Prohibition Results.

 Guns can be dangerous. Yep, could shoot yourself in the foot or worse. And no one in their right mind wants their family threatened by an armed idiot--or even an armed genius. But let's just look at what happens when something is prohibited that has been around for centuries. Now a good beer once in a while is just so freaking good, especially on a hot day. But having lived, even if briefly, with an alcoholic, it is tempting to say that alcohol should not be so easy to get. But this nation tried outlawing alcohol at one point and created a horrible situation with mobs, mafia, and murders out the wahzoo! Prohibition created outlaws out of sensible citizens, too. On the other hand, many a woman made a living out of bathtub brewing during those days. Something that can be hurtful can also be a blessing. 

My oldest son could not understand why liquor stores were considered a necessity during the worst of this pandemic. Well, just see how long the hospitals and morgues will be able to function when all the alcoholics are suddenly cut off. Not a pretty picture. Now that is not to say that guns and alcohol are that much alike because they certainly are not. Hardly anyone around me--well, with one possible exception--would invite anyone over just to enjoy his or her guns. Homebrew is another thing entirely. Hot dogs and homebrew? A Gatlin gun and a beer? Yep, some folks are like that. But the point that this little epistle to the wind is attempting to make is that creating a law to prevent deaths from shooting by attempting to outlaw guns is a lot like trying to take away alcohol. Not a good idea for several reasons. 

Where do the criminals get their guns if they are already prohibited from having a firearm as a felon? Do you really think it is difficult to get a gun? One friend who lived in Colombia wanted me to send him a gun. Had to tell him, "Not only nope, but Hell nope!" Can just see the department of alcohol and fire arms or whatever it is called coming to pay a visit. Now if he had been a smoker, some tobacco could have been sent through the mail maybe. But the customs folks opened the package and removed the sweet corn sent to him because they refused to have any other seed corn in their country other than the ones approved by Dow or whichever company is trying to make them go entirely GMO. So he did not get the sweet corn sent to him. Do you really think a country like Colombia would have a problem with him sending ME something? Nope, it is all about what comes INTO their country. So Mexico could ship us all the guns and cannons in their stockpile, and no one would say a freaking thing. They certainly have no trouble sending homeless children as sex slaves to this country.

The easiest preventable deaths in this country would be to stop abortions on demand. The time to make a choice is before having sex, not after a child is conceived. Then make adoptions part of the program for Planned Parenthood. Want to make highway deaths preventable? Put a breathalyzer in EVERY vehicle that can go over ten mph. Want to really prevent more deaths? Stop letting pharmaceutical companies advertise their products. Two drugs that have caused countless deaths include metformin and one of the other diabetic drugs that has now been taken off the market for causing heart attacks. Innovation is wonderful when it makes sense. But just like trying to determine portion size and number of calories consumed by the public, common sense has not always been part of the equation. Look at the WIC or food stamp purchases that permit unlimited amounts of candies and soft drinks by the participants. Yes, vegetables are much more expensive than sodas, but how can that many empty calories be good for a person, much less their children?

Ok, will scoot the soapbox under my desk and tell you about the latest in weed removal. The hens are not the least bit dumb. They recognize dirt removal when they see it, so it is a matter of moving the weed to one side, dig under it with the pointy end of the tool Jennifer got for me, then pull the weed, tap the root, move the hens, and throw the weed in a big white bucket. They take care of worms, grubs, and scratching in the dirt. So far about one third of the lots are finished. Was SO tempted to call Stephen and ask for the loan of the twins, but decided that there simply is no excuse not to do this work myself. Getting down on my knees is good exercise and something like the best position for prayer. 

Not that yours truly would know what she was looking at, but wanted to load the x-rays on my computer before sending them to Dr. Jensen. Can't figure out how to open the files. My guess is that he will know how, and that is really all that matters. If anyone knows of a good chiropractor in this area, please let me know.

Did something today that is also new to me. Paid online and bought some beef: a couple of ribeyes, some hamburger, and some liver. www.billbrownbeef.com is the address. They have a ranch in the Megargel area (Archer County) with about 1200 head of cattle. All raised right there on the ranch. That means buying locally raised meat and free delivery! Can't beat that with a stick. And the hamburger was $5 a pound, so my daughter would be proud of me!

Bill Brown Beef is going to be happy for our association. My girl just asked for ten ribeyes, ten packages of hamburger, and some skirt steak. Mine is about to be delivered right now! Wow! That is some kind of service! Learned about these folks from a beautician at Spa Bella.

My back is beginning to tell me about how much more is going to get done today in that little weed plucking adventure. Whew! Jennifer found something to kill the pain for me, but will have to wait until it is time to go to bed to do that. It is funny to me that my neighbor down the street believes the weeds that are not edible to my hens are supposed to produce the same effects as the wacky weed they sell in Colorado. Can tell you right this hot minute that these weeds are not doing anything good for me! Well, maybe they are causing me to get exercise--a good thing for an old girl who does not do very much any longer.

Coming back from Jenn's house, brought my riding helmet in case someone has a horse that needs to be ridden gently. Not up to the hell-bent-for-leather of my youth. Can't believe my body made it to this age, all things considered. One bad fall is all it takes to cripple someone for life. Cindy Jones was saying that her doctor got kicked in the head by a horse and died. Now that is pretty sad. Not taking any chances so the kids don't have to come up here and clear out the old homestead any time soon.

Cooked a good Angus roast from Market Street this morning. So now will have to wait a few days to try out this new beef. Called Jenn to see if she wanted some liver. The reaction was suitably ferocious! Ack! Ack! Bleah! Not only no, but Hell no! She won't even let it in the house!

Well, my body is tired, but the sight of those multiple messes of weeds just sitting out there making seeds is just too much for me. Here goes another assault on the "meadowing" of Dickerson Hill.

Please remember those like Joe Malay who are fighting illnesses. Then remember those poor families who lost someone is that horrible shooting in Colorado. May God give them peace, even if it takes a bit to get there. Horrors of daily life in some countries are becoming more prevalent here. May God protect us and those we love.

May you sleep well and awake refreshed and ready to deal with whatever life hands you. You are loved.

Crazy Hours!

 Despite not going to bed early last night, this ol' gal woke up around threeish. Finally gave up and got up at four and sat and finished a book. Crawled back in bed and slept until nearly 7:30. Not too bad. Anyway, now the day is only a tad after four and again the lack of sleep is catching up with me. No naps, however. Going to tough it out and go to bed after the hens are shut up in their coops. Have not really been able to do anything since it started raining early on and is not quite convinced that it is finished. And pretty cool and nippy to boot!

Youngest grandson had his 21st birthday at work today. Grayson said he went up there to have pizza with the family. Think the last time they ordered expensive food from someplace, everyone griped, so from now on it is kid food or something like that. Free food is free food, ya know.

Got a text message from Michelle Malay. Tim has gone up to the hospital to be with Joe. Michelle is stiff in the joints from the weather changes. Understand completely! My right knee told me yesterday that the weather was about to do something drastic. Who needs a weatherman when your joints tell you before you even get out of bed in the morning! Can understand much better how my grandparents and parents must have felt. Didn't seem to me that my parents griped all that much, but my dad just could barely get to the car barn when they needed something from out there. Mom could get around much better, but she would have forgotten why she was going in the first place, much less come back with the right whatever! My mother-in-law had bad legs after they did the by-pass surgery on her heart. But she ended up with bones that were about like Styrofoam according to the doctor who told us that he could not repair her broken hip. It made me wonder what others did that their bones were stronger. Maybe they just moved around more or something. Lewis had good bones--big ones, too! The by-pass surgery may have caused other problems, but soft or brittle bones was not one of the results. Guess we just have to be thankful for whatever the doctors are able to do to keep us going. Looking at Mother Malay in her 90s just amazes me. She has to use a quad cane, but she doesn't complain. At least she has not complained in my presence. Just hope that my attitude is that pleasant should my age ever get that far along.

Got tickled at Jack Culpepper watching whatever kind of game it was between the Razorbacks and Texas Tech. Not sure if a game that ended 68 to 66 is football or basketball. Whatever it was, he said it was a tough game. After watching my granddaughter play soccer, nothing those guys do out there lined on a marked up field impresses me all that much. These girls run from one end of the field to the other and run into legs, bodies, and assorted feet being kicked in the air. Polo could not be any harder on a person's body in my estimation! At least the horses take most of the shots rather than a girl's body! Tough little ladies!

The neighbor's grandson has been out again despite the rain and has made the dogs go crazy. Would keep them inside, but they want to jump on the windows! Not a good idea. So out they go to bark and run up and down the fences. Good exercise, don't ya know.

Gathered eggs earlier and talked to a couple of the hens. They were not happy to see my hand scooted under their breasts. But each one permitted the hand to gather the eggs without being the target of some mean little pecks. They are getting much better about being jostled around a bit. The Marans still have an attitude, but they watch the older hens and submit mostly like those hens. None of them are as sweet as ISA, but she is a special hen anyway. Think she must be on the very lowest end of the pecking order. Poor sweetie. She is a real light weight hen, but lays a big brown egg. The only smaller hen is Athena, but she has the attitude of a big ol' boss. She squawks and tells everyone how the cows eat the cabbage! She has a white head and neck and a grey speckled body. One of these days, a picture has to be posted here. She is just as pretty to me as any Chilean Flamingo ever hoped to be. (The bird of the day--pink and strangely flamboyant.)

Maggie Sewell gave me some jam for my family yesterday--cranberry and strawberry. Sounds wonderful. No strawberries for me, however. That one might just be the death of me should it ever get past the taster. Have no idea why an allergy can develop to something like that. We never had strawberries when we were younger. And it took ONE bite to find out that they would make my tongue swell and mouth burn and turn an interesting red. Nope, they smell wonderful. Even used to make strawberry preserves for Lewis, but nowadays even touching them does not seem like a good idea. Same with kiwi or fresh pineapple. Just weird.

Having food preferences has never particularly surprised me. One of my grands does not eat beef. Chicken is fine, but no beef. Go figure. The same grand cannot drink milk. Lance is the same way about milk. Someone told me that many Indians could not tolerate milk, but Jenn swears there is no Indian in our DNA. Ok, whatever. But she could not drink milk from a cow as a baby--mother-in-law found out the hard way. TOLD her not to give the child milk, but she knew better. Some folks just have to see things for themselves.

Got to thinking the other night about where the corn seed was put after buying it at the Feed and Seed Store. In my purse, of course! Walking around with seven dollars worth of sweet corn seeds in my bag. Maybe tomorrow will be a good day for planting sunflower seeds and corn seeds. We will see. Look forward to seeing anything growing in that circle out in the back that is staked out with chicken wire and metal stakes. Did this last year, and it worked pretty well, but did not plant sunflowers there. Maybe the two will be ok together?

My father-in-law had a wonderful garden every year. LONG rows all neatly laid out with no weeds between the rows. But he also had a tractor and some wonderful sandy loam soil. His English peas hardly ever got to the kitchen. We would squat down in the rows and eat them right there in the garden. In case you did not know, fresh English peas are reminiscent of raw peanuts--and just as good as a laxative! 

Someone posted about poke salad on FB recently. We always went down on the old railroad tracks to look for poke. The leaves had to be cooked in three separate waters before they could be eaten. But OH! talk about the most wonderful green ever! And yours truly never knew when to quit! Mother-in-law tried to keep some in the deep freeze for when we went down on the weekends to help with whatever. Never failed to give me a belly ache, but it was worth it. Spinach and turnip greens just do not compare.

Sitting here writing about food and thinking that the broccoli beef lunch was not nearly as satisfying as a big bowl of poke salad greens would have been. Funny what things we remember and enjoyed once upon a time. Someone even posted asking if anyone ever ate what we used to call Cinnamon Toast. Bread toasted with butter, sugar, and sprinkled with cinnamon. Oh yes! Great mornings began with "sugar or cinnamon" toast. Beat the crud out of oatmeal!

Thinking that some folks really like grits, too. As a stomach filler, they will do, but scrambled eggs are much, much better. Folks back in the days of the Depression were happy to have grits. Those who did not have their own hens were likely to have to eat grits for more than one meal, too. We live with each situation as it comes, but memories of those meals are still what makes them the best.

It is doing a pretty good job of raining right now. Guessing this is going to be an all-nighter. At least we are getting rain. Just really dread the possibility of another drought. The last one took so many trees. If the freeze did not get them this year, a drought would certainly finish them off. Somehow trees are a picture of North Central Texas to me. Mesquites are going to make it, but the rest of the trees are there for shade, for birds, for the hope that we see in the landscapes. As pretty as flowers are, the Bluebonnet does best in the worst soil around. But a good sturdy Cedar Elm means business--birds' nest, shade, and good boundary markers. May God bless the land this year.

Don't really know much. Will ask you again to pray for Joe Malay. Please also remember Connie Cooke as she tries to help her sister Rebekah with her choices. Sometimes it is harder to watch others make choices for themselves than it is for us to make our own choices. Life is always a bit of a puzzle. 

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

AAAACCCCCHOoooooo!

 Nothing quite says March like the wind that blows one upside down and inside out around here! But at least it does not feel as if the barometric pressure is dropping to tornado levels! And if the weather forecast is anywhere near accurate, we might even get some rain tomorrow. That won't hurt even one thing. It does remind me, however, that the overall forecast is for drought conditions everywhere from California to Midland, TX. As if it were not hard enough to live with the crud that has been going on with Covid and irrational sex maniacs shooting up massage parlors in Atlanta, now we face droughts. 

Please do not try to tell me that the possible national heritage of people who do massages can bear on the reason for some mentally unstable person going on a killing spree. When going to Massage Envy a couple of years ago, the therapist said that if anyone asked for anything that included the word "extras," the therapist immediately stopped and called the police. Two or three "massage parlors" were shut down here in WF because someone let it be known that "extras" were a way of asking for whatever kind of sex that included. Apparently some places were obliging the customers. Pretty stupid. 

A bit ago Maggie Sewell and her husband came to pick up some eggs. Poor David is taking the teasing pretty well, but his two black eyes and broken nose with a great big knot on his forehead are pretty good reminders that wearing sunglasses and navigating unfamiliar steps might not be the best idea. At least it was his nose broken and not his head or a hip! The older we get, the more apt we are to break something easily. Going to open the kitchen door earlier to let the dogs out to bark at the neighbor's grandson reminded me to always let the dogs go FIRST! Sylvia almost wrapped her body entirely around my legs before we got untangled! Nothing like a hyper dog trying to get out the door in a hurry!

Picked up seventeen eggs and added to the list of things to do with eggs--besides giving them away. Need to whip some up and put them in ziplock bags for a quick scrambled egg with cut up fresh veggies. Saw a recipe that suggested that a person could put in the veggies and drop them into boiling water, but it did not sound as good as putting them in hot butter for something like a mini frittata. Eggs and veggies are just a good combination. Especially if the veggies are fresh. 

Spring is one of the times of the year that some folks can truly appreciate allergies and storms--NOT! No, we survive the allergies and sneezing our guts out just to hope that we aren't swept away by a major storm system. Then there are the beautiful flowers, the happy songs from the birds, and the soft days that make life seem happier than any other time of the year. Sitting out watching the hens has been pretty pleasant. But they have really done a number on the yard lately. The hole they dug in the east side lot would make any Marine proud to have them as fox hole diggers! Yep, my Maran Marines and Black-laced Wyandotte Green berets! Will have to see if Stephen Smith has any semi-fresh veggies to give them in the next few days. Think Cindy Jones is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Nikki is in Colorado, so Stephen has a houseful of boys--his three and at least one more. Sent the pizzas that were bought for the boys home with him when they came to plant my trees--plus the rest of the corndog things. Boys grow wild like weeds in spring, so they have to be fed to keep them from being restless. Or so my memory reminds me. 

Thinking back at one of those times years ago when we had bought some chicken tender things for keeping in the freezer. Came home to find an empty box. Lance came home from classes with a friend, and they wiped out the entire box. Yep, just a little snack there. Typical boys with typical appetites. Used to send care packages off to Ft. Worth when he started classes down at UT Arlington. He was always hungry. But Hanan was like that at the same age. We sent care packages to California because he never got enough to eat. Yes, it would have been easier to send money, but this way we knew he had something to eat. He wrote home and told us that Jessica's step mom was the best cook in the entire world. Think what was best about her cooking was that it was always a LOT of food without judgment. But he also told me about some of the things she cooked. Sounded good, but our food has always been just good, solid food. No frills. Lewis was what they called a "meat and potatoes" kind of man. Cornbread and beans was one of his favorites. Anyway, the boys took after Lewis when it came to eating. He was six foot one, and neither of the boys got that tall. However, Lance's son has already hit that height and so has Jennifer's youngest son. Maybe they will take after Lewis' dad--6'5".

Need to sit here and write a thank you note to my oldest grandson. It was so good having him here with me for a few days--plus all the help he gave me. Sometimes a "real" thank you note is just what is called for. Grayson has no way of knowing how much his visit meant to me. It was so good to be able to show him some of the family pictures from his great-great-great granddad and his family. Even showing Jennifer the pictures did not make me believe that any of the family history would be remembered. Two of my great-great grandfathers served in the Confederacy--one shoed horses and mules and the other shoed men. Both had the rank of sergeant, if memory serves me correctly. Somewhere in all the paperwork sent to Jenn's house is the source for looking them up. One (Pollard) was straight out of Traskwood and served in San Antonio making shoes for the soldiers. Sterling V Camp served elsewhere, but my memory has since blurred the place he served. Sorry ol' memory. 

The neighbor's little grandson finally stopped roaring up and down the road. Went out and spoke with him, but did not ask him NOT to, just told him that he was keeping the dogs in an uproar--which is why he enjoyed flying up the road so well. Ah, to be young and full of mischief.

It is supposed to be a little cooler tomorrow, so probably won't get much done outside, but maybe it is just as well. For some reason my right knee has decided to complain again. Wish it were possible to do for myself what Dr. Jensen did to that sucker! Maybe if Cari Guidry had some idea of what he did, she could do it for me. Surely can't go out and kick it back where it was before. sigh

Saw a flower pot planted full of English peas and wondered if that could be done with beans. Probably not since they make a bush. Oh well. Can always make a row of beans out by the new peach tree on the outside of the fence where the hens can't get to them. Those beans would never get a chance to sprout inside the yard! So many neat ideas for planting things. Now just need to get some spaghetti squash seeds and find a place to grow them. Got sweet corn seeds to put in the sunflower garden. Hope that works. Have plenty of fertilizer to put out there for the ground. It is difficult to balance out the use of chicken poo with what the dirt can absorb without burning the plants. Granddad could do it without even thinking. My experience tells me from looking when too much has been applied--the plants get that burned look. But knowing how much to put in the dirt is all a matter of experience as well--guessing.

Saw something on FB when Leta Talley had posted about losing Ronnie Talley to the Covid mess. SO many folks had kept him in their prayers. You know, death is not the final word. We all seem to understand that, but living with loss makes us feel as if we have come to some conclusion. But thinking about the ones we have lost reminds me that the love we still hold for them keeps them alive in another way. The only one who ever died and returned to tell us about it was Jesus Christ. And He conquered death. He told us that it is not the end. Whether we all believe the same things or not, we can trust in the One Who gave us life to begin with. We are not just random creatures. God gave us a spirit that belongs to Him. He will reclaim that spirit in time. Meanwhile, we can love one another, encourage and comfort one another. And pray for those who are struggling with life and death. Let's do our best to rejoice in the many blessings that God has provided--especially the love He gave us.

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

Plants and Planting.

 Shirley Taylor will be happy to know that the Bird of Paradise seeds have finally been planted. We will see if any little trees come up to be moved next year. Meanwhile, waiting for Stephen Smith and boys to come and dig three holes for my new trees--a peach, a fig, and an apple. Got all the tomatoes, squash, and peppers planted, but also had some Lobelia and Begonias to plant. Sutherlands had a half price sale! The place was wall to wall busy today. Naturally.

Talked to Lance a bit ago and told him that my Nandinas looked mostly dead. He said his bushes out front were dead as well. When asked what kind they were, he replied, "Builder's special." When asked if he wanted the two rose bushes out front of my place, he said that the mean ol' suckers could just stay up here and grab someone else when they go by them. That is exactly what they do--grab and stab!

Plan on letting the wild verbena, dandelions and assorted wild weeds grow until more plants are blooming. Seems those "weeds" are the ones the bees depend on for their first spring meals. Who'dathoughtit!

Back awhile when Jerry was working on his place, he borrowed my good black water hose and did not return it. Called his mom and asked her if yours truly could go get my hose. Of course. Then discovered that he had also taken some of my other tools. Argh! Glad that some of my older tools are in the box in the back room or that hose would still be over there! Ask me if some things really tick me off! As much help as he has been over the time he has been there, it is not worth having my tools walk off and never return.

Found my AWOL pocket knife last night. Had put it on the dresser top and covered it with whatever, so it really wasn't "missing," just covered in messy. Wonder what else could be found around here. But then, maybe whatever else is "hidden" is at least in a good, safe place--especially if it is still here!

It will be time to go get fuel for the zero turn and the other mower soon. And by then the weed eater will get a good work out. Have plenty of string, but it is battery powered, so it has built in "rest" periods for an old woman. Charge the battery and rest, ya know.

Lance asked me if he had given me a bird food scoop. He gave it to Ray and Susan--his outlaws in San Antonio. But he gave me a good idea about how to get the chicken feed easily placed inside the bins. So now all Stephen and the boys will need to do is dig three big holes for the fruit trees. 

Just got a text message from my sister-in-law to say that Ronnie Talley just did not make it. Not sure if he ever even woke up after being sedated for all this time. So sad for his wife Karen and their family. This Covid crap is so very cruel. Please remember them in your prayers.

While you are praying, please remember Joe Malay and his family. Even pneumonia will take someone unless the doctors are really on top of the symptoms. And it does not seem that Joe's lungs are getting any better. Maybe an older drug might work better. We DO know that God can lift him up to good health. So that is my prayer. 

Just talked to my daughter. She and Gary were driving back from East Texas where they went to a Mini Cooper rally. Gary's mom went in her car, and some woman ran into the back quarter panel of her car. KNOW that had to have upset her! And then Gary was driving too fast to suit Jenn because she could not see his mom behind them. AH! Keeping up with children is hard, but keeping up with old folks like me and Mary--well, that is an entirely different bag of squirrels!

Stephen won't be here today, so the trees will have to go inside the yard until tomorrow. Can't have them walking off after getting myself to purchase them! The entire hill would be covered in trees if money were no consideration! Pecans, hickory, walnut, and every other fruit around would be out there. Thinking about how hard it must have been on the family that owns The Pecan Shed to lose over 600 trees to a straight line wind storm last year. That had to be a huge chunk of their income since those were grown, bearing trees. 

Patty Anderson just called to see if my electricity was also off. Yep. Deader than a doornail around here. Did not realize why my laptop kept fussing about no connection. The battery keeps the laptop going, but the router has to have electricity. She said it should be back on around 8:30. She was torqued. "They can shove those windmills up their rear ends! We never had this problem until they started relying on wind power!" She is absolutely right. No electricity back during that storm really hurt folks. Up north they don't need AC like we do here in Texas. Not sure what Carrier's first name was, but we need a monument to him here in Texas. AH! We have power! Still not connected to router--no internet, but lights.

Willis Haviland Carrier (November 26, 1876 – October 7, 1950) was an American engineer, best known for inventing modern air conditioning. Carrier invented the first electrical air conditioning unit in 1902.

The bird for the day is the common crane. Now folks, if you do not know what a crane looks like, well, that is just mighty sad. If there is water, there is at least one crane around to dredge up the pollywogs and small fish. Long necked, long legged and just as poised as a bird can be. No one shoots a crane to eat, for sure, unless it is a sandhill crane from Nebraska. Those are called flying steaks in that part of the world. Here in Texas we protect the Whooping Cranes when they are down on the Gulf. They used to be as plentiful as the common crane, but some idiots thought they made good target practice.

The whooping crane (Grus americana), the tallest North American bird, is an endangered crane species named for its whooping sound. Along with the sandhill crane, it is one of only two crane species found in North America. The whooping crane's lifespan is estimated to be 22 to 24 years in the wild. After being pushed to the brink of extinction by unregulated hunting and loss of habitat to just 21 wild and two captive whooping cranes by 1941, conservation efforts have led to a limited recovery. The total number of cranes in the surviving migratory population, plus three reintroduced flocks and in captivity, now exceeds 800 birds.

Sandhill Crane in pictures don't show the difference between their height and that of the Whooping Crane which is the tallest crane in North America.

Well, a shower sounds good right about now. Caleb, the neighbor's little nine-year-old stinker, is down there making my dogs bark. Yes, the dogs could be brought up and put in the house, but just not gonna do it. Mean ol' woman!

May you all stay healthy and happy. May God bless your rest and your thoughts. You are loved.

Surprise Visitors!

 Today brought a lovely surprise visit from Michelle Malay and her mother-in-law, Mother Malay. We visited for about an hour in the kitchen and had to listen to the dogs tell us how badly they were being treated because they could not come inside and check out the visitors. Anyway, truly enjoyed their visit. 

Michelle said that Joe is at the Promises Hospital--still on the highest setting of oxygen since the pneumonia has not left his lungs. The infection in his right leg is better, but the infection in his lungs really is worrisome. Anyone who is a diabetic or who has congestive heart issues just has to fight twice as hard as the rest of us to stay healthy. Please pray for Joe and his family. 

Mother Malay was telling me about how her mother-in-law had two sets of twins ten months apart. The last set was identical, and one did not live, so she just told everyone that she had triplets! She thought it was funny, and truly it is in many ways. That was during the times when big families were really necessary if one lived on a farm. All those boys had to help take care of the farm. But two of  her boys were lost in WWII. Sad to think how many families were affected by all the stupid wars our nation has been involved in over the years. 

Haven't accomplished much today. Put up the chicken wire for the sunflower garden, but did not get in there and plant anything. Think some squash plants are going on the inside to climb the sunflowers after they are started. Thought about corn, but decided against too many upright plants in that small space. We will see how things go later. Just one day at a time right now.

Sent eggs home with Michelle, and she got a picture of the latest weird shaped egg. Those type of eggs simply are too large to fit in a carton. Besides, they are double yoked and just look strange!

Vacuumed the living room a bit ago and removed quite a few dog biscuit crumbs. WHY Thompson is only happy if he gets over the rug to eat is beyond me! Noticed that Sylvia has gained weight this winter, and Thompson has lost weight. Not sure why. But then, he is the neighborhood squirrel chaser! At least he does not demand his portion of whatever is being fed to the hens from my hands. But dear hearts, they better not get near anything that he considers HIS food. He will flat out chase them to the other side of the yard! If cartoon captioning were available for him, his little balloon would always say, "MY food!"

Mother Malay was saying that she really loves cats. Cats are nice, but when one has dogs, it is not easy to handle the mischief between the two. Besides all of that, some of us are pretty allergic to cats. Told her and Michelle that it took an allergy specialist a while to figure out that yours truly was allergic to our sheep--the wool, the oil in their wool, and the feed we were giving them--cotton seed hulls. The specialist said that 99% of people who have problems with wool were not actually allergic to the wool. Guess who was among the one percent who was definitely allergic! Same problem with cats. Love 'em, but can't tolerate their dander! But Mother Malay showed me her cats---umpteen kitties all over her purse! That is the best kind of cat unless you need one for the barn to kill mice and rats.

Have a bunch of books to read when it is too cool to go outside. Walked out and checked the grass and weeds earlier and decided that some kind of clover is growing--not sure if it is what was planted, but it is definitely growing. So, this will be the summer of books and clover or books and mowing! Love seeing the grass coming in, however. Green is such a wonderful color. Have some tubs to put in the side lot to fill up with something pretty. Will have to "fence" them in, but that is ok anyway. The hens dig these humongous holes for some reason. Always the same places and to a depth that invites a suspicion of a mining engineer! Look out at the east side lot and see these wings flapping as they lay on their sides and kick dirt up over themselves. Weird hens!

The current book in my reading list has a young adopted woman and her adopted brother living with her two dads who were able to get married. Such situations are supposedly common enough now, but it surprised me. Life has certainly changed character in my lifetime. Maybe it is for the best since the husband-wife unit did not always work out well. And adoption of different races has become common as well. All children need a good home and to be loved. Character is more important than race, religion, or sex. It may not be what we grew up with and would curl the toenails of those folks like my parents, but it is not up to us to judge in my way of thinking. My parents were horrified by my niece being a lesbian, but they were so mean to her that it seemed to me that she was less to be judged than their attitude. It seems like a lot of folks waste their time judging when God is the one whose job that remains. Some of my family and friends would be horrified and yell about Sodom and Gomorrah, but dearly beloved, not all of us are blessed to have a good man--or woman--and a good marriage. Whatever mistakes we make in this life can be forgiven. Period. 

Well, now that a few folks have been thoroughly appalled by my remarks, let me just say that the greatest command is to love God and then your neighbor. The rest will come out in the wash.

JoAnn said that maybe Jerry will be out of jail soon. Hope he can get the place cleaned up and have it where he can keep up with the grass. His place is almost as big as mine, but the top half is covered in concrete! Not sure what he was thinking, but at least he has no grass growing up the sides of his house!

My allergies are in full force today. The pollen count lately has made life interesting for so many of us. Think it is supposed to rain this next week, too. As long as we don't get any tornadoes, this ol' gal will not gripe!

The bird for the day is the Yellow-throated Toucan. It is another South American species, but it comes up in Northern Mexico sometimes. Don't expect it out on your favorite mesquite tree anytime soon. ahem

Birds are nearly always fun to watch, but this morning we were talking about the Canada geese that pretty well take over any good spaces near oak trees around Wichita Falls. Only the pelicans on Lake Wichita are messier! The geese eat all the acorns under the trees down at the library or wherever the oaks grow. But those pelicans get out here on the lake and come ashore to do their stuff--usually in one of their favorite spots on the west shore. Feathers and bird boo boo! Such fun. Sometimes it really is for the best not to have lake front property!

May you all have a good evening of rest and awaken to happiness. It's good to know we can trust in our Creator. You are loved.

Night Visitors.

 Reece and his friend Ashley were on their way home last night when they got to Amarillo. Not sure which one was more tired, but got a call from grandson who wanted to know if they could spend the night. OF COURSE!!! I would have been insulted if they had come through WF without stopping. Their first call woke me up, the second call confused me, and the third call amused me. THEN his mom called to be sure it was ok or something. By then my meds had really kicked in, so it was up to the dogs to tell me when they got here. Had the flood light on and the front porch light on, so they did just fine. Of course, they got the big dog welcome from Thompson with a few licks, but the Sylvia hyperactive butt wiggling, jumping all over them was just the icing on the cake or whatever. Anyway, something woke me up at 5:30, so a quick shower got my eyes open enough to get some Jimmy Dean bagel sandwiches out for them. They were on their way by about seven. And now are safely home. The Lord looks over us always!

It has been downright cold today in my estimation. The wind off the lake always makes things a bit cooler, but it was pretty sharp this morning. The hens were happy to get out and look for whatever, but they came to see if anything special was on the menu earlier when the nests had to be checked. Those hens are something else again. Today was a round one of many eggs. Won't be as many tomorrow. That is just the way it works. It takes 26 hours to produce an egg. So one day is a big day for bringing in eggs. The next day is just a so-so day for picking up eggs. And no, the old woman did not go out and dig up any worms for them. Too cold.

The weather report has shown everything from multiple tornadoes hitting the same areas to the cold hitting the Panhandle of Texas. And then it will be flooding across the eastern section of the South. Nothing ever just gets comfortable before we have something else to deal with in the weather. Besides all of that, the pollen count is 9.5 with a multitude of sneezes and snorts. It isn't Covid; it is allergies!

Got the Covid vaccine Monday morning, and the arm is STILL sore! Wondering if the pharmacist used a piece of rusty barbed wire when the old woman looked the other way! Glad this is the shot that is not supposed to cause a reaction. Sheesh. Now we can understand when other folks talk about having sore arms and feeling rough. My rough just happens to be allergies, but still. Wearing a long-sleeved tee-shirt with hens on a dandelion flower that Jennifer got for me. It is so comfortable. Wearing a smile always makes rough stuff not as bad in my estimation.

Jenn said that she went back to see Dr. Jensen yesterday because she could not get over the migraine. He pulled her neck and popped her entire spinal column. She feels MUCH better now! Think about three-quarters of this world needs to be adjusted! Well, in more ways than just the spinal columns.

Have all kinds of plans for working in the yard when the wind and the cold are not quite as bad as they are today. The weeds and the flowers out front are getting way ahead of me, but at least it is going to be easy to tell which is which by the time they need to be cut. Have bluebonnets and bachelor buttons already in bloom. Seems early, but what does an old woman know. In some places the wild flowers are way ahead of what we have here. But that means long creeks and in the woods. No such protection from the elements here. Wind, cold, more wind. A plant has to be tough to grow in my front yard!

The bird of the day is a double-crested Cormorant. They are basically water birds that eat fish and are not particularly attractive in my estimation. But it takes all kinds in fish, fowl, or otherwise. At least it is not a dragon! But it has to take time to dry out its feathers after diving and getting its meals. At one time, the DDT in the waters nearly wiped the birds off the map. We have come up with some of the most horrid chemicals that were supposed to do some good that never really helped all that much. DDT killed mosquitoes; but it then killed the birds. Stupidity.

Thinking a nap would be pretty good about right now, but then going to sleep tonight would be a bit tricky. Guess waiting for the hens to go to bed will be early enough. Just think! When it is summer time for sure, the girls don't go up until it is nearly sundown--9 p.m. on this stupid daylight saving time. WHO thinks we are saving anything? Really? ARGH!

Thinking that JoAnn is going to have one heck of a mess to get cleaned up over at Jerry's place. He laid out a cyclone fence--the chain link part--that he had planned to put up. And now the grass has grown up into the links. That should be interesting. Have no idea when or if he will get out of jail again, but maybe she will find someone to clean up his mess again. Glad it is not my job! Just watching the process is hard enough. So sad that nothing ever works out right for him or for his mom. That place could have really stayed nice if he had not been put back in jail the first time. Deep sigh. And it seems to me that the local newspaper just gloats over his every misdeed. Maybe seeing seven million wasted on lawyers was enough to make them envious or something.

Can't stop yawning. Guess a good book will keep me awake until it is time to put the hens up. Meanwhile, may you all remember those who are so desperately ill--and even those who are recovering. Let us give thanks that God has us in His hands. 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.

Relaxing and Resting.

 So the china cabinet is placed in the north corner, the china returned to its shelves, and the kitchen floor has been cleaned of paint and other dirt. Yes, time to relax and rest for the rest of the day. Besides, the wind is blowing and it is pretty cool outside. No sense doing today what can be done another day, right?

The bird for the day is a hummer--the Tuffed Coquette. Don't expect to see it in the U.S., however. It looks as if it has been dancing down in Brazil or Central America. But they have the a sweet nature that allows some people to get close to them. They lay two little eggs in a cup lined with plant fuzz. Their food source is primarily nectar. Living off the land! 

Hummingbirds are always fascinating. But almost any bird can be if one takes the time to pay attention to the details. Just like people, they have personalities.

Have been reading while sitting in my desk chair with the heating pad on my back. Not really hurting so much as just feeling stiffer than what is comfortable. The heat seems to help. The book has caused me to laugh out loud a few times. The dogs think the old woman has lost her mind. Oh well. A good book is good for what ails ya.

One of the hens laid a rip roaring wrinkled egg again today. It is twice the size it should be, so it will probably have a double yolk. Breakfast most likely. Jenn thinks that hen should visit a proctologist. At this point, the damage is likely already done! A hen that can't lay an egg because it gets caught up inside her will die an excruciating death. Sad, but true. They may lay weird looking eggs, but at least the ones that get laid are no longer a threat to the hen.

My friend Carla Beard mentioned the price of an apple to me a couple of years ago. Since then noticing the price and the kind of apple has become a thing for me. Bought an apple at Market Street recently that was called "Opal." The price per pound was $1.47, but that one apple cost 78 cents. Not a bad apple at all, it is firm and sweet. Would not want to try to buy enough apples to feed a family those things for a healthy snack. No wonder poor families buy cookies instead of fruit--when fruit is even available. Feeding a family today takes on a new kind of mission impossible when considering what calories can be healthy and what is cost efficient. One onion was 49 cents! It would pay to grow your own!

Saw a container garden on FB the other day. Someone had planted several stalks of corn in a container that yielded eight ears of decent looking corn. At Walmart, four half ears are $2 a container. Good stuff like cucumbers were nearly a dollar each! Guess who will be planting those out in the buckets this spring!

My phone has a weather app on it that showed a massive tornado in Alabama and Mississippi. Not that Covid has not been bad enough, now we get tornadoes that make the '79 mess that hit here in WF look like a dirt devil!

Speaking of Covid, Connie went to Trott's Drug to get her Jansen shot yesterday and the pharmacist wants her to wait until the middle of April to get the shot because she has already had Covid. They think waiting 90 days will give the body more of a chance to not have any reaction. Sounds reasonable to me. But he also reminded her that this particular vaccine can cover more of the variants of the disease. That is encouraging.

It seems the IRS can't keep up with all the backlog of returns this year, so the deadline has been moved to sometime in May. Must mean a bunch of folks are getting money back after this last year has hit everyone and every business so hard. But what do we know? The government has to come up with $1,400 for a lot of folks pretty soon. Hmm.

One of the sites for strange people who like to read asked the people to write a line that the person knew without having to look up the source. One person quoted a poem (incorrectly) that yours truly memorized while in college. The poem itself is called "On His Blindness." The line is "They also serve who only stand and wait." John Milton was a wordsmith who inspired my poetry reading. Not exactly a Robert Frost who worked with his hands and felt the rhythm of nature, Milton worked with words and thoughts in a changing society. He wrote Paradise Lost, and it makes me wonder what he would think of this crazy counter culture that exists today. Sometimes watching and listening to young people makes me fear for the future, but the ancients probably felt the same way back before this nation was ever conceived.

All day yesterday felt like Wednesday to me. Even took the pills allotted for that day. Had to correct that one this morning. How an internal calendar can get off should come as no great surprise when the stupid hours are so messed up! Oh well.

Absolutely know nothing of real interest to speak of, much less relate to anyone with any sense of humor. The stupid wind is blowing the cold air across the lake, so the hens are not exactly thrilled either. The dogs have been content to stay inside as well. Dogs are nobody's fools!

Had to put a pin back into the hinge on the metal coop door this morning. THAT was interesting. How it ever came out in the first place is beyond me, but putting it back in line with the other side of the hinge was tricky. WD-40 helped. But ended up on my rump on the floor with all the diatomaceous earth all over my pants. The oil and the earth was not necessarily the best combination, but it mostly shook off my pants. In case you ever wondered, farmers have good reasons to get dirty!

May your prayers be answered in a way that is best for you and yours. May you all rest well and be healthy in mind and soul. You are loved.