Destructions!

 Destructions!

 

Unloaded the barbecue thingy again. Have it up here closer to the workshop so that the tools will be where they are needed. Was going to try to get the pieces in the trash bin early this morning, but that did not happen. Oh well. My other “early” tasks did not exactly go too well either. The Rx had not come in at United, the Resale shop where the donations go really wants the donations left at the end of the buildings, and by the time the old woman got to Cato’s, well, perspiration does not set well with trying on tops. Will take a shower shortly and try on the three new tops. If they don’t fit, they can just go back when it is time to pick up the meds at United’s pharmacy. Love the convenience of having a shopping center close to home. Cato’s is not exactly Kohls, but it is great for tops to wear around the house. [One out of three fit loosely enough to suit me. Sigh]

 

The two broody hens are still broody, so it will require some more wrangling to shove them both in the pen again. Such fun. Something always needs to be done around here. Just keeping up with the floors lately has been a bit much. Pawprints deluxe! At least no chicken feed has to be brought home and unloaded this week.

 

United carries a collection of meats that did not sell for one reason or another, and they mark those down to 40% off. Sometimes a good buy will pop up, but generally speaking, it is simply not worth it. When the original price is nearly $40 and the sale price is over $20, they can keep it. This morning, they had a package with four beef ribs in it for under $2. The dogs love those things. Well, so does the old woman when a few bites of real beef are still on the bones. Anyway, we had some beef ribs for a snack today. But then a package of quarters is on cooking in Jennifer’s roaster, too. Those will have to be cooled and deboned here in a bit so the dogs can have fresh chicken on their kibble. Yep, still pampering these two doggos.

 

It is strawberry season and the strawberries are pretty big this year. Really wish they did not cause me to go into shock or break out in a rash. The last time any were consumed by a doofless ol’ woman, her tongue swelled up before any Benadryl could be found in her bag! Kinda scary when something makes it hard to breathe. We had a neighbor once who was allergic to apples. That is hard! The juice is used in so many things! Who would have thought about it unless the person knew to watch for the ingredients!

 

Thought my old body was feeling so much better this morning, but after a couple of trips in the truck, hauling the danged cooker out of the back of the truck, and a few other little things like messing with the chicken feeder and growling over the dirty floors, the back is complaining rather loudly. This business of getting older is definitely not for sissies!

 

Both dogs need a bath, but it will have to wait at least a week when the weather decides it will just be hot and not be totally bipolar about going from coolish, to colder, to hotter than pancakes on a griddle! The hens are busy digging foxholes out in the yard for entertainment, so the dogs think that they are supposed to help them get the holes deep enough for a dog! Silly critters.

 

Just so you should know, my days don’t always begin with a thankful heart or an apology to God for my lack of empathy to others. A friend gave me a daily devotional book back last fall and it seems to hit on some of the things needed in my growth. One entry is called The Power of Confession. It always makes me feel inadequate when asking for a “general” forgiveness. It seems we should be able to look at our lives and see just what we did wrong or where we could or should have done something and didn’t. Max Lucado said it this way, “Who of us has felt sufficient remorse for our failings? If the cleansing of confession depends on the confessor, we are all sunk, for none of us have confessed accurately or adequately. The power of confession lies not with the person who makes it but the God who hears it.” Let us strive to see and correct our shortcomings daily. We are not going to leave this world perfect, but God only sees His son in us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

Flares and Bears!

 Flares and Bears!

 

Remembered this morning some of the things Granddad Pollard did when he was hurting so badly with his arthritis. No, won’t be putting a brandy bottle on the bottom shelf of the cabinet, much less in the feed bin. But did go take a steroid shot this morning. Dr. B. said that arthritis will “flare” sometimes. Let me tell you that right now the old woman has the attitude of a bear! Just don’t poke me or expect me to do much! Growlll. Just be glad when every joint calms down more than just a bit. Told Patty that if we had to stick a needle in every place that currently aches, the old woman would turn into a sieve!

 

Had shredded wheat cereal with blueberries this morning, but was still hungry by the time noon came and left. Stopped by Whataburger and got a junior bacon steak burger and an order of onion rings. Only Pioneer makes better onion rings!

 

Went by a store that had a bunch of pallets outside on the ground, but they said that they might need them. Will ask again tomorrow. Just would like to have one long raised bed for some mint, lavender, and other pretty herbs. If AJ will pull out all the stuff currently in the front flower bed, then may resow it with zinnias and other seeds. Just depends on how things go.

 

The pollen count is pretty high today, so if folks are extra gripey, it is really not surprising. One young woman on FB has done a study on trees that make pollen. Seems the male trees shoot out the pollen and the female trees absorb it. So, city planners only planted male trees to avoid all the fallen fruit from the female trees. Well, duh. With no females to absorb the pollen, it just flies around in the wind making pollen soup. If the city planners had planted ONLY female trees instead of only male trees, we would still not have fruit all over the place, but we also would not have the excess of pollen making the air thick! Figures.

 

Have a load of whites on in the washer and one of just clothes in the dryer. Will be mostly wearing shorts and tops for the remainder of spring and into summer. Tried to call the young woman at Spa Bella to make an appointment to get my hair cut off. Was trying to decide whether or not to let it grow out, but it is just too hot to even try to pin this mess up on top of my head. Sheep need to be sheared, ya know. Baaaaa!

 

Still need to go out and see what tools are needed to take apart that silly cooker. It is falling apart, but it needs to be in pieces to put in the trash bin. It’s too heavy to put in there all in one piece, too. It’s too bad that it was not in good enough shape to be reused as a barbecue pit thingy. Oh well. Right now, it is in the back of my truck. Too bad no one would steal the danged thing!

 

One nap and one load of clothes folded ready to be put away. Just have to decide which things to hang up instead of fold to lie flat on top of the dog crate. As long as it continues to get warmer, the old woman will not need to put on pants. This morning, we had a nice fog that reminded me of fall—except it was not the least bit cold. The grass was covered in a heavy dew as if we had had rain again. As long as the dew is heavy like that, the grass will just continue to grow higher. Patty has asked the mowers to come again, so will get most of the place cut again before the heat starts in for sure. Just don’t want to “scalp” the ground since we have no real assurance that we will get more rain.

 

May allow my two broody hens out of the cage this evening late. If they go straight for a nest, they will get to be put up again tomorrow. Silly critters!

 

Have three chicken breasts on in Jennifer’s roaster. They are probably about done, but one of them is as big as two of them put together. That had to have been one big chicken! The size of chickens today as compared to those years ago is just amazing! Chickens might have weighed in at two or three pounds once upon a time. Now the breast on one chicken could weigh that much! Modern growth genes are not doing chickens any real favors.

 

Again, we need to pray for those who have had their homes wiped off the maps, their jobs taken with the wind, and their lives injured or maimed. And that is just from the storms. If we try to avoid looking at Gaza and Israel, it becomes a nightmare. To base any decisions made upon the return of hostages becomes entirely unpredictable due to the fact that Hamas are simply terrorists. They have no sense of decency, pride, or purpose other than death to every Jew in the world. God will not let this stupidity go beyond a certain point. The Jew of Israel may not know Jesus Christ as the Messiah yet, but God will curse those who curse His people. Let us pray for blessings upon Israel.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Broody Hens and Wild Weeds!

 Broody Hens and Wild Weeds!

 

Sat down at my keyboard to type and discovered that the capital shift on the left side did not want to work. It’s as if every key feels as if it just does not think it needs to make an impression today. Hmm. Maybe the storm last night affected it the way it did me. Simply did not think the thunder would ever stop rumbling!!

 

Got a kick out of what my daughter said Gary was doing today. Seems a certain foundation is having a fund raiser for rectal cancer called “Corn Holes for %ssholes.” The company donated the money for Gary and his friend to throw bags of corn into holes to see who could do it best. Each company had to donate at least $500 for a team to play. Yes, the old woman put a percentage sign where it should be the capital “a.” FB has some rules or something.

 

Walked down to check the rain gauge on the fence post this morning. My little gauge said two inches, but the weather station that Clint and Sandy Robertson gave me said 2.79. It was a lot of rain very fast is for sure! Would not have wanted to be out near a bar ditch during that heavy stuff. We do have floaters every once in a while. At least Lake Wichita looks a bit more like a lake today. Maybe the areas close to the big lakes will have enough runoff to fill those up for a bit. Summer comes quickly and harshly, so all the rain we get now will probably be the sum of it until fall.

 

Got out and messed with the hens and dug some dirt away from the coops. Need to go out and put some bricks near one section as some critter is trying to dig a hole under the side near the back fence. Probably a possum, but those “sweet” little critters kill hens as big as Dallas! Also put the two broody hens inside a special coop for chicks so that neither could sit on the other hens’ eggs. Ornery suckers will puff up and try to keep others out of the nests.

 

My favorite mailman, Kevin, brought the snake stick this morning so that the old woman can grab one by the body and not have to kill it. The idea is to be able to move it somewhere without hurting it so it can go eat rats or whatever instead of consuming six to eight eggs at one go!! Kevin said his friend killed a rat snake that had six lumps inside—six eggs! Yes, they are greedy little twerps!

 

Sent eggs home with John and Mary Rhoads a bit ago. Still waiting to hand some to Shona’s kid to take to his new apartment for himself and his daughter. May just take them over to Shona and let her bug him instead of me trying to hand them over.

 

Pulled some wild lettuce in all its prickliness out of the poppy bed earlier. Would love to be able to find someone to hire to clean the bed thoroughly and then reseed it, but finding someone like that is not likely to happen. So, wild weeds it is until the energy strikes hard enough to move this old woman.

 

Wichita Falls has so much for which to be thankful today. The storm that was wiggling a tail over toward Iowa Park went on its way up to Oklahoma and about wiped Sulfur off the map with three separate tornadoes! It’s not exactly a big place to begin with, but having most of it torn up and blown away didn’t exactly help. Jennifer was watching a young woman showing the damage and just bawling for all she was worth. And then she saw a big box! Inside was HER dog, just safe and sound but unable to get out of the box. That was her reward for compassion right there!

 

The young neighbors across the street in Jerry’s house have never been through much in the way of bad storms apparently. The roof is metal and the house has siding on it, so the noise may have been much worse than over here with all the insulation in the roof and wooden siding. Then too, when the hail hit the windows, it sounded as if it could have broken one easily. Even with years of listening from inside an old oil tanker cellar, the noise made me nervous, too. Just very thankful we did not have any freight trains moving over this hill last night. That’s exactly what the last one sounded like when it lifted the porch on the old McDaniel house. No houses there now, but let’s not take aim at any that still are here.

 

Let us pray for those who have lived through the storms and are suffering losses and fears today. May God give them peace.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Weather Warnings.

 Weather Warnings.

 

Got a message from my daughter’s friend who is a meteorologist down their way. He said we are under a bad storm risk today. The atmosphere certainly feels that way this morning! Think Nebraska has already been hit either early this morning or last night. May God protect everyone from these high winds, tornadoes, and hail!

 

Actually took time and cooked a real breakfast this morning of bacon, scrambled eggs, and frozen waffles with real maple syrup (thanks to Grayson for asking for the real thing). Just switched off my coffee pot. It still makes coffee, but it no longer turns off auto-matically. Not sure it would be worth it to get another pot. The hot plate part always rusts after a while. Maybe the old woman is just too messy!

 

Noticed that my young neighbor is gone this morning, so she is probably having to work today. Poor kid works more than most folks, but to hear her tell it, the pay is not that great since she has to be on call all the time! That truly would be a problem for a young married couple. Or it seems it would be to me. But the kids seem very happy, and both of them are sweet.

 

The other neighbor has been helping a son move into a new apartment. Am hoping that he can lock everything on his field truck each night since it has expensive tools on that thing. Maybe the apartment complex will be one of the better ones. Sometimes it does not seem to matter how well kept or what kind of surveillance is available to keep out those with sticky fingers. The world just keeps getting less kind each day.

 

Guess the old woman should go pick up that stupid grill and throw it back in the truck bed so two vehicles can fit in the carport. Have a neighbor who could use the space today in case of hail. The weather report just keeps getting more than frightening—well, just more certain that we can expect some garbage this afternoon. Might have to put the dog leads on the half door in case a trip to Patty’s basement looks necessary. Sigh.

 

Have two hens that are broody and need to be separated from the ones laying eggs. Do not want these hens to have eggs to hatch out for real. Could get some chicks for them to mother, but that does not always work out too well. Just think enough chickens are out in the back right now. Love my hens, but they take a lot of work and a lot of expense. The feed went from less than ten dollars to nearly twenty dollars a bag for lay crumble since Covid hit. Just enough to make a person shake their head. No wonder egg prices are so very high. Chicken prices—for frozen meat—are very reasonable, but that is because Tyson and all the other breeders stockpiled meat to the extreme. You can bet the farmers did not get all the benefits of their business. Oh well.

 

Think downloading a few books to read might be a good idea. At least if the internet goes down, the old woman will have something to read. Here’s hoping the effort won’t really be needed in this case. Texas—well, Tornado Alley—weather!!

 

Let us ask for God’s protection upon all in the line of these storms we are expecting. Let us be grateful for His concern and love for us today and always.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

God's Gifts!

 God’s Gifts!

 

Got a wonderful rain during the night! Yes, the dogs had to be very close to me, but the rain made it worth wondering about all the thunder and lightning! One and a half inches in the rain gauge was enough to make me smile extra wide! God gave us a good one. If we get some more in a day or two, maybe the watershed to the area lakes will help to refresh the water levels. We can hope and pray!

 

Not sure if it was the weather, the stress, or a combination thereof, but the pain level around here last night was just unreal. Had taken one of the drastic pain pills earlier and crashed, so it was likely that sleep just might not happen, but God blessed the old woman with a good night’s rest. Even the dogs being restless and the thunder and lightning did not prevent sleep last night. Let’s face it, rest and a relaxing sleep is a major blessing from God. Which reminds me that the wicked will not have rest. How very sad. Not only thrown into darkness without the Light of the Creator, but then left in misery without rest. Let us ask for forgiveness and give thanks each day for His love!

 

In a bit when Colonial Park Vet Clinic is open, my job is to go get Rudy’s ashes to take to Patty. And yes, she is pretty emotional—and that is totally understandable. Any of us who love our critters know how it is to lose one of them and feel somewhat devastated by the loss. But she still has little Roxie to keep her on her toes. She said last night that Roxie was all over her, the bed, the covers—both under and over—and then ended up in her little cube bed. She finally got some sleep, but felt as if she had been ridden hard and put away wet this morning! Her friend Debbie suggested going to get another dog, but that just ticked Patty off! She does not “replace” her dogs like that. And she is too old to start over with a puppy for sure!! Can’t imagine how Michelle Malay can deal with her puppy, Henry. But when we talk on the phone, it is Maggie who howls in the background! These critters know when we use that phone!!

 

Rachelle posted about Danny Pollard and his numbers for his kidneys and such. Those numbers don’t really mean anything to me other than to know that his fatigue is terribly hard on him and have to do with whatever is in his blood. Not sure if the dialysis is helping or not, but he is still with us! God has helped him be there for his family so far. Now we can pray that the older farm will sell so he can have things settled and his home paid off. It must be a bit concerning to him to know that he can never do any of the work he did in the past. At this point, he is just doing his best to be here. Please pray for him and his family.

 

Then there is my friend Stephen. The man has been used and abused! Of his three boys, he has one that lives with him and loves him. He does not need a woman in his life right now, but being a man, he may not think that way. Anyhow, he is in the process of getting rid of a woman who was renting from him and has all her dogs and horses on his land. Let’s pray that this situation will turn out better for him with no more heartbreak or other types of disaster.

 

Life is hard when others are out to hurt a person. Have recently been told about a woman whose husband beat the living crud out of her and tried to throttle her—hands on throat and all. It is heartbreaking to think that one’s mate turns out to be one of the worst dangers to life and limb! Let us pray for peace not only between families, but between nations and between mankind and this old earth we live on. Let us appreciate each day and the songs of birds, the blooms of the flowers, and the rains from God.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Worries that Never Transpire!

 Worries that Never Transpire!

 

Have you ever had yourself totally concerned about a situation and then have it kind of blow over without a big deal. Seriously not disappointed that today was an easy day. Did not have to testify and walked away without having to say anything to anyone except the lawyer. Honestly, you can bet that my friend ended up paying through the nose for having the agreement put into the record. Next step, if they take it, is mediation. Maybe that will not be bad either. Who knows. Since his oldest son is so volatile, let’s just pray that no one gets shot for stupid “things” that people think matter. The Bible tells us not to get into it with anyone about property, but in some situations, a man/woman has to stand up and say, “Oh, hell no!”

 

Sent four dozen eggs over to North Church to the Miranda family. Then Shona said that “Junior” was moving into his apartment this weekend, so he will need some eggs soon for him and his little girl. Sounds almost as complicated—maybe a bit more—than Grayson’s move into his new house. Junior has to go all the way to Pampa to pick up his furniture! Not like it is just across the road or even in the same town!

 

Weather forecast for this weekend: maybe some rain tonight and Saturday. And yes, we still really need it—especially the lakes and the area that drains into them.

 

In the morning, Colonial Park Vet Clinic will have Rudy’s ashes ready for me to pick them up. They called this afternoon, but having just taken a pain pill, the old woman was not going to drive. Callled Patty to let her know, and she began to cry. Honestly not a thing that will help except the time for this grief to not be so fresh.

 

Still have not ordered the snake snagger, but maybe this evening some time might get spent looking at that and flower seeds. Isn’t it funny the strange things that catch our eyes and make us happy. Have some room to plant in the front two flower beds, so maybe tomorrow will see something getting done. Or not. You know how these things go. Kinda like intending to go to the Farmers’ Market downtown. Sigh.

 

Today my gratitude meter is bouncing on the full indicator. Got gas at United for $2.29 a gallon. Picked up a couple of veggies and actually got out of the store for less than a hundred! Love those reward points for money off on groceries or gasoline!

 

Saw one stupid headline that bugs me: Poland and France have been warned that Russia intends to send an attack on them that will not be obviously from Russia. And then watched as our DPS and police took action on a Texas campus to put down demonstrators and let them know that their actions result in consequences. So, disgusting to see so much ignorance on campuses where we are supposed to expect much better understanding of history and what we can expect in the world today. These little spoiled brats need their butts put into work camps so that they can learn the meaning of freedom the hard way. In my estimation, every man and woman should spend at least a year in service to our country. If they are not in school and doing well in their studies, they should be eligible to join a river clean up crew or something of that nature. Argh! Yes, the old woman used to do some highway walking and picking up trash. But that was before she got so danged old!

 

Sometimes it is just so reassuring to know what the final situation will be in God’s time. This Passover season reminds me that we need to wash one another’s feet—if not literally, then figuratively. Guess that is why the old woman was a driver today to help this friend. God gives us opportunities to be a blessing to others. Take every opportunity!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Trying to be Positive.

 Trying to be Positive.

 

When something is bothering you about what you need to do or must do despite all, it really does not help to try to decide how long that something will take. Ya just do it and grit your teeth. That is how it is right now. Not looking forward to tomorrow. But have downloaded a couple of books on the Kindle app and opened them so that they can surely be read when waiting for things to take place in their own good time. Wish these two books were full of good laughs like some of the books by Steve Higgs. The Albert books with his crazy ex-police dog just made me sit down and cackle! Need more books like that. Well, just need more laughs, period.

 

One thing tomorrow might be good for: to see Laurie, my daughter by another mother. She works where my body will be and maybe we can get in a few laughs. At least a hug might happen. She and Jenn grew up together and have stayed pretty close.

 

Got a call from Sharon Dickerson this morning. She was stopped at a stop sign, and when she went ahead and went forward, she hit a car coming from the other direction—to her right. She could not see around a bus, so she thought it was ok to go. Personally, it would have been my choice to let the bus go forward before my vehicle moved. They can stand a hit much better than a smaller vehicle. Anyway, she had to go to the hospital to get x-rays of her ribs. And now she is without a vehicle for the time being. We will just have to pray that she can be calm about this entire situation and get over feeling as if nothing is going her way.

 

Have been trying to decide whether or not to have my hair cut again this year. Right now, it is too long to be comfortable, but every short hair cut demands another cut within six weeks or so to keep my bangs out of my eyes. It grows like a bad weed! That can get expensive at $40 a pop! That is like two 50-pound sacks of chicken lay crumble!! Can you see the grin on my face here?

 

The chickens are still learning about their feeder, but the danged sparrows, doves, and such have it figured out. They can’t open it, but if it is open, they can get in it! Was opening it to refill this morning and found a bunch of bugs in it. The hens said, “Yummy!” They eat anything that moves!

 

Michelle said she was hurting too badly to move and try to drive today, so maybe she will be here some day soon. If the old woman were any good at all, she would drive out yonder into that area of Clay County and just go see her and all those crazy dogs! The dogs, however, might just chew my legs off!

 

Guess a message needs to be sent to Dr. B about eggs again. They pile up rather quickly around here. Have tried to call a coupe of folks, but had no answers, so it may come down to standing on the side of the road handing out dozens of eggs! Grayson is going to have to move into his house and have a chicken yard very soon. That or the kids are going to have to come pick up eggs!

 

You all try to think positive today along with me. As it is, some of us are positive this old world is totally warped! Let us praise God for all the good things and try to ignore the stupidities around us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Not Exactly!

 Not Exactly!

 

Years ago, back when Grandmother Pollard was having the book club ladies at her house one day, she was passing out plates of whatever and looked over at me and asked what would do for my lunch. At the time, some country western singer had a song going about a cheeseburger and a bottle of beer. Can you guess what my answer to her question was that day? Not sure if she was totally embarrassed or not, but all the ladies had a big laugh.

 

Today my silly thoughts ran to that cheeseburger and bottle of beer. Noon is absolutely not the time of day to go pick up food anywhere, so the old woman got out some pork steaks that Albert Leos had mentioned were on sale. A steak and a package of those instant fully loaded potatoes made a decent lunch—along with that bottle of beer. Shiner Bock! Sat there thinking that on one hand the number of bottles of beer brought into this house in nearly forty-four years of marriage could not quite cover one hand in counting. Lewis just did not drink unless it was a pretty special occasion. We had a bottle of rum or something like that which stayed in the bottom of the deep freeze for years. Big drinkers!

 

The men from Burkburnett came this morning early and mowed mine and Patty’s places. The entire place looks very nice. One brother weed eats and the other one runs that zero-turn thing across the lots like a race car driver! They get both places done in about an hour—and dear hearts, that is a lot of territory to cut and chop! The wild doves and my hens thoroughly enjoy all the freshly cut stuff out there. Looked down at the east lots and saw that they were covered in little grey feathered bodies!  

 

Michelle Malay called and said she was going to try to be here tomorrow afternoon. Surely hope so. It’s about the only really good hug that comes to my house! Anyway, she reminded me that United had their ground beef on for $2.97 a pound, so the old woman went up and got a couple of packages and then repackaged them into twelve little Ziplocks. The freezer now contains some beef for a change.

 

Saw a crack at the top of the back door the other day and realized that a snake could crawl up the door and come right on in. Guess who is going to see about putting a small spacing board right next to the place where the door closes at the top. Have had snakes—one at a time, mind you—in this house and am not fond of those critters! May let Amazon bring me one of those long-handled things that squeeze around a snake to pick it up.

 

Have mostly rested today since yesterday evening found every muscle aching pretty badly. Michelle thinks it is the weather since she is hurting as well. Who knows. Whatever causes it, nothing like being shut down just from trying to move around inside the house. Not every day is like this, thank God, but it would be nice if a warning could be posted before the aches really take over! And then, too, we are supposed to be in for some storms for a few days. The lakes must have missed all the rain because the city still says we are losing water. Guess we are all just going to have to ask not only for protection from the storm winds but for all the rain we need to even make it through this summer.

 

Patty seems to be doing pretty well today. Think she realizes that Rudy was so very thoroughly loved! Not many rescues have it as good as Rudy and Roxie have had it. It just amazes me that so many folks are having the same experience right now. Not sure why that is, but we each understand the meanings behind the love that goes into living with our animals. Love is so much more than just creature comforts. God has gifted these animals to us as examples of unconditional love.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 

 

Rainbows and History.

 Rainbows and History.

 

Patty was telling me about someone who went all through our current education system to college. This person had never heard of WWI, WWII, Vietnam, or even 9-11, much less the Holocaust! He wondered why he had never heard of these things before in history class. It does seem as if history has been subverted into opinions and theories rather than facts, but Patty was astounded to hear that most people think that the Civil War was totally about slavery instead of any part of economics! Well, without slaves the southern states had no way of growing cotton, tobacco, or any other crop. So, yes, they felt they needed slaves. But they were overshadowed by the economic influence of the northern states. Where were ships built? Up North. Who chose where the ships took whatever was grown in the South? Well, if you own the ships, you choose where they go and what goods are to be transported. Economics. And, don’t forget, slavery existed in the Northern states, too.

 

On FB the other day was a story about all the colors of the rainbow and how they fought about which one was the most important. The story told how they all had to get along to make up the rainbow. Not one word was mentioned about the meaning of the rainbow being a promise from God. It was not even scientifically discussed about the prism of lights and the presence of water in the atmosphere--just a stupid little story about how all the colors had to get along. How do things get subverted?

 

Anyway, today we have a euphemism about the “rainbow bridge.” Rudy, the sweet little chihuahua/dachshund mix, collapsed in Patty’s living room and was taken to Colonial Park to have his cremation arranged. The man who does that for them was there today. The front desk person told him that they had six for pickup today. So, Patty is not the only one with tears in her eyes tonight. When the old woman texted Patty’s step-son and step daughter-in-law, they said they had experienced the same thing this morning. Their kitty cat had lived a long life, but our animals are never around quite as long as we would like for them to be. Patty only has Roxie now, but she will love her as much as she is able.

 

Have a treadle feeder for the hens now and have been trying to teach them to use it. May have to sit out there and encourage them, but the sunshine feels good anyway! My dogs even think lying out in the sunshine is their current job.

 

The men with the mowers will be here tomorrow. Just the backyard and some weed eating need to be done here. The grass has grown by leaps and bounds since that last rain! Took Roxie out to let her go do her thing earlier and just about lost her in Patty’s jungle! She is such a tiny dog, but that grass covers her up in a hurry! The pollen count is so high right now that Patty does not need to be out in the wind. She is already having trouble breathing just with the stress, so tried to encourage her to let Roxie just use the dog yard instead of the big yard. My prayer is that she will be reminded often that she was loved by a very sweet dog—and he, too, was very loved and knew it!

 

Let us all be thankful for the many blessings of life. We can read and listen to what the world is becoming, but we don’t have to be a part of the shtuff that is going on. Let us stand up and ask God to help us always remain in His truth.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Passover and Forgiveness.

 Passover and Forgiveness.

 

Tonight begins the Passover season and reminds us of what Christ became—the perfect lamb of sacrifice. God will forgive the repentant of sins and see His perfect Son in our place. Unlike man, God forgives. But then, He is also sees true repentance. Man can’t see beyond his own feelings of anger and hurt. It is very difficult for mankind to trust. But God has the type of vision that sees the ends before they ever happen. Too bad we don’t have a clue like that. We only see ourselves becoming hurt over and over again. And plenty of narcisstic folks are around us that are determined that everything is all about them. We are supposed to be careful of their feelings no matter what they do to ours. Yep, we are not the omniscient beings who can see the end from the beginning.

 

Max came over to pick up some garlic that got pulled out of the front flower bed. Some zinnias are going in there—or maybe a different kind of flower. Roger T. gave me plenty of garlic from his place out in Petrolia one day, so it’s not like it will be missed. Told Max to be sure and leave it outside rather than in the house tonight or his “blues” would have an extra smell to them tomorrow for whatever reason he has to wear them. Hope he paid attention.

 

Have the dogs inside the house to keep them from running up and down the fence and barking at a couple of Shona’s children. The kids love to play ball out there, and the dogs just do not understand why they can’t be involved in that game of chase. Afraid that would be one very flat football rather quickly.

 

Got the chicken feeder today. Put it together on the highest setting and took it out and filled it. Finally left the lid open so that they get the idea that their feed is inside that thing. They are still messy and throw some of it on the ground, but it is still better than yesterday when the rain soaked one of the other feeders. Ended up dumping it and sweeping it into a pile for the ducks, wild birds, and whichever hens got into it. Tonight, the feeder top will be closed to keep vermin out and the feed dry in case of rain. Really hope it does not take long for the hens to figure it out to step on the treadle to open the lid. If it keeps the danged ducks out, that will prevent a considerable loss.

 

Trying to decide if maybe being critical of others is my worst characteristic or if maybe being unforgiving is part and parcel with that. Mom had the same problem. But let’s not claim that heredity has anything to do with our sour apple ways? Maybe this is one of those things we are supposed to check about ourselves every day and try to improve our attitude.

 

Meanwhile, will ask you to pray for those who are incarcerated in our stupid prisons and jails. Saw a program about Houston where some felons have repeatedly been bonded out after horrible crimes, yet they will not see a court room for at least six years. Those who have killed people still have more freedom than those who have done so much less harm, yet the courts have put some folks in jail simply because they were able to get them on charges that could be proved easily. Our court system simply is sick.

 

Let us be grateful for good health and remember that we are about as happy as we choose to be. May we thank God for His many blessings.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Plugging in the Heater!

 Plugging in the Heater!

 

It was 50 degrees this morning and plum wet. No, this old woman is NOT griping in the least! But it did occur to me that a heater in the office would make life more comfortable for the time being. One day this past week, the AC units were turned on. And today the heater had to be plugged in! Texas!

 

Sterling called and said that it is cold and pretty uncomfortable up there on the hill where they live. No rain, just cold wind. He is busy making another bench for the lumber yard. They have had three requests, and he only had one ready to go, so today he is making another one. The bird houses are also selling like hotcakes. He will take the 18 he has ready with him the next time he goes. It just amazes me that the things he enjoys can make so much money out of scrap lumber. Of course, any lumber is out of sight expensive right now. He said someone brought him a rocking chair that can be turned over to be a high chair. He is going to keep it and have it ready for two little girls that he and Jacqui love. They are pretty disgusted with a granddaughter who left her husband and is making her little girls’ lives harder just by being a spoiled brat herself. No excuse exists that gives a woman—or a man—any reason to upset the lives of their children. It is one thing to protect one’s self from physical abuse, but just “not being happy” is not a sufficient excuse to separate. Those children did not ask to be born, but parents owe them the security of their own two parents to be with them until they are grown or out of the house for good. What kind of example is it to a child to leave your husband and chase after some other man?

 

Talked to Patty this morning about her Ruddy. The little guy has been coughing a lot, so she has done her research about the heart medication they gave her. On Google, one of the most important facts was to give the dog the meds at least an hour before giving any food. Or to wait two to three hours after it had eaten to give the medication. The vet did not tell us that and neither did the insert that came with the medication!! Anyway, after taking the med, Ruddy was not coughing as much, so Patty is going to try giving it to him again tonight. He is already SO much better and has not taken the stupid diabetes stuff at all since she gave up on that mess. The medication had made him almost as sick as the heart condition!

 

Had planned to go to a flower show at Trinity United Methodist this afternoon. The Iris Society has some of the most beautiful flowers and arrangements a person could expect! But this cold, wet weather is not exactly my cup of tea, much less cup of good coffee. Cold weather has a tendency to leave me grumpy—well, grumpier than usual.

 

Was so happy to have my neighbor Laisha come over and reset the parameters for the security on my computer the other day. Don’t know what the old woman did, but every sign on demanded a double ingredient to allow it to be used! Pretty sure Daniel Hernandez would be laughing at me. The dingy old woman accidentally screwed up the server with the password while working at ACC, and it took him days to figure out that my computer was working as a server for the school!!

 

Loaned out a new copy of the study of Daniel and found out that it was being read in the bathroom. Sat there and laughed myself silly. The only way that the political study of Ireland [thank you, Joe Malay] could ever be completed in this house was by sticking the book by the commode. That is about where politics belongs anyway! Would not necessarily say that about a study of Daniel, but at least the book will get a reading.

 

Really don’t know much today. We can be doubly thankful for all this rain because the lakes so desperately need it. The only drawback that might cause problems will be the high grass that will dry out and be so easily set on fire! Three places in this neighborhood are susceptible, but maybe they won’t burn.

 

Let’s thank God for the rain and for the peace we have here in this area. It is becoming less and less common to have peace and tranquility. May we each do our part to make this a better and more loving world.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

The Cooler Weather?

 The Cooler Weather?

 

The book being devoured at the moment is based upon one of the areas of England where it is normally miserably wet all the way from fall through early spring. And the cooler weather today has made me realize that it really does feel like it should be raining. At the same time, it is obvious that we don’t get the kind of rain that falls in any of England! Rather, we can just sit around and wish that we had so much rain that we could appreciate a dry day! THAT is pretty hard to imagine in this part of the world and in almost any area of Texas. In fact, out in West Texas, my friend Carol just dreams of having any rain! West Texas, New Mexico, and most of Arizona have a lot in common. Wet weather is always a surprise, if not a real delight. Of course, out there in Arizona, a rain more than likely means some flash flooding! Good Golly Wash was one of the signs we read on the highway to Tucson. The children laughed about that one while we just nodded our heads. We had seen that happen in our part of the world before! A spring downpour could easily become a gully washer!

 

In this book, the child asks for a drink that they call a ‘squash.” Apparently, that has nothing to do with a vegetable and everything to do with a sugary fruit drink. In Scotland it will undoubtedly be orange in color and be something of a national drink to go with their idea of sports. And don’t even think about iced tea. Those folks think that tea of any sort is supposed to be hot and drunk with either sugar or milk—or both. What really appeals about A Casterglass Garden is the actual gardening and trekking about on the grounds of a castle that needs the bolstering of about a million or two dollars! The idea of finding antiques in barns is somewhat appealing as well. But the entire gardening idea is just about floated away by the amount of rain, chilled mornings, and hidden things behind massive, overgrown bushes. Somehow it is still appealing simply because of the stone paths that are covered by grass that needs to be hacked away. Even here on this old hill is a concrete sidewalk that once existed on my property. But nothing would probably cause me to uncover it totally and make it useful again. Who would even walk there any longer? Maybe that is why hidden gardens are hidden. Who would go there to walk, sit on a stone and read, or merely daydream?

 

Once upon a time the hills above my grandfather’s farm looked as if they had been the campgrounds of some Indians who brought their horses there to graze. But maybe that was just in my imagination. The little seep spring that fed a small pond was about right for a few head of cattle or some horses, but it would not have been adequate for more than an overnight camp. Let’s face it, Texas springs dry up rather quickly without a good rain once in a while.

 

Other things dry up without something to replenish their sources, too. Our faith is one of those things that needs to be replenished often. The first disciples may have walked with the memories of having been with Christ, but few of us have ever had more than the stories we have read in the Bible. Some of us have seen miracles or been made aware that the things we saw and heard actually were miracles. But just as a few flowers do not make a garden, noticing happiness in things does not make a personality or convince us that His love is unconditional. We need reminders. We take time each spring to hope for flowers or to put some plants around in pots and planters with just hope and a little water to keep them going. Our summers usually put the quietus to those ideas. It takes more than just a dab of water to keep things going in tough weather. And it takes more than just a daily Bible reading to help us remain hopeful in spirit. Maybe we should all begin to look for those hidden gardens to uncover paths of hope and promise.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

What Sunshine Shows!

 What Sunshine Shows!

 

This past fall the AC unit in the office window needed to be covered—from the inside of the room. Did that with a big black bag and then put up some drapes that pretty much cut out the light and the wind that can cut right through glass! The problem it created, however, includes not being able to really see the dirt that accumulated on my keyboard or the dullness in my thoughts for lack of sunshine. Sunlight is so essential to our wellbeing! Not just the vitamin D or whatever, but it has a tendency to lift us up in spirit as well as nurture our body functions. Well, now the keyboard has been wiped down and my face has a smile on it to rival a hen with a big ol’ earthworm or grasshopper! My favorite granddaughter used to go running in the park trails to get herself into the right mood to attack her school work or any problems she had encountered. Nature—the birds that sing and the leaves that provide the chorus to the songs—is good for what ails us! If lack of sleep is not the problem for us that brings our emotions down, then the lack of the hugs of nature might just give one the boost needed to find some happiness. It is pretty difficult to be depressed with a smile on your face.

 

After an appointment with the dentist today, the old woman went to Whataburger to sit down to eat some lunch. Had intended to have onion rings because theirs are so very good. But an apple cranberry salad just sounded good. Sat down and ended up visiting with Jo Ann’s daughter. She is a very sweet young woman, and two of her children grew up (mostly) across the road from me. Anyway, she knows the neighborhood well. We were talking about Lake Wichita and how popular it had been before they lowered the dam into a spillway. We remembered all the speedboats, skiers, swimmers, and fishermen out here on this lake. It was about the most popular place in town as far as we were concerned, yet our city just ignores it and any possibility for amusing the hoards of young kids that would love to go out in a paddle boat or canoe. But even Lake Arrowhead could have paddle boats or sailboats, but maybe the city just does not want anyone out there. Not sure what the reasoning is for not providing some kind of place to rent canoes, paddle boats, kayaks and such. Oh well. It’s not like this old woman is ever going to go paddling off across any lake!

 

Just happened to see a post on FB from a man in France who was warning that they are lined up for a late freeze which would wipe out the potatoes and tomatoes that are unprotected. Remember that old saying about waiting to plant until after Easter? Well, Passover is the 22^nd of April this year. No, that is not Easter, but it makes me think about the warning. Here is something to consider from online:

According to Copernicus Climate Change Service, February 2024 was the warmest February ever recorded globally. However, North America, Asia, and parts of Europe experienced record-breaking cold temperatures. In some places, such as China's Mohe and Russia's Yakutsk, temperatures dipped to the life-threatening lowest levels. Alarmingly, this juxtaposition of increasing temperatures amidst extreme coldness pushes the future of our planet's climate into uncertainty.

This paradoxical situation is captured by the Warm Arctic-Cold Continent (WACC) phenomenon, where warm Arctic temperatures lead to sea-ice decline and cold blasts across specific mid-latitude regions.

 

Basically, the man from France was warning that some people were going to have to replant—if plants were available—simply because they could easily see freezing temperatures! Just one more thing to consider in our changing world.

 

Even if we are not garden planters or sports enthusiasts, we all need to get outside and go walk in the grass or sit in the sunshine with our dogs, chickens, cats, and other critters. Being outside and together with something or someone who loves you creates a happiness that abides. We know that God works to bring us to Him with situations, but do we consider that these things are all for our good? Be happy to know that the One who created love has His hands on our future, our now, and all things that will create a better world. Learn to pray often and in all things whether sadness, loss, anger, or unexpected circumstances. All things are meant to our good by our Father.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Shoulda Waited!

 Shoulda Waited!

 

At times when the brain is only firing on three rather than six or eight, it would simply be better not to write—or at least not to post. Last night was one of those times. But it’s done, so there’s that. My apologies to those who prefer linear thinking and comprehensible writing. A couple of things had bothered my easily upset beliefs about depression and how others look at those things with their simplistic understanding of causes and the “one” thing that could relieve the pressures of mental and emotional distress. Maybe you all could pardon the old woman this time for her bombastic “religious” posting. Jennifer says she looks at those posts and just skips over them. Whatever works.

 

Woke up to a misty morning. Just wish it were a full-on rain out there to soak up the stuff that needs to come out of the air. The pollen count has just been unreal! Can’t imagine what it must be like for those who are not affected by the garbage in the air!

 

Had thought about doing some light weed eating out front today. Parts of that grass and the chives out there look pretty wild even though an occasional poppy waves above the taller stuff. Trying to save the flowers has me keeping a nice, secluded spot for snakes and assorted critters. So far, none of the neighborhood bunnies have nested in that part of the yard—well, probably not. Those little bunnies are pretty sneaky. Have had visions of what might be out in the area behind Jeanie’s place. A bobcat, a snake family, a skunk or raccoon would not be the least bit surprising. Thinking about driving my little mower across Patty’s place and attacking it from the north with the blade on its highest setting. Really think a sling-blade or a gas-powered weed eater would be the best answer to that tall stuff. It is well over knee high on me. But my shoulders are too old for any kind of swinging and no longer have a gas-powered anything out there as far as tools are concerned—well, zero-turn mower excepted. Anyway, it is just a thought.

 

Jennifer just sent me the neatest picture of a blanket of buttercups on the lawn of H&O where the kids work. Mother Nature gave them something other than the mess of highway construction to look at for the time being. Love buttercups! But then, dandelions appeal to me in the most profound way! My friend Tad Lawson sent me a poem he had published about dandelions, but hang it all! Having not printed it out when a printer still existed in this house, it is not going to be found easily enough to share with you. Oh well. Let’s just say that he found that dandelions did not feel the need to be appreciated. Guess we all need to have that attitude at times for self-preservation.

 

Read online last night about a young woman who was born with a condition that only occurs in one baby in 50 thousand to 500 thousand in which the nerves on one side of the face do not develop. Dr. Jensen (a chiropractor) says that we all seem to think that we are symmetrically built. Just is not so. But not having the nerves on one side of the face caused this person to be unable to smile or have what we consider to be normal facial expressions.

Tayla Clement, 26, was born with a rare disorder that has made it impossible for her to smile — but she says she is grateful for it.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Clement has Moebius syndrome, a neurological disease that affects one child out of every 50,000 to 500,000 born, research shows. Moebius occurs when a baby’s facial nerves are underdeveloped. The primary effects are facial paralysis and inhibited eye movement, but the condition can also cause difficulty with speech, swallowing and chewing, according to Johns Hopkins. "The syndrome affects my sixth and seventh cranial nerve, so it's essentially like facial paralysis," Clement told Fox News Digital in an interview.

It also means Clement can’t move her eyebrows or upper lip — and can’t shift her eyes from side to side.

Anyway, this young woman went through social problems simply because she was unable to smile or have what we consider normal facial expressions. But she has been able to overcome her disability and attempt to find a way for others to have the inclusion in society that she has found.

 

We really are so very judgmental! (the old woman included in that label) Aren’t we blessed that God does not judge us so readily!

 

The UPS truck should be here soon with three sacks of experimental (to us, at least) dog food for older dogs. Trying to find something that helps my dogs be healthy without having to cook for them every week has not been a success so far. Sigh.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Checking Prices!

 Checking Prices!

 

Some folks are doofless, and then there is me. The chicken quarters are sixty-nine cents a pound. The whole chickens are ninety-seven cents a pound. Yes, you get six breast pieces out of three chickens, but you have mostly paid for the bones in the rest of the critter! Duh. Oh well. Already have the quarters cooked up, deboned, slipped into baggies, and refrigerated. Just waiting now for the three whole chickens to finish cooking in the roaster. They may not get deboned until the morning. And tomorrow the new dog food is supposed to be delivered. Am trying to find a food that is good for the dogs since they are both considered seniors. Patty told me that her friend was using something from Sam’s for her dogs, and that the stuff seemed to be doing some good for their arthritis. If it is actually helpful for them, maybe we ALL need to be on that stuff!! [only semi-joking]

 

Saw an advertisement for my nephew’s one farm on FB today and reposted it. Didn’t pay any attention to the price he put on it, but know it would help him if it sells soon. Would appreciate your prayers for him and for the sale. He will know more about the multiple myeloma and how much dialysis he will need as he goes along, but know for certain that he can’t be a chicken farmer any longer. Life is rough, but then to be a farmer and not be able to do anything is even rougher.

 

Sometimes things that are posted on FB just inspire me. Other times, the old woman has a tendency to get easily ticked off. One day, my good neighbor reminded me that the depression that took my son was neither my fault nor his. Mental illnesses are not things that can be placed in a box and shuffled around to discern causes or cures. We do not have any easy answers for depression or any other type of mental illness. And some things about depression are fleeting; others stay with a person for the duration of life. An older friend told me that if only he had stayed closer to God, he would not have died. Today, someone on FB said that all the suicides were caused by lack of Bible reading. Oh my! For me, right now in my time of life, these are the “end” times. Satan is very apparent in what is going on in this world. No amount of Bible reading will stop that horrible spirit. Only God, in His timing, will put a complete stop to Satan’s maneuvers. It occurred to me to remind that man of Elijah and how desperately depressed he was when God brought a bird to feed the man and allowed him to be comforted by telling him that he was not the only one obedient to God. Yes, we need to know the Bible and need to be reminded of God’s love. But just reading the Bible or even going to church is not the total answer to the problems of today. Looking at the bigger picture, so much more is prophesied to happen before the return of Christ to this earth. They will proclaim “peace, peace” when it is going to be a lie. But those who believe and want that particular kind of “peace” will be as bad as those who falsely proclaim it. Know this: Elijah was promised to see those who were obedient to God—even if only in God’s words. We have to believe those same words. There will be faith when He returns. Let us keep the faith and not find fault with those who don’t fit our particular beliefs or stumble in being faithful.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Soup of the Day.

 Soup of the Day.

 

A banana and coffee with creamer made up a breakfast on the hill this morning. Then after Dr. Pitts got through with me, my entire mouth and nose, jaw, and lips felt as if they belonged to someone else. So, soup a la Ramen with freeze dried veggies made din-upper. Just did not feel as if chewing would be good for my tongue or the inside of my cheeks. But, here’s the best part: pain-free filling. He has only been doing this for 20 years, but he understood when told that my dental history had been “rough.” Yes, he knew what they used to do to kids, adults, horses, and any other critter that needed dental work. And going back this Thursday does not even give me the slightest case of hesitancy.

 

Have been praying part of the day for more rain and none of the possible tornadoes for which we are to be on the watch. Walked the east lots to check the fence line and noticed how dry the ground beneath the clover has become. Just hope that any rain does not just make the weeds grow around the neighborhood without anyone taking responsibility for mowing. We have at least two overgrown lots that will be true fire hazards as soon as it gets just a bit drier. And even my place is going to need some trimming of the front yard again. Will try using the little battery-powered weed eater in spots to make it look nicer. The iris and poppies are just going great guns currently, but neither of those flowers will cause fires.

 

Fell asleep after my bowl of soup and could easily just sleep until tomorrow—well, it feels that way. Not sure if that is from the stuff used on my mouth or if the old woman’s body is just a wee bit tired. When the young woman asked me how many years had accumulated for me, it took me a second or two to think. How funny!

 

Walked down to Patty’s to visit and exercise the puppers. Both dogs are doing well, as is Patty. It began to sprinkle after a bit, so we did not stay out long. But someone had brought a 50-pound sack of wheat while we were down there visiting. Mr. Miranda had been here. Put the wheat up and looked for more eggs, but only had three eggs less than two dozen. They wanted them anyway and came for them. Told Mr. M that he did not have to bring wheat or anything but could have eggs anytime they wanted them. Think his daughter explained to him. My Spanish is non-existent and his English is probably better than the Texan spoken here.

 

Mary Rhoads came the other day and invited me to the iris show this Saturday. Will try to remember to tell my neighbors about the show because those are the most awe-inspiring flowers and colors a person can imagine. Have only been to one show, but it is the sort of thing that makes a person who loves flowers just drool. As it is, the line of all yellow irises along my southwest fence makes me smile every time they bloom. Will be sharing some of the yellow, the purple, and the rust-colored ones with Grayson for his new yard as soon as he is ready for them. Michelle Malay said she had some extra ones she could share as well that would not be too difficult to dig out because they are so shallow. Just want to be extra careful not to somehow dig up a copperhead snake with the flowers. Her nephew shot ten copperheads one night coming out of the oak trees in their front yard!! Yikes!

 

Will ask you to pray for Israel tonight as we thank God for His many blessings upon us. We all know that prophecy tells us that these incursions and strikes against God’s people will continue for the duration, but nevertheless, we need to pray for our brothers. This entire world is like a haybarn full of problems and firestorms. One match in the right place in the exact time will be all it takes. May God bless and preserve us and protect His children.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Falling Petals.

 Falling Petals.

 

The Seven Sisters rose bush by the corner of the back deck only blooms for a short time in the spring. As it drops the petals off its blooms, it looks a bit like pink snow. And the petals have the loveliest smell about them. Today it was fun to gather up a basket of the petals and spread them out on a small blanket in the back bedroom. Maybe they will continue to smell good in a basket after they are dry enough not to mold. Anyway, that is my intention.

 

Now the poet Robert Herrick wrote about the young girls who were eligible for marriage—and how they should make good use of that time in life that showed them in their best light. But you know, some of us older folks may feel at times that this is our best time in life when we know we are loved, we don’t expect too much of life, and we know that life can be even fuller by the day as we love others. You each undoubtedly have your own opinion about these things, but let me assure you, no matter what age we may attain nor what wrinkled condition may be seen, the love that flows from God is always brightest when shared with others.

 

Each day makes its own marks on our thoughts and in our hearts. Let us give only the best as our part to life.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Hands, Fingers, Nose, and Toes.

 Hands, Fingers, Nose, and Toes.

 

Thought last night my arthritis was really giving me fits. It finally dawned on me after a text from Jo Ann Hobbs that it was the side-effects of that wonderful little shingles shot. Oh boy! Be glad when this mess goes away. But then, Sterling tells me he has been dealing with these freaking shingles for nearly a year now! Thank God for the shot if it can prevent the real thing!

 

Tried getting outside to do just a few things in the yard and did not get very far. Just try making a fist out of your hand when it feels like it might have a sheath of something stiff on it! Same thing with my feet. Even my toes hurt!

 

Lest the old woman turn into a total grouchy old battleaxe, let me just leave off trying to write a blog this evening. Will tell you that we can all be very thankful we don’t have some serious illness like RA, fibromyalgia, or one of the less visible illnesses that make folks think you are just faking it when you can’t move around. Let us give God thanks that He will heal us all one of these days of all the multiple problems we have encountered in our lives. From depression and PTSD to the illnesses that the soldiers brought back from the Middle East, may God soon heal us all! Let us pray for Israel and all those whose lives have been so totally scarred by the wars against God’s people. Let God come soon and heal the entire world!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Poppies and Plants!

 Poppies and Plants!

 

This morning early, Jo Ann Hobbs and her husband Smitty brought me four tomato plants. The old woman had managed to get two concrete blocks over to the side of the fence and put down a cardboard box unfolded and spread out. The plants went in the holes in the blocks. Let me tell you, those suckers are heavy. Two were about more than a body could manage. Oh well. Those are there for the duration now. Had a couple of sacks of soil that had developed full-sized earth worms. Put that in the bottom of the holes and set the plants down carefully after that. Certainly do hope these things do well. And the price was exactly right, too! Friends like Jo Ann and her husband are the sweetest kind!

 

Still have not decided if making beds out by the fence is the wisest decision, but most things like that are redeemable if they don’t exactly work out. So, it is more likely that as soon as the rest of the doggone weeds are out of the big flower bed, something else will need to be planted. Zinnias and more poppies! Also, have some seeds from a tree that my sister-by-another mother gave me that need to be planted in containers to get them started. They are off of the memorial tree she planted for Hal, her police officer son. Hope to get them to grow since she could not exactly take the tree with her when she divorced Jimmy. Just glad that she is happy now and not feeling as if she is the black sheep of our family.

 

Sent six dozen eggs home with my doctor this afternoon. She has some extra visitors in her family, so that should keep them fed for    breakfast at least. It sometimes makes me feel guilty that hardly any eggs are consumed around here. The dogs would help me eat them up if the old woman would scramble them. Oh well.

 

Got the second shingles shot today. The pharmacist was not doing a very good job or encouraging me to take the shot as she began to describe all the side effects to expect. Glory be! Swelling, head ache, temperature, general malaise! But to hear Sterling tell it, all that and a boot in the rear is better than actually having the shingles!! Lance said he was very glad he never had to take another one of those shots!

 

Tonight we need to think about those who suffer from domestic violence or abuse. It happens to both men and women, and certainly the children are victims just as much as the parents. Let us pray for true justice for those who are falsely accused, and let us pray that the children will never consider that type of behavior acceptable in any type of relationship! My personal experience with counselors has not endeared any to me, but children often need someone with whom they can speak in these situations. If you know of a child who needs that kind of counseling, listen to them carefully and non-judgmentally. Abuse is never the child’s fault! Let us pray for protection and peace for those who are in the throes of anguish. And by the way, abuse can be psychological as often as physical!

 

While we enjoy the beauty of this wonderful springtime, remember that snakes go up trees to pick off cicadas and other edible prey. Keep your hands off the tree trunks lest you bump into a friendly copperhead!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.