Fruits.

 Fruits.

 

Of all the things which appeal to us for our eating pleasure, it seems the best ones are fruits. They are sweet or tangy or something appealing. We learn to eat different things as children, but not everything appeals to us naturally. Applesauce is one of the first fruits to give a little one along with bananas or something not too strong tasting. We develop tastes for different things as we grow up. In Texas, it seems most children learn to love barbeque at a young age. And not yet have we ever heard of a child or other critter turn down bacon! Blueberries, strawberries, grapes, and other small pieces of fruit have to be given in bits so a child does not choke on it. Anything can be consumed to excess or in too large of a serving. Even a large piece of bacon could choke a child. We just have to use some measure of care about what we give a child.

 

Did you ever think that sometimes we bite off more than we can chew in life? Thinking about the folks who have won lotteries and what sometimes happens in those situations. With money, a good advisor helps a person not overstep boundaries of common sense, but even then, a person can lose perspective quickly. Expecting someone else to like what we think we want can be just as backwards as anything. It might be rather hard to try to do things for others that would please them just because something would please us. We expect others to have the same desires or expectations. One man said that he would give up all his riches to be loved for himself. How many marriages have failed despite riches. We think if we have enough money, things should be perfect. Love should be there. But sometimes—even often—nothing could be further from the truth.

 

Have you ever admired someone for their character traits more than for their reputation or their standing in the community? How often do you meet up with someone who is truly honest? Have you met a generous person who is not giving things away just to be seen? Sometimes the kindest people are the ones who are the quietest about the way they live their lives. They are not quick to be judgmental. They listen; they are helpful without being showy. They show their love for God through their kindnesses to others.

 

Thinking about those fruits again. God says He loves a cheerful giver. Think of all the fruits that He has given us—and we are not talking here about peaches and pears. We are talking about doing the will of God—from the heart. “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:8)

 

Leave behind those unfair treatments you feel you have endured and look forward to doing what is right in the eyes of God. Your fruit, your bacon, should be a savor to mankind and to God.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Gifts.

 Gifts.

 

Over the many years of my life, many gifts have come to me and to mine. Have you ever thought about the gifts others give to you? Ever made a list? Personally, some of those gifts were so great that they come to mind immediately, and others simply did not leave an impression. One gift given by my parents was teaching me to pray, to ask God for forgiveness and for help—for myself and for others. Have seen a post where someone said the only reason that life was still with that person was because of his mother’s prayers. Many of us can claim that same gift—a mother’s prayers really do matter. God knows how it feels to want to bless His children.

 

Learning to read was a gift from my mother when the old woman was too young to even realize what it meant. Mom put her finger on the words of the songs we sang in services, so those words became part of my vocabulary—sight words for a child. Maybe the understanding of their meaning was not as easy for me, but the assurance that we could praise God with song was a given. Daddy led our family in prayer each meal time we were together. That became a gift when it was time to raise our own family. They knew we were to give thanks for these blessings.

 

Sometimes we are thankful for what others are willing to give to someone we know. My grand-nephew was given a trip to see the Walt Disney world thing with wild life. The entire community came together to pay for the trip and the reservations for him and his family. No one expected him to be alive long enough to see adulthood, but their prayers have also been heard in that he is relatively happy as a sixteen-year-old now. He is living a fairly normal life for the time being. That is a special gift.

 

My friend Michelle Malay gave me a book last year called God Is with You Every Day by Max Lucado. It is a 365-day Devotional. The neat thing is that it can be used over and over again. That is worth reading almost as much as a sermon. It is not meant to replace Bible study, but it does spark thoughts in different areas of life. A gift like that can help an attitude almost any day!

 

While still teaching, one of the things posted to my bulletin board was a picture of some shoes. The line underneath said: The man who wanted shoes felt blessed after he met the man who had no feet. The point to me was that there is always someone who needs a blessing more than we do. When we can help someone else, let us bless that person the best way we are able.

 

We never know what will happen each hour of the day, much less what will happen in a week, a month, or a year. We have no assurance that a country, a continent, or a world will remain unscathed by troubles. Yet we do have one assurance: God loves us and wants us for His own. Death has no hold on those who call on God. The thief on the cross did not know any scriptures, any great doctrines, or had probably never even heard of baptism. Yet that thief will be with Christ because he called out to Christ to save him—not from death, because he was already dying, but from the second death. He believed in Christ as the son of God. What greater gift than to be called to believe in Christ as the son of God? ASK for your gift now while you can.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Getting There!

 Getting There!

 

Went back to bed this morning—seems some folks in NW Arkansas did the same—and finally got up to get something done. So, the only room not vacuumed is the bathroom. But sitting in the living room reading in Ephesians could not take place until that floor was cleaned! Some things are just a bit much to an old woman. The new neighbor says she likes things to be clean and neat. Told her my home will never be clean and neat, but it is comfortable.

 

Dreading that cold front coming our way on Monday night or Tuesday. Could get spoiled to these 65-degree days very easily! The hens seem to like it rather well, too. They usually go off laying when it gets too cold. Guess that is understandable. But they have been eating the corn, millet, and wheat rather happily since the old woman accidentally got two bags of the wrong kind of feed. The wild birds appreciate it, however. Guess that corn won’t hurt any of them in the cold. It is summer heat that messes up hens when they have been eating corn. Makes them too hot.

 

Going to have to go calendar shopping soon. Have the great big H&O calendar on my living room wall, but keep one in the office, in the kitchen, and in the bathroom. Still never know what day of the week it is!! Don’t remember who came up with the Back Forty calendar that is in here in my office last year. The calendars that the Arbor Day Foundation send each year show the entire year, but one can’t write anything on there. Have one calendar that Michelle Malay gave me that includes 2025, so that one will stay where it can be written on when making appointments. Would rather not have ANY appointments this year, but know of one in January and one in February so far. Oh well. Such is life.

 

Looked out the kitchen window to see a bunch of starlings taking a bath in the hens’ water bowls!! Dadblamed birds! Surely hope they don’t have any diseases on those feathers. Have not heard anything about bird flu or such in this area so far. SO glad that we seem to have missed most of the garbage that hit around East Texas and Louisiana. But then, we have the RSV virus that takes out old folks and littles. So sad when little ones get that mess. We just have to watch, wash our hands, wash counters with disinfectant and whatever else it takes to keep everyone in the house healthy. Staying healthy is a full-time job for some folks.

 

Thinking about when we were kids and a neighbor woman would not let her son use any type of foul language. That is an admirable attempt, but the old woman began using barnyard language as a teen—just not around Mom. Have a horse step on your foot and express yourself! Oh my! Yep! It came naturally. But in Ephesians, Paul says we should not let things like that come out of our mouth. Dear Hearts, habits are hard to break. Oh, there are plenty of words that can be used as a substitute. Jim’s mom had him say “horse feathers” when he was angry. Thought about it this morning and came up with “fly flatus” as a simple substitute. Not sure it would express my indignation as well as “bull shtuff,” but it is time to try to do better. We will see how it goes.

 

Seems like a good day to answer a letter that came in a card from friend Robin. Still hoping to get her to post something on the blog. She is such a heavy-duty reader and all-round interesting person. She could suggest some of the best books for us to read if that is interesting to anyone. It never ceases to amaze me to read about some of the experiences of some of my friends. Robin Wolfskill and her husband Dutch are also very interesting folks. Dutch has written some of the neatest books for youngsters. One book he wrote that interested me was We’ll Have the Summer. It was that book that caused me to write to him. He has history lessons and interesting things for just about anyone’s tastes.

 

We have a “new” year coming up in a couple of days. It never feels new like anything to me when it is smack down in the middle of winter, but we still have to go with the numerical system we have, so let’s try to adjust our attitudes to look at things in a brighter manner. We know for sure that 2025 will bring some changes. Nothing ever really stays the same, but sometimes things turn out better. We can ask God to bless this nation and the decisions that have to be made for us as inhabitants of this pearl in space. Prayers for others are never wasted. Let us pray for the health and wellbeing of all those we know about. May we show God’s love in our daily walk.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Chasing Chickens.

 Chasing Chickens.

 

Yesterday, two of the hens jumped the front fence so they could work on the front yard in all their scratching glory! In case you have never seen the aftermath of some good hen scratching, let me tell you that bulbs planted so that they would bloom prettily in the spring have not a chance in a Texas July snow storm of making it. Maybe tomorrow the old woman will get out there and put them BACK inside the planter where the hens removed them. Or, a piece of chicken wire might have to appear on the top of the planter so the hens can’t remove any more bulbs. Silly critters.

 

Talked to Michelle Malay this afternoon. She is doing pretty well, all things considered. It seems like healing up after the surgery has caused her less pain than that stupid knee was causing her before the surgery! Imagine that! Anyway, she was in a pretty good mood.

 

Haven’t turned on FB today at all since other things were on my mind. Hope all is well with everyone and their families. Jennifer sent picture of their assault upon the beaches of Cabo San Jose. The water looked so blue! She said that they are very protective of the water and the reefs. That sounds wonderful that they can protect it.

 

Cooked some pork loins this evening and put one in the freezer while the other one will make meals. Just could not decide what vegetable to have with it. Had some artichoke and spinach stuff with fig and black olive crackers. Amazing stuff! Can’t imagine mixing the two things in bread, but it was fantastic. Wish Lewis were here to try it with me. But he was pretty straitlaced about his foods—meat, potatoes, gravy. Oh well. He would have enjoyed this stuff.

 

Each evening when the hens go up, they have to be counted to be sure no one got left out. Kept counting to nine in the middle coop when it is supposed to be ten! Guess my eyes were not open wide enough because eventually got the count right. One night a hen got left out, and she spent the night in the workshop because the old woman closed the door without checking for critters. Have closed a coop up a couple of times with dogs left in there, too! Oh well.

 

Hoping to see Shona’s little red van at home in the morning. She went to Childress to get her mom today. Say a little prayer for their family that the little house her mom wants can happen soon. Have never even asked Shona what the old woman should call her mom. Don’t even know her last name, much less the first name. Guess “Lady” would do the job. Shona has a tendency to call me “Ma’am.” That would work for her mom! No problem.

 

Texted my youngest grandson today and discovered that he had made a crockpot roast for dinner tonight. Hope it turned out well for him. Know he can cook when he wants to. It just takes a bit of patience. Tomorrow is going to be another cooking day around here for the dogs. They are not really spoiled, but they do get picky. Seems hamburger meat is truly a hit no matter how greasy it is. Bleah! Some of the dog food companies think that putting fresh veggies in with the meat is the way to get the dogs to get the vitamins they need. Maybe that would work—carrots and maybe sweet potato. Sounds ok to me.

 

Don’t really have much on my mind tonight. Haven’t even spoken with Sterling today. Some days a person just needs to be still and quiet. God gave us a day to relax and remember Him, so that is good enough for one day. If we pray for others, if we have deep concern for them, then we are reflecting the love that God has given to us. Let us remember those whose lives we touch.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Tipping the Bottle.

 Tipping the Bottle.

 

Oldest child has been on my case for quite some time to use reusable plastic drinking containers rather than buying disposable plastic water bottles. And he is right, of course. Each of us has the responsibility to care for the environment, even if it means drinking water from a reusable cup or container. Scientists have come up with a solvent that can clean as much as 99 percent of the plastics from our water. But they still have no way to rid the earth of the billions of tons of plastic in landfills and in the ocean. It makes me feel guilty to think about how many cases of water this old woman has used over several years. No matter what our water here in WF tastes like, it would still be better to use city water rather than buy a case of water in plastic bottles. And no, there is no way a five-gallon jug of purified water could be used around this house. Think about the weight of one of those bottles when it is full! Daughter gets her water delivered, but that doesn’t mean she puts it on the stand where it is used to refill their bottles and cups. For sure, those big water bottles are heavier than a case of water!

 

Reading lately about the number of birds and fish that have been killed due to the rising temps in the waters of the oceans is pretty disheartening. And that does not even begin to count for all the oil spills and other chemical disasters the oceans have encountered. Just the wind storms and assorted weather-related disasters have put some species on the edge of the endangered lists. We may eventually find that the monarch butterflies will be a creature from our past. Sad, just sad.

 

Sometimes it just seems as if the world’s problems are just too many and too impossible to remedy. And the same holds true for mankind as much as for the other creatures of the planet. But what mankind does—or doesn’t do—tends to affect all of the life on this little ball in the heavens. If we can do even one thing to alleviate one of the problems of pollution and degradation of the earth and its creatures, then surely, we should be willing to do that one thing. At the same time, if we can smile or be kind to even one other person around us, then let us do that as well. We may not prevent a terrorist from killing, kidnapping, or drugging another person, but if we stand up for what is right in our own neighborhoods, that is better than sitting on our hands and expecting things to change without our efforts.

 

My daddy loved to find the ways of the pioneers and discover how he could make them work in his own lifetime. He milked a cow, fed chickens, dug ditches to redirect water, built his own rifles, cut wood to make things of beauty, and even learned how to make things like gun powder just from his research at the library. Once he learned how to make lye soap and insisted Mom use it on his old oily work clothes. After he broke out in a rash, he changed his mind, but still, he tried doing things the way they used to be done long before Dove or Tide soaps were invented. It doesn’t mean we have to go back to hand washing our clothes to make this a better world, but it certainly can’t hurt anything for us to be aware of the chemicals in the soaps we use and attempt to use soaps that are less polluting or less carcinogenic. Even one small step could make a difference somewhere down the line.

 

Meanwhile, we have those who need our active and fervent prayers: Zeke (recovery and healing), Tami (overcoming another form of cancer), Michelle (recovery from knee replacement), Helen (shingles), and the family of Angel with covid. Let us remember to praise God for His many blessings each day. Love is always with us, but especially when we pray for others.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Interesting Traditions.

 Interesting Traditions.

 

This evening, my neighbor asked me some questions about celebrating the Passover. It has been over 20 years since that has happened for me—inside a church assembly, that is. Had the experience of having the “Lord’s Supper” at the Presbyterian church my friend attended. They used grape juice and hamburger buns. Obviously, the thought of “unleavened” bread did not occur to them. Each little cup of juice and the tiny bits of hamburger bun were supposed to represent the body and blood of Christ. But the old woman had some problems with the situation. It was the last time for me to participate in that tradition with a group of folks.

 

It occurs to me that the scripture that says “by your traditions you have made the law of God of none effect” can mean that we goof up in all sorts of ways. (Mark 7:13) By the time my grands grow up and no longer remember anything about me, they will probably have their own traditions. But then, how much of the law of God do you suppose they will have learned? Ignorance truly is not an excuse. Even the most uncivilized tribes found today know that the world was created by a creator. No big bang for them. But what do our children need to teach them about God? Even creatures in the wild have their own laws, their own set of ways to govern themselves. But surely, we are not going to regress into some state of uncivilized behavior? Or will that happen?

 

As long as the Bible has not been totally rewritten to suit the demands of society—which some have tried to do—we should be able to see what God wants of us. Whether or not we drink a small little sip of wine from our own personal cup and take a bit of truly unleavened bread in remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ, we know what Christ represents, what He has promised! The Passover Lamb is and was Christ. He will return not as a babe in a manger, but as a King in all His glory. That is His promise. That is what the bread and the wine is to represent—His sacrifice, His return to those who have learned to be part of His flock, waiting for His return with legions of angels at the last trump!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Christmas and Hanukkah.

 Christmas and Hanukkah.

 

This year, the beginning of Hanukkah comes on Christmas Day. In the next few days or so, other observances take place for different people. Whatever situations folks observe, the meaning is important to those people specifically. Personally, the celebration of the birth of Christ seems to outshine any celebration known to mankind. The symbolism is deeper for us than any commercialism could ever make it. And the miracle of the eight days of oil for the Menorah during the time of the Maccabees just tells us that God is aware and stands by His people in all ages—in my opinion. For my beliefs are in ONE God who sent His son to become human from birth so that mankind could be saved from destruction. No place, no ceremony, and no human can stand between me and God—according to HIS word. No height, depth, or any material thing can separate me from the love of God. In fact, should my mind deteriorate into feebleness and confusion, the fact is that God knew me from before my birth and will bring me home to Him in my death. The evergreen trees, the sparkly lights, the music—whether choral or commercial—have no bearing on faith and love. God gives us His love freely. It is my job to continue to reflect that love in my life. The name of the day matters not at all.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Big Black Plastic Bags!

 Big, Black Plastic Bags!

 

When our children were little, we would go see my Grandmother Pollard out at Byers. She and Granddad had moved from the farm before the children were born, so they only heard stories about the farm out in Clay County by the time they were old enough to remember things. My parents and grandparents were big on Christmas things—dinners and such. But about the only thing we celebrated like other folks was Thanksgiving since we celebrated Passover and other Holy days. Anyway, because Mom and Grandmother couldn’t be around each other without sparks flying, we would go visit the grandparents each year with just us and the littles. Grandmother was determined that each time the kids came, they should receive some kind of gift. But she did not wrap anything up like a Christmas present. Granddad always laughed about it, but he helped Grandmother find things the kids would like. Cookies that had been opened, cereal that he didn’t like, or maybe something he found in the house that he thought a child would find interesting. And whatever they put together was always closed up in a big, black trash sack. They were not to open it before they got home, but in the back seat of the car they would giggle and talk quietly as if we were not able to hear them. Cookie crumbs were so delightful!

 

When my children got older and left home, we would go down to Arlington to visit them. We would take a meal already cooked and some kind of little gifts—in a big, black plastic bag. That bag was so much fun for them. Nothing big, but just the idea. Wish the old woman could do that again, but not sure where we would all get together to meet since they are pretty far apart. Guess it is just the idea anyway. May have to find a way to stuff a big bag for each of them sometime soon. They would remember Grandmother’s bags, to be sure!

 

Receiving gifts can be great, but being able to give something is a lot more fun. And it doesn’t have to be any great thing to make it worthwhile. Sometimes it is just the idea of giving things to others that is so special. Maybe that is how God feels about giving things to His children now. No black plastic bags, just good days and happy surprises. These are the things that make life special when we know we are loved and that someone special is thinking about us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Great Minds?

 Great Minds?

 

Made soup last night from some expensive hamburger, along with soup starter (Amazon dried veggies) and a can of Mexican tomatoes. Sterling called today while he was building a pot of soup. Think it runs in the family. Mom used to make soup in this kind of weather—well, ANY kind of fall weather for that matter! Love soup! Have just about a bowlful left for later—or tomorrow.

 

Haven’t really accomplished much today and don’t even give a rat’s back leg! Cooked up some cheap hamburger for the dogs to go with the chicken that was cooked up last night. Cleaned the roaster again—being very careful of the edges of the stupid pan. May prepare some turkey breast tomorrow. Since the old woman won’t be making dressing, seems hardly worth the effort. Turkey needs dressing and cranberry sauce in my estimation. May have to consider sharing turkey with my dogs. Freezing bags of food in small Ziplocks for placing on top of dog kibble works out pretty well for my two dogs. Waiting on Amazon to get their 31.5-pound bag of Purina One here soon. United has the stuff, but it costs $18 dollars for an 8 lb. bag! Oh well. Maybe Amazon will get the bigger bag here soon.

 

Gary and Jennifer are vacationing off the tip of the Baja land in a place called Cabo something or other. Looked it up. Looks as if it would be a great place to watch for whales or to go scuba diving. Wish the old woman could have learned how to swim like that years ago. But videos of underwater fish and such are pretty interesting. It is about like watching Roy Rogers ride horses instead of riding one yourself!

 

Got a card and letter from my friend Robin in California. She has moved around more than just about anyone in my acquaintance. But she seems to stay pretty happy. She is up in the mountains now with a long way to drive to just get to a store. Maybe she and her boys can figure out a way to make a trip per month work out better than what we would do around here. Seems to me that a trip to United happens too often around here. But it is less than a half mile up there! She will have to drive nearly 20 miles to a store! Can you imagine having Amazon deliver your groceries once a month? That would be like living in Alaska where everything has to come by boat!

 

The young man from across the street came to the door to get eggs this morning. He offered to sweep the leaves away from my porch for me. Had to tell him that those silly leaves please me. The stupid Bradford pear drops them all along until all the leaves are off the branches. THEN they are gathered up and put in one spot so the insects can do their thing and build up the soil. No sense gathering leaves until they are every single one off the tree!

 

Talking to Patty earlier today about trying to take a bath and being able to get out of the tub. At a certain age, we try to manage things on our own. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. She told me about getting her shower chair turned sideways and being unable to get up. We got to giggling about having to call the firemen to get us out of a tub! The only other situation like that was due to one of those “sports” bras. Thought it was going to be necessary to call for help when trying to get out of the thing! From then on, it was either an easier fastener or nothing at all!

 

This is the time of year when folks are putting little dolls inside a creche to represent Christ. His purpose to come as a human can be talked about seven ways to Sunday, but in my estimation, He proved that God was not only the Creator, He was part and parcel of the creation when He stooped down and became the living God brought into this world as a child. God the Father had to be proud of that child because it was subject to Him from the beginning. Christ reminded Himself and His father—Not my will, but thine be done. Oh! That we could be as submissive to God as was His very son! May we at least be a reflection of that love given to us in that very special birth.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

A Sharp Breeze.

 A Sharp Breeze.

 

Cloudy and cool outside, but about perfect weather for reading a good book while cooking chicken quarters for the dogs. Only problem with that was the cleaning of the inside roaster pan. While scrubbing the inside, the pan slipped off the middle of the sink and the sharp edge came down on my middle left finger. Need two hands to put on a Band-Aid so it does not leak out the edges. Oh well.

 

Pardon my silly excuse for not typing right now, but it smarts. Let us pray for those (not me!) who have healing to do: Zeke, Raye, Michelle Malay, Tami Yonts, and others. Also, remember that not everyone is excited over the Christmas season. Some of us are just dull as doorbells without electricity!

 

May you all be blessed and happy with your family and friends. Let us praise God for His many blessings.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

The Past and Present--As Well As the Future.

 The Past and Present—As Well As the Future.

 

Read recently about how a baby exchanges some cells with its mom as it grows in the womb. Strange, but the grandmother’s cells are just as connected to the baby as the mother’s cells, in some ways. My personality was built along stubborn lines that came from generations, just as the genetic materials came along right behind them. Just look at my driver’s license to see my mom, and then look at my daughter to see her mother. God built us to carry these characteristics, these tendencies. But the best part of all is that He also built in the receptors for love and giving. Because God is love, we inherited some of His love.

 

Read today in Max Lucado’ God Is with You Every Day about a grandmother alone in a nursing home. This is NOT to make anyone feel guilty, but too often it hits home for some of us.

Spend all your love on her now,

Forget not the hands: though spotted,

The hair, though thinning,

 The eyes, though dim,

For they are a part of you.

And when they are gone, a part of you is gone.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Relief from Stressors.

 Relief from Stressors.

 

Other than seeing the news about Angel’s grandson and a little bit about Raye (Diann Dennis’ granddaughter), the old woman has not been paying much attention to anything. Yep, just goofing off again. Maria left the house nice and clean, and the dogs have been kind enough not to self-destruct more than two stuffed toys. Not too much to do on that front.

 

Went to Sutherland’s earlier to get some WD-40 and some fruit from their fruit sale. Good stuff! Had asparagus for lunch and sweet potato for din-upper. Plenty of water to wash down a pain pill, too. Honestly think that pain pills should come attached to a quart of water to be sure the effects on one’s kidneys are not too drastic. Whew! Getting too old to pick up a 66-pound-dog! But at least they got her toenails trimmed up a bit.

 

Meanwhile, life goes on whether or not we think we understand it or not. All this old person can do is hope that God will grant us peace of mind and hope in His kingdom. May our children and grands be safe and secure and learn how to have faith in God. May we not find fault with others but appreciate that God forgives us daily as we ask for forgiveness. Let us pray for one another and all of those in our circles of love. Healing, a calmness, a quiet acceptance of life for now is something we all must seek. May love be a blessing both to you and from you all.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

A Different Dog Day!

 A Different Dog Day!

 

Patty wonders about Roxy at times and how she is doing, so she mentions maybe we should take her to see the vets at Colonial Park. It occurred to the old woman this morning that the work day does not have to start at 8 a.m. for everyone. So, around ten this morning, Roxy got to go visit the vets. Actually, a vet tech can deal with her rather easily. That got done and the old woman brought her home quickly as few people were there today. Sylvia needed her nails trimmed, so we got her harness on and tried to get out of the house without Thompson. Had to trick him and put him inside the kitchen so she could leave out the front door. They think they need to go everywhere together! She was difficult to get in the truck for that very reason. Pick up the back end of a 66-pound dog and see how that works out! When going up to pay for her trim and gland expression, the receptionist said that she needed to find out if they had had to have assistance. It seems that this strong-willed dog takes three people just to get her nails trimmed! So, it costs more when it takes three people to hold her and trim her. She was not a very happy dog, Dear Hearts. And she isn’t really happy with me yet. They sold me some trazadone to give to her for next time when we want to trim her nails. Oh boy! Deep breath. Guess you could say this day went to the dogs.

 

Watched some videos on FB of dogs and cats and assorted critters. They are so relaxing at times. God gave us His love in so many ways—just poured it out and let it run to excess. Alistair Begg was talking about the fact that God loved us so much that He came down and entered the womb of a young girl and was born as a tiny baby. That is not so amazing when we think of how conception takes place so often today with artificially conceived babies. Yet think about the fact that this was GOD who allowed Himself to be born as a human child. So many were against Him from the beginning. Who knows how many baby boys were killed in the area of Bethlehem because the wise men let it be known that a new king had been born. And his parents took Him to Egypt to protect Him for a time. Satan knew He was there on the earth, but Satan also knew that he could not interfere until it was time to test the man who was the Christ.

 

This time of year, we hear the songs repeated from the drums to the question of Mary, Did You Know? But the greatest thing we can all know right now and forever is that there is absolutely no limit to God’s love! When we believe and have faith, we can see the love clearly.

 

Tonight, pray with me for those who are affected by cancer and other diseases. Tami Yonts, little Raye Louise, Michelle Malay, and many others who have to deal with horrible arthritis (RA or other types)—all of mankind needs to be healed by the only true balm available to us—God’s love. May we give the selfless love that has been shown to us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

The Dust-Bunny Massacre.

 The Dust-Bunny Massacre.

 

Maria came this afternoon. She loves the long-handled dust mop that easily goes under my bed, so today she took full advantage of it and killed all the dust bunnies. SO glad she had time for me in her schedule. Someone else had to go out of town for her to have the afternoon free, but she came here and then went on down to Patty’s place. It feels so good to have the little rugs washed and dried and all the floors mopped. Simply don’t have the energy to do all that stuff any longer. Besides all that, she is such a sweet lady!

 

The dogs received a package today that was ordered recently. The “dog house” part of it was not as tall as it could have been, but Sylvia may eventually like it anyway. Thompson said “huh uh” in no uncertain tones of dog. But ordered some more sweaters for him so he can sleep warmer anyway. Gave one of the smaller ones to Maria for their dog. Thompson growls when his legs are picked up—probably from the arthritis. Sylvia just doesn’t really need a sweater as much as Thompson. Ah well. They were happy to tear up a couple of toys in something less than five minutes!!

 

Sent a carton of 18 eggs home with Maria and have almost another full carton ready to go to Dr. Blackwell if she can come by on Friday. Think she only works half a day on Fridays—or maybe not. Really never have asked.

 

Cut a bunch of stems off the coleus plants in the living room and put them in the bed out front. They will curl up and die in the cold, but that’s better than having the leaves all over the floor. The other plant—name unknown—is just filling the pretty pot Jennifer gave me. In the summer time it has beautiful little blue flowers all over it. Love flowers, but they do tend to get messy in the house.

 

Can hardly wait until it is time to put up the hens. This ol’ girl is pooped. Not sure just exactly why, but there it is. It’s supposed to get cold tonight and then warm up later this week. Go figure. Niece Lesli said that they had a dusting of snow up near Chicago early this morning. They can keep that stuff for right now. Pretty sure February will be a beast. Cold weather is somewhat better than extreme heat, but at least the AC keeps us from melting in the summer. Winter has a tendency to be a bit more scary if and when the electricity goes out. Most folks have electric heating rather than gas. Not many have wood burning anything. We did years ago, but hauling and cutting up wood is a major pain even when we were young. Not possible to do that stuff now.

 

When the old woman was a youngster, the effects of allergies were so bad that it was difficult to rest or even concentrate for all the itching and pain. Mom had me memorize a verse back then and say it to myself when things were bad. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

(Phil.4:8-15) The pain associated with those stupid allergies is no longer with me, but you know how age affects those of us who are blessed to live for more than five or six decades. That verse still sits there in my mind and in my heart. Let us think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Praise God for His love for us above all else.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Aging Fun!

 Aging Fun!

 

Just spoke to my cousin Eba (Elizabeth) who lives in North Carolina. She turned 72 today. She thought that the old woman was much older than she is because when we were kids, she thought everyone else was already an adult. Back then, this was one of the things we did—guess at ages without asking. We were taught that it is not socially acceptable to ask a woman’s age. Today, just about everyone over 21 thinks it is great to get old enough to call themselves adults! Strange how things change.

 

Today did not see a whole bunch accomplished except for putting away the laundry and beginning a new load to throw in the washer. It’s wonderful that we don’t have to worry about getting things clean enough to go somewhere. Mom had a time trying to keep Sterling clean. She gave up on me at around two years old. If Sterling was into something, his sister thought she had to do whatever it was just as much as he was doing. Ever had a “spit bath”? That’s where Mom takes out her hanky—yes, all women carried a hanky—spit on it and washed the major filth off our faces. Yuck. And yes, my children suffered through that a few times as well.

 

Sterling brought up Mrs. Hickman who used to live up on Poesy Hill out where the Furhman’s lived later. Beverly’s folk bought the place from Mrs. Hickman and lived there until they passed away, maybe. Anyway, Beverly lives down the hill from the old place. Now, Mrs. Hickman was a sweet lady with two little girls. Never knew where she moved to after she left Petrolia, but her husband was long gone by then. She was a good teacher and a good coach back then. She kept the kids in line and then some. Sterling said she used a paddle made from a fence picket until she broke in on one of the Sheer boys. He laughed. She went to the office and brought back the hardwood paddle. The kid went back to his desk without any more tendency to laugh. Wow! Nowadays that would have been considered child abuse or some such. But the kids respected her and did not give her any trouble. Especially after she broke her paddle and got another one!

 

Maria is coming tomorrow to see if she can clean these floors. The dogs have been tracking in wet dirt—not exactly mud, but just as messy. Will have to keep them out of the rooms she cleans and maybe even outside for a while. It feels so good to have clean floors. Even de-horned the coleus plants in the planter in the living room today so it would stop dropping leaves on the floor. It had really taken off growing and overflowing the big flower pot that Jenn got for me.

 

Speaking of Jennifer: a package came today from H&O from her. The old woman now has a set of “clog” type shoes that are easy to wipe clean for messy yard dirt. Then there was the neatest housecoat with hoodie that is perfect for wet weather, with two big pockets. Both shoes and housecoat are covered with chickens. Kinda neat to think that it makes it easy for the kids to know what someone likes!

 

Eba was telling me about the place where her mom stays in Florida. She needs assisted living because she sometimes has trouble getting dressed, but there is another kind of place that is not a nursing home but for folks who just don’t want to cook and can be pretty independent. Thought of Shona’s mom, but the prices of these places is just out of sight! Eba said she has about made up her mind to just stay where she is until she can’t go any longer on her own. Sounds reasonable to me. She has already started getting rid of things that no longer matter to her. Nodding my head when she started talking about giving things away to a woman’s shelter resale shop. My thinking exactly! My house will never miss all the things that would be good for a couple starting out. Our one big difference is that she knits, and the old woman reads. Well, then there are two dogs and nineteen hens compared to her one cat!

 

Sterling brought up C.S. Lewis and the Chronicles of Nardia the other night. He said that he read the series like regular books and had some difficulty seeing what others saw in the Lion. He read the Harry Potter books the same way. Whatever man writes, it simply cannot compare to the depth of meaning of any part of the Bible. A comparison falls pretty flat in my estimation. Funny how we see things from our personal perspectives.

 

Taking a deep breath and resting tonight makes me happy that God is in control of everything. No matter what the “forecast” is for anything from weather to national priorities, all things are in His hands. Praise God! Let us determine to love others as we would want to be loved.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

The Closet Floor!

 The Closet Floor!

 

Yep, got everything removed from the closet floor and have about half of it sitting in the living room ready to be loaded up to take to the women’s shelter store. Mopped the closet floor and the bathroom floor, so there’s that! Found a couple of things that had been forgotten—gun cleaning kit, for one. It’s not like the gun has been used. Praise God!

 

Have two adult size suitcases and one the size a kid would need. Tried to get in touch with CASA, but they have a recording on their phone. Nope. Not sitting around waiting for someone to answer their phone. Will just load these up and haul them to the women’s store. Probably need to go through the other bedroom and get rid of stuff out of that room. Why do we keep things?

 

Cooked the five-pound package of hamburger this morning to use on top of the dog kibble. If you don’t think that they don’t infuse water in that stuff, just try roasting it in a completely empty roaster. Bet there is a quart of water in there! Ask me if it irks me!!

 

Have a load of laundry to fold and put away and a load of white socks on for the second wash. Even put bleach in the first time, but they just did not come good and clean. Hmm. Can’t use most detergents, but really would like to have my whites turn out white!

 

Think the gray hen has been mentioned here—moulting—losing feathers everywhere! This morning, she looks more blue than gray. The pen feathers are a solid blue! It would be beautiful if the feathers came in that same blue color!

 

Ok, the roaster is cleaned, the colander cleaned, dippers and such are in the drain rack, and the meat is packed in Ziplock bags. Breathing a little bit more easily now that little task is completed. Will haul the stuff up to where the back of the women’s store is up near United now. It is such a beautiful day!

 

Made some pimento cheese stuff the other day to eat on celery and other veggies. For some reason it did not stick together as it normally does. Hmm. Have never had that happen before. Maybe it was the type of mayonnaise or something of that nature. Know that some cheeses don’t stick together well, but this was just a large package of mixed cheeses. No biggie. No one is going to gripe about it except the old woman!

 

Finished reading the first book of Corinthians. In the 14^th chapter, Paul said that women are to remain silent in church and ask their husbands at home if they have questions. And truly, the Old Testament churches—even in the time of Christ—had the women separated from the men. But you can bet your bottom dollar that Christ would have mentioned to Paul that in the kingdom, there will be no male nor female, no marriages or giving in marriage. Then, too, there are women like this old woman who would not keep their mouths shut regardless of Paul or any other disciple. For one thing, there was a woman apostle—Junia. Look her up if you doubt. Even Paul was taught by his mother and grandmother! Whether or not they stood up in front of a congregation to teach is another question altogether. But for the situation that faced Paul in Corinth, too many wanted to speak in tongues or prophecy so that there was confusion. We will suppose that Paul was striving for order in the churches with his command that women should remain silent. Even so, that one or two verses in Corinthians has been the bedrock of keeping women quiet and not allowing ministers to be women. Such a shame that truth has to wear pants. It’s not that she has something to say, but don’t forbid her from saying what is on her mind.

 

The trip to the women’s resale shop has been made, the closet door closed on more space, and the eyebrow raised for a possible tackling of the extra bedroom tomorrow. And spring has not even begun to be sprung! Maybe getting a couple of floors cleaned tomorrow might be the extent of accomplishment by tomorrow.

 

Thompson is out back barking at a cussing squirrel. Have you ever heard a squirrel cuss? They do that to irritate anyone who listens. Tempted to get out the BB gun! But you can bet that critter won’t get where a person could take aim. Oh well. The squirrel next door is worse than nineteen hens! And then there is a barking dog! Life goes on.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

A Mild Day in December.

 A Mild Day in December.

 

Neither hot, cold, or too windy, this has been a very nice day! No one seemed to be rushing around when the old woman stopped by United to get some chicken legs to cook for the dogs. In fact, folks were stopping to talk to each other. Nice atmosphere. And the chicken was not frozen chunks of backbones with legs for a change. Just legs and thighs are much less trouble.

 

Have a five-pound bundle of hamburger to cook up to put in the freezer for dog food toppings. They eat their kibble pretty well, but they wipe it out when it has some tasty meat on top. Took some of their kibble down to Patty the other day since Roxie likes the stuff also. Sat there talking with Patty and handed Roxie one piece of kibble. She looked at me and took off. No telling what she did with that piece of dog food! Hope Patty did not find it in her bed.

 

Maybe tomorrow will be a good day to clean floors. At least there should not be any mud! The leaves have been about enough to make a hot mess! The little cedar elm leaves catch on everything and look like dirt on the floor. Oh well. Could be worse.

 

Was finally through putting the hens in the coops and checking to be sure they were all on a roost. Shut the door and looked around for the dogs. Only one dog. Sylvia got shut up in the middle coop. Such a pitiful look! But she did not even whine. Silly dog.

 

Have laundry to do tomorrow. What is it about Mondays and dirty clothes? Jennifer says she always does her laundry on Sundays. Guess everyone has their favorite laundry day—or day of necessity! When Lewis and the kids were at home, we had laundry day more than once a week. One day was just for his work uniforms! Had to wash them and then wash the tub out with detergent to keep the laundry from getting dirty. It’s a wonder we did not all smell like diesel.

 

Patty was telling me that some folks can get addicted to Benadryl. Simply cannot imagine. She decided that she was going to try to stop taking it for her allergies and just go without. Kinda makes me a little bit leary that it might have a bad effect on her, but she thinks she has become immune to its effects. Guess that is possible. Benadryl makes me go to sleep and makes my youngest Ostand child hyper. Go figure.

 

Niece Lesli said they got colder than cold weather but no snow. Why she wants snow is beyond me, but it does do good things for the trees and flowers—well, the soil in general. Paul Dowlearn is telling everyone that right NOW is the time to put trees in the ground. Thought about it. But trees have to have water. It would have to be a desert willow or something of that nature. Would like to have one between the house and the middle coop, but sunflowers do a pretty good job if they all come up and grow well. Just not looking forward to snow right now. We never just have snow. It’s nearly always ice with wind.

 

Have been putting off cleaning out my closet. Why do we do that? SO much stuff in there! Even have the potty chair that we used after my surgery plus the stool for the shower in case fatigue got to me before the shower was finished. Have to figure out how to cover them in plastic bags to keep them clean before storing in the long coop. Then there are suitcases that will never be used again. Think a pair of SAS that totally are worn out might just get tossed. Why do we keep old shoes like that. Have rubber boots for bad weather. Oh well. Grit my teeth and see how much can be accomplished tomorrow. May take the suitcases to the shop for battered women. Someday the kitchen cabinets will need this same type of sorting. More dishes than two families would need! And that’s after giving a good set of China to one grandchild.

 

This month is half gone and the year almost over. Who knows what will happen in the next thirty or forty days. We need to pray for the protection of President Trump and for the crazy people to be prevented from hurting folks. Let us pray for police officers, EMTs, nurses, doctors, and those who are on the front lines of our nation. May those who travel be protected in their travels and visits wherever they may go. Let us trust our God above to keep us and guide us. And let us be the easily led by God’s spirit!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

White Bread and Onion Rings!

 White Bread and Onion Rings!

 

Yep, bought a small burger, medium onion ring for myself, and then the larger size everything for Michelle. Yum! Yes, it gave me indigestion, but it was worth it. And she really did enjoy her lunch and the visit. We worked her roommate over before the old woman left, getting her button in her hand and her toes covered up. Her name is Shirley, and she seems like a very nice lady.

 

The visit with Michelle made me feel better about her health and her attitude. She was happy and seemed to enjoy showing me all the wonderful colors of the rainbow from the lap down. Gracious! And to think that they want to do the next surgery in another six weeks. But at least she will be able to walk again. She was 5’4” before, and she thinks she might be good to be five foot now! Osteoarthritis is not anyone’s friend!

 

Lance sent me a nativity picture that messed with my mind. Two dinosaurs fighting over a table saw! Sent this to my sister-in-law for her to show to Sterling. He may or may not see the humor in it. But it is tempting to post on FB!

 

Walked down to Patty’s twice today. She needed some allergy pills to take tomorrow because the one she is taking is not working right now. Think that happens to folks rather often after taking the same one for quite a while. Think another bottle of the same stuff is around here somewhere. Reece took some when he came to visit. He is allergic to my dogs. [See Shona, you are not the only one!]

 

Have a gray hen out back who has pin feathers all over her front and ones falling out on her back. Poor baby is going to need a jacket when the really cold weather gets here. May need to make a cloak for her. Can’t imagine why the weather has them so messed up. Just because all the trees are blooming! Crazy weather is better still than all the cold crud that came that winter in 2021! Nearly froze to death that year and had pipes freeze under the house!! Please Lord, don’t let that happen this year!

 

If the old woman had a choice, she would get one of those little ditch witch things and cut a line between the house water and the chicken house. Wrap the pipes to prevent freezing and put electricity out there for the electric water bowl. Have run an extension cord out there before, but really don’t like to do that. A person needs to be six foot tall just to reach the place where the electric cord can fit through the front shed. Oh well. Thinking about it.

 

Have some dog comforters coming—or supposed to be coming—either tomorrow or early this next week. Trying to make Thompson comfortable with his arthritis is more complicated than just giving him a pill every morning. He is such a good boy about taking his meds, but he whines when he gets cold. Sylvia is still young enough not to be that concerned about the cold, but she does not appreciate cold feet. Would get her boots, but can just see gathering up boots down in the lower forty!

 

Was pleasantly surprised today in Whataburger. Everyone there, customers and workers alike, seemed to be in such a good mood. Of all the crud that is going on in this ol’ world, it is still wonderful to have people speak to you and say something very nice just because! God has given us a spirit of joy and kindness that probably has little to do with the season and a lot to do with expectations. People seem to be calm and not too concerned about all the flying objects and the stupidity that is happening wherever. Even saw that another organization has gone up into the mountains to help those folks who were hit by the flooding from Helene. Praise God for those who give from the heart!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Chocolate and Hamburgers!

 Chocolate and Hamburgers!

 

Talked to Michelle Malay a bit ago. She wants a hamburger, so tomorrow the old woman will make a visit to Whataburger for fries, burger, and onion rings! Sounds so good. [No, this person will not be partaking, but it still sounds good.] And Tim tells me that Mother Malay gets up at night and looks for the chocolate. Oh boy! Like my puppers, they want treats!

 

Tonight’s dinner for dogs is beef tips or whatever kind of beef that stuff is over their kibble. Have to let it cool before they can have it. It smells good, but did not put any real seasoning in it—just a bit of salt and pepper. Oh well.

 

Got to visit just for a minute or two with Maggie Sewell. She said David still has to do the infusions and something else, but he is doing better as nearly as they can tell. Cancer really sucks! Anyway, she got some eggs and left a sack of those tiny apples that make decent applesauce. So, the apples are ready to be mashed into sauce now. No sugar, just apples. Sigh. Maybe some monk sugar.

 

Spoke with my cousin Eba Solomon and found that she had had a bit of a car wreck on the way home from Florida and checking on her 98-year-old mom. She thinks mom should not use that wheelchair! Told her this ol’ girl knows how it is when the body gets tired and just needs to rest. Trying not to take any more Nsaids than absolutely necessary. Think those things make it easier to bleed, bruise, etc. But who knows?

 

Sterling is snorting as if he might have a winter cold coming on. Hope not. He said the chicken houses have some kind of stuff in them right now that is taking out hundreds at a time. Forget what he called it, but it seems to be seasonal. How can they ever raise chickens without something like that hitting them?

 

Sterling will have to stay out of his workshop during most of the month of January when he has eye surgeries. Can’t imagine how he is going to keep himself busy. Hope he can read or cook or do something to occupy him.

 

Have thrown out a bucket of scratch that the wild birds mostly ignored! Dadblast them anyway. They want the good stuff that is perfect for my hens. Still have nearly half a can of the good crumble for them before a new sack can be opened. They are just a wee bit spoiled, but that’s ok. Love the silly critters.

 

Patty told me about the judge who was involved in that “cash for kids” case where he sent eight-year-olds to these privately run “prisons” where some of the kids committed suicide. How that judge could have his sentence commuted is beyond me! Horrible thing to do to young children! Sitting here thinking that he should really watch his back. Some parents could not prevent the county from picking their children up for truancy, which is hardly enough to make them into criminals. A kid who has been sick with pneumonia could be at home for a good reason! But no matter how horrible the crime, justice will eventually be served in either this life or the next.

 

Looking back over this blog post, and it does not sound the least bit positive. Just positive the old woman has an attitude. Maybe Robin C. will do a post for us if she is feeling better. She is a reader of all kinds of literature and can keep us up on what is good to read. Until then, let me assure you that life and Texas wind keep right on going—wherever it takes a notion to go. May God guide us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Gratitude by Alphabet.

 Gratitude by Alphabet.

 

Max Lucado suggested using the alphabet approach to gratitude by making a list of things for which we might be grateful. That appeals to me.

A—Alligators: SO glad we don’t have to deal with alligators out here on Lake Wichita. Also, thankful for apples that actually taste good and are not so expensive that we can’t afford to buy even one.

B—Bones: The bones in this old body are still working along with the muscles to keep me going.

C—Cats: Love to watch the cat videos on FB that show cats being their irrepressible selves. Love petting the neighbors’ cat Ralph when it’s possible.

D—Dogs: LOVE these two dogs who show me so much attention and love. They are guards and silly players who tear up the covers on my bed playing “big mouth,” but they also warn me when someone has come to the house.

E—Eggs: Love being able to collect all—or even the few—eggs that my hens leave for me each day. Love being able to share those eggs with my children, neighbors, and close friends.

F—Feet: My feet allow me to walk relatively steadily wherever they take me.

G—Guns: Daddy taught me to use each kind and how to prevent accidents. Glad to have never needed any home defense so far.

H—Horses: Though riding is missed, love watching horse videos on FB while younger ones appreciate the big loving animals.

I—Ice: Do so appreciate not having to cut any ice on the water bowls for the hens. Know that ice in winter is normal, but still rather not try to walk on it.

J—Jelly: Love the pepper jelly sent to me by my friend Robin!

K—Kitchen: Love my big kitchen and being able to have several folks sitting around my table.

L—Love: Knowing that God and my family love me means more than can be said in words.

M—Moments: Sometimes counting my life in those special moments of delight makes me the most grateful.

N—Neighbors: Love having some very kind and considerate neighbors!

O—Old age: Realizing it is such a privilege to reach old age.

P—Pictures: Travel isn’t that necessary when pictures will take me to places to see and appreciate.

Q—Quiet: The lack of noise makes life easier to enjoy when only nature is voicing its joys!

R—Reality: When so-called news seeks to frighten me, reality quickly makes itself known. What we see around us is much more likely to show love itself than what we may hear.

S—Sunset/Sunrise: Each day brings a time to be thankful to God for the beginning and end of a day. The clocks don’t matter; but the lights for the days bring promises.

T—Time: While it is still today, may my gratitude be toward God in each element of my life.

U—Unity: Seeing others showing love toward their neighbors makes me feel that love is in every one of us—we show our unity in that love toward others.

V—Values: Knowing that others share my values toward life and love makes me appreciate God’s gift of love every day.

W—Wind: Texas wind keeps me aware that God moves what He wills where He wills it will be.

X—X-rays: God gave men the intelligence to create x-ray machines and let’s us use them to discover things unseen.

Z—Zippers: Glad that buttons don’t have all the work to do to keep my pants up!

 

Maybe some of you would find this amusing to try. Would enjoy seeing other “alphabet encouragements.”

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Heavy Day.

 Heavy Day.

 

After walking from one end to the other of Encompass’ hallways to find Michelle Malay, the old woman was tired last night. And today the feed picked up yesterday had to be put in the bins. However, doofless got the wrong kind of chicken feed but put it in the bin anyway. Then went back to Feed and Garden Store and got one 50 lb. sack of layer crumble. It is at least in the workshop, but not yet in the bin. Fatigue!

 

Michelle was dozy yesterday and just told me that she was cold and hurting. Went and got her a blanket, but the med nurse said she had just had her pain meds. Anyway, left her a few things and then went on about my meddling.

 

Today the old woman had to look up all the different folks who use my credit card for bill payments: so far, Atmos, Energy Ogre, and my doctor’s office. Had to get the name and password for Atmos since it had been so long and a certain old person did not have those in her password book. The entire situation was caused by someone trying to use my credit card. Argh!! Really wish all the things that email, FB, and other companies use to verify my identity had to be used for the card as well. Or maybe not. Sigh.

 

The autistic daughter of one of my favorite authors has been affected by blindness caused by autism and lack of vitamin D. Amazing what certain vitamins can do for you or what happens when you don’t have enough. Steve Riggs and his wife have only two children. Hermonie (not sure it is spelled correctly) is his daughter. Know this is very hard for them to handle. The child seemed very ill in the picture he posted on FB. A prayer for healing and for peace would not be amiss for the family.

 

Speaking of prayer, Sterling said that the doctor who will do his first eye surgery asked to pray with him for the success of the surgery. Of course, that was great with Sterling. We were brought up to believe that we should always ask God for His help. So, there is another need for prayer.

 

Now most of you may remember our prayers for Tami Yonts when she had surgery for a brain tumor and other things concerned with cancer. It had looked to be in total remission until they just happened to do an endoscope recently and found a tumor. Now she is in for more radiation or chemo and all the good stuff that goes with trying to overcome cancer. She and her husband Mike are trying their best to stay calm and at peace, but they both need God’s peace for their minds and spirits. Let us pray for them.

 

Know that Michelle appreciates your prayers for healing and for the fortitude that it takes to handle the pain that goes with rehab for a knee replacement. Sterling said it is one of the hardest things he has had to do.

 

Patty said that the idea of drones flying around looking at everything anyone is doing and the idea that they could easily be armed bugged her. Yep. Makes a person wish for a mighty quick flyswatter! Can’t exactly get out the old long tom and blow the suckers out of the sky, but it certainly would be tempting.

 

Just put some chicken on for soup. Have some spinach noodles that should go well with it. Just haven’t decided if it will be good with four cheese Alfredo or something in tomato. Haven’t had Alfredo for quite a while. Guess that one wins! Now to choose some frozen veggies to go with it.

 

Last major task of the day is trying to figure out how to send that first coffee pot back to Amazon since it quit on me. Will have to wait and ask Jenn how she does it. Mom has not done that before.

 

Let us remember to pray for those in high places that make such big changes in our lives. God puts them where they are for His reasons. We need to try to respect the power given to them no matter how we feel about their decisions. God is still in charge.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Thursday Afternoon.

 Thursday Afternoon.

 

My desk hits the sore wrist in just the exact place that has turned a yellowish brown. Will make this short, if not so sweet. Have had an attitude today just trying to get out of bed. Why things decide to hurt in any particular place is a mystery, but now the left hip wants me to know that it was the first landing place of the spaced-out ship of old woman! Such fun!

 

The x-ray ordered for the kidneys and such was not surprising, but now Dr. B wants me to see a urologist. Told her the name of the ONE doctor that is an absolute no-no. So, she is sending me to his daughter. Or one of my choice. This one is closer. Argh. It never does matter when things are messed up when it is a doctor trying to figure out what exactly might be the problem. We have to understand that doctors “practice” medicine. Ahem.

 

Saw Shona leave this morning and am hoping that AJ felt good enough to go back to school. Poor kid! He has been through it this year. And now Shona and Leoanna are feeling rotten.

 

Think Shona’s mom is going to get a little house put on their property. As long as it is a decent contractor doing this work, maybe it will be a good thing. Saw online that some contractor here or in Archer has been cheating folks in amounts of over 100K. Amazing that he has not been strung up from a telephone pole!!

 

Saw that a seven pointer had hit off the coast of California. Do you suspect that God is trying to get someone’s attention? And then our government wants us to stop sending texts because your wife’s message to husband to stop to get eggs on the way home from work might get their system infiltrated by the Chinese. Then, of course, if you happen to be a big exec in any of the insurance companies, you might want to get a security guard or wear a flack jacket. This world! SO thankful that God intends for the changes to be so very dramatic that His purpose will not be misinterpreted!

 

Finished the book of Acts this morning and thought about how so many folks were kind to Paul. He had the opportunity to spread the gospel to almost every little place he landed. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if each of us could be even a tiny bit like that and give others the hope that we have in His love! May we do our best to be like Christ.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

PS Not sure if Carla or Judie or Robin may post this day as well.