If I Wrote a Christmas Letter....

You love em, laugh at em, and dread writing one. Talking about a tradition that is slowly disappearing, the family Christmas letter. My cousin does one every year and I always look forward to her Christmas letter or in the case of some years, the New Year letter. I used to write them and had fun doing so. I'd still do it but we are living a rather simple life which some might call boring and not that many want to be caught up on all the news.

" Dear Friends and Family, we bought more fox urine than we have in the past to help the Feral Family keep up with pest removal."

 My father wrote their Christmas letter and each and every year, we were not disappointed with the tone or the way he took the letter. During the later years when my mom was still alive his letters took a victim tone. Not about her health issues cause they were staunchly in favor of telling no one she had Alzheimer's. The usual letter was about their trips, they only went to Branson, twice a year. All of us experienced PTSD when Branson is mentioned. Not so many good times there. Then he would mention all the work there was to do. Finally, he caught everyone up with going ons of his children and families. Glowing reports and accolades for Doug, Nancy and the girls. Then he would come to Roy and me....there was a lot going on in our lives too but while he didn't actually write this, the references to us came in the form of, "Well, Roy and Nancy are still on the planet taking up valuable oxygen that could be used by others." It reminds me of the SNL skit that parodied The Lennon Sisters on Lawrence Welk. Roy and me, well we be Dooneese. 

I once wrote a Christmas letter and only sent it to my parents. It was filled with all the accomplishments of the past years like, Roy getting his MBA and then graduating from Law School. I was doing well in tennis. Then when I went back to part time work at church, I shared that a major part of my duties included pushing a coffee prep cart to set up for Bible studies. Now, why would I include that? Because since junior high, my father told me that the only work I was qualified for was being the ice tea lady at a cafeteria. Gee, I accomplished my destiny for him. Ha! Really, I loved doing that coffee prep, it was the clean up after all these fine Christian ladies that I didn't like. some messy ones. The other interesting insight into this was how some casual friends treated me as the coffee cart lady. Such an eye opening experience that impacted me and serving. Lord, let me never ever be like some of those Bible study ladies. 

So, if I was going to write a Christmas letter this year, it might go something like this:

Dear Friends and Family,

2024 has been quite the year. It hasn't been an especially great year but it hasn't been an especially bad year for us. We acknowledged the tenth anniversary of buying our home here in the mountains. We had a great conversation remembering the homes we toured in and about the area. We only made an offer on one and someone gave a better one. Not unhappy about that at all. We found all types of homes that had great potential but we are thrilled at the one we chose and live in now. It was not on the market when we first began this adventure but yes, God's timing is best. Also, we bought before the housing market when bonkers in price increases. 

We added to our family this year. In 2022 we brought in three kitties at various stages. All related as cuz bros and that has worked out, well for the most part. This summer we added three more kitties to the fam. Now, in my wildest dreams I never thought I would have six cats in my house. Lots of vacuuming going on. These three that we rescued from The Feral Fam were to be only rescued to look for fostering but no one was available. So, the longer they lived with us the more attached we became. Then we gave them names and I knew these three would be living with us as our own. So far, things are going well. Chubola is difficult to get to go to bed at night but we need to think of a different set up. Buster and Baxter go right in. The Kittos are such fun to watch even as they grow out of their kitten stage. They play hard with The Boys chasing laser lights, pine cones and toys. 

Roy's gardening was successful this year. Had a good crop of tomatoes, plums, peaches, bell peppers, and apples. He has already began his winter prepping of his flowerbeds, waiting for spring to arrive. Of course that is several months away. 

There have been some sentimental moments this year. I can watch these cats who live with us now and remember how they came in and why. Touches a soft spot in my heart. Even seeing pics of the two we lost grabs at my emotions. A couple of weeks ago I was going through a closet and found a bag of goodies I had bought at Penland's. But Hellene came though with a force and destroyed downtown Marshall with floods, so no Christmas shopping there this year. Marshall is rebuilding and that includes Penland's. I just knew I was going to win the $100.00 drawing this year. And I cannot forget Christy's Crafts. Her shop was washed away by a different river. After helping her community she began working again on her designs and creations. She did several shows. I don't think there is a room in our house that doesn't have something from Christy in it. Christmas has a strange feel to it this year with so much still in chaos from the storm and storm related set backs. I see others who don't live here saying pretty much the same thing that Christmas doesn't feel very Christmassy this year. Guess Karen Carpenter said it best, " I wish I was Christmasing with you."  

When Hellene blew in, so did pneumonia along with RSV or long Covid here and decided to attack my health. It was the hardest six weeks of my life and I don't never ever want to see it come this way again. Thankfully, congestion was not a huge part of it but the cough that lingers is still unwanted. I am booting it out but still it remains. Ugh! I slowed down a lot, a whole lot. Gave me time to think and pray. Anytime I gave very much time to it I fell asleep. Heck, I fell asleep eating or sometimes when texting. Roy went beyond the call of duty in helping me get well. Now, I feel good but feel like I am a month behind on everything. Well. guess I am.   

Roy and I are still teaching Sunday School at church. My class took a slow down in Genesis and we came to studying Acts late. Think we made it through sixteen chapters before ending in Acts 27. Roy slowed down, like really slowed down and taught Genesis. He didn't teach any of Acts. In big church we were in Acts for two years and then still had a hangover of Acts from First Baptist Houston days. The Joy Class will have a little Christmas celebration accompanied by some treats before we jump into Exodus.  Have a game or two and this year I think I will spare the class a Christmas thought or devo. We only have about forty five minutes so you do what you can. Along with my study theme this year, personally, what I do is it because I am following God or am I doing things to make myself feel good about a situation. Really, it is called legalism but it doesn't make me feel good to say it. Haha! After studying that the Holy Spirit cut off Peter's sermon at Cornelius's home I'm making a point to be a little more conscious of being short winded. 

Both Roy and I are trying to read more. He has taken up mysteries and I am just trying to read again for fun. I finished a Christmas book and it was okay. Lots of things didn't get resolved or the author got tired of the characters and just let them dangle in the wind, so to speak. I am now reading a biography of Suzi Spurgeon. Like it, mainly skimming it but it is enjoyable reading about the role she played in her husband's ministry. As I have been going through the bookcases and getting ready to take books to the Habitat store, I have found a few books that I bought and never read. Okay, I found a lot of books that fits the description but the point being, I've put them aside to read after Suzi. 

Our hope for you, our friends and family, is to have a Merry Christmas even if this year looks much different from years past. May we all slow down and experience the extraordinary of God in our ordinary lives. There is much to celebrate in practicing that. 

Curating Sweets and Book Reviews

 My Facebook timeline is filled with book reviews, book suggestions and favorite reads of the season. If I have leisure time I take a look at most. The best ones yet and there are many, are the ones that give the book title, a brief synopsis and then lines out the major themes of the book. Why thankyou, now I don't have to buy the book cause the top points have been shared. Whether the book be a business book or self improvement or Christian book, the points all start sounding alike. The main subject matter is know yourself, embrace change, cultivate connections, open communication, slow down, cultivate gratitude, embrace imperfection, find meaning and purpose, practice mindfulness, embrace uncertainty, declutter, learn from nature, find joy in the small things, value experiences over things....and on and on and on. These are all from different books ranging from how to lead, how to get rid of toxic people, how to simplify and how to get ahead. Some of these books use $10.00 words to describe these values, but if one is trying to simplify doesn't this go against the grain? Also, I received an email from a company and based on my browsing, they have curated some  tasty treats I might enjoy. Several of the choices were fruitcake related. Lies, I tells ya! I dislike extremely any type of Christmas confections be they in cake or cookie form, in any way at all being related to fruitcake. If there truly was curating going on, it would be about gingerbread and sugar cookies. 

If I used all these principles for living, the rest of my time could and would be taken up with exercise and health activities. Now I am all for doing those things, but by the time you add up all the do this exercise three times a day reps of twenty as well as use the red light thing, or dry brush for lymphatic health. In September I began using Rowe Casa products and just about everything I have used is a keeper. Just a couple things I probably won't reorder. But all the magnesium products, lymphatic cream and lotion, deep sleep products, and some hair products I truly love. 

Somehow I have picked up a "bug" of the cold type. Runny nose yet stopped up. It was the worst on Sunday morning and out of desperation right before leaving, I took a pill so I wouldn't have to blow my nose during the lesson. Well, mission accomplished on that but the side effects have always had an effect on me, I get a little loopy. I was hoping the loopy would wait till the end of class but no, it arrived right in the middle of the lesson. Y'all, I took some bunny trails and while funny were not Sunday School material, although I think I tried my best to make it worthy of fitting into a lesson. Ugh! Since I still felt a bit congested we did not go to First Pres in Weaverville for their Christmas concert on Sunday night. Of course there would be such beautiful music but I would have to take a cold/flu pill and I might of stood up to sing with the choir. No, it was the best decision all around to stay home, read, watch football with Roy and play with the kitties. 

We have more good than bad nights getting the kittos into bed. Our problem child is Chubola. She missed out on the best part of her supper and only had dry food after taking such a long time to wrangle her in. The kittos love GMoey and like to hang out with him. GMoey is so laid back and takes their antics in stride. Willie is warming up slowly to them. He has quite the competition as the big bully. Buster seems to be the alpha cat for the kittos and somewhat with The Boys. The other day five of the six were on our bed having wrestling matches. They used that thick comforter for defense, offense, and strategic hiding. Quite entertaining to say the least. I love watching Roy with the kittens outside. The six sleep in a box filled with straw and only two of them wants to venture out into the cold but their venturing is fast and Roy always checks to see if they want to come back in. 

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A fog filled morning to start off this Tuesday. We are considering several options for the day. Haven't decided yet but hey, that's a great part of being retired. Roy is hunting rabbits I mean cats. He has an appointment for two tomorrow. So far he has caught several already members of the spay and neuter club. Just came in and said there is not a cat anywhere. Maybe they'll be around for supper. He won't put as much dry food out for the afternoon. Good news, Roy just caught a black cat. Just one more to go. Now, several hours later we are still holding at one cat. Caught three more members of the club so it was a catch and release thing. Roy has the two he wants to take in. Had a small kitty but he traded it out to let it gain a little weight. 

The fog being long gone is replaced by a whole lot of burning going on across and cattycornered from us. At first I thought it was the house but no. Saw no flames and nobody seems alarmed by the white smoke. Maybe we have a new pope in the area, who knows. 

I've been doing some research on ADHD and I am seeing some of the why of what I do. The little things that stop me because they are overwhelming to me but to others it is nothing. Now I wish some of those book summations had a little more to do with this rather than other subjects. Oh well...... 

Just the Daily

 Another golden morning. I was thinking about this the other day and pondered why I had missed so many of these golden moments. Well, I had a change of place. Roy and I traded living room chairs and side of the room. My view is now out the kitchen windows and the sun making its track across the back field of our neighbor. Lovely, lovely sight. Oh, I know the earth revolves around the sun I am merely looking at the path made most sunny mornings. 

With the exception of Wednesday, I have hunkered down avoiding the cold temps outdoors. We got a few and by few I mean very few, Christmas decorations out. No decorating on the inside this year. No reason to tempt six cats to destroy everything Christmassy in sight. Really, that is the thought outside as well. 

I just about have the lesson for Sunday written out. That is always a huge responsibility off my shoulders. Last week's lesson, while written out, was not something I had thought about much. I spend a lot of time thinking about what I've found and sometimes it is a detriment because I get hooked on one point and the whole lesson doesn't get that attention. Last week held many distractions. Not related to studying but somewhat in that genre, I am reading Mark Batterson's latest book. Of course the title escapes me but it is about seeing God's miraculous in our everyday lives. Well, that is kind of the theme of life right now, slowing down to actually observe all these little, haha, miracles. I've read that every teacher has a constant theme no matter the subject matter. Since moving here my life theme has changed and developed into the see God at work theme in the ordinary. 

Looking around the front room upstairs with books and papers covering the day bed, books stacked all around the room and a comfy, cozy blanket, I realized all of these things are like when I was a little girl. Must have been around 2 or 3 and every afternoon when my mom put me down for a nap, I would wait for her to leave, close the door and I would climb out of the crib. I'd gather all my books and stuffed animals in the bed and I would climb back in. My mom would check on me and find me happily reading to all the stuffed animals that I had gathered round. 

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Good Tuesday morning. We spent most of the morning out running errands at all the usual places yesterday. Got the kitties all set up to eat and poop. That is their life with some naps and play mixed in between. Seems like we have them on a schedule that they like and cooperate with. There are exceptions, always exceptions. The Boys are reluctantly accepting that the these kittos will be around. Willie is used to getting his way by intimidation but these three kittos are not easily intimidated. So, while he interacts somewhat he spends a majority of time upstairs. Mr Mo, well he is jealous and deals with it the only way he knows which is counter act with demanding attention. GMoey, he is so chill and he hangs out with the kittos. Chubola likes hanging out with him. Baxter is now more Roy's cat. His attention turned toward Roy last week. He still comes to sit on my lap but he follows Roy just like Fido does outside. 

Sunday night our praise team helped the children's ministry present, Through the Eyes of a Shepherd. The kids did a great job telling a familiar story. Roy said he learned a couple of things and I probably would have too but my ears were not cooperating. Costumes and staging were great. All over the country at this time rural and small churches are presenting the Gospel with the children telling the story. A Methodist church in our area did their presentation a little differently. They invited children churched and not churched come to be a part. I thought that was pretty neat with just about two practices. 

December 13

Well, things and schedules got crossed up but all ended well. With Roy's help, which means kept me focused, we put together the favors for tonight's Ladies Christmas Supper. So so out of my sweet spot, but think they turned out okay. 

All the Acts commentaries and books have returned to the bookcase. Now to find the Exodus books. That is the next book on the schedule. 

Once again I find myself just finding brief snippets of time to blog, so I will wrap this up and hopefully, next week I will have concentrated time to sit here and write a few thoughts. 

Herding Cats is Not For The Fainthearted

 It has been quite a morning with unexpected vet trip thrown in. Chubola seemed to be having a few issues and the vet was able to get her in for a check up this morning. I wonder if I identified as a cat just for an appointment if I could get in. Faster to get into the vet office than it is to a doctor office. No, I will rethink that and rescind that idea. Thankfully, Chubola has a minor issue so we can continue to afford to pay the electric bill. 

Roy had deacon meeting last night so that means he won't have a meeting in December. He and Billy brought the food for the meeting and it was kind of a snacky buffet. While he was at the meeting I visited with Dena. We needed to get caught up on all the happenings and I actually had happenings to talk about. We laugh quite a bit and that was so fun. 

Monday, we roused ourselves to get over to Sam's. The Plus membership is the way to go cause you can enter before 10:00 and not deal with a lot of crowding, especially in the popular areas. Although, the pet aisle is crowded at anytime. Got cat essentials and moved onto other sections of the store. We were in and out. That left time to head into Weaverville for Publix and Ingle's. Stopped on the way home at 6 Pig BBQ truck for lunch. 

On Wednesday last week, we saw not so much unusual blatant intent to deceive at Ingle's. The lady in line before us at checkout had just one big old turkey in her cart. At first I thought it was a backpack, but then I've been sick...haha... She wanted the checkout clerk to scan the turkey but you see to get this low low rate on the turkey you had to buy $35.00 worth of groceries. The clerk called for management back up. The lady was getting a bit impatient and demanding the girl to scan the turkey. I did not know this but if you scan it you cannot take it off and she would get the discount price without buying the required amount. Around this time I told Roy I needed to go sit down in the truck, so I left. Guess I missed quite the show but I tell you she gave quite a show in the parking lot. Yelling and gesturing and she scared a few waiting for the mountain transport van service to pick them up. She could have gone across the street to Publix and buy a turkey on the cheap without having to purchase other groceries. A lot of people here think Publix is expensive and it can be but the local home grown store that didn't have any competition for years is more expensive in my opinion, but they do have better deals on Pepsi products. 

December 2

I didn't have too much of a chance to sit down and write over the Thanksgiving weekend. We had a lovely Thanksgiving. After years of being at the beck and call over the holidays with my father, we welcome, dare I say cherish these holidays because of the freedom of doing whatever. Our schedules are like what schedules? We fixed a simple lunch and enjoyed leftovers into Saturday. We worked around the house but with all these little ones, the projects are eternal and ongoing. The Kittos are acclimating with The Boys. We still have to put them up in the playpen for the night but we hope to be able to get them upstairs in the bonus room each night.  

December 4

I think I will wrap up this post. The days of getting morning time to blog are seriously reduced to just a few days a week. Nothing exciting keeping me from blogging but it is difficult to focus when every few minutes there is a cat fight to break up or a noise to investigate or a sound of things crashing to the ground from the top of the bookcases. Not the Kittos but one very guilty GMoey. 

It never got above freezing yesterday but today we will. Then the bottom drops out again temperature wise. We had an appointment for two feral fam members at the ASPCA but Roy cancelled yesterday due to the iffy conditions of the road this morning. I think the roads are fine but it would have been cruel to have two trapped Feral Fam members in the garage while others enjoyed the free access of The Garage on the Catmore Estate. 

Well, their second nap of the morning was short meaning The Kittos are back at it, playing, being on tables they are not allowed to be on and of course the sound of silence things going bump in the morning. 

One of My Favorite Blog Posts Ever!

 This is one of my all time favorite blog posts. I had fun writing it back then and I may have, dare I say, guffawed in laughter 

My Thanksgiving Day by Nancy Mon

My Thanksgiving Day

By Nancy Mon

Roy and I did Thanksgiving differently this year. Roy has been talking to me for weeks about going to the Houston Zoo on Thanksgiving Day. Believe me I have been less than enthused and tried to use every opportunity to discourage the idea. First the weather men gave me great hope that the morning would be rainy and overcast. Then they changed their forecast to overcast, warm and rain free. Roy was making reservations for his staff Christmas lunch with McCormick and Schmidt downtown yesterday and they tempted him with the offer of an 11:30 opening for Thanksgiving lunch. Well, I hesitated to tell him, there wasn't anyway we could do the zoo, then be ready for an early lunch. Roy thought we could come straight from the zoo and eat because they told him dress was casual. I had to break the news to him that they didn't mean zoo casual more like business casual or casual chic...whatever that may look like. We couldn't traipse in with camo shorts and workout capris. Then as we began discussing the whole thing, which by the way in Roy's sweet way he was trying to make the day fun for me, we decided there wasn't any reason to go eat all those extra calories when we had planned a perfectly fine lunch. The fine, fine folks of the Play Grocery , and God bless the hands that prepared the meal, had a fine array of dishes to order and seeing that I am all about the economy, ordered several things to go along with a delicious smoked brisket that was in the freezer. We talked through options for the day and then came the brilliant plan of going out to breakfast first and then going to the Houston Zoo.

So we went to Mimi's in Pearland and had delicious pumpkin pancakes. I had heard they were awesome and so instead of getting my usual, Belgium waffles which are so good, we ordered pancakes. We were not disappointed! It took breakfast at Mimi's to get me out and about so early in the morning. I repeatedly pointed out to Roy how overcast the sky was and the probability of staying at the zoo for more than an hour was imminent. Roy joined the zoo society, nothing but socializing with monkeys for us, and admittance is free for us upper crust zoo types so leaving so quickly wasn't a problem. We headed down 288 and were at the zoo in no time. We even parked on the front row...which is nearly impossible most days. Much to my surprise there were several others who had this insane idea of going to the zoo on Thanksgiving Day.

So here in pictures is our Thanksgiving Day at the Houston Zoo

This is all too familiar to me now. Roy constantly takes pictures of me while I am doing mundane things like...you know...picking my teeth or making a face or rubbing my nose. No I don't rub my teeth and pick my nose. Honestly I don't pick my teeth but that sounded funny to me at this moment.

This is a dead plant that is located in the elephant area.

The elephants weren't out because they wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving indoors inside their cages.

Here is some more space of where the elephants would be if they were out.

This is the empty giraffe area. The giraffe's have been moved to African Forest section of the Houston Zoo, which isn't open yet. When I was a little girl this very same giraffe house was painted green. I don't have any idea why I felt like that had to be shared.

Oh boy! Time for some refreshing dippin dots to relieve us from the humidity and warmth. Oh, not open...closed for Thanksgiving...

Nothing like the combination of nachos and cotton candy. That would hit the spot. Oh, I see closed for Thanksgiving. The zoo is open...for business, no eating.

Maybe perchance a quick trip through a gift store. This one is located near the carousel which was open for business.

Oh, never mind, the shop is closed for the Thanksgiving holidays. By now I was getting nervous to even checking into whether the restrooms were open...

Here is the stage where the sea lions would be performing and also educating us in the ways of the lions of the sea. Oh, I see, Thanksgiving...they are eating their fish inside with their trainers.

Nothings says I've been to the zoo like sausage on a stick! Protein in abundance...oh, let me guess, closed for Thanksgiving, but the zoo is open.



OK, I intentionally did this to aggravate Roy while we were at the zoo. I told him I thought I would share our fun but closed day at the zoo. Actually, there were some concession areas open for business. And we got to see the new baby elephant, but through glass. We got some great pictures of lions, no tigers and a sleeping bear...oh my! I will share those in another blog post.

We did have a few scary moments though. Taking in the sights at the zoo and being constantly on the move was probably more excitement, don't laugh, and activity I've done since they zapped my heart. Since then my pulse rate has ranged from 39-54. Right there in lion country I had several moments where I thought I was going to faint. Of course Roy's answer to feeling faint has always been keep walking...till we found a bench. I really felt bad and thought I might have to flag down one of those golf carts that kept whizzing past us to get me back to the entrance of the zoo. The heart monitor watch said my pulse was 43. We had been there for almost 2 hours and I kept telling Roy I'm not faking anything just to be able to leave. Because, to tell you the truth, I was really having a good time. We got to the front and we bought some water. That helped and then I had the miracle moments to recover and have enough energy to go to the gift shop where Roy purchased some very cute gifts for me. I also showed him a couple of things I wouldn't mind seeing in my Christmas stocking. They really have some cute things there besides stuffed zoo animals.

The train wasn't running which I would have really liked to ride, so we walked a little bit around the duck pond and then headed home. We fixed a delicious Thanksgiving meal, thanked God for all His blessings and grace to us, ate, and then I took a long Thanksgiving nap with Godfather I and II in the background. And we didn't even have turkey.

I will probably post the "fun" pictures from the zoo tomorrow. I am so thankful to the Lord for all of you, known and unknown who read my blog. Thank you and God Bless!

Winter Season Has Arrived

 Roy has taken the Tundra for tire rotation and balancing. Just me and The Boys and The Kittos at home and all is quiet cause they are all taking naps. What has been a comfortable temperature day is now a bit cooler as the wind picks up. Tomorrow, it will begin snowing in the higher elevations while we here in the lower elevations will have a dusting of snow or not. It will be a lot colder though. 

This morning we were out and about by mid morning. Ran a couple of errands, then to the grocery stores. Publix crowded with a mixture of ages. Mainly old, like us, well I think they all were a lot older and crankier this morning. When we stopped at the Fresh Market over in Arden yesterday, it was way crowded too. Only it had a vibe...It was a familiar vibe from al long time ago. We were the ones who looked out of place. Purposely, I wore my best workout pants, a Baylor t-shirt and a quarter collar fleece cause I want the least amount of clothes weight for the weigh in at the doctor office. Roy was in jeans, t-shirt and fleece jacket. Everyone else was dressed up for the trip to the grocery store. We were given some snotty looks. That's okay if they came out here, away from the fancy smancy stuff, they would get some looks too. Too bad they can't see me today, Uggs, jeans, long sleeve Baylor shirt with a flannel shirt over the t-shirt and an Eddie Bauer vest. Now, there is something to discuss except if the same people were going downtown, they would want the local vibe such as my outfit. 

Last Sunday as we continue our journey through Acts, I kind of camped out on a point. I didn't mean to just seemed to go that way. It was so good that the Jerusalem Church sent Barnabas to check on the Antioch church. It could have totally gone the wrong way if a legalistic, rigid type person had been sent to give the report. After spending time in Mark and Jerimiah this year as well as previous years with John, there are a lot more legalists than I had any idea of. One example I used was, what if Lifeway came to our Sunday School room to report on what was going on with The Joy Class. No Lifeway maps of the Holy Land, (I save the church money by not doing the kit) or no tracts or having different blinds, three windows the same and one window has mini blinds. Yep, they could audit our surroundings, but  the truth is this, the Joy Class is a praying and caring class. We like to help in our church and in our community. We laugh and encourage and sometimes we learn things...only if the teacher stays off the rabbit trails. I had really planned in teaching to hit a few points on legalism, like we think to have a daily Bible reading plan for the new year it has to begin in Genesis. Nay, I say. You'll die in Leviticus. I did take the rabbit trail of what Leviticus is good for if one is looking for odd things in the Bible and told them the story of the two doves I cut out of a women's product box and gave them to Peggy with Levitical instructions. We also learned the term, on the straw. Hey, we had the two or more thing going. See, we just went on a rabbit trail. Roy does the NT every three months. I think this is the second year he has done that. There isn't much of a difference like the NT Jewish Christians and now, rules we make up on top of the way Christ has taught us how to live...well, it keeps a lot of people under a burden we aren't supposed to carry. Or it can be following our made up rules is easier than being Christ like at home and in the world. 

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Speaking of freedom The Kittos have had a morning of roaming free range in the house. We have kept them restricted in a sense and my October illness set back the timing of this. Once can't be the caregiver and the warden for cats at the same time. The two orange cats, Buster and Baxter enjoy the freedom and yet will come sit on my lap or come over to be petted. Chubola, not so much. She is living in the land of the free range and doing her thing, within reason. It has been a fun morning but we have to remember to keep a close eye on things. They really just chase each other around a lot of play with a toy. Buster is the one that can most easily entertain himself. 

The first batch of taco soup of the season was pretty good. On Sunday the first pot roast of the season was good as well. Those are my winter meals that turn out pretty good. I am going to try my hand at making buttermilk chicken. We shall see.

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It is snowing! Even with the warmer temps and ground temps it is beginning to stick. It won't last long but it is so pretty. First snowfall of the season. We saw a few flakes yesterday afternoon but today counts as the official. Since it is snowing I am having snow donuts for breakfast. Roy decided he would have taco soup since he was starving. 

I lost the Merry Christmas, Darling contest this year. CourtneyS heard it in the car and she is singing when I answered the phone. The best part, the conversation and laughs we had. 

Day one of The Kittos roaming about in the house went rather well. Chubola does not socialize with us like Buster and Baxter. She is wild and wants to live on her own terms. Had to trick her last night to catch her so that won't work this evening. The six get along good enough but Willie is still nervous around them. Buster and Chubola wear out GMoey. They are so intrigued with him. Mr Mo had been going outside with The Kittos so the one we were worried about the most is doing fine. He is such a jealous cat but he is getting attention and that is what counts with him. 

We opened The Garage at the Catmore Estate yesterday afternoon. We have a full house and breakfast was just served. They did not make reservations so the guests are crowding around the bowls. Roy's kittens are holding their own in the garage.

Good Report and Maybe Some Snow

A cold sunny Monday morning. After Wednesday of this week the temps drop into the highs in the 40s. Brrr...but I like cooler/cold weather. 

Saturday was our first foray into East TN. Wow! Still six weeks from the storm and it looked like a war zone. Not that I have seen a war zone in person but looked the same as the WWII documentaries on the history channel. The metal buildings wrapped around and the tanks that were probably underground stacked together in one spot. The houses, the trees and all the rocks moved by the river brought tears to my eyes. The TNDOT has done a fabulous job of opening one lane each way on I 26. We took the Erwin exit to go to Food City but if we had wanted to go to The Farmer's Daughter, turning left was not an option. Read that so many of the small bridges on the way are damaged or gone. I had read the exit for Erwin coming from Johnson City was closed but later we found out that they had opened it. Thus we stopped at Pals for a delicious lunch on the ride back home. 

Tuesday morning we noticed that the water wasn't that hot. Of course we know what that means. So we got on the phone, called around looking for a plumber. I remembered using a local guy several years ago. Roy called and he could be at our house by noon. Long story short, needed a new water heater. Roy helped a little bit and that is in the crawl space. Ugh! We had hot water by 5:30 pm. As Roy and the plumber visited, he told Roy that normally we would have had to schedule several weeks out because he was that busy...until he wasn't. Helene has disrupted his business. When water is murky coming out of the faucet you're not scheduling any repairs until the water clears up. At the right time the water heater went out. I think that water heater was about 12-13 years old. That is commendable service. 

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Today was one of those days I had been dreading for several months. We stacked Roy's ophthalmology appt and my cardiologist appt. In between the appointments we ate at Zaxby's and went to the Fresh Market. Traffic was getting worse the farther we went down Hendersonville Road. Zaxby's was a great choice because you do not want to eat a heavy meal before being weighed in at the doctor office. We did buy celebratory cake at Fresh Market in anticipation of a good appointment. We got to the cardiologist office a few minutes early. I had fixed my cough syrup in a small bottle and gulped it down. It is the only thing that stops this coughing. My Rowe Casa order should arrive this week with more cough syrup. We got in to the waiting room. I had just sat down when they called my name. All those old people sitting there hated me at that moment. I was seeing a PA, not one of the doctors. I still have kept off most of the weight I lost from the October sickness. My blood pressure was good and my heart rate was back in the 60s. They been keeping it lower but all were pleased with the result. EKG, looked really good and they have pushed back the stress test a couple of months, maybe even after my May appointment. Here's the thing...when I was checking out I asked when I should call to make a May appointment. She said, I can make your appointment today. What? Mission Hospital/Asheville Cardiologists is coming into the 20th century? I know it is the 21st century it just seems like everything moves so slow here. I then told her she nearly put me in shock with this news and guess it was a good place to be revived. That is the first time I have ever seen this woman laugh. She tends toward cranky. I left the office, got Roy from the waiting room and we were off...with a jump in my steps. 

Being in Arden reminded me too much of Houston. The traffic, the traffic and well, the traffic. I am so glad we didn't want to buy anywhere that was just like Katy or Houston. Ah, this rural life is great. It has been a while since Roy has been in a Zaxby's and although his eyes had not been dilated they had put drops in his eyes that hindered some of his vision. I order a salad and he asks about hamburgers. It got real quiet around us. Told Roy Wendy's was next door but we were at a chicken place. He ordered a sandwich and went back and got an order of egg rolls. Those egg roles were pretty good. 

We may get some snow on Friday. The fall has been a little warmer than usual so it seems like quite the surprise. I used to not get cold often but now that has changed. If I could carry a space heater with me everywhere, I would be so happy. There are no battery operated heaters, at least there weren't the last time I checked. Just checked, still not good choices. 

Found Friend, Feral Fam and Fortuitous Detective Work

 This past weekend doing the regular, an especially joyful moment occurred. I was going over lesson notes and marking for particular interest for me as well as for the lesson. An example from long ago had popped into my brain as the perfect and humorous memory of a bridal luncheon from yester year, a brief look at legalism. The story involves a coffee cup and some head shaking. Sometimes when those memories come, I google names and see if there is any social media footprints. I've looked up my vanished friend many times to no avail. Stories from those early days of being newlyweds, buying our first home and navigating the waters of being a grown up contain some of the happiest and funniest recollections. We needed those cause the being a grown up was such a hard season of life. Last week I remembered one of the funniest stories that my crazy friend D told me with the long lost friend, J. The story takes place a few weeks before J got married. J wanted D to come spend the night so they could laugh and talk about memories and such. Now D was a total opposite of J. It didn't help that J lived near the apartment pool and D thought it would be fun to go out there. No said J, so they had a very early dinner and eating dinner with J was always an adventure. The several times we were invited for dinner at her place Roy would say, either we eat dinner before we go or afterwards cause dinner with J, well, it leaves me hungry. This is way before Roy practiced portion control and J was ahead of the times. Back to the original story, so J takes a shower to get ready for bed and as D tells it, the sun hadn't even began to set. D is starving so while J is in the bathroom, D scours the kitchen for something to eat. She finds a box of graham crackers and she scarfs down the whole box, then takes the box out to the trash dumpster and makes it back in before J is out of the bathroom. Little does D know that when J returns to the kitchen, J announces she is making a special dessert for them. She begins to look for the box of graham crackers. J looked high and low. No crackers. She is getting a little perturbed she cannot find them anywhere. D never told her what she had done, leaving J a bit frustrated. That story although it doesn't seem funny as I tell it, is so funny in how crazy D told the story. 

So, this past weekend I once again looked for J and there she was, on a church website from two or three years ago when she taught a Wednesday night class. The first time I watched the video for a moment or two, I wasn't sure that it was her. I watched a bit of another video and she mentioned her husband, yep that's J. She still has a little bit of that staccato way of speaking, she still kind of laughs at the same things and her mannerisms still the same. Yep. I don't know if they attend that church or if she is still even doing any teaching. In the past I would have wanted to contact her but I don't want to. Think that is why I found her this time. Clearly with very little social media footprint, she doesn't want to be found or bothered. We would probably have very little in common to talk about now, it would be one of those constant remember when type things. When I found D that's all it was and even still being in the Houston area and I was still there too, she didn't want to meet for lunch or have the four of us, she has remarried, meet. We talked a few times and then at least for me, I wasn't interested cause it truly had been a wonderful and fun friendship back in the day but I felt I had outgrown the friendship and it came to mind, that a lot had changed with her. Always so beautiful back then but I had a feeling she had grown obese just like her aunt who never wanted to leave the house. Also, her financial situation had changed and I think she was embarrassed about that too. That would be the best grace extended, to let her go on. If memory serves me correctly about J, there was some turmoil and hurt from a church they had worked at. I had heard they had left Houston and moved somewhere on the east coast. Have no clue but if they did, they made it back to the Houston area. We lost touch with them no one we knew back then had seen them socially, but D had married and moved to Tulsa and she was the glue that held us together as friends. I am joyful that life turned out well for them. She just wanted one child and it looks like that is what happened. She mentions a son on one of her teaching videos. So joyful and happy, as I have skimmed a few videos and that is good enough for me. 

Roy just got two more of the Feral Fam to take to the ASPCA tomorrow. He said they are none too happy about it all but once they calm down a bit I will look and make sure these two are good to go. Roy said no left ear trim and they aren't the most recent kittens. Today will be a big day for the kittos, we are expanding their territory. They might not know what to do. Nah, they will know. The Kittos are recovering well. Chubola is back to being herself, not all hopped up on hormones and the attention of all the boys. She has returned to her preferred style of eating, spreading herself across the bowl so no one else can eat. I spent some time with them on the back porch yesterday. We got some playing in and of course, we had rest time too. 

The case of the maligned mailboxes may have been solved. A week ago Saturday Roy had just come home. He went to see if we had any mail. Lo and behold the mailboxes were smashed like someone had taken a baseball bat to them. Roy sent a pic and a text to our neighbor who built the mailbox area. Steve said it looked like maybe bears had messed with him cause his dogs went nuts at some smell around the box setup. I thought maybe a delivery truck had hit them. Well, the bear theory was thrown out pretty quickly...this morning Steve texted us that as he got to work on the boxes it was looking more and more like a delivery truck had done the damage. So with their notice they received about a delivery and Roy's photo with meta info, Steve is going to file a claim. Lots of great detective work happening around here. 

Wednesday, BBQ Day

 Today is a big day in our house. The kittos have been spayed or neutered, shots, and nail trim. Usually they would have stayed over night but the ASPCA is still dealing with the water situation that Helene exposed for Asheville. We are so grateful that they took these three today. Dropped them off and picked them up at 3:00. They are still high on drugs but we just gave them a little bit of food so hopefully that will settle them down. 

Yesterday was a big day as well. I got to go to Sunday School for the first time in five or six weeks. It felt so good to be back. To top off the welcome back, Katrin made some delicious iced sugar cookies. They are my favorite! By the time class was over, I was exhausted and we made our way home. When I got home I realized we hadn't done prayer requests or prayed...hope all is forgiven, class. It was the moment of joy in the Lord and a heart filled to overflowing with gratitude. 

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Tuesday. My presence at the computer had an effect on the kittos. They jumped and were so hyper to have anesthesia in them This morning, they are knocked out tired. The HVAC people come today to do winter maintenance. I might get out of the house for that. No biggie but I'd like to look at a few things. I'll have to pace myself cause stamina while getting back is still not normal. 

Once again we proved to ourselves why we are outsource people although maybe not as much as we once were. Saturday afternoon Roy was just about ready to run to the grocery store for a few things. When we heard that familiar and annoying chirp. Dang, a smoke alarm battery needed to be changed and how timely on the day that we fall back and change all the batteries in smoke alarms. We were kind of prepared to fall back but in no way were we going to do the big changeout on the alarms. One step ladder and 9 volt latter, we were ready to congratulate ourselves...when, chirp. Must be a bad battery. We repeated this process several times until I Googled Up what might be the problem. Did all that stuff...still chirp, chirp. It wasn't time to replace all the smoke alarms. We decided that Roy would pick up a new battery at the store and he left. This whole time I am praying for wisdom, how to solve this. I was now really, really tired and exhausted. I came back upstairs for something and then it occurred to me, the unplugged carbon monoxide detector sitting by the air filter. I took out the battery and my, my, the chirping stopped. When Roy got home I casually dropped the news I had solved the problem...then I told him. 

Today I did my first solo run while the AC guy was here. Ran a couple of errands. One thing I have noticed my walking and drifting right is a little more noticeable. I think it is just getting used to walking longer distances than I did all of last month. It's a journey and a process. I ended up having to go over to Mars Hill so I took the river road home. I just couldn't make the turn to Marshall. I'm not ready yet. Along the river road, several houses were gone and a business close to the river had several buildings demolished by the water. Along the other side of the river there were places with all the tree debris but the ground looked like pristine beach sand like you see in Rosemary Beach. It was the trees though, bent at an angle, neither fallen or standing set in  a position from the powerful wall of water that came through. Several houses are already being repaired but all the parks along the river are closed. Couldn't see down to verify, but maybe all the land was washed away. It is going to take years to recover.  

It is kind of funny thinking about all the thoughts that ran through my head while being down with whatever I had. Days and nights mixed up, so those late night thinking sessions were all over the place. I decided that all these brilliant and original thoughts should be written down to take apart later. So, I did that and of course I cannot read my writing. Looks like scribbles by a toddler. I do remember one thought in particular. In the big picture, it is just a blip on the screen but the repercussions of the blip are still felt today. I went against my better judgement and gut feeling to help and listen but the whole time my kindness was used to fund, betray with a false sense of entitlement empowering a false narrative. At least right now that is the end result. I did decide all through those thinking nights that I would rather deal with a narcissist, cause their tactics never change and they become quite predictable, verses someone who is passive aggressive. Their style and approach is all over the map and they are able to hide any diabolical planning. That indirect style puts you off. Thankfully, this situation is out of my hands. I don't plan on addressing it because at this point it would be futile and it would also give an opportunity to this passive aggressive to justify and express. Frankly even though I am writing about it, it does not matter to me anymore. Now, have we adjusted for any future interaction, oh you better believe it. Not to sound all spiritual but thinking through the blip and doing some soul searching on my part is healing. God binds up that long ago wound and continues to bring laughter and an element of romping. Guess like we studied on Sunday, God gives hinds feet on high places. 

Chubola reunited with her brothers Baxter and Buster and it feels so good. After surgeries, once again it is like kitten kingdom. Lots of running and playing with extended long naps in between. The ASPCA is doing this on bottled water supplies because the water in Asheville isn't safe to use. Even after a month and they are saying too, that it might be into next year when it is. 

Friday and It's November

 The early mornings have a golden hue that bathes everything even making dried out leaves and empty branches brilliant. Now, the sun is fully shinning which is beautiful as well. The kittos just came in from a long morning on the back porch. It is good for them to enjoy while the temps are a little warmer than usual. 

It is a taking it easy type of day. It seems to work in the getting stamina and strength back. I have hung up a few winter things and debating on others, whether to keep or give away. Drinking coffee in my jammies and also have on a bum around flannel shirt that doesn't match anything I have on and I love it. One of the first joys of mountain living for me, don't have to match. Okay, I try to clean up if I will be in the public eye, but somedays, it doesn't matter. I think about our neighbor Mary Joyce. She wore the look well. What is so funny now is this, Macy's have been emailing me about the new Ralph Lauren fall/winter clothes. Now, truthfully in my heart of hearts I wish I could carry off that look...the whole Chabang, boots, purse, dress, and jacket. For one, that is an expensive proposition and like I already stated...don't have the look. Now, over the years I have worn bits and pieces of Ralph. My favorite Ralph Lauren thing from the past is the room spray they sold. Had that spicy scent with overtones of tobacco and buryl wood. It was my goal to saturate our home in that fragrance so it would naturally be everywhere. It was a huge project that didn't work but gee, it was fun trying to do that. 

This morning I thought, gee where did October go? Oh yea, I remember now. Fall back tomorrow night. Thought, this is the perfect Sunday to come back cause of the whole extra hour thing. Believe me, I will need it. 

In other aspects of the simply and solitary life of the last month I have noticed that Roy's focus is sharper than ever but it is a lot of work to get him to not overfocus too much. Now, on the surface this will look like an unkind story but it is not. It just makes my point and don't worry I am going to tattle on me a little later. We went to Sam's after voting on Monday. Toward the end of shopping I decided to go wait out in the truck. Since I was coughing I got out two cinnamon mints that helps stop the coughing. Roy finished up and started loading the truck. So, I'm in the front seat and quite by accident I was going to cough but I didn't get the mints moved to the side of my mouth and when I inhaled, the two mints got stuck in my throat. They weren't very big, but it scared the peewadlin out of me. I immediately flop across the front seat and console, coughing and choking...I manage to get the mints dislodged. I looked back and Roy is so proud of his packing job. He never paid attention that I was choking until I told him. He said it just sounded like you were coughing, but here is the focus issue, I am flopping and flipping like a fish out of water in the front seat. Never caught his eye. Now add my ADHD to the mix, distracted and inattentive. I start on task but if I find something that amuses or interests me, no task is done. Roy's solution is once again now that I feel better to put me on a schedule. A schedule that fits with his. Uh, thanks but I march to the beat of a different drummer. Like having the sickness from hell has changed me into this focused and task oriented person...he has high hopes that will be dashed to the ground in no time. It's like the time we refinanced our home in Rancho de Five, the contract sat on the island untouched and not disturbed by me. Roy is pacing from the front door to the kitchen. I was sitting in my reading room watching the march of the tin soldier. Finally Roy stops and says, well, aren't you going to read the contract? Uh who is the lawyer here???? Not me! I asked if he thought I had changed in anyway because I trust him on that contract stuff but he thought I would take an interest in this endeavor. Unrealistic expectations. He left the room, I moved the contract to the other side of the island, opened it to a page. He was so happy to see that when he returned. My ADHD coping mechanism. 

I can say for the first time in a long, long while...I'm catted out! The Boys are great but the kittos have been a handful today. They have worn me out. Chubola is entering that special time in a young girls life. This afternoon we separated her from her brothers and we finally got her in from the back porch as she was attracting attention from a few of the just coming into age male cats. She is furious with us. We have ruined her life. No one is going to vote her prom queen nor will she be a cheerleader. She's pouting by lying in her litter box. We tried an experiment this afternoon that went 50% well. I brought Baxter and Buster up to the front bedroom. Buster, the alpha cat of the group, hid under the daybed but Baxter played, discovered the front window, and sat beside me. Both GMoey and Mr Mo came in and no one growled or hissed. We had a time getting Buster and then with Chubola outside and we finally caught her...thus the catted out nature of the afternoon. Nobody seems to be that upset about the split. 

Tuesday and Wednesday...A Okay

 Tuesday evening. The kittos are up, the boys have settled in and Roy is busy in the bonus room working on something. A quiet evening. Since I tried my hand at getting out and about yesterday I stuck pretty close to home. Got some things accomplished and thankful that this cough is finally settling down. 

One thing about yesterday, I saw the French Broad River for the first time and the scenes of destruction were a bit overwhelming. We voted early then gave Sam's a little bit of a try and I did okay but at the end, started coughing so I went to the truck. 

I feel like I am slowly returning to normal and believe me, that is something I had doubts over. Please do not laugh. Anyway, anything whether it was texting or moving or whatever seemed overwhelming and wouldn't and couldn't be done. Then slowly but surely I didn't need to take a nap to take a shower and then take a nap after a shower. For a couple of weeks I didn't change jammies too often cause it was overwhelming to even consider. There are some wonderful miracles that have happened during all of this and I am anxious to get them written out. Before Helene, we had every week scheduled with the ASPCA for getting the feral fam in as well as the kittos. My sickness stopped progress on getting them acclimated to the house and the boys. Anyway, they were scheduled because little Chubola is becoming a young female cat with two brothers. Last week Roy emailed with his contact there asking if we could get on a waiting list for cancellations. She responded we could bring in all three on the 4th. I tell you that is a miracle. People are vying and we are so thankful for this favor from them. 

Today, Roy was going to take the Mustang into Weaverville. Mustang Sam would not start. We have had Triple A for years and never used it until today. A bad cell in the battery and low on antifreeze. They got the car started and Roy took it over to the mechanics. Changed things out and Roy said the car is running like it is brand new. For this we also give thanks. 

I think we got our electricity and internet back around the 8th. Roy woke me up to let me know we were off the generator but I was fitful and couldn't get my mind around anything. I have often told Roy that I have a good track record coming back from health issues that should have taken me out but I also know that day is coming when it is time for me to go to Jesus and no amount of fighting can change that. The 8th I had told the Lord that if this was my time to go, I would not fight. That night after finally falling asleep my mom came to me in a dream. I rarely dream about my mom, only have those bad dreams with my father in them. In my dream I could see my mom walking toward me. She had on her favorite pair of shorts and this white short sleeve top that kept her cool in the summer. She was about 35 years old. It was as if she came to the very edge where she is in heaven and I am on the other side, here on earth. She knelt down to talk to me. She said, this is not your time to go. It is not your time to come to heaven but it is your time to fight. You have to fight this and get well. I woke up halfway expecting my mom to be there but I knew she wasn't there but I felt that this was a message from the Lord. My whole attitude changed from that time forward. Today Judy Carver told me a story about her praying for me...I just wonder if all this was at the same time? Wow! The Lord is so good!

In August I kind of stumbled upon Rowe Casa Organics. Troyer's in TN had a couple of their products. I tried the Magnesium cream first. Wow! Added Lymphatic cream and wow, wow! Since then I have added many more of their products and I credit their products so much that helped me these past few weeks. 

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Wednesday evening and I am exhausted. Another day out and about trying to build back stamina. We went to Haywood County for a couple of things. We made a stop at Barbers Orchard and I think this is the first time that I have not bought apple cider donuts, ever. Pears and apples. Went on over to Publix and first time in five weeks I have gone to the grocery store. I made it almost to the end but did the debit card thing and left Roy and the groceries. I sat in the car and ate 1/2 of an oatmeal cookie. Stopped to pick up BBQ. We were a little later than usual and they had already sold out of the brisket and ribs. I did my regular sides. One thing in these past couple of weeks is discovering Boars Head chicken salad with cranberries. I think I have had that sandwich everyday for a week and a half. Not too much sounds good, but it sure does. When we got home I rested and most probably I will stay around the house tomorrow to keep improving and getting strength back.

I am going to be back in The Joy Class on Sunday. It will kind of be SS light but I think it will be meaningful. I sure have missed the class. 

We just put the kittos to bed, so I need to finish this up or they will just sit here and cry at me. 

Penland's, One of My Favorite Marshall Places and My Friend Georgette

 

*these photos do know belong to me. Top is from USA Today and the bottom pic probably belongs to Ian.*

This is my friend Georgette. If you have ever visited me, for the day or days, we've gone to Marshall and we stopped in her store, Penland's. Her family has owned it for three or four generations. Even the the front displays carry a touch of nostalgia. The displays of modern Carhart, pajamas made in North Carolina, books about the wild stories of Madison County (there are some great stories), homemade products from the artisans in the area and sometimes fresh veggies and fruit. It is the heartbeat of downtown Marshall. 

I first met Georgette when friends took me to her store and introduced us. It was part of their Madison County tour because my friends grew up there and have a deep abiding love for that county. Cuman, Inez's husband, has some great stories and he knows the history, good, bad, legal and maybe some illegal. He has some of the best stories of moonshine days. He wasn't with us that day but he asked Inez not to take the river road to Madison. We swore secrecy not to tell Cuman we did. Oops! Anyway... Several weeks later I went back to Penland's and reintroduced myself. Her friendship took me right in. I'll forever be grateful for that. Since I was here by myself then and didn't really visit with people much, she was so patient as I talked and talked and talked to her. Then before leaving I'd always apologize that I had taken so much of her time. She was always gracious saying, I enjoyed visiting. When locals came in to shoot the breeze or pick up a few things, Georgette would introduce me just like I was from around there. Not too long after meeting her, she gave me her cell number and home phone number. She said no matter what time, day or night, call if you need help or anything. We are not that far from you and we will be there in a jiffy. I still have that note in my project desk room attached to a wall hanging so I would never lose it. In exchange I always shared oil and gas related news to her. Roy called one day and said it hasn't hit the news yet, but Colonial Pipeline is shut down. It is the pipeline supplier to our area of the country. I texted friends but one of the first I told was Georgette. Fill up your cars, your family members cars before the news hits and lines start forming at the gas stations. Over the years I sent her that alert several times. 

Downtown Marshall began a resurgence several years ago and Penland's was an anchor to that. Then Hurricane Helene came a calling and changed everything. Half of downtown, gone. Buildings that had survived the flood of 1916, gone. Six feet of water got into her store. Her family lost everything in that store, including 100 year old red oak floor and sub floor, the old display cases. Only the antiques on the very top made it, including Pee Wee Herman. Now they are trying to put it all back together. Mud removed and waiting on estimates for HVAC and other things. If anyone deserves our support right now it is Georgette. 

I am hoping that any Houston friends that stopped and shopped at her store might want to make a contribution of any size to the rebuilding of a business but so much more than that. If you come in the future, invest so that we can make a stop there. Georgette always takes care of everyone, now is the time to help take care of she and her husband and extended family to make a go of this again. Mountain Strong! Madison Strong!

If you would like to make a monetary gift to them, message me and I will send you her mailing address. So worthy of time and consideration. 

Just A Quick Yet Incomplete Update

 Howdy! It has been a while since I have posted on my blog. For the first time ever writing on Monablog, there was no fire within me to write. Didn't want to write and if I did have something to say, it was a little snippet on Facebook. Then at the end of September Hurricane Helene came rolling through but even before Helene, we had some kind of front stall out and we had 8 inches of rain the day before Helene. I will say I have never ever been through something like this. I wasn't in Houston for Harvey or Beryl but nothing like wind and rain and wind. The week before Roy and I did prep work, just like in Houston. Gutter cleaners punted on us so Roy and I did the best we could cleaning out the gutters on the back porch. We shopped, got laundry done cause we felt for certain we would lose power. Filled up the truck and the car. Like every good Houstonian, we had our hurricane prep box ready, complete with Pop Tarts. Every preparation brochure has the box and right on top, Pop Tarts. I didn't go get rain or snow donuts which is so unlike me. Many times I don't eat them but if they are in the house I am not craving them. I know now there was a reason why. 

As the storm came in Thursday afternoon, Roy stood on the back porch and read storm verses out loud to the wind. He must have been out there for about an hour until I finally called him in. The mountains were hit hard, very hard. I'll write more on that later on another post. Our little post office by the French Broad River had three feet of water in it. Houses gone. Buildings gone and the Alexander Bridge was one foot away by being over taken and probably destroyed. 

The strange thing is this, I kept asking friends about the aftermath but no one knew what that was really. Before, when tropical storms come though it is a rain event. Lots of people were making plans for Friday afternoon and night. I think now, everyone knows about aftermath. 

As the storm came and went, along came a virus or cold that attached itself to me. At first, I didn't give it a thought until I became very ill. I now would bet money I had Covid, really, really bad Covid. I wasn't ever stopped up or ran much of a fever but the coughing was killing me. I was supposed to have a Dr appointment on Sept 30th, but it had to be cancelled...no water and no clear way to get to the office. On the 9th of October we called EMS and they made a stop. With all the storm, death and chaos normally they would have taken me to the hospital, but it would take 6-8 hours for one to come and pick me up. Then most probably due to more serious and immediate emergencies, I would have probably been there a lot longer and really never seen. We all decided I had a better chance at home for now. After that and until we had to call EMS back because I had fallen and couldn't get up, I don't remember much. Not eating much, coughing up junk and no stamina, no strength. My eyes stuck together, my arms and legs would not or could not do the things I was asking of them. Roy took such good care of me. It wasn't until the 13th or 14th, that I began to believe I was going to make it. Slowly but surely I am getting better. Yesterday I had a setback but today I feel like once again I am on the road to recovery.

Next week I am going to get some bloodwork done to see if I have currently long Covid. 

Well, that is about it for now. I will try to be better with updates.

PS- Roy is taking good care of all the kitties

Approaching Seventy

 Twenty years ago I decided I was going to go into my fifties in the best way possible. Lost weight but then had a crisis and I didn't go into my fifties weighing a little bit less. Ah, nothing like crisis, stress eating. One thing I did do on this day twenty years ago was to take my three best friends for Spa Sanctuary at the Nord. We had body wraps, massages, facials and nails done. They served us lunch in the relaxation room. It was the best time. After the luxurious day, we had our makeup done downstairs and then finished the day at Lupe's Tortillas. Turning fifty, besides turning twenty, are the only birthdays that have bothered me age wise. This "big" birthday tomorrow doesn't bother me because other than by God's grace I  wasn't supposed to be here to celebrate. We had a fun party at Peggy's twenty years ago to celebrate and the age range of friends was 3-90. Even had some family attend who just happened to be in town. Such fun and such good memories. 

Ten years ago Roy treated me to a month here in the mountains. We arrived here after a few days at a cousin reunion. On the last day of that month's time, we left with an accepted offer on a home. We never ever thought we would find something in just a month, that we would probably need several trips but God knew. We bought before the housing market here skyrocketed. Such fun, such good memories and still loving and making memories living here. 

I have been reflecting this week on living so many years. I remember when my mom turned seventy. I took over a cake and had a small celebration with her and my father. Looking back I think she might have been dealing with some mild memory problems but she had kind of withdrawn herself over those last few years of her life. One of her best friends was walking an all too short fight against cancer. My mom had a few other friends that she did things with, but didn't enjoy getting out with them too much. 

There have been a lot of mistakes, unkind words I wish I could take back but my life has contained good decisions, lots of fun and laughter and joy. I am thankful that the Lord has never left me and holds me in His heart and hand. Recently I was cleaning out more diaries from late elementary school and the seventh grade. Happy to know there have been good changes, but dang, almost the same things back then make me irritated today. Gave those diaries a good read through cause they went into the shredder. 

This year my two best friends from high school have or will be joining in the age beginning with 7 club. Beth hasn't turned that number yet but her family gave her a wonderful party to celebrate. It broke my heart that I couldn't attend. Having too many health issues to fly or road trip any great distance and a no from my cardiologist on this trip to the Seattle area as well as my nieces destination wedding earlier this year. I came across pictures from my visit to Gig Harbor those many years ago. You know, back when I could hike...well, I didn't hike well in those mountains coming from flatland, but I did dress the part. 

Last Monday was the ol' mammo appointment. The waiting area used to be so welcoming and comfortable. Easy chairs and the decor of a mountain cabin with restful colors. Well, that has all changed and is now the sterile medical environment we all are familiar with. Once behind the doors and changed into the lovely gown, opening in the front, you're seated in a smaller waiting area with other gowned women. It has been my experience in the past that area is rather chatty. No one was talking until a woman arrived, probably younger than me but looked older and she asked, why isn't anyone talking? So, those timid first conversations of mammograms of the past began to roll out of us along with laughter. When my turn to tell a mammo story came, I told them in the past I would cancel a mammogram if storms were in the area. You know cause, what if lighting hits the building and the power goes out, there I am attached to this grip thing in the dark. No one would remember to use the emergency release thing, if there was one. Back in the day those grab and smash machines were attached to the wall and I was too tall for them. The next lady gave the advice, don't look down. Why? Cause it will freak you out what you see. I mentioned that when my friend, Lisa P crossed the mile high swinging bridge at GF Mountain, that is what I told her...don't look down. Well, I had never even thought of looking down getting a mammo. While getting mine done, I did not look down, but kind of wanted to. The techs were so nice and really invested in making sure I could punch in the numbers and press enter to unlock my locker. Told them, I felt like I could do that but while changing into the front open gown, I could not figure out how to tie it shut. That is not an elderly problem for me, it's just a Nancy problem. Been having trouble with those hospital gowns since 2008. Now I am figuring out what kind of elderly patient do I want to be on these visits with doctors and tests. They all seem to see me as such and dang, it was during the last week to be in the six decade. Monday morning, I have another appointment but I'll be in the beginning of the seven decade, so it will be a new experience for me. 

Just like twenty years ago I approach this birthday weighing a little more than I have in recent years. Not crisis or stress eating, but a little less active. More of a fluid retention thing. This time I am going into the next decade concerned about memory and things related to that. It has been suggested that I check out if my ADHD is a bit more active and causing those concerns. I did take one test and yes, officially, ADHD is detected. I could have told them that without the test. 

Cats, Appointments and Being Older

 Good Morning from the Inn on the Catmore Estate. This is a much better morning than yesterday. The kittens were lethargic and had that look. We ran through anything that we had changed in their diet and we narrowed down what we thought might be the problem. Last night we fed them just a bit of milk to tide them over through the night. It seems to have done the trick. This morning I was greeted with a exuberant greeting by all three. We did a little milk and then had morning playtime on the front porch. GMoey took part once again but still ignores These Three for the most part. When the gray kitten tried to nurse from him, GMoey gave it such a look! Just gave them the second round of milk and they have settled down into nap time. At lunch time we will give the two who eat solid wet kitten food a little bit of lunch. I read this morning that the little guy who has trouble eating out of the bowl might be due to eyesight not being fully developed. This is my first time working with kittens so young so I am trying to learn all that I can. 

 This time two Saturdays ago I never planned nor imagined that we would have little kittens in the house. It has been our practice to help only when it seems like the mom or moms in this case need help. Everything seemed to be going well with the exception of the eye matting. That Saturday afternoon when I picked up the first kitten, she was covered in maggots. I hate those things. Anyway, that opened up the opportunity for These Three on Sunday. They are fun to watch and all three have the sweetest personalities. I had my doubts with the gray one because his linage is Mr Meany, Frankie and Nimbus...all mean, all nasty in temperament. He is just the sweetest thing, purrs and he loves that solid food topped with salmon lil soups as a chaser. I just gave them their milk feeding and then brought the above mentioned fav of the lil gray one. He and the orange kitten that loves wet food, fought to the death I mean fought to the nap to clean out the bowl, although there right beside the grudge match of the morning was a bowl with the same food in it.

We are more and more becoming "that" couple who go to Dr appointments together. Although, we have not stepped over the line of going back as a couple behind the golden door. The nurse asked if I would like Roy to come back and I said no way. Not there at that point. Success with the three words, yay! Drew the clock but with just a second of hesitation. She said draw the clock with no hands. Okay, I replied, it might take a while since I don't usually draw with my mouth holding a pen. I put my pen in my mouth, it was my pen, and she cracked up. Of course she must have seen that a million times, but she said I am the first who ever did that. Got to see Dr Andy and always a joy to talk with him. I have had some concerns and we talked though what they could be. This thing, whatever it is has been going on for a little more than two years. The process of getting an orthopedic is in process. Andy sent a referral and  I got a text that I am now in their portal system. Everything moves slowly here, especially anything in the medical profession. 

Our blackberries are producing much fruit this season. Some of those berries are huge! Both Roy and I picked yesterday. Birds are getting to the tomatoes, so we hung red Christmas ball ornaments among the branches. We planted purple Cherokee cherry tomatoes and they are producing like crazy. All his tomato plants are. I haven't been over to the other side of the yard to see the bell peppers but Roy says they are doing good. 

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 Getting a mammogram here is one of the only not slow timing medical things one can get here. They contacted me yesterday to set up my appointment and I could have gone in today, but since we have a car in the shop I turned down the immediacy of getting in so quickly. I chose another date a couple of weeks out. Now, here is the thing I learned yesterday. For a brief moment that maybe I'll start calling Bidenbrain, not a political comment just keeping up with world events, I had Bidenbrain and couldn't remember the word, mammogram. Imagining, resolution all came to mind but finally at the last minute, the word came forth into the brain and out of my mouth. This little slip up caused the conversation to go really slow and be given instructions very slowly and at least five times telling me the address. Yes, I have been there before but now the mammogram office takes up the whole second floor instead of being on the first floor. Yep, after about the third time I know where to go. I am at that age and I know it comes with the territory but some of the questions you are asked are borderline ageist.  Do I live at home rather than in a home, can I bathe myself...? Yes, it is my preference. Can I walk by myself? Yes, that is my preference as well. Do I know what time I am supposed to arrive at the center? Why yes, I can even draw a clock for you and show my work that I understand the concept of noon. The lady asking me all these questions was so kind but I was painfully aware she had or as singers and worship leaders are wont to say, let's bring it down a little, cause I had a bit of a stumble at first. I thought I was never going to get off the phone with her, though. Must be a sensitive subject to me cause of those types of questions in the checkup this week. Do we have throw rugs? WE also have cats, so we do have throw up. Do we have cords and wires I have to step over? Do we have stairs and if so, are there items on the steps. Well, technically yes but I answered no cause they are neatly organized in a stair basket and one of these years, the contents will finally make it upstairs. The new question this year along with the smoking, drinking and stepping over cord questions and the nurse prefaced it with kind of a blush, was a question about s#x. Yes, this is all important information that the government and hospitals need to know. Oh to have had a pack of candy ciggies in my purse, to pull out the pack and retrieve a candy ciggie from it. Then tap it on my thumb nail like my Aunt Amy used to do, act like I am lighting it, take a long draw and respond with a witty answer. Like, we just did it in the parking lot waiting for your office to open after lunch time. 🎜Sky rockets in sight, afternoon delight . 🎜 I will have to remember this for next year's check up. 

Our neighbors made another hornet removal attempt and it cut short our watering, pruning and picking of fruit last night. Just as well, cause we needed to stop and let the little ones out on the front porch for playtime. Third kitty is eating from a bowl and gray kitty is drinking water from a saucer. They'll be leaving for college before you know it. 

This has been a hard week in some ways yet a very joyous week as well. Rejoicing with a friend with a new job and passing a certification in her line of career. Praying for friends here as well as praying for friends in Houston after hurricane Beryl. So many do not have power yet and the heat index is over 100 degrees. 

We did something new this morning, we fed These Three on the front porch while cleaning out their playpen. GMoey came out for a while but just watched the yard for birds. Now the kittens are fast asleep in their clean bed and playpen. 

Fourth, Fifth and Sixth

 Happy Fourth of July! Hopefully, some of our neighbors in the distance will put on a great show of fireworks but sometimes we can see the official firework shows from our front porch. I think from about ninth grade till a little after high school, Westbury Square had a wonderful firework display. Westbury Square holds many good memories for those of us who grew up in southwest Houston. It really was ahead of its time with quaint shops and restaurants. Sharpstown Mall began its downfall. It felt like a European village with winding walkways, not that I had ever been to Europe back then. Candle making shop, bookstore, perfume shops, and Cargo Houston. Large store with international merchandise. Hey in the late 60s and 70s, it was our first experience with international shopping. Kind of leaned to the hippy influence. Being young, the walk from our home to the Square was easy so many a fourth either as a family or with friends walk over to the Patton's home and sit in their front yard for a front row seat of brilliance and flashes of light in the sky. Ooooh, ahhhhhh....could be heard all throughout the neighborhood. One year I wasn't feeling particularly interested in being with others watching the show. I climbed up one of the big trees in the backyard and ooooohed and ahhhhhhed by myself. I remember thinking as I easily climbed up the tree that this might be the last time I would climb a tree cause you know one didn't do that as they got older. Had a perfect view for fireworks near the top of that tree. 

We press onward taking care of These Three. We've had them out sitting on our laps. Uh, I mean climbing up our shirts and digging into our necks. We've been changing out the blankets in the playpen but I found a little cat bed in the garage. I put that in the playpen about an hour ago and they love it. Their appetite and kitten milk consumption is up and that makes them energetic and being a little more playful. We will go out to the front porch again this evening and let them run and wrestle or just investigate this new area in their lives. 

Been working on the lesson today. We get to see this how big picture of a life, Jacob's, and watch his growth and trust in God. His birth, hanging onto his brother to be the first one born. He deceives his brother and father, then shipped off to reform school at Uncle Laban's. There he perfects some of his most deceptive and manipulative maneuvers but Uncle Laban is a little better than him at the beginning. God is with him but he wrestles with Him to get that blessing. Did the family tradition thing and showed favoritism. His other sons were not too happy about that and hated Joseph. Took his coat, threw him in a pit and then sold him to be a slave in Egypt. That's where we lose about twenty years of Jacob's life but we see in between that it has not been a happy twenty years for anyone except maybe Benjamin. We have the details of Joseph and we know he is second in all the land. The seven years of plenty have come and gone and now Egypt and the surrounding countries find themselves in famine and lack of food. Here come the brothers, with empty sacks, money in their pockets, donkeys to carry everything back but they meet a prime minister who accuses them of being spies. Joseph recognizes them but they don't have a clue who they are dealing with now. We are looking at the big reveal and the trip to live with his son in Egypt. We see Jacob's total life, mistakes and all as well as the good and godly. There around chapter 46 we see Jacob reacting in fear, well we see that in-between the lines until verse 3 when God addresses the issue with Jacob. Fear, good fear keeps us safe and healthy but oppressive fear of going, coming, learning or trying something new can stop us dead in our tracks and we find out that we are not experiencing joy or relying on God's strength. 

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Our new neighbors as well as our long time neighbors put on great firework displays last night. The one across the street was a short program but dazzling to be so close to the display. For only about fifteen minutes did it sound like a war zone outside. That's what I like great shows compacted into a little bit of time and not all night and then all week. Our area is in a bit of a drought so hopefully everyone was careful and haven't heard of any fires in our area. 

These Three are doing well this morning. Two milk feedings and one soupy solid food. Two of them love it and the other one wants to be biblical...not desiring solid food but wanting the milk. 

 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Hebrews 5:12

We added something new to the day, a morning trip to the front porch. While they explored Roy cleaned out their playpen and litter box. Food and fun leads to nap time at this stage of the game and although I would love to take a nap, that SS lesson isn't going to write itself.

The blackberries we are growing this year are huge. Roy took a look at the peaches and they are ripening up. It is the time for free stone peaches and we haven't bought any, yet. Strawberry season is just about done. Apples are ripening and well that means that apple cider donut season is less than a month away. 

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Our oak tree toppled in the storm yesterday. If Mike can work it in today, he will at least cut it up. Lots of lightning and hard rain with the storm. We are thankful it fell into the yard and not across the road. Some damage to the raised galvanized metal flowerbed, but think the metal can be popped back into place. We are picking some of the biggest blackberries and Roy's tomatoes are producing well. 

Roy helped me with bath time for the kittens. They all did well and they are fluffy and clean. He took them out on the front porch after we dried them so I could vacuum and change out playpens and bedding. Mike came by and he went out to help get the trunk of the tree off the metal flowerbed. Mike will come back next week and cut it down to manageable pieces. 

Been up since 4:45 and it is now just a bit after 10:00 am. I'm exhausted and need a nap. Oh, I do think one of the orange kittens is a girl now that some swelling has gone down and so I am thinking to call them Buster, Baxter and Betty. Baptist alteration as well as having a kitten named after a friend. 💕