Trial, Loss and Temps

 No Shrove Tuesday pancakes, but instead Shrove Tuesday waffles. Today, first day of Lent. 

I ordered some used books from Thrifts and one of the most lovely surprises was a book that had a delightful perfumed fragrance. Inside a treasure trove of old church notes written on slips of paper as well as the mimeographed bulletins from their church. Even the way this person underlined favorite parts of the book is unusual and memorable. It is not a devo book as such but a daily book with thoughts from JB Phillips. I came to know the works of JB Phillips as a child. No not a protégée in Bible translation but my father had been given a hardback copy of the Phillips translation of the NT. He had no use for it since he presumed that only part of the NT you could believe were the gospels. So, since he had no use for me, he gave me his book that he had no use for. I can finally note something good but probably not kind from him. Being familiar with Phillips, I began looking for his sparse collection of commentaries. He or someone else gathered enough from his writings to publish this book as well as a devo. The devo truly is snail mail at the media rate, but it will be here sometime in the next few weeks. 

Beth Moore's memoir came yesterday from Amazon. I read the preface and I am hooked. I had started Afternoons with Harper Lee, another book that has pulled me in, and will try and wait to read Beth's memoir after the book about Harper. Just to think a couple of weeks ago I lamented not being able to find anything in the TBR stack that caught me. 

While Roy and I were out yesterday morning, I got a message from my cousin Becky. Hi Becky! Anyway, I quickly texted her back that I would call later in the afternoon. What a fun conversation and catch up that came from the heartbreaking news about my cousin's wife who had passed away. Dave and Jan came through the Blue Ridge in 2019 on a motorcycle trip. We ate lunch and had a visit one Sunday afternoon. The visit was enjoyable as we talked about family and family matters that clouded understanding of us in the next or next to generation. Funny, I had not seen either Dave or Jan since I was in junior high or maybe high school. They were dating at that time and I thought it was just so cool that they stayed a bit with the family and then left going onto whatever exciting awaited the rest of their day. My Aunt Leah, David's mom, and I had a great correspondence via letters in the 80s and 90s. She sent some great recipes and I used them. Of course that was back in the day when cooking interested me. Becky got me caught up on my cousin Lois. She is writing the script for their church's choir Easter music presentation. That is really exciting. We laughed about the taboos at our grandparents. If you napped, there was a perfectly good floor to nap upon. No napping on beds once they were made. The cedar closet in the back bedroom that Grandma told me never to look in. I need to check with Doug and see if he got the same instructions and I bet if he did, he opened that closet door. 

The Boys have settled down for a morning nap, probably the second morning nap of the day. Roy woke up at 4:00 am and couldn't go back to sleep. So he and The Boys have been up for a long period of time. Roy has gone to work out though. Willie is quite funny and gets on GMoey's nerves. Mr Mo and Willie will chase each other all through the downstairs and then upstairs. We picked up a new toy for them, a little more interactive. Willie can get to it faster than the other two yet I am happy to report plastic bottle caps, paper, and shoe strings do in a pinch for entertainment. 

Got the recap last night from the Murdaugh trial. It is straight outta southern gothic. Family dominated the legal systems for almost a hundred years in the Lowcountry of SC. Roy has no interest in the trial or story but I do consult with him over legal terms and such used in courtrooms. Yes, law school pays off in retirement as well. A sidenote is, the Penny the Cat videos and this trial has helped lift some of the brain fog as well as being distracted and unable to watch or listen to anything for very long. The brain fog had almost made a two year anniversary. Being so distracted and not having the ability to think through some important issues caused me great losses as well interest in books, movies and the like that others suggested I watch or read. I am going to try again at least reading recommended books.  Not much of a point to talk about loss with others because I have always had the ability to push through difficulties with snippets of normal occasionally. Also, I don't seem to work as hard to regain or keep people in my life who have expressed the desire not to be involved. I used to think I could not go on at least without trying. Now I know life is good and we live in a place that has places and things of immense interest. We've made friends and have good neighbors. Welcome to my most boring life, as others think, but I am thinking this seemingly boring life is exciting and full of bountiful contentment. 

Happy Awareness of Aortic Stenosis Day!

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Oops, didn't get this posted last night. So welcome to Thursday and it could be a record breaking day. The temp right now at 9:00 am is 65, with a high of 77. We put the top down yesterday on the way home from the store. 

Fat Tuesday...Well, Every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday

 For just a brief moment Friday afternoon, snow fell from the sky...then melted but it sure was a beautiful sight. Caught us by surprise just a bit. Now, we have clear sunny skies with spring temps next week. I learned the first year here, do not plant anything until after Mother's Day, but it is so tempting. 

Our adventure or maybe our ba-venture this morning with The Feral Fam turned out better than expected with a least little bit of drama. Roy got an appointment at the low cost neuter and spay clinic, signing up to take a female. Hoping for the best but realistically, we were probably going to only be able to capture a male. Roy had been diligent in feeding them in the carriers last week to get them used to them but realistically, since this isn't my first rodeo capturing a feral, I didn't think his plan was going to work. He didn't want me to help but after about five minutes, it felt like I should go out there and check on the situation. Roy looked a bit dejected and said, it didn't work. So, he put out more food and I was able to pick up Beanie and get him in a carrier, with a great assist of Roy. So, a little drama in the scattering and regrouping of The Feral Fam, but Roy is off to the clinic with Beanie Boy...the least aggressive male cat outside. I almost got Blazey, but his cat like reflexes evaded capture at the last second. Thus our Monday morning has begun. 

I would be remiss not to add that I was wearing the perfect outfit to be interviewed on the news while attempting to catch a cat. Muck boots, knee high, happy camper jammie bottoms, Snoopy t-shirt and my fleece PJ hoodie and the hoodie part has ears of a bear. I also had on leather long line garden gloves.  No, I don't have any pink rollers in my hair but my hair is standing straight up...you know tossing and turning bed head. Yes, the perfect opportunity to be interviewed saying, they seemed like such nice neighbors. Quiet and kept to themselves. Roy just texted, Beanie is in and we pick him up tomorrow morning. 

Since we are experiencing warmer temps and maybe the flu and such is low, I went back to big church yesterday. It felt good to get back into that regular routine after hibernating for a month and half. Last week I didn't leave our house/yard which is kind of unusual for me. 

I loved study John 10 and like mentioned before, the Pharisees and their actions and reactions to Jesus are predictable but really I have never noticed this before at such a depth. While talking about shepherds and their accurate use of a sling, reminded me of the time Peggy and I used a water balloon sling for Mildred and Gertrude. In theory, it should have worked, but you know...we didn't rehearse it and when it came time to use that prop, I shot a kooze ball into the back of Peggy's head, knocking her wig and hat onto a table of the distinguished guest of the women's ministry out in the audience. We may have or may not have wet our pants as we made our way off the stage in total laughter...If you ain't got a swing, you don't fling that thing...

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Beanie Boy returned home earlier and still seems to be in a dazed and confused state of mind. He is doing well, even let me pet him...so he is not bitter or so it seems. I gave him his own little bowl of salmon cat food. Now to make another appointment to take another kitty in. All the surgery and shots are free if they are community cats, and that is what The Feral Family are. 

I met a lady at Hobby Lobby, in the parking lot this morning. She and I have been messaging. She has a booth at Lamp Post Vintage Market and I asked her if she would like a couple of things that are moving on to someone else. She wanted to pay for the things, but I didn't want money. She makes these wooden bears that are so cute and I asked her to make one with Sic Em Bears on it. She picked up an old wooden trunk, some lamb stuff, a tea pot and a decorative ladder. Also some décor rabbits. Roy and I went into Hobby Lobby, no earthquakes were experienced, got some t-shirts and some little scripture signs that Roy likes. Then off to Tractor Supply to replace a peach tree that died at the end of summer last year. 

When we arrived home, we planted the tree and then filled a couple of indentations with the extra dirt and grass in holes that the Feral Fam had made in the yard. I made a huge sacrifice cause the son of Alex Murdaugh took the stand in the trial. Now it looks like I didn't miss much, so much better use of time. Think we will go back and get a couple plum trees to go with the ones we already planted. 

I need to get rolling here. Just got off the phone and I need to do some reading for the lesson this Sunday. I wish we were liturgical today, cause that would mean pancakes tonight. 

Anticipation and Contrast

 Happy Day After Valentines! We celebrated the day with taco Tuesday, a few good laughs, and tree trimming. Yes, we are officially old but very much contented. Roy gave me the cutest card and we discovered The Boys don't know anything about being a Valentine. Well, if chasing one another till all decide to nap and put this on repeat throughout the day, that is their celebration. Really, we are fortunate that they get along pretty much the whole time and they are quite entertaining. 

The much anticipated snow event turned into mainly a rain event over the weekend. If conditions had been favorable many say that we would have experienced blizzard conditions. The wind was a bit gusty but not sustained. I took the opportunity of staying in to go through stuff in the front bedroom for the second time. It proved to be fruitful in culling out more things to go to Goodwill. Lots of paper, paper products both cute or functional. Dare I say that some notebooks and journals, empty of course, made their was into the bye bye box.  I also went through some jewelry pulling out earrings and a few necklaces that I don't wear very often. 

This week we are in John 10, a personal favorite. We didn't get through all the lesson of John 9 which has to be one of the most moving chapters on Jesus, I Am the light of the world vs keep a bunch of rules and be miserable like us, Pharisees, way of worship. Alex, I'll take Jesus.  Healed blind man formally known as  blind beggar, gets thrown out of temple and synagogue life, is now taken in and loved by Jesus and that is how chapter 10 begins. Chapter 10 says He knows us by name...we don't know the name of the healed man but it isn't important, cause Jesus knows his name. I re-read a bit of Scouting the Divine to refresh the observations made about modern shepherding as compared to Bible times shepherding...only the technology has changed, the basicness of raising sheep is just about the same. Although the comfort is in this, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. 

The Alex Murdaugh trial is mesmerizing.  Makes me think of back in the day watching the OJ Simpson trial. I try to limit watching to just updates but there have been a few times, the live stream pulls me in. The alleged stories and I guess true stories from this family tree is unsettling at best. The sister in law, Maggie's sister, wow...credible and a witness one can have sympathy and empathy with.  

On Facebook I belong to several groups dedicated to the memory of the city where I was born. For a smaller type city with lots of industry back in the day, the architecture and planning of buildings and such seemed to be more than the usual size of town. Now it looks like so many of these buildings have been left to lapse into disrepair and are doomed for tear downs. 

We just got in from pruning the rose bushes. Always an adventure. Roy trimmed his apple trees yesterday, so we are in spring mode, well kind of. I like winter and not quite ready to be done with it. 

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The good news this week? Pluto TV has an I Love Lucy channel. This is extremely good news since I Love Lucy. Pluto hasn't been showing them in order but that's okay. Of course I am waiting for one of my all time favs, the episode where Lucy sings I am the queen of the gypsies. 

Today, after reading and studying, I'll begin writing out the lesson for Sunday. What a contrast although I think I have written this before. 

Just Catching Up With Stuff

The sun is out in all its brilliance. The Feral Fam checked out reluctantly last night from the Le Garage Hotel. This time around they were rather good guests with most of them using the three litter boxes provided. Progress!

After the vigorous thundering paws and spirited play, The Boys are napping in their respective places. Willie on Roy's chair, GMoey in the front window and Mr Mo trying to decided between downstairs with GMoey or upstairs in the front bedroom. Somebody in all the energy playing knocked over the lamp on Roy's nightstand. My bet would be Willie. Our bed is nothing more than a giant wresting mat at times. No tag team, just all out wrestling and every cat for themselves. 

John 8 turned out to be very interesting study. We are now onto John 9. Started reading the chapter this morning and will in earnest begin studying tomorrow. 

The Chinese balloon was all the talk and for those who got outside to capture it on their phones or with cameras, we thank you. When we went to bed it was over Missouri but Saturday morning, right over the Carolinas. 

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Just like New Years Eve, I went to bed before it began or ended. Well, it had begun, but I was watching King of the Hill. So didn't see speech or rebuttal, nor commentary or arguments. It is a good morning. When I saw it went 73 minutes, I was even happier at having a good morning. Today is hair cut day...yay! Then errands. The past few days have held lots or research on John 9, which means a lot of reading. 

Until last week I had no clue what is out there on reelz. Mostly junk that you can roll right through, but all these cleaning tips, decluttering advice, Dollar Tree buys and uses, I sleep in my car, I live in my van, we live in an RV with 18 children...okay I made the last one up. As I have been going through things once again, getting stuff ready to give away or donate, I am feeling good about tackling the task. Accordingly, you can do this in about fifteen minutes a day. When one has ADD, one cannot get anything done, really of merit in fifteen minutes because there are so many distractions. After several fifteen minutes, one can get back to the original task, although now the tiredness sets in. 

Joy, joy, joy...Roy went with me to Tammy's and she had enough time to give him a trim, a great haircut after mine. He has rebooked. Yay! His last haircut at the barber shop left much to be desired. The barber made a big cut into his hair and left it that way, almost like an oops. Good thing his hair grows out quickly. Anyway, I was so happy for Roy to meet Tammy and vice versa. He looks so good with his new haircut. 

Bank, and two grocery stores later we were home. I had a slight headache all day and when we came home, after lunch, I went to take a nap. Mr Mo came in and slept with me a while and then he was up and moving, so nap was cut short. 

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Expired Vicks still works. That is good to know. We might have lots of snow or we might not. The forecast changes hourly for the system that comes into the region tonight. I am hooked on the strawberry pecan salad from Publix. I bought some Skinny Girl dressing so that when the salad goes off sale, I can make it. Lot like the Amuse' salad but will make in individual portions. 

This Alex Murdaugh trial has grabbed my attention. So many layers of deceit, love, friendship and greed. Perfect southern gothic novel. It's gots it all! I had it on as background noise yesterday and soon it took my focus and not what I was working on. 

The Feral Fam will get an early check in for the hotel this afternoon. Always like to let them in the garage when there is a chance of snow. 

Oh To Welcome February

 Wouldn't it be wonderful if our medicines we take said, may cause balance instead of may cause dizziness? Everyone of the meds I take notifies the user about dizziness. It is a wonder I can even walk with all the light headiness one can experience. 

While reading through the notebook my mom made me, that I saw for the first time how much friendship meant to my mother. She even wrote about my grandmother who found being a good friend and having good friends a priority in those busy days of the depression and WWII. My grandmother and her friend Ruthy were unlikely friends. When they were younger they met halfway between their two houses in a field. Each one of them with sandwich in hand to get in lunch and a quick visit before returning to take care of their chores. As they got older and making their way out to the field more difficult, they depended on their telephone conversations. Ruthy was very hard of hearing and my grandma wasn't too far behind in the hearing arena. Every morning and evening they talked mainly to make sure the other one was safe. My mom told us stories of her adventures with her friends while growing up. Her story of her friend who lived across the road were humorous. They loved to eat tomatoes and onions right out of the garden and they wondered why no one wanted to play with them after they had eaten their garden delicacies, on bread. My mom had a friend, with a car, but the only thing, once it stopped, even to let someone out of the car, it would die. So whenever this friend had a group with her, she would slow down as much as she could, and mom and her friends would jump out of the car so that her friend could get on home and the car could die there until the next adventure. Good thing these girls lived out in the country. These stories and memories of Mom had me take assessment of me. I used to be a really good friend to others but now I am a mediocre friend at best. I worked harder at being a good friend but not so much now. Reading and remembering her stories might just be the jumpstart I need to make some changes or maybe more like fine tuning. This is in no way written for others to say, oh that's not true...yep, it is. 

Just saw where Cindy Williams has passed away. She was Shirley to Penny Marshalls Laverne. A long time ago when their show was in the top 5 shows, a survey was done to see what, other than nostalgia, drove the popularity of the show. Women watched because they wanted to have a friendship like these television characters or they had a friendship like Laverne and Shirley and loved watching the adventures of these two in Milwaukee along with their family and friends. Sadly most wanted a friendship like what was shown on the show.  

We so enjoyed the 5th Sunday night at church. A group from a nearby city sang southern gospel songs and led us into spirited worship. First song, a Happy Goodman song and I so wanted to go Vestal Goodman with them but only one problem, I don't have Vestal's voice. I love southern gospel music, but don't listen to it much. Afterwards we had soup and sandwiches fellowshipping together. 

John 7 was the lesson yesterday, from Jesus' half siblings trying to push his buttons, to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the crowd asking a whole bunch of questions. Not questions of trying to get to know Jesus better but in disbelief and accusations. 

Free Willie! Yes, we rejoiced that his recovering days have concluded. The Boys are once again free to roam about the house. The hissing has stopped and good nature play has resumed. Oh, there are few fractious moments but for the most part just boys playing chase. We picked up a few new toys for them and they are having great times with those little stuffed animals and such. I will have to say though, the favorite of them all are tiny pinecones or bottle caps. Every other day we go through the house picking these items up to be redistributed at a later time. 

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This morning because I needed to get out of the house for a bit, I chauffeured Roy to his work out and I then went to Big Lots and Ingles...meeting up with him at Publix. He has an appointment this afternoon and neither one of wanted to mess with the truck...so, great idea launched.  It has been quite some time being at the Big Lots. I went in only looking for one thing but came home with more than the thing I went for and they didn't have the item I had in mind. The pet throws were marked down half price, so I picked up four more to use if we need to with the Feral Fam. Looks like the hotel will open for them tomorrow with rain and a good chance of snow. 

John 8 is proving much more interesting than expected. John uses the Jewish Leaders trap with the woman caught in adultery, notice the man isn't even around or caught. From what I've read, it was a total set up and the leaders made her a pawn in their trap to trip up Jesus and the effect He was having on the people...then we go to Jesus proclaiming, I Am the Light. John uses this dark trap to contrast with Jesus, The Light. 

So happy that our generator is communicating with us once again. After a couple of round abouts, the link corrected and the notifications coming. It always disturbs the Feral Fam a bit but the older ones are used to it. 

Ode To A Week

 Our snow day was more like a snow morning. Not complaining but thankful for a little snow and then a lot of clearing by the afternoon. Today, the beauty of a coolish to coldish morning with bright rays of sunlight. All the windows that face south are letting the bounteous beauty stream into the rooms, especially upstairs. Seems like all The Boys have found a window to bask in the warmth.  Mr Mo upstairs and GMoey and Willie downstairs. Willie Tonka is growing so quickly it seems. He is also more trusting. He realizes that we aren't putting him up every time one of walks by. Last night he even sat in my lap without an invitation and just now he sat on the end of the couch for some pets. We have made huge strides. Mr Mo is becoming my lap cat. Sometimes I feel like he gets the short end of the deal. Willie wants to play constantly with him but naps and sits with GMoey, who will take Willie down a peg if he is just the least little bit rowdy. This morning as most mornings, Mr Mo and Willie come a greeting when I open the bedroom door. Roy gets up earlier and he closes the door so that The Three can't come in and wake me up. The best decision we made was, no sleeping with us at night. Loved it with Buddy, but for years I slept only an hour at a time, with the persistent wake ups from her. 

Started studying this morning on this week's lesson. I will touch base on last week's lesson a bit and then go right into Chapter 7. Bread in chapter 6 and living water in chapter 7 with a whole lot of accusations and questions going on before we get to the part we are supposed to teach. Loving, loving the context we cover in these lessons in John. I saw that after we finish John, Jeremiah and Lamentations in the summer. Oh boy but I ordered study books this week, really early, not to compete with other teachers doing the same thing. 

Checked in with friends from Houston to see how they fared with the rain and tornadoes. So far, all is well. 

I found out a couple of months ago one of my favorite artists from the area has passed away. No way we could afford her original work but we did buy some prints...that were pricey but we brought the prints home, had them framed and they gave me great comfort to see scenes of this land I love. Those prints keeping me company in Houston keep me company as well here. Many of her prints were from acreage that the Biltmore owns. The amber grass of winter and fall, the flowers of spring and summer and always the blue skies. 

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I never got back to the blog this week. Willie had his surgery and we are coming to the end of his segregation of play with the others. Houdini had his collar of shame off before being home for any amount of time. We put his cat onesie on him and we have a leash attached to the onesie. We had plans to be out most of the day today but punted on that when we realized that the Boys are not back to normal yet. Mr Mo is having a difficult time and has regressed on all the progress that had been made with his attitude toward Willie. Willie just got his last dose of medicine, so we are on the road of less supervision and freedom once again for them all. I guess for us as well. Roy did yeoman's duty yesterday. I had a couple of things on hold at Christy's Crafts and since she was open I made the trip out that way. The drive is beautiful and the gift as I was leaving, two deer grazing in a field. Maybe the better gift is, no one behind me so I could catch a few pics. We see deer and turkeys many a day but it still is so special. After having such a fun conversation with Christy and then with one of her local friends that arrived right before I was leaving, brought about memories while driving back to Burnsville. Earlier in the week I came across the "grandmother" book that my mom made for me. She was doing books for the girls and she wrote by hand in a notebook for the me, the contents of the grandmother memories. I was thinking, she didn't write anything really personal to me in the book and then I saw the deer. As soon as the photo shoot was over, the thought hit me, she wrote it all out in her handwriting. That is a personal note if I've ever seen one. She had also included several black and white pictures. 

Talked to Roy once the phone had coverage and he encouraged me to go onto Lamp Post Vintage because Willie and GMoey were asleep and Mr Mo was behaving. Did a quick stop and found a couple of cute items as well as two more jars of apple jam. Checked in with Roy and he asked if I would stop on the way home at Ingles and pick up a few items on his list. Well, yes, it will be a joy. So a stop in Mars Hill and since I was that close to Marshall, I made a stop in Penland's. My friend Georgette, it was her week to work, so we had a great visit. Then I came home. A much longer jaunt than I had planned. Delivered the cold stuff at home, then ran to Brenda's real fast to drop off a couple of things to her. Then, I went on duty with The Boys, giving Roy a bit of a deserved break. He knows I try to limit my coming and goings in January and through about half of February. Been working since 2009 on the advice of the Houston cardiologist. 

Kitten Fuzz and Memories

 Underneath all that kitten fuzz, is a skinny cat. Willie has thrown us a few surprises in the last week or so. He has been playing with Mr Mo quite a bit this morning and that is good to see. It took Mr Mo a little bit of coercion to accept Willie. GMoey kind of looks after Willie and that kind of makes Mr Mo jealous. 

A day makes a difference. I struggled with reading the lesson for Sunday. I've written recently how this time around Lifeway has chosen huge passages of scripture for context but narrows it all down with the text or the meat of the lesson. It feels so undone and when that happens, I tend to spend more time teaching in the context rather than the verses of the lesson. I was telling the class on Sunday many times I lay out the place, main character or main group, Jesus' reply to the situation and then let those words bring us back to thinking on these things. This week we context the feeding of the 5000, Jesus sending his disciples off in a boat and Jesus and Peter walking on water. Then, we are to jump in as the crowd, kind of like the Samaritan woman thought about water, and how they are thinking when Jesus talks of the bread he is saying hey here is one more thing off your list to work for but He is speaking of eternal and deeper things. 

Everyone on our little road puts their garbage cans out on Sunday evening for a Monday pickup. Our neighbor texted us yesterday morning. Someone had on purpose or accidentally ran into all the garbage and recycle cans. He had put everything back into the cans for us all. Such nice neighbors. Waste Pro didn't empty our trash can though. Oh that Waste Pro but Roy found a bumper and part of a hood a little farther down in the ditch along the road. Maybe someone hit ice, who knows. Waste Pro says they'll pick up our trash tomorrow.  

Seven years ago this week while on the way back to the mountains, I changed up the way of coming back. I didn't stop in the familiar Cracker Barrel, but decided to stop at the one in Lafayette, and that stop changed the plans and by the end of the week, we were returning to Houston. Instead, after having my hip replaced there in Lafayette, not at the Cracker Barrel, Roy and I returned to Houston to be under the care of my orthopedic doctor as well as a one story home to recover and do home rehab in. Everything I worked on to get better was driven by the determination of returning to the mountains. Even my PT knew what I was working toward because he was from East TN. This broken hip also opened the way for bilateral knee replacements later on in that year and because of meeting out of pocket expenses, the 20% costs that we would have paid were covered. Part of this John 6 lesson could be titled, what are you working for? With that hip I was working for it to be strong and provide functional living but there was a deeper and spiritual layer. It wasn't just about the present but it was about factors for the future. Jesus is trying to let the crowd see it wasn't about bread here, but He being the Bread of Life and for their eternity  Good thing God is patient about us finally coming to the truth to see what He says and Who He is. 

These Three Boys are just so funny at times. My niece, Erin, sent a kitty cube and some mouse toys for the boys. They are having a blast! Two of them get into the cube and wrasle/wrestle while the third cat sits outside of the "ring" to tag team one of his cuzbros to join in the fracas. The other funny thing is one can tiptoe into the kitchen and the boys can be up in the bonus room and somehow know, someone is in the kitchen and the possibility of treats or food is in the air. 

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Two days in a row eating out or bringing home takeout. We rarely do that anymore. Thursday evening deacon and wives dinner at The Fireplace. Friday, on our way home from Burnsville we stopped at High Adventure BBQ for brisket and sides. Delicious. 

Snow Melted, Sun Returned and Life Is Good

 All of WNC is waiting...the thrill of hope...of snow. 🎵Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow🎵 Our skies look like snow skies and the mist lying low upon the pastures, but no snow as of yet. Two of the three boys are with me, but they are napping and not too excited over the adventure of snow. The hotel opened last night and The Feral Fam has checked in. We are even letting KH in because he is looking not well and dang, even as heartless as he has been against so many of these ferals I have loved, I refuse to be heartless and let him suffer when he is feeling poorly or in winter. Summer, all bets are off of me not liking him or his antics of maim and hurt. This just in, light snow falling now. It's not sticking but lovely to see. Tiny little flakes but welcomed. 

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Snow update, still falling on Saturday morning and it looks as if we've received around 2 inches. Not getting above freezing today and the snow is supposed to end around noon. With our main road being resurfaced this year, it is difficult to know the new icy spots. I think there is one right in front of the house. Our neighbor with the snow plow moved so how our little road is, haven't a clue. We have a couple of snow shovels that we can clear our driveway with. With sunshine predicted in the afternoon chances are we won't have to shovel and that southern exposure will begin the melting process. 

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Once again the weekend has passed and we are welcomed by a beautiful sunrise on this Monday morning. Roy caught me up on the football game from last night while The Three chased each other in and out upstairs to downstairs and back. Willie gave us some concern over the weekend, but he seems to have bounced back from whatever was ailing him. When we went to church yesterday, we left them home alone, not behind the bonus room door. They did well. We were only gone through the Sunday School hour since January is my semi hibernating month for good health. 

We were in John 5 in Sunday School. A favorite chapter. With the iffiness of the weather, I wasn't too sure if many would brave the cold. Thankfully, others braved the temps so I wasn't alone in class. My teacher brain felt a little scattered yesterday but I think the lesson made sense. Years ago, Kelly F told me about a memoir of Barbara Brown Taylor, Leaving Church. Spoiler, Barbara doesn't leave church but she works through the burnout and repetition of joyfully serving the Lord but she doesn't experience the joy. The story she tells of trying to help the birds that flew into glass or otherwise injured and her frustration of not being able to help them back to health until she had success with one. A starling no less. After several attempts for him to fly off back into bird world, from the atrium outside her office, she realizes taking him to a park for release is best. It is also how she saw her style of ministry and that she wasn't releasing people who had been helped by her, to live their lives outside of her realm of influence. Did she enjoy this aspect too much, keeping people too close for her influence. Thus, began her journey of finding where God wanted her and could be used the best with her talents and gifts. She is a professor at a small college and she has written several more books. Also, the young woman who used to call the church and trap people into hours long conversations. She just wanted to tell her story, she really didn't want help, well the way help was offered. She got unsuspecting church members to take her home only she didn't let them know right away, she really wanted to shop or see something. Then when pressed she'd say, I don't know how to get to my home, I forgot my address etc... There in John 5, Jesus approaches the man who has been lame or sick for thirty eight years and asks him, do you want to be well? The man explains why he can't be well cause he cannot get into the pool fast enough to be first. Interestingly, when Jesus tells him to rise, pick up your bed and walk...the man does as he is instructed and is instantly healed. By picking up his mat, Jesus is telling him, you're healed. You don't need to sit by this water anymore. We also looked at the crowd around him, sick, blind and lame. I am so encouraged by some of the ladies in our class. The range of things, bad backs, cancer, breathing issues, heart issues, stomach issues and more, they carry on. They do the work of the kingdom in the capabilities they are experiencing in this stage of life. After class some of us mentioned others in our church who hold fast, doing things for the Lord, without a whimper or a waller. As I face the future, I want to be like them, staying strong and forward focused.  This healing on the sabbath began the intensity of the Sanhedrin to follow Jesus' every move.  

Halfway through January, hibernation month for me. Thankful for a hubby that loves to grocery shop and convenient to do so cause where he works out is in the same shopping center as Publix.  Keeping a low profile has become much easier since keeping myself at home and entertained during the pandemic. Truthfully, I am never bored at home. I am thinking of starting the next project on the list, today. As most Mondays I do a reading of what the lesson on Sunday is about. Seems like Lifeway skips over a lot of really good Gospel of John stories. 

We have Willie's snip snip surgery on schedule and for this, I am thankful. This morning all three were asleep on the twin bed. Doesn't happen too often and as Willie looses his kitten fuzz, we don't think he is going to be big like his cuzbros. 

Cats and Snow, Maybe

 Upstairs in the front bedroom is a wonderful room. It has double windows, a window seat and a great view of the valley and a long range view of the mountains. We have a cat bed on the window seat and several times in the last week or so, when a kitty is in the bed, the neighborhood hawk flies low, casting his shadow on the room. It is an eerie, daunting and majestic all at the same time. If Mr Mo is asleep, he doesn't know that window glass keeps him a little more safe while he sleeps. Well, hawks can fly through glass but hopefully our neighborhood hawk finds enough field mice in the area. Speaking of sleep, Mr Mo has fallen asleep in my lap. He gave up on helping me blog this morning. His thoughts were just too deep and not understood or communicated by his typing. 

Free Willie is in full force today. He and The Boys are chasing each other, generally playing together and sharing treats, reluctantly. They all are still sleeping in the bonus room at night cause mama needs her sleep but we will gather them together sooner and shut all the bedroom doors earlier. Just takes one kitten hunt under a bed for one to adjust the plans. Then adding the other two to help...well, that didn't work quite the way we wanted our plan to be. Mr Mo and Willie do much better together in the free roaming of the house. 

It was haircut week and had a fabulous appointment with Tammy. Afterwards, I took a box of books over to Ann D. We got to visit a little bit before she headed over to her appointment. Since I was relatively close by, seemed like a good day to go to The Fresh Market. It was. Headed on home. 

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Monday morning with The Boys. Mr Mo is on my lap and GMoey is on the couch looking out the window. They have ditched the energizer bunny for the moment. Willie is full of kitten power but has decided to nap in the twin bedroom. Making a place of his own. Rambunctious and chasing each other all morning up and down the stairs, it is welcomed quiet for now. Mr Mo and GMoey fought most of the morning when playing turned a little too lively. Think they just made up and for this I am thankful. 

With the Samaritan woman studied, we head into John 5 for this Sunday. I haven't studied John 5 in a long time but it was front and center during the beginning of the heart journey. Used it for a devo in Ministries Staff devotions and in a Bible study. This time around I am seeing it so differently but then the Word is active and alive. I remembered a story told in Barbara Brown Taylor's memoir, Leaving Church that fits John 5 perfectly and it's a miracle, I found the book on the first bookshelf. 

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Wandering hither and yon yesterday totally wore us out. Willie had an early appointment to complete his shots and then we hit the road taking care of our errands. We picked up some BBQ that was delicious in Madison County. We will return that's for sure. Great sides, along with regular sides, fried okra, green beans, mac and cheese...collard greens...yummy! Also, the sandwiches are made with Texas Toast and not buns. 

The forecast is for snow beginning in the evening. We might get 2-3 inches where we live. We haven't had any snow this winter season, just cold temps moderating into warmer temps. Looks like we will open the hotel for the kitties to combat the elements. There is a fine misty fog this morning and it makes the pasture across from us even more picturesque. 

While cleaning out a storage tote the other day, I came across the email sent by my father's lawyer after she had served me papers on his behalf of  legally cutting off our relationship. She was asking on his behalf and her own family experience to reconcile. What? There was a time I would have done so because I always wanted to give him a chance but this time he had gone too far and just the wording of the email didn't include reconciliation on his part. I had read through the email and added comments to it, where there were lies and really no hope. This would begin once again because that is what he did best, keep things stirred up. The morning after being served papers, I woke up singing, My Chains Are Gone, I've Been Set Free. Seeing that email was such a surprise but it was a chance to thank the Lord for rescuing us from his schemes, devices and lies. 

A huge temperature drop tomorrow. We shall see if we get snow...

 

Fog and Rain

 Both mornings of the new year have started out foggy, very foggy. Like August fog, thick in places, hard to see ahead on the road. This morning we don't have to be out early but yesterday we were driving in the fog on the way to church. I was happy to see a truck turning into the church parking lot because that helped me tremendously to make that left turn. The fog isn't actually a morning fog because it rolled in during the evenings. Not too many fireworks going off because you couldn't see the beauty in the sky on New Year's Eve. 

The new year started in John 3 for Sunday School. I've never really thought too much about Nicodemus in the chapter, although he is a main theme. Sometimes, there is a slight prejudice against some of the people in the New Testament because I picture them from Pageant years and from other church's productions. Biblical acting, being over dramatic to make the point clear to the back row in the balcony, thus when I read I automatically default to that picture. After studying Nicodemus coming to Jesus in the darkness of night, I'm looking at him a little differently, well a lot differently. He has become more than a character to set the stage for probably the world's most famously well known verse, John 3:16. He asked "how' questions not 'why' questions to Jesus. This guy was well educated, a leader, and rabbinical thought has held he was one of the third richest men in Jerusalem. 

We have entered into the closed period of time here in the mountains. Local shop owners will shut down for most of January and into February. Restaurants will have limited hours or close during the week for a couple of days. While not thought of as small town charm, it really is a huge part of the charm. The busy season including lots and lots of tourists begins in spring and lasts through New Years. Some businesses like antiques or shops that spotlight local artisans need the break to rest then replenish for the coming spring. 

Saturday, TCM had all the That's Entertainment movies plus That's Dancing. I think the first installment is the best but the others hold riveting performances as well. Watching Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Ann Miller are my favorites. That Ann, she was the fastest tapper in all of Hollywood. She led a sad life by all indications. Picked the wrong husbands too. While I was not a dancer I have always appreciated dancing. It did remind me that I did get the chance to spoof dance and maybe those are the best memories of dancing I could ever have. 

Mr Mo got a bad case of the yips this morning. With GMoey and Willie in the bonus room he was chasing a figment of his imagination, I hope. The big day is coming to Free Willie to all the rooms of the house. He has grown quite a bit and while still a kitten, he can't get into too much. These three boys have all been introduced to the house this way and it certainly has helped...well, it has helped us. 

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It is already Wednesday and we have been busy with those things in life that can occupy attention and time. We are feeling a bit ahead of the game, so to speak. Our travels throughout the area yesterday were met by drizzle, mist, rain and sunshine. It was also time to take care of the filters for the air purifiers and we were happy to find what we needed. 

It is a rainy day and after lunch, I'll continue working on the lesson for Sunday and then pick up the book I am reading. Trying to make it last long because the story is so good. 

Hudson Cream and Swedish Clean

 The last day of 2022 started out well. A couple of weeks ago while in TN we bought Hudson Cream Flour, self rising. On several Appalachian FB boards, I read the comparison between it and White Lilly Flour. Roy made me biscuits this morning with the Hudson Cream Flour and y'all, I cannot believe I am saying this but, the biscuits were lighter and fluffier than when using White Lilly. When you top those delightful biscuits with homemade strawberry jam, deliciousness to the tenth power. We had eggs and bacon with them, what a great way to celebrate the end of a year. 

On Christmas Day I read an article on Swedish Death Cleaning and how on Christmas it is the best to approach your elderly relatives with the thought, maybe they should consider this. Maybe on New Years, but not Christmas morning. 𝅘𝅥𝅯 Clean out your house, oh hear your relatives voices, O cleaning is fine, throw away all your junk🎵  Not being one to hold onto things with clenched fingers, I am one who over decorates but at some point start thinning things out. I am quick to throw out old make up and stuff, but the weakness lies in paper, pens and office supplies. There are years I could outfit many a office. We just made a trip to Goodwill and almost every place in the truck was filled. Not so much clothes or books but lots of other things. 

Thursday, after being home for a week due to below freezing temps, we decided I needed to get out for a little bit. Did me some good that's for sure. Although, staying home didn't bother me much or really at all. Got a couple of books finished and started a new fiction read. Also began a non-fiction book. Several small projects that have been bugging me finally were taken care of. The snow that remained on the sides of the hills or where the sun's warming takes longer than usual due to the shade was quite plentiful. We got back home in plenty of time for Roy to go workout as well as stop by Publix.   

2022 started out in tenuous days that developed into a few months. A few health scares for both of us. We began the year without inside cats and now we have three. Roy settled into retirement much easier than either one of us anticipated. Roy went on a mission trip to Vermont, became a deacon and settled into the quiet life of rural America. 

Roy brought home fresh strawberries and so I am thinking a little strawberries on biscuits sounds nice. 

Happy New Year Blessings for 2023! 

Stuff to Get Done, But Easing Into Chores...Delightful

 A quiet Christmas is fading into daily living once again. We didn't lose our power during the cold winter blast but we are always thankful to have the generator as back up. Our electric bill will be through the roof but thankful we will be able to pay it. I enjoyed the week of not preparing a Sunday School lesson but this morning I am anxious to begin the process for this coming Sunday. Last week held a few projects to take care of and the smallish projects are done. Those were the ones bugging me the most. 

We didn't make it to the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services at church. The cold temps were the biggest hindrance, although Sunday morning was probably more do-able. The quiet Christmas theme prevailed as we read the Christmas story and pondered these Christmas words. I watched the original Miracle on 34th Street for the hundredth time but came away with some spiritual insights that I had never noticed before. It seems the quieting down has been restorative this season. Although, we live a rather quiet life most of the time. An article about the holidays, our state in particular, mentioned the population is one of the fastest growing state populations. It is a beautiful state with different landscapes, diverse cultures and history. The quiet season for the mountains will be happening soon, where local businesses close for days, weeks and sometimes months at a time. If someone comes for a winter visit, it is always good to check and see what is open during this dormant season. If we let it, we are reminded that rest and quietness is needed, a lot for some and a little for others. 

The state of the economy, big jump for me and unusual, really showed around the fall. Businesses and produce stands ended up giving away pumpkins before the end of October. Several Christmas tree businesses around here ended up giving away trees a week before Christmas Day. Lots of discounts, significant discounts happened sooner than later so that merchandise continues moving. Several newsletters have advised holding off on any big purchases until we see how things play out financially in the new year. Several articles on Google are talking about food shortages for 2023 because of weather related loss as well as the high price of fertilizer cost. This is the first year we haven't had our grass fertilized. Mike the Mower Man couldn't find much and what he found was super expensive. 

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The temps got above freezing yesterday afternoon. A welcomed event for sure. The garage hotel will probably close down this afternoon and will reopen when the temps drop in a dangerous range again. We saw a few more of the cats taking advantage of the sunshine yesterday. 

Another small project got checked on the list yesterday. In the midst of it, found some pictures of Christmases long ago and a few pics from Pageant days at First Baptist. For some reason, well I know the reason, we procrastinated on taking care of these little chores. When The Boys came into the house in June, getting them healthy and acclimated to living inside took a lot of time. Then came Willie and we have him out of the play pen and introducing him to the rest of the house. 

I am almost finished with the non-fiction book I've been reading the past month. An interesting look at NYC, Mademoiselle magazine, women making their way out of small cities, and The Barbizon Hotel and the role that it played to make the way possible. The author looks at the famous college edition of Mademoiselle magazine and the college women chosen from all over the country for a month of internship there at the magazine. Several famous people, Grace Kelly, Sylvia Plath, Joan Didion lives during that time are looked at and the effect this experience had on their lives.  

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I finished up the book last night. Very interesting read. One of the women of the 1953 group, who didn't fit the mold that the magazine was looking for became one of the more successful and famous of that group. A noted restaurant column in New York Magazine. Googled her up and she passed away in November of this year.  

We have punted our plans for today until tomorrow. Fine with us, of course. We are rejoicing over the forecast of temps being in the 40s today with bounteous sunshine. Time to uncover those tender plants. 

The mist is hanging around in the valleys and hollers this morning. Truly one of the most beautiful sights in the mountains. I think the neighbors across the way are getting thinned out since they are there most probably for tax reasons. It is a joy to watch them and check in on them everyday. Looks like the land work has been done and the house is being built on the smaller track of land. 

Well the day awaits and although easing into the morning has been happy, it's time to get some stuff done. 

Greeting Cards Have Not Been Sent...Merry Christmas, Darling!

 Three degrees with a windchill of -17. This my friends is some very cold weather. It is the coldest temps I've ever experienced here. Everything is holding up pretty well, although the upstairs heater is working overtime to maintain. Don't think we see above freezing until Monday. Many in the area have reported very strong winds, but we are so thankful the wind hasn't been bad around here. Roy has gone outside a couple of times and returns back to the warmth rather quickly. 

The above written around midnight. Going through the house making visual inspections making sure the taps are dripping, the dryer drying and making sure the dishwasher is scheduled for a middle of the night wash run. For a little while our upstairs unit lost the fight being two degrees lower inside than the setting but on the third inspection round a little later, it once again was breaking even. 

For quite some time I have been dealing with a shorter attention span than normal but maybe I have found something that is helping me regain attention. Last week I discovered

 https://www.facebook.com/Aymieandgracie/

Believe me, you will be quite entertained by the creativity and antics. Sometimes it seems the silly can bring us back to the serious. Watching these videos, they are doing a good work in and for me. Just a cat Penny, her fur siblings, hooman mom and daughter and sometimes dad can add a smile. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We were awakened by a noise this morning. Rhythmic thumping...don't think it was Santa Claus but probably a noise from the heater. Roy stayed up later than usual last night so he was a bit groggy to investigate. Roy wasn't waiting for Santa but to register some of The Feral Fam for holiday snipping at the area animal neuter and spay clinic.  The policy used to be sign up at midnight but that recently changed to 10:00 am Mondays. Ho Ho Ho!

While reading some Houston Christmas memories on a FB site, one post brought back a memory for me that I had long forgotten about. While working at Pennzoil downtown, in one of the coolest office buildings ever, each Christmas a bank downtown served gingerbread men and wassail during lunch hours. Texas Commerce Bank  had an employee Christmas choir that sang carols and Christmas songs the work week before Christmas, too. The person who shared about the banks at Christmas is Jewish and she said these experiences, taking the bus downtown with her grandmother, hearing the songs and the Christmas goodies is such a strong memory for her. Today,  Three Brothers Bakery is open for several hours at the original location in Houston. Home of the very tasty and best gingerbread men, well that is outside my of my mom's cookies. 

Last week in Sunday School, we did a little Christmas quiz and questions. One of the questions was, have you ever celebrated Christmas in July? Roy thought it wasn't a good question to include but if you grew up Southern Baptist and in GA's, you did celebrate Christmas in July. Back in the day, shipping toys and gifts for the missionaries to give out all over the world had to be shipped by the end of July. This year, I too celebrated Christmas in July, well, August really. When my brother was here he brought both birthday gifts and Christmas. The Christmas gift is so special in light of the happenings in December of last year. One of the special and sentimental things stolen when Roy was robbed, my great grandmother's medicine cabinet. I loved rooting through things on my Grandma B's back porch, So many interesting things to discover. One of those discoveries is an old wooden medicine chest and my grandmother told me I could have it if I wanted it. Oh yes, thank you. It sat in a closet for years as we lived in apartments and then when we moved into our townhouse. We had it hanging there but in the original, neglected state. It went back into a closet while living in the condo but when we moved into our CR home, I wanted it back out on display. Bill Bain stained and repaired it for us. Added a dowel rod and the rest is history. When we sold the house, Roy moved the medicine chest to the condo/apartment he rented before retiring. To keep it safe and in good condition, Roy loaded it in the Sequoia for his journey home. I'm ever so thankful that Roy made it home safely. This summer, with Doug's visit, he brought in a huge wrapped gift and said Merry Christmas! At first glance I thought he had found the original online, but it was a medicine chest that looked very much like the one we had. Even signed by the builder of it in 1929. I may have shed a few tears over the gift, the thoughtfulness and joy that went into finding it and then giving it. What a wonderful brother! He even had the hanger on the back! As of yet, we haven't put it up because we need to see if we find a furniture piece and then the chest will hang over it. Hey, no bathroom relegation for this piece. I thought I had taken a pic of it before moving it into the closet. It was getting way too much attention from The Boys. 

Yesterday as we kept warm in these cold temps, I felt a little bit of sadness. Barbers Orchard closed on Christmas Eve at 3:00 pm. So sad...six months of waiting till August 1st. The most wonderful time of the year, produce stand season, officially has come to an end for 2022. We have strawberries and peaches frozen from summer for the winter, plenty of apples and caramel sauce, and Publix has strawberries on sale beginning tomorrow. 

A different Christmas this year and as always a different Christmas is welcomed. You can never be disappointed. We didn't get over to the Biltmore, but we still have time to do that in warmer temps this week. We didn't look at Christmas lights except for what we could see from our front windows. Traditions with friends, yes, looking at you CourtneyS...MCD winner for 2022! We've laughed, had fun with The Boys, and eaten delicious snacks. We have read our Bibles and pondered the greatest gift ever. Rejoice that we have friends near and far. We are rejoicing that we can pay what will probably be one of the biggest electric bills ever. We have Joy, even in the midst of all we understand and don't understand. Joy, that I have an ever growing pile of TBR books. I have a loving and wonderful husband. We have a great and gracious God!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This Christmas, Please the Lord...Results, Christmas Blessings

 A Christmas riddle. How does one get a bruised big toe when a rock is thrown in the direction of your hand and lands on your thumb? Here's a little Christmas story.... Yesterday, we covered the blackberry bushes in preparation for the coming cold blast of winter. Last year it was relatively easy because they were smaller. This year, the bushes have done really well. We bought flannel sheets for this purpose. Took a king and full set to do the job. The pillow cases came in handy for the lime tree, rosemary, lavender and small Japanese maple. While trying to anchor down the sheets, we picked up the rocks that are somewhat kind of , sorta used as flowerbed borders. Roy picked up a huge rock and threw it in the vicinity of where it needed to land, only my hand was in the way and that big rock hit my thumb with such a wallop and being fortunate to have a high pain tolerance...well, this rock was more painful than I could bear. I screamed with pain and I did something I hardly ever do, I threw a fit and kicked two plastic window boxes. Now I was in double pain because my big toe landed squarely with the boxes and my hiking boots did not protect me like I thought, only thing, I didn't think when kicking because of the throbbing thumb pain. Two combos that don't go well with one another, pain and anger. I was mad at Roy and the rock. Then I got mad at me cause I kicked the window boxes and doubled, maybe even tripled the pain. Once the throbbing stopped, I was able to help secure the sheets. Later in the evening, Roy brought me an orange drink, being so kind but accidently stepped on the big toe that I kicked the window boxes with. The painful toe woke me several times during the night and this morning the big bruise under the nail is brightly colored in hues of purple and blue. 

We opened the hotel up last night for The Feral Fam in anticipation of the cold temps. Those who previously enjoyed the garage were quick to come in and we also put out food to help those who might be wary. This time we made comfy quarters using a kiddie pool full of beds, blankets and old sweaters. We added a few additional places for them to feel like they were up high. As soon as this cold passes, they will be back to their heated cat houses. Beanie and Barney were thrilled to come back to their old stomping grounds. 

Willie went to the vet yesterday and he has doubled his weight. Excellent! Probably in March he will be neutered. The shots tired him out just a bit yesterday. He has too much energy for Mr Mo and GMoey, so they take a little of him along the way. They are with me right now enjoying the quiet of downstairs. 

This year I've  remembered Christmas in long ago years. Not the bad stuff that happened but the things that brought light and laughter. Being in Pageant, driving around looking at Christmas lights, the simple hot chocky nights with Roy, Christmas Eve services etc... 

The following excerpt is from Christmas 2011. My mom had just passed away in November. We had opted out on going to the Biltmore for Christmas and instead stayed home to try and help my dad with his first Christmas without his wife. I truly don't know if he was sad that Christmas or not but we shook up tradition. We took him to church with us, went out for Chinese food afterwards and then drove around the outskirts of Katy helping him remember his territory for selling to smaller stores when he worked for Staley's. We had dessert in our new home and then took him back home. We were exhausted because his presence could do that. That Christmas, no iced sugar cookies or gingerbread cookie and no peanut butter cookies. It had been a few years because of Alzheimer's since my mom made them but 2011, the door finally closed on that season. The finality of her passing and knowing the future held trouble with my father, we looked to be blessings to others. Pleasing and honoring God in this way held us together individually as well as together emotionally. 

I have traditions with friends and every year doesn't always look the same, but we at least try to do dinner and maybe a quick look at lights.  Some years it feels pretty special and we do it up right and some years we are happy to grab some time at Luby's to say Merry Christmas. 

If you don't have any friends, then start being to others the kind of friend you would like to have.  Don't roll out your tales of sadness that many have heard time and time again.  Rejoice and be glad.  Look for all kinds of ways to be a blessing. 

Don't worry about fitting into the box of real or imagined Christmas celebrations.  Make your own.  Be happy and joyous if year to year those traditions don't look at all alike.  Don't be envious of others that you imagine have the most wonderful times and traditions.  Don't be depressed if you and yours aren't included in any one's Christmas celebrations.  Be giving and do things for those you know and those you don't.  Have a generous heart and you won't have time or the inclination to be anxious over how Christmas may look this year.  Read Facebook and Twitter with a joyous attitude as others share their day.  Heck, add you own take on the day but don't you dare add that semi sounding misery element in there so that others will feel sorry for you.  Live above that.  Go to the movies while everyone else is eating their Christmas feast.  It won't be crowded and the popcorn will be fresh.  Some years we put up a tree, some years we don't.  This year we have some Christmas decorations out and maybe next year more will be placed in and around our home. 

Gearing Up and Laughing All The Way

 The oft cancelled back on tree trimmer guys showed up yesterday to trim back some of the fir trees we have in front, beside and back of the house. They were getting a little top heavy and needed to be thinned out a bit before snow or wind could take down the whole tree. They are due back this morning finishing up loading the trailer. The firs out front are probably the height they were when we bought the house. Once again we can see the long range mountain views and see a bit more of the road. You know how everyone loves a road view. Haha! 

Ann lent me a treasured book to read, I Am Nell. Part of her husband's family history that takes place in and around Burnsville. Love that little town! We saw Ann on Sunday afternoon and I started reading that night. 

Not wanting to be around the whole time the tree guys were here, I hit the road early running a few errands. Not to undone in the Spirit of Christmas, I've been trying to wear the MD Anderson Christmas designed shirts from children who have cancer. These shirts are older than the hills, buying them in Uptown Park in Houston. So officially, I am an old lady wearing Christmas shirts...just like the ones I used to know...or observe at the play grocery store. I got a great deal on Keen hiking boots and to dispel any fears, they will not be used for actual hiking. They are blue and waterproof and cute but be wary, this is coming from an old lady wearing Christmas themed t-shirts. Oh, I haven't gone so crazy to wear the craze of the 80's, painted t-shirts. You have been warned and informed. 

There is nothing like a Sunday School teacher who reads to you from their journal. I was careful to just copy out the portion I needed for class. Anyway, since the lesson part of the class was more devotional style, I told them or rather read to them a snippet from the story of the picnic table in Baytown, TX. Years ago Dena told me about her parent's trips to the recycling center and her mom told her about the picnic table in the middle of everything. I wanted to see this wonderous sight, so we headed out to Baytown one afternoon. We met up with her parents and proceeded to see this covered picnic table. We got out of our cars, went over and sat at the table and the men who ran the center joined us. We sat there in the middle of things no one wanted anymore, merely trash that can be recycled. Piles of cans, bulldozers on standby and a ramp to take the scenic route to rid your car of recyclables. Truly a picture of finding peace in the midst of chaos. Not the peace that the world gives but peace in the Lord. It reminded me of something that Roy said to me after getting the heart diagnosis. He said as you recover, the cardiologist sent me home with some pills and a wish of good luck but basically sent me home to die, we will not what if ourselves on this journey. He said, we will say won't it be wonderful when feel better and you can go to Nordstrom, church, see friends, and go back to work. That positive attitude played a huge role in my recovery. That peace that passes all understanding, nothing like it at all except maybe for a picnic table at a recycling center. 

Last night I got a text from my friend Beth, I've known her since the 6th grade. She was looking at our high school yearbook and remembering some of the best and funny times in our lives. The two of us could laugh and get silly over the simplest things. We still can do that. Our texting last night considered all the stuff we found funny from the volleyball coach to Mrs. Tate, curly red hair, a little gruff but fun as all get out. Ms Crabaugh, the coach, went to beautician school as well as teaching and coaching. Beth and I called her beauty beautician. We remembered stunts and tumbling our senior year in gym. Not my favorite because in life I could always do stunts and tumbling, only accidental not planned out for a grade.  

Everyone is gearing up for the cold weather headed our way. Seems like most of the country is experiencing the same thing. Better check the cookie and treats stockpile. No other way to get through cold but probably no snow weather. 

Christmas Week

 Roy is the best gift giver! We haven't exchanged Christmas gifts in years because we were able to get what we wanted all through the year, so the one gift we did give to each other was time together at Christmas. For many years it was to stand together and be strong as we battled those years when Christmas included my father. A true saboteur as he punished the family with his unrealistic expectations on us and for the holiday. Whew, glad those days are in the past. I have digressed, back to wonderful gift giver Roy. This morning he has gifted me with quiet. He has ALL the boys upstairs in the bonus room. Quiet mornings since the summer are few as we have acquired a few kittens that have become family. For the Christmas season, he also gave me two sweet gifts...he bought White Christmas and The Trouble With Angels for me on Amazon Prime. The best $10.00 gift I have ever received. White Christmas, I now watch the dance numbers only. My goodness they are spectacular in their presentation. Angels, well I mostly watch the whole movie, but there are a few parts I fast forward through.  

We had a wonderful Thursday as our friends Al and Mary Madeline were in town. We had lunch together before they went to The Cove. Mary Madeline and I have been friends for fifty years. I met her right before leaving for college. Her impact on my early life can still be seen in my daily walk. Such an encourager and friend. God has a sense of humor for sure as we truly are so opposite. I love that she uses the words dreamy and frufy. Since we haven't seen each other for several years, we both told each other there are a few changes in our appearance. So, there in Black Mountain the four of us had lunch and had great conversations. We were having such a great time, we forgot to take pictures. Soon it was time for them to head to The Cove. Roy and I headed toward Montreat before making our way home. We haven't been to Montreat since B.C...before C*v*d. One of the most beautiful places on God's earth. Although, I don't watch Hallmark Christmas movies, it seems the setting would be perfect for a Christmas movie. We went to the little shop/bookstore there. Because of being the type of person that loves t-shirts and rates t-shirts, that little shop never disappoints and the decision to narrow down choices for purchase is always deliberate and thoughtful. Once that choice was made, it was onto the book section. The selection is small but well thought through. Some of the best books for Bible subjects have been found there in the past. This time, two devotional type books were chosen. Ah, the best day old  I mean long time friends and the little shop in Montreat.  

Willie Tonka's days in the playpen will soon come to an end and he will be free to move about the house with his cuzbros. They turned a corner this week, with Mr Mo and Willie treating each other as friends, the transition is easier. The playfulness of three cats under the age of one is a delightful but sometimes frightful experience. 

This Christmas season, JOY, has jumped out on page and experience. JOY, might be the One Word for 2023. Haven't participated in the One Word thing for several years. We let our Sirrus XM subscription go in the Mustang. Roy listens to podcasts in the car and most of the time the radio is turned down when I am driving. We didn't cancel the subscription in the truck because we use it for longer distances. We were running errands in the truck yesterday and I was singing Christmas carols with Bing, Dean and Andy. Of course that is the optimal times to receive a ticket, so being mindful of speed limits was front and foremost. This morning while pondering JOY, I thought of those who won't be experiencing JOY because of circumstances or due to family dynamics or even not being joyful themselves. Then there are those experiencing JOY in spite of circumstance and find JOY in knowing and learning and experiencing that peace that passes understanding in JOY from the outcome or reason. I am not really explaining my thoughts but this will have to do for now. 

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Today, the tree trimmer guys are supposed to come. Just in time for the big freeze/maybe a little snow and ice Christmas weekend that soon will be upon us. Hopefully, I will be able to get out and about before they arrive. Have several errands to run. This week holds lots of reading, hopefully, and knocking out a few projects, inside where it is warm. 

I received the most wonderful surprise. The Joy class generously donated to a cause I love, reading, with a Barnes and Noble gift card. I teared up and usually only sentimental football games and these feral cats cause tears. Also some wonderful potpourri and who couldn't use that especially with three cats and a cute Christmas tea towel. I am certainly blessed. Think they were surprised that I rather we, baked cookies for them but included peppermint white choc cookies from the fine folks at Publix. Christy's Crafts ornaments rounded everything out. 

After lunch we visited our friend Ann. Such a good visit with her and now I can totally picture her story of the bear at the back door. We left all three boys in the bonus room to try that little experiment while we were gone. Think the threesome is ready for more togetherness. Willie has a vet appointment this week, so our plans are to begin The Three Boys together at night after that appointment.  Will be thankful to have the playpen gone out of the entry way. 

Contentment

 The thundering paws are back this morning. Really, almost every morning but today the thundering seems to be contained to the downstairs. No racing up and down the stairs yet but that's probably on the agenda for The Boys today. Willie wants out of the playpen and that will happen momentarily, so his tiny little meows fill in any dead spots from the sound of the thundering paws. 

Our misty morning holds the promise of sunshine which has been more like shun-shine cause of the lack of light from that brilliant orb in the sky. It looks like winter when looking out the front windows. I've decided that I'll call our friends the cows from across the road, short term renters or AB&Bers. No complaints, it is comforting to see them, eating and taking care of the numerous little ones. Good mix of teenager cows too. Lot of head butting in play going on. Down the road and below the road level several homes are being built. Don't think I'd like to live below the road line when it rains and rain is forecasted beginning tomorrow evening. 

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Laundry and linen closet clean out kept me from returning back to the ol' blog. Well, that and I found a reels on FB that is on Tik Tok, that has me mesmerized. These days that is quite the accomplishment because the attention span thing that's plaguing me is still around. The daughter does the voice over of their cat Penny and it is quite hilarious. 

I was looking for a refresh on a memory from long ago and stumbled upon an interesting fact. On December 17 2010, we traded in Mustang Sally for Sequisha Sequoia. First day Roy drove her home. December 17, 2021 was the last day Roy drove Sequisha from Houston to stupid Mobile. Robbed and stolen on the 18th. Many a happy journey to the mountains through the years and she didn't deserve to end up the way she did. 

Cleaning out a few more closets and bookshelves. Came across the Blue Bird book from Campfire Girls. The theme songs come easily to mind, but not all the words. Loved being in the Campfire Girls, from Blue Bird up to whatever rank I got to, which wasn't very high at all. Usually due to loosing interest in projects, whatever. Never interested in Girl Scouts, too much camping for my taste. Blue Birds were supposed to finish what they began, to learn how to make beautiful things and make friends. The consistency of making friends and keeping friends is the one thing out of those three ideals that still travels with me. 

We've had a breakthrough with The Boys. Roy brought in the cat condo tower, tightened it up again and put it in the bonus room. Willie took to that tower immediately. GMoey and Mr Mo reacquainted themselves with their long lost friend. Just a few hissing incidents between Mr and Willie. We thought the Mr had lots of energy, Willie has a whole lot more. Watching the three of them is quite entertaining and Willie is throwing his two pounds of fury and fun around. 

This week the lesson in SS will be more devo than lesson. Next week we don't have class and then on January 1st, the completion of the devo. That gives a break from in depth studying. I need the break, not only to get things done around here but also catch up on fun reading. It's funny after years of tumultuous Christmases, then several years of Biltmore Christmases, we are now at quiet Christmas. Not a whole lot of hustle and bustle, few big Christmas plans, we are content. Life is simpler now and after living chaotic and busy lives both at work, for fun and at home...we love the quiet. My quiet has background Christmas music. I think Roy's background has market reports and the like. No matter, the key now is content.   

Oh The Blessings....In The Mountains

 With TV viewing being awfully poor these days, yes with a million channels to choose from, we have returned to the TCM app to watch favorite movies. One of my very favorite movies comes from childhood, The Trouble With Angels. Roy keeps remarking, you are Mary Clancy. Don't know about that but I feel like we would be friends. To rethink this just a bit, I totally would be Mary Clancy-ish back in the day of recklessly going to my "fearless" zone...which got me in a lot of trouble throughout growing up as well as in adulthood. I can hear my therapist admonishing me, that going to the fearless zone took energy and back in those days, I was woefully lacking this commodity. Many times the trip to the zone was amusing, therefore the risk seemed worth it. Oh well.... Anyway, we have watched several times over the past few days. It has been several years since we last viewed the movie, that is until this week. We both realized that we are seeing this movie differently. Still entertained by the antics of the two friends, but for me I am seeing for the first time why...spoiler alert... Mary joins the sisterhood of the Order that runs St Francis after she graduates from St Francis. I almost always understood Rachel's hurt and disbelief that this wildly fun friend who had brilliantly scathing ideas, wanted to serve God. This time though, I saw and it is obviously done by the director, but this time I really noticed how Mary watched Mother Superior in alone moments, putting food out for birds and squirrels, walking, reading her Bible and when her best friend and assistant Sister Lagoria passes away, the supreme sorrow Mother Superior shows after the family has left. It was the consistency that MS led her life. When she shares with Mary her life before becoming a nun, it all is taken in by Mary and the audience. One would never think that before she was a nun, she had a life that sounds as if she would have found great success. Mary Clancy was like Mary of the New Testament, she saw these things and pondered them in her heart. 

We dropped Netflix last year. We hardly watched it but at Christmas time, I watched White Christmas, several times, okay a whole lot, mainly to watch the dances. Roy surprised me by buying it digitally on Amazon Prime, so I can watch it over and over all through the holidays. A very good use of $5.00. The Trouble With Angels is about to roll off the TCM app, so maybe we can check whether it is available for purchase. 

On Saturday we made our TN run. The BBQ people were back and we got some brisket and smoked mac and cheese. They ran out of smoked bologna or I would have gotten a sandwich for the road like Roy. Instead, we did the Taco Bell drive through to get a cheese quesadilla for my trip home. With a stop in Mars Hill at TJ's and Ingles, we completed the shopping portion of our day. The best part of going over to TN, besides Roy, is that we get a glimpse of the ever changing, ever beautiful scenery. With the overcast skies and a little chill nip in the wind, it truly felt like Christmas, winter scenery wise and the only thing missing would be snow...snow...snow snow.... (song from White Christmas.) Only if there was snow, we wouldn't have made the trip. 

Mr Mo has noticed the little spindle tree I put on top of the bookcases. He casts a gaze to it in the evenings and maybe he is planning on climbing up to the top for Christmas inspection. We had all three boys together for a very short period of time. It is a step into the right direction. 

After church yesterday, we had the senior adult Christmas luncheon. Our first since all the Covid restrictions. Lots of fun gathering with friends to eat a delicious lunch. Oh the green beans were outstanding, as per usual. 

Not many, but some Christmases, we went back to Illinois to celebrate the holidays. One year we took the train because my father needed to pick up his company car but mostly we drove. This morning someone in the hometown group posted a picture of a well known bridge or viaduct and gave the history of its construction. It was one of those places we as kiddos thought was the highest bridge we'd ever been on. Now seeing the pics, it wasn't that high but oh the memories and the pungent odor from the plant processing soybeans and the like. It's kind of like Canton here, it is the smell of money, papermill there... There was also a street we'd take sometimes going from my grandmothers to the grandparents house. A water tower, not so much a tower and maybe it didn't hold water, but it was darkly painted and the sight lurking in the distance, it always scared me. People post pics of the parks in the city and downtown. Now, the city isn't as vibrant and crime has taken over in many areas. Things I would remember are probably not there anymore and if we wanted to do a drive by of the house my grandparents lived in, from what we've been told it would be like taking our lives into our own hands. Haven't been back since I was 24 years old but love seeing the pictures from then. 

We are approaching the year anniversary of Roy retiring and then being robbed of everything but 50 cents, his wedding ring and watch...oh but most importantly, he was not robbed of his life. It has been an interesting year as we have processed emotionally from it all, got everything in order and then taken care of for all the changes legally and such that occurs when one moves to a new state. Roy has adjusted to retirement really well. For these things, the healing emotionally and the changes to a new life, we are thankful. God is so good!

A December Start

 Already the 5th of December. With three cats under the age of one we adulted and chose to not put up a tree or very many Christmas decorations that would tempt our otherwise, fairly well behaved cats. We haven't put out many outside decorations either just because, well no reason other than the normal time we got started, Thanksgiving weekend, we didn't begin. Oh well, just think of all the time we'll have not having to put up stuff after the first of the year. 

This morning I've listened to Christmas music from Apple Music playlists. I'm telling you Merry Christmas Darling gets no love, couldn't find it on any playlist. Of course I haven't looked through all of them. Listened to Shepherds Pipe Carol, just to see if I remember the brief, repetitive and boring alto part. Yes, comes back to me every Christmas. 

I've listened to a good bit of classical Christmas music and always around this time of year. There is a big part of me that wishes we were Episcopal or some other type of liturgical worship style. Guess it is from all the years I couldn't stay up anymore for the 11:00 pm Christmas Eve service at HFBC so we went to St Martins. Nothing like a Christmas Eve service scented by balsam, candles, and whiskey/bourbon. I didn't keep up too well with when to kneel but no problem for Roy being raised Catholic. I remember one sermon from those services, when good things take up the space that should be held for Jesus. I always remember the music, high church with a mix of beloved carols intermixed with John Rutter, and for good measure pieces from the classical vein. They offered communion at these services and every time I participated in the Lord's Supper, it could have led to a fire able offense since I worked at First Baptist. Wine verses grape juice kind of thing. I also know the novelty of liturgical would soon become rote and it would loose the specialness. Just like being Baptist, those traditions of Lottie Moon can sometimes become repetitive and boring, only because we don't look at these things through a fresh set of spiritual eyes. Once I read that Lottie had a great sense of humor and that she attended church and revivals to make fun of the speaker I thought, Lottie and I could be friends. The night she came to know the Lord, she had sat herself right close to the front of the church but she heard the gospel instead of her giggles and laughter. 

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Roy and I ran errands for most of Tuesday. The rain and fog cleared once we had everything done for our ride back home. We made a quick stop into Barnes and Noble and it was a quick stop because the only parking close by was the 15 minute limit variety. Found the Daphne 2023 planner I had been looking for and a Foxfire book, a best of thirty essays. Not bad for a limited part of time. For 2023 one of my, I hate to say goals and it sure isn't a bucket list, but I am going to try to read Jane Austen. Never ever have and please don't @ me over this. Found a book with all her novels and a few shorter pieces of work at a very good price. So, the Jane Austen thing for 2023. 

Our tree guys are now coming on another date due to the rain. So Roy has headed out to work out and to stop at Publix. The boys are all quiet. G Moey in my lap, Willie in his playpen and Mr Mo upstairs. G Moey is becoming quite the lap cat. Fluff Butt one better known as Willie looks to be a lap cat soon enough. He just has all that pent up kitten energy. 

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It was a dark and foggy night and a pale foggy morning. We had a rare day for WNC or at least rare for the times we have been here. Most days don't stay rainy all day but pretty much yesterday was one of those rare occurrences. We've needed the rain and with precipitation spread out no flooding or mud slides, at least around here.  

Once again the days don't give a lot of time for blogging right now, so I'll just finish this up. With the rainy days, we have tried to do some closet cleanouts as well as things we've let go too long. It is good that I don't hold too tightly to material things. Once again I am faced with the obsession I have with journals, especially with thin lines. Oh my...They will find good homes...eventually. Haha! 

A Week of Times

 It was the best of days. It was the worst of days...talking about Saturday. First the best, we found some brisket in Erwin, TN on a Saturday morning in front of the Food City. Let's just say it was as good but really better than some brisket we've had in Texas. Tender, lean and full of flavor. The best of days because we have Goode Company BBQ sauce in the house. The best of Saturday also included a LSU victory over Arkansas, well barely a victory. Hey a win is a win. Mathematically, a word rarely used by me, LSU is the SEC West winner but here is where the worst came in...Alabama needed to beat Ole Miss for LSU to clinch. It goes against everything in our being to pull for Alabama, even if it means for the good of all the team. Then to make football matters worse, we had to root for University of Texas against TCU cause, you know, it would help LSU move up. Baylor, well, they got beat every which way and night games aren't good for a Baptist University. Afternoon games gives one the time to drive back home to Houston or Dallas or Austin or to every small town in between. Night games, well those are great for LSU but not so much for Baptists who plan to attend church on Sunday morning. After all the angst, Alabama won and sent the opportunity for LSU to meet Georgia. Not holding onto too much hope for a win in Atlanta but one can always hope.

Please, don't ever make us root for Alabama and University of Texas in football...really in any sport ever again. Amen.

We awoke to snow on Sunday morning. Just a light dusting but it is always such a joy to see the first dusting of the year. Then...it becomes the first big snow. The temps are a little cooler than a normal November, that is until it warms up again and according to those learned meteorologists, will happen once again in the next few weeks. 

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On our journey through the mountains yesterday we saw wonderful views of rime ice in the upper elevations. We could never find a good place to pull over and take pics. Told Roy we will just have to commit the views to memory. We will look at the mountains of the Lord in this week's lesson. Yep, he is talking about Jerusalem et all but these mountains here are mountains of the Lord to me. Their beauty enhanced by their danger. Never being a why did you climb that mountain, because it was there type person I am content to gaze and take it all in. 

Looking back at this week from the past few years, significant events have held sway. Bilateral knee replacement in 2016, the 15th to be exact. Recently, this time last year Roy decided it was time to retire and after the previous months he had, selling the house and all, the last month and a half last year had details and things to tie up before making the move here. He received some news last week that even cemented the fact, if there were any doubts and the doubts were few, that he made the right decision. 

It has been fun sharing autumn this year with Roy. His schedule never allowed an October vacation or trip this way. Think God's creation showed out this year for him, just like in 2015, my first year here. He captured beautiful pictures as we day tripped around the countryside. 

Well, it is a balmy 28 degrees. 22 went I woke up. Have a couple of things to do today and those things that are out and about, Roy wants to wait till it gets above freezing.

Mostly Rain With A Little Wind

 A beautiful sunny morning has greeted us. Cooler than yesterday but it seems the bottom will drop out on Saturday night. Cold temps and a hard freeze. This is the first ease into the morning day in a while. With appointments and such, guys coming over to give estimates on some work, I welcome the relaxed entrance into this day. 

We voted for the first time as NC residents. Our voting place just down the road and we arrived when there was a bit of a lull. Pretty exciting, really. As we make our way through those firsts of feeling like with Roy here, finally at home. Poll workers were very nice and the whole process took about ten minutes leaving us time to trade out for the truck and go to Lowe's. Picked up a ladder and new numbers for our new trash can. Living the wildly exciting life! No, really. 

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Preparing for a hurricane is different here than on the coast of Texas. Mostly rain and wind but the difference is the elevation that makes for landslides. A different perspective for sure than just flat land. Mike the Mower Man was here earlier this week mulching our leaves for us and getting some yard debris taken care of. We need to semi clean out the gutter on one side of the back porch so we will semi try to get some of that taken care of. We will do this before the rain hits this afternoon. We punted apple orchard trip and will push that to next week. 

Last week I was talking to a friend here and she said who knew that ten years ago that you'd be here and living a totally different way of living than what you had been used to. She was correct. In fact Roy and I had talked about this very subject all through last week. Think it is due to the fact we are coming up to the one year anniversary of deciding to retire by the end of the year. Great decision in hindsight. Roy is much more relaxed, still focused, but not stressed. He would have been miserable in Houston and would have probably looked for contract work cause he wouldn't have enough around the house to keep him busy. Here, there is always a project or something that needs attention. 

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The rain continues from the outer rain bands of Nichole. Think the heaviest rain is yet to come. A year ago today I was at Asheville Cardiology getting an echo and stress test. Glad a year later to be home to enjoy a rainy day. Today, I will begin writing out the lesson for Sunday. We are in Micah. In several weeks we begin the book of John. I've enjoyed teaching from the OT but ready for a change, although we are six months in John. 

We successfully cleared out the gutter on the back porch. No one was hurt not even off balance one time. We made some crude clearing of the leaves out of the gutter by using a kid rake sideways. 

At Tammy's getting my haircut, we got to talking about how easily it is to get inundated with volunteer jobs at small churches. I realized that part of a standard of M&G, talking about getting volunteered at church was coming true for Roy, better known as Ed in Mildred and Gertrude. I got so tickled thinking about that as well as telling stories of how we took real events that had happened in our lives and twisting them just enough for no one to really recognize who it might be. Last week in our lesson in Haggai, we looked at how we can spiritualize our reasons for not doing something...we sound good or so we think, but God knows. This week in Micah we are looking at the coming judgement for Israel and Judah and the bad leadership going on. Crooked politicians and priests that fleeced the poor people of the land and money. The theme of justice runs throughout Micah as well as the other minor prophets. A couple of years ago the theme to teach was idolatry. Guess this week's lesson is more like, don't let this happen to you kind of thing. As the priests took bribes and such, I can't help but think back to Kyle Lake's book on prayer and using the Lord's name in vain. We usually trend toward someone cussing but he wrote that we are the worst at using the Lord's name in vain with unneeded repetition in prayer as well as over using prayer to quiet a room, fill in time, cause we have always done it this way and my very favorite announcement prayer. One thing I remember Roy studying in 1999 as we drove to Nashville. He was joining the Stephen Ministry. The thought that prayer should be used to open and close a meeting or session was challenged and suggested other ways because you never want people to think that opening and closing a meeting as a sign that it's time to leave. Instead we need to know and experience that this is a sacred moment not the sign of a meeting being over. 

I think the rain has finally let up a bit. We sure needed it and in our area we didn't get the big heavy rains that causes waterfalls in our back yard. 

Also, I lost the Merry Christmas Darling contest this year with CourtneyS being the winner. 

Saturday Morning Catch Up

 November 1st will feel like April 1st temp wise today. Roy is resting from a vigorous and focused job of entrance, exit and keeping Fall Festival participants safe from other drivers last night. Sounds like the Fall Festival was a hit and heard that maybe a thousand or so participants. That is a large number when it comes to this rural area.  

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Once again a weak beginning on Monday and hopefully a wrap up on a Friday, so it truly doesn't become a week. Intentions are there but then life needs to be lived and glory be, that means something to write about. This afternoon as well as tomorrow afternoon we have tree trimmer guys coming out to give us an estimate to thin out some firs as well as trim up some of the bigger trees. Andy was here last week trimming the shrubs and such in the back as well as putting out pine straw. Fertilizer is an expensive deal this year, so we are going with some natural solutions. Our neighbor offered some of their compost for our flower beds. We love their horses and what they contribute to the beauty as well as the flowerbeds. The leaves have been doing a rapid drop and we use those as well. Our neighbors aren't interested in the leaves and let us rake and take all we want. Wait a minute....no really, most of their leaves come onto the driveway so it's more a sweep than a rake. 

We took a little trip to the Costco on Wednesday. Filled up with $2.97 gas before going into the store. We had a lovely time picking up a few more holiday items and then the very necessary items. We bought a ham and it is the best price we have seen. So Thanksgiving meal will be ham centered. Batteries and flashlights on sale but the best thing or one of the best things we bought was pumpkin strudel muffins. Never tried them but I have started looking at Costco influencers and their reviews on products in November. These are a hit and don't know if we or rather if I can wait a couple of weeks when we go back when a new sale starts. I 26 was rather beautiful going and coming. Lower elevation so much brighter color than what has come and gone in the mountains. A bonus always is this, we had a relatively easy traffic trip, one overturned tractor trailer but nothing toxic or liquid or messy. 

Yesterday, I made the trek, a fun and beautiful trek, over to Burnsville. Lamp Post Vintage Market is getting ready for the big Christmas reveal and that means I was able to get in before the official kick off tonight. Pretty much had in mind what I was looking for and I came away with everything I went to get, mostly Christmas gifts and such. Since we still have two rambunctious young cats, no Christmas tree this year but we have a small table top one we can use. My mom would already have her tree up by now because she loved Christmas and spent many an hour sitting still and watching the lights on the tree. Stopped in Mars Hill on the way home at the Ingles for a couple of things. 

I realized while writing about Christmas and how much my mom loved it, she will have been gone from earth eleven years on Tuesday. I miss her everyday and so wish that she could see and visit or live here but I think she knows her kiddos are doing okay. I'd like for her to see the spring flowers, tulips and such, then the zinnias, roses and dahlias we have planted. It has just been recently, she has shown up in my dreams and that right there makes me so happy. 

We will wrap up Haggai on Sunday. Such an interesting minor prophet. Not much is known about him but he got the people off their butts and out of remodeling their homes and the temple construction started again.  

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The morning holds a little bit of rain and it is welcomed in these parts. We thought we were going to do some chair painting yesterday but the wind was too much. Instead we put out tulip and daffodil bulbs. Another highlight of the day, we officially took down the playpens were the boys slept at night. They have transferred to the bonus room for their nighttime slumber. It is so nice to have the entrance area back or semi back to normal. We will probably bring a cat tree in from the back porch but then again, we might not. 

Two tree guys are supposed to come today and give us estimates on thinning out some firs and trimming a few other trees. We shall see if they really get here so until then....