Expectations or Not.

 So today Jerry called and needed the VIN for the Mustang so his friend Nora could get insurance on it. Then he said they would be here this afternoon to do the transfer. Well, they still have not shown up, so maybe yes, maybe no. Guess some things are just not in our control. But it would really be nice to have this done and over with.

Connie came by for a short visit this afternoon on her way to the chiropractor. She feels the treatments are helping her. At least her hip has stopped hurting. While she was here, a couple of fire trucks and the fire marshal came into the neighborhood. A call to Donny said everything was A-Ok at their house. He laughed and said that the fire to cook their burgers was not THAT big this afternoon. Funny guy. Never did know why the fire trucks came out, but they were looking around behind Grumpy's house as if something was not right over there. Go figure.

The girls left ten eggs in the nests to be retrieved. So now there are two dozen eggs boxed up on the kitchen table. Will ask Dr. Blackwell if her nurse needs any tomorrow. Need to ask her how Kaylee is doing after her brain surgery. By now they should know if the seizures will stop. Certainly hope so!

Noticed some things that made me smile in this mystery book with the private detective in it. Her neighbor in the office building was trying to convince her to buy a modem. It just made me laugh. Thought about Daniel Hernandez and his computer business: NightShift Computers. He taught me quite a bit about computers while he was a teacher at ACC. And this woman did not even carry around a cell phone! Is that funny or what? Our lives can practically be dated by the use or absence of cell phones. 

Jerry just came home with some people. Hope if Nora is with them that only Nora and Jerry come over. Am not the least bit interested in dealing with a bunch of strangers. The husband of this woman was murdered for money by some folks who thought he had some--money she had on HER at the time. That is the kind of people they know. sigh May have to ask Donny to come up just for shits and giggles. Or let the dogs take over the living room. Whew! Jerry just came over to say that they would be here tomorrow with everything. So, we shall see what happens tomorrow. So much for expectations?

Slept L O N G and hard last night. Had the hens put up and then read a few minutes and decided to crash for the night. Wonderful night's sleep. Did not wake up until six this morning! Can't beat that with a stick! Know the dogs and the old woman need to be getting more exercise, but more days like today might just do it. Cleaned out the hen house a bit this afternoon, but that doesn't really take any effort. But did clean the living room with vacuum and dust mop. Had to beat the dust bunnies back in order to sweep them up, too! Can NOT understand how two dogs can make that much stray hair on the floors. Connie says that two cats do the very same thing--plus line all her pants with hair. Oh well. Would not change things for the world.

Have not talked with Jennifer this weekend or today. Will have to check and see how things are with the covid count at their office. At least hope that Gary's brother-in-law is better by now. SO many folks are getting this mess. Connie said that one of the women who works with doctors believes that the doctors are not being careful enough--not wearing masks in the office. Can't imagine! One of the ladies who takes care of the cats is in United Regional in ICU with blood clots in her lungs. Not a good situation. And did ya know that cats can get this mess? Amazing! Wonder if chickens can get it.......No sense it worrying. Mine never go anywhere or sneeze at anyone. They DO talk to me when the door is the least bit late being opened--or if they want me to dig up worms. Oh well.

Really just dumb as biscuit dough tonight. And not nearly as likely to get baked. But such is life around an old woman with dogs and chickens. May you all rest well tonight and find something interesting to keep you busy tomorrow. You are loved.

 

Laundry.

 Just your usual day in December, but not quite as cool as usual. It has really been decent today! Thank God for weather that makes life reasonable! Even have laundry going in the washer and dryer. Took the covers off the couch because they really were beginning to smell like the dogs. Eventually the dogs, too, will have to have a bath. Tomorrow is supposed to be up to 65, so maybe sometime after coffee. It takes a lot of towels and bending to bathe them in the big bathtub. They don't ever seem to really appreciate baths at all. But such is life for dogs and those who live with them. Either stink or get a bath!

Finished watching River on BritBox today. Good series. It is hard to understand how schizophrenia affects people, but hallucinating has to be difficult. It's hardly anything one would want as a problem. Actually, can't think of any mental problem that anyone would want. So many people today have been diagnosed with Asperger's and assorted places on the scales of mental capacities of autism. One of Hanan's friends has Asperger's and has no clue how to relate to other people. For a long time, he was also OCD and kept everything in such neat order. Then suddenly he stopped doing things in any order and could not even work. Not sure whatever happened to him, but it was sad to think that only his brother could be around him for any time without upsetting him. Life is hard enough, but having mental issues makes life pretty unbearable for some folks. Whenever we think we have it rough, we need to think again. Grief is hard, but it is a sure thing that grief came after love. Some folks have never even been able to love.

Have been "watering" my eyes rather often today. Seems something is causing them to be drier than usual. Thought it was bad yesterday, but today is even worse. Have the back door open and the house has fresh air in it, so if it is the gas heater, then it should cease to be a problem soon. The "Refresh" drops really help, but sometimes wish it was a ointment rather than drops. Have these little plastic drop things to use, but really prefer the bottles. Always just a bit afraid to get these plastic droppers too close to my eyeball!

Had pumpkin for breakfast this morning. Baked some in the oven early on and then put a bunch in the little chopper thing with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It was a bit like having pumpkin pie without the crust and whipped cream. The hens liked the rest of the part that was cooked. But then, they like the seeds, too. Sitting here wondering if Susan cooks pumpkin for Roger. It is a squash and has a certain number of carbs, but even so, it is also a veggie. When Roger was here delivering the pumpkins yesterday, he said he thought the dogs had gained weight. He very kindly did not say the same thing about me. ahem.

Well, it is Sunday and the mailman--not the regular one--just delivered my "home bed assist handle." This is to put in the side of my bed to prevent me from rolling out onto the floor. Been using a body pillow and woke up one morning on the edge of the bed with the pillow on the floor. Obviously some of us roll around more than others. Connie was telling me about her friend's husband falling out of bed and breaking his toe. Seemed like a good warning. Let's hope this works well, but it should. Probably the hardest part will be getting it under the mattress--that and getting it out of the way when making the bed. Ah well. Six of one and half a dozen of the other problems.

The new-ish neighbors over in Grumpy's house have been yelling at each other. Heard a squeal once and decided to go back inside so it would not bother me. Honestly, hope it was not a child, but it sounded more like a woman. Children usually don't quit yelling when they are hit. Hate to hear so much garbage rolling around over there, but it's not like all this neighborhood is going to ever be inhabited by people who are kind to one another. Of course, the price of a house or the upkeep do not necessarily mean that the people who live there are kind to anyone. Have seen beautiful homes that had a killer inside. 

Went outside and turned over a few spade forks of earth for the girls. They love fresh dirt--both for dusting and for scratching for worms. They lay out there in the sunshine on their sides and just stretch their necks out and kick with their legs--dusting and basting! Funny critters.

Read through the cookbook my daughter-in-law sent to me. Oh my! It is so very funny--in an erotic sort of chicken cooked way! The recipes actually sound pretty good, but doubt seriously if my spice tray will ever disclose that type of ingredients. Oriental spices are beyond my salt and pepper and Cajun spices. Have some fish and seafood spice, but this stuff calls for coconut curry, cucumber, sesame and ginger radish with tarragon. And what is mole sauce? Or prosciutto? Or Tandoori spices? SO glad that Lewis was a meat and 'tator type of guy.

Have a picture on my laptop of our trip to Scotland back in 2013. It makes me happy every time it comes up. We were both laughing or smiling happily. Wish we had taken more pictures, but that was not on my mind at the time. The picture of Jennifer in front of that pyramid thing in front of the Louvre museum was probably one of the best. Ah well. We will never get to do that kind of trip again, but can be happy that we got to do it the one time. 

Have some seeds given to me by BR that are lamb's ear. Will take the seeds out probably late December or early January so that they can get a good start. The pictures online show them to have a high rising purple bloom from the leaves that lie down on the ground. The leaves are silver and furry. The soldiers in the Civil War--and probably other wars--used them as bandages. They were soft, so they could be used as all sorts of things. They should make a good filler for the front flower bed this year. Don't think much of the stuff planted there before will be there this year except the bluebonnets and maybe the petunias. They are perennials. It takes so much energy and determination to dig out Bermuda and plant good seeds. Just wish sometimes that we did not have Bermuda out front. Ah well. For years we had absolutely NO grass under the old elm tree. It took every tiny bit of moisture from the ground and the sap killed everything it touched. Have no idea why the chemical companies don't use elm sap as a weed killer--but then, they would not make as much money off of something as natural as elm sap.

Don't really know anything to talk about this evening. Have sat outside and hand fed some of the hens. They did not seem to know much either, or if they did, they didn't tell me. May need to find a donkey so someone will be around to share opinions with me. ahem

May you all rest well this evening and awake with a happy attitude tomorrow. You are loved.

Helpful Ideas.

 Today Sharon Dickerson said that their power went off, and she had to look up who to call. My usual reaction to needing numbers is to type the company or whatever into my google line on my phone. Usually that works fairly well. Right now it would not be easy for me to say who my electricity service is with since Energy Ogre arranges a contract for me every time one runs out. They find the cheapest and best services and price for me, so it never is a real issue. It's like the internet service, however. Trying to remember Pinnacle and whatever the name of the service is out of Vernon [Santa Rosa?] is just not something that comes to mind easily. Jennifer has bought a book for me where all my passwords and important stuff is written down. That book normally stays in the same place all the time until it is needed. And so far this practice has worked out fairly well. 

This afternoon my friend Roger Thonton called and then came over and brought a truck load of pumpkins--Susan decorates every year with a boat load of pumpkins and beautiful flowers. Thought about the hogs at the Smith's farm, but if Cindy wants to haul a few of these out there, she will let me know. The hens have already started eating every pumpkin seed that they can find. We did not break open each melon when throwing it over the fence. Horror of horrors--accidentally bonked Sylvia on the head with one! She does not seem to be any worse for wear, but it upset me. Anyway, sent a dozen eggs home with Roger from the girls. 

Roger said that they were not worried about getting this flu stuff. He got his flu shot yesterday, but did not feel the other stuff was a problem. Not sure it would make any difference how we think about this stuff. Seems Charlie Anderson was doing everything he knew to do but still got it. Already having had a stroke might have been a factor in his death, but then, everyone has some weakness or other. Just going to keep my little body right here on Dickerson Hill and behave myself--more or less.

Guess it is allergies or something, but my eyes are so dry today! But then, there is crud in the air again, too. It has alternated between sunshine and cloudy most of the day, but it really has been decent outside. Thought it was so funny when showing Roger the hen houses and how the chickens come to me. Then picked up the spade fork and here they came! Dug a few spots and the hens would not quit scratchin' for more of whatever they seemed to think was there. Roger thought they were scratching up the dirt like dogs. Pretty close to it. But they are sweet girls--for the most part. Athena was talking to me while the dirt was being turned over as if she were a supervisor on a ditch digging project. And she is not even loud like the Black Laced Wyandotte hen! Come to think of it, maybe digging in the dirt might be why my eyes are itching so.

Have no excuse whatsoever for being tired, but the fact is, my body is tired. Woke up at 3 a.m. and had to roll around for a bit to finally get back to sleep. Then did not wake up until nearly seven. Yes, the girls were highly incensed that they had not been released from the coops until after seven! Such is life for old biddies and hens. Maybe tonight my mind will rest better and not have things to think about at all hours.

If any of you have handy hints like Sharon came up with about writing down all the names and numbers of the companies you might need to contact, why don't you tell us your ideas. For instance, today Roger looked under the hood on my truck and helped me find the right place to put that windshield washer fluid. It SAYS on it that it is for windshield washer fluid. But there was another place to pour stuff. It said something about PSI, so Roger assured me that it was NOT the place to put the fluid. Some things even a woman should learn about vehicles, huh. 

The neighbors puppy has been running loose all day, and my dogs are very concerned about it--barking, growling, yelling in dog tones. He is an absolutely beautiful animal. Hope he does not end up on the highway. But they don't take care of him and try to keep him in the yard, so who knows what will happen to him.

One of my grandchildren had those Christmas lights up in her room for a long time. Not sure they are still there or not, but remembered that Hanan thought they were neat, too. Not for Christmas, just for the little lighting and stuff. Anyway, had a couple of strands out in the hen house to light things up without too much light. They finally gave up the ghost of lightings past today. Oh well. The hens will do just as well without them. 

So much in this life is taken for granted--by all of us--and we should smile, try to be cheerful and let God know we realize that all the blessings are from Him. May you all rest well this night and awake with joy. You are loved.

Early End of Year.

 Frankly, the end of December and an early spring can't come soon enough. Despise really cold weather! So it is actually not so bad right now here or in other areas either according to one weatherman. He was saying that even the really cold places are due for some "decent" cold weather this coming week. Whatever. It would not bother me to see 70s until spring gets here. It might make a bad bug crop, but at least outside living and walking would not be too bad. Guess a person should just be happy to wake up in the morning rather than being fussy about the temperature. So, being happy to wake up and being happy to be able to sleep in on my list now.

Got a dozen eggs today. And four of them were in the middle coop in two of the new nests. One nest is a five gallon bucket on its side. The other is a relatively large plastic bin. Kinda sneaky, but put an already laid egg in the bin to entice a hen to lay her egg in there too. It worked. Had two eggs in the bucket and two in the bin. Ah, but the hens got a big treat today. Patty had given me some spaghetti with meat sauce that she had purchased for her friend. Didn't need the indigestion, so decided the girls could have it. Kept the dogs inside and slipped the spaghetti outside near the deck. Looked out there and saw the happy hens going to town with strings of spaghetti everywhere! One would try to grab a string from another, and the chase was on! Talk about funny! Hardly a bit of color was left in that pan when they were finished. So, do you suppose my girls will start laying Italian eggs?

Haven't seen Jerry today and am hoping that he did not get arrested for driving without a license. But it would about figure if he did. He has the worst luck of anyone who does dumb stuff. Some folks who are dippy like him can get by with just about anything. Not Jerry. If something bad can happen, it will. Poor guy.

Talked to my granddaughter yesterday evening. She is so funny at times. Not sure exactly why the schools give kids a choice about attending online or in person, but she has decided to finish school online. It makes good sense to me. Reading the reports of the covid mess here in WF just makes me certain that staying at home is the best idea. Two more died here this week. Of course, who knows if it really was covid or if they just reported it that way. Do you get the feeling that it is not too easy to believe everything you hear? Especially lately! But then, Dr. Blackwell says they are getting calls every week about more possible covid among her patients. It's not like she would tell me if they really were covid, but seven patients a week with the symptoms does not sound good. 

Really need to go walk the fence line today while the wind is not blowing. Each time something else shows up down there where the kid has thrown something at my dogs. Kinda makes me want to talk to him in an adult voice, ya know. Maybe eventually he will quit that stupid stuff. Or maybe his grandmother will talk to him.

Got the Mustang inspected today while it was warm. IF, and it is a big IF, the woman comes back with the $2500 for it, will see what we can do about transferring a title online. Not sure she even has an address, so that may be a problem. Lance told me that whether or not she had insurance is HER problem and not mine. Anyway, we will see what happens. Would like to not have it out there any longer. It is a good, sound car, but two vehicles is just a bit much for someone who never goes anywhere. Not holding my breath, but it would be great if this could be taken care of before the end of December.

Have a couple of bottles of water on my desk to help me remember to drink. Isn't that about the silliest thing--having to remind myself to drink. Now if it were FOOD! Oh well. Did cook a beef roast with some potatoes and some carrots this morning. The carrots were so sad. They were not even as big around as my little finger! Ordered them from Walmart--two one pound bags--and won't do THAT again. Good grief. Can't even imagine how they can put produce like that out on a counter to sell! Oh well. Have plenty of beans and rice in the pantry. And a great big hunk of smoked gouda in the fridge! Lance does cheese perfectly! 

Started reading two different books today and had to get rid of both of them on my Kindle. Both were just horrible. Bad language. Barn yard language is understandable in certain situations, but using really vulgar language is just not right, especially to publish. So, does that make me a prude? If you know me, you know better, but still. We all have some kind of standards, huh.

Amazon got a tube of Gold Bond for diabetics dry skin cream to my mailbox today. My fingers already feel better! That amazes me. Use that Nivea all the time, but this stuff has already helped. Go figure. Had to check the ingredients online to be sure that it did not have lanolin in it. Maybe it was the sheep we raised, but an allergy to lanolin and wool both give me fits. Our allergy doctor said that 99% of people who had problems with wool were not actually allergic to it. Guess who is in the one percent who are actually allergic!

Just noticed that it is Donny Anderson's birthday today. How about that. Actually took him some pecan pie today, but did not wish him a happy birthday. Had forgotten. Oh well. He loves pecan pie, so that is ok. He sent some home brew home with Jennifer last Saturday. She said it tasted like apple juice until it hit you. So it must have been good! He is always coming up with something interesting like that.

Connie said that Rebekah's husband has asked for a transfer to Denver, CO, so now they can go look for a better house that will work for both of them. But it probably won't be any cheaper to live there than it is in Maryland. Can't imagine moving my old tired body, but have always wondered what it would be like to have a place designed for me in mind. BillyeRuth has a barn that would be just about perfect--straight as an arrow and a wood burning stove to boot! Not that Paducah needs any more old biddies like me. And no one would ever come see me out there unless it was deer season. Don't know many deer hunters any longer. Oh well. My happy old tush will probably be on this hill until it rots off. The tush, not the hill.

Love looking out the living room window down toward the east lots. The hens graze there and just make me smile. They are contented and happy--a bit like me. But they are probably descended from dinosaurs. They can fly and eat almost anything without a problem. Ah, such is the life of a free-ranging hen. 

Got an ACE rewards card in the mail today. Still have not used the one from Sutherlands that expires Sunday. Still need a hoe, but not sure it is worth the trouble to go to either place. Do you think this virus has given some of us a reason to be lazier than usual? Well, nothing much tempts me to go out right now. Pretty weather just means walking in the yard and messing around with the hens and dogs. The good life!

Hoping that all of you are well and finding things to do that make you happy. God has blessed us so very much. Rest well, my friends, and know that You are loved.

Three Rs.

 Have been thoroughly enjoying a book called "The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen" about an old age pensioner--is that a double description or explanation?--in Amsterdam. He is very Dutch in every respect. And he was forced to live in a retirement home when his wife burned the house down--yes, she was insane, but he still lived with her. Anyway, his attitude reflects a lot of how some of us feel occasionally. We all need the three Rs--rest, recreation, and routine. Not sure if dogs and chickens are part of the routine for many, but it works for me at the moment. Giving the dogs and hens clean water and filling up the feed bins means getting up and out there every day, usually two or three times a day. That is good exercise if nothing else. Plus, the girls leave behind eggs in the nests. Definitely a bonus!

Have two police cars out front checking on the bunch that just came up to Jerry's place. These guys and a gal may just have a good reason to be there, but Jerry said someone had been stealing stuff from his place, so he has asked me to lock up some of his stuff including his tools. It just makes more sense to call the police than to have them cause more trouble. The officers asked them to leave unless Jerry is here. Sensible! Jerry should have told me if he was going to have a bunch of folks over there. But am almost ready to bet he does not know they are there. Oh well. They are gone now. Donny Anderson came up and talked to them, too. It always worries me when he leaves to go hunting during deer season and leaves Patty at the house alone. Her dogs [and her cameras] will tell her if anyone is there, but still. And she assures me that she only has to walk six feet to the nearest gun!

In this book, the man is keeping a diary of what his days are like. It reminds me just a bit of this silly blog. Desserts, dreary days, and hijinks! Anything to keep from going barmy. If BillyeRuth lived closer, we could get into all kinds of stuff! Maybe she could have an old folks' home out in the barn? Plenty of room out there! And kinfolks would be just about as likely to visit there as they would in a standard nursing home. sigh

Almost time to close up the hen house. Had two full dozen and one carton of eleven eggs today to give to my doctor. Think she was happy to get them. Anyone who has had fresh eggs like the ones my girls lay knows how much better those eggs will be. The yolk stands up and salutes! AND they have flavor. But right now the girls are off their cycles. The older hens are the ones slowing down or not laying. In fact, Athena has not laid an egg in a couple of weeks now. She is the only one who lays a white egg, so it is easy to tell. The humongous ones are either from the Rhode Island Red or the Buff Orpingtons--sometimes the Barred Rocks. One of the Easter eggers is laying, but instead of a green egg, it is pink. Go figure. Have not been able to find out why that would happen. The rest of the eggs are from the Black Laced Wyandottes. We will celebrate when the Black Marans begin to lay--chocolate colored eggs. Wouldn't it be something if they were REAL chocolate! Can you imagine how many people would be raising those girls in their back yards!!

Had to stand on the deck and insist that Thompson come inside. It is simply too cold to be out barking at other dogs. The newer neighbors have at least two and maybe three puppies. And they get out of the yard constantly. At least one has a blanket sweater on. These two dogs of mine have a sweater on right now that comes up across their backs because the back legs are too tight to fit them right. The little zorro cape types don't cover as much of their chest and front legs as the sweaters, but it makes it easier to get them off and on. Any way a person goes at it, dogs can't be fitted to doggy clothes as easily as people fit into things. Sylvia just resents it when her front legs are messed with. Each time she has to change clothes, she has to growl about it. Oh well. May get out my sewing machine and take up one of the bigger suits to better fit Thompson. He is the one who has no hair on his body compared to Sylvia.

Last night one of the Barred Rocks from the older hens slept with the Black Laced Wyandottes. She was pecking one of the Wyandottes when the door was opened. So tonight she did not get to stay in there with them. Had to open the other door and make her go inside with the older hens. "No one knows the trouble . . ." Louis Armstrong could sing about it. Giggling.

Absolutely know nothing and care almost less tonight. Dr. Blackwell says it is just getting worse all the time. Don't think staying at home is going to be any harder for me after hearing that. Let's remember to pray for those who are already ill and for those who have been exposed. May God bless them with recovery and good health.

May you all rest well and awake to a better day tomorrow. You are loved.

Six of One.

 Yesterday the girls were hitting on all six cylinders and laid twelve eggs. Today they deposited six. Oh well. An engine running like that would sound pretty funny, wouldn't it! Can see the grin on Lewis' face if he had thought of chickens and cylinders! He had a good sense of humor. 

Taking Roger Thonton's advice and bought a gallon of that windshield wiper stuff from WallyWorld that has a zero degree rating. Suppose that means it won't freeze before zero degrees. Certainly hope it does not get that cold here this winter. Sterling said that he was griping to his daughter Becky about it getting down to 20 degrees up there in Northwest Arkansas. She said, "Dad, we are so happy to see it get up to 20 during the day as it is in the single digits at night." She lives in Wyoming. Too many blankets and heavy socks north for this old body! Whew!

Have the dadblasted sneezes again today. Have no idea what has come along to make me sneeze like this, but at least my nose is not stuffed up. Haven't spent that much time outside, for sure! It is not terribly cold, and the wind has stopped blowing pretty much, but the cloud cover may be hiding pollen or something. Texas weather is sneaky like that.

Next months' electric bill should be interesting with these little heaters going in at least one room. Have gas in the kitchen, but have to have electric in the bathroom or bedroom--or the living room. Can open the door to the kitchen and warm the living room somewhat, but a heater makes a difference. Last month my electric bill was less than $30. Using Energy Ogre has certainly made a difference in my electric bill! SO glad Jennifer was able to hook me up with that company.

My hands are just sore. This dryness of skin and brittle nails is for the birds--well, not even for them! Only so much good that nivea can do for dry skin. And winter is not good for skin anyway. Ah well. Joining the 3G community: gripe, groan, and gossip!

Connie just left after a little bit of a visit. Sylvia and Thompson think she is fond of lap dogs--at least they love her lap. But then her cats get to smell the dogs' scent on her when she returns home. We have discussed what would happen to our animals if something happened to us. Her two cats are spoiled rotten just like my two dogs. Sylvia is my alert dog for panic attacks, and Thompson is just my protector and a fine loving dog. Today he killed a rat in the hen coop. He had his nose down by the kiddie pool and did not want to leave. Lifted the pool just a bit and he HAD that rat! Last time Sylvia got the rat, but this time it was his turn. DEAD rat! But then, he feels the same way about doves. Feathered rats in his estimation. Pretty true, actually. They just eat the feed and poop all over the place. But when the back door bangs shut, the birds fly the coop. They are beginning to know the sounds that mean he is on his way. Smart birds.

Bought a 32-pack of water bottles today. Will have to break the package down to unload it, but just really prefer to have my water on the desk in bottles. And Ozarka is pretty tasty water. Mom and Dad said that Petrolia water was as good as anyone needed. Someone like Roger would know the difference. Frog juice from a pond? Their coffee didn't even need grounds to have flavor. 

It's almost time to close up the chicken coop. The temperature is not supposed to be too bad tonight at 36* or so. But my water pipes are on the outside north wall of the house, so the cabinet doors will still be opened to let in the heat. Truly hate any kind of plumbing issues! One of the only regrets in my life is not being able to design my own house. But this one has kept me safe for over 52 years now. And the land around it is decent for growing almost anything. Maybe micro clover might not come up, but that could be the fault of the old girl who sowed the seeds. Hmm. Have seen some of these "tiny" houses that people have designed. Not sure that would work for me. A washer and dryer are just necessities in my estimation. A stove is not necessary if a person can use a microwave or one of those little electric toaster things. Have one of those and use it occasionally, but it's not like eating baked things is essential. Oh well. Will probably spend the rest of my days right here on Dickerson Hill. And that is just fine.

Have watched quite a few geese and ducks going over. They usually stick around almost all winter. Maybe they were just circling the lake and looking for the best acorn patch around. The cemetery over on Highway 79 has a good supply if the presence of geese is any indicator. They have those live oak trees and other acorn bearing trees to feed the geese. And there are plenty of stock tanks along that road for the ducks. Now if only someone could figure out how to kill all the danged pigs that run along that road! Hope the folks that are building along that stretch of land realize that their dogs and cats are coyote and wild hog feed if they are allowed out in the yards at night. We used to listen to the coyote packs at night. And they have not gone away just because folks are building out here. Oh well. They were here first.

Going to sit here and look through some of these recipes in this book my daughter-in-law gave me: Fifty Shades of Chicken. They sound good. We will see if any of them will work for the old cook around here.

Let us remember to pray for those who are ill, who mourn, who are frightened, and who are without anyone to care for them. We know that God cares, but He expects us to do our part. Whether it is making ear warmers for the homeless like Sharon Dickerson does or simply praying for those who need to be loved, let us show love in what we do and say. 

May you all rest well this night and awake with a sense of purpose. You are loved.

 

Use of Tools.

 Once upon a time, one of the things that was considered to exemplify the difference between man and beast was the use of tools. Since that time, many animals have been seen using tools. Birds, monkeys, ants, and assorted creatures have all shown off the elitist (and arrogant) attitude of man by using their smarts and making tools to fit their needs. So, some of us still have trouble using tools. Rolling eyes here. Any monkey could have done what needed to be done this morning by being given the correct tools. Even having seen it done before, someone around this place was unable to make the air tool (a stapler) go onto the air hose fitting. Now it is just possible that the fitting on the air tool was not the same one used before--or the air hose has a different fitting on its end. Shaking my head here. Finally decided what was considered a "need" was not all that necessary. Just put a plastic bin cover on the top shelf and hoped that silly hen decides to go ahead and lay her egg on that cover instead of on an open board.

Also decided that the liquid stuff that goes into the windshield wiper reservoir does not have to be purchased at the moment. Jerry told me that putting in a bit of water and some glass cleaner (Windex) would do just fine. Hardly ever drive out in the rain anyway, but the last time made it obvious the reservoir needed to be filled. Some things can be put off almost indefinitely. Or not.

Can definitely tell the weather is about to get colder. And something is blowing in the air for sure. My head feels as if it is swollen around the sinus cavities. Argh! Maybe the wind will lay later on this evening. Sitting out on the lawn swing talking to the hens was not much fun because the dogs kept running back and forth around them. But nothing kept the girls from following the spade fork later. They love those worms!

Sitting here listening to the sparrows carry on right beyond the porch in the nandinas bushes. Not sure just what birds talk about, but they certainly get it done happily. At least the sparrows had something on their minds. It reminds me of a poem by Robert Frost. Never Again Would Birds' Song Be the Same

He would declare and could himself believe
That the birds there in all the garden round
From having heard the daylong voice of Eve
Had added to their own an oversound,
Her tone of meaning but without the words.
Admittedly an eloquence so soft
Could only have had an influence on birds
When call or laughter carried it aloft.
Be that as may be, she was in their song.
Moreover her voice upon their voices crossed
Had now persisted in the woods so long
That probably it never would be lost.
Never again would birds' song be the same.
And to do that to birds was why she came.

Memorized that poem once upon a time. And my favorite English teacher wondered why. He did not know me that well or why birds were some of my favorite creatures. Frost would have understood.

A cousin of Lewis' has covid and is quite ill according to my sister-in-law. Darrel Reid lives in Wemuka, OK, and teaches there. It is so sad to see so many affected by this nasty virus. No matter how careful we may be, who knows if this year will end with a bang or a whimper. God willing, we will eventually get through this mess with some immunity or at least the knowledge of how to better prevent the problems. Your prayers would be appreciated by all those affected--and aren't we ALL! 

The girls got busy and laid an even dozen eggs today!! But it was warmer today than a couple of days ago. Not sure if it is the temperature or the sunlight that makes the difference. Just glad they felt like laying eggs.

Remembered to cancel my subscription to BritBox today. It does not run out until March, but since Jennifer has it on the Firestick, there is hardly any need to have two subscriptions. [And no, Jenn, it was on my bill, not yours.] Mine was only on my laptop.

Really don't know much of anything today since staying off of FB or AOL keeps Jill a dumb bunny and Jack a wise guy. You know what that means! You are stuck with bird poems and dog treats!

May you all stay well and have a calm and enjoyable evening. You are loved.