A Maine Coon.

 A Maine Coon.

 

Why the name almost always flits right out of my head is not likely to ever be one of the things understood around here, but some names of things just don’t always come easily. OliverTwisted was a Norwegian Forest cat, and that is one of the cats it took to develop the Maine Coons, but for some reason the Norwegian Forest thing has stuck in my mind, but not the other. Oh well. Sister-in-law to my daughter has one of those cats. They are huge—as in as long as a person’s body from neck to waist. Not necessarily heavy, but certainly heavier than most cats. As long as they are as sweet as our cat was, having one around the house might be pretty pleasant. Oliver woke me up from a dream one night when the old woman dreamed she was in a motor boat. As it was, the cat was on my head purring!

 

Went down to Patty’s this morning and took Roxy some more dog food. Our shipment from Amazon has been delayed for some reason, but at least United carries what they eat if it is necessary to go pick some up before the shipment gets here. If worse comes to worst, both dogs can always eat chicken and rice. But it seems funny to me that so many companies are having problems with their dog food lately. Metal in the product is not a good thing, but neither is salmonella! As it is, a trip to Sam’s took care of the pre-scription meds for Thompson at least for the next two months. It is crazy that the price is different each time for that stuff!

 

Went out to check on the hens earlier today and saw a great long rat snake on the shelf in the middle coop. Normally don’t have any hens laying eggs there, but apparently one hen had decided to make her own nesting area. Well, the snake found her eggs. Picked it up with the snake thingy to throw it over the fence, but it got away from me. Those things are fast! Teach me to get a better grip on its body!

 

It seems we are not through with the rain just yet. Not that it matters overly much. But the grass is getting just a wee bit tall again. So far, the hens and Roxy have found their way out of the jungle, but am waiting to see if the neighbors lose any of their kids! [Joking!] When we first had our yard in Petrolia, we had a stand of Johnson grass that would have made fantastic hay! We could go out there and get “lost” in it, but the chiggers just about ate us up! Daddy finally got out there with a sling blade and cut it down so it could be cut with a lawn mower. But Johnson grass was great for my horse later on when we did not have any good pasture. My old car was perfect for hauling it up to the house and dumping it in the back yard. Talk about work! Sterling said that their grass is about to get away from them as well. Just too wet to cut!

 

Reading about the offer that Israel has made to stop the war in Gaza and sat there and wondered if Hamas would even try to meet the demands. Israel still wants both living and dead to be brought home from among the hostages. This entire situation has been such a mess! It seems impossible to imagine that area ever being returned to anything even approximating “normal.” To rebuild, to disarm, to even begin to find a way to allow the population to leave Gaza, these things seem highly unlikely. No nation would allow the Palestinians to become refugees. How can they now be expected to stay and rebuild without some major help? And how can Israel expect those tunnels to disappear? Their proximity to Israel would be a constant threat. Our own nation has enough problems to keep us busy for the next hundred years, so it is not likely anyone here would have any good suggestions. Shoot! The Mexicans have just as many tunnels into Texas and California as Hamas has into Israel!! Sitting here shaking my head. Maybe getting old enough to know it won’t be my problem for very long is a blessing.

 

Let us ask for the blessings of God peace. HIS peace is the only real peace.

Dripping Wet Work!

Dripping Wet Work!

 

The amount of work completed this morning may not be all that impressive, but Dear Hearts, the amount of sweat expended trying to get things done has been very noticeable! Vacuumed, moved some furniture out from the wall to clean and spray with bug stuff, cooked ribs and chicken, gathered eggs, ran a dozen eggs across the street, folded up laundry and put it away, changed the calendars while it was on my mind, cleaned up the pots and pans used to cook, read my mail, drank two cups of real coffee, and looked up the definition of “spark” lightning. Yep, been a busy morning. Oh! And killed the scorpion that was on the bathroom ceiling after putting on my glasses and discovering that it was not a moth!

 

As long as we don’t lose electricity, the fridge and the freezer are pretty well fixed up with easy meals now except for adding some veggies. Bought some more corn, green beans, and beets recently, so that is an easy situation as well. This old woman is so very blessed to have chicken, beef, pork, and whatever else might be edible around here—ah, tuna and salmon and even some Vienna sausages! A can of Vienna only goes so far with two dogs tuned to the sound of that little can opening! How do they know?

 

If the sun comes out without burning up everything in sight, may actually have something growing in the raised beds. Anyway, things are planted with expectations! Right now, the zinnias are obviously coming up gang-busters! Some of them managed to accumulate in the front corner of the flower bed, but a few plants are scattered throughout that bed. The poppies are just about all gone and the larkspur are all leaning over now. But if the rain does not knock all the seeds off the Bluebonnets, will need to collect those as soon as it dries out—IF it dries out. This has been a weird month in my estimation. It feels as if it might be a quarter ‘til summer, but a few cool days have made me wonder. But not going to gripe! We can always use more rain for the lakes even if the grass grows up high enough to hide a hippo!

 

Finished a book that was staged before cell phones were a thing. Today’s kids—well, adults, too—never really stop to think about how it was when we were running around all over the country and couldn’t easily call home and let the parents know what we were doing or where to find us if necessary. It’s a different world. Another thing that made me laugh the other day is the pharmacy needing my driver’s license. When we started registering for classes and getting our mailboxes set up at Texas Woman’s, we had to memorize our driver’s license number because that was the one number we used for everything. NO one knew your social security number. Oh well. Can still tell you my license number.

 

Sitting here and glanced down at this keyboard. Going to have to turn the computer off soon and take a good brush to this thing. How anyone can get a keyboard that dirty . . . Well, there was this one woman at school who shared a keyboard in my homeroom. She ATE over my keyboard!! Argh! She was fond of cookies and cakes. And no, it was not the old woman!

 

Honestly know very little today that feels anything like inspiring. It is almost enough to stay out of trouble just for one day. Tomorrow is the last day of May. My brother turns 79 this next month. He is still doing his best to behave himself and keep busy making things with the wood the lumber yard can’t use. Suggested he make some raised beds, but he is really too talented to do something that simple. He is making benches and neat things that folks really want. He did promise to bring me another airplane since the tail flew off the last one he gave me. Yes, that was some strong wind that day! And the constant motion just wore a hole plum through the end of it!

 

Watched just enough “news” that reminds all of us that the weather is one of the forces that can change our lives drastically in a short space of time. Texas is not the only state that has been blasted by these storms, but sometimes it does seem as if we are getting a double dose of what’s going around! Let us pray for protection on all those in the line of fire and also for those who have already been hit and hurt by these storms. May God bless this nation and its people.

 

May you have peace because you know, you are loved.

Sponge City!

 Sponge City!

 

The humidity is right around 83% today, so walking around outside is like trying to get through a sponge! Can’t imagine trying to get anything done outside today. But even inside, my head feels as if it is thicker than usual. Lay down earlier and fell asleep long enough for the dentist’s office to call to reschedule my June appointment. No biggie. But it made me realize that the slight headache earlier had resulted from sinus congestion. That really seems like such a tiny complaint when compared to all the suffering going on throughout the areas where these storms have laid waste and destroyed lives. May God help those affected and may God protect the first responders and the technicians who have to attempt to restore services in those areas. Vividly recall what it was like after the tornado in 1979 when Wichita Falls was hit by one that just stayed on the ground from one side to the other of our city.

 

Patty said that she didn’t mind if you heard the story of the “clean out” instructions that she shared with her step-son and his wife this past weekend. She told him that when he went to clean out the house after she died, if he found frozen scorpions in the deep freeze in Ziplock bags, that he should know that FIRST she sprayed them with poison, used metal tongs to pick them up, put them in the plastic bags, zipped them up, and then put them in the freezer. In other words, if they did not die of the poison and the airless bags, surely being frozen would kill them! She said that DG and Michelle just sat there and laughed for a good while. DG finally asked her if she had ever considered just stepping on them. But she told him she would not put her foot on something like that! So, due to Patty’s paranoia, we got to sit outside on her patio and rock with laughter again. No one is quite like my neighbor Patty!

 

DG had changed some lightbulbs on two of her fence lights and then forgot to turn the switch to “on,” so they did not come on last night. The old woman walked across the dog yard and discovered that both lights were in the “off” position. Fixed that and managed to get into the rusty barbed wire on top of the fence. Barbed wire, rose thorns, and mesquite thorns must all be related, but came home and cleaned the cut and put antibiotic cream on it, so that should do for that little problem. And yes, have had a tetanus shot in the past three years.

 

Have another broody hen now. Must be something to do with the season. The female duck keeps going inside the hens’ coop, but she has just found the feed. Wonder if she has not been nesting this year. The number of critters around here would take care of any eggs she laid if given a chance. The raccoons would even kill her if she tried to stay on the nest. Life is pretty perilous for winged friends—even the ornery ones that get into chicken feed!

 

The other day it took an actual thought process to make myself go into the house instead of doing even one more task. The rosemary needs to be trimmed back drastically, but my energy level was already having to be pushed somewhat after my morning. Finally, decided that the rosemary could wait until another day. Being ADHD has its advantages, but it also can cause a person to get totally drug out and dragging one’s duff. It just is not necessary to get everything done at once!

 

United has chicken breasts on sale again for 97 cents a pound. Yes, got three packages and put them on to cook in Jennifer’s roaster. Also found some ribs that were BOGO and a roast that would feed an entire family. Those are awaiting more energy for cooking tomorrow. They also had Libby’s green beans and corn for 87 cents a can. Can remember when Mom gasped at the price of 50 cents a can! Today they seldom ever have anything under a dollar bill for any type of canned goods! Times, and values, have certainly changed.

 

The dogs have left some interesting footprints on the floors, so sometime this week, these floors absolutely HAVE to be vacuumed and mopped. Life is never dull.

 

May you have peace knowing that God loves you!

Weather Expectations!

 Weather Expectations!

 

Despite the fact that it really feels sticky hot, we may get more stormy weather with rain this evening. Last night—well, maybe early morning—we got almost enough rain to fill up an aluminum stock tank that catches the drip from the deck roof. Simply not going to gripe even one bit about that since it means that my first raised bed enterprise got a thorough soaking. The bottom has cardboard, cut up branches, two bales of hay, top “soil” [read mud] from Sutherlands and then about 17 sacks of raised bed soil. That is mostly planted—for what that is worth. Have since planted other things in another or the boxes that Albert brought over to use. One is planted with some coleus, sweet basil, and one sweet potato—plus a few marigold seeds. Still have not gone out and cut the rosemary out of the “mint” bed. Will plant mint and yarrow out there tomorrow if possible. Never can tell what will grow and what won’t.

 

Tomorrow, rather than today’s Tuesday normal pick-up date, the trash man will come—delayed due to Memorial Day holiday. Had stuffed the bin with nandina (heavenly bamboo) brush from trimming the stupid branches, but decided that they would go just as well as filler in another raised bed. So, we will see when it happens that the old woman gets another one set up to fill. Good way to use brush!

 

Carla Beard called this afternoon to see what part of “North Texas” got the hail beat out of it. As it happens, that was about two or more hours southeast of us in Mansfield—not too far from where Jennifer and her family live. So far we have been rather blessed not to be struck by anything too seriously damaging. High winds get us beat down each year, whether in spring or winter. The ones in the winter break off limbs and down power lines, but that can happen just about as easily in the spring and summer. We just have to pray for protection and hope the electric companies can keep up with the damages.

 

If you have ever heard of someone being “down in their come along,” let me tell you about it. Try having something like a bad cramp right where your leg connects to your body on the front side! Stupid and painful. Walking around here as if waiting for the right leg to catch up with the rest of the body! Have no idea why or exactly what it is, but can say that it is a dadgummed nuisance! Oh well. Maybe it will be gone tomorrow.

 

Finished watching the Clarkson Farms programs. Sat around in my chair and laughed out loud at some of the things they did. Can easily understand why farmers would have a terrible time making a living by farming. Can remember the grandparents talking about the costs of feeding the cattle through the winter or in a bad year when they had no grass. Everyone and his kid sister would sell off some of the older cows, and the market price for beef would fall so low that it was nearly impossible for a cow to pay for herself by having a calf to be fattened and sold! Hardly worth all the blood, sweat, and tears. But some folks are just part and parcel with the land and the animals and crops that are raised there.

 

The international “news” is full of more speculation about another world war. It truly seems sometimes that we are already in a major war, but it has nothing to do with airplanes, missiles, or drones and bombs. If we use the eyes and ears that are God-given, we know who is in this fight and the eventual outcome. For all those who risk their lives in the many battles taking place right now, it seems so utterly useless at times for so many to die in these battles and for all the threats and warnings. God will allow Satan to remain for a time on this earth. But Satan’s time is shorter now than ever. And he will not prevail against God’s plans. Be encouraged by the faith that God gives us.

 

May you have peace because you know, you are loved.

Memorial Day in 2024.

 Memorial Day in 2024.

 

Unless we know some history, we have no way to remember those who have been lost in military service while protecting our country. A friend named Harry English served off the coast of Alaska years ago while he was in the military. Seems the U.S. was testing some bombs out that way. Harry died years later from cancer. It could be argued that while in the military he smoked, and that could have been the cause of his cancer. Or maybe it was working in a dark room developing film that caused his cancer. The military marker at the foot of his grave doesn’t tell anyone about the man or his story in our national history. And truly, maybe his story doesn’t need any explanation. At least we know he was our friend, and we know where he and his wife were laid to rest. So many of those who served had little to none of the facts about them given in that little plot of ground somewhere in Europe or in some country. Many men and women were lost at sea or otherwise were not known to return to our nation. When it comes right down to it, not many of us are able to remember someone who we never knew. But that does not negate their service or their sacrifice. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Christ showed us the way. He laid down His life so that we might live in His kingdom. Even if we don’t know the history of our nation and its battles, we can know the most important story—that of God’s will being done through His son, Jesus Christ.

 

May you have peace because you know, you are loved.

All Clear!

 All Clear!

 

A phone call from my brother Sterling assured me that all of the family in Arkansas are safe. None of the farms were hit by the tornado last night. They have no electricity, but have the generators running now with some things just unplugged. Guess this part of Texas has had plenty of scares lately with a tornado just west of us in Holliday yesterday and another one around Windthorst. Praise God for His protection and blessings!

 

Unloaded four bags of raised bed dirt, four cases of water (12 packs), and then poured one bag of dirt in a bed, so am just a wee bit sore this morning. Well, that includes being sore last night as well, but hardly a day goes by without some aches and pains. That is just part of aging. Vacuumed yesterday evening late, and will mop today. So can bet the aches that are already there will get a good work out today! Just so very thankful to be able to take care of my own house and not have to have someone come in to do all the stuff for me. The old woman is blessed mentally, physically, and spiritually. Undeserved blessings, but still feel very thankful each day for God’s blessings.

 

Think my keyboard may need to be replaced soon. Seems the keys are about stuck to the board in places. Sprayed them with cleaner for my glasses and wiped ‘em down, but have some that don’t even show the letters any longer. Not that it matters.

 

Tried to order some sneakers like the ones worn currently and am not the least bit sure that the order went through. Guess checking the credit card billing might show me. Hmm. It’s getting pretty sad when an older person has to wear orthopedic shoes. Sigh.

 

It’s been a bit hot this afternoon, but at least so far, the sky is clear of anything that looks black or swirly! It’s not that unusual to need rain around here, but certainly have to keep our eyes on the clouds when some pop up! Feel so very sorry for all the folks that have been in the mess of storms that have destroyed towns, taken out all the electricity, besides they have killed and injured so many. It’s one thing to lose your house, but to lose your family is much, much worse! May God bless all those affected by these storms.

 

Happy to see my across the street neighbors return this evening. Kinda worried about what kind of weather they had to contend with yesterday. Albert said that just loading up all the tools would take some time, so now he has to get them unloaded into a rental storage place. Bet they will be glad to get things settled down and rearranged to suit them!

 

Lance and his family will actually be enjoying cooler weather than what we are having here—believe it or not! The thermometer on the back deck this afternoon said 100 degrees, but have no idea what the official temp was here in WF. Let’s face it, we get hot in this part of the world.

 

Looking at some headlines is more than a bit disconcerting since at least one or two nations keep threatening to throw nuclear bombs wherever. Mankind can come up with some of the most distressing notions for getting things done or preventing someone from doing whatever. And not one thing really works to help us live better lives. And even if Hamas keeps throwing bombs or whatever at Israel, too many people think it is just fine for Hamas to continue to hit Israel, but not feel it is reasonable for Israel to hit areas where Hamas is hiding in tunnels or buildings with civilians. Nothing really changes the situation. Only God can give us peace. And we can all look forward to the day that the swords will be hammered into plowshares! Let us remember to thank God for His promises.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Dirt and MORE Dirt!

 Dirt and MORE Dirt!

 

My floors are almost as clean as the floors in an old dugout cellar! Pretty dirty, in other words! Bathed both dogs who then rolled in the dirt and insisted that they should be allowed back inside the house. Thompson hardly ever barks at me for any reason, but dadgum if he didn’t carry on! So, they got back inside shortly after with all the dirt they could carry. Now the floors HAVE to be vacuumed and mopped! Otherwise, something will be growing in the corners! Oh well.

 

Patty and our dogs are the only ones on the hill right this red-hot minute. Have been praying for my neighbors in their travels. Two going to St. Louis, four to Childress, and all the bunnies covering the properties meanwhile. It may be that the family across the street have found a buyer for their place in Childress if nothing rips, rears, or ravels. They really want this to happen for them.

 

Albert got the sprinkler off the water hose for me this morning so it could be replaced with one that actually only sprays water when it is turned on and squeezed. The one that was on there just sprayed water from every direction when the water was on—squeezed or otherwise! Now things can be watered without the old woman getting soaked at the same time!

 

Went to Sutherlands to pick up a few things this morning while they were on sale. Got four bags of the “natural” stuff for raised beds that have worm castings in it. Good stuff for growing. Picked up some coleus and one sweet basil plant. One coleus is planted inside a stump that is over by the east fence. Hope it does ok and grows. Think that will be pretty. Also, planted another sweet potato. If it does any good at all, it should make some pretty hanging vines from one of the tables that Albert built.

 

It has been thundering since about 3 p.m. but only producing a few random drops of rain. We could really use a good soaking. The wind on this hill dries things out so very quickly. Then, too, the raised bed next to the gas line has never been soaked all the way through yet. It may be next year before that ever happens.

 

Saw a young doe running in the bar ditch toward Archer City the other day. Broad daylight and something had spooked her. Coyotes may have got her out of her nest and frightened her enough to go out of any covered area. Or it could have been a bobcat. They are pretty prevalent out on this end of the lake. Felt sorry for her and hoped she did not try to cross the highway!

 

Well, Jennifer just sent me a weather map and called to say that Holliday is under a tornado warning. Yep, we live in Texas. And now we wait for the 2-inch hail? Honestly! The weather this May has been a bit much, but it reminds me of my childhood. Never knew what to expect in May except some storms and more storms. This is the reason that Granddad Pollard had to make a concrete cellar for Grandmother! They even had a reinforced window to see what was going on without having to raise the door. Of course, one of the Connelly boys told me that while the bulldozers were dumping the old farm house in the creek bed, they filled in the cellar as well. Sigh. Nothing of the old farm left.

 

Let us pray for protection for all those away from home and those out on this weekend visiting various places. May our homes and lives be spared from intense heat, storms with damaging wind and hail, and all those who are in the flood plains. May all the travelers to various places be safe and secure and get home without damage.

 

May God watch over our military wherever they are in whatever circumstances. Let us never forget that they stand between us and the enemies of our nation.

 

Let us be grateful for life and the privilege to call upon our God in heaven. May Jesus Christ return and set up God’s government in this crazy world that there will be justice and true peace.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Neighbor to the Rescue!

  Neighbor to the Rescue!

 

My sweet neighbor came over this morning and rang the doorbell. My children had panicked when Mom did not answer her phone! So, Jennifer called Shona and got her to come over to check on me. The ringer was off on my phone, and even though she has talked to me about this multiple times, Jennifer got me to flip the switch toward me to turn it back on! If it were not for Shona, you can bet the kids would have called the police for a welfare check on this ol’ hill. Sigh.

 

Some dingbats were firing off fireworks on the boat ramp last night. Does anyone ever celebrate Memorial Day with fireworks like this? Whatever. The dogs were totally upset and got under the desk. Obviously, we were not going to sleep through this number of loud bangs and whizzes. Then too, the old woman felt a bit as if she had been used like a wishbone yesterday with one dog pulling one direction while the other pulled in the opposite direction. The trip to P.E.T.S. was worth the trouble financially, but danged if the muscles used were not letting me know that they were not accustomed to those tugs and yanks. A “celecoxib” pill and a muscle relaxer helped with sleep when the noise finally stopped, but going back to bed this morning after releasing the hens from the coops was almost a necessity. Shona knew the old woman had been up when she saw the hens out pecking at things.

 

Have just a few things planned for today. Need a hook to screw into the rafters in the middle coop so the feeder can hang. Then some good raised bed soil is on the agenda. Then, too, have to pick up a small bag of dog food because the dogs are going through their kibble faster than usual. Not sure why, but they are seemingly less interested in the fresh chicken chunks and more interested in the kibble—not that they don’t clean up the chicken first! Then, too, have been supplying Roxy with a container of kibble each week for Patty to use as a “treat” instead of the kind of treats she used to use. Roxy is going to lose a little of that old dog type fat since she is not getting doggie treats. However, Patty said that since Roxy has been taking the prednisone, she just gloms her food and even turns the bowl upside down looking for more. Know exactly how she feels! Haven’t gone on a “twinkie binge” like Clint Robertson said he did while taking steroids, but food is definitely on my go-to list right now. Amazing how a drug can cause a person to be more interested in food!

 

New neighbors in Max Green’s place on Lakeview have done some mowing. The man told me his name was Britton Ansel, but he did not tell me the name of the woman who is with him. Anyway, he must have cut the grass next to my fence sometime when the old woman was not looking. It looks much better now.

 

Each morning when seeing the daylight again, praise and thanks go up on this hill for life and joy. Today the praise is to God for giving me loving children and grands—not to mention some of the best neighbors and friends. This ol’ woman is so very blessed! Even got a birthday card from Sue Dickerson. She remembers me every year and even knows how many years to celebrate! Wishing everyone could be as happy as folks make me!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Good Friends Make Good Suggestions!

 Good Friends Make Good Suggestions!

 

Spent a couple of hours at P.E.T.S. Clinic this morning so my dogs could get prescription Bravecto for fleas and ticks. Got home and gave them the pills to chew up—success! Anyway, certainly appreciate my friend Judie Brunson for this suggestion because the dogs SAW a vet for an exam, got weighed, and got to go home shortly after seeing the vet. It cost exactly $120 for everything!! In case you think that the ol’ woman is making a big deal out of the cost of meds and office visits, let me just say that a rabies shot with a wellness visit at Colonial for Sylvia cost $73. Someone told me that we could get rabies shots at the city pound for $10 plus the city tag cost. But the lady at P.E.T.S. suggested that we check with them again since Texas now has a new law that the dogs have to see a vet before getting the vaccine! Go figure. Guess when Thompson’s rabies vaccine comes due again, it will be a trip to P.E.T.S. for us.

 

Trips like the one this morning pretty well wipe me out. Came home and called Patty to tell her about the vet and the costs and then started a pot of stew. Just have had about enough sandwiches for one week. The vet suggested some oatmeal soap for Thompson’s rash, but just have no desire to got to TSC or anywhere right this red-hot minute. Put some hotspot ointment on his butt and now he is lying down under my desk while Sylvia is lying behind and to the side of my office chair. The ol’ woman is not going anywhere without their attention. But it was funny that the lady at the office thought that my dogs were so well behaved. Had to tell her that the “sit” command was a lost cause in that atmosphere. She said that her dog only sits for treats! Can guess why! Sylvia may not sit, but she wants ON me whenever she is frightened. She was glued to my leg while the vet examined her.

 

Well, the stew is not bad at all even if the carrots might have been chopped instead of thrown in there whole—they are the little bite-sized carrots used for dipping anyway. Not really in the mood for carrots and dip, so there!

 

Called Western Hills vet’s office to be sure that Thompson was up to date on his rabies shot, and they said he is due for the next one in 2026. Going through the file folder and found the papers for our Chow, Baloo. It seems we used to use Dry Forks (now closed) in Henrietta and Simmons and Harland on Valley View Rd. as well as Colonial and P.E.T.S. Good grief! These dogs have seen just about every vet in the city! Oh well. May try to keep up with the P.E.T.S. paper work as it would be cheaper by a long shot.

 

We had a heavy, misty fog that felt a bit like walking through a sponge this morning. Looks as if this is the last chance for a storm until Wednesday of next week. The heat is definitely on its way! No, summer is not my favorite season because the heat just about does me in. But winter—at least without a greenhouse—is just about as dreary as it comes. Love green and growing things—and birds singing everywhere! Will have to manage to put out a water bowl just for the birds with one of those solar fountains so that it might not boil them alive! The dogs know to put a foot in the bowl first to check for the heat! Smart!

 

Have a book to read with AJ if he comes over today, but his little cousin might not like to sit still to listen. We will see. Until the heat gets ferocious, we can go sit out on the deck and let the hens eat out of their hands. Every child should know where breakfast comes from! Can’t imagine the child that thinks milk comes from a store! Living close to nature is not possible for everyone, but when it is possible, children need to learn how to grow things and how to care for animals. God graces our families with good health and curiosity in our children. Praise His name!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Just Resting Again.

 Just Resting Again.

 

Have done little to nothing today other than to take some Purina dog food down to Roxy and visit for a few minutes. Roxy has decided that she needs to get in my lap if she discovers me sitting down. Not sure how that happened, but there it is.

 

Oh, and placed some salsify, dill, carrot, and beet seeds in my raised garden. The timing might not be great, but what the hey! If they come up and don’t burn up, that little piece of ground might just be pretty prolific at turning out some goodies. Tomorrow the rosemary needs to be trimmed back so some mint and yarrow can grow in the herb bed. Still wish it had been easier to get out today and go get some more growing medium, but just felt that the energy was simply not available to get anything done.

 

Found that the price of the Bravecto flea and tick stuff for my dogs would cost approximately $88 per dog for a three month go against the fleas and ticks on Chewy. Not sure if fire ants and chiggers are among the things that die once they bite. Probably not. But since the Bravecto at Colonial Park cost $80 for a 22-pound dog, you can just bet it would be over $100 for one of my dogs! Argh.

 

Honestly don’t have much to say tonight. AJ brought his cousin over to play with the dogs and hens, so that was interesting. Finally put the dogs in the bedroom to keep them from pushing his cousin around. Don’t want to have one jump up and accidentally scratch her. Sylvia is a jumper! The hens are a different story. It’s not like chickens are aggressive—well, unless it is a broody hen or a rooster. Anyway, the kids were cute. AJ thinks he can tell time now, but he may want to practice again before he will have it down good. And he reads pretty well from one of the books purchased for him. Maybe we will find some more books that he can enjoy. Will have to find out when and what hours the “Friends of the Library” can be accessed.

 

Have not even had the computer on other than to check my mail today, so have no idea what has happened today—and pretty sure that it would not add anything to the joy in my life. So will just suggest that we all thank God for the peace we have currently and pray for those who need it so desperately.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Another Vet Visit!

 Another Vet Visit!

 

Roxie may have an infection in her anal glands. Doesn’t that sound just wonderful! NOT! Poor baby just does not feel good. Two weeks ago, we visited the vet for this, but this time we will be asking about some antibiotics for her. Dr. Gibson of Western Hills Clinic gave her antibiotics once before that helped with this problem. So far, the vet at Colonial just had her taking some probiotics. Dear Hearts, an infection is not improved by those. And even if she is not running a fever, she is not a happy puppy. So, after the lawn man leaves today, this old gal will be hauling off to the vet’s office again. Such fun.

 

My niece said that it is mighty hot up toward Chicago today. Think it is supposed to be quite warm here today and then cooler tomorrow. We might even get some more rain Wednesday and Thursday. Would not bother me in the least! The 99 degrees that we are expecting on Sunday does not appeal to me in the least. Lance and his family plan to be in Las Vegas on their way to the Grand Canyon on Sunday and it may be coolish there—certainly cooler than here! Amazing to think that it might be 49 degrees on the north rim of the canyon while it is 97 degrees here in WF. Argh!

 

Noticed that the zinnias are sprouting in the front flower bed. Really wanted some petunias, but did not order any seed this year. Have not had pretty petunias since the ones along the front of the house died out one summer. Heat just about takes care of any flower out there except sunflowers. Maybe the old woman will get herself in gear early tomorrow and get some things planted in the big raised bed box. Had several things to do this morning that included looking for my wrenches for the hose fittings, hanging a chicken feeder in the middle coop, and putting a small board between the screen door and the back bathroom door where a snake could crawl inside! Found the wrenches, but cannot even begin to move that stupid spray thing off the water hose. Not sure if Jerry put it on there or who did that, but you can bet it was not this old woman. It is ON there! And the stupid thing sprays water out of every little crack. Oh well. Can’t get the hose off the front faucet pipe either. Donny Anderson put that one on there with some torque!!

 

The little things that bug me are really not important at all. Looking around at what is going on in this old world is so heartbreaking at times. Those folks in Italy where the earthquakes are keeping the land moving under their feet and exposing their homes to sudden shifts in the ground has to be quite frightening! But at least no one is shooting at them or bombing the cities. We know that eventually we will have some of these illegal immigrants plotting to “get even” with the U.S., but for the time being, we are just having to contend with fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods. We call these things “natural disasters.” Personally, if a person knows that a river or lake is likely to flood the land, it seems more sensible to simply not build in that area. But greed makes some people sell land that will flood despite the outcome. Some Baptist deacon tried to sell my granddad Kennedy a house and land that had been flooded more than once. When Granddad found out about the flooding, he told more than one person he would never trust that man or the agent representing him. It just does not pay to be dishonest.

 

No matter what the future may bring, draw near to God and He will draw near to you according to James 4. Let us rejoice in knowing that He loves us!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Just Being Still.

 Just Being Still.

 

It doesn’t pay to be “busy” every day. Some days it is much smarter to just be still and let things be whatever they are going to be. And this is one of those days for being still. Not that there is a dearth of things to do that really need to be done, but the old body just got up this morning with a slow-motion amble. Didn’t even make breakfast or eat anything until afternoon. Reading and talking to the dogs and hens has been about the extent of my activities until the notion hit me to go get something for Patty and pick up a couple of bags of chicken feed. Will probably wait until morning to unload the feed and the rest of that stupid “top soil.” Simply not going to try to unload or dump the feed in bins for right now. Yes, laziness has made its manners known!

 

Spectrum was down for a few hours this morning. Patty said she had plenty of movies stored up on those DVDs or whatever. The old woman had a book already downloaded on the Kindle, so have started reading on that one. Need to download a few more so that something will be available for any more system messes. Know that some people are totally dependent on TV programs for entertainment. Lewis used to watch things like Blazing Saddles or those cowboy type movies with James Garner in them. And the kids all thought the Princess Bride was worth re-watching multiple times. The ones with the ogres in them amuse me. But the donkey’s role just makes me laugh out loud! Strange funnies!

 

The lawn man is supposed to be here tomorrow, but the rain chances are also rather high. As it is, Roxie was well covered by the tall grass this morning, so Patty’s place definitely needs mowing. Haven’t lost any hens yet to the high grass, but would not bet on what else is out there other than chickens! Rats, bats, elephants!

 

Sitting here nibbling on blueberries. Once thought these things had seeds or something, but discovered that it was just the stems that didn’t get washed off. They are actually better than raspberries since they have no seeds to get in my teeth! Lovely taste and fresh way of enjoying some extra vitamins!

 

At the feed store, the guy who was waiting on me mentioned that the man who had been standing in front of me was a three-time world champion roper. The salesman thought the old woman might have seen him on TV if rodeo was watched in my house. Had to tell him that TV just wasn’t even turned on any longer. He nodded his head and said that he only watched the Western channel. Everything else was just terrible. Understandable, but TV after Lewis was gone just had no appeal to me. Jennifer had me watching a British farming show that was somewhat hilarious, but can’t remember what it is called now. Oh well. Will look on Amazon prime again soon and see about watching it again from the beginning episodes.

 

Feeling so sorry for the folks down in the Houston area. Going without electricity has to be hard if one only has AC, cooking, and entertainment options based on that power source. Just having water might prove to be a problem without electricity! And then we might consider those in Gaza who are constantly under the threat of death and destruction. Any way we go at it, the evil and horrors of life and death in this world are a bit much right now. We truly know what the ultimate outcome will be, but we must bolster our faith in God and trust Him to care for us and our families, nation, and people of faith. May our children be drawn to God.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

FAR Ants!

 FAR Ants!

 

Wooo boy! Got into the danged, (thinking really not nice word here) fire ants this morning by moving a flower pot over just a bit. All over my hands and wrists and one on my foot gave me a very quick lesson (did we REALLY need that?) in looking before putting my hands in stuff. Wondering if these things will get into my raised beds. At least out front, the hills can be doctored with those poison granules without worrying about my hens getting poisoned.

 

Just a little warning about getting plants from nurseries that come out of East Texas. One woman—think she was from here—nearly put her hand into the containers to pick one up and came terribly close to a copperhead snake. Just be careful, Dear Hearts.

 

About to take a quick trip up to United for some roast beef. It isn’t cheap, but it is about half the price of the normal. And this old woman likes to cook it, cut it up into slices, bag it, and freeze it for quick meals whether sandwiches or otherwise. Those things come in large trays of three or four roasts, so have to decide how to cook them all at one time. Still very thankful to have Jennifer’s big electric roaster!

 

My neighbor has been making some planters for me for herbs and small veggies. Each planter is made from pallet wood and is on wooden legs that make it high enough that all the old woman has to do is put her hands out to reach each side. Looking them up online, not any were cheaper than fifty dollars, depending on the type of wood and whether or not a shelf for tools was built under the tray. And Albert is so very good at making these things! Already he has three of them sitting out there waiting for me to fill it with soil and seeds! Today, however, the wind is so strong that it just about makes me want to hide inside to keep from being overwhelmed by the pollen. Patty took Roxie out to let her walk around in front, but it was really too windy for all three of us! Maybe one day this week will be a good day to get the bedding soil and fill these boxes after deciding exactly where they need to be placed. They are light enough to pick up without the dirt, but would rather not fill them and then pick them up. Anyway, am so very thankful for the kind neighbor who does things like this for the little ol’ lady across the street.

 

Yesterday, AJ got to sit down on the bench out front and meet Sylvia and Thompson. He was very still and quiet so that they were not confused. Whether or not he liked it, he got a good face washing. Sylvia takes care of that sort of thing. Thompson just used his body to push on AJ a bit. They were very good dogs, so maybe next time he comes to the door, they won’t have such a fit about it. We will see.

 

Saw that Israel had recovered three bodies of the folks who had been taken hostage. It just makes me cringe to think that three more families will never have those people home again. Burial does not mean the end of grief by a long shot. And expecting Israel to stop the war in Gaza is like asking them to stop grieving or feeling attacked! They know quite well that the leaders of Hamas are located in Gaza—whether in tunnels or in buildings matters not in the least. Like fire ants, those freakin’ insects need to be eliminated! They just keep tunneling and attacking at any opportunity. Only God can totally eliminate their hatred, so we must trust Him to take care of that part, but meanwhile, Israel must protect itself from their fury and fire power!

 

Let us pray for those who are being flooded wherever it takes place, praying for those without power from the storms, and praying for those in excessive heat waves from this weather. May God bless and keep us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Bonnie,Gypsy, and Ralphie the Cats.

 Bonnie, Gypsy, and Ralphie the Cats.

 

Max and Laisha almost had a run in with a stray kitten and ended up saving her life. They took her to the PETS clinic and had her examined. After more than one good bath, the little lady is now free of fleas. But she is such a tiny thing—maybe five or six weeks old. They don’t feel that they can keep her, so Laisha’s mom has said that she will take the little one. They plan to meet half way across the country to take the little one to her. The kitten looks to be at least part Siamese, but she is already precious and nibbling on fingers and faces. Absolutely loved her, but no way to have a cat in this house!

 

With Shona’s permission, AJ got to sit on the bench on the front porch and meet my two dogs. Sylvia wanted to clean his face for him. Thompson allowed him to hold on to his collar while we talked. So, now maybe it won’t be quite so difficult to let my dogs meet up with him when he is over here. He just has to remember not to make sudden moves or loud noises so the dogs don’t feel that the old woman is threatened. And it seems that AJ might be happy to be able to pet the dogs even if he can’t have a pet of his own.

 

Still have two broody hens! Honestly have no idea why these two refuse to just get back to being normal hens. They have been separated and kept apart from the others three times now. Maybe they just need more time alone. Sigh. Still getting plenty of eggs, however, so guess it is not a big deal.

 

Finally got the good dirt put inside the big raised garden and some plants put in there. Tomorrow will see some seeds being planted if nothing rips, rears, or ravels. Albert brought over two really neat standing planters this afternoon. Would you all please pray that the Leos home in Childress sells soon. He could work from home or from a workshop and make more money than working for some company, but they need a garage/workshop first. Anyway, they have been a treasure as neighbors. Max and Laisha are the same way—a definite treasure.

 

Patty has mentioned that we can just sit and watch this grass grow! Have seen this happen before, but it has been a long time since we have had this much rain and then good sunshine with growing on its mind! Walked down there this morning in the pollen and humidity and watched Roxie almost get hidden in the grass. From one day to the next it just explodes! Blake is supposed to be here Tuesday, and both our places are going to have to be covered by all his equipment. He really needs someone to help him now that his brother is trying to do another job, but Blake covers all the work even if it takes him longer and leaves him tuckered out. SO thankful to have him to do my place and Patty’s. Cannot imagine what it would cost to have this done if Blake were not so reasonable.

 

My old body is tired tonight. Can’t imagine why after putting 18 bags of raised bed soil in that big tank-like container. Put the “top soil” in there yesterday, but only put in about six or eight bags of that stupid muddy stuff. May try to get Max to help me unload the rest of the stuff out of my truck bed tomorrow under the carport so it can dry out. Or, worse case scenario, it can just stay in the back of the truck!

 

Woke up feeling very thankful this morning for having another day to enjoy life. Know that all of our days are numbered, but God is the one doing the counting and considering. It feels good to know that He cares enough to let me appreciate each day. May the rest of you know from whence true joy has been given to us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Strange Snacks.

 Strange Snacks.

 

Did you know that you can eat the leaves and blossoms of snapdragons? Well, you can. Laisha was saying that they almost looked good enough to eat, and sure enough, a query to Siri told us that we were not the first to think about the edibility of those beauties. However, apparently the taste is not as wonderful as the appearance. Oh well.

 

Finished putting together and tightening all the screws on the new raised bed form yesterday. Boy! That was a real workout! This morning, some cut limbs from a pile made by Lance were thrown into the bottom of the form and some hay piled on top of that. The hay was from the long coop, but still have two bales next to the washing machine drain that will go in there sometime today. Got a little pooped out already and needed to just take a break. Doesn’t take long to wear out an old body.

 

Kept thinking something was making this beeping noise here in the house and it turned out to be a wren! He or she keeps doing it and making me wonder. Not sure whether it is a mating call or what, but it sounds just like the beep of the alarm on the door at Jennifer’s house.

 

Speaking of Jennifer, she was on her way to see her chiropractor this morning when the old woman called to sing happy birthday to her. After all the lifting and stuff she did here over the weekend, it is not surprising that she needs an adjustment—at the very least. Then she said she managed to fall UP the stairs at work yesterday. Talent runs in our family!

 

Max and Laisha gave me the sweetest card addressed to “Mama Nancy.” Between those kids and the backdoor neighbor, it is making me wonder if every neighborhood might have a “mama” who watches after all the folks. After all, Patty’s dogs thought the old woman was their “other mother” part of the time.

 

My friend John Rhoads stopped by this afternoon to drop off egg cartons. That is the only way egg cartons get here—someone brings them to me. Sent a dozen eggs home to his wife for their breakfast this weekend. And then John had to get a picture of the snapdragons. They really are the prettiest ever! John noticed that the old woman was drooping a bit and reminded me that even the red ants rest in their nests when it gets hot and the cows go soak in the stock tanks. Thinking he might have had a very good idea.

 

Bought four small containers of plants for 89 cents apiece at Sutherlands along with 20 sacks of dirt (top soil that was soaking wet mud!) to put out back or at the bottom of the raised bed before the good stuff is put on top. Left most of the “top soil” in the back of the truck. That stuff was just totally too heavy! Maybe it will dry out in the back of the truck after a bit. If not, it can be pushed out under the carport to dry out there. The raised bed soil is much lighter stuff.

 

Sterling called and said that their garage sale or whatever has raised four thousand so far. Tomorrow is its last day, and this is the last time this woman plans to do this kind of sale for the missionary work. Just going to pray for their safety when they go down there where folks have very little concern for human life, much less feeling they need to be the object of someone’s “help” in their community. Not sure why people can’t see the good that is intended, but then, that is just how things are nowadays. Sterling said that younger folks don’t do what they say they will do like we were taught as kids. When we said we would do something, we did it or did our best to do whatever was needed. That was the way we were raised to behave. Today is definitely different. Sterling was just a young boy when he helped put the roof on the Petrolia Baptist Church, but his daddy was right there beside him with his hammer, too. Kids worked with their parents back then. Guess that is harder now.

 

Saw Paula Holland Swenson today at Sutherlands, and she said that our old English teacher, Mrs. Glascow, had passed. The older we get, the faster it seems that our older friends leave us behind. Told my brother he needs to stick around just a bit longer for both of us. He will be 79 in June. He is the only person who is going to remember how things were for us back when we were kids growing up. No one else will ever know what life was like back then. Even the kids we grew up with did not know our family that well. Oh, such memories.

 

Let us be grateful for those who mean so much to us now and who know how life has changed. Our grandchildren may love and admire things about us, but they will never know how hard it was for OUR parents to raise us to be the kind of people we are. Praise God that He will bring our children to Him when the time is right for them.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Saved by the Video!

 Saved by the Video!

 

Ok, so ONE of the metal frames for the gardens is finished being put together. Now the process of filling it full of limbs, junk, and hay has to get done before the dirt can be put inside. Today, Laisha sat with me on the front porch talking about what would be nice to grow in that raised bed. And, by the way, that raised bed is AS big, if not bigger, than a twin-sized bed! Anyway, she suggested strawberries since they are so terribly expensive. Squash came to mind, but it may be too late to plant little yellow squash seeds. Sigh. The problem with gardening in general is getting the planting time and the soil ready at the same time—including dealing with whatever weather happens to come at us. But just the fact that the bed is put together makes me very happy. A video of an older man showing how to put the pieces together gave me the encouragement to do this by myself. And he griped about how hard the wing nuts were on his thumbs! Totally agree. And one thing about this Vevor product: only ONE extra little screw-in thing was left over! A person could not afford to drop even one of those things!

 

Got the opportunity to rescue Max and Laisha’s big yellow cat Ralphie a bit ago. He somehow got outside and was just doing his thing. My dogs let me know a cat was out there!! Good thing they could not get to him! Love cats, but they really make me sneeze.

 

Max and Laisha gave me the sweetest Mother’s Day card. Honestly wish sometimes that they had more time to visit, but both of them work, and Laisha never knows what hours or where she will have to be to do her job. At least Max knows where he will be most of the time. Their hours have to be hard on them and their time together. Sometimes, looking back, our family was so very blessed to have me at home all the time, even if we had only the one income. It would have been easier to pay for things with two incomes, but as soon as we had children, that would not have been the most important thing. Being there for Lewis and the children was the most important part of being a parent for me. Well, he thought it was important for HIM to have me at home, but that is because his mother was never there for him and his sister. How we grew up makes a difference in how we want our lives to be as we develop our homes. Lewis felt more loved as long as he always found me greeting him on his return.

 

Patty was talking to me today about how it has not been so terrible to be by herself without someone coming around all the time. We both miss Donny. He had common sense and could do just about anything. He was a really good husband to her. But it makes both of us feel better to call each day and know that all is well—even when Roxie falls under the bed!

 

The plumber came this afternoon and gave me the senior citizen’s discount so that my plumbing now has a new thing in the lavatory that has water going through like a champ! Already had the parts, so all the man had to do was put it in and tighten it up. But yours truly is not a plumber, so paying to have it done is just how it has to be. Did you know that companies now charge 4% if a person uses a credit card? Gave the plumber two dozen eggs, so there goes the surcharge! [See my smile!]

 

This weather—and the one and a half inches of rain—has been wonderful. We all know that June is going to be as hot as a fire cracker, but we can enjoy what we have right now anyway. God gives us what we need even if we don’t realize what that is sometimes. So, today, thankfulness is due to a kind breeze and the clouds that kept us cool. Let us remember those who are dealing with heavy storms.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Mechanics?

 Mechanics?

 

The raised bed boxes of stuff came in a UPS truck a while ago. The boxes were H E A V Y! Jo Ann Hobbs was here and helped me slide them inside the living room next to the wall. Have opened one box to look at the instruction manual—Ho, ho, ho! They have pictures with labels. So far, the two ends make sense to me. Albert told me yesterday that he would help with these, but am not sure he will have enough time to even get one put together. Ooodles of parts. May have to call Roger and see if he feels like folding his old long legs up on my living room floor to help me put these things together. THINK that they will be easy enough to slip back outside the front door after assembly, but who knows. Sometimes it makes me wonder about my bright ideas!!

 

Jo Ann’s husband has been making ink pen things that cover the barrel of a pen. He makes them out of mesquite wood. They are very attractive and are easy for my old, warped hands to hold. So many things that we take for granted when we are younger are just a wee bit more difficult as our bodies age. Now have bottle openers, a vegetable peeler, and several other things that are made “fat” to accommodate to the problems of old hands that hurt with any pressure. Now if the space between my ears would just take off with the morning sunshine instead of wobbling along with the old bones.

 

Using the new battery-operated vacuum, got the living room, kitchen, and bedroom worked over somewhat. Not totally convinced that most of the dirt and dog hair have been sucked up, but then the little container on the vacuum is stuffed at the moment. Will empty it and work some more later—either today or maybe tomorrow afternoon. The plumber is supposed to be here in the morning, so won’t get anything done while he is here. Never a dull moment!

 

Made some broccoli salad a bit ago with crispy fried bacon, apple bits, chopped broccoli buds, salad dressing, and a small splash of apple cider vinegar. Used to put nuts in the recipe, but did not want to use walnuts and have no pecans. Oh well. It is pretty good anyway. The stems make very good crunchy snacking, so those two got peeled and chomped down. Don’t like to use them in the salad because they are not very pretty like the buds. What we had a McBride’s was pretty and delicious! Don’t think they use any apples in theirs.

 

Jo Ann was telling me that one of her girls is going to be 50 this year and refuses to let her hair get any grey in it by coloring the stuff. Jenn does the same thing. Wish the fashion were to go totally grey because these kids do not realize that they are damaging their hair follicles, scalps, and chemical balances. But mothers don’t know anything at all, don’t you see. We just shook our heads and agreed to be silly ol’ mothers. Maybe my mom felt that way about me, but stubbornness runs in the family.

 

Have the kitchen table cleared off so the tablecloth could go in the laundry. Still have not found the other table cloth. Oh well. The table looks so strange without a bunch of onions, egg cartons, and assorted junk on it. Will need to give a shout out to my doctor to see if she is going to need eggs this Friday. Even with two hens being broody, the egg production is keeping those cartons filled!

 

Making myself stay away from any of the “news” sources. It is just too easy to get down about what is going on. Did notice that the pro-Russian prime minister of one country got shot multiple times in an assassination attempt. More and more it seems that violence is used instead of persuasion or even things like tariffs. One nation against another, one race against another, one religion against another: all stupidity. The evil in this world has become more prevalent and more aggressive. May God protect us and our families. May God heal those who are ill and bless those who look to Him.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Working the Yard.

 Working the Yard.

 

This afternoon my little neighbor came to tell me he was ready to work in the yard again. So, we found the big flower pot that is about two feet by two feet, and he began to fill it with the weeds and expended poppy plants. By the time he had dumped it three times, he had the front yard looking much better. It really needs to be tilled up just a bit, but since a roto tiller no longer makes a home here, it will just have to have what little stirring can be done with one of those metal sticks with the four tongs made to look like a square. AJ managed to use it somewhat in the front flower bed without digging up any of my flowers that were freshly planted or the “love in a mist” that is making seeds. SO happy to have the help of this young boy! He is a delight.

 

Called the plumbers today to talk to them about getting at least one sink drain replaced. Once upon a time, Hanan told me that it was more than he knew what to do. And anyone with a guess might know that plumbing is not on my skill list! If it does not take too long to repair the bathroom sink, then the plumber can look at my kitchen sink as well. Plumbers are expensive, but so very necessary! Think one of the grands is looking at an internship with a plumber. Great way to make a living without having to go to college.

 

Back a few months ago, one purchase from Amazon included some freeze-dried veggie stuff that can be dropped into soup to make a very nutritious soup out of plain ol’ Ramen noodles. Today, moving the box for the noodles showed me only two packages of noodles left! Wow! Who knew the old woman had eaten that many packages of soup. Probably a trip to Sam’s to refill Thompson’s meds will see the old woman doing a bit of shopping. Maybe they have Ramen noodles in those boxes, too. You can bet they have a lot of good buys that will be hard to resist considering how easy it is to spend money there!!

 

When we were kids in the Baptist Church, we had collections taken up every year for the missionaries. Back then, the idea of a missionary really did not make sense to me. Since then, a nephew went to some area between Mexico and South America and built a school, a hospital, and some shelters for orphans. It does not take much imagination to understand that when countries don’t have any social services, everyone suffers. That was the purpose for HIS work, but today nothing much has changed in what those folks need. That is also the reason so many of them have come to North America. Education, health care, and just housing has a great appeal to those who have nothing at all. So, Sterling let’s some women use his workshop to store all this humongous amount of stuff to sell to raise money for their mission in Nicaragua. Walmart even gives them all the “returns” that come out of their stores to be stripped of labels and resold for this situation. Let us pray that their mission will be a success.

 

This is one of the happiest times of the year for some of us. The green grass, the showers, the flowers, the lifting of the heaviness from the winter doldrums, and just enjoying seeing life on wing and a song through the trees makes life so full of expectations! Yes, it will be 90 degrees in nothing flat and just keep getting hotter as the month goes by, but at least for a little while we can appreciate the beauty that God has given us. Forget about streets of gold or harps and all that stuff. If God created these colors to soothe us, this old person believes in celebrating the soothing colors and sounds! Let us rejoice in His love.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Clarkson Farms.

 Clarkson Farms.

 

Jennifer has done it again! She got me started on watching Jeremy Clarkson’s program on farming in England. It is hilarious and yet so realistically drastic when it comes to the fact that farmers are all so very reliant on the weather and markets to make a living. The program is on Amazon Prime, so it is not like watching TV with commercials, but the old woman has truly enjoyed watching a few episodes of it this afternoon.

 

Made a trip to Wally World today and found some gardening gloves and several other things that were needed around here. Something is always coming up even if it is just bleach, milk, and some kind of dip to go with chips. Yes, junk food. Oh well. Thought about Jerry Hobbs and his dietary habits while shopping. He used to get these huge bags of sugar-coated cereal. Yep, got a big Ziplock bag of cereal. Miss that kid. Know his mom misses him even more.

 

One of Lance’s kids refinished Grandmother Pollard’s cedar chest. He sent pictures of it. Absolutely looked as if it were varnished with boat varnish because of the deep shine! That had to have taken some real work.

 

The old woman could not sleep last night, so am hoping that tonight will be better. Not going to do much tomorrow in the way of work, but it is supposed to rain again on Thursday! Not sure the mowers could even begin to cut the grass because everything out there is so soppy wet. Planted a few things this morning, but am pretty sure that getting the feed put into the feed bin was the only heavy-duty job that got finished. Just don’t feel like moving too much or starting any projects. This month can go right ahead and be just as wet as it wants to be. If the new planters get here, they may or may not get put together shortly thereafter. Honestly believe that the older my body becomes, the slower things work! MIGHT get the Roundup sprayed over the fence along the back of this place to try to eliminate the beggar lice/stick tite weeds. Even that depends on the weather—and the wind drift.

 

Honestly don’t know much this afternoon. My hens are happy and scratching around on any and everything out back, but they are going to have to stay out back now that some flowers have been planted out front. Dug up some Bermuda grass and found humongous worms, but have not the least inclination to let the girls scratch around out front. Those pretty flowers are not cheap!

 

Let us pray for those who need to be healed. Little Zeke Ambrosius needs complete healing from all the seizures that he had. His parents ask that we ask for complete healing for him. This has to be hard on them. A beautiful, healthy little guy just totally messed up by the medications and his reaction to those drugs! We all know those who need healing, but we also know that our entire world needs to be healed. Let us ask God for peace and healing of this world.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

 Double Wet!

 

In case no one told ya, Texas is semi-wet right now. Not sure about the West Texas part out there where Carol Thonton lives, but Dear Hearts, Wichita Falls is wet, wet, wet. NOT complainin’ at all! The ground is just going “slurp, slurp, slurp!” Here’s hoping the rain shed for the lakes is getting a thoroughly good soaking as well. With the front yard squishing around, Jenn helped me get quite a bit done this morning before the lightning chased us inside. She unloaded and stacked the potting soil while the old woman cut back the trumpet vine on the post out in the front yard. She had brought some of those pallet things from H&O, but we talked about the planters, and it was easier and neater to just order a couple from Vivant or wherever that place is. Two of those will probably get the job done along with whatever can grow in the front flower bed. The full-sun flowers will do well where we took out the irises along side the roadway. And the irises from Virginia that came from a hundred-year garden looked so healthy that they will probably bloom for Grayson this next year. Still have oodles and gobs of work to do in the front yard, but maybe a little bit each day will eventually get it all done.

 

We let the hens roam around in the front yard and scratch out the earwigs and big ol’ fat worms! Never have seen that many earwigs before EVER! They were all over the place. When the lightning started up pretty good, we had to persuade three of the hens to go back inside the yard. They were not overly happy about that, but Jenn picked up two and tossed them over the fence. That girl! We made one final trip over to Sutherland’s to pick up a pretty pot for her mother-in-law and to look for some gloves for me. All they had in gloves were expensive and small. Duh. My hands need large to extra-large! Oh well.

 

Took some extra lamb and rice dog food down to Patty’s early this morning and watched Roxie for a few minutes. She is doing pretty well. We got to laugh about how things have been for this ol’ mom. Most moms probably get perfume, flowers, candy, or whatever. THIS mom got a battery powered vacuum and some dirt! Exactly what was needed! My children know me well.

 

We went to McBride’s last night and had the very best steak dinner. Have not been there in years, but will have to do this again. Would really like to have their broccoli salad recipe! Mine is good, but this was so tasty and easy to crunch! Bacon, cheese, dressing, and fresh broccoli: yummm.

 

Texas and most of the rest of the world has made it through the latest solar storm with minimal problems. Shucks, the earthquakes are much more likely to cause problems wherever they are shaking at the moment. From Idaho to Mexico near Guatemala, folks are having to prepare for that song: a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on! Let’s just pray that all the communities can avoid any loss of life and major services.

 

We are so very blessed with life and love in this country, but we know that this is not the case everywhere. May God bless those suffering in all the nations where man is so inhumane to all life and to mankind as well. Let us pray for peace from the One source—God above!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.