Birds and Such.

 Bird of the day is the Long-tailed Minivet: It is found in southeast Asia, so don't be looking out to the backyard for this little guy. Pretty, though.

It has already been a long day. Stopped by the doctor's office to pick up some samples. SO thankful that Dr. Blackwell shares these things so generously. Then ran over to Polk Street and dropped off the bathtub thing that affixes to the side of the tub. So my mistake can be someone else's blessing. Went to the bank and deposited the insurance check, so now the insurance premium can be paid painlessly for the time being. Sat down here at my desk to call around and find a place that will sign me up for the Janssen vaccine. Trott's pharmacy took my name and phone number. It will likely be in May before they call me if things are going the way it says online. Anyway, Lance was happy to know that my name was at least on a list. He is very protective of his little family. Can't say that it is a bad idea to be that way. Not like one starts over at 50 or so. Losing folks to such as this mess is just extra devastating. It seems so unnecessary. If the masks work, then maybe we can all at least wave at each other until we are all vaccinated.

So far one wall is taped off and the end wall ready to paint with the roller. It will be awhile before Grayson gets here, so will wait on climbing up there to paint until he gets here. Just not all that keen on climbing with no one around to peel me off the floor. But the newspaper and plastic are on the floor ready to stir the paint. The stir thingy still has house paint on it. Did not realize it had been put up dirty--well, paint covered. Maybe it won't matter, and it will still stir the paint well anyway. If it does not get finished tonight, we can whip it out tomorrow. Then we just have the crystal to wrap and box to take to Jennifer's house. If she does not have a place for it, she at least has a big attic. ahem

Sitting here remembering painting my grandparents' house in Byers, TX. It was SO hot out there, and then Granddad brought me a big glass of lemon Lipton tea. Oh my! That was the best tea in the whole world that day! Some things make me remember my family so happily. Never see black-eyed peas that my mother-in-law does not come to mind. One year we went to this guy's farm. He had ACRES of black-eyed peas planted. You brought your own bags and picked your own for a little bit per bag. Joy [MIL] never just got a few of anything. And that year we shelled peas until the world looked level! But we ate peas all winter, too. Peas and cornbread with a slice of onion. And Garland grew the onions down in his garden, so they were sweet onions, too. Those were some good days. 

Got my name on a list for the Janssen vaccine. They took my name and phone number and had no idea when the shot would be available. Everything online said May was a good target date. It figures. But at least number one son was happy that his mom was finally willing to go get the shot. He was making noises about not coming around unless vaccinated. Understand.

Well, number one grandson just arrived and the dogs have FINALLY settled down. They act as if they had never seen another person! He is tired and hungry, so in a bit we will go to Chic whosit and have something to eat. Right now he is reading a letter from my Uncle John Morgan Pollard to Granddad Leland Graham Pollard. The date was in 1917 when Morgan was just a boy and his daddy was still alive. His father, my great-grandfather, was killed by a "widow maker" limb from a tree. It was a big one, too. Took a couple of men to get it off of him if the story is correctly remembered. Can't swear by my memories any longer.

Grayson just brought in the bubble wrap for the crystal. Really should get up off my lazy backside and at least get that done, but someone is going to have to light a fire under my rear end to get me to moving again. Just tired.

Oh, a guy drove my old Mustang up here today and took Jerry somewhere. It had a tick sound in the motor, but dearly beloved, it is not my problem any longer. Have not received the new insurance bill on the truck for this year, but it should be cheaper than what it was in the past. At least the Mustang looked clean, and the guy was driving it in a reasonable manner. 

Connie was telling me about her friends and their financial problems. SO glad that Lewis taught me to use just a bit of common sense. No debts. Might not have much in my pocket, but don't owe anyone! Other than the big insurance bill on the house, most of my expenses are just utilities. Little ol' ladies do not need to go into debt. Just my opinion.

Well, we may or may not get the crystal wrapped this evening, but meanwhile, will just enjoy having my grandson here to visit. This house hardly knows what it is like to have noise in it.

Let's remember that God has blessed us more than we could ever expect. And we need to be a blessing to others as we have been blessed.

May you all rest well and awake with enthusiasm for life. You are loved.

 

Getting Around "Tuit"

Don't remember now who it was who handed me a little round wooden thing that said, "Tuit." The explanation: around to it. Well, it gets closer every day. Got some wine glasses wrapped in bubble stuff and put in a box that will eventually have the rest of the crystal in it. Not putting anything back that someone could use or want. Well, a few things, but still. On Wichita Whispers some lady wanted the bathtub handle for her mom. Another lady might want the vacuum bags that some old person bought that were the wrong size. We just nod our heads and understand that old woman was not at her best the day she ordered those bags. sigh  

Jenn said that Grayson would be here tomorrow afternoon. So have tried to do all the small stuff that could be done from the floor. Went to Sutherlands and got a nice young man to help me find the bedding tape--it was not over there with the tubs of gunk that one smears on the tape with the putty knives--all those things were in the same aisle, but not the bedding tape! Good grief.

It hurts to walk right now and makes me want to do something like cry--which always gives me a headache, so that won't do. Going to hope that Dr. Jensen can relieve the pinched nerve in my back or tell me what to do to live with it. Dava told me about a place called the Carol Clinic--not sure that is spelled anywhere near right. One of her clients had the same crud going on in his back--spinal stenosis--and he had tried everything. They fixed it. The neuropathy makes me not feel as if my balance is right since the feeling in my right foot is off, but now that mess is going to the left side as well. Such fun is getting older!!

Talked to my friend AnnaBeth Graf this afternoon. She is 80 years old now and a great-grandma! We talked about how she raised her three boys and how they went to mow their grandmother's grass for her every week despite the fact that they did not get paid when they could have been working for money. Things were just different back then, maybe, or it could have been the fact that Beth thought that it would be regarded as a reason for the extended family to criticize her if her boys had not taken good care of grandmother Graf. Until she said that, it had not even occurred to me to offer to pay my grandson for helping me. Beth said her mom FED the boys a meal, and that was their pay. Know my grandsons think that Pioneer is the best, so we will see.

Just had to fill up the treat jar again. Noticed that Thompson is guarding his "bone" made of rawhide. It obviously has been buried at one point cause right now it is a nasty shade of dirty. Dogs make life so much more interesting, among other things. Have an entire bag of dog coats that they grew out of--fatter and meaner or something. They won't let me put their feet through the holes any longer. Even Thompson growls if his feet are picked up now. Not sure why they have decided feet holes are not good, but dear hearts, bites are definitely not good. So will keep the ones that act like blankets that loop around their middle and neck and see if someone else can use the others. Will have to ask Jenn if Luna will wear one of the leg kind since she has very little hair just like Thompson. Sylvia just brought me HER rawhide bone. It is MUCH cleaner and has very little beef basting left on it. At least it is not scattering dirt wherever she goes.

Went out to the workshop to find the other paint roller with a long handle on it. Finally found it and set it up against the workshop door. Then went in and found the straight dirt scraper to clean some dirt off from in front of the hen house door. Had to avoid cutting a hen's head off or even toes while pushing that dirt out of the way. It was actually pretty funny, but then put the scraper away and tried to remember where the roller thing was set. It took a few minutes, and it would have been easy if only the old woman had given up looking, but brought it inside so now can look for it in the house next time. Lord help us and our hen house ways!

Beth said that she lost a bunch of her pretty stuff in her yard. She lives on the Gulf in Mississippi, but it still got down way below what plants can tolerate. She was telling me that the berries on my Nandinas were not good for the birds--toxic. Hello! They were doing well to get anything until some oats and stuff were thrown on the front porch for them. She was also telling about how her grandson thought they were doing great with their fireplace until the pipes all burst and his living room was flooded. So someone in his extended family is a plumber and immediately came over to take care of the situation. They are the ones with the new baby. Blessings come from all kinds of places and from all kinds of folks.

Told Beth it came to my mind that she was probably thankful not to be in the FedEx business any longer with this horrible storm. She reminded me that she had almost lost a truck to a stupid wild hog on the highway, so it is always something. 

Have been debating with myself about whether or not to put a sign on the back deck door that says, "Clean Your Feet." Not sure these three boys do much feet cleaning with the fact that their barn is right next to the back door of their house. Don't want to insult them, but still, would like to come home to a relatively clean floor. But it is supposed to start raining Friday and not stop until after Sunday. sigh Yes, we probably need the rain. Oh well.

Downloaded some more books on the Kindle this morning. Now to get busy and read all those good things that make me laugh. Flowers, dogs, hens, and good books. My life is nearly complete except for not getting to see the kids very much. Maybe that will eventually change.

Have to talk to my doctor and see where they are offering the Johnson and Johnson vaccination. For sure the old woman qualifies for a couple of reasons. But don't want to take TWO shots when one will get 'er done. Besides, RNA and all that garbage just makes me wonder. Talked to a guy who said he felt the same way. And he is only a bit younger. Some things just sounds weird, and messing with cell structure is one of  those things.

Well, Dr. Seuss would not want to write for folks nowadays. His books were the best of the best when my children were growing up. The Berenstain Bears and Dr. Seuss were so much fun. And now we can hardly handle the terrible temptation to let our children grow up to think for themselves! Pretty soon we will have a "re-constructed" Bible for the new folks on the block. It won't even have suggestions, much less sin and laws. Ah, Satan is probably grinning from ear to ear.

Just want you all to know that your prayers have helped Connie and Rebekah, Sharon Dickerson and her niece Kimberly, and Ronnie Talley and his family. Thank you and please continue to hold them up to our Father. Meanwhile, remember the little widow ladies in your midst, Sue, Sharron, BillyeRuth, and others too numerous to mention. Thinking about Kate Ellen's grandmother and others who lost their mates and never were able to even go to the hospital to be with them. These are hard times in so many ways. Let us be a fountain of love to refresh those who need it so desperately. 

May you rest well this night and awake with purpose. You are loved.

And Then The Lights Went Out

 

And Then the Lights Went Out

So, came home from seeing the massage therapist this morning and stuck some tamales in the microwave. Went into the living room and heard sudden silence from the kitchen. Yep, electricity went out again. So, a package of soup made with hot water was lunch. Oh well.

The person from United Home Health will be here about 4:30 when the power is supposed to be back on. At least the gas heater in the kitchen will have the chill off this part of the house. Fifty-four degrees is not bad, but it is not all that comfortable either. Once a year the health care worker comes out to see if yours truly has lost her marbles. [They don’t realize there is a hole in the bottom corner of the marble sack!] They check to see if the old woman can still tell time. Was telling the masseuse that military time is not what makes sense to me. She tried to explain it. But when it is midnight, it is 0000 or 2400. Oh well, will just stick to analog or sunlight through the windows. That’s chicken time in any book.

Have gone from getting 17 to 12 eggs a day now. Jennifer thinks they might be hiding some, but it is highly unlikely. Twenty hens will not produce 20 eggs one day and zero the next. They never have the exact same cycle as the other hens. And it takes 26 hours for them to produce each egg. Bet you didn’t know that, did you? Bet it doesn’t matter to you either! When your food comes inn a carton from the store, thoughts about the critters producing it are seldom on our minds.

While getting my hair cut yesterday, one of the beauticians was talking about her extended family that has a herd of about 1200 head of beef in Megargel, Texas. They sell direct to the customers. They also deliver it. Anyway, will be checking them out soon at www.billbrownbeef.com. Their phone number—for folks in this area—is 940-781-7824. And e-mail is Billbrownranch@srcaccess.net. When a person pays Walmart $30 for ribeye steaks that are tough, it might pay to get your meat from someone who grows it right here in the part of the world where we live.

Spoke briefly with Jennifer this morning. Seems Grayson has some few things he has to do before he can come up here. Be very glad when he gets here. Have these new coaster things to go under the couch legs that should help in moving it around. Then want to put a set under the bed. King size is wonderful in many ways, but the heft of it can be a bit much when it is pitted against older muscles. Jenn laughed and warned me not to plan on doing too much just because the “muscles” would be here. Maybe a list for him to choose from each day would help? Nah, that might just be intimidating. Painting is going to be the biggie. The man from Breegle’s said it would be a two-day job. As long as they do a good job, maybe it will be worth it.

After all the wind we have had the past few days, gathering up the plastic bags, paper stuff, and other assorted litter is going to be a pretty good load for the trash bin. The trash truck always seems to scatter a bit on its rounds as well. My bin had feed sacks in it again this morning. The oats spread out on the east lot kept some of the hens pretty happy for a while. Thinking about how feed used to come in burlap bags. And those bags were reused for all kinds of things. Not sure if they could be taken back to the feed store or not for returns, but it would have made sense to that generation to reuse anything like that.

Sitting here thinking about how Great-grandmother Camp took the tobacco bags that her husband got with his tobacco for pipes or roll-your-own cigarettes—the only kind they knew for years. Mimmie used those bags to piece together quilt tops along with the material she salvaged from flour sacks or whatever she could get. She did all of that by kerosene lamp light. AH! The electricity just came back on! Hooray! Anyway, one did not buy quilts back in those days—well, unless you were wealthy, which my family was not. The batting for a quilt did not come from Hancocks or some other store either. Whatever was left of the last quilt was the insides of the newer one. Make do and reuse were a way of life those folks knew well. Theirs was not a throwaway society. We think that the saying, “Waste not, want not” was from the second world war, but it must have been around a lot longer than even Benjamin Franklin! Americans had to make everything they needed right here on this land. Truer of Texans even!

Pulled up a couple of dead plants from the front flower bed. It has some grass in it that needs to come out, but the weather has to be warmer for me to get out there and dig or pull it out. Looking forward to seeing something bloom! Have seeds that need to be used this year, too. Will be making that sunflower room in the back yard with the help of the chicken wire and the metal rods to hold it up. Makes me smile just to think about it.

Well, one last note about Ronnie Talley: he is improved and they probably won’t tell us much other than once a week now. SO thankful for your prayers. As for Sharon Dickerson’s niece Kimberly, she will probably post here in Common Sense to let you know how things are going. I have not been on FB because of the power outage.

Connie seems to be feeling more settled since her sister has made at least a few sensible plans—buying furniture for her new apartment for one. Just remember her, please. Both of these women need a sound mind to have peace.

May all of you look to our Father for the many blessings He has given us. A grateful heart helps us have a sound mind. You are loved.

 

 

 

 

And Then It Was Daylight.

 For some foul reason, sleep would not come last night. Wondering if steroids can cause that. Whatever, stopped looking at the clock sometime around three--and then SLEPT! Yep, still got up before seven, but at least a few solid snoozes took place. Hit the floor running [hypothetical running]. Let the hens out, brought the truck up and loaded the computer parts, a sack for Cindy, and six dozen eggs for Dr. Blackwell and nurse. Got all that running around done and went to Market Street and had a breakfast bowl burrito. DANG! That sucker was big. No, did not eat the burrito, but used a fork and ate all the scrambled eggs, the cheesy potatoes, the pulled pork or whatever that stuff was, and the gravy poured over it. Bought a canned drink and had breakfast before doing a little grocery shopping. Got home to find that Amazon had brought me the vacuum bags for the Oreck and the coasters for the couch and bed frame. Here's hoping that Grayson can lift things so that those can be made useful.

My phone lets me know if anything major has happened in the news. Seems that New Zealand is braced for a tsunami and South America has a major earthquake that split the road from one end to the other down that area of the world. Does seem as if all sorts of things are falling apart and otherwise causing destruction and mayhem. And then there are those who think the National Guard needs to protect Congress. Rolling my eyes here. Yesterday Lance sent me this meme thing that said that from all the disasters so far in the past couple of months that you would think that our nation was built on an Indian burial ground. Yup. 

The wind is really howling around the corners of my house. It's March--in Texas. Guess it is about time to start thinking about tornado season. sigh

My haircut started out kinda shaggy, and she just kept trimming it off until it suited both of us. It will be at least two months before it will begin to look as if it is not a fresh cut. But that is just fine. It should also be cooler as the days get hotter. That helps. Everyone seemed to like my hair as it was, but they have never had to fight to be able to see out from under stuff like that or they would understand. These pictures of horses and sheep where their mane and wool cover their eyes just make me miserable for them! A pair of sheers or at least a good braiding of that mane would just about do the trick.

The man from Abby/Breegle Carpet just called to confirm that he should order the flooring. Wonder of wonders, they may actually be able to get the installation done on the week of the 15th of March!! So getting this kitchen painted this week and next is paramount before the new flooring is laid. Surely hope that Grayson doesn't mind doing a ton of work for his Ma. 

Getting things sorted out and some removed from the premises almost makes me feel useful. Have the kitchen counter cleared off except for a box of cereal and the microwave. Guess it won't be too hard to find a place to put the microwave out of the way. But will wait until Grayson gets here to unload the china closet. At least there is a new Amazon box waiting for some stuff to be boxed up.

The doctor that has been caring for Ronnie Talley decided to redo the trach opening because it was too wide. Then they still want to get him off the sedation--a slow process. But the best news is that he has been moved to a rehab place for critical care that means his wife and maybe his daughter can get in to see him. That will make everyone in the family feel better. 

Just heard from John Rhoads, and he is bringing some oats his wife Mary does not want the horses to have. [Yes, it makes me wonder why.] And he has a sack of alfalfa that is swept up from the feed room. So he can take two dozen eggs home, and my girls can chase oats all over the east lots. Or the oats can sprout and then get eaten.

Last night when sleep would not come, my daddy's work came to my feeble mind. When they started their family out, Daddy was a "tool dresser." That means he had to use a sledge hammer for hours every day to sharpen the bits used in the wells. Not sure exactly how that worked, but will ask someone who might know. Sterling said that Daddy could swing a sledge so smoothly and make it look effortless. But sitting here thinking that Daddy had more than one hernia over the years. Yep. Effortless and damaging.

Oh, the carry out man at Market Street was telling me about getting sprayed by a skunk when he was four. Had a story to top that one by a mile. We had a pet skunk called Stinky--you can guess why cause no way my parents could have afforded to have that skunk DE-skunked. Anyway, Mom sometimes managed to "lose sight" of me. One day the gate was open and yours truly took off down the sidewalk. Stinky was following right behind me. Mr. Bunky Whitmire was yelling for Mom to get the kid and he'd kill the skunk! Mom's reply: "Don't you dare shoot my skunk!" Oh yeah. Am sure Mom was not too popular with the neighbors that day. Then the day came when Mom lost me for a bit too long. She found me coming back home crying, "Truck honk me!" It's a wonder we lived to tell the stories!

Thinking back about some of the things Mom had Sterling do to keep me quiet: he had to play quiet things with me inside the house to keep me from waking Daddy up since he worked "morning tower." And from the time it was reasonable to expect me to understand, Mom was constantly telling me to "ssshhh." And they wondered why it took me so long to begin to talk!!

It just occurred to me that an allergy pill tonight would make things SO much easier. The pollen count is 8.7 or something, so that is enough to make it hard to breathe. Why does it take so long to remember these things?

Driving down Barnett Road to go to Cindy's house and noticed all the dead trees. Think the folks with magnolias can count those beauties as a total loss. So sorry. We have magnolias planted down in the little park before the dam on Lake Wichita. Mostly likely they are all dead as well. Doubt if those will come back, but who knows.

Got my bank cards paid off last night. It dawned on me that it was the third of the month. You'd think a reminder on my phone would be set by anyone who has two brain cells, but just have not done that one yet. Always pay the water bill as soon as it gets here because it is the only one that still comes in the mail. It was a doozy after flooding the east side of the house and under the house. Used 8 cubic feet of water during that mess! Oh well. 

Connie said that Rebekah seemed to be happier today. She ordered furniture for her new apartment. She is still staying at a hotel until her place is ready to live in. At least doing something is helping her feel better. She still has to see her dentist about taking out the teeth with the root canals. Seems that they are part of the infection she has. Understand that dental infections are one of the scariest kind because they can cause brain damage. So trust your teeth to only the best!

Have not heard from Sharon about her niece Kimberly. This was a major surgery to reroute all the insides to the outside. Can't remember for sure, but think it is called an ileostomy or something like that. Know that she will need our prayers for sure. And her parents and Sharon will need peace of mind.

The bird for the day is the Curved-bill Thrasher. It is not a really pretty bird, but thrashers in general nest low to the ground and clean out any insects they find. We used to have a pair of them here in the back yard years ago. But they did not come back one year. SO many birds have gone and aren't coming back. Walking outside to Cindy's house today and could hear the sandhill cranes high up in the sky. Love to listen to them.

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

 

Digging Out Memories.

 Reasons exist for not going into a room or opening a drawer--or for listening to music that someone put on a CD for you. Take a deep breath and work until the hurt doesn't catch up. Clean out and give away the things that don't matter. Haul off some of the detritus that has accumulated along the way that just clutters up any available living space. Yup, it is going to be one of those weeks.

The John Deere cookie jar was so dirty from sitting on top of the cabinets that it might as well have been out working in the fields. But it's washed now and ready to go back after the wall behind the top part of the cabinet is painted. Will try to get that wall painted first. And the ceiling, too, as far as reaching is comfortable. Don't want any paint splattered on my counter or cabinets. Good help is hard to find, ya know. And if only myself is to be shouted at, then a good worker can do it better than make a mess.

Bought two gallons of paint called "Statuary." It is a tint of grey that will go well with the new flooring--whenever that gets installed. Truly hope that it covers well so only one coat will be necessary. If not, will get one more gallon for the area behind and above the stove. Amazing how much grease gets in a room from cooking. Of course, that is why they make those hoods for ovens. Never been seen on this ol' hill. Take it or leave it, the burners and oven just do their thing.

Cleaning out the shtuff in Hanan's room has been heavy--in more ways than one. But if Grayson is to show up next week even a day or so early, it will need to be where he can get around in it. Have things to take over to Cindy's house--pellon interfacing and other sewing stuff that will never be used here. Then there is an entire box full of computer junk that needs to go to Goodwill or to the Women's Refuge Shop. Kinda wish their shop was not so far away, but may go there anyway because Goodwill makes a pretty good killing on things that folks are just giving away. Goodwill may be cheaper than most places, but each dime goes to the corporate owner. Oh well. It IS convenient.

Started a list for Market Street and then tossed the list. Will just go myself and look and actually think about what will work and what probably would not. Need to ask Cindy what the boys eat--feel like pizza would work--or wieners. Know that if Grayson comes, he will want pancakes. Still have the maple syrup that he wanted last time. But if he needs milk for cereal, he has to have the lactose tolerant stuff--whatever it is called. And have no idea what kind of cereal he eats. Oh well. A trip to the store can't possibly be that hard.

Set an alarm on my phone for 8 a.m. so forgetfulness won't be late for her haircut in the morning. It may be as short as Roger Thonton's haircut when she gets finished, but want this stuff OUT of my face! Can't see out from under it! Cindy saw me with my hair up under a hair band the other evening and wanted to know if my hair was streaked. It IS streaked, but Mother Nature did every bit of the streaking. Getting all the length cut off may leave only grey, but grey does not hurt even one fiber of my pride or other feelings. Each grey hair has been earned.

Started one of those packs of steroids this morning. It is supposed to be easy to follow the directions. Uh huh. Oh well. Will do the best an old body can do and not be too concerned about the directions. They don't make magic pills for stupidity, so there's that.

Earlier sitting here and shaking my head over the pile of grass that Thompson brought in and left on my little rug in front of the desk. Both dogs suddenly looked up and headed to the back door. They could hear the hens having a fit about something. Went out there with them and did not see even a sparrow hawk. Who knows why they all got in an uproar. 

Walked by the herb box outside today. Looks as if the sage, rosemary, and thyme made it through the ice and snow. However, the purple sage bush looks like a goner. It reminded me of the year out at MSU when the college had to take out an entire wall of Russian Olives. Nothing Russian nor anything resembling olives about it, but it had the most wonderful smell in the spring. But dead bushes are not exactly reassuring when looking at a building that is supposed to look stately. 

Jennifer convinced me to store the china in the office when it was time to move it out of the china closet. Kinda doubt that any of the grands will want great-grandmother's china. Still, they can deal with that someday. Meanwhile, some of the little things that matter might need to be labeled so the kids will know why we kept them. Jenn sent Lewis flowers in 2011 for Father's Day. He was absolutely delighted with those flowers, and they were in a Ford truck vase!! That vase is still on my dresser in the bedroom. The only flowers anyone ever gave him. Why do we seem to forget that men love flowers, too.

Cleaned out the Britta pitchers today and put in new filters. Always think of Janis Cooke when cleaning those pitchers. She did her containers each week and then changed the filters once a month. Actually, our city water is not all that bad tasting right now, but it is just the idea that they are recycling everything before it goes BACK into Lake Arrowhead. Guess it is not any worse than having a good flash flood over the dairy farms in Windthorst before that water goes into the lake. sigh

Talking to a young man at Sutherlands today whose significant other works as a nurse at the hospital here. She has  bronchitis and coughs often. The hospital made her take test after test to be sure she was not infected. Finally they did an antibody test that was positive. But that means she got OVER the danged virus. Still, so many folks are hanging on by their fingernails in every hospital. Just wish this crud would go away. Will still wear the mask when asked to, but it sometimes feels pretty silly when never getting close to anyone. Oh well.

Speaking of folks in the hospital, Leta Talley says that Ronnie is doing better. Know this has been a long row to hoe for the entire family--especially his wife. She had it first and got over it without anything. Then Ronnie got it and has been one sick puppy. You just never know how things are going to go.

Connie sounded more upbeat this morning. We remind each other every so often that we can't help others make decisions. And looking back is the only 20/20 vision out there. God help us to have peace of mind. Meanwhile, two dogs want my attention. 

May you all rest well and awake with joy! You are loved.

Drastic Measures.

 Not sure the old woman could do many days like this one. Shuffle shtuff around in the kitchen. Going to give away most of my dishes and send the "keepsakes" to the kids' houses. Let them get rid of them now or whatever they want to do with them. Hauled a bu77 load of stuff to the workshop--and just after cleaning that place out! But it was workshop stuff in the first place--weedeater, string, tools, insecticides, etc. Why do we bring stuff like that into the house in the first place? Whatever, most of it is back where it belongs now. Put the shelving unit that held all the egg cartons in the hallway. That is not the optimum choice, but it works. When--and if--the flooring people come to move things around, if they want to, they can put the table on the deck for just those few hours. 

Cleaned out the metal coop and rearranged the roosts. Filled the nest boxes with fresh alfalfa, and raked out all the chicken poop. Still have not decided what exactly to do with the 2x4s and other boards that made up a shelf in there. For now it is propped up against the workshop outer wall. Then raked out the other two coops and cut the poor dead starling out of the wall where it got stuck in the wire during the freeze. Sad little creature. After all of the dust more or less settled, a major portion of it was in my teeth, on my glasses, in my clothes, and in my ears. Had a hot mustard soak and then a shower. THEN, like a dipwaddy, gave the two dogs a bath. Had to clean the bathroom floor when that was finished. Dang! Not going to do as much tomorrow--she said with all conviction.

Made an appointment to get my hair cut on Thursday morning. It will be short! So tired of my hair getting in my eyes. It grows out so very quickly that one day it is fine and two days later it is in my eyes again!

Glancing through FB today and noticed that the "thought police" have decided that Dr. Seus books--some of them at least--need to be banned. Rolling eyes heavenward here! Who the H E double toothpick made anyone else the decision maker for the rest of us?! Sickening! Kinda like removing the Alamo in Texas because some folks think they were fighting to keep slavery. Uh, no, and oh hell no. And then some folks were totally upset because Governor Abbot decided to open Texas up--no masks required. Seems to me that is an individual decision still. The only problem that bothers me is the kids are back in school and may or may not be protected. Ah, don't want my grands sick. Well, anyone for that matter.

Took the twins and Tim through my home and the hen houses last night. They will do a good job of taking care of my critters and home. Still need to talk to Tim about what kind of food he likes so there will be something solid here for him and the twins to eat. They probably would prefer something other than the stuff in my freezer. Guess a few pizzas might work.

The bird of the day is the pine siskin. Reminds me of a sparrow but with more stripes of brown. Not a big bird at all. 

Anyway, it lives where we find pines, naturally. Little birds that are the finch types make me smile and remember how many tiny birds were always along the fences when my horse was walking slowly enough for the scenery to be really soaked in. Tiny flowers, small birds, even mice and little voles along the roadways to Granddad's place out in the country. Good memories. Wish my kids and grands could have known such as that. We just got to visit the farm in Bonita as the children were growing up. Hey! At least Lance got to milk a cow!

Leta posted that Ronnie continues to improve some daily even though it is a very slow process of weaning him off the medications. Can't imagine. As for Rebekah, she is still just as volatile as ever but maybe improving somewhat. Illnesses make us super cranky, in my estimation. Pray for Connie that she will be able to love her sister and remain sane.

Carla Beard posted a one-star rating on FB on the guy that did her upstairs floors, and he had the temerity to fuss at her on FB about she insisted that he would take the money for the second half of the job despite the fact she was not satisfied in the least. He is not very bright. That is the worst thing he could have done. Obviously most of us would agree that a job should be done in the time agreed upon. That is my number one priority. The second one is equally important: DO IT RIGHT! Just hoping that the guys who are going to put down this flooring for me--IF he ever calls back--will get it done right and get it done THAT day. With a crew, it should be a swift completion, but who knows what they consider a crew. Almost willing to bet this is going to be one of those "maybe" jobs. Maybe they will get here and maybe they will get it done in a day. Pray for me! Can't stand much more crap out of tradesmen after that stupid mismatched and ill-installed window!

Sitting here doing something that hardly ever happens around here: rum and cherry Dr Pepper. It figures that if pills won't kill the pain, something will eventually. Don't want to take a muscle relaxer until night time--if then. The new meds make me kinda wobbly shortly after taking them. Don't want to end up in the middle of the floor during the night. Taking every precaution to keep from falling as it is, but crud happens, so no sense in adding to the problems. Thinking about my friend BR who hurts just trying to make her bed. She qualifies for help, but in the Paducah area, no one will apply for the home help job. Wish she had a teenage kid like one of the Smith kids. They are good boys and could help her a bunch. Right now she is looking for a blown out water heater to use in her water well--just the casing. Wish she had one of those dumped water heaters that Jenn said were lining the roads down in her area as people are trying to redo the insides of their homes. sigh

Cindy Jones told me yesterday that her family doctor was killed last week when a horse kicked her in the head. DANG! Anyway, told her that Dr. Blackwell is taking new patients. The neat thing about Dr. Blackwell is that her patients have access to her 24/7. And it is for one monthly fee--period. That is what is called a concierge doctor. Eventually the service will continue to be more popular as folks realize that what we get with Medicare really sucks. Those doctors may give you less than five minutes and are restricted to certain drugs for prescriptions. Just about as soon have someone else tell me what books can or can't be read!! But this is MY body and my health that matters. Anyway, so glad that Cindy is considering going to her. Know that Hanan would be glad that his friend can help others as much as she is helping me.

Got tickled at Lance. Sometimes our conversations are like a show and tell situation as he has no idea what is going on. Anyway, we talked the other day in text messages--til he suddenly called me and asked what we were talking about. Forgot that he did not know that the kitchen had been flooded and the floor ruined. Anyway, it is hard for me to remember that he does not know anything unless specifically told. Sibling talk does not apparently work in our family.

Looking down at my nasty shoes sitting on the floor. Think maybe they brought in half a bag of diatomaceous earth! Oh well. They will clean. 

Think the bed is calling me. Maybe the dogs are dry by now. Ya know, pull up another dog and smell good like a wet dog should. Think they have a sprinkle bottle of some kind of doggie smellum goodie. Or not.

Let us be grateful for the energy to do what needs to be done and the determination to do it. Let us praise God for His great love for us. 

May you all rest well this night and have peace of mind. You are loved.

Whew!

 It has seemed like a busy day not to have accomplished much. Saw the man from Breegle flooring but won't get the price until tonight or tomorrow. They are two weeks out before they can get to a job right now. Just as well. Will take me that long to get everything out of the kitchen: unload the china hutch, put chairs in back room or somewhere; move storage shelves into hall or office; and be sure nothing is left on top of stove or fridge. Well, at least everything can be cleaned before the new flooring is installed. Will have to ask Donny Anderson to remove old gas lines from the floor. Such fun. We put the flooring down before Lewis put the cabinets in, so that means that they will have to try to fit the flooring around the cabinets. Oh well. It is not like this is unusual for them.

Went to Sutherlands and picked up diatomaceous earth, sulfur powder for chiggers, and two big bags of soil for planting in the whiskey barrel planters that were picked up from TSC along with a bale of alfalfa. Then went over to Arbys to try the new fish sandwiches. The Hawaiian fish sandwich was pretty good. The other kind was fit to feed to the dogs. So now you know.

Took everything out of my chifforobe to look for my laptop bag. Found it in the closet in a basket. Also found a backpack in the chifforobe that made me wonder where it came from. Oh well. No big deal. When we have so many clothes and THINGS that we wonder about them, it is a pretty good sign that we need to stop acquiring "stuff." Summer clothes, winter clothes, boots, sandals, extra shoes, hot blankets, comforters, crochet throws, extra pillow shams, ad stuffiam. Does everyone else accumulate shtuff like this? How do you store it or what do you do with it? It's just ridiculous. Can remember my mother's closet when we were young: Daddy's good suit, mom's dressy dress for church--maybe two, Mom's winter coat, two pair of shoes for Mom, and a cedar chest full of memories from when Daddy was in the Army. Then there were blankets or quilts stacked neatly with extra bedding like pillows and bedspreads. We did not have a whole lot of stuff that was for sure. Mom made all of my clothes except for my jeans and undies. She was so thrilled when my body finally fit into her jacket--an Eisenhower jacket--to use when riding my horse. That kept my good coat from smelling like a horse! Wonder how she put up with me and my horse. Remember she came into my room one night and said, "The saddle can stay, but that stinking saddle blanket goes to the barn!" She was right. It was pretty rank.

Just thought you might like to know: the "whiskey barrel planters" never saw whiskey and aren't much for barrels no matter what TSC says. Plus they gave me three nice splinters just picking them up. It took a bright light and several naughty words to get those splinters out, dear hearts! 

Two happy dogs live in this house. They got to stand in the window and bark at the folks going in and out over at Jerry's place. He is trying to get his yard and house cleaned up. Let's cheer him on!! His mom would fall over in a faint if she found it clean or even not cluttered with tires, trash, old cars, and assorted junk and stuff. And that's just the back yard. Jerry saw me taking the diatomaceous earth out of the bed of the truck and took it in the wagon out to the garage floor. The bale of hay and that earth are the next chicken house project. The girls have really made a mess out on one side of the metal coop. Bleah. Oh well. The only thing that gave me trouble was the nut that had come off the wagon wheel. Found another nut and used my new crescent wrench to tighten it. Should have had a washer between, but hey, it is on there. Then came in and tried to sit down with that wrench in my back pocket. Shaking my head here.

Just thought about where my extra house key is: gave it to Connie when she gave me the key to her apartment. Will have to go one day this week and get a couple made even though Donny has one for emergencies. Since the boys will probably be staying here, an extra key would really be ideal. Anyway, that is just one more little item to check off this week. Will see Dava and see if she can get my muscles unraveled on Friday, and then the home visitor from the health insurance will be here that afternoon between 4 and 6. Tomorrow will be a good day to start trying to get unnecessary things out of the kitchen. Thinking the china can be put in the office. Such fun. One never realizes--well, CARLA BEARD would realize--how much SHTUFF has to be moved for anything to be done in your house.

Got tickled--well, kinda--last evening when Michelle DeMers wanted to know if the picture of me on Mary Rhoads' horse was ME! Yes, the hair definitely needs to be removed from my face and neck--look like a shaggy dog currently. But did not realize that it made me THAT different looking! Oh well. A haircut can only improve the situation. At least my eyes will be able to see without all that hair down in my face!

Just talked to number one child. We were comparing notes about how our dogs take a treat straight to the rug that will consequently have to be vacuumed. His dog rolls and scratches his back on said rug. Mine just walk in a sheds. No particular rug needed.

Would love to blame it on Corona/Covid, the current meds, or even boredom, but this ol' gal has gained weight. My pants fit. Have two pair of pants ordered that should be "relaxed fit," but let's hope they are comfortable. At least they are made in America by Americans. Saw an ad on FB about some product. Someone asked if it was made in America. Answer: "We are an American based company." Does that tell you anything? Makes me go just as fast as possible to some other company. Needs to be made in America by Americans! My problem is that Nuts.com and CheeseBrothers are both capable of filling me up on good stuff. Fat is fat even made in America.

The bird for the day is seldom seen in North America except for some places in Alaska. It eats insects and is beneficial to most places where it is found. The White Wagtail is cute and reminds me of a mockingbird just a bit. But it is not likely that any will make their way from Africa to Texas to be observed.

Ronnie Talley is still holding his own. Connie Cooke is much calmer, and Rebekah now has an apartment in the same complex as Connie. Not sure if she has tried to move in yet. Forgot to ask. But guessing that she will have to do some furniture buying first. But she likes to shop, so there's that.

My ice maker is actually making ice! Now that the floor has to be replaced because the water was not going into the ice maker--sigh. Such is life.

May you all rest well this evening and look forward to another day. Your prayers are heard. You are loved.