Mugs, Books, Lost MCD and Childhood Friend

 Oh there are stories to tell and just a whole lot of things to write about but if I did, I wouldn't be walking in peace and God's wisdom. Nothing earth shattering but just those observations that somehow get me in trouble from time to time. 

This morning Roy and I both drank our coffee out of the new Christmas teddy bear mugs from Marshall's. They both hold a lot of coffee but the cuteness kind of inhibits easy sipping. I am willing to forgo the ease of sip for more ounces and less trips to the coffee maker. As for Roy he likes the extra ounces but isn't too excited about the cuteness of those mugs. He did it this morning cause he loves me but in the future he will probably only drink out of them if nothing else is available. If Roy is too cranky about the teddy bear mug, I think I will order this one.

In choir last night we worked on Christmas music. Ah, the memories of Pageants and Celebrations and whatever they were called in between. As we sang the familiar carols some traditional and some in new arrangements I remembered those long ago memories. I was talking with CourtneyS, after she won the second year in a row the MCD contest, I'm not bitter, in my ordinary life I have gotten to do some very fun things and many of those from Pageant days. Or maybe even choir days. I wish I had been in choir more for the music but I was in it to spend time with friends and laugh...oh yes and worship the Lord, but that didn't come too much in practice. Now, I am in choir and I am the only one that can't read music, so when Debbie says make note of the, then uses a music term, she'll say for my benefit, make an upside down smiley face. 

My confession is, I have never been an avid fan of Jen Hatmaker. Her books didn't really have too much to do with my life back in the day. Maybe I started one and never finished. I do not know what compelled me to buy her memoir, AWAKE. Read some reviews and thought this will be good cause her short chapters and subject matter will keep my distractions at bay. Well, I was wrong. I didn't like the book but it is one book I didn't like that I finished reading. Well, the last half of the book was skimming. While she is dealt a blow by a cheating spouse from then on it is all about her, her wonderful supportive friends and all that affected her and her family. Guess she deconstructed her faith but she hasn't started repairing and rebuilding. Me thinks there might be a sequel in the works. Her stories reminded me of friends who are walking down that same path of deconstruction of their faith. Not being the same but being the same is a blogger turned author, turned speaker...turned whatever, granted she is funny but my goodness the entitlement and availability of options that more likely than not, most cannot afford. AWAKE seemed to be on that same pattern of luxury whether it be time, places, or people. One reviewer said, no bridge or encouragement is offered, we just learn of their story whose conclusion is more personal than anything. Gee, that's a lot of words for a book I didn't particularly enjoy but read with no prejudice. 

I didn't win the MCD contest this year. CourtneyS heard Merry Christmas Darling before I did, although it came up on a playlist this past summer but I couldn't really count that. 

Our front yard and half of the back received a nice trim and shape. Mike came and cut down two dead trees, shaped up the shrubs and cut back the hybrid hydrangeas. He will be back after the holiday to conclude trimming the rest of the backyard. He also took the decorative pumpkins so that we can begin the minimal Christmas decorations. 

I learned this morning that my first childhood best friend Leah Rae Montgomery passed away several weeks ago. She lived around the corner and down the street. We met in kindergarten and got in trouble usually every week while playing. The time I remember the most is playing in the bayou better known as the ditch and her brother Brian falling in, getting his socks all muddy and we tried to clean them with the insides of a buttercup weed. Leah told me she had heard that this would take the mud out. I was in trouble before I got home cause Mrs. Montgomery called my mom to let her know we had been playing in the forbidden ditch. Then they moved to Ft Worth and came back around junior high time. Leah and I would walk the neighborhood and talk. Her plans were to go to the University of Texas and my plans were as soon as I got my drivers license, I was going to run a car into a big tree on a curve and end it all. I had no plans for the future, not much hope and few options. I knew this in the 9th grade. Thankfully, the Lord stopped all my morbid plans when I truly came to know Him. Still had no clue on my future but I had hope and faith it was all in His hands. Leah got to go out of the zoned school district because she was half Hispanic. She came back to Westbury later and our paths took different paths. She was a cool, smart, popular drug using...I think, person and I was just athletic and goofy. The last time I saw her was in college my freshman year. I stayed a night with her at UT. I don't remember why I was at Texas and I don't remember too much of the short visit. She kept her dorm room dark with only a small lamp shedding any light while we talked. 

Snow, Ice and Sunshine

 The lesson isn't just that starting over doesn't have an age limit.

The lesson is that purpose doesn't have an expiration date.

In a world that is so quick to tell us to "rest," to move aside, to become invisible... remember this:

We are not disposable just because our hair turns gray.

We are not liabilities.

We are libraries. Every wrinkle, every memory, every book we've ever read, is a story.

You don't stop growing when you grow old. You just grow wiser.

Don't let anyone close your book before you're finished.

Go out and start the next chapter.

I copied this from one of those FB stories that of course now, cannot find. But the story being told by a 73 year old woman and after her husband died, and the protest of her son, she sold the house and cashed out insurance policies and the like. She didn't like being in a home filled with memories and conversations she wasn't going to have anymore. Long story short, she finds a situation needing help and it was the help she could give. Not easy but after a bit of time the story resolves into being the best thing she could have done. Even her son came around and knew she had done the right thing. She wasn't quite ready yet to give up her talents, abilities and enjoyment of life. She found purpose.

This past summer when reminded of that window of opportunity afforded to me, that I shouldn't waste the time and do what needed to be done became the theme of living. That summer theme has come into fall and should be a winter type theme as well. I'm walking a lot more, my gait is becoming steady and the excruciating sciatic nerve pain is in remission. My heart is staying in rhythm. My diet is more to deal with inflammation. I'm researching the avenues open to dealing with high blood pressure in a more nature or holistic way. Last week was the most social week in a long time, maybe before Covid. All that social interaction just about wore me out, but it was so good. Saturday afternoon, we dead headed more plants for a short time and boom, it was nap time. I've enjoyed spending time by myself in projects and such but a quick return to how life used to be was something I needed. Of course today I am thrilled to be wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt, hanging out with Roy and our cats.

Our soon to be former church did pick the interim guy as pastor. He has a good heart as a pastor from what I've seen. We have been praying for the church and the influence it can have in Leicester but our time there is over. I miss friends but we know this is the right decision for us. Since I have quit teaching I cannot say I miss it. Not because of the amount of studying or anything, just the pressure I put on myself. I am on the go more even around the house. I am reminded that I need to do some strengthening exercise and some balance work. We have been half-heartedly looking at or really just thinking about moving to a one story home but several experts and doctors say the stairs help you maintain. They have a point. Although, I will skim Zillow and Realtor to see if anything opens up.

It is a snowy November day. Snow, then sun, snow, then sun and now heavy snow falling that almost looks like fog. This is unusual for this time of year. January and February holds these kinds of days. We officially opened The Garage on the Catmore Estate last night. It was to help those cautious cat members to get over their jitters of coming inside. We got the beds out, the food stocked and water bowl insulated to help their stay be warm or at least warmer and protected from the elements outside.

So last week I went to my first Circle meeting, the joy circle. They meet once a month, work on a Bible study, have a missions emphasis with support and have a lot of fun. It is a little different than Bible study on Thursdays. We are in the book of Mark and it has been such a rich study. Of course I went to choir and then Saturday morning we attended the new member class. Now we have some paperwork to fill out and submit.

I read an article about the song Amazing Grace, especially when bag pipes are utilized. We sang Amazing Grace a couple of weeks ago in the service and it just had a different sound...being sung with assurance of what we sing is true, not just pulling out that tired old hymn once again. There are times that is how I feel about that particular hymn. I have learned several hymns that we don't sing as a Baptist. Who knows?

Roy has been busy outside knowing the weather would be cooler. He painted chairs and got the deck looking pretty spiffy except for a few places that need a bit of attention. He picked the last of the tomatoes Sunday afternoon.

Friday, we went to Marshall to shop at Penland. Helene totally destroyed the bottom floor but with lots of hard work by professionals, church groups and family it is back. It was so good to see Georgette and visit a bit with her. The selection of merchandise is awesome! Roy got a coat and we also bought a handmade basket, wooden basket. The store still has that familiar feel with the old mixed in with the new. And they take credit and debit cards now. Love it! Then several other items. Other shops in Marshall are opening and even the tag office is back in business.

Looks like the sand and salt trucks were out last night. Still not a lot of traffic on our busy road. The sun is out and it is melting snow and ice in our front yard. Most of the back is in shade so it might take till tonight or in the morning for everything to melt. The Feral Fam is getting along in The Garage at the Catmore Estate but Roy wants to terminate reservations beginning tonight. We shall see.

Matically and Nario Along With a Statement Sweater

 I will have to say that cyst-o-matically, the report from the doctor's office...benign. Seems like this cyst-nario has played before. Hysterectomy for quality of life soon turns to we found a tumor and we won't know until surgery if it is benign or malignant. Date of surgery changed due to the oncologist the doctor liked to work with was unavailable. My doctor told me afterwards all the signs were there and he didn't expect it to be benign, but it was. Same thing happened when I fell and broke my hip, it opened the doors for bilateral knee replacement but my knees were almost too far gone but then the last x-ray before surgery showed a whole different scenario. So this cyst who had made its home for about fifteen years on my neck changed, became hard and inflamed, weird shape with irregular margins. There was some concern about it being a sign of Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma because of the location and the recent changes. BUT, it wasn't and PTL! 

Love the study we are doing on Thursday mornings. We are in the book of Mark which is just about one of my favorites. Such great discussion and such wonderful fellowship with a few laughs mixed in for good measure. 

Today after Bible study I went to the nearby Urgent Care to get the stitches removed. Not a long wait but the whole situation was a bit concerning. Chaotic in the waiting room but soon enough my name was called. I did not anticipate taking vitals, just want the stitches removed. Dang, BP higher than I want it to be but the conditions were not optimal and my arm wasn't arranged correctly. Did a great job getting everything taken care and said the incision looked good. I am so relieved to have that taken care of and not needing to drive back out to the dermatologist office. 

I learned yesterday that I need a statement sweater. What??? Yes, I was told in an advertisement this is something I definitely need to have. I have sweaters but nothing that is statement making. I don't even know what statement to make. JJill is saying that my life will be so wonderful if I have a pair of coffee brown pants. Good news, I already have some both dressy and then a pair of coffee bean jeans. I don't know if this is a statement or not but we ordered some new shirts for Roy. Guess the statement would be he owns more than the same two shirts or something like that. Roy took several boxes of clothes to Goodwill today. Guess he gave up on gray jeans, not wanting making a statement about that either. 

In the spirt of fall festival day I only have to make it through today and this is the first year that I can recall, eating no candy corn. None! That's unusual because I love candy corn especially with French burnt peanuts. Around here at the house we call that snackage. 

I am happy for our soon to be former church as they will probably vote on Sunday for their new pastor. Only, he is not new to them because he has been the interim guy. He and his wife seem genuinely concerned for the congregation. Believe me, that church needs that assurance of love and pastoring after six years or so of a less than desirable match between the church and the former pastor.  Oh and the wife. The good news for them is, they seem to have found the church to serve with. Both their family and their congregation seem to be a good fit. The families that left in June from our former church have all, pretty much, found a good landing and are serving in those landing churches. New beginnings all the way around. New mercies every morning. 

In 2014, we had closed on our house here and my friend Dena came with me to pick up the keys to the home Roy and I bought. Kate, was still in the house and she needed the extra time due to her daughter getting married and a huge work project. She had been so generous to us with some of the furnishings and such, we extended back to her. We agreed she would be out before the week of Thanksgiving. What I remember from that trip is, it snowed in the mountains. We had to take the freeway from Chattanooga instead of the back scenic way. Fall colors set to brilliant with the backdrop of snow. Of course, we had made our reservations at The Inn on The Biltmore Estate and low and behold to our surprise, we were there for the bringing in of the Christmas tree. Horse drawn with Santa directing the horses. Mrs. Claus at the front door. We were there early cause we took the shuttle from the Inn and got a front row seat which included discounts on shopping and the like. Yes, all in all a wonderful memory. 

Yesterday, while leaving the urgent care place which now seems to be more like appointment and drop in medical services, there was a penny right outside the front door. I thought of Carole Lewis and the why she picks up the penny. Just a great reminder that it is in God we trust and He sees us. I was so very, very happy to get out that door and that great reminder. 

Reading, Window, Stamina, and The Week

 Another golden sunrise with a hint of frost, but it doesn't look like it got cold enough for that to happen this morning. 

I started the just published Harper Lee book, The Land of Sweet Forever. My goodness the introduction hooked me in and I read the first short story in the book yesterday. Very few books anymore grab my attention. I read them but if I put a book down for a couple of weeks I'm very, meh.... My attention span, though never that good, is even more distracted here in the recent past.  

The past week or so I have been thinking about one of the medical admonitions from this summer, you have a window of opportunity and take advantage of it. Now all these sit and be fit videos are popping up in my FB feed as well as pay for info that will change your life. Most say it is nothing new after subscribing. Something got my attention though that has nothing to do with this subject on the surface but yet it does. A young woman who didn't get into the school of her choice is told, don't worry, you have the rest of your life. Hmm...now the term rest of your life seems different seeing this through my eyes. Because, rest of my life is shorter than the start of my life. Yep, the ol' window of opportunity again. I also am thinking, yes, that would be nice...the rest of my life, taking it easy resting along the way. I do that now anyway. In that rest needs to be some structure. Roy told me the other day he had been concerned when I was teaching that my activity level was really low. It was. With an upcoming cardiologist appointment I hope that my numbers tell the story of recovery and making strides. 

Yep, got to get that stamina up a bit. Worked out in the yard more specifically the flowerbed that Roy cleaned out. It is a larger raised bed but got one half of it planted with tulips. We have another flowerbed that I have tulip bulbs for and will wait for the opportunity to get those put in the bed. We are supposed to have a lot of rain this week. I think Roy did a little too much outside. He finished up his deck staining and getting the chairs out in the yard painted. We should have done that much earlier this year but the thought is to help them through cold months and do more touch ups when spring hits. 

The main road has opened after several months of road repair. The road kind of broke down as the retaining pieces had been compromised when a double wide had been placed there below the road. Thursday morning it was so wonderful to make that straightish shot down the road, especially because I was running late. The detour roads are beautiful but I am sure the people that live along them are glad for the reduction of traffic. This weekend the road noise is louder here because all the big trucks have returned. 

This Monday morning feels just a bit lighter, BK no longer coaches at LSU. We read the headlines last night. Last season and so far this season Roy really hasn't watched the games. I haven't because it worked out better with the team winning if I didn't watch. Ha! We talk about the BK news and rumors. It is kind of fun. Roy is waiting for LSU Women's Basketball. One of the nurses at our dermatologist office is from Louisiana, big fan of LSU. Get this, her niece is Kim Mulkey's security and I couldn't wait to tell Roy. He found her the other night on a You Tube wrap up of the game and saw her. He said she looks shorter than Kim.  Wow! 

We had planned on going to the concert at church yesterday afternoon but Sunday morning Roy felt more tired than he usually does. He decided to go to church Sunday morning but felt it would be best if he stayed home instead of attending the concert. I decided to stay home as well because Roy is hardly ever sick or very tired. He has worked so hard this past week getting the deck painted and painting the chairs and table we have out in the yard. I had started that project then we had a bit of a heatwave and didn't get back to it. The deck turned out so well that I don't think we will have to hire a professional in the spring. 

The Be and The Wanna-Be

 This morning GMoey and Baxter are sitting together on the back of the couch viewing the sights of the front yard and road. It is a peaceful existence, for now. The quiet and stately GMoey confident in his authority and subdued personality and Baxter hyper, messing with stuff and coming back to his perch next to the one in charge, GMoey. Baxter has been challenging him the past few weeks but GMoey takes care of him quickly and quietly. Baxter retreats for another day but in the meantime he takes his frustrations out on his brother Buster. It wasn't that long ago that GMoey asserted his dominance over Mr Mo, I wonder if Mr Mo regrets all his aggressive playing when they were kittens, and Willie. Willie just like playing and getting on Mr Mo and GMoey's nerves. Not to worry, GMoey let him get the sillies out and then smacked Willie. GMoey is the alpha cat...the rest are wanna-bes. 

We had the most beautiful sunrise yesterday. Oh my, everything outside bathed in a pinkish/golden tone. Everything from the trees, the skies and the fields were touched and for these brief moments immersed in the magical shimmer. God must have made that sunrise beautiful everywhere. Local and across the country people share those golden tones. The trees in our backyard shimmered but I wasn't fast enough to catch a picture. After the sunrise it clouded up and we got some rain. We needed the rain. 

All of the sudden just like back in the day clothes washing instructions are complicated. When manufactures of dresses and such weren't too sure about their clothes and the wear and tear of daily wearing they put dry clean only tags on everything. I returned a flannel shirt to Nordstrom because it said to dry clean it. What??? Now all the instructions are handwash and lay flat to dry. There are not enough flat spaces in this house to do that. That's the reason there are handwash cycles on washing machines now. Use that and hang to dry. So far so good. Even if there were enough flat places in the house, our six kitties would think the items were their new bed.

It is 35 degrees this fine Tuesday morning. Roy turned on the heater downstairs this morning, our first of this season. I am also wearing the flannel jammies for the first time this season. That Roy, he is a lucky man. It keeps me from stealing the covers and that is what it is all about now. 

In Houston you could hear some of the best conversations at Buffalo Grill. The business deals, social gossip and everything in-between. While reading a book while eating breakfast, I heard about the soon to be fired from companies and a minister, why he chose such a vocal place, telling staff members his struggles staying faithful to his wife. If you are thinking about the Buffalo Grill on Woodway, the pastor was not from the huge sister church in the area. I only knew this guy was a minister cause he spoke at one of our church staff retreats...some of this came through in his aside comments then. Now, if I am going to hear anything it is at the Publix. People standing around visiting in the produce section or over by the bread and yogurt. Two of the busiest parts of the store. So while there aren't business news flashes there, there is a lot of family business discussed. So, these two ladies talked about the upcoming holidays with the extended family. The story and worries of Thanksgiving was a cliff-hanger. Granted these women were older but maybe younger than me. So, her older brother and younger sister and their families are coming in for the holidays and the political spectrum of these two siblings is at opposite ends. The younger sister fights against invisible foes and causes. They're not hers in reality but she joins in with the rhetoric of the cause. Loved that the friend, now named lady #2 for this post, reminded her friend, lady #1, when the younger sister took up a cause, wanted family and friends to donate to it but the younger sister never gave to these causes personally, Hey, aren't Instagram and FB posts enough? Uh that is my commentary. I looked at disgusting brussel sprouts to hear the rest of the convo. The brother is described as a chunky bantam rooster type. Knows everything, doesn't give any time to discussion, and a hot head. He sounded like a real likeable guy, a scared mousy wife comes along with children with bad posture. Hopefully, there will be a peaceful Thanksgiving, but somehow I doubt it for them. I headed over to the coffee aisle thinking about those two ladies visiting together in the store. There are probably hundreds more. A conversation that lasted a minute or two can say a lot. 

I have given up wearing a bandage over the incision made on my neck Tuesday. Sometime along the way, I have developed a reaction to bandage adhesive. Now to find someone who will help with removing the stiches next week. She gave me a kit and Roy refuses to do it. Ugh! 

The good news this week is this, our road is opened to traffic. I know the detour route people are happy not to have so much traffic. The volume both in numbers and noise has increased for us. Big trucks keep on turning...but it is okay, it is a shorter drive without so many twists and turns. 

Chores Abound In and Around Home

 The day is winding down. Bible study at church and a quick trip to Ingles. Leftover BBQ for lunch and a few household chores to knock off the list. Then a quick nap, well mine was quick because Baxter jumped on top of me and woke me up. Now, Roy is doing online Bible study with Community Bible Study. They are in the Psalms this year. This summer Roy fell in love with the Psalms and I couldn't be more happy about that. He is listening to scripture songs from the Psalms and that is new. Music has never interested him too much. 

Speaking of music, we changed choir from 7:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon. Tell me that most in the choir are retired without telling me. Delighted though with a change in time. At least even with the time change it won't be late night darkness. The river road is one dark spot on the route home. Nothing lights it up since any homes that were close by were probably destroyed by Helene. As I was backing into the driveway and Roy was out there helping me because the bright lights, especially brake lights distort my vision. While backing in our neighbors above us came up the road. Nancy texted us immediately, asking if everything was okay. We weren't usually out late...in the world view it was not late. Anyway, I texted back that we are good I was coming home from choir rehearsal. 

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Since we rearranged our summer we have also created new pathways in our brains. We are learning new things and new names. New ministries and such. Saying Ah-men instead of AAAAAmen at the end of corporate prayer or at the end of certain songs. Forgive us our trespasses is now forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  This is the kind of stuff that keeps your brain semi young, learning things. Like I have written before Roy's Sunday dress is totally different now. In some ways mine is too, no longer wearing jeans on Sunday morning with long jackets and such. No one has said anything to us, just our observations and a heart tuned more to reverence of God in church. I picked up an article in the church office on the history of the church and the theme over and over is giving and being generous. You've got to love the DNA of this church. 

With all these new paths in the brain, a few memories of the long, long ago surfaced. So, this was a strange one. My mom had a twin brother. We were back visiting relatives and my mom's twin and his wife were coming out to Grandma's to visit us. Only thing, my aunt had just had a miscarriage and my parents told my brother and me to stay outside and play. Our aunt would be too disturbed by seeing us, that we were born and lived. Outside, there was all kinds of stuff to get involved with only we had been restricted from going in the garage where all kinds of treasures, at least to us, were stored. We couldn't play in the side yard because we could be viewed from the living room windows. We stayed in the back part of the large continuous yard that led straight to the abandoned apple orchard of my grandparents. Other than the fact that we told our aunt and uncle goodbye when they left, I don't remember anything else about the evening. Was that the truth or was it so the adults could discuss things, probably about my grandmother living alone. Who knows, but kind of an odd remembrance. After thinking about it, I doubt the conversation was about my grandmother staying in her home. 

We dead-headed zinnias and pulled out the rest of the plants out of the raised flowerbed. Roy took care of the raised bed where the plum trees are. We both worked on the bed where the greasy beans and purple peas grew. I have tulip and daffodil bulbs to put in that bed. Roy stained the deck on Monday and a little touch up work on Tuesday. The center of the decks needs another coat but we are going to do the railings first. We found this spray deck stain and the paint guy at Lowe's said it was really good. He wasn't kidding. Our plans just to get it covered before winter and then let the professionals take over in the spring, but we might not need to do that. We also began painting our gate. Got a fourth of it taken care of and should finish up this afternoon. 

In our chore induced stupor I cleaned the baseboards and the wood trim on the stairway. Roy put a bunch of stuff away that has been holding meetings on the dining room table. Almost cleared. We are now looking at closets, uh Roy, to see what can be given away or thrown away or kept. I admit I buy too many clothes, long story, not interesting, but I also part ways quickly. 

Habit and Hope

 By all standards I have lived a very ordinary life but the opportunities came to participate in some extraordinary things. Many times the extraordinary came from friend's invites or the favor of friends falling on me unexpectedly. Nothing came to me because I was beautiful or even cute, but my sense of humor sometimes made an entrance for me. guess very John the Baptist, prepare ye the way. I only say that cause we studied him in Bible study this week. Thankful for a good sense of humor but always aware of those off the cuff remarks. 

I'm still working on formulating a fragrance that is acceptable of Vick's and menthol complete with all the healing properties contained therein. Using the new pain reliever early in getting dressed hopefully for that familiar scent to dissipate and pain relieving action to sink in. Another project I am considering is Christmas decorations. Clearly a tree is out of the picture this year because the trio would not be able to stay out of or on it. We have enough of that kind of stuff to deal with on the regular furnishings. We conceded the top of the book cases to them and the ottoman. I am also trying to think through what a yard nativity would look like if all the references used in Christmas songs would look like. Not Rudolph or Santa, but Jenette Isabella, she's bringing the torch. The three ships sailing. Stuff like that. Seriously, I am loosing interest in that but still something to solve if I find myself wide awake in the middle of the night.

Dena texted me last night asking if I had seen Oscar Wyatt had passed away. He was 101. Now normally, I wouldn't be interested but dang, I spent a lot of time last week reading Texas Monthly back articles and stories from other magazines and journals about his life, including wife Lynn Wyatt. Don't know them, never met them, wouldn't want to be them, but their lives are just so interesting. 

Mr Penurious found Diet Coke with Lime at Publix and bought some for me. Shocked! But thankfully, I have plenty....for now. I actually had my first one this morning and it is just as good as I remember. Always have liked it better than Diet Coke. Which is funny, I don't drink Diet Coke as much, lots of iced tea. Oh, the taste of lime, yes brings back some great Diet Coke memories. 

Thursday morning I attended ladies Bible study and we are in the book of Mark. Great discussion and these ladies who have been friends for quite some time were so welcoming. The pastor's wife made us some pumpkin muffins and they were delicious. After two weeks off due to vacations, we will be back in choir rehearsal this week. 

Once again I am using skills that aren't as necessary as in other times of life. No more jeans, flannel shirts and hiking boots for Roy's Sunday morning attire. Back to dressy type pants and button down shirts. After he was robbed in Mobile and all his dress clothes went with the robber, we added a few pants and shirts for the just in case a month or so after getting here. Now, he needs a few more shirts but dang no one is making it easy. I have noticed in perusing clothing websites, the normal fall/winter choices are limited with many still hawking their spring clothes at deep discounts. I finally found shirts for Roy at Lands End and we are debating shirts from American Tall. Funny, he is considered semi tall there. It was kind of late when I was on the American Tall website, so after putting like 76 pairs of socks in the cart accidently, I decided a fresh start should be advised. Now, I will tell you that the late night hour was probably at 8:00 pm. Hey, we are tackling the retired life with full gusto! 

I have not written too much about The Feral Fam. It is too difficult. Our neighbors thought they saw Fido but I think they saw Beanie. It has been a little over two weeks...we thought Coco might have disappeared as well but this morning she showed up to wolf down food and now she is sound asleep in the garage. She will probably do that till this evening. Other cats here and there are not around much. Rumor has it better food over the hill, who knows. Our tribe is certainly on the small side. We don't know whether it is natural causes or a natural predator or a human one. I cannot even... Roy and I don't talk it about it much because our emotions are right there under the surface but we both look wistfully out that back windows to watch for Fido to run down to the yard. Out of habit and out of prevailing hope.