Christmas Stories, Part 1 and Russian Tea

 Low hanging clouds across our mountain view this morning, completely covering our long range view. The layers are so artfully arranged and of course we know who the author of this scene is. Saturday started differently. Roy slept in. Last night he came home from a wild game of rummy with men from our church. He was a bit wired and happy that he came in third place. Since I could barely keep my eyes open, I encouraged him to take a sabbatical morning from his meeting. So, when I let the boys out of the bonus room, they were a bit surprised to be greeted by the waitress not the butler. We went downstairs, put out their food and turned on the coffee pot. Before my first cup of coffee I cleaned up throw up from GMoey. Ah, good morning! 

This morning not by searching but by chance, I have read several really good Christmas stories. People sharing their nostalgic stories as well as relatively modern ones. Lots of different traditions that come and go as children grow up. My mom still did Christmas stockings up until the time she forgot how to do them. She still bought us Christmas ornaments from their trips that had kind of become going to Branson twice a year. She made sugar cookies and gingerbread men for me, well the whole family and for my brother, his favorite cookie, peanut butter. Seems like the most tradition we had going was this, my father sabotaging any celebration but looking back it strictly came from his inside feelings of unrealistic expectations. Thus, we became the scapegoats. It rotated but I would think that most Christmases it was Roy and me. We can laugh now at some of his antics especially those Christmases of turning his big wingback chair to the corner to open his gifts. Didn't really matter much cause everything he was given would always be a disappointment. It didn't matter if we witnessed it or not. We only spent one Christmas with him after my mom passed away. We took him to our church and then out for lunch at a Chinese restaurant we loved. It took him totally by surprise, that he couldn't complain until much later sometime in January. Our home in Cinco Ranch was close by a lot of his old salesman stomping grounds, so we drove him around pointing out changes and such. He mentioned numerous times that Doug and I hated Sunday afternoon drives and mostly where we were driving that day were the very routes from long ago. He would stifle a laugh sitting smugly in our backseat and I tell you, I wanted to say something like, I still feel the same way having you in a car with us, but thankfully, the Lord gave me a way out of that temptation. It wasn't that he liked those drives, it was my mom. Her most famous line on any drive or vacation was, can we see it from the car? Mom, I totally get that sentiment now. I also wish I appreciated her request of taking Sunday afternoon drives. I totally get that now as well. 

Peggy always had great traditions when the grandchildren and nieces and nephews were very young. They made a birthday cake for Jesus. They also did the nativity scene and with the costumes from the crime closet, they transformed into sparky yet authentic Bible characters. Roy and I had a tradition, I put out all the Christmas decor, tree and ornaments. Roy put them all up. He has always been good with the tedious tasks. The first year we were married, we decided to buy a tree but we couldn't afford lights or ornaments. Someone gave us some cast off lights and I made ornaments from salt dough. Used cookie cutters to make them. Of all the ornaments I made, only two survived all these years, the two with our names and 1977 on them. One red and one green. Usually during the holidays Peggy and I would do several Mildred and Gertrude things for different church groups. 

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I will wrap up this post. Our chilly day is sunny with temps dropping again tonight. We didn't get any snow but I am sure somewhere there is some black ice. We just went above freezing, so that's good. Sunday was cloudy and rainy. Came home from church and ensconced myself in the front bedroom to nap and read. I made some sugar free Russian tea so that will taste good in the coming chilly days. 

Study, Play or Nap

 A great way to begin the week, hair cut and six month dentist appointment. It has been quite sometime that I haven't spent a majority of time in the dentist office. I think this is my fourth straight appointment without immediate concerns. Hmmm...I kind of like this. 

The higher elevations received snow overnight but we are at the elevation this is getting freezing drizzle, that is not sticking because the temps are above freezing. We opened up The Garage of the Catmore Estate yesterday evening. Tonight we are in the 20s but a good and gradual warmup begins tomorrow. GMoey has an appointment this afternoon with the vet. It might be time to take care of his stomatitis. 

We don't have snow but sleet is falling. No bleak mid winter song about sleet, but maybe there should be. We've had a couple of rounds of sleet and the sky right now looks like a snow sky. 

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I read a Christmas devo Sunday morning. Only it wasn't the one for the day assigned. I know that Christmas devos are building toward December 25th. The one I chose for this year goes through Epiphany. This particular devotion book is not so much inspirational nor is it comprised of teaching points. It is not the turning of a familiar quote by changing up word order and claiming it as the author's own. Nope, this is one of those kinds of devotions that stops you from what you are doing and meditate on the scripture as well as the author's thoughts and writings. I used a few of the thoughts in the lesson on Sunday, but I bogged down in it. The whole lesson felt bogged down and thus I quit on the way home in the car. That's the thing, what might have been for me wasn't really for a Sunday School lesson. It did not help that last week I read several good articles on dealing with a narcissist. Nothing really revealing from dealing with one so many years, yet it was. The author took time to go into the minutia of the deep emotional whys. It seems with all that reading the lesson accidently took a direction, using Psalm 107 that just wasn't right for Sunday. Thus, quitting on Sunday afternoon in the car on the way home from church. On Sunday, I will apologize and not pick up where I left off. We will go in a different direction. 

In the process of shutting down The Garage on the Catmore Estate last week, we took the time to do a little bit of sorting and such. The weird cot went to Good Will. I found boxes of Christmas stuff that I had forgotten all about. Last year I made the fake fireplace with candles and greenery of the fake sort. This year there are too many books to sort through and find a home for to mess with the fake fireplace. Somewhere out there are the little fake battery operated candle sticks for the window. No tree this year, neither fake nor real cause the immaturity of some of our household will not let us have one. Hopefully by next year maturity will set in. Buddy was not interested in Christmas trees one little bit. She might sleep under it but that was the extent of holiday spirit for her.

GMoey will have surgery in February to remove his teeth. His stomatitis has worsened, thus the extraction is necessary. For many reasons I am thankful for finding the Penny the talking cat reels on FB and then on YouTube. After being in a huge brain fog for over a year, with no attention span for watching or reading, those cute videos brought me out of the fog. Now along with that, Penny had to have her teeth extracted this year over the same thing. The vet who is doing the surgery has two cats at home with extracted teeth and says they are doing fine. At lunch today Roy and I rewatched the episode of the teeth extraction. Since the subject seems to be cats, I will say, had a scare today with Cha Nay Nay. On our area/neighborhood/rural community group on FB a pic of a calico cat on the side of the road, near us was posted. I went out to the garage and she was all curled into one of the cubbies we have for them out there. I was so glad to see her cause it was a very close likeness. 

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Roy's doctor appointment is rescheduled from today to next week. Since we were up we decided to take advantage of the Plus Sam's membership and go early. Wow, that makes the extra dollars so worth it. We consider from time to time dropping Costco but dang, I like Costco a lot. All the extra road construction in SC has deterred our trips. We made that quick Sam's run and returned home in about an hour and ten minutes. 

Think I got the mix up settled and fixed with my pass holder card for Biltmore. I went ahead and renewed because I got a better price. Was $299 then they marked it $229 but I got it for $139. I don't think Roy is renewing his. I did just in case someone comes to visit and spring is rather beautiful there. 

Well, off to study or play then study or nap, then study. Oh it's Friday, still have Saturday to study or play or nap..... 

  

December 1st, It's Christmas Time, Memories

 

December 1st, the Christmas countdown is moving toward us at warp speed. Never being a Star Trek fan I don't know why I used the vernacular from that show. Guess I mean, Christmas prep is gathering speed and soon those who schedule and plan will soon face the unpleasant fact that time is running short. Personally, I have done my part by not wearing anything festive, waiting until December. I must admit that festive for me these days is what Christmas t-shirt will I be wearing with a flannel shirt. Yes, I have pulled out the two flannel Christmas shirts and that only means black buffalo check and red buffalo check. Truthfully, if we really thought about it, why would we want to wear anything that is associated with a large animal? Especially when the holidays open up more opportunities for deliciousness. Desserts, extra sweet potato souffle and creamed corn. Odd choices I know, but during the holidays these prepared veggies are on the top of the consumption list. 

The past few days I have remembered Christmas Past. Another odd reference since I am not a Charles Dickens fan...please don't judge. I was wasting my time following Honey Boo Boo. Most Christmas's early on really aren't worth remembering except for the fact my mom was alive and even that some years my Grandma B spent time with us at Christmas. She and I shared my room when she came. I was not a good sleeper in childhood but I am happy to report, for the most part I am now. So, I would be awake when she came to bed. We would laugh, then she'd remind me I should be asleep and then we would laugh some more. Sometimes my mom would come in the room and playfully tell us, we should be asleep and then all of us laughed. Those are great nostalgia memories. If my Grandparents D came at Christmas, well it was on a whole nother level of stress. Not so much them but my father's intense dislike, read hatred, of his mother. I will give my father credit for this, we never knew as children he didn't like his parents. 

I also thought about Christmas as a grown up. Please be kind toward me with that statement. We owned a Mustang convertible in the mid 2000s and had such fun with it at Christmas. If our nieces were here we'd put the top down, go to Starbucks for hot chocky and drive around looking at Christmas lights. This was as close to riding around in a one horse open sleigh as one could get in Houston. A couple of years my friend from work and her daughters and I would do the same thing, ride around Houston looking at lights. Her daughter named it the Royal Ride and it truly was, Kings and a Monarch. My friend Dena and I for many years would do the River Oaks light shows but beforehand we would eat dinner somewhere nearby. I was with Dena when we discovered Scary Angel. That angel is a whole nother story but if you Google scary angel river oaks, my blog post from 2007 comes up if you'd like to learn more about that iconic, it isn't Christmas until I see Scary Angel, Christmas light tour. In 2016 the owner of the angel posted a comment about the angel, how they arrived at getting her and put her up every year because people expect to see her. She also noted they did some improvement work on her. They did, her face became less scary. Roy and I had a tradition after the Christmas Eve service at church we would drive around and look at the lights of Christmas. Post Oak Blvd was always on the map of our trips.  When we were young enough we did the Christmas Eve service at First Baptist that started at 11:00 pm. Then as we got older, the 7:00 pm service at St Martin's Episcopal fit our life styles and ability to stay awake schedule. Loved those services at St Martin's, the fragrance of Christmas mixed in with the fragrance of scotch and whiskey. At heart I have always been a liturgical girl and it provided memories for Roy growing up Catholic with kneeling and going to the front to receive communion. Yes, complete with wine. As a joke, the first year Roy was a deacon here and the discussion of Lord Supper prep was discussed, Roy jokingly asked what kind of wine was purchased. He said, you could have heard a pin drop until he explained his growing up years. Ah yes, it is always good to stump a Baptist. He is quite funny with it. 

Our neighbors above us have Christmas lights on their barn and house. Now that the leaves have fallen from the trees between us, it is a joy to see all those bright lights. Nancy was taking horse, uh leavings, to the compost pile yesterday when we were planting more tulip bulbs. Had a great time visiting and catching up. We see each other all summer but winter temps brings a little more solitude to the yards and pastures. She also gave us an invitation to help ourselves to the compost pile. Yahoo! Those tulips are going to be beautiful! 

We went to TN this morning, in the misty cold morning. Beautiful drive with a little wind but by the time we were returning the wind had died down. We were able to grab a quick lunch at Pals. If you can get in line before noon, that helps quite a bit. With the morning drizzle not too many were out looking at trees and such. 

It is kind of sad looking over toward Mary Joyce's house. Even though she had been suffering with dementia it was always comforting to see her outside with her little dog or sitting at her outdoor table with the umbrella. 

Well, the rest of the lesson needs to be finished so I better keep on moving. 

Hallmark Movie, Decaf Coffee, and The Boys

 I watched the Hallmark channel for the first time last night. A Biltmore Christmas premiered. Give me a documentary or some classic TV show and I'm a happy camper. Well, not really a camper so that would make null and void the happy camper reference, but y'all know what I mean. Let's just say, that is two hours I will never get back. I liked seeing the house, the Inn and other sights on the Estate and I like the idea of time travel, Somewhere in Time is a fav. I am too much of a realist to watch romance movies cause my brain just won't go there. Like, so the man comes to live with Lucy, not I Love Lucy, from 1947. My brain is saying, what about Social Security? He has been declared dead in 1947. How does she explain this guy all the sudden coming into her life? People will recognize him as the star cause he has not aged so what's with that. What if they break up, does he have to get that hour glass to go back or will he set out on a new adventure? Y'all it is too much. The newly acquired BFF on the tour...over the top and fake-ish type accent and although I have seen the type while on the Estate, it is just too much. I thought the best actor was the man that played the Biltmore employee. He seemed to be just what Biltmore would hire. It is always fun to see the Christmas lights at Biltmore and it was fun to watch for that reason. Dena and I would periodically text each other and now we are going to write a Biltmore screenplay based on our trips here. Roy started out thinking the same way I did, but he's a softy at heart so he was being overwhelmed with Biltmore, Christmas and love the longer he watched. He might have teared up a few times. Yes, he loves the Hallmark channel and movies. I mean have you ever had someone cut up a tomato to say I Love You on the top of your salad? Yes, I am a fortunate one. I really haven't talked with many who really liked the movie, but if you love Biltmore and love to see the Christmas decorations, it is worth the time. 

With temperatures dropping Roy has no interest in wearing shorts to go workout. He has sweatpants to wear over the shorts but he has all kinds of resistance bands, weights and the bike to keep his muscles strong. Wednesday morning the temps will be eighteen degrees and he is also letting the ASPCA know that he won't have any kitties to bring in. Yes, The Garage on the Catmore Estate is still open and this year Roy is not as ridged on rules for keeping the Catmore open. That's cause he has had a change of heart and loves The Feral Fam, especially Fido, more than he did last year. He might love them even more than me. 

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Colder type temps didn't keep me home as I set off on an adventure, well not really an adventure but fun nonetheless. Penland's in Marshall has new flannel shirts for women in stock. Saw pictures on FB and thought, yep, I be needing to make a trip over that way. I have so much fun walking around that store. So many neat things locally made as well as Carhartt clothing. So two shirts for me and one for Roy. Love going in and visiting with Georgette. I always come away with a new appreciation for the history and people of Madison County. I love learning things like this. Then over to Mars Hill for a few things. Got home and felt the welcome of Roy and The Feral Fam. I think Feral Fam was hoping for some treats and yes, they got some delicious treats. 

The day didn't start off right. When I got downstairs a hot cup of coffee was waiting for me. Took a sip and remarked how good it was and what flavor? Yes, we are flavored coffee drinkers. Roy said French Vanilla. Hmmm, the only French Vanilla we have is decaf...Ahhhhhhhhhhh! I had no early morning caffeine in me. I am much more pleasant in the mornings caffeinated than not. Quickly, we pulled out our JFG coffee, made another pot using the decaf as well. Things turned out alright, but crisis averted for a cranky Nancy all day long.  

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After a record breaking low temp yesterday, we are forecasted to be in normal temps today. We will finish planting tulips as well as put up some Christmas decorations. This week I have had two nights of interrupted sleep. That is kind of unusual these days. 

In the afternoons while studying, GMoey and Mr Mo have been joining me. They sleep and I study. Willie naps under the daybed. Yesterday, Mr Mo spent a lot of time in my lap, like he did when he was just a little kitten. The holiday season can make one sentimental and I remembered the day that Mama Cat took a swipe at him and ripped his bottom lip open. Successful surgery but he will always have a minute gap. He ran to me after that happened and as they say, the rest is history. Sometimes he is a big pain, finally experiencing peace he picks a fight with his cuzbros. I don't think he deals well that GMoey and Willie are bigger than him as he was the big one for a few months. Must be short man , I mean cat syndrome. 

This year it felt like October dragged on but November feels like a flash. Tomorrow December 1st. Pulled out Christmas and holiday clothes, which only means themed t-shirts and church clothes in the color scheme of Christmas. Not putting too many decorations out this year cause of The Boys. I know I keep writing that, but I am kind of trying to convince myself. 

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

 We are truly easing into the day. Don't have anywhere we have to be, no appointments and no last minute shopping unless Roy needs an adrenalin rush. Me, not so much. We opened The Garage on the Catmore Estate yesterday. Windy, cold and rainy, The Feral Fam need a little extra shelter. Fido is not generous in his support of his family sharing his sacred space, but he is okay with it. The littlest ones seem to love it the most and Cha Nay Nay, she is sitting pretty on the cat tower waiting for any head rubs coming her way. After Willie's exasperation over being placed in the carrier for his appointment, Roy said Willie nearly slept through the appointment. Once he got home, he slept the remainder of the morning into the late afternoon. 

Saw a picture of the Christmas windows at Macy's in NYC. Reminded me of the windows at the downtown Foley's in Houston when I was a kiddo. We would go and walk around the outside taking in all the scenes, then we would go inside and stand in line to talk with Santa. Somewhere in the years the picture that was taken, our first Christmas in Houston, of Doug and I with Santa. Doug is clearly not happy sitting on Santa's lap, crying but I was telling Santa what I would like for him to bring on Christmas morning. As neighborhood grew and malls took the place of downtown shopping, we saw Santa at Meyerland Mall and Sharpstown Mall. As an adult my favorite Santa visit was in 2013 at The Inn on the Biltmore Estate.  

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Happy Thanksgiving Morning! It is a coolish morning. Roy has gone back to sleep after getting up rather early this morning. We will have Thanksgiving supper cooked by the fine people at Southern Porch. Kind of excited to try something new. 

And we did have that delicious supper. The drive over to Canton is always beautiful and it is at this time of year we can see the first house on top of a mountain we looked at back in 2014. When the leaves fall you can see the house. We were a tad early for pick up but we weren't the first to arrive a few minutes before 3:00. I hope they do this again next year because everything is quite tasty. 

I post two pics I took while waiting for Roy to pick up and added them to FB. Truly, we are thankful for quiet Thanksgivings after years and years of chaos, stress and the like. Any holiday or celebration while growing up and even into adulthood was sabotaged by my father. I think we all kept coming around because of my mom. He was always upset about something and if he couldn't trust that something would happen out of conversations, he would stir the pot. Lots of yelling and hurt feelings many years. Other years it was the silent treatment which was almost as good as having a wonderful Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving in the rehab hospital in 2016 was not a good one either with measures beyond my control. The best part of that day was the occupational therapy person that day heard of the mix up with pain pills and the driving nature of the fill in physical therapist who wanted to look good in order to be considered full time. She did a lymphatic massage instead of the usual stuff and wow, it was an attitude changing event. 

While this is late getting posted, nonetheless, Happy Thanksgiving! Happy days of gratitude ahead and of course always in our hearts. 

Groceries, Rain and Mary Joyce

 Oh the bliss of this glorious thought, Roy loves to grocery shop. I am so happy to afford that privilege to him. Beginning in 2008 after all the heart stuff started, he did the shopping for us because for many, many months, I had no stamina. He liked doing it, nay I say, he loved doing the shopping. He is always so good to look for new things to try and even this morning, he brought home a strawberry muffin mix he thought I might like. He had been at a meeting Saturday morning with a group that assembles together at a grocery store. His friend teased him saying, your wife has you grocery shopping? Roy responded, let me get a cart. Roy was getting his Pepsi Zeros and he has been on the lookout for Biscuit Head biscuit mix. He talked to a manager and maybe soon he will be able to buy said biscuit mix that is advertised but not found in the store. 

I don't know if I have ever taught Mark 15. This past week while studying and knowing the difficulty of talking about the whole Pilate thing, with the religious leaders thing, soldier thing and the scattering of the disciples thing, I prayed a lot. Don't think I had ever noticed the translation of My God, my God, why have you forsaken me using abandoned me. Forsaken, not a word that touches me but abandon...well, that word ignites inside of me. And there it was, what the Lord led me to teach, not the excruciating physical pain of the cross but the emotions and knowledge of being abandoned by friends, strangers, those who should know better and could help, and even the women, who saw the death, burial and resurrection but sat there at a discreet distance, without hope and not understanding the resurrection. Of course His Father, as He was carrying all the weight of sin and the separation that it causes. The soldiers our of boredom in a mundane day to them, played the ancient game Kings, a board game, but used Jesus as a game piece, like the thimble in Monopoly. The sponge offered to Him on the cross...sponges were used as toilet paper back then. All this but I read a sentence from Barclays, "This is why He can understand our situation so well. That is why we need to never dear to go to Him when sin cuts us off from God. Because He has gone through it, he can help others who are going through it. There is not depth of human experience which Christ has not plumbed."

Yesterday in church, being in Acts 18, reading about Apollos, the pastor mentioned the enthusiasm or fervor that Apollos was known for in his preaching. The word fervor...in my addled ADD brain, I started thinking of blog post titles like Fervor in the Foyer, Victory in the Vestibule, Woohoo Welcome Center, Noise in the Narthex...well, you get the picture.  

I read Ann Lamott opinion in the Washington Post, only because she has the pay wall rescinded. She and I are the same age and her piece on being that age verses what we thought we knew at 33 is quite interesting. She made me think through a couple of things that should be bothering me now but they don't. Not because I have matured, well maybe, but mostly due to the fact, it is not that important to me and I need energy for other things, like gardening and such. 

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We are trying to act all normal this morning as not to tip off Willie that a Vet appointment is today. This morning in fact. He is asleep on the top of the cat tower which is much easier to get to than say under the bed. All the bedroom doors are shut upstairs to alleviate potential hiding spots. That entices GMoey and Mr Mo cause you know cats and closed doors, they want to go in and out a million times because the door is closed. ***Update*** Willie is in the carrier. I decided to go ahead and get it done cause two of us coming toward him would set off his cat Spidey sense. Willie, with the exception of play, keeps to himself mostly. He has started sitting next to us and wanting pets on his head a little more. Meanwhile GMoey is in my lap right now and has been sitting in my lap while I read in the afternoons. 

Much needed rain is covering most of the mountains this morning and hopefully that helps with the wildfires. 

JJill has not heavily invested in Christmas party clothes this year. Last year those styles dominated their winter catalogue. I told Roy at the time, this stuff will be on sale quickly cause it didn't seem like there was that much party stuff needed. Of course I live in a rural area and that is not to say we don't dress up, we do, but it isn't so much a requirement. 

My Advent and Epiphany book came yesterday, Radiant Birth. I'm excited to use it this year. The devos are done by different authors, many of them my favorite like Madeline L'Engle.  

My neighbor Mary Joyce passed away last week. She was 88 years old. When we first moved here she was glad we weren't loud young people. She loved the Feral Fam and also helped take care of them. I remember when she told me about finding Big Sissy Daddy and burying him. He was a kind cat and she was a kind friend to do that. We exchanged flower seeds as we both liked flowers. She loved that we had done with the side flowerbed and I was able to share with her the story of my grandmother and her best friend Ruthie, which has always inspired our side flowerbed. Mary Joyce reminded me of my grandmother. She didn't drive, she did her Toni treatment to her hair and once when she found some old hair dye, she decided not to waste it. She was a beautiful auburn headed lady for several months. Kind of shocked me cause she had silver white hair. When Mike the Mower Man didn't get here soon enough to her timing, she'd pull out an old push mower, just powered by Mary Joyce and cut her side yard. The past few years dementia took Mary Joyce away from us mentally. She would have loud conversations with all kinds of people who were mainly there to steal her money. Her daughter and husband live above her, a little ways up our hill. She would tell her daughter she heard people having s&x in the yard all night. I think it could have been the Feral Fam. I'll miss Mary Joyce this spring when it is time to emerge from staying inside. 

Good Comes From Delays of a Garbage Truck

 Roy caught two kittens yesterday for their field trip to the ASPCA. He is picking them up now. The cat, fix and release number diminishes each week and for this we are thankful. This is really a fun group and is second on my list of Feral Fam groups, HP's litter being my favorite. Now if we could get Cutie, that would be huge. ***update, we got a male and female in****

Yesterday was a monumental day for the contest CourtneyS and I have been playing for over ten years. I really don't know how long, but we compete for the first one to hear Merry Christmas Darling. Several years ago driving to Louisiana, I listened for MCD. Oh lots of Ray Conniff, Doris Day, Dinah Shore and Frankie, but no Carpenters. Roy and I were leaving for Sam's yesterday morning and as we got into the truck I said, this year will probably go to CourtneyS cause I'm not in the truck as much and we let the XM go on the Mustang. We were stuck behind a Waste Pro truck and no line of vision since we were at the top of a rise. Heard the chord...then Greeting cards have all been sent. Roy got my phone out for me and I called CourtneyS. She answered...noooooooooooo! It is officially Christmas now. 

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Ah Wednesday morning. Coolish and more trees are loosing leaves. Our neighbor texted this morning that an orange cat had met his demise on the road. He is not one of ours but from a colony down the road but Roy picked him up so we can give him a proper send off, although Roy said he had been dead for several hours. It is always sad but then relief overtakes because it wasn't one of ours that we claim. The orange cat is probably a distant relative. We thought that several months ago Blazey had succumbed to the road, but a couple of weeks ago, he showed up to grab a quick and I mean quick supper. He and Radley are mortal enemies but that is because of the whole tom cat thing as well as the pickings for females is slim to none. Fluff Mo dines the same way although the last few evenings both Radley and Fluff Mo have somewhat peacefully co-existed. Cha Nay Nay is trusting us a little more everyday. She came in the garage with Fido this morning. She didn't stay as long as Fido but I like that she knows we will let her out when she wants. She cannot get enough pets and scratchies from us. 

We are not considering putting up the tree this year. Willie would be too inclined to climb up every artificial limb. The decorations are ornaments my mom made for our tree a long time ago. They are cloth and I believe these too would be much too attractive to be left alone. With all the cat trees and such I don't even know if we would have room for a tree, so if I can find the little tree from two years ago, that can go up and not cause too much damage. My mom loved Christmas. She would get her tree up early every year just so she could sit nearby in a comfy chair and watch the lights. Happy, contented and if she was lucky, Kitty would take a long nap in her lap. 

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Well, I think it was seven years ago today I had bilateral knee replacements. A great decision. It came up in FB memories. It was a rough forty eight hours afterwards but once I got some blood in me and such, there was no looking back. Even the not motivated diagnosis from the hospital PT did me some good cause I got the best specialist at the rehab hospital over that missed diagnosis. I was having trouble with a floor nurse who did not want me to have that pain button machine and I have no clue why, but that got straightened out quickly once Roy came upon the scene and a call to the orthopedics' office by the pain management nurse. 

We went to TN on Friday, it is now Saturday. The trees even at the beginning of this dormant period are still spectacular. The road work isn't too bad with lanes being closed in both NC and TN. The past few days there has almost been a fragrance of spring mixed in with the favorite fragrance of fall. Almost too much for the senses. 

I have spent a lot of time this week on the lesson for Sunday. Lots of reading like always, but more contemplative. Roy has slowed down in his lessons and I think I am on the current quarterly schedule. Mark is hitting me differently than expected, just like John cause Luke hands down is my favorite. The way Mark writes, concise stories and not a lot of detail, it feels like all of the sudden we crash into Pilate and the ending of the beginning results. 

The sunrise this morning, golden. Beautiful. I best be on my way for the day.  

Dogs, Internet, Grief and Breakfast

 The morning has already provided excitement and it involves dogs. Early, early this morning I could hear dogs barking. Thought they might be above us at the horse farm, then it seemed the sound might be coming from around Josh's house. The barking was intermittent and we thought that Josh's dogs might have cornered a possum or something. When Roy went out to feed The Feral Fam, our neighbor Nancy was out there with a dog that had been part of a duet of sorts but the other dog had left. Anyway, between Josh, Roy, Nancy and me, we finally got the owner called and she came and picked up the dog. The other dog that left is hers as well but he had returned home. So throughout all of this, at one of the event facilities that seems to be cropping up around here, this weekend these two dogs plus another dog, pit bull, wrecked havoc in one of the houses used for wedding prep while the wedding was happening. I asked Roy if all the regular morning fam was in attendance for breakfast cause we've had dogs come through before and kill a few kittens. That's why we got the fence, oh and as well, decorative too. 

We arrived back into the twenty first century on Monday afternoon. Spectrum tech came, checked the signal and was able to get us reacquainted with all things internet and TV or streaming. We were kind of happy to make it back to the present and now. This week also had HVAC check up and we are set for the winter, heater-wise. Roy cleaned the water filter for the house while it is warm, so that is checked off the list as well. 

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The rain this morning is quite welcomed and it could even leave a bit more. Wild fires to the south and west of us, not close by and the fire fighters could use the extra help. Our grass could use some help as well. The frost and freeze stopped growing season for the tomatoes. We had a good veggie season this year. 

All week I have been reading and studying Mark 14. It is one of those chapters that should be approached reverently and aware of the sacred hollow ground. There is just so much in the chapter but I will narrow it down to one or two garden happenings.  Love reading everything and then pondering and meditating on meaning but with a short amount of time it is usually the words that I can get my brain around as well as my heart. 

Twelve years ago on November 8th, my mom passed into the arms of her Savior. A day doesn't go by that I think of her, but rejoicing we shall see one another again. So already with a tender heart I learned of a friend's passing on Monday. She, the sister of one of my best high school friends Marty, was away at college most of the time I was over at their house. When Roy and I joined HFBC, many years later, Vicky took the time to welcome us and help me get involved in activities. One of the first things she invited me to was the annual women's ministry retreat. Something I wouldn't normally go to unless some of my best friends were there as well and since we were new and no best friends at church, I reluctantly said yes but I told her no many, many times until I said yes. Great persuader. What a sacrifice to give up one of the four spaces in the hotel room to a moody, don't want to be here at all friend of her sister. I don't remember much of that Friday night and Saturday, but I do remember we had to dress up for the Friday night dinner. I came from work so I had on my business suit complete with Kathy Whitmire tie...if you know, you know. Don't remember who the speaker was, probably Marge Caldwell and some kind of evening extra was a fashion show. Ugh! Then we went back to our rooms and changed into comfortable clothes for the rest of the retreat. The hotel had an atrium and the next morning as I looked down to the main floor from the room, there was Beth Moore teaching aerobics to those who dared to get up early after going to bed late. At that time I thought, she should have taught the Word not aerobics. Her time was coming, paying those women retreat dues. I wish I could report that my heart was drastically changed and from then on I went to women's ministry events. I didn't. But, I will always be grateful to Beth for bringing in Bible study, not inspirational thoughts to these things and fashion shows and the like were ditched. Through the years Vicky and I served in various capacities at the church and while working there, she would come into my office for a chat or to blow off some steam. Oh yes, there can be a lot of steam blowing involved. Vicky's daughter, Catha, worked at church at the same time and we had lots of fun conversations as well, and maybe a few lunches. 

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I was just able to watch Vicky's memorial service on You Tube. Wow, every speaker and friend brought Vicky back to life in the stories and tributes. Thinking back to those long ago days of having to change cardiologists in Houston, Vicky gave me some wise advice that was tremendously helpful. 

With that tremendously helpful advice, hidden there in my mind, I had a cardiologist appointment. It is the every six month thing and I felt this appointment would be uneventful and it was. The PA reminded me he had seen me before the pandemic and I responded back, yes, I remembered him and I was happy that we both made it through. I was just about finished with the appointment before the original time scheduled. The good news is I am maintaining and haven't moved into the moderate portion of the diagnoses. I even weighed less, always a win. I've realized at my age they don't care about that too much. I also realized that the swelling in my feet and ankles is like a game where I am always trying to do better. They were rather shocked how much the swelling had reduced. Make it a game and fun, I always do better. Yesterday was misty and cool, overcast and I was anxious to get back home. I think the emotions and the grief from the week hit me once I parked the truck. I took a short nap and was in bed by 8:00 pm.  

Roy is helping fix breakfast at church this morning and bless him, he fixed eggs for us before he left. 

Roy left Fido in the garage so I better go check on him. Have a lovely Novembery day. 

Coming Back To The Twenty First Century

 The aroma of roast and veggies in the crock pot fills the downstairs with delicious goodness. It might be supper or it might be for lunch tomorrow. We shall see. Added some of the tomatoes from the garden so the taste will be extra special. 

Our plans for today did not include staying home but I had a bit of a sleepless night and a little flare up of the rash that has developed since the biopsy thing. It almost goes away and comes back with a vengeance. The prescription cream is helping and taking Benadryl is doing the job most of the time. 

The low today, twenty degrees. Wowsers! That is cold. The Garage at the Catmore Estate is full. All huddled up in the beds and makeshift places to keep kitties warm. Once it gets above freezing today, they will head outside and get the zoomies taken care of. This evening one of the little kittens let me pick her up. She was sitting on the steps by the door. We fed them outside tonight since it was a balmy 56 with sunshine. 

The last paragraph began in the morning and of course now it is evening. We have had internet or Wi-Fi problems all day. So we took a giant step back into the twentieth century and depended on books and chores to keep us moving all day long. I worked on this Sunday's lesson. All prophecy and as I tell the class, if it is prophetic I am pathetic. But after a lot of reading and research I believe a lesson can be taught that won't drag cause my brain doesn't get around a lot of these timeline things. Then, I discovered a lot of what we think is a sign of end times is just merely the first birth pangs. Each gospel has its own twists and turns. This chapter in Mark has the most red letters of any chapter in the book. I am always intrigued by the disciples and what they understood and what they didn't. So can identify. 

 Since I had that very early wake up, I took a bit of a nap this afternoon. As I laid back, after finagling part of the blanket from GMoey, my mind drifted off and that sleepy dreamy feeling took me back. I thought about my mother's brothers and families. We have totally lost touch with them and I think it has been well over fifty years since seeing any of the family. A couple of weeks ago in class, I told the story of my Aunt Mary. My Uncle Charles and she, married in 1961, this being the second marriage for both of them. My uncle's first wife had been sort of a glamour girl, but Aunt Mary? Never had I met such a woman, such a force and she scared the pewadlin out of me.  I first met her the summer between third and fourth grade while spending the summer with Grandma B. Her voice was gruff, her manner hurried. She didn't suffer fools lightly. I retreated to the couch with my face smashed into the back of it. I wouldn't turn around and had to be coerced to finally sit up to meet her but believe me I watched her every move. She was not a glamour or trophy wife. She was a machinist for Borg Warner, I think. She smoked, drank beer, and bowled in a league. I never knew any woman that did all that. She was rather short but walked halfway bent over, not due to back pain but she believed she was more aerodynamic that way and could get more things done. As each summer came and went, she didn't scare me, well as much. She wasn't anything like Aunt Joanne. She married my mom's twin brother. I think my father dated her a couple of times and then introduced my uncle to her. She was neat and proper. I knew enough not to speak until spoken to. She wasn't friendly or at least overtly friendly. She rarely came over to visit when our family was in town or I was there in the summer. One particular time I remember and my parents were there, that Doug and I were told to stay outside and play. Our presence would upset our Aunt Joanne. Later we found out that she and my Uncle had recently lost their first child an hour or so after he was born, our parents told us after the quick visit. They did have another child, a girl, but in my child mind, our aunt never was the same. Truthfully, she didn't have too far to go cause she wasn't very personable. Back to Aunt Mary, she being the total opposite of any family member. I told her story in class because this gruff, beer drinking aunt, did one of the kindest things ever. My cousin Lois had invited me to go to church camp with her, but her mom didn't believe I had the appropriate clothes for church camp. This news upset my mother something awful and truthfully, I didn't have long length shorts, at least not for a really strict church camp. Aunt Mary to the rescue. She took a day off, retrieved me from my grandma's and took me to the dime store. Back in the day dime stores had really cute clothes. Aunt Mary who was raised Catholic, but non practicing, no more knew about a Baptist camp than I knew brands of beer. She bought several outfits for camp including several peddle pusher pants now named capris, two casual dresses and then several short outfits for non camp wearing. We then headed over to the lunch counter and had a delicious dime store lunch. That whole time with her was such a delight. I never knew if Aunt Mary did this on her own or if my mom reimbursed her for the clothes. My aunt took good care of my grandma as well. Like so many, the gruff and rough ones can have a heart of gold. 

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I just came in from greeting the Feral Fam. Got them some treats and the number wanting some pets on the head are increasing. Cha Nay Nay, Fido and Beanie always are clamoring in but Coco, although close by, wouldn't let me pet her. One of the kittens let me pick her up both yesterday and today. Now that's progress.

Spectrum is coming on Monday to look at our signal. It has been really spotty if not horrible since yesterday. Wow, I had to read a book. No complaints there. I also got the lesson finished up for Sunday. So tech wise, we are getting closer to the twenty first century Wi-Fi but still living like the olden days. 

A Little Bit of This and That

 A photographer of the backroads in NC and Virginia has been in Kentucky. She took a few pictures and explained that these pictures would be considered more like vacation pictures not her usual professional ones. She added, those snapshots I didn't take are permanently etched in memories, to recall at any time. I really liked that thought and so many times, true. We cannot capture a time or memory in a photo, but oh the picture etched deep inside, priceless.

Today held a little bit of sentimentality. Roy watered his tomatoes for the last time this season. He still has green tomatoes and even a few blooms on several of his plants. Fido was out there with him as they made the rounds. Those tomatoes will be picked on Monday as our first freeze of the season happens between Tuesday and Wednesday night. Roy is already planning his next year garden and what veggie will he add to the tomatoes and bell peppers. 

This week as I have studied for Sunday, several of the stories crossing chapters 10 and 11 have had me in deep pondering and searching. Most of it will never make it into the lesson but as we pick up with the man in chapter 10 and James and John wanting to be placed in honored positions, without really knowing what they are asking, the triumphal entry, and the visits to the temple. When it all comes back to our hearts and what we are prone to do walking apart from the Lord or just thinking about ourselves...the spoiler, it is not good. I did have a humorous thought as I usually do while studying. The money changers were there because the types of money most would have wasn't allowed for purchases. Exchange. The priests or interns, I haven't a clue, tell people who have traveled a good distance for the holiday, their lamb or doves is not perfect, thus you have to purchase an approved animal or bird for said sacrifice, thus another exchange. Jesus stops the business, the tradition and ritual by clearing the temple of short cutters and those doing priestly duties, like always. This time, not exchange, but Jesus is bringing in, change. At the heart of the matter wasn't these he called, a den of robbers or thieves, but they had ensured the temple was no longer a house of prayer. Isaiah and Jeremiah wrote about this and Jesus quoted them and came to exchange the emptiness for the real, meaningful life, dare I write the abundant life. I am also realizing that the unexpected is fully in evidence but has to be explored. 

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Tuesday morning and Roy has taken one of the larger kittens to the ASPCA for life changing surgery. We are hoping he weighs enough. Last night, in preparation for the next few very brrrr cold nights, we let The Feral Fam in the garage. Have several places fixed up for them and this morning it looks like they took advantage of the added warmth. They will really need it tonight. We will be in the mid twenties. Yesterday, we weather proofed the faucets and got the rest of the dead flowers pulled up. The AC/heater man was to come here today for the winter tune up but they had to reschedule for next week. That has worked out better for us time-wise. 

Sunday night, 5th Sunday fellowship. Lots of delicious food that is for sure. Great conversations and laughs. 

The Garage at the Catmore Estate is booking up quickly. Two kittens, several bigger cats and our group that lets us pet them are enjoying the comfy confines of the garage. Fido was a bit jealous at first that the fam had been invited in but some personal attention by Roy made up for any slight that Fido felt.

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Roy has gone to pick up the cat from the ASPCA. Last night Roy went out to the garage to check on the kiddos for the night and Radley was eating his late dinner. The garage was his stomping grounds as a kitten and a young cat. His presence scares off a few so hopefully he just ate and ran. This morning everyone was ready for breakfast. It is pretty dang chilly out there. So glad they trust ( a few) and kind of trust us to know they will be taken care of. Yesterday, Roy told me the sweetest thing. A few times Roy has been asked to volunteer for things at church and he knows that it will put a bit of a strain on me if left with all the cat care duties. Many times he will tell the person who has asked him to participate that part of the no is due to the Feral Fam or The Boys. Someone once said, just forget about those cats. Roy then told me, I can't forget about the cats because I love you. I do it for you. Y'all, that just about melted me. Although, he favors a few of those Feral Fam and loves The Boys. I was doing good back in the day to take care of Buddy and my Feral Fam friends, and a few enemies. 

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Better wrap up for now. We punted on our original plans for the day. Hopefully, we will both get done what we have on our agendas of studying and Roy finishing up his homework for CBS. 

Success, Watched Over and Boxes

 Success came this morning as Roy captured two kittens for the trip to the ASPCA. He has been working all week getting them comfortable to eat in the carriers. Our Feral Fam is getting less and less fruitful and for this we give thanks. Cha-Nay Nay still wants pets and time in my lap so that is a good thing. Coco is still in the consideration stage. 

For a little over a month now something has been weighing on me and that something was wrong with our well. The flow of water ebbed, fast to slow. I asked Roy is he had noticed the water pressure being lower and the ebb and flow thing. He thought the pressure was just low in the kitchen. I wanted us to get it checked out but he said he thought it was nothing. In my heart of hearts, I thought it was something but quit saying anything about it after a bit. Now, I would like to say that I specifically prayed about this situation, but I do believe it was a subset under a larger heading, to give us wisdom and to give thanks. Saturday afternoon, we were pulling up dead flowers when a water well service truck came up our road. He was looking for a particular address but while he was talking with us I decided to ask him about the ebb and flow situation. He was very frank and serious when he said, y'all really need to take care of that. Not a good situation at all for the pump and burning out the electrical unit. I asked, if he could look at it after taking care of the problem at the address he was looking for. He and Roy went to the crawl space...ugh...and looked. He said he had all we needed on his truck and he would come back if he had time. He left and Roy sheepishly looked at me and said, wow, his wandering led him straight to us. I said, he is an answer to subset 7 prayer under wisdom and watchkeeping. The problem at the neighbor's well was a plumbing issue so he was able to work us in. I might have done a little praise dance in the front yard. He got it all installed and changed out the electrical unit. PTL! May I say the water pressure has never been so good as we've had since the repair. Another plus, our well part under the fake rock is very well insulated. 

Our day began rather early yesterday. We had a number of errands to run and we decided we would run them in the most scenic way. The colors, bright and beautiful. The traffic not even bad. The morning quite foggy in places but even the fog nestled in the valleys brought a splendor to recognize and take it in. One of our stops was Johnson City. It has been a while since we headed any farther than Unicoi. Unintentionally, we seem to be doing a Sam's Club tour. The one in Johnson City is chaotic to say the least. Got what we came for and self checked ourselves out of the building. We rewarded ourselves with a lunch from Pals. Such a beautiful day and such beautiful sights, well except for the Sam's parking lot. 

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The kittens that went to the ASPCA were just a tad bit under weight, so they came home. The good thing out of the trip is that the scheduling person helped Roy and after their conversation, gave him more dates to bring the Feral Family. The trip wasn't totally nonproductive. 

I spent a good part of yesterday reading and studying for Sunday. One person wrote that the first ten chapters of Mark are like an introduction to the book and finally at chapter 11, the beginning of the message happens. We just studied the triumphant entry into Jerusalem or at least it seems that way cause we took two quarters to study John. The fig tree is the hard part to ponder through. Then Jesus speaks of forgiveness while standing in prayer.  I read a great example how bitterness and hurt hinders prayer. What does one do to not harbor bitterness or if you sense bitterness from another person, what happens when one doesn't have a clue why the other is upset? Makes an awkwardness for sure. 

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Well, we had another go with the panic alarm on the house only this time it was not my fault nor was it any cat that pushed the button. This time though, even though I was panicking trying to get the notification not be sent to EMS,  I got it done with 1:35 left on the clock. Roy called in to the security office and made sure we had done it correctly. I now live in fear we will lose our security alarm privileges if we do not use our time and security wisely. 

This morning a surprise phone call from CourtneyS... just improved a good morning. We have that running storyline that seems to only interest us on being the first each Christmas season to hear, Merry Christmas Darling, then call to report the first by singing the lines. I get the better end of the deal since she has a beautiful voice. That is how she opened the call, but quickly said, no not really. Whew! What a great conversation covering all the importance of HomeStar Runner, and of course Teen Girl Squad! She called to let me know there is a revival of box emails at HFBC. Although I noticed, no good and sturdy boxes were mentioned. CourtneyS... must mentor new staff on proper box email etiquette. Don't forget the all important closure knowing the boxes, both sturdy or flimsy, the need to know they found a good home is supreme!

Ponderings Of The Feral Fam, The Boys and Life

 Just a few minutes before dawn. We await the sunlight to go out and feed The Feral Fam. The Boys have been fed and this morning being a relatively quiet one with not one massive chase scene from downstairs to upstairs to under a few beds with the return downstairs for a brief moment, then back to the chase. These Boys are focused, that's for sure. GMoey is on the quilt, Mr Mo is on top of one of the living room chairs and Willie is on the bench, at the bay window waiting for light to see if any of the cuzbros are stirring. 

Yesterday, Roy had his first dental appointment to take care of crowning, once again, two teeth. At least they are on the same side of his mouth. We had a soft lunch and then headed over to the Publix for that five percent discount, wisdom discount, for us older folks. Mornings are not so bad on Wednesdays but by afternoon the Publix is filled with us older types. Some types are older acting than others. I chuckled at a friend's FB post. She and her husband accidently wore the same color and style of shirt. She went to Bible study, then hurried home to pick up her husband for an eye doctor appointment. No time to change clothes but I laughed when she shared she made mention that they were NOT one of those couples who dressed alike. There seems to be some core principle in us to explain to younger people, we are not trying to act old on purpose. Which probably just emphasizes, yes we are old (ish.)  So, let's see, where was I? Oh yes, the exciting times of Publix. While there, I picked up some meds prescribed by the dermatologist. I used the cream last night on my leg and this morning there is already a significant difference in this month long rash. Yes, once again I am proving that I am a card carrying older type, but not an AARP member. I just talked about doctor visits and meds and health wise, the emphasis on what is said or prescribed by a doctor overtakes our personality. 

Well, The Feral Fam is trying to play soccer this morning with a gray with pink feet vole. They don't eat them cause they make them sick to their stomachs, thus it becomes an amusement. One of the Quads has it and he is not sharing. Over the years we've had more black cats with a little tuft of white on their chests, some born into the family and a couple of them dropped or abandoned by our home. So we just name them all Quad cause there are so many. The kittens are asleep in the big flower pot bucket and Cha-Nay Nay is keeping an eye on the vole. Update- they left the vole right at the back door as a thank you. Oh the generous Feral Fam. 

Chanel, aka Cha-Nay Nay, is certainly taking a turn from totally wild feral cat to one who while cautious is becoming more trusting of us. She actively looks for me when I'm outside hoping for some pets and love. She is about the size of Buddy. The Boys are all big cats and weigh a lot more than we were used to. Beanie and Fido are certainly helping with this effort but now Beanie doesn't want to share time with Chanel. Toupee has returned to her default setting, cranky. She gets her own bowl away from the others due to the fact she is constantly trying to pick a fight with her family. The kittens are growing up so quickly we won't be able to call them kittens much longer. These cooler temps have made them that more playful and it always pulls me away from what needs to be done. 

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Today, Friday, is forecasted to be a rainy day. We sure can use some rain around here. Hopefully we receive enough to plant some tulip and daffodil bulbs this weekend. Helps when the ground cooperates. One thing we have taken note of, for the past few summers we have used plastic swimming pools to plant annuals. We take the used dirt and spread it around other flowerbeds. This year we didn't use the pools as much cause we added five raised beds. We will get the pools cleaned out and bring them in the garage to use for beds when the temps drop and The Feral Fam comes to the garage for a little more warmth. 

Had such a fun lunch with two friends from Houston, Charlie and Marilyn. We attended the same Sunday School class. They are two of the original Three Amigos. They have been up this way in their RV for the past few months. Lots of fun seeing them and lots of fun introducing them to Blue Rooster. 

The fog is rolling in again this morning. Doesn't look to be as thick as other mornings this week. It hangs around a little longer in our valley. While driving over to Clyde the tree branches making that canopy of color was overwhelming, in a good way. I slowed down to glance at some cows grazing along the fence with all the colorful trees and grass behind them. I looked up to see behind me a guy in a white truck who was not all that mesmerized by the season. As soon as I could, I pulled over to let him speed away and speed away he did. For some reason yesterday, the barns along the road got more attention than normal. I got to thinking about all the history both agricultural as well as family history. A lot of the barns at some time became tobacco barns and none of them have any paint or color to them. There also several fields of pumpkins that mostly have been harvested but there were a few in the garden with lots of broken pumpkin pieces scattered about. Just look at all that autumn stuff the guy in the truck missed. 

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Saturday morning. Roy has gone to a breakfast meeting and then work day at church. Me and The Boys, well they are napping, kind of and I am easing into the day. Need to finish up the lesson for tomorrow and do a few things around here. Although, continued easing into the day is quite nice at this moment. 

For a little bit I had the Astro game on as background, not really paying attention while working a couple of projects. I was upstairs and checked in on the game via phone and what? The Astros won! And in a dramatic way, which is not so unusual. 

I am still pondering the term purposeful abandonment. The whole word abandon or abandonment doesn't sit well with me because for years that fear held me captive. Oh those childhood traumas that stay with us but at least it doesn't feel too clingy now. The other pondering of the week is the world of Pharisees trying to trap or trick Jesus by their questions or following He and the disciples around to find them breaking one of their many, many rules. Some times and in different seasons of life there are those who dog your steps trying to find something to exploit or there are those who have questions to trap you in a word jail. I've written before that I grew up thinking everything had the possibility of being a secret test. Those secret tests of my father...well, no one ever passed a secret test, well except for him. One time a family friend of my parents said to me, I was in high school, I think I know what is going on at your house but I don't know what to do about it. Well, I didn't take the bait because this was probably a secret test put in place to see how I would respond. I responded with a half smile and said thank you. I was so groomed by him. Ever once in a while, I will think something is a secret test, but dang the test giver has been gone since 2017. 

 

Purposeful Abandonment is Not Quiet Quitting

 It is that anniversary of closing on this house that truly brings out the thankfulness in me each year around this time. Well, there is also the cool temps and the leaves really beginning to pop color. It is truly one of the best times of the year. When we would come up here for Thanksgiving, we marveled at the remaining colors on the trees. People would say, you should have seen this place in October but being from the flatlands and fall days nearly nonexistent, we were thankful for those drab leaves with specks of a fall color scheme. 

Roy said to me the other day, something to the effect, I'm really proud of you. You are living out your dream. I thought he meant marrying him, cause we were laughing and joking around. While that is true, he was referring to moving here, taking chances and finding joy in the decision. Before breakfast this morning I just happened upon an article, "Purposeful Abandonment." It is a business article but the first paragraph speaks volumes to every area of life. 

"You won't grow until you purposely abandon what holds you back. 

Your attitudes, behaviors, abilities, and opportunities are responsible for where you are today, for the person you have become." Dan Rockwell

Roy told me I needed to give this experiment, five years. I knew in year one it was the best decision of recent years. Basically, I felt like a prisoner, even beyond the heat keeping me inside most of the time in Houston. Building a house gave more freedom to move and exist for awhile and Community Bible Study gave the opportunity to serve. On the way home from one of our trips here, in our tourist years, Roy observed the difference in energy levels and interest in life and posed the question to me of buying a condo to get away from Houston and all the chains that bound me, to be up here for at least six to seven months a year. That wasn't difficult to respond to but by the time we got home, he decided that we should look for a house because he wanted to retire to the mountains. He also added it would be better for me to devote time living here rather than commuting. Thus the adventure started. The stuff that might hold me to Houston out of a sense of duty had been severed, my father had dissolved our ties legally and thus in the papers declared he would not accept help or advice from us. No speaking on his behalf. That had started in 2012 and we were talking about moving in 2013. Through the grapevine I heard that several of the usual gossipers at church or the ones who liked to be in the know, stated we were having problems and this was the beginning of the ending process. Nothing could have been farther from the truth. One brave soul (maybe not brave), a church friend in name or description only asked directly if this be so. Uh no. I reminded her while she was schlepping five kiddos to practices, sports and various other activities,  Roy and I had a lot more early years of marriage time. I even worked and traveled with him for several years.  If she put pencil to paper and used some math, the equivalent that she and her husband spent together might just even out. Through those years when I was here alone, we talked and texted everyday, several times a day. Our evening conversations were meaningful and not done in by small talk or trivialities. Yep, leaving the sure thing of what I knew. I wouldn't call the journey Abraham-esk but it certainly a journey of faith. The kindness and faithfulness of God just overwhelms me. So I'm thinking and thanking for those changes that have brought increased fulfillment. This also includes the timely visit from my friend Carole that helped me move forward even though I was already here. While she was here, she asked why I wasn't teaching a class and I told her I had laid that at the foot of the cross, because it had become fairly obvious in Houston, that wasn't going to happen. I'll never forget she said, well, I am going to ask the Lord to show you it is time to pick it back up. That evening, at a fifth Sunday fellowship, the assistant teacher, Judy, asked if I would like to teach every third Sunday. Later Carole said to me, I didn't even get to pray about this and the Lord moved. I love that story. Great reminder of waiting and timing when it comes to the Lord. Now, I am teaching full time, love The Joy Class!

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Went for my follow up appointment yesterday. The biopsy spot looks great but the conclusion all the other problems I've been experiencing is probably due to being allergic to some of the prep materials. Picking up some meds today that will help alleviate the pain and itching. After my appointment we went to the Hendersonville Sam's. It is lighter and brighter and bigger than our Sam's. More choices but checking out, only one regular lane open, so Roy self checked our stuff. He was awarded most efficient scanner for the day, being like an employee and all. One lady, I felt so sorry for her, she just wasn't getting this process and it began with how she scanned her Sam's card. The big purchase of the day, Fancy Feast cat food. Great price and not at our home Sam's. Since we were so close and since I hardly if ever get these, we stopped at the Jack in the Box for tacos. Yes, I am aware I wrote this sentence right after writing about cat food...the contents of Jack tacos...unknown. They were so good! 

Upon arriving home, we were greeted by very hungry cats, both inside and out. 

The Colorful Season

 Early Friday morning and up before sunrise. Willie has joined me at the computer although he tired quickly of supervising and is now napping. It is another very foggy morning. Think this is the worst fog year that I can remember since living here. 

Bible study was good last night, although Dr Jeremiah cut off before the CD ended. That just gave us a little more fellowship time. We have no trouble fellowshiping, laughing, talking and praying. We all had a great laugh that I as a former flatlander, don't always know when we are going over a mountain. I told them about the first two houses we looked at in 2014 and one of the kind of but not set in stone requirements, to be on top of a mountain. Oh foolish flatlander! At least it only took two houses for me to come to my senses. 

The ALDS is all Texas. We root for the Astros but we have some friends that root for that other Texas team. Don't think this is the matchup that TV wanted but it will be fun for those, "deep in the heart of Texas." 

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Not always a fan of the early morning rise, but this morning I kind of welcomed it. Last night right before falling asleep I learned of the passing of my friend's father. Beth and I were in 6th grade together but we became friends in high school. Her home and her parents were quite the respite for me. Her father, Bob, had such a great laugh and both he and her mom, especially her mom, made me feel welcomed. I loved spending time there cause we all laughed quite a bit. My first experience of eating Chinese food, not only first for that but the first for eating it in downtown Houston. Bob was an avid, AVID golfer and sportsman. Years ago, Peggy and I did a Mildred and Gertrude thing at Willow Meadows Baptist, the church that I began attending in 1971 that had a tremendous impact on me. Laid a great foundation as I have journeyed this life. We were asked by a Sunday School class and I was thrilled that Bob and Rita were a part of that class. I think this might have been one of the only times we stepped away from anything "blue" in our act. We did this cause I knew Bob and there is a great joke. We named three other golfing buddies from the class and told the joke about four men wanting to play golf on Christmas morning. Three of the men had to give expensive gifts to their wives to have the privilege. The fourth man, who we made Bob, says it didn't cost me anything. He told them on Christmas morning he leaned over to his wife and said, golf course or intercourse? The response from the wife is, be sure and take your sweater. That got a lot of laughs. I will also tell you at that same deal, an older man came up to me and said, do you see these tears? These are the first happy tears I have cried in weeks. My wife died and I wasn't going to come to the fellowship tonight because she loved them and it would just remind me she is with the Lord. But I came and I am so glad I did, you made me laugh and have joy. Thank you! From that point on in my heart, M&G always had a ministry feeling about it. 

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It's snowing along the NC/TN mountains. The Parkway in Haywood County is getting snow too. We won't, lower elevation but within the precipitation, you can find of feel a snow feeling. This morning the skies were that cold, hard gray snow sky. We dropped the Mustang off for a replacement part and then I dropped Roy off at his workout. I made a trip to Big Lots and Tractor Supply, with a last stop before Publix at Ingles. Please, please do not be jealous of my wild ways and the things I get to do. Roy met me at Publix, we grabbed some of his dinners and we headed home. Andrew was here cutting shrubs and bushes for the winter. Mike had also been here fertilizing the front yard. We grabbed a quick lunch and headed out the door for Marshall. We went to the tag office and there wasn't a line, no one parked in front...we didn't know what to do. The two ladies who work there continued their conversations and finally one said, come on up to the window. I promise you, we must have looked like deer in the headlights. Our next stop, Lowe's. While there, we got the call that the Mustang was ready. So, off to get the car and return home. What is so wonderful is that in this dreary misty day, the trees, beautiful against the steel gray of the sky. 

The trees across the way are turning colorful after this little bit of a cold snap. Really, the fall sunlight is a little different adding the colorful hues in golden light. Fall sunlight is also a huge problem while driving southeast in the morning. There isn't a visor shaped to curtail the brightness. 

As I try and figure out this reaction to the bandages on my leg, I thought I had come up with a clever innovation. I did not. All I will say is that when the cloth tape snapped it felt like something running over my ankle and of course my thought is, a mouse. Totally woke me up but I was relieved to see my innovation was a failure but I wasn't too upset about that. 

Carts and Queso and Other Observations

 This morning the victory of helping The Feral Fam is, Roy caught Spot, Fido's brother. He named him Spot because he has a dark nose and that is about the only way you can tell the two apart. Their markings are identical. Radley has one less competitor to chase about.

The traffic yesterday, at just about any time of the day, was challenging and sometimes just downright horrible. We had to go a much different route for Roy's bloodwork appointment and once we conquered the first round from the backup of a wreck, we also encountered a few backups on the freeway. Roy got his blood drawn and we went for a delicious breakfast. Hit the road again on our way to the Costco. Lots of road and bridge work. We finally arrived and got to shopping. Rarely do we go to Costco on a Monday and just the amount of people reminded us why. Roy found some deals on fleece jackets. I'm pretty set with flannel shirts and such, so nothing really appealed to me. We got some good deals on other necessities and such. I wasn't hungry after a huge breakfast, but Roy was so he got a hot dog meal and I got a strawberry sundae. Traffic on the way home due to construction which is progress but sometimes in the midst of it, one is only able to think of the immediate. Thinking back on our day, it came to mind last night that maybe something had been going on at the gas pumps there at Costco. Most people are patient in line and if a vehicle finishes at pump 1 before pump 2, most just wait till both clear and the next two cars pull up. That was not the case yesterday. A car pulled in and backed up to the pump, a little too close to us. The truck behind us moved in very close. The attendant came over and stood watch with his radio in his hand. The truck behind moved back away from us when the attendant drew near. We finished up but the guy in front of us had not. The attendant directed us out of our spot, thank goodness for the open lane at the ends of the station. I don't know if the thought of assault or robbery was in the attendant's mind or just aggravated that the guy kind of broke protocol. It is a good reminder to always be alert. 

I felt like I did my queso duty on Friday at a produce stand. We buy the medium salsa that Lou Lou cans. It is delicious and can be used in other food prep. We like it for our sauce that we make for spaghetti. A lady who works there started talking to me about the salsa and I shared with her how good it is for making queso. With a questioning look from her I said, cheese dip. Even the Mexican restaurants call it cheese dip here. So I gave her the recipe and I think she will like it the next time she has chips and dips, I mean cheese dip. 

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Roy got his bloodwork back and there is improvement in the areas of concern. We will rejoice at that good news. To celebrate after getting our haircut, we went grocery shopping. In all truthfulness, we would have gone grocery shopping whether he had his results or not. The music in the store was particularly good yesterday. While we were shopping in the cleaners and laundry aisle I heard a muted guitar rift. Muted cause we old people were filling that aisle and a lot of loud talking going on. Roy and I were in deep discussion if we needed to get a new Swifter handle, yes I know, we are such a wild, fun-loving couple. I had the extender Swifter in my hand to place in the cart (buggy.) I can't call it buggy yet since it is the description of choice for what you push up and down the aisles here. The muted guitar rift, so familiar to me...Bryan Adams and Tina Turner's duet of It's Only Love. Yes, right there in the Publix I played the Swifter guitar complete with the choreography. Did some Tina dance steps in response to Bryan Adam's part. Better than embarrassing Roy was this, I made a young person smile, really smile. I choose to think that she thought, I hope I am this rocking when I am 69 years old not the thought of some old lady was dancing, playing a guitar while having a stroke. In the past I have written that it is all I can do to not dance to Fame, which is played quite a bit around here but I could not refrain from Tina and Bryan. 

The color of the trees along our everyday roads are so beautiful. Full of color and red is truly popping. Roy harvested the last of his tomatoes on Saturday although he said some still have blooms. It was a very good tomato season for us and since this was our first attempt at bell peppers, I think that was good too. We pulled up the sunflowers and cosmos. Next up zinnias. 

After being gone a good portion of the day and coming home to an empty downstairs, The Boys, I went upstairs to see where they might be. All three were asleep on the daybed in the front bedroom. I was able to grab a pic. 

Fixage, Fido and Coffee

 Stories of fog lying low in the "ber" months is telling of whether winter will be cold and wet or mild and wet. Always count the fogs in August but, you know, old wives tales are scientific in their approach. There is the wooly worm to watch for signs as well as the inside of persimmon seeds, but only after the first frost. The first frost should arrive in the next few weeks. Loads of acorns? Lots of winter. The sign of high hornet nests can be indicative of mild or bad winters. Each day the leaves turn a little more colorful and the evenings hold a crispness. Flannel days are so close by. Just about have all the summer clothes put away and now picking out transeasonal clothing, that keeps you comfortable in the cool mornings but not burning up by afternoon. I once saw this term transeasonal merchandise at Lowe's many years ago. Not winter not spring, so here are some cute things to keep you occupied while you hibernate except for the occasional trips to Lowe's. 

Success! We caught a female cat yesterday! Chicky is a girl. Chicky is a scaredy cat. Thus the name. Fido waited all evening at the top of the driveway waiting for Roy to return from deacon's meeting. They went longer than normal so when Roy texted he was on the way home, I went out there to distract Fido because in the dark I don't think Roy would have seen him in the camera. Glad I did cause Roy didn't see him and Fido will stand his ground. 

We made a trip to Sam's. They had cat food back in stock, Diet Cokes with good dates, and my very favorite soup of the season, pumpkin butternut squash. I had noticed online that the hair products I use and rarely find at local stores, only online or salons, being offered at a great price for the shampoo and conditioner. I was so happy to find two packages. I have always been an easy touch for hair products but since it was recommended by my previous salon, I am firmly ensconced with its usage. After Sam's we went to pick up Mustang Sam and keep him around until the part that Tommy ordered comes in. 

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A development I hadn't expected has developed from the mole biopsy. I think it must have damaged some nerves because I am experiencing a lot of nerve pain off and on. The best thing so far in combating the pain, Bio Freeze. The last few nights I have had to get up and pay attention to the pain and while the night time wake up is exhausting, the good thing is, yes, Bio Freeze. Got a locally made balm too. It helps from keeping my skin drying out too much in this whole process. 

This whole coffee issue at churches is amusing to me. When Houston's First Baptist opened the new building thirty or forty years ago, the debate was whether coffee could be served in the Sunday School rooms. Spilt coffee on new carpet is in the list of seven deadly sins. Then about twenty years ago the coffee culture overflowed into First Baptist. It was the cool thing, carpet be danged! I always wondered who wanted beige carpeting in the entrance of the west side of the church. I think now it is engineered flooring. The staff at that time, we were all into the third place reference made by Starbucks. We wanted church to be the third place, after home and work. So, you know sitting in the lobby, narthex, vestibule, or welcome center of a church is where one would love to hang out all the time. It was a good concept except the bookstore, which provided delicious coffee had weird hours. I miss the intestinal couch that was there for years. Now John Piper has gotten into the out of date coffee debate. In a lot of churches coffee is a given and not a theological debate. I love how a few black pastors and leaders in black churches have put the debate into a truth reality realm. If one is actively involved in worship one cannot hold a coffee cup. 

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Roy had his first experience of a Feral Fam member not show up for two meals. It was Fido. He was not at supper or yesterday morning's breakfast. I was getting a little worried. Radley is a big meanie right now cause there are no women for him, well you know what I mean, no female cats available. We are down to just Cutie and Camo when she comes around. He keeps the non fixed males scared cause he chases them, hounds them and fights with them for his fast disappearing harem. Fluff Mo gets the worst of it right now. Sadly, Radley...uh sorry rhyme, chased Blazey right into the road and you can probably guess that ending. So, I am thinking Radley has caused him to hide or run. Late yesterday afternoon Roy had gone out to see if he could find Fido and yes, that trip was successful. Fido had gotten into the truck when Roy was unloading stuff and he missed being detected. Roy opened the truck last night to put a hat in the backseat. Out came Fido. Thirsty, hungry Fido. He was sleeping on some of the blankets Roy uses to cover the carriers when he takes The Feral Fam for a fixage. Y'all, he used another blanket as his bathroom and he didn't tear up the truck trying to get out. The closest thing to that is he was able to get the movable vent on the top of the dash off, but that was it. Even The Boys wouldn't have been that well behaved. My goodness, I am so happy Roy found him. Fido got a long time at the water bowl and Roy fed him and let him have as much as he wanted. The fact that Fido still wanted to hang around us and be petted by us says a lot. Most cats think you have it out for them and keep their distance at least for several days. Roy has started letting him in the garage when he is in there and we will work our way up to the back porch with the screen door so that they can get to know one another slowly but surely. 

I need to wrap this up, so I will and begin anew tomorrow. 

 

Going Into Fall Without A Fall

 Good morning from the mountains. The Feral Fam is having breakfast and our picky eating Boys inside the house decided turkey was a good choice for breakfast. This is a calm morning for The Boys and seem to be getting along. The calming chews are helping. Willie will soon be a year old. 

There was a bit of excitement around here on Tuesday. My neighbor Nancy called and said the little boy that we found on our porch last year, was missing. She was on her way home to help search for him and would we help as well. Roy wasn't here but I said yes, of course. Got my muck boots on and grabbed a flashlight to look under both of our porches. I began in our side yard and looked all around for him, calling him by name. Saw the dad and we was beside himself. Told him his son would be alright and I was getting ready to go across the street to see if maybe by some horrible chance, he has crossed over to see the houses being built. The little boy is four. We also have a junk house over to the right of us on the road. Lots of junk for a little boy to wander through and very dangerous. As EMS and sheriffs arrived, we all were focused on the same thing. Our neighbor Nancy arrived home and got out on her ATV to check all around their property. She found him in the upper pasture trying to feed her horses. Horses not too keen on a little one and a stranger trying to feed them. What a reunion when she brought him down to his dad. Meanwhile the mom pulled into our driveway, she'd been at work. She gave me the biggest hug and she was crying. I talked with her a few minutes and was able to share with her that our Sunday School class was praying for her little boy. Y'all, that is the first time I met her other just waving when we are in our cars. While sheriffs, EMS and the like showed up I hoped none of them had been to our house when I accidently pressed the panic alarm several months ago. Neighbor Nancy said she didn't recognize any of them. What a relief! 

Another exciting incident happened on Wednesday. A car going way too fast hit a curve wrong and ended up plowing into a house along side the road. Another reason not to live on top of these roads. The car was amped up, or in my vernacular, a hot rod, with bald tires. The guy wasn't wearing a seatbelt and heard through the grapevine he broke both of his legs. Grapevine update, he broke a hip and arm. We could see the ambulance and sheriff lights. 

One other exciting happening, but it depends on how you look at it, Cutie is teaching her kittens about hunting. She brought back a field mouse for one of them and he had a hay day with that thing until he and his siblings ate it. I am so grateful that they are not grateful and decided to leave the carcass at the backdoor. 

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Friday, with such great sales at Food City, we went back over the mountains into TN. Made a quick stop at Walmart beforehand. We shopped and it was early enough before the lunch rush to stop at PALS. They maybe famous for their hot dogs but the burgers are what we go for. Delicious! 

We visited Inez and Cuman on Saturday and had a great visit with them. She will soon be back in racing form. 

Roy caught two of the Feral Fam this morning, only one of them has already been there. He is hoping the staff can help separate the two and he'll bring Archie back home. Chicky, named because he or she is the biggest chicken, will come home tomorrow. We have no clue whether Chicky is a boy or girl but be that as it may, it needs this life changing procedure. We are intent on getting Remy in and he will be the last sibling from that litter. Fluff Mo needs to go so Radley will stop making his life so miserable. Then the four kittens and Cutie. We hate to take those kittens in to the shelter because it is October and October is not safe for black cats. 

Last night after feeding The Feral Fam, I sat on a rock, my usual spot, and watched the kitties eat. The ants usually don't bother me there but several got into my boot and had a feast on biting my feet, right one especially. Right leg is still healing from biopsy. I noticed more than usual swelling around my ankle and at 1:00 am I made the discovery of the ant bites; pain, itchy and swollen. Vicks to the rescue and it took the itchiness away. This morning, still dealing with the after affects of ant bites, certain ant bites I'm allergic to. These not so much. I don't think my foot would fit in a boot or shoe this morning. 

I am not following along with the quarterly right now in teaching. We were in Mark 4 yesterday and we didn't get through the lesson, so we will begin there next Sunday and might or might not catch up. It seems some very important basics have not been covered. So many times Lifeway puzzles me but the material is much better than in the past. 

This morning I opened a can of biscuits to go with breakfast. We hadn't tried the honey that our neighbor gave us from their bees. Oh my, so delicious! Just so good!

The pot roast is fragrantly covering our home while it cooks in the crock pot. When Roy gets home we will have a delicious lunch. Taco soup last week and pot roast this week, our tastes are transitioning into autumnal tastes. 

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

 My summer vacation isn't really a vacation anymore, you know retired and all. But, if I had to write a paper for what I did this summer, I think the one thing that would take first place is, malignant melanoma. 

The end of June I went for my regular check up, botched the Medicare test by only remembering two out of three words and asked the doctor to look at this mole on my right leg. He did and said they would schedule an appointment for me in their office to have a biopsy done. That wouldn't happen until July 31st. Another doctor in the practice did it and all one can do is wait for the results. So, I got a copy of the results before the doctor or someone from the practice called with results. In the midst of medical jargon and medical word salad, the only two words I truly understood was malignant melanoma. So two days went by, no word of explanation. I texted a copy of the report to my Nurse Niece in Houston. She is so smart and working on her masters from...this is hard to write...Texas A&M. Whoops! She called me back and agreed a lot of medial words but basically she said, don't blow this off, you need to have it looked at. So, I went to the patient portal and asked the doctor what did this report mean? It was Friday night and wrote it truly thinking she would get back to me on Monday. Meanwhile, Dr Google scared the pee wadeling out of me. The doctor responded on Saturday morning and she put in a referral to a dermatologist office. The doctor explained that it was melanoma and the margins weren't clear. It needed to be examined more thoroughly and there were a few uncommon issues associated with it.  Long story boring...I got in to see the derma doctor, got another appointment to cut out the rest of the mole and send it off for testing. 

All I know is it looks like a round bullet hole from a musket during the Revolutionary War for independence from England. I felt like I should check to see if there were any reenactments going on around here. I could be wounded civilian number 3. Due to the fact I have to keep this covered for several weeks, I couldn't risk it.  Last Friday, the report was good news, they got all the melanoma and just continue doing what they told me to do. I go back in October for a follow up. Now, to keep watch over my moles by night so that suddenly a mole doesn't change because, usually after they find one another one develops in a few months. 

The recovery is tedious at times. Detailed instructions of how to clean and bandage the wound for the next few weeks. For the first time, I had a reaction to the latex or the adhesive they put over the wound. Rash and especially at night...I so wanted to scratch it. One night I got up late into the morning and rubbed Vicks all over the rash part. It worked and took away the itch that could not be scratched. Last night was the first night that the rash didn't bother me and it is beginning to disappear. 

I was thinking about the various health adventures throughout my life. Most of them I could do something, make muscles stronger, watch what I eat, exercise and all that good stuff. There have been several times though, there wasn't one thing I could do about the issue adventure. Like when I had surgery and they wouldn't know until after they removed the tumor if it was benign or malignant. It was benign. Whew! This past adventure was one of those experiences of not being able to do something while I waited. Well, there was something and that was to pray and honestly that is the best thing. Once the health issue was explained to me in simple terms, I had a peace about it all. Not anxious but ready to get on the road of it healing up. I was so happy to hear from friends of their experiences and it helped but I heard a few stories that tempted me to go back to Dr Google. So glad I resisted temptation. I have finished up the antibiotics tonight. One thing checked off the list.  

Another thing that I realize, I have had several comebacks health wise. I have lived past the opinion if I was lucky, I'd survive ten years after my heart virus but they gave me really five years. I am going on fifteen years, PTL! But one day, I will not have the recovery I would hope for but while I can still walk about and even with failing remembering all three Medicare words, My Sunday School class has been a huge encouragers and have prayed me through. Oh the joy of The Joy Class. 

There are so many going through so much more but I write to process my thoughts, emotions but most of my faith. Also to encourage, no matter what, God is with us and He loves us. 

Autumnal Greetings!

 Autumn is officially here on Saturday but there are hints of the soon and welcomed arrival with the proof being cooler temps, lovely fall leaves and the fragrance of the fireplaces intermixed with the fragrance of fresh cut hay. Fall is my favorite season of the year. In Houston, we might have a fallish type day along with winter and summer, all showing up on the same day. You have to make fall in Houston with decor and lots of gourds, squash and pumpkins scattered about on those little concrete front porches that are no more than an attractive overhand from the roof. While our hints of fall become more numerous as the days go by, the consciousness of winter not being too far behind gets pushed to the back of our brain and we enjoy the countryside awash with those orange, reds and yellows. Hay waiting to be loaded dots the landscape and the maple trees are turning more autumnal as the days go by. Across and down the road a bit, a neighbor with maple trees lining the long driveway to the house begins what I have come to regularly count on for seasonal hints. The two trees closest to the road begin the change and slowly the changing creeps up till all those trees are ablaze with color. 

There is a lot of change happening in the season of fall besides leaves turning, grass growth slowing down and the like. Schedules change from lazy summer days or at least busy summer days but without the pressure of school, if one so chooses. Spring always feels hopeful to me. At the end of winter days the tulips and daffodils bloom. Seeing the color with the background of drab lets us know, spring will arrive. Of course, after spring days the warmth turns to hot arrives and it is summer. But autumn, crisp air and beautiful vivid color is soothing to the eye and to the soul. 

Just because of the beauty doesn't mean that there isn't work to be done. After the first frost the flowerbeds are cleared and the beginning of prep for spring begins. Roy said it is sad because the tomato plants finally yield to the elements after giving so much. Our plants this year have given much and organically on top of that. For this we give thanks. The zinnias this year started slowly but have bloomed and grown filling the raised beds with color. 

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We woke up to a fallish Saturday since Friday was the last day of summer. Today, Sunday, it is a little warmer but very pleasant. We had a Sunday School lite today, with autumn questions and fun and Galatians 6:9 as a devotion, kind of a devotion, not a very good devotion but we will get back to regular type Sundays, this coming week. I knew this past week would not give me a chance to study how I like to. On top of everything happening, Mr Mo got sick so a vet trip later with meds he refuses to take and here we are. He is doing better, much better. 

Going to TN on Saturday one could detect that the leaves higher up are starting to turn quite a bit. The scenic view stop trees are very colorful and probably about one of the best places to take pictures for fall color. 

I'll close this post with a quote from Sarah Bessey. There are just so many good autumn quotes but this is a new one and I liked it. 

To me, autumn feels like a woman who knows her age and rests comfortable in that knowledge, like the woman I want to be someday. Bearing her years like a crown, beautiful but in her own beauty not the borrowed or clinging to beauty of past seasons, wise and patient, crisp and alive, a bit sharp but restful. Autumn feels kind and strong in equal measure. And I'm enjoying my daily walks with her. Sarah Bessey