Worthless.

 Worthless.

 

Yep, that is how the old woman feels today—just plain worthless. Maybe two or three days-worth of sleep might help. Still gathered eggs and fed the girls and the dogs, but otherwise have accomplished ONE thing today. Sat here at my computer while talking/listening to granddaughter and cleaned out one whole drawer on this desk. Now there is an H&O cup on the backside of the desk full of pens and pencils, a ruler, a couple of bookmarks, and two pairs of scissors. Just opened the drawer and can actually see the wooden bottom despite the knives, nasal spray bottle, eye drops, and assorted allergy meds. Amazing what will accumulate in a desk drawer. Need to ask the oldest Dickerson child to come go through this desk and decide what needs to be tossed. One entire drawer is full of medications that the company keeps sending me according to the dosage instructions. Nevermind that some days not even one of those pills is taken, much less two every day! Did throw away all those pages and more pages that came with the car insurance notice. Kept the proof of insurance and the emergency tow paper and tossed the rest. Probably threw away an entire tree!

 

Tomorrow begins another month. How did that happen? They still plan on doing that stupid “daylight saving time” this year. But that starts November 3 this year. Wish it were possible to just ignore it completely. Dumb Dora stupidity when the kids don’t need to go out and feed the chickens and milk the cows. As it is, the sun doesn’t go down as soon as the old woman would like. My hours are set to hen-time. Up before sun-up and out to close the doors around sunset is my schedule. Just be slightly late in the morning and see what kind of attitude those girls can throw!!

 

Somewhere in this house—probably in my desk—is a CD player. Haven’t seen it in a bit, so it would figure that it is lost in the desk drawer. Just pulled it out along with all the parts! It might be nice to have a better set of earphones, but it is not exactly like it has seen much use. Push in both earphones good and it sounds pretty good. So, Willie Nelson in both ears is not bad. Just bought the CD for one particular song. Guess it could sound better in the truck on that sound system.

 

Was truly encouraged while talking to my granddaughter. She doesn’t mind the references to God and the fact that one has to believe in Jesus Christ in order to be saved. She reminded me that no one makes anyone read this blog. She made me smile. It’s pretty obvious, to some of us, that what works out will be because it is the way God has let mankind learn lessons. We can pray that we live our lives in such a way that God’s love shines through us in our attitude and actions. That is what an old woman could wish for all her children.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Shona's Formula.

 Shona’s Formula.

 

Today my sweet neighbor explained to me how an old woman overdoes whatever she is doing. See, if the job is there, and if the energy is mostly there, then the job gets done. And if something STILL needs to be done and the old woman is still standing, then the effort is put forth to finish—mostly—the entire job. Nevermind this doing it in stages so that one’s energy does not totally drain away. Suspect that this is an inherited trait, by the way. Does that tell my daughter anything? She just needs to remember that it is THEIR job, not hers. Anyway, still finding plenty to do around this house, and that’s not including the sorting of screws, nuts and bolts, and junk ‘n’ stuff in the workshop! Still have to find the right screws to go with the drill bit to repair a board on the door to the middle coop.

 

Went to United early and came home with 30 pounds of chicken. Cooked one roaster full so far and deboned it. Another roaster full is on cooking currently. The other ten pounds may wait until tomorrow depending on how much energy is left at the end of this day. Made some chicken salad earlier and was not all that happy with it. Seems the breast meat was a bit stringy. Argh. Chew, chew, and chew some more and it still left a cud. Sylvia was not impressed. May leave the chicken breasts at the store for a good long while. The chicken quarters waste some of that money due to the bones, but at least every bite is tender. Sterling says that he always prefers the dark meat for taste. Think he is right.

 

Shona went with me down to the end of the street to look at the abandoned car. As we stood there, one of those wrecker trucks pulled in just because they saw us standing there. The men thought we might have had car trouble. Anyway, they hauled the thing off and told us to let them know if anyone did it again. Kinda think that the Green person who hauls illegal immigrants might have been the one to leave it there. Saw a mess of skinny legged men/boys climbing out of that car and getting into a great big 350 pickup truck that night. He is the only one who has one who has been in this neighborhood, and he owns a house over here on Lakeview. Oh well. Good riddance to the car.

 

The dogs and the old woman took a short nap this afternoon until the trash truck rumbled up and got Thompson into barking mode. Sometimes even a short nap makes a body feel so much better. Just renews the energy gap a bit. Thought about going out to work a bit in the workshop, but the ground outside burns! And a certain person needs to go out and put water under the deck for the hens. They are hot, too. Will be so glad when it cools off a bit and the rains soften the ground. Would like to plant a few carrots and turnips. Not much else will do any good right now until frost. As it is, we have lightning in the neighborhood even if we don’t get a drop of rain!

 

Michelle Malay gave me a book called “God Is with You Every Day” by Max Lucado. It usually stays in the bathroom on the little table so that it is handy. The reading yesterday was “Will you be Someone?” The idea is that someone is nearly always willing to help others no matter what the problem may be. In our world we need a LOT of someones to pray, to help lend a hand, to ask for assistance. Lucado made the point: Mary and Martha sent someone to tell Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick.’ And because someone went, Jesus responded. Now we are not physically going to walk to the nearest problem spot, but surely we can send our prayers to Jesus. We can ask for healing for those who need healing, comforting for those who sorrow, and peace for those whose minds will not allow them quiet. Let us be one of the someones right now, while we have all our marbles and strength for compassion.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Those Acronyms.

 Those Acronyms.

 

Granddaughter told me she had something, and my ears did not exactly get the exact pronunciation, so thought she was saying RVS instead of RBF. She was shocked that she had to explain RBF standing for Resting B*tch Face. Like who knew?! Think it is possible that the old woman is just suffering from RB, nevermind the F. Feeling about as useless as mammary glands on a gelded boar today. The body is definitely telling me which muscles had the shock of being used in some repetitive motions yesterday. But it certainly was nice to open the workshop doors this morning to a nice clean floor and things lined up in some semblance of order.

 

Told Sterling about not being able to switch out one type of air hose connection for another when working yesterday. He told me that there are about three different types of connections, so matching the parts one buys matters. Considering how many different men had been in that workshop messing with tools, is it any surprise that nothing matches any longer. And at least one or two “borrowed” tools that were never returned. Maybe that happened to other things as well. At any rate, tried to put some screws into a board on the middle coop door and the stupid threads did not match and wallowed out. WHY did they ever think that it was a wonderful idea to make “star” bits and screws to match? What was wrong with the regular Phillips and flat head screws and bits? Can we say greedy manufacturers?

 

Have thrown away coffee cans for a few years now and today regretting it terribly when trying to sort through the screws and assorted shtuff that needs to be organized. Have BUCKETS of mixed screws that should be separated and labeled. Have a feeling it will take some extra patience to get this particular job done. And yes, have considered dumping the entire mess and starting over, but that is just being wasteful.

 

Have more chicken on cooking in the roaster for tomorrow. The dogs ate the last of the chicken from last week in their bowls this morning. Tonight, they are going to have some freezer burned meatballs that were given to me. They are not that picky that they won’t eat those meatballs and think they are getting treats. Cooked up some carrots, celery, mushrooms, onion, and rice to mix together and fill up some freezer containers for the old woman. That was lunch today, too.

 

We were brought up on the idea of “waste not, want not.” Have run out of white pepper and soybean sauce. So will use up the black pepper that is left in the cabinet and use salt instead of soy sauce. Now if only the old woman would consider not buying bottled water and just use the stuff out of the tap for everything! Or even better, only use bottles of water in the bedroom where the medicine bottles line the dresser. Have one of those filtering water pitchers, but had not thought until lately about refilling water bottles. Lance suggested those closed top cups, but most of them leak when knocked over. Picky, picky, picky. Oh well. My parents had never really heard of plastic pollution. They were busy polluting with cigarettes!!

 

Going to say something here that may offend a few fine folks. Sexual abuse, child abuse, immoral behavior, or even that holier-than-thou attitude have no place among those who worship God. Read four different articles this morning about so-called megachurches that had to have their ministers removed because of past (or present) immoralities. Thinking about it was sad. Oh, everyone nodded their heads and said that it figured that Catholic priests were guilty of sexual abuse, but what does it say about us when all these large churches find that these problems may run rampant among their top ministers. Seems to me that immorality has no real claim on any particular denomination or church size. EACH person is seen by God. Protecting children and young girls/women can be as much of a priority as we could ask for, but it is no guarantee that some pastor or youth coach won’t behave in an inappropriate manner. Girls can be “groomed” by coaches whether at school or in the church. Contact means thoughts can be warped. We have to be aware and attempt to protect ourselves, our children, and anyone who can be abused. Whatever we might have experienced in the past can’t be erased—for us as individuals or for our children. But we can talk about this mess and make it clear that it won’t be tolerated any longer! Worshipping God in groups or by families has to focus on knowing that all of us are to become part of the flock of Christ—that He will not lose even one of His lambs. Our worth is built on that relationship with the Shepard! No minister can take even one of Christ’s lambs!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Spider Webs!

 Spider Webs!

 

Eggs in both hands and a spider web in my face. ARRrRrrgh! Almost as bad as moving a board and having a rat attack right under my feet! Thompson was determined it was still in that corner even after it made it to the rafters and outside! Sweeping up was so much fun. The concrete has cracked more than it is solid in places. It is like putting a puzzle back together when a piece pops up under the push broom. Oh well. The workshop is swept, rearranged, and semi-sensible. Not nearly as neat and clean as Lewis would have done, but he also knew how to make that nozzle work on the air hose so that things could be blown right out the door! Someday maybe the old woman will get the right kind of air nozzle that is easy to put on the air hose—both for the tires and for blowing stuff out.

 

Left the house early to go get gasoline in the truck and in a gallon gas can for the mower. No, not mowing with the zero-turn mower, but it was almost out of gas. Used the battery-powered mower to cut some grass over the sink drain to get the danged grass burrs. Dumped the grass in the trash bin rather than give it to the girls because of the stickers. Don’t want those things in my yard. Carol Thonton called this morning and told me that her handy man simply would not hoe up or dig up the goat heads by her gate. Sigh. Part of the time, he does things for free, so she hates to nag, but when a person can’t use a shovel because the legs won’t handle it, it is time to get it done. She is still healing from the vein surgery and is almost healed. Understand how frustrating it is when our body simply won’t allow things to be done. Hoed up some stickers the other evening and am still paying for it. Max was sweet enough to ask if the old woman needed help. Inside myself, laughed and thought about his experience as a gardener or someone who has used a hoe. If it hurts me, you know it would hurt him; plus, he probably has no idea how it has to be swung and aimed. But God blessed me with some sweet neighbors who are willing to help with whatever.

 

That second shower felt pretty good. Again, laughing since the clothes had to be peeled off and thrown in the washer from the skin out! Could have wrung them out! Wouldn’t mind dancing—or even turning in slow circles—in the rain, but would not want to be in Japan where a million people are having to take cover from the typhoon bringing flooding to that country. Wow! May God protect them and bless them. In our own country, the Mideast and eastern states are getting socked with storms and more flooding likely. Thinking of my friend Carla Beard and hoping that she and Connorsville won’t be hit by tornadoes!

 

We realize that most news reports are definitely slanted by those who want folks upset by the actions of government officials, but Texas seems to have its share of office holders who simply don’t give a rat’s back leg whether or not their actions can be taken to represent a Gestapo state maneuver. It might do to remember that we should not even give the semblance of misconduct. Not that blatant misconduct has been corrected lately in our country. Sigh. The world is collecting its handbags, Dear Hearts. May God forgive us!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Other Best Laid Plans.

 Other Best Laid Plans.

 

You know how it is: it gets away from you before you even consider how many things have to be done to accomplish what needs to be done. Go get fuel for lawn mower and truck while you have that fuel discount code. Come home and start removing all the “shtuff” from the workshop so that rat bait stations can be put in appropriate places. Rearrange some “shtuff” that you don’t want to handle outside. Watch the weather. Go inside before the job is complete. Wait for rain? Think about using the hoe on the sticker weeds before completing the clean up job on the workshop. See if all the stickers will fit in the big trash bin after being stuffed in the little trash can. Sigh. Those are the plans and part of the work. Another day or two and maybe it will work out right.

 

Washed a sheet and blanket that cover the bedspread that Michelle Malay gave me. That pretty, yellow spread would be much more difficult to wash than an extra sheet and blanket that is kept up there to prevent dog hair from infiltrating the bedspread. But neither one will stay on the bed when the dogs want to play “big mouth” all over the bed. They don’t mind getting on top of me while they play either!! Silly dogs.

 

Sterling is talking about selling the little rocking chairs to some lady who is in some kind of business. He talked to the man at the lumber yard about his idea since he felt like this would be commercialization of the wood they give him. The man at the lumber yard told him to have at it. The wood would be trashed unless he uses it because it is so warped or split or whatever. Using messed up lumber to make something wonderful is one way to use things with conservation in mind. Sterling’s talent is what makes the difference.

 

Spoke with Sharon Dickerson today. She sounds very happy and told me that a cat came to stay with them. It will have to be spade, of course, but she loves it already! Just hope that she doesn’t get too chummy with the deer that come up to see them. David keeps water out for the deer and other critters, so they may have more creatures coming up any ol’ time. Can’t imagine! Raccoons are a mess, but possums are kinda cute. But the dogs probably would not let either stay around! Smart dogs!

 

Finally got enough eggs to make up a dozen, so now need to call Jennifer Miranda and let her know her grandfather can have these eggs. The hens are just not all that enthusiastic about setting around in those nests full of straw! Maybe by next week they will feel differently if the temps go down. They have had two heads of cabbage this week, but we simply don’t have any real grass that is not dead and brown! Maybe soon.

 

Reading articles about Israel and the people who want to go there and it makes me wonder if they think Israel is the same now as it was even ten or fifteen years ago. In some respects, it has changed just as drastically as America. We used to have flags in front of our schools—even in the classrooms. We said the pledge of allegiance, and we showed respect for the history of our country. Those things—and that respect—are gone. Is Israel the nation that it was meant to be with respect for religion and cultures? Watching both of these nations makes me wonder. Will the children learn their history and know that God is the director of our future? Whether for Israel or the U.S., all we can do is pray as we have very limited influence upon the governments of man. It may take a few more volcanoes and several more shakes to change the attitude of mankind. May God forgive us and bless us with His mercy.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Ideas That Might Help.

 Ideas That Might Help.

 

Unfortunately, this ol’ woman has a tendency to like to try strange things that are in the supermarket. No, not octopus or even shrimp, but the smoked salmon dip sounded decent. It was expensive and won’t be purchased again for this house, but still, it was pretty good if a bit spicey. However, the ideas that make things work sometimes might be good to share. For old folks—whether a couple or a single person—the Voila packages of frozen veggies and meat are super! A bag will make more than one meal for an individual and can be closed up and used later from the freezer. No getting tired of the same thing, don’t you see. Then there are those little Tai Pei meals in cartons in the freezer. They make a bit more than a meal for me, so the second meal just sees a bit of sour cream, maybe some black olives, or something good thrown in to reheat. But here is the kicker for eating out: drink water. A soft drink is at least $2.50 plus tax for one person. That’s $5 plus tax for two! Who wants to throw money away! Pretty much the same way for whatever kind of “salad” they may have for lunch. Lettuce is fairly cheap—even Romaine. A tiny bit of grated carrot, a tiny bit of tomato, and maybe a few shreds of cabbage is considered a salad. The dressing sits around when it is not in the fridge, so who knows if it is still good or not. Anyway, using common sense can save us all a bundle of bucks.

 

Today a walk by the 40% off meat case found two rather large ground beef patties mixed with Gouda for $2.40. With a pickle and some salad dressing on a couple of slices of Dave’s Killer Bread, that makes two meals. Prepared the meat in the hot air fryer and they turned out great.

 

When feeding a family of five in this house, it took quite a bit of prep work to be sure that the kids and husband were filled up and satisfied. Those years are long gone. No longer raise and kill chickens for the freezer; no longer can veggies and make pickles. But when the family liked thighs and drumsticks, it was not as easy when buying whole chickens as it is today. Shucks. They sell thighs by the pound without the rest of the chicken now!

 

My phone hardly ever rings unless it is Sterling, but today Jennifer called. Think she has a cold or something. Told her it is ragweed season, but she doesn’t think that is the problem. Anyway, some dipstick decided he needed the $20 worth of copper in the junction boxes for their internet, so now the entire neighborhood has no internet—and most of them work from home! Then the water main broke and no one has water—well, they do now, but it has to be boiled. But someone’s house caught on fire so five alarms gathered up enough fire trucks to try to keep the fire from spreading. She thinks maybe that will help clean out the water lines! Simply can’t imagine! It’s always something!

 

Today was inspired by a scripture that tells me to stop worrying about whether or not I am saved. John 10:28 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages—And no one is able to snatch them out of my hand.” The very first verse that my parents had us memorize was John 3:16. That should have been my first clue, shouldn’t it.

 

Read today that from all over the western civilization the Jews are applying to come to Israel. They want a place to live and to be able to be Jewish. It startled me to see how many came from France alone! Here Israel is in a deadly war and these people are bound and determined to come to God’s land. Now THAT, Dear Hearts, is faith! I don’t care how many stealth planes we send over there, that country is at war. But these Jews want their home in that place. May God continue to bless Israel!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Breathing and Sulfur Dioxide.

 Breathing and Sulfur Dioxide.

 

The volcanic activity on Iceland is about to give Britain a really bad atmosphere. It is worse than a burning ship full of oil or some other chemicals. It seems as if folks need to be able to stay indoors in order to avoid the worst of the gases, but that is doubly true for the elderly, those with lung or breathing problems, and the very young. It’s not like anyone can produce a great big fan to blow this stuff a different direction! Well, maybe God might raise a wind and blow it a different direction, but we here in Texas can’t send them any of our ferocious winds. Meanwhile, they will need to take cover, and we will need to pray for them!

 

Can’t say that the old woman has much on her mind this afternoon. A neighbor came for eggs and only five eggs were left on the table to give to anyone. This heat is doing a number on my girls—and to the old woman as well. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day for getting anything done—or even for relaxing. That neighbor had a little female pug in her arms named Tesla that had a white T on her chest (the dog, not the woman) which is the reason the little dog got its name. Tesla thought she was bigger than my dogs and was quite willing to show them who was boss. It just did not seem like a really good idea to let her get “acquainted” with my two nose to nose or otherwise. But one of the amusing things about this visit was the use of the cowbell on my front porch. Finally gave up trying to use a battery-operated doorbell because folks would think they were ringing it despite the fact that it was not making a sound inside. Hanan and my daddy would have laughed to see how well the cow bell works!

 

So much can happen in this world naturally that it seems pretty stupid to have to make bombs to kill each other, but here we go. Iran would probably be a beautiful land without all the terrorists who hate everybody. But then, they probably think the same thing about the U.S. We know that God can and sometimes does do things that disrupt every plan made by man. But He planned to let Israel be a nation again. It has been here as long as the old woman—since 1948—in the political sense that we recognize. God has other measures, no doubt. He told us it would be surrounded on every side by those who would attempt to destroy Israel. Looks pretty close to me. But my prayers are with God’s people in Israel and everywhere else. Jews, Christians, and whatever they profess, people were created to become His children. Let us give thanks for our adoption through Christ and pray for others to be brought to Him soon.

 

Niece in Chicago area says that we should come get our annoying Texas weather. It is simply too hot to be outside up there. This ol’ woman is just going to pray for cooler weather and rain! One last week of August to go! May the month of September be kind to us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Actually Wearing Clothes!

 Actually Wearing Clothes!

 

Decided to clean the floors today and get some rugs washed. Not planning on going anywhere, but still thought it might make me feel better if the old woman put on some decent clothes—meaning pants, bra, and decent t-shirt. Still wearing sandals, but then, sweeping off the deck and sidewalk doesn’t take heavy-duty shoes. Dumped the dogs’ water trough and will clean it good in a bit. It gets green in a hurry. Took the little feed bucket and threw water under the deck for the hens. Have about a foot of water left in the stock tank from the last rains. Doesn’t take long to use it up, but at least it does not cost anything to soak the ground under the deck.

 

Sterling called from Shawnee, OK, a bit ago. Jacqui is visiting with friends and classmates at the funeral of her friend’s husband. She said this friend had been by her side when her first two husbands died. Can’t imagine losing two husbands—one to cancer and another to a tractor accident. Just praying that her latest husband does not keel over anytime soon. Just kinda love my brother.

 

Have ordered stuff from Amazon now for quite some time, and it seems like a person would become more careful about what gets ordered—the description, at least. The last few orders came with some surprises: three of one thing, two of another, and two that were just not what the old woman thought they were. The coffee ended up tasting wonderful, but it was definitely not decaf, but the mixed nuts (minus any peanuts) were salted—a definite no, no. Had some of the coffee this morning as the extra caffeine helps keep me moving with intent instead of random silliness. The two 30.1-pound bags of lamb and brown rice dog food are working their way to the bottom of a 50-gallon trash bucket, but one can of the case of lamb got totally refused this morning. Can we say spoiled dogs? And now Thompson has decided to make a liar out of me by cleaning up Sylvia’s bowl!

 

Need a bright idea for how to make some covers for the arms of my leather recliner. Thompson usually makes it his home for sticking his head out of the curtain to the window to watch the road. He has messed up two spots that need to be covered with leather again. Have some patches of Velcro to put on there so something can be held down to the arms, but have not decided what to use. Wondering if there is such a thing as leather patches. Read the reviews of customers of leather patches who had curved surfaces. Nope, leather patches won’t work with a dog who uses those arms as his resting place. Sigh. Velcro it will be then! Now to find a washable material to cover those arms.

 

Have the kettle on heating for tea. Have a few “cowboy” cookies left from some picked up at United the other day. Once had a recipe for “Chip Kickin’” cookies. It called for nuts, coconut tinted green, chocolate chips, and whatever else one wanted to throw in. If you ever walked across a pasture where cows grazed, you can imagine what they looked like. Kinda funny to an old country girl.

 

Just found out that Stephen lost all his hens to three raccoons! Dang! I thought snakes were bad! At least they only steal eggs. But he came over and got some eggs and brought my wagon back. He is going to take the handle back to his place and weld something so it can be bolted back on. Then the old woman can get on Amazon and buy some wheels that won’t go flat and let Stephen put the things together. Some of us are simply not mechanically minded.

 

Reading Sherlock’s Cat and enjoying the stories. May spend the evening finishing that book. Hoping that all is well with mine, yours, and everyone’s family. The weather may get better before we know it, and someday we may—maybe—miss this hot weather. But it’s not likely! Let us be grateful for all the blessings in this life and look forward to His kingdom.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

More Sneezes!

 More Sneezes!

 

The pollen count is over 9 points on a scale of twelve. Not just totally sure if it is pollen or the hot wind that makes my head hurt and my nose drip, but the sneezes are probably good exercise. Can hardly stand to be outside for any reason other than to spray water under the deck for the hens. They are walking around the deck with their beaks open and wings held out to their sides. Danged hot! Much too hot for man or beast!

 

Was so thankful that Shona let me know that the AC is working in their house now. She sent a text message yesterday wanting to know if Albert could bring the little window units back over. Looked out front and there came Albert, Junior, and AJ with two window units and a fan. Albert put the one unit back in the little bedroom window in case someone ever needs to sleep back there. The other one is for the little bathroom next to the bedroom. Anyway, they are all better across the street now that the central air is working.

 

Patty called around noon and told me to watch for any cars coming down the road. Seems some cousin of Donny’s planned to bring her one of the relatives who needs to be in a nursing home. She texted back and told them it wasn’t happening. Anyway, we talked about it, and she finally calmed down. Honestly think that some people just feel that a single woman who has her own place to live just ought to be willing to take on any silly responsibility! Nursing homes have all kinds of problems, but extra folks who don’t know their elbow from their knee are not going to be an asset to any place. It reminds me of people who dump dogs and cats because they can’t be bothered to feed or take care of them. That, by the way, is a felony in Texas. But old folks are treated about like dumped critters sometimes. Either way, critters or old folks, it is just sad that we don’t have a better way to manage end-of-life care.

 

Sitting here thinking about Alzheimer’s and how that affects families. Now that is a sad situation. No pill in the world is ever going to fix that mess. Oh, they have studied and decided what chemicals can maybe help, but prevention has not been found just yet. May God give us answers!

 

Read a post by my niece Becky about their day. It seemed that they couldn’t quite get off in the time that they should have, but they ended up saving someone’s house from burning down because they were late. Just like Paul and Silas, God put them where they were needed at the right time. So glad that Becky understands that.

 

Had two things to do early on this morning and got the first one done without any problem. Stopped by United to pick up three or four things and forgot to get the number one item on my list! Doofless Dora! It occurred to me that Shona might be getting out this weekend to go shopping and asked her to pick up that one item. She probably made a special stop for that one thing, but she had AJ bring it over this afternoon. Now my coffee will have sugar in it tomorrow morning—and Shona won’t let me pay her for it! Guess that will teach the old woman not to ask her to do something without first handing her some money! But it was SO nice not to have to get out again.

 

The traffic may have been getting less hostile and more regulated going along Sw Pkwy now that school has been open for two weeks. But even so, sitting in a car, even with the AC on full blast, for as long as an hour waiting for the children to get out of school has got to be a hassle! Let us all be patient with these parents and kids as this year winds down to cooler temps. No one wants to make the mistake of getting in the wrong lane at school or on the highway, but it happens. Patience please!

 

Sterling couldn’t get me to answer my phone yesterday and it worried him. When he called today, told him that the kids’ numbers would be in a text message to him. So, now he and Jacqui both have Lance and Jennifer’s numbers. The old woman is trying to memorize those two numbers. Not sure how well that will work, but surely it can’t be too hard! Just don’t ask me for mine!!

 

Let us be thankful for life and love tonight. We are so very blessed to have the comforts and caring responses of family and friends. We know this love is from His hands.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Why Did We End Up Here?

 Why Did We End Up Here?

 

Did you read the story about Paul and Silas sitting in the jail with others when they began to sing about God? Not sure the old woman could sing when she might get in such a place. Even knowing all the blessings that come to me daily, singing about God’s grace and mercy is not my “go-to” response to adversity. Sorry about that. It is probably a sad reminder that at least one old woman is not as grateful as she should be. Oh, it is easy to sing and pray with happiness when all is bright and shiny and the weather is as kind as anyone could desire. But give us more of these triple digit days when we feel appalled by the wind that takes the breath away, and here we are moaning and groaning as if never again could we be happy.

 

Now God had a reason for Paul and Silas to be in that jail—yes, that particular jail. He reached down and touched the jailer with His hand on the shoulder of Paul. And the jailer was brought to the Way that very day—he and his family! Now, if the old woman were to sing, it might simply scare off a few wild birds, but if my attitude were to surprise someone despite the hardships of a Texas summer, what do you suppose God might be doing with my response? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if God were using me to make someone else feel hopeful about life, about God’s mercy? Of all the losses in one’s life, can we praise God despite the sorrow, the hard memories? Let me remember instead, the story of Paul and Silas and their songs to God in that jail. Let God touch others through me and my attitude.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Silly Frustrations.

 Silly Frustrations.

 

Tried once again to renew my tags online. Messed it up again somehow. Think it can just wait until September gets here. May just go to United then to get the renewal. Silly, old, non-tech woman!

 

One great thing happened today: the Leos family got their central air fixed! Shona said that she has cool air! SO happy for them. They can get all the AC units out of the windows and the fans out of the floors now. It’s pretty hard to live without cool air in this weather. Can’t imagine spending all day working in the heat and having to come home to a hot house!

 

Have been thinking about spending about 30 minutes to an hour each morning taking everything out of the workshop until it can be thoroughly cleaned. The concrete has cracked in so many places that the floor is anything but smooth. Guess that is why folks who have concrete slabs for foundations have to run water around them to keep them from cracking. Not that it really matters with the workshop. Storing the toolboxes and other things in there is not a big deal really. Just would like to have things reorganized. This may or may not get done before the end of September, but it is a task worth planning.

 

Organizing our lives takes a certain amount of faith, all things considered. We think we have another day to finish things that we start, don’t we? Each day it seems that one of my thoughts is being thankful for another day—even if nothing special is planned or accomplished. Not everyone gets another day. And the blessings we have in our lives are not always guaranteed either. Clean water that tastes decent is something that still makes me thankful. Remembering how the water smelled out in Petrolia used to make me wonder how the parents could drink their coffee. And then, there were some times out there when they just flat did not have water. The lake dried up and the wells would not fill up the water tower. Plenty of other towns have had that problem even lately. So, do we think we should be thankful? My suggestion is to praise God for all the good things, water included.

 

Still have some rain water left to pour onto the deck to dribble down between the boards so the hens have a cool place. Went out a few minutes ago and splashed three or four buckets of water over the boards. They stood around the edges and then went right back under there! They are no one’s dummies!

 

Really don’t feel like talking or writing today. The dogs keep getting me up around three each morning. Not sure why, but it definitely messes with my sleep patterns—or wakefulness later. Going to get gripey in my old age—or maybe just grumpy. It’s probably a good thing that the old woman mostly stays at home. The dogs are accustomed to being told to move, and the hens have figured out how to walk around the sneakers without being stepped on!

 

Let us remember to be thankful for good health, good friends, and all the many blessings we have been given. God is so very good to us.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Your Favorite Food as a Child?

 Your Favorite Food as a Child?

 

Went to Danny Foix’s (used to be Exxon) station and got the truck inspected. It needed a little light bulb on the cab light to let folks know the brake lights meant business. That ended up costing me a bit of change—around $16. Oh well. One wants all the parts to work. The guy did not check the tires, and the old woman suspects the left rear needs a touch of air. Will have to find the gauge as “eyeballing” it doesn’t really work that well for some of us. Anyway, waited a bit after getting home and then started all the rigamarole for getting registered with the Texas department of whatever in order to get the little tag thing sent to me in the mail. Got all the way down to putting in a credit card and it timed out on me. Chatted with the tech support person, and Ashley instructed me on how to unblock whatever needed to be done to get it finished. However, the old woman had backed out of the main part of the site and will now have to wait 24 hours before trying again. Oh well. But the funny part to me was all the different things they wanted to know about me in order to prove that the real person was getting into their site. What was your favorite food as a child? Who was your hero? Where did you meet your mate? They sent me to my email and sent me a text message just to be sure that the email and phone were really mine. It made me wonder, does someone else really want to donate this money for my truck registration? Good reasons probably exist for all these precautions, but it just left the old woman pretty well gob smacked.

 

Finished off the cooked apples for breakfast today, but while at the station, tried a different kind of coffee. Danny Foix said it was “Mexican coffee.” He pronounced it for me and said that they drink it iced and really love it. It tastes a lot like those cinnabon things they sell at Whataburger or Taco Bell. Lots of cinnamon and lots of sugar and maybe some coffee in that cup! Foix said it just needed some alcohol. No thanks. Think coffee is pretty good, but that particular combination might be addictive!

 

Have laundry to do tonight after the sun goes down and the heat relents a bit so that the AC in the kitchen does not have to run. If the house could be kept cool with just these little evaporative things, that would be wonderful. They are so quiet and pretty cool, but they need to be close to one’s body to be effective. Not sure how much juice they pull, but it probably is not nearly as much as the window unit.

 

Had the last of the “sweet heat” pickles by Mt. Olive on my last sandwich today. Well, and the last of the sliced turkey was on there, too. Dave’s Killer Bread, sweet heat, mayo, sliced turkey, and a slice or two of tomato is pretty hard to beat. Lewis would have loved it! He always made some of the best sandwiches! But we would have had to have a gallon of tea to go with it! He drank that stuff by the gallon. Went to a restaurant one time and he asked the waitress to just leave the tea pitcher. She looked at him and put the pitcher on the table. Came back later with another pitcher and changed it out for the empty one! She got a great tip!

 

Have a chair leg in the kitchen that wants to wobble worse than the old woman when she walks. Have tightened that silly leg three or four times, but it goes back to doing it again. Patty said that Donny used to “Southern engineer” such as that by putting in a toothpick and then drilling in the screw. Will be looking for the toothpicks here in a bit. Can just see me sitting down in a chair that has a loose leg!

 

Patty was talking about how young folks do those online orders where they get their meals brought to them. She orders her meals from Door Dash, InstaCart, or some such, but she orders like three or four meals at the same time from one restaurant so that she has that many meals ready to eat. SHE has a good reason not to get out and run around town, but most of the young ones just do that stuff for convenience. Patty has decided that it simply is not worth it for her to stand in the kitchen and cook and then clean up the mess. It takes it out of her to do almost anything since she only has one lung for breathing, but it made me think about the fact that just walking around in some of these places like Sam’s or Walmart can wear an older person out. It used to be fun to shop at Walmart when nothing was really pressing or necessary. Just looking at things there was kind of neat. It’s not like we have a beautiful forest and a spring fed creek to enjoy walking along. We don’t even have decent parks for that matter. Walking a few miles in Walmart is not refreshing exactly, but it used to be semi-fun. Anyway, Lewis used to say that if we didn’t have something specific in mind to pick up, it was too expensive to just browse. He was right, of course.

 

Read an article about Warren Buffet and his advice on saving money and using it wisely. Thought it was funny that he once took Bill Gates to McDonalds and used coupons to pay for their meal. He also advised against credit card debt and any form of gambling. Both can get to be a problem very quickly. With some folks, it is that “Add to Cart” ticket on Amazon! It is easy to spend money when it is so vague. Really, one of the biggest things most of us might not think about is the first rule of saving: Who is our savior? It is not us and our little bit of understanding. It is the one who blesses and provides for us. That is where real “savings” come from. When we are blessed, then we are able to bless others. Even if it is just a dozen eggs given to a destitute neighbor who has dogs and family to feed, if we can do something good for others, we should do that. And we should be grateful for the blessings that allow us to be kind to others. Just a thought.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Bearable, Endurable!

 Bearable, Endurable!

 

Just put some apple slices on to cook in the slow cooker and have the tea kettle on heating. Thanks to Maggie for the apples and to Willis Carrier for the air conditioning! Now if only the cold-water faucet could produce cold water instead of hot water from the pipes! No sense in thinking about a cold shower! And getting outside should definitely be done before eight in the morning! The hens came up with ten eggs today, so maybe they will make it through this heat yet! Just keep spraying water under the deck to give them a place to cool off.

 

Lance and Tracy found an evaporative cooler to use next to me wherever it is needed. So, at the moment, it is on high in my office while the old woman sits here typing. Even so, Albert said my house was definitely cool compared to theirs. He came over for the second refrigerated cooler for their kitchen, and now Shona can at least cook and not heat up the entire house! Feel so disgusted with whoever it was that did not replace the part they needed for their central air. Maybe soon it will be repaired.

 

Sterling has been busy out in his workshop building rocking chairs. Apparently, they are pretty popular. He drove up to the lumber yard to pick up wood and the guy who helped him load it up reached back there and got the latest model and put it in HIS truck! Right now, Sterling has four getting ready to be sent to his daughter’s house. Yes, the old woman is hoping for one eventually.

 

Cooked until late last night and then cooled off the chicken and put it in the fridge until this morning when it could be easily handled and separated from the bones and skin. The hens get the skin and sometimes the broth. The dogs get the meat. This time it made several packages to be frozen. Then got busy this morning and cooked up a pork loin. It is cooked, wrapped, and ready to freeze.

 

They keep getting showers in Arkansas—at least the northwest corner where Sterling and Jacqui live. No, the old woman has no desire to live in that part of the country. In the winter, it is a few blankets colder than down here. Saw on the extended forecast, however, that we may get a whamdinger of a winter storm this year. Probably won’t be any worse than what we had in ’21. That was a mess! Electricity going out any time of the year is a problem. We simply are not equipped for extreme weather any longer. Not sure anyone ever felt equipped for our summers, but a bad winter without a wood stove would be a disaster. And no, a charcoal burner would only kill people rather than keep them warm.

 

Yumm. Elderberry and lemon balm tea hits the spot. Can remember enjoying hot tea as a teenager, but Lewis only wanted iced tea—year ‘round! Started back to drinking hot tea a few years ago and had forgotten how good it was.

 

Patty encouraged me to get my truck inspected and the online mess taken care of so the tags could be renewed. Maybe in the morning before it gets too hot. Just don’t enjoy getting out in the truck right now. Pure laziness, maybe. That or avoiding traffic on SW Pkwy. The two new high schools still have not changed the traffic patterns that much—it’s still a mess. Oh well.

 

Turned on my Kindle the other day and found umpteen books that the old woman had downloaded. Had not been able to find them for some reason. One of these days, maybe she will get smarter—or not. Guess as long as happiness is reading a good book, that is what matters. Of course, THE good book is always on my desk and in my mind. Some things we simply don’t forget. And that’s a good thing. Alzheimer’s must be horrible, but just being forgetful can be a mess. May God bless those who are losing their minds and memories and those who care for them. May we all attempt to be more understanding for both of those groups.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

That BLEAH Feeling.

 That BLEAH Feeling.

 

Not sure if it is the heat or not being able to stay outside more than a few minutes or exactly what, but the old woman just has the blahs—plus a little bit of the bleah feeling. Need to cook for my dogs and am out of the chicken quarters, so got online and will have United to drop them off at the house this afternoon. Yes, that is terribly lazy. But that is just how it is.

 

Even the hens have the “blahs.” Have had fewer eggs the past few days and don’t even blame the girls for not wanting to sit out there in those nests to lay eggs. Dear Hearts, it is miserably hot! Yesterday, Patty was not feeling good, but today she feels better and reminded me of the silly little thing that Elon put out showing him and former president Trump doing some kind of dance to “Staying Alive.” Of course, it was AI generated, but it was hilarious! Love a good laugh to make things feel better. Had to tell Patty about the dogs seeing a squirrel in the yard that they chased up a tree. Normally they will sit out there and bark awhile. Nope, not this time. When it went up the tree, they both barked about twice and turned around and came back inside the house where it is cooler!! No body’s dumb dogs! Patty said Roxy had done the same thing. Barked twice to express her opinion and came back inside!

 

We might actually feel better by next week as it might actually be less than 100 degrees! Can you imagine—celebrating 98 degrees! Just need something to laugh about! A cold snap!

 

Sterling was reminding me again the other day of how much effort Daniel put into praying for his nation and his people. When you can’t vote ‘em out, pray ‘em out—at least here in this nation. And if it’s needed, God will produce an earthquake or two and maybe a volcano to erupt!! Meanwhile, the Israelis managed to hack into the networks to send a fake phone call to the guy in Iran who also planned the bombing that took out so many Americans—maybe in Libya, can’t remember. Anyway, the guy was considered “invisible.” So much for invisibility. Reminds us: If God be for us, who can stand against us?

 

Lance always messes with my phone when he comes over to be sure that the downloads needed are completed. He said his phone has given him some problems since the last upgrade. Technology is a bit beyond me. SO glad that my kids and grands know how to do this stuff. The young girl across the street has helped me more than once to get things done on my phone or computer. Laisha is a whiz with these things! It makes an old woman feel thankful to have good neighbors who are helpful with these things. Just wish that Max and Laisha were going to be here for longer than a few years. But that is the military for you.

 

By this time next month, the pickup will have its inspection due and the tags will need to be updated. Sometimes it feels as if we are paying taxes on top of taxes—vehicle tax, road tax, bridge tax, tire tax and disposal tax, gasoline tax, howdy doody tax, raise your hat tax, and dirt accumulation tax! Have not had a good wash job on my truck in a couple of years, so they might figure out a way to tax my dirty truck’s dirt disposal tax. Sigh.

 

Think it might be a good idea to go cook up some cabbage and heat up the last of the pork roast gravy. Maybe hunger is what my attitude problem is? Whatever it is, this too shall pass.

 

Let us remember to thank God for all things—clean water, freedom to gripe, the ability to enjoy our families, and just life itself. Each day is a gift to us. Praise His name!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Wolf Spiders!

 Wolf Spiders!

 

This morning a “sweet” little—no, make that LARGE—wolf spider was in the washing machine, just running around in there. If the sheet and blanket had been tossed in before it was seen, that critter would have had a nice washing. But it took several tries to chase him around in there and FINALLY mashed him with a sponge that needed to be washed anyway. Sterling had told me something interesting about wolf spiders. Seems the folks who grow cranberries do not ever use ANY insecticide—isn’t that great! But they allow all the wolf spiders to eat every insect that they would naturally eat, so when the fields are flooded, not only do they harvest cranberries, they also collect a slew of wolf spiders! And yes, they bite. Hmm.

 

Have had my second shower of the morning. This one was purely perspiration! Took some eggs out to the road to hand to Maggie Sewell and just dripped all over the place! Whew! Meanwhile, poor David is feeling like limp lettuce from the chemo treatments. Feel for both of them. Please remember Maggie and David in your prayers. Cancer is just horrible! He has 28 treatments scheduled. Some of you know how the old woman feels about chemo treatments. Sometimes it seems to me that the remedy is worse than the problem it is supposed to cure.

 

Sterling said that they got a good inch of rain last night, but that somewhere around them, folks got some damaging winds with all that encompasses. Right now, if we got rain, it would just add to the humidity unless it had a real cool front to go with it.

Loaned the neighbors across the street one of the AC units from the back bedroom so that they could keep more than one room cool. Kinda surprised me when Albert asked for a screwdriver and took the one in the window instead of the one in the cedar chest. It came out of the window and drenched my floor, but that was not too hard to clean up. Just hope that they were able to sleep last night. Noticed someone in a truck over there a bit ago and am hoping it was the AC man. It is a horrible time of the year to have the central air to go out completely! Also, hope that when Albert brings back my AC unit that he will put it back in the window for me as that is a bit much for me to do anymore.

 

Had one of those little things of rice and chicken with veggies in it for supper last night. Decided the old woman could do that just as well as the folks who make those things. So, today have rice and chicken ready to mix together along with some canned veggies. The frozen veggies are all somewhat larger pieces, but guess that might work just as well. We will see. It always pleases me somehow to make things that can be bought and come out with something better than what is found in the store.

 

Read an article this morning about the use of hemp meal in chicken feed. Seems it contains just what you would expect in hemp, and therefore, it is not considered acceptable by most European nations. So, guess where it is being developed. Can just see my favorite hen out back doing her little dance and then swaggering around and hanging from the top of the grapevine! Oh boy!

 

The UPS man brought a package this morning with dog tags in it for my two critters! My sweet daughter made them at work for the dogs so that they would have ID on their collars. Phone number and address plus their names should do the trick. Of course, Thompson has an Apple Airtag built into his collar, but that is so he can be found in case he gets out. Thank you, Jennifer!

 

Shona came over and said that they still don’t have central air, but the man is supposed to be working on it. Really feel for them! This heat is just totally miserable! And then some other glitch came up in selling their house. Please pray for them that things will work out soon so that they can be out from under the stress they have been in since they bought the place across the road. God blessed me with good neighbors with these folks. SO want to see them be happier!

 

Meanwhile, let us pray for those whose health and circumstances are such burdens—from the little one who had seizures to the little one who had cancer in her eyes! And pray for comfort for their families! May God bless those who call on His name!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

All Ya Gnome About~

 All Ya Gnome About~

 

My neighbor brought some little yard goodies from her parents’ place when they passed away, and the guy who mows for us hit the little gnome and broke it in half. It isn’t the type of thing that can be glued back together—cemented, maybe—but the old woman did not suggest trashing it. Anyway, have been looking for some kind of gnome to put out there to replace it before suggesting that those pieces could be tossed. Online, some neat things showed up, but then there are the shipping fees. Anyway, it seemed that Hobby Lobby had the neatest things available, so went up there and asked where to find the little gnomes. One lady told me that it was too late for gnomes as it was Thanksgiving and Christmas decoration time. Hmm. Found ONE gnome that was pure white—ready to be painted. Yep, he was holding what could be a pumpkin, but that’s ok. Bought some ‘glow in the dark’ paints and had some brushes. Asked Patty if she enjoyed painting and found out that she does. Anyway, now she has something to keep her busy and out of trouble. As if!

 

Just brought in three eggs that might as well have been cooked in the nest! How can anything survive in this heat? Yes, we have had a couple of showers, but that is not enough to cool the ground or even stop the cracks in the clay! If this heat keeps it up another month—through the middle of September—we might as well forget ever having anything grow in its natural setting. Water and shade are the only two things that will keep anything green! Some of the ladies in WF still have flowers. This old woman gave up. Now just have to pull up the zinnias and assorted flowers that lived until they became crispy critters. Oh well.

 

Thinking that putting some flour in the freezer and buying another bottle of olive oil might be a wise move, but who knows. Have dried, chipped up veggies in a large container that would do for meals as long as we have some clean water, but even the purslane might not live without rain if this next year is any worse than this one. Yes, we have had hotter summers. But the entire “bread basket” of our nation has had bad weather and not much in the way of crops this year. We will see what that means shortly in the stores.

 

Saw a thing on FB about how farm children are healthier than children who have never been exposed to the dirt and dander of farm animals. Shucks. The fumes from the asphalt in most cities would be enough to make just about anyone ill. They can gripe all they want to about cow flatulence and belching, but we have lakes in the U.S. that have methane deposits that are much worse than anything an entire herd of cows could even begin to cause! Oh, happy days! Cows, goats, hens, turkeys, guineas, and such are good for us! A few dogs and cats won’t hurt us either. Just wish folks would stop breeding horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, and a few politicians to make this a better world!

 

Both dogs are lying on the floor here in the office where it is cool. They are not the least bit dumb. They go out when the old woman goes out, but they come back inside when informed that they are going to broil out there. Had to get all the dead grass off of Thompson, but Sylvia did not roll in the dirt for once. Maybe she didn’t get to stay out long enough! They are a mess, but love them dearly.

Saw something on FB and in talking to Sterling, we thought it was about right: When we can’t vote the evils out of the way, we can pray them out of the way. God uses individuals to turn things around—including those of us who take time to vote. No matter how we feel about individuals, we can ask God to make things right. We know this nation was founded on the principles that God gave us. We need to stand by those principles—first as individuals and then as a nation again! Let us emulate the prayers of Daniel as defined online:

1.  Acknowledge how God has moved in the past.

2.  Confess personal or collective mistakes.

3.  Recognize the consequences of sin.

4.  Call upon God's mercy.

God does listen; we just have to ask and have faith.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Afternoon Delight!

 Afternoon Delight!

 

It’s raining! Sure, that doesn’t mean squat to some folks who have just about been washed away in floods, but Dear Hearts, it has cooled off Wichita Falls, TX this afternoon! Oh my! Even the birds are happier outside! Earlier today the thermometer on the back deck showed 115 degrees. The temps have gone down a bit, but stepping outside feels a bit like walking into a warm washcloth! Even so, not going to gripe!

 

Have been thinking about Chinese food such as found at Hunan’s since yesterday. No, the old woman won’t get out to pick up food like that during the day, but at least had some chicken fried rice in the freezer. That’s not exactly hot and sour soup with won ton chips, but whatever. Keep telling myself that when the weather improves—or at least is not so terribly hot—it would be a good time to drive by Hunan’s and get a to-go box. Might just call in an order and pick it up. Oh well.

 

Still have not found exactly what is needed to haul a bag of chicken feed from the back of the truck to the workshop where the barrels are sitting, but have thought of something that would work. We have these trash bins for families that are too tall for what is needed around here for hauling stuff, but am betting they make smaller ones. Will be looking for something along those lines.

 

Sterling is making rocking chairs again. He got another load of wood to use and a box of screws to use for keeping them together. The more he makes, the better he gets at getting the style right and the rockers to suit him. Wish the old woman had that kind of talent!

 

Thunder along with the rain have my dogs both in here in the office right under my feet. Not quite ready for thunder shirts, but looks like the rain might last maybe an hour. Suits me all to thunder!

 

Have the new “cooler” that Lance and Tracy found for me going in here in the office. It blows cool and does not make me too cool, but it also does not make as much noise as the large AC units. Not griping at all! The one in the kitchen cools the entire room and part of the hall. Not sure why it is so much better than the one in the living room, but it certainly does a better job of cooling.

 

The books being enjoyed around here lately have led to reading about two different weddings. Have thought about some of the things this author has said about the costs involved and the different types of ceremonies and traditions. Not everyone gets married—thankfully—but some folks take the simplest ways to get things done and are just as committed to each other as those participating in any fancy, dancy ceremony. You all know that the church is the Bride of Christ. Think about that just a bit. The loving invitation, the mercy, the grace, and the commitment are all there for us. It makes me put some thought into being a bride. The most important parts of a marriage to me are the long-term commitments and measures of love. And then think about the wedding guests. Our parents, grandparents, maid of honor, best man, and a minister who knew his family well—those were the guests physically present at our marriage. But one other was there as well—you know. The one who chose this for his children.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Classes and Collapses!

 Classes and Collapses!

 

My niece just posted on our phones telling us that her three boys started school this week. The oldest is a junior in high school; the middle boy is in 7^th grade (junior high); and the youngest is in 4^th grade (elementary). She will have three sons in three different schools for the next two years! It makes an old woman tired just thinking about it! Have a feeling that the boys’ mom feels just about the same!

 

Meanwhile, this part of North Central Texas is sweltering in the heat wave called summer. This weekend coming up is supposed to go from 104 to 108 the following Tuesday. Red Adair could put out an oil well fire, but Dear Hearts, this part of Texas needs an ice berg or something to cool things off around here. The air outside actually burns my skin!

 

Sprayed more water under the deck for the hens and gave them some more wheat. As soon as they got a few bites of wheat each, here they came back to the deck out of the heat. How they keep laying eggs is amazing! Pretty soon they will all be molting and putting on new feathers and dropping the old ones. It will look like a feather pillow explosion out there!

 

Have seen several posts on FB suggesting that parents talk to their children about bullies. The type of people who are bullies has never changed much over the years as most of us know. Usually, the bullies at school have bullies at home in one way or another. Mean kids come from mean parenting. Negative statements from parents leave behind a poisonous residue one way or another. But then, maybe Adam and Eve were not bullies to anyone when Cain felt so jealous of Abel. Maybe it is just that “an evil man cannot endure the sight of righteousness in another.” It is the attitude that makes a man/woman acceptable in God’s eyes—not the “thing,” the sacrifice itself. “And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 12:33

 

It seems that not only a broken spirit and contrite heart are pleasing to God, but the offerings of praise to His name. He expects us to exercise kindness without even having to consider what we are doing. Remind your children to sit with those who are alone. Offer a smile or compliment to those without a smile.

 

Once on this old hill, a fig tree grew in the pasture below the house. It finally died for whatever reason. Vivian asked me to walk with her to the old tree to see if it had any fruit. It only had sticks in the ground and nothing came from the roots, not even shoots. It had been surrounded by Johnson grass and not given any water. It no longer is there, even the dry sticks. But for some reason, a young fig tree has come up in my yard. How it came to be there is truly uncertain. Maybe a bird ate a fig in someone’s yard and the seed sprouted from the castings of the bird. Whether or not the fig lives until it is old enough to have buds and figs is not truly up to me. But watching that fig grow and produce leaves makes me happy. God plants His mercy in every heart eventually. Let us tend to the love that produces mercy for others.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Size Matters.

 Size Matters.

 

Thinking today about how big God is. Having lived in Texas all my life, it doesn’t surprise me when things blow harder, rain deeper, or rush faster than anywhere else in the world. No proof, mind you, but it just feels right to think that things happen bigger in Texas than anywhere else.

 

Some of the pictures online show beautiful mountains, oceans of ice, forests encompassing the circumference of the world, but even if the depths of the oceans were plumbed and raised to the surface—well, someday those won’t even exist—but that is by God’s design, no sense in questioning His way of doing things. The point of it is that nothing we can conceive of in this world is as big as God and His love. Oh, the stars in galaxies near and far don’t prove His stretch of thinking. Men have always looked to the heavens above to try to think about God. But He simply tells us that we have no ability to imagine the length, breadth, height, or any other measure in our concepts of Him.

 

Even time, as it wimples and whirls upon itself, cannot represent the way God’s design is laid out. Time slows down every so often. And then it catches up again. But it can’t even begin to outline the energy or the strength of God.

 

How can we imagine something with our finite imaginations that can totally encompass all things, all emotions, all designs? HE has the answers. His size matters, even though we cannot conceive such an immensity. The same is true of His love. May His light shine and glow from us as we become His children each day. May we grow into His love.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

One Cup Wasn't Enough!

 One Cup Wasn’t Enough!

 

Cleaned out the holder that keeps the dirt and dog hair inside and very carefully cleaned out all the dust on the sides of the holder. Then began to vacuum again. Couldn’t quite figure out if things were working properly. Well, duh. Had forgotten to put the holder back in the top of the vacuum. Sigh. Another cup of coffee to go.

 

Haven’t finished with the vacuuming, but have all kinds of good intentions for using the wet mop. My floors! Oh my! The dogs have such a good time stepping into their water trough and getting cooled down. But sometimes they go to the dirt before they come back inside. Sigh. Oh, my dogs! Earlier the old woman had to take her glasses off and leave them on the dresser in the bedroom. The perspiration was like rain on them! No seeing through those drops! But at least the AC in the office has me cooled off right now. Still, the house smells like peppermint because of the spray throughout the house. Walked over to plug in the vacuum in the office and met up with a great big wolf spider. Knocked him on the floor, but did not see him come out from under the cedar chest. Spritz, spritz and peppermint to the rescue! Sorry to have to use it in the bathroom because the geckos stay in there, but maybe they will stay on the ceiling.

 

Gave some girl in front of United Supermarkets a twenty-dollar bill the other day because the kids were collecting money for the new high school for something or other. Not sure just what they were doing, but she gave me a piece of plastic with a bunch of small print on it. Someone might want to use it, but think it is some kind of coupon thingy for different restaurants here in WF. AS IF the old woman would go to any of those places! Will see if the kids across the street might want it. They might go to one of those places. But just thinking about how we just had to pass some kind of tax bill to build these two new high schools, and already the kids are being sent out to collect money for whatever. Sigh.

 

When Lance was here the other day, he was somewhat surprised about the fact that we now have only two high schools and that the buildings with which he was familiar were no longer used for anything other than middle schools or whatever. Think Old High where Lewis graduated is not even being used as a school any longer. It was the oldest of the buildings. Lance and Jennifer both graduated from Rider, but not sure what it is being used for now. Not that it matters. SO glad none of my children are in public schools now. University classes for my granddaughter will be finished in a few years when she has her graduate degree, but other than that, the grands are through with schools. Do not feel envious of anyone with a child right now. School days are definitely different in this day and age.

 

Visiting with Lance and talking about what to try to keep the little pad on the rattan couch and he suggested Velcro. Well, duh. Why didn’t the old woman think of that! So ordered some Velcro patches today. We will see if Sylvia can remove that pad as easily as usual. Had to wash the big dog bed from Caballas this morning as she had mud all over it. Argh! It’s something all the time.

 

Sat down to listen to some video casts and read some funnies on FB when Roger sent me a couple of things. One was a lady running and being followed by her hens. Yep, mine meet me at the kitchen door and get right under my feet. Then one hen, Red, does a little dance so she will be picked up. She sits there and purrs to me while being held. So sweet. Showed Lance one set of eggs in a box not quite full and explained the different colors to him. The chocolate ones mean that at least one Marans is still laying. The really speckled one means that Thelma the Turkin is laying. The pink one is one of the reddish hens. The white ones come from the Amberlinks. It is so neat to have different breeds of hens and different colors of eggs.

 

Noticed this morning that FB is getting more political. Then read that all the immigrants just coming into the U.S. were able to vote. Hardly can believe that would happen in Texas. Last time the ladies at the voting place checked everything except my shoe size! But then saw someone posted about a van in a cemetery and the thought that maybe they were just there to register new voters. Oh dear! Surely hope that Mom and Dad are not still voting!

 

Just about finished off my salad, so will leave you with this thought: We have His promises. Whatever is allowed to come into our lives, He will use for our good. No matter if we don’t feel we have the strength to stand up to trials, HE does have that strength! Let us trust Him always!

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.