Spreadsheets.

 Spreadsheets.

 

It occurred to me recently that all the stuff that this old woman buys that might or might not be healthy for me and my critters has raised my expenses by nearly half as much as what had been expended around here before. For instance, the dogs receive a thing called Bravecto every three months that is supposed to keep them flea and tick free. They also get some stuff called Wuffles that is a supplement for hips and such that helps (?) prevent dysplasia in older dogs. Whether or not is actually helps is up for discussion, but have not asked the vet yet. Their practice actually sells something similar except it is much higher priced. The Galaprant 60 mg that Thompson receives every morning prevents the pain of arthritis from keeping him stuck to sitting around and not exercising. And yes, it is very expensive. The food prepared for the dogs is always something the old woman can share with them. Well, not the kibble, but whatever is cooked to go with it is acceptable as people food as well. The kibble itself is also one of the more expensive dry dog foods. Anyway, that is just one area of my life that has become more expensive in the past few years.

 

Never going anywhere has its advantages. Reading books on my Kindle app on the notebook Lance gave me is the major entertainment. Well, and herding the hens or feeding the hens. Feeding the hens would not be so bad as long as we get enough rain for the grass to grow. Otherwise, they really need a head of cabbage or something green to stuff their craws. Lately some of the hens have managed to get into the front yard to find grass or whatever to graze on instead of just feed and scratching for worms. Not that it is a terrible thing, but they have dug up more than one flower bulb, too.

 

The pretty plum tree out by the deck is blooming—again. It is SO mixed up with this weather. Have only seen a few bees lately, so maybe they are confused as well. We actually only got about half a dozen plums from the tree last year because of the birds and wasps. Maybe the honey bees will enjoy whatever flowers the hens did not scratch up. At least nothing digs up the chives and garlic!

 

Just watched a program about tariffs and how tariffs only benefit the government and not the producers or consumers. Figures. No one can make a living any longer doing any kind of growing of things at this point. Beef, chickens, garden produce, and the things the great-grandparents grew or used in their day are out of sight or impossible to buy. Grandmother Kennedy had a wonderful garden and canned everything known to grow in an Arkansas garden. She also made yogurt from their goats’ milk. Even though this ol’ woman learned to make cheese from the extra milk from the Dickerson farm, it would be impossible to make cheese with expensive milk now. Times have changed.

 

All things are going to be what are allowed to be by God. He made each of us to be whatever we are. If we can be the best of whatever we are supposed to be, that’s about the best we can do.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.