Low Wires and Stability

 It's a lovely foggy morning in August. It's a lovely Monday morning in August. It's a lovely verse, how lovely are the feet of those who bring good news. 

Last Friday we took the backroads with adjustments to the bridges being out on several of our main roads we take to get over to Troyer's. We left earlier than we usually do to get to the store before 10:00 am when the parking lot fills and the store overflows. We shopped just a bit before going to the register to check out and get our receipt marked for peaches purchased. While the scenic return is usually our choice we opted for the quicker route, not as scenic but we were in TN to shop, not fun shopping but stock up on things we use and our supply is getting low. The pre-winter stock up. We also need to go back to Ducketts and see if Lou Lou has canned anymore greasy beans. 

As is the tradition it is now a week out from last Friday. We are nearing what is called false fall 2 this weekend. It has been so dang hot and most are looking forward to the temperature respite. The forecast calls for a low in the forties on Wednesday. Less humidity too. It will be tempting to start that season exchange of clothing but I will hold off. 

This week I have been reading Luke 5. Funny how I came to that chapter. I was watching an old interview with two Bible teachers or pastors. One told about his mentor and how the mentor came to Christ. The mentor was doing conscientious objector work on a farm assigned menial farm work. His mind was free to think and pursue. He was an agnostic but had been challenged to read the Bible. So in his readings nothing particular stood out until he read Luke 5. It was the pattern of numbers that drew him in and there on a farm doing menial work he accepted Christ. So you know, being the numbers girl that I am...did you laugh? Anyway, I thought that's interesting how God had gotten his attention. The Bible teacher guy was right, you do see a pattern of one, four and large crowds all throughout the chapter but the verses that drew me in is the story of the four friends bringing their one friend to Jesus in the large crowd. The verses that stood out for me: after Jesus heals the man on the mat He says to him, Get up, Pick up and Go Home. This time those words hit me differently. One would think the stand up and the pick up would be the hardest part of doing what Jesus commanded but now I am thinking the go home would be the hardest. Why? Well, I am glad you asked. Just thinking back to those days of bilateral knee replacement rehab days, standing up was a little easier than pre knee replacements. Learning the correct way to pick up stuff was easier and quickly do-able. Now this is where the example ends because I was so ready to go, but it was the best. Take what I have learned and put it into practice. Go home but when you think about it, after a huge miracle for that man, he would have been hounded by the Pharisees and swarmed by the people. The Lord knew he just needed to return home and be surrounded by his family. Jesus would take care of the Pharisees and teaching the people in the house and out of the house. The healed man would be overwhelmed and maybe he just needed to get away from the crowds to truly ponder what he just experienced and then tell others of the miraculous love of God . We are told he was praising God and for this we give thanks. 

Most afternoons this week have had rain and some of that rain rather heavy. We are both thankful we haven't had to go out and water. The purple peas are doing well and with cooler temps I can get out there and get some picked.  

The thought of how everything is cyclical has been in the forefront lately. Our lives, culture, churches, and schools just to name a few. All the hype of the Cracker Barrel changes is viral in all the media types and hypes. My first experience with CB took place in the 80s. Roy and I were visiting my brother north of Atlanta and there was one near his apartment. My goodness I think in those couple of days we ate there every chance we got. Home cooking, well not like my home cooking but somebodies. Through the years it was not a destination but a oh, it's close to _________, and that is where we ate. In 2019 we ate there after Roy's colonoscopy. He was hungry for pancakes. In all the trips between Houston and here Cracker Barrel became a safe spot to stop and use the bathroom and pick up more snacks for the road. My most famous relationship with Cracker Barrel was breaking my hip at the one in Lafayette. Of course they contacted Roy and said they could not compensate much financially and Roy said, can you just cover out of pocket expenses? They agreed most heartily. They sent me a CB gift card in good faith and let's just say Dayspring, my Houston Sunday School class, gave me one with a lot more money on a gift card than CB. People are mentioning the nostalgia factor and I see that but it did bother me that if I was thinking of grandparents upon entering I would nostalgically remind grandma that her floors should look cleaner. Several years ago I read about the man whose one job was to shop for things to go on the walls of CB. Why was this not covered as a job option in high school? Guess it is because CB wasn't even around back then but this guy had a full run on his job years until maybe last year. When we were traveling back and forth to NC we liked stopping at the CB in Sulphur, La because LSU shirts and sweatshirts were a reasonable price. 

Oh my, I just learned that Chuck Girard has passed away. His music played a huge part of my early Christian life and my favorite song was, Love Song. Just listened to it and remembered how that song ministered to my spirit on some of the hardest days I had faced. 

I went back and listened to several more songs from that era. It seems that I am getting sentimental about music these days. Two separate afternoons last week I listened to The First Baptist Choir Dallas on You Tube. Once again I cried but not from having those opportunities anymore, but because I did. Think I was having so much in those days and because in that time of life I wanted every minute to be filled with busyness, I didn't take the time to appreciate the musical foundation given, yes, even to people like me that loves music but never had any kind of training. 

Our main road is closed again, same spot and same problem but the detours are farther out. I bet it is kind of messing up first day of school traffic. Hazards everywhere. When we turn right on the road there are very low hanging wires that should mess up dump trucks and to the left a road that is having trouble staying stable. Sometimes that kind of sounds like life. 

Eyes, Lunch, Books and Supper

 It was such a relief to get my eye exam done and come away with good news. Prescription, very little change and while I could have cataract surgery all that eye stuff has stayed the same so I don't have to get it on the schedule right away. That's great because the thing that is holding me back from doing this is, I hate putting drops into my eyes. I know, stupid excuse but messing with my eyes has always been kind of wonky to me. Main reason I never got contacts. We have a wonderful eye doctor and he is just so kind because he went over with me how to easily put drops in the eyes. When he asked if there had been any health changes I mentioned my what I have done this summer essay but my primary care doctor kept my art work so I had nothing to show him. I can always go on the patient portal and print heart art out. The doctor said, oh no can do your eyes right now even if you were looking to get on the schedule. They wouldn't even let me schedule you. So, that ended well really. I am looking forward to getting new frames and seeing my friend at her new eye glasses place. Anyway, it was a rainy and cloudy morning so my eyes didn't have to deal with bright sunlight. 

Tuesday we met a friend for lunch and then stopped for cat food. The cat food that was on sale has not been a fav in times gone by but for some reason both inside and outside cats love it so we stocked up. I was so tired by the time we got home I didn't do too much else. Today, Wednesday, hair cut day and then we came home. The rain had cleared so we decided to go back to the store for the new specials and stop at 6 Pigs BBQ food truck. They were by the river a little later than usual. We ducked out of most of the afternoon rains. 

Years ago, I saw a documentary on all that goes into selling a book from the publishers standpoint. A great portion of time was given to selecting the book cover to draw attention. Until then, I had never really thought about that work. Not all the time but some of the time I notice trends in book covers. It might be the end of this design, but the silhouette of people with their backs to us looking into mist or fog or murky surroundings seems to be very popular. Here are a few examples and I don't know anything about these books other than the cover design is the point. 

 

I've been thinking about trends and I don't know why. Saw a thing on what backsplash not to use and what counter tops are popular. By next year what is unpopular will be popular again. Just an opinion of what I did this summer theme of doctor and procedure appointments, but I feel like I and maybe we are standing with our backs to the view of foggy unknowns. Right now whether it be popular or not; being your own advocate as well as having someone like Roy who advocates for me when it comes to health decisions is the trend or picking up in popularity. Maybe it is really survival. I have done a lot of research over the past few years to help me along with a few issues and now that I have a window of opportunity to stake a flag so to speak, I am trying to take advantage. Something I have expressed before but it is reminding me that our idea of quiet times with our cup of coffee, favorite chair, lighting, journal and Bible...oh and a lovely throw, favorite jammies and all that...which I like but it doesn't seem too many in the Bible had that luxury when they needed to pray or seek God or study His Word. Those whose prayers and cries were on the run, in the wilderness, on a mountain...not a beautiful mountain but a dry and dusty looking mountain, Moses, Elijah, Joseph (prison), David and John the Baptist. Don't get me wrong I'm not asking for a change from coffee and a comfortable chair but we fall into a trap of things like that. Somehow the conversation is going through social media again about what people wear to church. It seemed like that was settled several years ago and could be a rallying point or something. It would be so Christ like to wear Colossians 3 clothing. 

These days as I wont to do this post has turned into a weekly reader kind of deal. There are things I want to write about but it is not such a time as this. In our quest to get out more, mainly for me, we headed over to TN very early to pick up peaches from Troyer's. Then we did our usual Erwin thing and then had Pal's for lunch and as usual we ate as we drove. Made for a very fun day. By the time we got home I was looking for some much needed rest time. My energy waned as we finished up in Walmart and then at Food City. My supper last night was Amish bologna and fresh tomato sandwich. Delicious! 

 

Celebrations, Memories and Reality

 Oh Friday, no fog and the high temp of the day is around 80 degrees. This has been a week of appointments and such, mixed with the regular chores which has made me be out and about more this week. Doesn't matter, really because I enjoy being home and I enjoy being on the go. The Trio and The Boys might be happier that we are home because meals are served on time and there are laps to sleep on. 

We celebrated my birthday on Wednesday. Roy had a dental cleaning in the morning but we left for Waynesville a little after noon. We stopped at Duckett's Produce first and got some greasy beans canned by Lou Lou and some of her veggie soup. Stocking up for the winter. Next stop, Blue Rooster. We avoided the lunch rush and settled in the booth. After such a long drought of fried chicken and coconut cake it all tasted divine. The fried okra, perfection. It was one of those days where I could have ordered all veggies cause the choices were excellent, but the call of chicken of the fried variety was the stalwart call. Had to get the coconut cake to go. What a treat! The next big stop, Tractor Supply and we got the kitties some dry food and the indoor gang some different flavors of wet food. Oh and at the last minute I found a cute t-shirt cause you know I don't have enough t-shirts. We then headed over to Barber's Orchard. Our first trip of the season and the crowds were still around. Think it was due to the first day of their honey crisp apples available to purchase. Apples, peaches and muscadine grapes along with an assorted choice of baked goods. Not many though cause we are putting in some changes for food choices. Of course the fried chicken did not count cause it is not an every week or month thing, desserts are more accessible. On our way home we stopped at our friends home to deliver some baked goods. Had a great visit. Wednesday night, I was surely worn out and tired but I wouldn't have changed the day because we had fun doing the things we've wanted to do. Very simple for sure, don't care about traveling other than day trips. Roy said the other day he traveled so much earlier in his career that air travel just reminds him of work. He also has one of the worst airline travelers ever by his side so he is getting the double whammy.  

The main road we take just about everywhere has been dealing with a slide causing the embankment to be unstable. About a month ago they came and repaired the breach but low and behold that embankment slid again and there is a modular home just a few feet away. There are so many issues I could address but it is mainly some car skids over the edge and into their living room as well as flooding and ponding of water because your home is below the road. 

Our Von Cat Family Climb Every Obstacle Cat is making us use new deterrents to slow down his hiking and climbing ambitions. Since we have foiled his attack...hahaha...on the top of the refrigerator with the thinnest aluminum foil ever barely created and since he has somewhat moved on from being on the top of the tall bookcases, Baxter now faces the challenge of a arts and craftsman style bookcase. It just happens to have the TV on it. Baxter gained access via my desk. This cat has no spatial presence. When he jumps into my lap most of the time his face hits my face.   

And now easing into Saturday morning. A little fog, so fog number 1 if one is counting August fogs for winter snow days. Last night I de-peaed... the peas that we grew this year. We will probably go out and pick a few more this morning and shell them. It was such a beautiful late summer evening. Nice breeze with good temps. It was almost but not quite the feel of fall that one can experience before autumn sets in. I kind of just sat in the rocking chair taking it all in because I am experiencing a few side effects from the increased dosage of heart meds. To help Roy out though I tackled watering the flowers by the delivery box and in the flowerbed. Zinnias are looking good here in August. Last night the view from the front bedroom of the full moon was spectacular. Yes I got those professional type moon pics with my phone. Doesn't pick up the night sky nor does it take clear pics of the moon and then the moon and the clouds. This morning it is always a joy to watch the the sky go from black to gray and then to light. 

 This afternoon I worked on a couple of projects mainly because they are sitting projects and I don't feel bad while doing them. Then I started listening to First Baptist Dallas Choir and Orchestra. You Tube made a mix of all the choir songs and anthems we as a choir of HFBC sang through the years. There were the Gerald songs, John Bolin and then some of the music we sang when we had a choir here. I don't sing much anymore and just barely a blender alto at that, but I sang along. My voice weak and not able to hit the higher low notes of an alto. Poor Roy, he had to listen or he blocked out all my singing. Then I listened to a few more and I sat here this afternoon and cried while listening. Shedding tears for the past and the present. Memories of hard work and memorization not using a folder. Thinking of friends like Loraine, our Naomi cause whatever notes she sang, they were our notes, we followed her. Velda and Lois were a hoot to sit with as well as Angela and Karla, Donna and Beth. In Houston I loved choir and love the friends I made. I was thinking the other day that I wish I could talk with Gerald because I would apologize for not liking and making fun of Sanctus back in the day. I've been listening lately and it is one of my favorites now. Guess I will add it up to immaturity. Being on the social committee better known as the Socialists was more fun than anyone ought to have. So many opportunities to play fun parts. Being Tonto or rather Tontito as the orchestra of HFBC played the William Tell Overture, Drew was the Lone Ranger and Peggy the villain. Type casting for sure. Maybe I am circling back in my history craving to hear these hymns and choir songs. Soothing to my soul and helps keep my heartbeat in sync. The ol' heart murmur is alive and well. 

That is the reality of things, what am I going to do to insure my health doesn't get worse when everything hurts to maintain status and move ahead when that is a reality. Of course I go to The Word and find my strength there but the next steps. A friend who just had quadruple bypass heart surgery says keep moving forward, be motivated, and don't rest and don't give up on doing the hard things. 

Cool Temps and Green Beans

 Our August 3, 2025 started out with a bang or maybe that should be an alarm. Come closer kiddies and I will tell you the story of the morning. Roy slept in a little and got up around 4:30 am. There was some sleep left in me so I didn't get up. Until I did when I heard a loud noise like someone falling. I went to check on Roy, not him but it was GMoey signaling his discontent of Roy's slow speed of releasing them from the bonus room. Once again, I settled in seeing if I could get at least another hours worth of sleep. That's when I heard our house alarm blaring through a once quiet morning, well a short time of the morning. Usually, one of us, Roy, opens the door without turning off the alarm but it wasn't Roy, it was Baxter. I have mentioned his The Sound of Music stage of life as he wants to climb to the top of just about everything. He jumped off the industrial metal table in the middle of the kitchen that we use as a small island. But his jump caused so many things mostly metal or glass to come crashing to the floor. Thus, the sound of breaking in and the result the aforementioned alarm. Roy got everything turned off and I came onto the scene just at the beginning of cleanup. Nothing broke but fruit fly killer juice spilled onto the floor. Oh, the fragrance of vinegar and whatever else they put into that jar. We picked up all that had fallen and the kitchen was returning to normal. We had bought some cheap aluminum foil from Big Lots and when we began placing the foil around the industrial island table we knew why it was so cheap. The thinnest foil ever. Spread it out and then added aluminum foil balls all around the edge and then put the foil balls around the top of the refrigerator. So far the aluminum defense has kept Baxter grounded, although the bookcases are looking to be conquered once again. This time he cannot knock off anything but still.... Once we sat down with our coffee I said we might be too tired to go to church or that we should stay home to keep an eye on Baxter. After we had breakfast and more coffee we decided we were good to go and started getting ready for church. 

Our church of choice for Sunday, Newbridge Baptist. In June we met the nicest lady in Publix as we helped her pick BBQ and she invited us to her church. At the time we told it would be late July or August before we could visit. We also have found a couple of other friends who attend. It was a good service with the son of the pastor preaching. Sounds like the son is at Liberty University and headed back that way on Tuesday. Green must have been the fashion church color back in the day. Newfound is decorated in too much green as well. When we arrived at the church we pulled into visitor parking only to be met by a scowling gentleman straight out of central casting. He came equipped with the biggest black leather Bible, probably KJV to complete his ensemble. We were getting the sneak eyed once over making sure we were really visitors and not a lazy parking church member. Usually, I meet the strong gaze and don't look away, but I told Roy we were under suspicion of illegal parking. He went on up to the men at the doors and whispered something to them. As we approached the opened doors they smiled and greeted us, then asking if we were visitors. Of course, yes, our first time to visit and the scowling gentleman felt like he had done his duty and moved on to his regular pew. This week by chance on FB Reels a pastor asks his congregation to let the life of Christ flow out of them not the check off the box mentality toward legalism and keeping made up and sounds spiritual rules. While studying the Gospels the last few years while teaching, I have come to realize keeping rules even for a rule bender such as I,  is easier to make up rules than to follow and obey the Holy Spirit. 

Sunday had rain off and on all day. And the temps were so cool, like early fall but this is false fall #1. Roy got out his fleece jacket and I put on a sweatshirt. We had planned to work out in the garden but the rain hindered those plans. I worked a little on the bullet journal I started and got some reading in. 

Yesterday was my birthday and it was low key and I liked that. Had fun looking at FB greetings, texts, messages and yes, a few cards. Since I had a doctor appointment today, didn't want cake or anything the day before. We are celebrating tomorrow afternoon. Yay! 

We were finally able to get out in the yard to pick peas and beans and of course tomatoes. It is pleasant outside but the little breeze stopped and it started to get too warm. The trellis is falling apart yet things continue to grow in spite of it all. Hmmm, a spiritual lesson just maybe. Last year we lost two fir type trees to bagworms. We pulled them off and sprayed them off. This year, no bag worms but we are doing the usual battle with Japanese beetles. Ugh!

We usually stick around Hendersonville when we have appointments etc. around there but yesterday we did not. South of Asheville has received so much rain and the ground is saturated. So glad we did that because we were able to make a quick stop at the grocery store and we also picked up lunch. All the kittos were happy to see us and then I took a much needed nap. Emotionally tired from all the ups and downs of health this summer. This was not on my dance card but it did not surprise the Lord. The rest of August has appointments spread out so that is good, emotionally. 

We have heard that beans haven't done well so Lou Lou and others that can are scrambling to find green beans. I should set up a green bean stand down by the road you know like a lemonade stand. I didn't have faith that our beans would grow and produce so I didn't prepare for the work involved. Keeping up with it but barely. 

Catching Up-August 2nd

 Last week while proofing a post I accidently hit something and it disappeared. Tried to recover it but to no avail. While it was just some ramblings and wonderings and wanderings, I hated to lose it. Thus, I stayed away from writing for several days. So with that in mind I took on a couple of projects that have been on the to do list for quite some time. Results? Three boxes of books going to Habitat today as well as a few other things. When I have the energy to do these things I take advantage, well, advantage within my parameters. 

While cleaning out a bookcase I found a book I bought in 2022. I knew it would be informative reading but at that point for most of 2021 and 2022 I was dealing with a tremendous amount of brain fog which affected my diminishing of a too short attention span. I also put away a book on the error in thinking one needs to build a platform to be involved with church work and service. Several years ago we had a guest preacher one Sunday and he talked a great deal in his sermon about building a platform, specifically his platform. Uh, okay. Rural area and the content of platform doesn't seem right. Of course the opposite of that is, nothing solves a problem like making a church to look back, at the good old days. There is a big problem with nostalgia, because it robs us from being in the present and seeing God in our daily scenes and routines, instead we'd rather remember what was. It really isn't remembering though, it becomes a safe world not ever enticing any movement forward. While reading several chapters in the afore mentioned book those non-nostalgic thoughts came back of growing up with a narcissist father. The reminders of how oppressive life can be. Bearing up while trying to read the room and his emotions were draining. I think the hardest fact that I had not been able to accept was this; I could think that although his beliefs were wrong, the decisions he put upon me, the always be a hard emotional person well, I thought he just has a weird way of loving me. When I finally figured out and when his friends told me how much he hated me and had hated me since I was five years old...well, those odd beliefs and decisions were the attempt at sabotaging my life. He constantly told me I would never fit in nor would I have friends. Then just being as wacky as narcissists can be he would get mad because I didn't have any friends. Thankfully, with God's help and people He sent to help, I can remember but it doesn't shadow my life or decisions now. Although, when I see a person with narcissistic personality disorder, I stay away. No, make that run away. 

Had a delightful afternoon visiting with a friend. Our cats have not had the experience of anyone being here other than workmen and we all wanted them to scatter and hide until check list worked through or repairs made. Even when Roy came home the kittos stayed to themselves upstairs. Thus this morning all is normal with these cats. Baxter has been on the top of the refrigerator four times this morning. He can get up there but he can't or won't come down. Good thing we are tall people. In response to his attempts of jumping on top of the bookcases, I have removed every temptation. Now with nothing up there to knock over, the thrill of the bookcases is gone. The Boys and The Trio continue to make inroads to hang out together and for this we give thanks. Chabola is standing up for herself in a world of boys. I think she had made headway in getting Buster to stop stalking her exclusively. 

You know you get into the FB algorithm and until you find something you watch more you just wait it out. So, I looked at one article about narcissists and it is everywhere on the timeline. I read one article about rescuing little baby kittens with most of them not making it. As the story is told and you know tears are going to come not only because the story is poignant but I remember caring for those little kittens throughout the years that did not make it. Many I sat with until they breathed their last breath and some who went to sleep and did not wake up to sleep no more. 

Someone on FB posted pictures of the ride I worked when employed by Astro World. I had splits between two rides and I also worked as much overtime as I could saving up for the next year of college. The Barrel of Fun, yes it had to reach 35mph before we could drop the floor. Several natural laws were in place. As you raised the floor up you slowed down the ride and people returned to the original starting point. Cleaned up a lot of vomit, off the floor and off the person next to the vomiter. Mostly the vomit was pink because they sold pink ice cream bars right in front of the ride. This is the thing that gets me now, I was 18 years old running rides all day and into the evenings. I was 18 years old and these riders of both rides I worked trusted me to do the right thing. I can even imagine working on any of the roller coasters back then. 

Today is the official opening of Barbers Orchard. At this time of year I am not too much interested in apples, but oh my, apple cider donuts, peach fried pies and the like. Their corn, peaches and other fruits take up my interest until honey crisp apples are brought into the shed. It's the most wonderful time of the year. I will tell the truth though, last year I only had three apple cider donuts and one peach friend pie. Lots of apples and peaches though. Just read their opening day was record breaking. We will probably make it there one day next week. 

It is 70 degrees now on this fine Saturday morning. It is not supposed to get much higher than that. For this we give thanks. Hopefully, I can get the beans and peas checked out. Roy brought in the small tomatoes last night before we got some rain. We had a bit of thunder so that scared Mr Mo and he wouldn't go to bed. He wandered a bit and came and went visiting us or rather waking us up in bed. Finally, Roy was able to get him to go into the bonus room. Lost a bit of sleep but hopefully I can make that up.