When we first moved into the house after some remodeling work, it was a drought year. There were just a few times that it rained for at least a morning or half of a day but never an all day event like we can have so often in Houston. The weather was good all the time although newly planted trees and plants that summer needed extra watering. Then the drought was broken and 2018 became the wettest year on record in this area, more especially to the south. The rain last night began in earnest once the sun dipped below the horizon and a few times the rain against the metal roof hitting methodically with a good beat and easy to dance to, woke me up. There was a little bit of water standing in the backyard this morning. With the temps continuing to drop today, I gave Riley the choice earlier to stay in or go out. She stood there on the threshold contemplating...okay, it was more like sniffing the air, looked back at me and returned to her snug confines with plentiful food and premium treats. Buddy has given up her warden duties this morning. Yesterday, she hung on almost all day to keep an eye of the comings and goings into the garage. I am also trying to do a new routine with Riley. This morning she has been given the opportunity three times to go outside. She turned down the first opportunity and then she took me up on the other times. I worked in the garage with the door open so if she wanted to, she could come and go. We have a little table that used to be on the front porch and this morning it was cleared off and moved over to the window in the garage that will give Riley a little more room to gaze out the window and have the sun on her for most of the morning.
Before moving up here I have had a strong desire to buy an additional home for people to use, to get away. To slow down, to recover, to replenish and enjoy all the mountains have to offer. All along I have said it will have to be the Lord's doing and not us trying to manufacture it happening. Houses in this area aren't as reasonable as when we bought so I have been thinking and praying outside the box...the box being somewhere close by. This past fall while driving along the road in East TN that The Farmer's Daughter is on the thought came, maybe this area hasn't seen homes and land go sky high. Told Roy about that thought and again, prayed but there were other things that had our attention. From time to time I go on Realtor.com and check out those areas and have expanded the search to see if there is anything out there like I have pictured in my imagination and for the price we would want to pay and also not have too much renovations to be done, cause we are not DIY people. Oh, this is sounding like I have an announcement, no I don't but encouraged that there are homes available with the criteria being reasonable and a good view. Last night I got to playing around and expanding the search and saw several places....We are not in a hurry but when warmer weather comes, think I'll be doing some drive bys. Some of the places are in TN and some in NC but relatively close to Boone and Roy loves Mountaineer Football. Last night we were talking about one of the places that has my attention. The house doesn't look like what I'd like but everything else there is in place. This morning I told Roy, you know I am window shopping, playing right now. It is more important to get the back deck replaced with a covered and screened in back porch. Always have the vision and dream, no manufacturing to make it happen...but looking every once in a while keeps hope alive. Have field trips coming up in the spring.
I'm back under warden Buddy's watch. She is here in the bonus room with me, hidden behind some pillows near the window. So when you have an indoor cat whose business is to keep you from helping a cat in the garage or kittens outdoors you have to be sneaky to take care of them all. Buddy was watching Strawyer and Punky at the back window. I leaned over to pick up a piece of paper and Buddy attacked my hand and arm. Now, she was so focused, I understand the wailing and flaying. She had been upstairs sleeping so I sneaked out to the garage to take a couple of videos of Riley for a catch up on FB. Buddy was waiting at the door to welcome me back into the kitchen. We are all tired from this that's for sure. A Buddy look a like has been showing up now and then and he ate all of the kitten's food, so I sneaked some out to them while Buddy was on the front porch.
Right now in Houston a long time friend is saying goodbye to her middle son. He was 36 years old and died of a heart condition in Denver. I have been praying for her every time she comes to mind and she has come to mind a lot.
The birds around here haven't received too much attention of late...but today the backyard was aflutter with bird drama here, there and everywhere. Filled the feeder and threw some of the birdseed on the ground for the birds who won't eat from a feeder. All the little chick a dees, wrens, titmouse and the like were having a wonderful afternoon of eating when a young mockingbird brought all the fun to a crashing halt. His presence on top of the shepherd hook ensured the little birdies staying away but not content with ruling over the feeder, he began chasing the thrashers and blue jays, yes, the other bully of the bird world. It was as if an air battle was taking place right there with the chasing and soaring. Finally the little birds formed a plan to take turns attracting the attention of the mockingbird and the other birds would do the quick grabbing of some food and fly away before the mockingbird could get back. Then the group that just ate performed the same diversion so that the other little birds could grab some grub. This went on for about twenty minutes. Again, another reason not to have a TV downstairs because the action is fierce in the back. Meanwhile in the front cows graze and there are several young ones and that makes fascinating viewing. The winter colors are bold right now with strong harvest colors of green moss and the golden tone of the grass.
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