Got stuff at TSC and came home to unload it. Felt as if sleep were about to take over. Deep sleep. Weird! Eventually went to United and bought some catfish, strange potato mix, beans, squash, broccoli mix and then a cheese cake. Lunch was good.

 

Cleaned the straw from the chicks’ coop and spread some DE to be sure they had no bugs in there. Put their feed in a different container and gave them clean water. The hens let me know that they had not had enough attention, so gave them feed and then some leftover dog food. The dogs kept pushing me around in the house and wanted to stay right with me. Have no idea why, but Sylvia kept her head on me wherever she found me. Finally, she lay down and told Thompson the bed near the AC was all hers. Strange dogs.

 

Sterling and Jacqui may be here tomorrow, and Lance has said he would be here. Got the cheese cake to supply a dessert for everyone. Even bought a can of cherry pie and one of blueberry pie filling to put on top. This is a selfish dessert. Don’t expect all of it will be used, so that means an old woman will get to enjoy some more of it later. Guilty giggle.

 

Bought something called ground cover spray at TSC. Some of the weeds in the carport need to be removed before they mess up the pavement in there. Weeds are pretty destructive. Imagine what the world would look like if we all just went away. No one would be around to distinguish between “plant” and “weed.”

 

Read an article about all the different indigenous tribes that they have found in the world. Even Louisiana has one! It is amazing to me that these folks have managed to continue to live isolated from everyone else, but some of them live so far up on the mountains or so deep in the caves that they would be safe no matter what. Too bad the same cannot be said for the tribes in Australia or places like that. If there is land, no matter how rough, it will be taken by the governments of different places. Greed never goes away.

 

Saw an article that said the Israelis want the Christians to leave Jerusalem and especially the Wailing Wall. That country is so small that all those folks must be a true hazard to their way of life. But then, the Israelis are not just one people or tribe. God allowed them to be mixed among all peoples. Someday things will look even more strange to us than it does now.

 

Have not had too much on my mind today. Not even sure there has been much mind to check on! Just lazy and attempting to let muscle memory take me through this day. Have prayed for my sweet grandson and his mood swing, my friend Angel’s “unspoken prayer” request, the strength of love and health for my friend Tami, and the spiritual strength of my friend Michelle Malay. We all have days when we need God’s help more than normal. Will be asking for travel mercies for Sterling and Jacqui and Lance for tomorrow. Meanwhile, let us pray for a decent rain for our places that are so hot and dry. May our summer not truly hit us just yet.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Bragging!

 Bragging!

 

Ok, some folks just have to brag when they get rain! Lance said they got a half inch this afternoon. We got some haziness this morning and then some mighty hot 80s this afternoon. Whew! Then there was that nice piece of cheesecake that he was having for dessert. DANG!! That’s the sort of thing that makes me plum jealous! But instead of fussing about it, a chicken sandwich with avocado dressing did just about hit the spot. Just about . . .

 

Had planned to go get chick feed today, but by the time the living room and kitchen were vacuumed, rearranged, and otherwise made somewhat less cluttered, the old woman did not feel like driving over to TSC for feed. Maybe tomorrow. Still need to rake out the chick house and get the old hay out and put it on the place where the sunflower bed had been planned. Still have not planted those, however. All kinds of good intentions around here!

 

The yard guys should be here on Thursday if nothing rips, rears, or ravels. The east lots don’t look bad, but they need to be cut. May let the guy cut the first section of bachelor buttons. The second row still looks vivid and neat. Love the purples, pinks, blues, and white flowers! My poppies have about popped out in the front yard, but the other flowers seem to be started good enough. Marigolds, zinnias, and other assorted goodies. The purslane would take the entire bed if allowed, but at least it is good for a person. Discovered one of the flowers in the back yard is the same as arugula. Not that it appeals to me. But the flowers are pretty.

 

Finally got all the rugs, blankets, and assorted stuff cleaned, dried, folded, and put away. It felt like it took forever! Then knocked a glass pie pan off the sink drainer to the floor and had to vacuum again after picking up the big pieces. Just one thing after another! Oh well. At least it is my house, my mess, and my decisions to make myself satisfied. Not everyone has that privilege. We are SO blessed and just never think about it. Even the Texas weather is pretty much a blessing. We know what to expect. And this year it is still green at the end of May. The lakes and stock ponds have water, and the pastures have had rain. Yes, we could use more, but at least nothing is dying and burnt up.

 

Standing on the deck out back and listening to the birds sing is a great way to start my day. God gives us the breeze and the songs. The neighborhood is about as safe as any around, and at least two neighbors are pretty decent. Siri may say we have zero percent chance for rain, but the clouds banking up in the south east certainly do look promising. Just enough to make me smile.

 

Let us be grateful for health, friendships, family, freedom. Life is not all that long, but we can appreciate every day we are given. Let us thank God for all good things.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Quick Chicks!

 Quick Chicks!

 

Sat down inside the chicks’ coop to watch them for a bit and decided they needed some alfalfa to nibble on. Went to throw some on the floor and two of the little twits took off behind me. They got as far as the center coop before the big door could be shut, so then it was a matter of shooing them back inside their coop. May have to make a little “run” out of the green house part so that they can slowly transition to grass and beyond, but that should probably wait a couple of weeks. They are getting big now and some look to be heavier than the others. The naked neck Turkins are still just ugly. The little Wellborns still look more like sparrows or large quail than chickens. And, of course, the Blue Austrolorps are still the prettiest. Looking at them now and wondering what they will look like later is like a roulette game—not much telling how things will turn out.

 

Have done laundry ‘til the world looked level today. Changed the sheets on my bed and washed the bedspreads as well. Then did rugs and dog blankets. It’s about time to put those things away for the summer. Thompson has a tendency to get cold when the AC is on, but he can move to a different dog bed if all else fails. Got the floors in the bedroom and bathroom cleaned and all the dust bunnies strangled and disposed of. Amazing how those things proliferate!

 

Terry Speegle got their old home place mown and cleaned up somewhat today. Was beginning to wonder about it and if he had given up on it. Seems it is in his aunt’s name, but he tries to keep it cleaned up. Have seen a couple of strange people going in there over the past month, so the doors may not be locked any longer or something. Guess it is not a problem that concerns me.

 

Number one child had his birthday today and sent pictures of the biscuit cutters his oldest got for him. He also had a new knife to either carry or put in his new display case. Know Daddy liked knives and things along that line, but who knew this grandson would like them, too.

 

It's tried off and on today to actually rain. We at least got some thunder. Knew that when the dogs started getting extra restless. Never did amount to much more than a cool, moist breeze, but that is not something to gripe about. You know those hot days are on the way. It IS Texas.

 

Was about to have a couple of slices of toast this morning, but Dave’s Killer Bread had molded. ARG! The hens got the part that was not bad. Ran up to the new United and got some bread—Dave’s, of course—and a package of English muffins. Just sounded good with apple butter. SO happy to have this store so close and convenient. It was busy, busy, but that will slack off eventually when the new has worn off. Meanwhile, they have Bluebell ice cream on sale two for 8.88. Can’t pass that up!

 

Called Gerald Talley today because Barry Ice said Anne’s grave needed dirt hauled in. Gerald said to call the funeral home about it and they should arrange to take care of it. But that will have to wait until Tuesday. Meanwhile, Lesli will have to find the paperwork for when the stone was bought and have the company come carve out the death date on the stone for Anne. Lesli just needed one more thing to do. Seems like there is always something to take care of even a year or so later. At least her house is sold and that is not a problem.

 

Planted lavender in the front flower bed along the porch the other day. It seems to be taking root and coming up good. Will have to remember to water every week for a bit. Also, will have to get the poppy seeds gathered from the poppies in the walkway. Have been stepping over them carefully for quite some time now. Won’t know how to walk down it for a while.

 

A conversation today made me want to say: put a smile in your voice. Smile in your head even if your heart says ouch. It is so easy to NOT be happy or not feel any encouragement, so it is up to us to work on it. No one can “fix” us except the person we are. Let’s try to remember that our attitude spreads to others, but first we have to spread it to our own minds. No matter what kind of hen house residue you step in, what you do with that stuff makes a difference in the long run. Deep stuff takes a shovel; the rest is just fertilizer. You can be about as happy as you choose to be.

 

Let us rest our concerns and worries with our Father. He can take care of all our worries.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

A Dash of REAL Coffee!

 A Dash of REAL Coffee!

 

Got up early again this morning to let the hens out. They informed me that they had been up for some time now, thank you very much! Anyway, felt as if a zombie had taken over my body. Only thing different was not putting my hands out in front of me. Just lay back down and slept hard for about an hour. Sylvia got me up a little before two this morning scratching around UNDER my bed. Poor baby. She must have scooted under on her side somehow because she could not get out on her belly. Had to lift the entire corner of that bed! Whew! Not sure how, but it got done. And she lost no time getting herself out of there! Feeling trapped is not funny!

 

We have a 30% chance of rain today, but it is simply overcast and not really looking like a real rain. Guess the water hose will come out and do its duty today. Strange how we can have dew and misty rain and the ground be so hard and dry!

 

Wanting to make some raised beds just for these silly irises. They manage to get Bermuda grass and assorted weeds in amongst them that look unkempt. Hoping that the idea of a raised bed might eliminate that problem. Of course, ideas are only as good as the actual execution. Like putting wooden doors on the workshop to eliminate all the dust and stuff, the things have to be done in a timely manner. The workshop needs to have everything removed and then rearranged and some of the things given away or otherwise not put back inside. We will see if that happens this year. (Notice the timeline—this year!)

 

Put vinegar on the grass on the dressed stone walkway. Hoping to kill some weeds and grass that have just about taken over the end closest to the workshop. Probably end up having to use something else other than vinegar, but at least this is an attempt. Simply cannot weed eat it out of there.

 

The old woman needs to go get some potting soil at either Sutherland’s or Lowes. So many things that need to be done require her to actually put on civilized clothing and get in the truck! Oh well. Maybe that can be the “task of the day.”

 

The tulips in my Mother’s Day bouquet have opened up this morning. The Gerber daisies and the roses are so very pretty, too, but the purple asters will last the longest. Those things are just tough. It will take hardly any time for the hydrangea blooms to need to be removed. They have a tendency to drop little bits of bloom on the bench. But they are so very pretty. Jennifer said she can’t make a bush like that live. They are very fragile, it seems.

 

Sent poppy seeds home with Grayson—as if he would remember to give them to his mom. But his car will sprout poppies some day if he forgets! Wouldn’t that be funny! Going down the highway in a white Mustang with red poppies blowing in the breeze in the backseat!

 

Patty called and we talked about these silly dogs of ours. Her Rudy lets her know that he thinks it is time for her to go to bed if she stays up much later than seven. Thompson is not quite that eager to go to bed, but if the hens have been put up, he will talk to me about the bedroom. And yes, that is exactly what he is talking about. Funny critters.

 

Sterling got a bench finished today and said it pretty well tired him out to just get that one thing done. His friend George helped him just a bit. Think he may paint it with the blue paint that the lumberyard gave him. An eight-foot bench is a pretty good-sized piece of furniture in my estimation. Just moving it around would take some doing. But that is what they wanted—a long bench for the guys to sit on out there in the yard. Not many folks would consider a bench quite that long, but they have four men in the yard with the wood that has to be loaded or unloaded.

 

My sister-by-another-mother said the doctor saw her yesterday. Guess she is doing better even if she still feels pretty tired and weak. At least no infection remains. Honestly, the older we get, the harder it is to stay healthy.

 

Stephen Smith said his boys got him an early Father’s Day gift—a puppy. His wife took his service dog along with the rest of the livestock. Sitting here shaking my head. Guess he won’t have anyone around to claim this one at least. Hope it stays healthy and happy.

 

Let’s pray for those families who know the sorrowful meaning of Memorial Day. May God bless them.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Remembering Gifts.

 Remembering Gifts.

 

Sat thinking today about how it used to be after Christmas when we went back to school and some of the kids would be talking rather loudly about what “Santa” had brought them. We knew better than to say anything one way or the other. Dad had reminded us more than once that not everyone even got a cookie or a piece of candy. One of the neatest things about Christmas to me was the opportunity to go Christmas caroling and taking little gifts wrapped up in paper to different houses. Some of us kids called it the “missed houses.” Those were the ones that did not get to decorate or bake or otherwise have neat stuff just for that time of year. Invariably it was the Methodist ladies who put all the goodies together and hauled our happy backsides to the homes of widows and widowers, or to homes of those who did not quite have enough money just for food. We never acted like we knew whose houses we were visiting. We just went and smiled and sang. It was probably one of the best parts of that time of year.

 

Today my grandson Grayson came to visit. Oh! Such a delight! We visited and looked at baby chicks and messed with the six black hens. He told me the door to the hen house just needed to be turned over to get it to open easier. Well, duh! Smart kid! He is like his dad and Lewis—spatial understanding! He took it down, turned it over, re-hung it, and put the hardware back on it. Then he got a 50 lb. sack of feed out of the truck’s back seat and poured that into the trash can being used for feed in the chicks’ house. That’s two jobs that needed to be done, but this ol’ gal was not quite up to it. Jo Ann had offered to unload the feed for me, but did not let her since Lance planned to come up this next week.

 

Grayson got to meet Patty and her pups. The dogs finally acted as if he was acceptable—especially Roxie. Think she misses Donny terribly. Rudy might not give a fizz, but that little Roxie does.

 

Cooked carrots, three huge chicken breasts, and made rice in the chicken broth with okra, tomato, corn, peppers, and celery soup. Not bad eating. Will have to put some in the freezer, but such is life and living in the fast lane. Ahem. The chicken was actually for the dogs to have with their kibble, but the old woman has her share as well.

 

Another couple looked at the house across the street today. They had a young girl with them. Praying that whoever gets this house will be good neighbors. The young couple in Jerry’s house (and yes, it will ALWAYS be Jerry’s house) are very nice, quiet, and kinda neat. Chris Ohm told me that Clint had been on the Apprentice—some kind of show with Donald Trump—years ago. But have learned that Clint also had some kind of show of his own about maybe remodeling or something. Sorry, the old woman does not “do” TV or anything like that. Movies are nice once in a while, but not anything with commercials or soap opera scenarios.

 

Wondered recently if they still make CD players so a person can listen to old CDs. Have an entire shelf of them, but my new computer does not have a player like that. Oh well. The birds are probably noisy enough. Have awakened at 2 to 2:30 more than once lately when a mockingbird has decided to serenade us around that time. And it is not a quiet song, either! This critter could wake the entire neighborhood if the windows were open, but he gets right in the side of the Bradford pear and must sing AT my window!! Oh well. Sleep is overrated.

 

Sterling called and said he might show up this coming Wednesday on his way to Seymour, TX. He is going down further south to see his oldest daughter. Anyway, he may bring me a rocking chair for a future small child. That’s not to say that any are in the planning stage. He has been making benches for various folks. Five- and six-foot benches are about right for a front porch. Jacqui insists that they need one, too. He laughed and said he would have to get the measurements for their two backsides—after a big meal!

 

It misted rain again today. We really need another two- or three-day soaking rain. The ground is cracking open out in the east lots. The dry grass is going to cause trouble eventually here and out in the countryside. That stuff just takes a spark. Pray for rain!

 

Will say that my prayers have concentrated on my family lately. Know that friends like Tami Yonts and others need prayers to overcome the problems with cancer and the drugs they are being given. And then there are the visiting nurses who drive up and down the back roads to take care of folks in their own homes. Thank God they are willing to do that service.

 

Let’s pray for the healing of this nation and its people. God knows what we need.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Calm, Quiet, Misty Rain.

 Calm, Quiet, Misty Rain.

 

The morning started out with misting rain. Noticed that out in the Big Empty they have received more rain since the beginning of the year than they normally get all year. Who knows what kind of weather patterns we may end up with before this year is over. But it was truly nice and quiet early this morning. Oh, the scissortail flycatchers and the mockingbirds were talking, but they were not being hounded by the boat-tailed grackles, at least. Sometimes the grackles and the starlings just really raise a racket! Quieter this morning. Time for a good session of prayer.

 

It's been a good day despite my lack of enthusiasm for getting the floors cleaned up. The mud just came right inside with both dogs. Eventually the floors will get vacuumed and mopped again. But not today. And maybe not tomorrow! Life goes on.

 

The flowers that were supposed to be delivered yesterday got here today. Beautiful arrangement! All my kids thought the 75^th was pretty special, so that’s why Jennifer kept messing around with the online ordering thing. She did not have the name of a good local florist. But now she does. Mother Earth Florist at 940-781-4381 did a good job. A very nice lady called and then brought the flowers. The online folks were trying to say that they had attempted delivery yesterday and could not find me at home. Nope, they were just trying not to lose the sale.

 

Really nice visit this morning with Jo Ann Hobbs. She was Jerry’s mom—the guy who used to live across the street. Anyway, she promised to come again soon so we could go walking. Sounds like fun to me! It used to be that any work Jerry did for me was repaid in groceries or things he needed. It worked out well enough for both of us. But Jo Ann discovered that my sweet tooth included jelly beans and gummies! She brought a happy surprise sack of them this morning. She left with an invitation to join the blog group, so let’s hope she enjoys it. Sometimes my blog is strictly thoughts rattling around in the old gourd.

 

Saw that Carla Beard was encouraging folks to read Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Have never read it, so will just have to find a copy somewhere either online or at the library. SO many books that we should have read years ago never quite made it to my book shelf. We had copies of all the fairy tales, old timey folk stories, nursery rhymes and such as that. Bought four Disney books when the children were little to read to them. Sent them home with one of the kids finally. Grandmother Pollard bought them a book of nursery rhymes that were different from the ones we had as children. Since then, have read about how some of those things came into existence. Thinking of the “ring around the rosies” as being something that warned about the plague. Strange how things come about. The twelve days of Christmas hid the message of the gospel and the history of the church. Who knows what some stories have meant in different cultures over the centuries.

 

Have been reading almost all day in a series of books about different critters that are supposed to be non-existent. Gnomes that garden, centaurs that race, and cats that talk are just some of the creatures in this series of books. They may be silly, but they are entertaining without stress.

 

Really don’t know much this evening. The chicks are growing daily and eating like—well, like hungry chickens. Wondering what will happen when these get turned out on the yard! It may be interesting. Jo Ann seemed to like the Blue Australorps. She did not know that the “turkens” really do have naked necks. Wondering if they will have roosters in this group or if they will be pullets. They are pretty fierce little chicks. Would not want one chasing me around!

 

Sitting here sneezing. Wondering if it is this beautiful bouquet or just my allergies. Doesn’t really matter. Flowers are staying on my desk! Such beauty and love from my kids and from our Maker. The birds’ song and the lift of the colors from flowers make any day special.

 

May you each find the reasons for joy in your life. You know that we are so very blessed right here where we are—whether in the U.S. or England. Freedom and the knowledge of an orderly society are pretty doggone reassuring.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Scooby-Do!

 Scooby-Do!

 

Patty asked me if MY dogs let me know about the thunder earlier in the morning. She said she had to get up anyway since Roxie was lying on the oxygen tube to her CPAP, but she noticed that the two pups were shadowing her legs like the Scooby-Do group when they were going into a scary place—touching each other for bravery! She had to laugh about it since she was not bothered, but the pups were definitely all about touching her! Had to tell her about the grandsons that watched that cartoon as littles and sang the song fervently! Think that Grayson was singing those words before he actually started talking in full sentences! Funny kids!

 

Jennifer is at Kroger getting balloons for Gary’s birthday party. He turns 50 tomorrow! So many of the family and employees have birthdays in May that they have to have two parties and cakes for the company—one early in the month and one in the last part of the month. How funny! The hospitals must have been busy!

 

A man at the new United store this morning was handing out coupons for a Dole salad and some drinks called “Suja.” The one that came home with me has these “cold pressed” ingredients: apple, carrot, beet, banana, and orange. Not bad. Don’t think it would occur to me to buy something like that, but it sounds pretty healthy and doesn’t taste bad at all. The “immunity” shot was a bit much with a spicy flavor, but it was free.

 

Am SO happy to have the new United up there on that corner. It is less than a half mile to my home. That means the old woman could afford to go back to the house if she forgets her list. Giggling

 

The employees were all mature adults at the new store. That makes me happy. They were friendly and attentive to what was going on around them. The store managers had put together a gift bag for those who were actually getting a bill of groceries today. That bag probably had $50 worth of goodies in it! It even had a Hershey’s chocolate bar in there! Anyway, they had sent out some coupons for this next month for folks to get free milk and bottled water along with coupons for five or ten dollars off a $50- or $100- dollar purchase. It hardly takes anything to make up a bill of groceries for those amounts! They also have a counter of foods that they were cooking. Didn’t quite get over there, but maybe next time. The one at Market Street is really nice.

 

Have tried to semi-keep up with the birthday greetings today, but it is a little bit difficult. May just have to post one big thank you to everyone that sent greetings. Touching base with so many friends reminds me of just how blessed this old woman is. Living this long is a blessing from God anyway, but every day makes me wonder what He wants me to do next. Don’t think it has anything to do with raising chickens, but who knows. Just visiting with Patty makes me feel better when we laugh about the stuff that happens around here.

 

Many cars, trucks, and assorted folks come to look at the house across the street. Just praying that we can get some really good neighbors. Clint and Sandy are so sweet, but we don’t really visit much at all. They stay busy, and he seems to work more than a New Orleans coffee trader! But the posts they put on FB are good ones that can be inspiring. Think God brought them here.

 

Think a grandson plans to come visit this week, and Lance said he would be here Wednesday of the following week. Love that either or both will visit. Know it is difficult for them to get away. Life stays pretty busy for most of us at that age.

 

Suzanne Priddy’s son got her back yard mowed down, so the fire hazards are to the north on Lake View and on the south of our street in an open lot. Folks just have no idea what it is like to be between high, dry grass and a windy day with a spark. Texas winds carry sparks a long way. My place is both green and mown down considerably. But still, fires are a worry any time.

 

Sterling said that the building where he used to attend church in Springtown was going into another change of pastors. His church has a young man who may take it over and have services there. In that case, Sterling will probably go there for services. Close to home. More old-time music. It just makes me say thank you, Father, for the many blessings for my brother and his friends to serve and be served. Churches make a community. The blessings are many and varied, but the spirit is what matters most. Love grows in ways no one can ever foresee.

 

Will tell you all thank you for reading and sharing your time with me. Keith Mattson even sang to me today! Now that made me feel pretty special! My cousin John clucked at me, and my daughter sang to me. Now how could a day get much better than that? Thank you all.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Keeping Count?

 Keeping Count?

 

Woke up every hour on the hour it seemed last night. At 5:50 it just felt right to go ahead and get up. Let the hens out, checked on the chicks after that rain last night, cleaned up their water bowls, fed them and planned for how many bags of diatomaceous earth would cover their floor and the nesting bins. Went out front and pulled up some poppy stems that were ready to ripen into seeds along with a small ton of weeds that grew into the mess. Piled those up until later this evening when it gets cooler.

 

Went to TSC for the DE and some feed for the chicks. My hens had already accosted me early this morning about needing their feed RIGHT NOW! Funny critters!

 

A male (neutered) dog showed up in the front yard. It was well fed but had no collar. Walked down to Patty’s after the dog went down there and had her dogs barking up a storm. Got the dog to go over to Texas Street with me. Put him in the yard of some folks that Roger Thonton knows. Hoping it is her dog. If not, maybe she will know whose dog it is.

 

The temperature is only 86, but that sun is bright as anything today! Feels plum hot after being outside for just a bit. Guess we might as well get ready for the real stuff pretty soon. But the little storm we had last night was so pleasant. Only got about a third of an inch, but had plenty of thunder with it. The dogs had to wear their thunder shirts to bed.

 

Made banana nut muffins this morning for breakfast. Had twelve in the little rubber thing that holds them, so will take some down to Patty tomorrow morning. First a trip to the new United on the corner of SW Parkway and Kemp. SO happy to have that store opened up there. It opens at six, so it will be easy to get things picked up and then home before it ever gets hot outside. Besides, we may have more rain tomorrow if the forecast is anywhere close to correct. It’s just a guesstimation, don’t ya know.

 

Jennifer gave me a doughnut mold with recipes for the thing. Have not tried it yet, but the week is not over. It sounds pretty simple and should not take much in the way of ingredients. At least the eggs are “free.” Ran out of brown sugar, so that is one of the things to put on my list for the trip to United in the morning. Knowing me, will probably leave the list on my desk. The last phone before this one had an app for making grocery lists. Kinda neat. This one probably has one, but someone would have to teach me how to use it. Sigh.

 

A text from son Lance: “I never finish anything. I have a black belt in Partial Arts.”

 

Sharon Dickerson says that our prayers are being answered. She is getting around better and beginning to eat. Thank you for your prayers. They really do make a difference.

 

Do you ever wonder what happened that America became so strong and has been able to help other nations? And now, we are debtors and can hardly help ourselves! Some folks think that one of the biggest differences is that the states have allowed the national government to take over too many areas of law and order. We will see what happens when a state refuses to allow Tik Tok in its borders. Kinda feel that may not have been a good test of state government, but we will see.

 

Let us pray for peace and for our nation to renew its commitment to God’s law. Every law that our governments have made in the past fifty or so years has become a muddled mess of political poop. Each politician becomes just one more poop smear on our national canvas. It would be enough to cause an honest man to hesitate about trying to govern.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Lazy Day.

 Lazy Day.

 

Not sure if it is the sore muscles that persuaded an old woman to take the day off, or if maybe laziness just happens every so often. Probably the latter. To put it mildly, nothing has been accomplished today. Feeding and watering the critters and gathering eggs is about the size of it. Didn’t even cook anything for a meal for myself or the dogs. Such is true laziness.

 

Finishing the last in a series of books that are pretty good. They center on the fallen angels and make me wonder if some of the angels truly regretted their rebellion and the fall from God’s grace. It also makes me wonder if those who go through the tribulation and the end times are the same folks. Revelations is hard for me to follow, and Daniel is not the easiest to understand either. Probably just as well. Paul said that he only knew the important things that mattered when he went among the Corinthians: “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (I Cor. 2:2). We all know that Jesus left us with two commandments—love God and your fellow man as yourself. That is our job. Pretty simple.

 

It has been a decent day that has not been too hot or too windy. Can’t beat that. Another rain or two might help, but we can’t be too greedy. Sterling said that his part of Arkansas has been so wet that the guys who had to dig ditches with backhoes and such were just stirring the soup that is supposed to be ground up there. Remember when this old hill had a few of those times. Just enough bedrock to keep us from sliding down into the lake.

 

The little chicks are growing by leaps and bounds and flying all over the green house! In nothing flat it will be time to clip one wing on each of those little critters. Otherwise, when they are turned out into the yard, they will be flying over the fences and invading the neighbors’ yards. Can’t imagine how much fun that Roxie and Ruddy would have chasing my chicks!

 

Got six eggs yesterday, so the hen that is moulting has begun to lay again. MSWord says that word should be spelled molting, but the other version suits me. So there! If Shakespeare could invent words and George Washington could invent his own spellings for words, well, this old woman can spell things her way! Not that she has much in common with those two characters. Oh well

 

Really know less than anything today. Got a sweet card from Sue Dickerson today in the mail. Not getting real mail makes a person appreciate it when it does happen, especially when the sentiments are so kind.

 

Let us keep reminding ourselves that God gives us “adventures” just like John Pollard suggested. Each day is another one, and each night a pleasant time to renew our energy and purpose. How kind God has been to us to provide us with an opportunity to see things from different perspectives. Praise His name!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

More Dirt.

 More Dirt.

 

Yep, more dirt has found its way under my fingernails today. Got some grass, some garlic bulbs, and some flower bulbs dug out of the little flower bed next to the porch ramp. Not all the grass got thrown in the trash bin, but most of it was already beginning to deteriorate. Put the last of my potting soil on the surface of the bed and scattered lavender seeds on top of that and then watered it down good. Will have to remember to water often for a couple of weeks to be sure the seeds get a chance to sprout and get a good start in there. Would really love to have a bed of lavender all the way across the front of the porch. Here’s hoping.

 

Chris Ohm came by for a visit today and brought a couple of bags of lettuce. He grows a decent garden and shares with whomever. Traded him some eggs for produce. That felt like a really good deal to me. Had a salad from some of the iceberg lettuce. Will try the romaine tomorrow. He says the biggest drawback is the lack of water on his place in Henrietta. He has two wells, but one has salt water in it that has to be changed by reverse osmosis. Time consuming. Anyway, he seems to be happy to garden.

 

Washed a couple of rugs today and used a dryer sheet that came from some that Patty gave me. Not sure that strong scent would be good in my clothes, but it is not bad for rugs. Used some Tide that she gave me as well. It seems these were some things that Donny had bought that did not meet with Patty’s standards, so she asked me to either use them or get rid of them. So, use them it is. Know that Jennifer’s household cannot use Tide in their clothes either. Free and clear still does not mean that it won’t make a person get a rash.

 

Had to laugh at Jennifer telling about doing laundry at her house. Both of her boys decided to do laundry at the same time she was getting hers done. Can’t wait until those two end up having to use their own time and money for a washer and dryer in their own place. It should be interesting. Can’t imagine it being in an apartment unless it has its own hook ups.

 

A lady online was talking about putting her hens in with the younger chicks today. Of all the things we can do with chickens, this is one that has slipped my memory. Don’t remember the last time flocks have been mixed around here. It should be interesting. With only six hens, the chicks are in the majority at twenty-five. We will see in another month or two. Know the hens just love that starter food.

 

The new screen door for the hens’ coop needs to be trimmed, but the old woman has not tried to plug in the little saw to trim it yet. Maybe tomorrow will be a good day for that. Some folks (me) just don’t feel real brave about using electric saws. Oh well. It’s not like it is all that hard to handle.

 

Got the floors in the living room and kitchen vacuumed today, but the dogs discovered that their treat box had been moved. Of course, they had to check it out to be sure that all the treats were still good and crumbly like they expected. Sigh.

 

 

Talked to my sister by another mother today to ask about how she is feeling. Will be so glad when she starts getting stronger. But then, she was so sick for well over two months before going into the hospital. It is not that much of a wonder that she has not really recovered her strength yet. Still, please pray for Sharon Dickerson that she will get back on her feet and be able to take care of herself in whatever way is necessary.

 

Remember to pray for those who are trying to recover from illnesses, relationship troubles, financial woes, job worries, and other assorted problems. We are SO blessed to be reassured by God that we are in His hands according to His plans.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

Roots of Bermuda.

 Roots of Bermuda.

 

Out in the front flower bed, the Bermuda has slipped in and settled into two different spots. Today, one spot became like a plowed field as the roots were dug out and thrown into a cart to be hauled off. Still some Bermuda left on the other side of the bed, but maybe tomorrow will see that removed. Digging with a sharp shooter is not easy because it takes a higher lift of the knee to get that foot on the spade part to dig. Oh well. The dirt flew and now has been patted around some pretty plants. Here’s hoping they all live and continue to bloom. They have a sprayer nozzle turned to “mist” on them right now. If keeping the dirt moist for a few hours will help, they should all live.

 

Recently bought some plants at TSC that looked like dead sticks. All three STILL look like dead sticks but have more give to them than a dead stick. One was supposed to be a Rose of Sharon. We will see if the stick ever does anything different than just stick there in the ground pointing up. Have done something like this once before when a stick actually became a grape vine. We will see.

 

Bought a “cheap” hose today for $22 at Walmart. Took it to the back yard so the water bowls and tubs can be filled without having water leak all over heck and half of Georgia. The soft black hose sprung two heavy duty leaks that made it pretty obvious that it would not last more than a day or two before it totally fell apart. Nuts and berries!

 

Have felt tired today for some reason. But nothing kept me from doing just a few things around here. Enjoyed watching my chicks earlier. They need a roosting place, so Sterling gave me the idea of the quilt ladder. Maybe tomorrow the old woman will become “crafty.” Want to make a swing for the chicken coop as well. It just sounds like fun.

 

Have not even thought about looking at any news. Nothing really could make me think that happiness is anywhere except outside sitting in the wind listening to the birds sing. God gave us His music in nature. Peace and calm with joy on the wing.

 

Will head to bed early this evening as soon as the hens go up. Even suspect the dogs are ready for an early evening. They got two boxes from Amazon today—dog food and treats. They don’t care. They know that treats are there if they ask. They are almost as spoiled rotten as the old woman.

 

Thinking about my cousin and his interpretation of events in life: adventures. It is not easy to always have a positive outlook, but if we look at things as if they are an adventure—hardships and all—it is easier to feel that the things that come along are just a small part of the greater adventure called life. So glad that cousin John has lived long enough to take life as an adventure! He is well aware that God has led us in whatever paths we take to do our best to accept God’s will. God’s love is always good for us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Reading and Understanding.

 Reading and Understanding.

 

Sometimes we read things, think about what we read, go back and read it again, remember it, and THEN maybe apply what we have read. Isaiah 3:12: As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

 

My father-in-law used to point out the scriptures which showed that our taxes were stripping the poor of the very necessities of life. And sure enough: The Lord will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof; for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses. What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? Saith the Lord God of hosts.

 

My daughter and the old woman were talking about the waste and the lack of using the precious resources in our land for the benefit of all—but especially for the poor. Don’t remember exactly where, but there is an organization called Gleaners that helps farmers use the stuff that is left over in their fields for those who can’t afford food. We were reminded of Ruth and Naomi gleaning the fields. Not sure that happens anywhere now.

 

So many scriptures are being fulfilled today. Maybe this is nothing new to an extent, but some of us are certainly more aware of the fulfillment. Probably because of a situation nearby in which a woman left her husband recently and tried to make him out as an abuser, but it occurs to me more and more that a marriage partner should not be abusive in any way, form, or fashion. If a marriage includes children from a previous marriage, it is especially important not to abuse the wife or husband in the manner of bad mouthing a child that is loved by the partner. This type of abuse is never justifiable! Right now, my prayers are with a woman whose husband needs his butt kicked or his plow cleaned! Such a disappointing lack of character in this man!

 

Character is created by thoughts, then actions, and then habits. We begin our habits as children. Sadly, not every child can be praised enough to understand that doing things right the first time makes a person more likable, more receptive to understanding the habits of others. We learn to be sociable by listening and appreciating the differences between the way we see things and the way others see the same things. But we need to notice what is going on with others and not be too self-centered. Sometimes we only see our way. It is good that God gives us a reality check once in a while. The best way to get that reality check is to read His word.

 

My thoughts are varied tonight just like the weather. Guess the wind affects even thoughts. It’s not just Texas, though. The entire world is tumbling around like a tumbleweed uprooted by heat and wind. May God give us a steady mind and a willing heart to love and care.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Memories and Other Reasons.

 Memories and Other Reasons.

 

We all have reasons to be glad—some days more than others. Looking back, some of the best memories involve some hard work and dirty clothes at the end of the day. Working on the house and dragging sheet rock out to be hauled off. Working out in the side lot to distribute 400 lb of cow whatzit to make the ground bear more fruit or veggies. Going around after my husband picking up tools and wiping them down before putting them where he could find them again. Cleaning out the bathtub—again. Yes, it was happy work because we loved each other. Not everyone is that blessed, but sometimes they might just need to stand back and realize just how blessed they are. Not perfect, but danged near better than anything else.

 

When we look around us at the selfish and self-centered problems in society, it takes a bit of looking to see that those attitudes do not involve everyone—just a few tacky folks who have not learned to love. Expect better from everyone! Grace can be learned.

 

It has been a good day. Stephen built a new screen door for the main coop. The girls get to have light and more air tonight and should still be safe from raccoons and other varmints. Tomorrow, he plans to put in a window in the green house so that if we can ever get a trailer out to his place to get the new roofing stuff, the green house can have a better–non leaking—roof. The little chicks and the ninnies are getting along just fine. Put a 1x1 sliver off a board in there for them to play on. Excited jumping all over the place. Funny critters!

 

Blake came and mowed everything that Donny used to mow. Patty was happy, and so was the old woman. My yard and down the side of the lots looks so nice. Tomorrow the pups go to the vet, and we can look at that grass as we go by and say, “See, this is what happens when we get together and decide what is important!” Patty says that extra energy can go into working on my flower bed. Sounds good to me. Have a big ol’ patch of that danged Bermuda grass that has to be dug out of the flower bed. It will take some energy and determination. Just one tiny root is all it takes to keep that mess going.

 

Saw something on a news board about a guy who was arrested here for hit and run. He had been arrested 29 times. That type of record is simply incomprehensible. And the kind of people who constantly commit crimes are becoming more and more inured to punishment. And the school board tries to get together to manage the discipline in our schools. Right. Seems to me that scripture says that the children will be so unruly that the parents will regret their births in the last days. Are we there yet? Are we being ruled over by infantile sensibilities?

 

Sorry to be bleak about some things. God has given us so much for which we can and should rejoice. Looking outside at the possibility of rain again. Not a bad situation. Cool enough to enjoy! Let us maintain a positive outlook no matter what.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Birthdays!

 Birthdays!

 

For the Dickerson family, we have to see just who is going to have a day in May to celebrate! Jennifer and Gary both have birthdays in May, and Lance and his silly ol’ mother have one in May. Then we have a cousin Erin who has one on May 20. Need to be sure to send him a message or try to call him since his mom is not here to do that any longer. Birthdays are wonderful because one has to consider the alternative. Ahem.

 

Walked down to the bottom of the east lots to inspect the bachelor buttons and other beauties down there. Oh! They make me so happy with all the different colors! Somewhere around here there is a book of Texas flowers that needs to be drug out and inspected again. Most of the time, their names will come to me, but sometimes it just sits there in the back of my mind and never becomes a name. Oh well. They are God’s gifts to the land and to those who love it. The bees certainly love these things.

 

Went out to check on my chicks this morning and found that they were still mostly running around in groups by age. All kinds of breeds out there, so that may never make a bit of difference. The little Wellborns look like overgrown sparrows! But the Amberlinks have got the gumption of a grown hen—don’t try to push ME around, you silly ninnies! Anyway, Sterling was right. It did not really hurt anything to mix the two age groups.

 

Mary Rhoads gave me a big sack of alfalfa leaves and stems recently. After dumping that in the front of the floor, the ninnies jumped into the pile and went to town scratching it around. It was almost like they thought they were looking for worms! Cute little rascals.

 

Down in the east lots are some interesting holes that make me feel that some big ol’ snakes have come out in this warm weather. So far none of them have been around to bother me, but it is a very good thing they have not shown themselves. Not real fond of snakes despite their worth as rodent deterrents. Saw that someone had been taking pictures of rattlesnakes up in the tree branches somewhere. Sheesh. Don’t ever let anyone try to tell you that snakes don’t climb.

 

Uh oh. Squirrel on the fence! Sylvia did not bark. Amazing!

 

Sharon Dickerson called me this morning and said that Jimmy had come to the hospital last night about 6:30 and brought her home. Today he went to get her a taquito for breakfast and then went to the church to get her a walker. She is still a bit wobbly on her feet. But she is doing SO much better. Her voice sounded good.

 

Think we are going to have to cut back on some dog treats around here. It is too warm for the dogs to get much exercise, and a certain dog likes her treats. Thompson just really is not all that crazy about the “bones” that come in the mail, but Sylvia thinks they are the best treats around. She has two treat toys that she will bring to be filled—or at least to have a couple of treats put in them. This morning, she came over to the treat jar and pawed it and then looked up at me. When asked about her treat toy, she looked around and then at me, pawed the jar, and barked. Never mind the toy, Mom! Funny critter!

 

Read a post about a friend who is going through a divorce. It is so very sad that she looks to be getting everything he owns and then some. It really makes me wonder how some things work out for those trying to be kind. The old woman’s opinion has zero weight here, but can see that certain things would take away a man’s energy and spirit. Satan has his claws in some people very deeply. Please pray for God’s intervention.

 

Morning will come early around here. Taking Patty’s dogs to the vet for the day. Just hoping that they will be ready before classes let out and the kids start out on the roads. The dogs never seem to mind when they have to go, but they really have no idea what they are in for tomorrow. BATHS!! Mine like baths, but not every dog deals well with soap and water.

 

This ol’ world can be pretty scary sometimes, but we have friends who love us and promises that will never be broken. Let us give thanks.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

The Patients!

 The Patients!

 

Oldest Dickerson child came home from gallbladder surgery today. He seems to be doing ok—slowly but surely. The text message actually said, “Slowly but dirty.” Had to ask when they started prescribing hard liquor to gall bladder patients! Talked to Sharon Dickerson today and she said she will be going home but will have home health for a bit until she is feeling better. Honestly, just wish everyone in the family could stay out of the hospitals right now. Poor Reece will be involved with PT until his back is better. Jenn said that he may have to supervise someone else’s muscles until he can lift more than the five pounds they want as his limit.

 

My little girl who grew to be an awesome wife, mom. and daughter has a birthday tomorrow. Have to use the calculator to figure it up. May 17, 1974. This is her last year under 50. Her brother will be 53 on the 28^th of this month. Gary will be 50 on the 26^th of this month. Yep, May was a busy month.

 

Today the old woman took a chance on mixing two groups of little chicks. My nine ninnies now are sharing the green house with the sixteen pullets. ALL of them have some strange quirks. They separate by the buddy system. Not sure they will all go into the coop tonight at all. They may just have to run around on the floor. Do plan, however, to put the lights in there for them. We will see if that makes a difference. In a rectangle shape, one group takes the opposite corner from the other across the long side of the rectangle. Oh well.

 

Dogs seem happy today. It has not rained for a change. Sterling says they are still getting the misty stuff up his way in Arkansas. But he now has some new windows in his workshop so that he can open them and get fresh air inside. He is still making rocking chairs and quilt ladders for different folks. It makes him happy. That is all that matters.

 

The humidity has caused just about anyone with a bit of allergy problem to have trouble breathing. Patty was not doing all that great today, but we sat outside and let the littles run some energy off. She said that Roxie took a LONG nap after all that running around. It made me laugh.

 

Have had a pair of sandals that just made me happy until they are so worn out that they look disreputable. Wanted a pair JUST like them, so went online and found a pair similar. They should be here this week! Yay! Good shoes really do matter.

 

Prayers have been answered so often that we need to remember to just say thank you every day. God has been so good to us as a nation and as individuals. Read somewhere the other day that someone from Europe came to visit and thought it was so strange that we talk about God so openly and even have the name of Jesus on billboards. Well, good for us! We need every reminder of who is blessing us. It matters. It always has.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

The Visit Today.

 The Visit Today.

 

This has been a really good day. Rachel had planned to come today to spend some time with me. She got here just as my appetite told me that it was lunch time. We went to Chick Fil A and sat down in their dining room. We both had a cobb salad that was spicy. Next time the old woman may try one without all the spice, but we both decided the avocado salad dressing was the bomb! Anyway, we went from there over to Walmart so we could pick up a few things and then came home. The dogs especially enjoyed Rachel’s attention. They hardly ever get that many belly rubs or scritches on their backsides! We also went down to Patty’s so Rachel could see the dogs and meet Patty. Roxy thought Rachel was mighty fine, but Rudy was having none of it! Patty seemed to think the humidity was awfully hard on her breathing, too. Lots of moisture from rain is one thing, but the air feels soggy.

 

We sat around and talked about this, that, and something else, but namely just enjoyed being together. She got to see the little chicks and take home some eggs and a bedspread for her sibling. She knows that tomorrow is gallbladder removal day for Landon, so the family will all be praying for everything to go well.

 

Jimmy Dickerson said that Sharon came through the gallbladder surgery just fine, but was not feeling too good afterward and was in some pain. He is hoping that the doctor will keep her until Wednesday so that the nurses can care for her since he plans on working tomorrow. Guess he thinks the nurses will be better for her than he could be.

 

Taking Patty’s dogs to the vet on Friday for baths, nail clips, and assorted shots and stuff. They are a couple of little twerps, but they are sweet as well. And Patty loves them!

 

Rachel said she takes her boyfriend’s dog to the groomer tomorrow. And then she picks up the family’s youngest son from school. Meanwhile she does data entry work that has been left for her. Never a dull moment!

 

Jennifer said that Reece can’t drive right now since he hurt his back. He is going to PT each day, but has to be taken both there and then back to the house. She is hoping that in a week he can at least sit back at the office instead of having to stay at home. Know how much a muscle tear or strain can hurt. Not fun.

 

Let’s remember to pray for those who are dealing with healing and attempting to get through things like chemo. God knows that each of those folks needs His help. Then there are those who are on dialysis and other types of treatments to keep their bodies going. May God give them grace and His mercy.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.