Herding Kitties

 There are hard mornings and this morning is one of those. BBKitty and her sister Cami are letting the youngsters run amuck. We gathered them up this morning from off the driveway and put them in a box for the moms to pick up the kittens and take them back to wherever they had moved them. Last night they had them under the front porch. At least Cami is by the box but since they are quiet and napping she might not be so inclined to move them. I think one or two kittens are missing but we aren't too sure. We were able to help another kitten with their eyes, so that is always a good thing. All the other cat chores went well but chasing little kittens, while not hard is heart breaking. They are related to Camo and she always stopped caring at some point for her kittens so she let them fend for themselves, we assure, or she dropped them here. 

I am kind of struggling with this week's lesson. So many things to cover but I need to find those things that fit together and make sense in able to apply the lessons to our lives. 

Well, it is almost twelve hours later and we are doing the same thing that we were doing about this time this morning. Herding kittens. When we left the kittens this morning, we left them in a box that the mothers can get them out of. Late morning when we arrived back home the box was tipped over and the moms had them under a tree. This evening kittens have been moved hither and yon but it feels like their preferred gathering place is on the porch in the corner. We put a bed there for them. They are good moms but they have a lot on their paws for being first time mamas. Round 2, we just came in after finding the orange kittens and we think they have been among the blackberries all day. Family is now under the porch again. 

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And now for the latest update on kittens. Family has moved from under the front porch to under the back porch. Although it is noisier they are safer there. We've heard a few meows but the sisters are near so that is a great sign. I am not confident all the kittens will make it. Two look a little lethargic but we shall see. Maybe the older cuzbros will help reign in the younger ones with play. One of the little ones is bigger than the others and I believe that he/she is from BBKitty's litter which will be one month on July 1st. Last night we discovered that the kittens have once again been moved by the moms. We saw two of them yesterday when we fed the Feral Fam. The moms are around so that is a good sign. 

We don't know the places where the sisters take the kittens because they did not grow up here in the yard. With Cutie we pretty much know the progression. She has her kittens finding out about the gravel road and that is my least favorite growing up test that she gives her babies. By next week she will have moved on paying just a little attention to them. 

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Yes, this week it is all about the Feral Fam and the newest members. Last night one of the little ones ran freely about the food bowls. I checked on her eyes and she had one matted again. Since Roy had gone to church for a men's fellowship supper, I had to remember how to help a kitty without the extra set of hands. Brought her in the house, got some meds in her and got that eye cleaned up. GMoey was happy to see her and she scared Willie. These little ones are eating food. They are at the age but I think all the moving and such has them a little smaller than their age would show. We are seeing three kittens, Roy thinks maybe four. 

All the Feral Fam is on edge. They are keeping out of the way and hidden. Think their arch enemy is frustrated and attacking. We have not seen Spotty for three days. He does that but with the tension in the air, we just wonder. When Roy got home last night, he heard the sound of a brutal cat fight. He tried to find it but too far over past Mary Joyce's house. Cutie has kind of moved her tribe near the fence and on the rocks. That gives three ways to exit or hide. Thankfully, all four of her showed up for breakfast. 

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I'll wrap this up because this is going to be a longer story I have a feeling. Now four kitties on the back porch in a pet playpen. This morning around 4:30 when I was feeding the first guest I heard the mournful wail up toward the neighbors and the church of a cat. I hope it wasn't hurt or being stalked by the mean cat. We think he finally did Spotty in. We have not seen him since last Monday night. That Spotty was getting so close to trusting us. Now, we have these little ones to help. Calling the vet in the morning to see if we can get them in and on the way to health. 

Herding, Securing and Watering

 Oh these warm days but thankful for cool mornings and evenings. The other night we put the top down on Mustang Sam and took a ride through the country. Just so beautiful taking in the sights and fragrances. Saturday morning the Women's Ministry had a canvas paint party and we had a blast. Came with breakfast, devotion and planning. Such a joy to be around friends on a summer Saturday morning. 

Once again I saw birds in training from the front bedroom window. A hawk and a much smaller hawk enjoying their ride on the wind. Circling and floating all the while keeping an eye out for something moving on the ground that could become supper. Hawks don't really teach their young to hunt but the kiddos learn by watching their parents hunt and soon learn it is better to perch in an area to find accessible food. While the hawks glided in their circular pattern two of the young blackbirds were training and developing skills to keep hawks away from nests. Mockingbirds and blackbirds will chase hawks in the sky and it seems like the hawk should be the one in control and not being bothered by this distraction. 

Cutie is in the process of getting in the last lessons for the four kittens before releasing them to make it on their own. She is taking them near the gravel road and showing the escape route under the fence. She sits back and waits for the kittens to start eating at the dish of food in the morning and evenings. They have grown and they are healthy from the looks of them. Before leaving for church yesterday, we were treated to a front row view of the BBKitty and Cami litters. Oh my, that's a whole lot of kittens. Two orange, a calico, two black and white, one gray...maybe two and a black kitten. Some of them are nearing four weeks and the others look to be three weeks. Cutie knows the lay of the land and uses it to the best situations because she grew up in our backyard. She learned her motherhood tips from Punky. Camo just dropped off kittens when she was tired of raising them. Such is the case of the two sisters...they don't know the crannies of safety but they have done rather well with what they see. I don't think any kittens have died under their watch...well, we helped a couple of times with the wandering ones. There seems to be something outside that is bothering The Feral Fam. Coco doesn't really want to leave the garage. The vet told me long ago with Riley, if they want to stay in they have survived a traumatic experience. Of course Fido comes and goes but he has wanted to be in the garage more than usual. Beanie is here for a few days and then he is off to wherever he goes for several days. He wanted in the garage this morning as well. Nimbus, our neighbors intact male cat is causing some of this trauma, I think but there could be wildlife in the mix too. 

It's kind of funny, well not funny, but I saw that a girl I went to jr high and high school with passed away last September. We didn't talk or anything in school nor did we ever after. She was popular and in all the popular things. She married her high school sweetheart and have been around the Houston area all this time. No obituary that I can find and not much about her. But, it makes me always wonder how it all turned out for her. Well, I know the ending but before that. 

We are still in Genesis studying the life of Joseph. After a 20 year period of time the brothers meet the brother that is no more, well in their minds. Joseph is second in command in Egypt. One description I read was this, we are in a unique position to see all that makes up the story in these chapters. We know Joseph is safe and the Lord is with him, Jacob and fam have probably had not the greatest of twenty years, we see God changing the brothers, and we know the plan that was for good. 

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This morning we have been herding kittens. The sisters are having trouble with a couple of the happy wanderers. One of the kittens on the run has the eyes matted shut problem so I was able to get him and get his eyes cleaned up and get some meds in him. The Camo III kitten has that wild streak that comes with their cat family line. We have discovered if we put the kittens we capture and recapture in a box that mom or aunt will come get them and go back to the pile. Except they are lively and don't want to be fenced in. Roy tackled the big tomato plant that needs more support. We did minimal work on it last night but today got everything secured. Now is cooling off and resting from herding, securing and watering. He had to finish out the last little bit of watering this morning cause we ran out of daylight. 

All in all, we are punting our plans for the day which is fine. Roy has leftover BBQ for lunch since 6 Pigs was in our area yesterday instead of Wednesday. Getting a few more boxes ready to take to Habitat. Another hot day is forecast but the evening should cool down. 

Finally Finishing Up On Friday

 While looking back at FB memories the other day a lot of things have happened on June 14th. The first time eating at The Blue Rooster, the beginning of the homes built across the road and the official home day of Mr Mo. Well, the official day not the leading up days bringing him into the house. Soon the pics of GMoey will hit the memories because he came in not too long after that. 

Some of the hardest lessons to teach on Sunday are the lessons that hit me hard during the week. Too many personal memories and stories seem to make it into the the lessons and then I spend a few days aggravated with myself over that fact. Also, in my personal study and reading the topics, while not chosen by me specifically, all have to do with do not become legalistic. It is very easy to step into that trap while covering it over with a false sense of spirituality. Like a description of P Pressler's in the New York Times obituary made by Dwight McKissic, a black pastor in the Dallas area, P Pressler operated under a cloak of control on many levels without anyone realizing there was rot at the root. My paraphrase of the quote. We were at First Baptist Houston in the "heyday" of all this upheaval to bring in all the conservatism. I am not political for the most part so when friends outside of the Baptist church asked me which church I would attend, conservative or moderate, my answer was I am going to a church with a gym. Can you see that strong spirituality in play here. Ha! I am only mentioning this obit because it supports my thoughts on legalism on steroids. We have all participated in legalism at some point and guilty of rule making just for the heck of rule making. Only the obit reminds us that the legalism on steroids hurt and damaged people. 

Haircut, BBQ at Pig and Grits and a few errands. I had planned on going on over to The Find Vintage Market but truly like clockwork, the energy stopped thus meaning no trip to the new place. I was so disappointed but all these years I have learned to live within my parameters. With my heartbeat lowered it doesn't take much to drain me. We got home and Roy noticed one of the youngest kittens under the pallet. Both Cami and BBKitty will put them there if they are nervous for danger. In hindsight this is one that just got away. Later when Roy went outside it had moved out a bit and was crying. Beanie, such a sweet cat, was trying to comfort it as our presence was making the moms nervous. I picked up the little gray and white kitten. Eyes matted shut so I ran inside and got the cream to loosen up the mess. Got his eyes open and the kittens were in a big pile back under the tree, we got him back with the fam. Fed the moms and all the others that eat supper with us. Radley was up on one of the big rocks, so I got a bowl of food out to him. He protects this little family from the gray cat that can be so mean. He is just cranky cause his harem is diminishing. 

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I watched something magical from the front bedroom window the other morning. A black bird had two little ones being taught how to fly onto wires and stick the landing. Mom pulled back a bit and let her two kiddos have fun learning and flying. A mockingbird chased mom off the perch but she landed on a spot behind the mockingbird. The little ones became ineffective dive bombers trying to scare off the mockingbird. They have not perfected their style yet. Blackbirds leave and the two kiddos of the mockingbird land on the wire and the whole process is created again by a different species of birds. Blackbird came back and let the kiddos of the mockingbird attempt swarm procedures and like before mama mockingbird sits behind the blackbird. It looked like cooperation between two bird groups that really don't like each other. I felt fortunate to see the learning process for those baby birds who will soon be on their own. We see grownup cats act scared when a kitten arches its back and hisses. 

We picked up our order of Amish beef this week. Also had a dentist appointment and having a crown replaced is my first major dental work for the last three years. So that will begin in August. Again, we are dealing with the Mustang. Roy took it over to a shop that balanced the wheels and the thumping noise we heard was the sound of a tire cupping not the rims that we had straightened. Basically, we have two tires not even a year old, cupping because of the rims. One other issue has not resolved itself but we believe that there is an answer and it will come after the mechanic gets back from vacation.

Another baby kitten got lost but Roy found her. Got some meds in for respiration issue and cleaned out the eye boogers. Saw the orange kitten we helped at the first of the week and eyes are doing better.  

The Blade, The Cut and The Cats...Blade and Cats Have Nothing To Do With Each Other

 A little excitement was added to the day on Tuesday. Roy was going to workout but on his way he stopped in the nail salon close to the gym. He worked out for about an hour and then went back for his appointment. He likes them to trim his toe nails but he is not interested in the best part of the pedicure, the softening of the feet, massage and lotion but he does let them use a pumice stone on his feet to smooth things out. Thought it was all going well until Roy phoned. His voice was a bit panicked as well as weak. He tells me, they cut my foot and we cannot get the bleeding to stop and then he mumbled something, who knows what, and he hung up. He calls back and says pray. I offered to come over that way but he turned me down. Well, yes I began talking to the Lord immediately. You have to understand this is not regular Roy. Nothing flusters him. In 2008 when he had a possible diagnosis of ALS, he wasn't phased. In fact all his tests were during the time I was on a cruise. He wanted me to go and not to worry about a thing. He didn't have ALS, PTL, but something else that mimics it in the blood. The name is too long and too hard to pronounce. With this, I sent a text on our class group text asking prayer for Roy. He calls again, but it must have been a butt call. So, I call him back. His voice is sounding more normal but he is concerned with the bleeding and now this doesn't make any sense but he tells me he is going to walk over to the Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care. Uh, two bloody towels, bleeding foot, pressure...take the car. I talked him into that. His foot finally wrapped in gauze, bleeding stopped. He goes over to the Sisters of Mercy. Now, he will excel and overachieve there if he happens to run into any real sisters. Raised Catholic and it comes back to him in a heartbeat. He was a tad embarrassed. It was the tiniest cut. The nurse cleaned it up and put a little bitty round band aid on the cut. Then the doctor came in to see it and said she would need a bigger bandage cause the little dot would be too difficult to remove the next morning. The doctor did say the bleeding was more than usual in that he was nicked by a vein. I think it is and I will put this in a form of a math question, long leg + short person applying pressure = lots of bleeding.  Once things settled down and he was waiting to be released, I told him that The Joy Class was praying for him. He sounded a little choked up and asked me to thank them. I could not help think of one of the funniest stories I have ever heard and is told by Lisa P. The time she was given a gift certificate for a mani/pedi in a not so like normal place. The conversation she had between...and see, I cannot remember the name of the nail tech nor can I remember some of the things that happened, but I do remember this. Lisa P being asked if she wanted the blade. I asked Roy if they used the blade on him cause even about ten years ago salons still used the blade here. When the blade was applied I could not stop laughing thinking of the story that I remembered better back then than now. The Blade story is one I never thought I would ever forget and I haven't. It is just so many of the details and how those details come together to make one of the funniest stories. 

Keeping in mind Roy's cut and blood, I practiced precaution and didn't take my blood thinner this morning. Nor my horse chestnut extract. The lab opens at 8:30 and we arrived just about at that time. The lady that takes the blood and such is a great vein finder. So no incidents. We went to our favorite breakfast spot. Tried the California omelet and it was delicious.  Comes with pancakes, so what's not to like. After brunch, we made a quick run through Sam's and it truly was quick. Onward back north but it is called west, up the river road into Marshall where we pulled right in to park in front of the tag office and didn't have to wait in line. No entertainment this year by the hordes of people with title transfers etc... Once we hit the driveway I felt the tiredness hit. Like I had been drugged. Know it is the stress of things, driving and all but I did get a little bity nap out of it all this afternoon. 

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Each group of kittens over the years have a distinct personality yet very similar in growth cycles. This week the kittens are venturing out a little in the backyard. Of course, most of the time, under Cutie's vigilant watch. In the mornings when I serve a plate, a buffet of beef, chicken and seafood the little ones know when the sound of a door unlocking that most probably food will be presented soon enough. Now the two most reluctant kittens are not taking their time in approaching breakfast. Because we are trying to help these little ones, most of the time the plate is served with the big cat tunnel shielding their meal from other cats. We are working in more pate rather than flakes or grilled cat food. They are at that fun age and two of them are letting me get closer, especially when food is involved. 

After the two week break it feels good and right to be back studying for a lesson. We are back with Joseph and we find him in prison. Soon he will meet the butler and baker. Sounds like a law firm. Anyway, butler has a good result of his dream being interpreted, the baker...not so much. Anyway, Joseph asks to be remembered once the butler begins in Pharoah's service. But, the most supernatural and divine thing that ever happened in the butler's life doesn't even become a memory...he forgets Joseph. Two years Joseph does his job, well I might add, in prison maybe even wondering why he hasn't heard anything. Kind of like back in the day when packages were mostly delivered without tracking, you wait and hope but never knew the arrival. Joseph had that attitude...still serving yet still hoping. This time around studying Joseph, I am seeing how the wisdom he received from the Lord as well as natural talents got him the job overseeing the collection and then distribution of food for the people of Egypt as well as others in the world. It takes both parts all which unite in God's glory. Pharoah saw God was with Joseph. It took the miracle of telling what the dream meant to Pharoah and those God given natural, everyday insights on how something should be done or ran. Believe me, I am married to a plan man. My planning is more on the common sense side but Roy sees and within a magnitude and range with the tedious. I cannot remember if I have ever heard anyone teach or preach on this, it took both miracle and talent. Some church leaders don't like plans or programs, some church leaders say the days of miracles is over...some church leaders are high and dry stuck in the middle. 

I have found that I am studying in the front bedroom with the double windows that a huge hawk and I are on the same schedule. The hawk is looking for something for supper and is out floating on the wind currents to do so. The wind must be a rather consistent ride cause the patterns look to be the same. There are times the shadow of the hawk is what gets my attention especially if it flies closely to the window when one of The Boys naps close by. I think Cutie knows the timing of that flight each day because she will pull those kittens out of their full on play underneath shrubs and plants. 

One last cat thing. Willie did not want to go into the bonus room last night with his cuz bros. He stayed out all night and out of the three he is the best suited for that. He never came into our bedroom until 3:30 am and he didn't stay long. He wanted one of us to get up and let him in the bonus room but that was a no go. We shall see how things go this evening. It has been a while since one of the boys doesn't want to go to bed and be fed. 

Over Priced Conferences and Life

 I am fortunate that The Joy Class lets me take two Sundays off from teaching by helping prepare for VBS. We cut out lots of paper decorations and the fellowship around those tables is priceless. On the second Sunday I usually prepare a devotion but didn't this time. Our subtitle as a class might be willing workers cause we got things cut out in record time. This morning refreshed and ready to once again prepare lessons. We will return to prison with Joseph and his soon release. 

On FB I looked at one conference, actually didn't really look at the conference but the comments. That is where I learned the base price of this weekend conference was $825.00, next level $975.00 and for an extra $300.00 you could do a Q and A with the leaders. The conference is walking in your calling which looks to emphasize doing podcasts, writing and speaking events. My opinion has always been when you go to a conference to learn how to do those things, they are already played out. That is a rather steep fee for a weekend. Many commented that the conference must be for the wealthy. I mean really, as far as the speakers for the conference goes, I didn't recognize too many names. So FB decided since I read the comments and then looked at the post, that I want to attend lots and lots of conferences. So I now can become a woman of excellence, a woman highly favored, a Bible based coach or counselor, I can run 40 miles with Jesus, Over I can find out who my biblical twin is, and the list goes on and on. I was telling Roy about this and I am especially laughing over finding my biblical twin. Mentioned to him that I must think this is a bunch of hooey cause of my age. Roy deadpan response, even when you were young this would be your reaction. It was so tempting to put in the comments, "I have found my biblical twin, the fatted calf!" But you know some Christians don't respond well to humor. For those into running you can also do a 40 day run with Jesus that incorporates running and Bible study. Also looking at most of these studies and conferences, there mustn't be any women worship leaders, haha, cause almost all the worship leaders are men. I would also add that most of these conferences are all white women. My views on this might be a little extra because of reading the book Churchy by Sarah Condon. The book published in 2015 holds up rather well and although many of the experiences she writes on is about motherhood, I totally could relate in other areas of life. She is spot on how we'd rather deal with the mess than the why of the mess or this is my mess, come join me, give an opinion but never resolve the mess we'd rather stew in. Oh yes, she was raised SBC in Mississippi so she gets this even in her role of Episcopal priest married to an Episcopal priest.  

Hope Mike the Mower man gets here soon cause our yard could almost be mown for hay. We did have a brief shower but no storms last night. We were concerned for the two mamas and the babies under the wood pallet. We pulled out an old patio table and a blue tarp. We covered the area with the tarp so that they wouldn't have to battle rain from above. Thankfully, it wasn't a deluge so we don't think they were washed out from underneath. We will check the Mustang again but that has become a habit since we first discovered their rainy day hideout. Cutie and her kittens are getting a little more adventurous in exploring the backyard. Soon enough, will be the gravel road test for those little ones. I hate that but so far Cutie hasn't lost a kitten due to the gravel road test. Other ways yes...

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Mike came late in the afternoon and cut down our hay field, I mean lawn. We were out there last night doing fruit and veggie inspections. All winter long putting egg shells in the compost and dirt looks to be paying off. After a non crop of apples last year, we have two trees with small to medium apples growing. 

I talked with a friend last night who has a whole lot going on, her whole family does. I am reminded now that people don't want you to say oh yes, I have things too, but they just need to talk it out. Decisions are made easier or maybe not easier but with more direction when it is all laid out in conversation. You as the friend also get insight in how to pray more specifically for the people and situations. 

One Week Cars, One Week Cats

 Operation get Fido in the carrier went well this morning. Roy and I have been praying and asking the Lord for wisdom on this cause there is so much that can go wrong. We decided that Roy should go out to the garage just like normal and I stood by in the kitchen waiting for the assistance call. Got it and we got Fido in with relative ease. Is he happy? No, he isn't but once Roy gets home with him, Fido will get to spend time with Roy to help with that as well. The past few days Fido wasn't eating much. He has so much fur it is difficult to tell until you pick him up. We discovered some chicken and salmon shreds that he has scarfed down. He will get his shots and a look inside his mouth to see if he has stomatitis like GMoey. 

I am almost finished with Churchy. Love the topics and how she tells her story, mistakes and all. There are many who like to cover over flaws, especially the little ones...that trip one up at some point in time. The chapter on seminary was especially interesting. Seminary, it was of the Ivy League variety. Each year early on in the semester each student told their story. First year she is sharing she lives in NYC, but is from deep south  Mississippi. Covers her ministry in life so far. Sarah mentions she did all this in a calculated move, urban, but from the country, first in family to go to grad school and married to a Episcopal priest, saying that she was the real deal and rounded in ministry. As the semesters and years go by she notices what she shares at the beginning each year as well as her fellow classmates, the story changes and it is honest so that they are getting down to the foundation of who they really are. 

Don't know why this thought came to me last week but I believe my mom would have been content to live life in their hometown. She enjoyed the simple things of life while my father wanted to enjoy the finer things but he sabotaged his efforts, then blamed her. Mom was comfortable with good friends but uneasy in groups, especially at church. I have no evidence except for what I experienced with father, but I think he made her feel inadequate and less than other women in the church. She would never be good enough, well none of us would ever be good enough... It is a tenuous journey where you're not quite on the mountain top nor are you in the depths of the valley. You have to find the road where both confront you but doesn't defeat you. The normal things that parents want for their kids was an up and down experience for my brother and me. If we were successful, our father would find some way to disrupt and then when we failed of course he was there to tell us we weren't good enough. While I think her choice would have been to stay close to family the outcome emotionally would probably be the same. 

Roy and Fido are home. The vet office couldn't believe that Fido is a feral cat, so well behaved and friendly. He does have a problem with his teeth but not to the point of having them extracted. There is a process that we will have to do to let him become a member of the inside cats. He goes back in a month to get the second shot and his bloodwork should be ready this week or next. GMoey isn't feeling well and we might take him to the vet instead of Mr Mo. We shall see. GMoey looks like he is feeling better but we will make the determination in the morning. 

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Mr Mo got to go to the vet this morning. We think GMoey had a reaction to chicken cat food. Chicken has never agreed with him and since he has been doing so well...let's just say a good reminder not to give him chicken, again. It was a relatively easy catch and carrier with Mr Mo but the one we are dreading is in November when Willie has to go to the vet. He has not shed all his feral ways but he is moving forward in wanting pets and attention. 

I just went out to feed Cutie and her kittens. Right by the back door I hear tiny kitten meows but couldn't find any evidence of tiny ones. On another trip to the garage saw Cami with an orange kitten in her mouth. I almost thought she had a mouse so good thing I didn't scream. I quickly closed the door so as not to interrupt her process of moving kittens from under the front porch to the back. When I went back out a tiny black and white kitten is meowing his head off. I put him on the base of the cat tree and then I saw Cami's face underneath the pallet. So, I put him back so that he/she would find their way to mom. Hopefully, that is not where she is going to keep them for a while but no rain is expected for the next few days. Well, we found them again and this time the kittens were in the front bumper of the Mustang. We rescued the three and searched just in case there were anymore. BBKitty and Cami have had kittens. I think the orange one is Cami's and the other two will be a week old tomorrow. Good thing we did a search cause Roy didn't see the three at first. The sisters watched us place them close to where they had them before and we are hoping for the best. It is just so hard to see this kind of thing. Cutie and Mama Cat and to some extent Punky are great mothers. BB and Cami are babies themselves. We start back with getting the cats fixed on Monday. Most everyone is except for these young ones one of which both Roy and I thought was a boy have been fixed. 

Last week was a hard week dealing with cars and this week is a hard week dealing with cats. 

Happy Trails, So Long Farewell...as Darlene Says Ta Ta...Bye Bye

 This month a friend in Houston is moving to be closer to family and the loss of her presence in Houston will be Corsicana's gain. She is having a going away lunch this weekend and tears certainly will be shed in Life Bible Study on Sunday morning. It's harder to cry at Los Cucos cause the food is so good. Darlene has served the Dayspring Class and the Lord faithfully as assistant director. Assistant director is a catch all position for so many needed responsibilities and those "on the fly" decisions that occur here and there. Darlene certainly served above and beyond the pay grade. 

Seems like I have known Darlene forever but I first noticed her work ethic in the craft room where our class met. The dynamics of the room were changing from sitting in chairs to sitting in chairs at  tables. You had table moms and the groups were changed every so often as to meet ladies in the class. Peggy and I were not full supporters in the beginning. So being the mature people we are, we rebelled and sat at a table in the back meant for class check in. We were fulfilling the intent but not actually doing what class leadership wanted. We figured that Darlene, who as the assistant director, had to be the enforcer and she didn't like us. Really, how could we think that when we weren't cooperating. Peggy told her years after the whole table thing that we thought she didn't like us. She assured Peggy that she did and found us funny. It was our attitude and actions. We complied but we never separated ourselves like we were supposed to. 

Darlene made lifelong friends. Just ask Barbara, Nell, Patsy, Lou and a slew of others. Darlene loves her family and they love her right back. In 2016 when I broke my hip on the way back home from Houston at The Cracker Barrel in Lafayette LA, she made sure that when I left Houston this time that I went back on a better note than how the original 2015 leaving went. The class gave me a gift card to Cracker Barrel and a Psalm verse coloring book. In fact the gift card from Dayspring was more than what Cracker Barrel sent, a lot more. Before leaving class that Sunday Darlene came up to me and said, I wanted to appease the feelings from the last goodbye in the class. Blessed are the peace makers. 

One year, Darlene and Patsy came up here for a Thanksgiving vacation. They stayed at The Inn on the Biltmore Estate and I got to take them around the area. We had lunch at The Moose Cafe and we drove around Lake Lure and Bat Cave. We also came back to the house for a quick minute. Such a fun day. 

Several years ago while shopping at Robin Blu, I miss that store, I found a book on friendship and all the attributes of good friends, both personally and on a big scale, reminded me of Darlene. Darlene goes about life in a quiet mode but that quiet mode of life is treasured by her family and friends. Her behind the scenes style might get passed over by some...but many know and appreciate those things she coordinates and makes happen. 

Each year here that I have planted sunflowers, I had Darlene in mind. Like the sunflowers she follows the Son. Now in some of the flowerbeds, I don't even have to plant seeds, the sunflowers grow and that too is so much like Darlene. She is leaving a flowerbed of friends but soon enough in her new home, she'll plant those sunflower seeds and soon her love, devotion of friendship will have those new sunflower Darlene moments. They'll happen because of her friendship.

As someone who moved away from a strong home base of friendship let me share with you Darlene, at first it is difficult but in enough time because our times are in His hands, you'll have a greater love and appreciation for those friends back in Houston. You'll want to introduce the make new friends but keep the old friends to each other. That experience is such a joy. 

Happy Trials, Darlene! Until we meet again. Thank you for your friendship and patience with me. 

Cats, Reading and Other Stuff

 The brief heavy rain shower yesterday, convinced BBKitty to move her babies but we don't know where yet. Mamas move their litters often in the early stages of life. Well, she might have lost room service privileges but gained a sense of security. Over the years I have learned so much from The Feral Fam.  

There is high anxiety in the house this morning. Don't know if it is extended from last night when the three got into a ruckus. Nothing like tubes of squeeze cheese, treats, to calm a situation. I thought things had calmed down and when Roy came home from deacon's meeting, they all followed him to the bonus room for late supper and bed. This morning though, I could hear Roy coercing Willie to come out of the room. That is not a normal routine. I got up to help and spent a little time with Willie. It was as if he saw something we could not see and was afraid to go out the door into the hall. At first, I thought maybe he had hurt his leg and he let me pet him a little. Finally, Willie left but it was his exit, he jumped over the threshold like a horse jumping a fence and continued down the hall. He is eating and has come over to me for a few little pets but there is a tension. Roy has gotten everything into a routine for The Boys and it works flawlessly, except for when the routine is disrupted. We get teased about our cat's routine but truthfully it makes our lives much easier. ****we found the problem. Willie had gotten a hold of a bottle and his sharp little claws let some of the water out. Nothing bad but the sound is probably what got to him**** 

I am reading two thought provoking books and enjoying reading them as they complement each other. Churchy, by Sarah Condon is really worth the read. Her style of writing and my way of reading do not complement each other but I am powering through because in each chapter there is a nugget or a treasure load of truth. Also some rather funny insights into situations, especially at grocery stores. E tu Publix?  Looks like she and her husband are no longer in Houston. She was on staff at St Michaels and a chaplain at Rice University. Her husband was the rector at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. Hmmm....I once dated a boy that went to that church. He broke my heart but that's okay, I can't even remember his full name. Looks like the Condon family is now in Nashville. Her insights into women's ministry are voiced by being a minority of most women's ministry women. She sees through the gunk and the show. Since our church just now has started once again women's ministry after nothing officially for five years, I am out of the loop in that area. Also a small rural church does ministry a little different than bigger or mega churches. Much simpler but oh so meaningful. One of the things she brings to light is while the message of the church is don't strive, trust Jesus, in every life except in women's ministry. She mentions so many Bible studies for women that are about more. More spiritual, more organized, more fit, and the like. Just like the famous Marsha, Marsha, Marsha line from the Brady Bunch, More, More, More is the theme of so many studies which in turn means more, more, more work and self improvement, less time for all those needful things to be a Proverbs 31 kind of gal. Yes, this is a very broad brushstroke and her book was written in 2015-2016 but it provoked me into looking back at a frustrating time of life. I have looked at what I could have done differently, how could the frustrations come to nil and things like that. Funny, while reading about the trap of being more, I could not help but think of the trap to be Moore. Beth Moore. Back in the long ago when people were looking to develop "speaking ministries" the tried and true approach of doing what someone who is moving up the ladder, so to speak, does. Beth taught Sunday School and somehow so many women at First Baptist thought that Sunday School would launch them into the Beth Moore realm of ministry. They would be discovered. I foolishly offered to sub for a new class that began in Life Bible Study and my offer to help was unfairly looked at as a jump to more or Moore. Nope, just trying to be helpful cause it hard to find subs sometimes. It is not like that now where I live. No platform building, although a guest preacher a few months ago talked about developing his platform...what??? Oh, he borrowed some mega church plan for his life. Ha!  Platform building is hard work, constant social media presence, presenting questions just to get some clicks and pounding the internet to see if your name shows up somewhere. If I could remember the guys name, I would mention it but I don't. Chad Bird, the author of the other book I am reading, writes from experience of taking a simpler approach to life after achieving his dreams and then his dreams broke him. If you are a big dreamer and visionary, you are needed but just as much are those who minister in obscurity on the platform of life. Just some thoughts on this foggy Tuesday morning. 

LSU Baseball is out of the tournament but they gave it a good run. They weren't expected to go far this year as it is a young team and they are rebuilding. Sunday was a fun day to watch them, last night not so much. 

I was on hawk duty this afternoon. They circled and searched. Cutie got her babies into the cleft of the rock and I took the big black cat tunnel with four tunnels and waved it in the air like I just don't care. I felt like one of those figures that are blown by air in front of car dealerships. Thankfully, this was in the back and not in the front yard. 

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Sam's. Publix and BBQ...it was a good morning. I am thinking that we have the best fed and taken care of Feral Fam in the area. Roy is taking Fido in to the vet in the morning. Please pray that it goes smoothly to get him in for shots as well as an exam to see if he too, like GMoey, has stomatitis. I think we will begin to transition him to becoming an indoor/outdoor cat. Oh boy, I never ever, ever saw us with four cats inside. Surely there can't be any more cat fur to clean up than there is now. Daily vacuuming is also another thing I never thought I would do. 

We watered a few plants and chased off the mean cats this evening. We are tired but content. 

Some Weeks

 Some weeks are harder than others. Some weeks are pleasant. Some weeks hit right in the middle of the road. Most weeks chores, projects and even fun things take up all your attention leaving little time for reading or watching TV or just sitting on the porch and watching The Feral Fam. This has been one of those hard weeks but what is making it not so hard is remembering Joseph. Yep, he had hard years. I am remembering Joseph not because I am so spiritual or devout, it's because that is where we have been on Sunday mornings. With this break in the teaching schedule, I get to spend time in where we have been. So, here I am. Remembering that the Lord was with Joseph and He is with me too. Just keep looking forward and being thankful. This has been one of those harder weeks for many reasons and mostly issues not related to each other. Put them all together and I am fighting off a mood. I told Roy I am weary and he encouraged me, didn't tell me what to do or think about. ...I was telling him thing by thing of these unrelated things. Sometimes you just have to say what's bothering you out loud because it helps sort thoughts. 

Roy and I teamed up to dead head roses last night. Our first work, the rose bushes close to the house that haven't been dead headed yet. He also pulled some weeds while I trimmed up a few shrubs encroaching onto tomato and bell pepper spaces. We pick pick up the yard debris tomorrow after it has dried out and is easier to gather. A couple of rogue trees got into spaces where they cannot and do not belong. Mostly mimosa trees which are counted as invasive in this area. The tomatoes and peppers are growing in leaps and bounds. 

Since finishing up The Bride Room, Mildred Budge series, I began Churchy. Memoir of a woman pastor/priest along with her husband pastor/priest in the Episcopal church. She is telling her story of growing up Southern Baptist and how she became a minister in the Episcopal church. I loved reading Leaving Church, Barbara Brown Taylor and so that persuaded me as well as it qualified as a free book from Thrift Books to try Churchy. I have another book I am itching to get to and that is one recommended by my friend Betty. The Frozen River. 

I am trying to build a routine with The Boys. We have discovered the treats that squeeze out of the top of the packaging. At first Mr Moe didn't want to participate but once he got the full taste of deliciousness for cats, he is all in. The three of them sit on my lap or the arm of the chair and share two packages. We also put a little bit of medicine that is difficult to get into them in at least one of them and that would be beneficial. We call it squeeze cheese and they know how I say it to call them. Most of the time it only needs to be said once.

My new love of ordering is from Thrift Books and this afternoon I have loved reading bits from each book. Not as fast as Amazon but many times much cheaper. It is ordering ahead for anything that might help in our coming series. 

BBKitty let me put food in her little box. When I just came in her sister has taken over watching the flock while mama gets a little bit of away time. 

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This morning in Sunday School we helped cut out different things for VBS. We had fun and got everything done. Billy, baker extraordinaire, made blueberry pound cake for us cause cutting out things burns up the calories. Lots of laughter and conversations around those tables and of course always prayer. 

BBKitty is trusting me a little more, at least for food. Got some into her little hut. She was a hungry girl. Cami leaves when I come near. She is so like her Camo mama. Got food out for Cutie's bunch and all four came to the plate. 

We've had LSU baseball on in the background today. Lost their first game and beat UNC in the second. They will play tonight against UNC. 

Today being the beginning of a new week. Hope it is one of those some weeks that are delightful. 

Rims, Spark Plugs, Zinnias and Books

 After several rainy and stormy days it looks like the next six or seven days will be nice with moderate temps. It was downright hot yesterday afternoon. Well, not in the mountain term. Friends in Houston living in those feel like temps of 115...well, yes, that is truly hot. 

The open pasture across the road and behind the houses is being prepared for hay baling. Something I didn't think we would see again. Lots of fields are preparing for hay cutting. Since these days this week are relatively rain free. The fragrance in the air is so sweet. 

We dropped over at some friends last night. Had a great visit with wonderful people. 

One thing I know is this, I don't like car issues. We took the Mustang to the guy that all recommend to fix or straighten the rims on the Mustang. At first we thought we could just buy steel rims and replace the aluminum ones. Ha, no can do. Yesterday, we were in downtown Asheville two times after not being there for about nine years and worth the trip. All four rims were bent and the guy performed miracles on the back right passenger side rim. He said that's where you put the worst one when getting tires, so that makes me think that this was a known problem but no one said a word. We have been looking for solutions for over a year. I would think if a mechanic knows his stuff, they know what causes the problem. Where we have gone since 2017 should have said something. Last year it all began over a diagnosis that we got a second opinion on and had fixed elsewhere. Two months later calling to let us know the part was in, we told them it was fixed. Wanted to know where we went and we withheld that information. After taking the Mustang for the rims when Roy started the car the check engine light was on. Dang! In everything give thanks, repeat 100 times. This morning he was able to take it over to our new mechanics and they are replacing spark plugs and a starter coil. It has been misfiring. I had noticed that but what do I know? Well, not much but I can usually detect the not normal in the Mustang. 

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And what a difference spark plugs and ignition coil make. Last September is when this all started but we had been hearing the tire noise for much longer than that. Of course the former automotive shop had us down for a total replacement of very expensive parts but didn't address the issue. To start the journey of Mustang healing, a friend's husband trusted and long time mechanic did the initial work...then when knee replacement indicated he might retire, another local shop was recommended. They did the oil change and noticed the rims were bent. In joy we put the top down late yesterday afternoon and took a drive. It was the first drive in a long time that was totally fun. For this we give thanks! 

This week has not gone the way I anticipated. We are working on VBS stuff in class on Sunday so I am not preparing a lesson. That takes so much pressure off to enjoy the week. I should have had three books read already but sadly I am close to only finishing one. Yet, having a few mechanical issues resolved is so welcomed. 

The highlight of the week is with cooler evening temps, we have opened windows upstairs much to the delight of The Boys. I could not help but think of those long ago and treasured summers at my Grandma B's home out in the country. Those plastic curtains whirled with the breeze. In my bedroom I slept at the end of the bed to keep my eyes on the neighbors. I've written about this before but I never really knew people who drank beer every evening of their lives. I felt certain I needed to be ready in case they came over and bothered Grandma. She assured me they wouldn't and they never did. Beside my watch duty, I always loved the fragrance of the outdoor air at her house. So these past few nights sitting on the daybed with the windows open have been so restful. When it is dark I turn out the light and just watch the big fir trees move in the gentle breeze. 

While it was cool this morning, we put some zinnias in an old stump. I had read about how to do this, like it was really complicated, ha. Now, we need to add some water to the plants and the seeds. Then we shall see how this really works. 

Nice cool evening so I put on my garden flannel shirt. Roy and I dead headed roses and pulled a lot of invasive vines and weeds. Fed the Feral Fam including the kittens that Cutie moved while Mike the Mower Man was here. 

Think I'll go upstairs and start a new book. Finished up with Miss Budge for the time being. I love some of her writing and other times I am skimming cause too many words. 

Joseph of Genesis, Man About Egypt and Man of Many Coats

 This morning when Roy and I discussed, oh let's say Joseph cause that is where I am in teaching, I asked him what the normal SS lesson would be from these passages. His response, learning to lay things down for the Lord. Well, yes, if you have been a life long Sunday School attender this would be a theme one would be well acquainted with. My counter was, I think what we need to teach and learn is, something meaningful, coat, was taken by Joseph's brothers, he was sold into slavery and he began life as a slave in a military man's house. Never once do we see Joseph vow revenge to make his way back to Tara I mean Canaan to take back what is rightfully his and then destroy his brothers! He had their example from how they rid the land of Shechem of all the men and boys, then taking the women and children as well as possessions into their own household. They did that in response to their sister being raped... Joseph could have said if and when he made his way back, I will do to you what you did to others and me. Now, I don't know but, this theme would be a men's retreat theme cause they are all so h3// bent on being manly men, fighting men. But Joseph lets men's retreat planners without a theme that they like. Joseph kept looking forward, he knew God was with him and he set his actions and best in the present. So, he became the best menial task servant possible in Potiphar's house. We don't read that on breaks Joseph regaled his friends of talk about a stolen coat and the sweet, sweet revenge he will be taking one day. 

I have several friends who grew up in military houses. Their father, at this time of life of military leaders, were career officers. The stories they told ran the gamut of the best childhood ever to we grew up as soldiers. If the home is being run by military procedures you can be noticed for your excellent grasp of them or you are horribly slovenly, thus spending a great deal of time doing KP. Working at Potiphar's was probably very hard, but yet God is with Joseph and Mr P notices how well Joseph works. So promotion time to personal assistant. I was a personal assistant to a very wealthy widow. I knew a lot about when and where money went and how much she was worth. I remember one thing she always asked, please tell me when my checking account goes below $30,000. I just don't feel good unless there is $30,000 in the balance. I would agree but my goes below number was $30.00. She had a home in Jackson Hole, WY where she spent most of her summers. One year she fell and broke her hip. She called and asked me to go to the house, I had a key, and get several items out of her underwear drawer. She wanted clothing that she used when she had broken her other hip. I felt so uncomfortable rummaging around her underwear drawer to send the items by Fed Ex overnight. When I called her back to confirm the package was on its way, I told her how weird I felt going into her bedroom and going through her underwear drawer. She put me off and said oh good grief Nancy. You know everything about my financial situation, going through my underwear shouldn't even embarrass you.  This story just to show how much you know about your employer's life when you are truly a hands on, in the home personal assistant. Soon Joseph was over everything, home, property, crops and flocks. Mr P only had to worry about what he was going to eat or maybe menu choose what he was going to eat. We do not read that Joseph tells anyone he is working so hard in order to return to his family and take care of a family matter, oh and get some clothes to bring back to the job.  

We don't know how soon Mrs. P was sneaking peeks at Joseph because we are told that Joe was very handsome and well built. I played tennis with a woman who had the best ever, good looking husband. Several times Roy and I went out to eat with them. When they came into the restaurant, the place would almost come to a stop cause they were two very beautiful and good looking people. Then the place saw Roy and me and everything returned to the normal chaos of serving food. I was always happy that the hubby talked so much cause I didn't have to sneak peeks of him. I hung on his every word. Is it hot in here? Oops, I digress. Anyway Mrs. P lets Joe know she is available any time, any place or whatever. She gets bold and says, come, on sleep with me. Verse 8 says Joseph refuses and then begins avoiding her at all costs. Basically, Joseph we are told, refused, avoided and finally had to run. Being the fine, fine woman that she is Mrs. P calls out to the servants, men, who she has sent away to come and see what that Hebrew that her husband brought home has attempted. It just seems like these guys would have known what was going on and maybe knew someone who had the same experience with her. She is blaming this on Mr. P since he brought Joseph into the home. This seems like a weak attempt at having an alibi. Since I have seen and read several mysteries and cop shows, it seems to me that when someone comes to violate a person, usually the attempter tries to get the attemptees clothes off before disrobing. So, she has his cloak. She told the servant men one thing but says to her husband, Joseph tried to fool around with me. Most of the commentaries I have read think that Mr. P was upset because he was going to have to take over all those responsibilities he had given Joseph. This was a death sentence offence, but Mr. P had Joseph thrown in prison to save face.  

Mrs. P has betrayed her husband using the cloak meanwhile betraying Joseph by telling a story about his cloak. There is a whole lot of betrayal going on. She is betraying herself. 

Joseph is thrown into prison. Once again we are told that the Lord is with him. Joseph excels in being a model prisoner. He moves up in the ranks and trust of the warden. Because the Lord is with him, his service makes the warden's life a bit easier. We also meet the baker and butler in prison, thrown there by Pharoah himself. They have dreams and Joseph interprets them. Thus they come to pass and although he asked to be remembered by the butler, he totally forgets him until Pharoah has dreams. Then the butler remembers. I'll stop here and say, although we don't hear from Joseph too much while he is in prison, we don't hear him saying, now I have vengeance concerns for my brothers and the butler. No, Joseph continues to serve, with forward looking eyes and presence. He is not wasting energy on the past. He remembers but it doesn't take up every moment of his life. 

There are so many who have decided to keep looking back. They are frozen in a time which clouds every decision, word and thought. There might have been so much more enjoyment in work and fun in between. It is easier to stay frozen that moving forward. The longer the frozen the harder the thaw. Recently I read a few books that put this all in perspective. Chad Bird is one of those authors. Also, the Miss Budge series is insightful as the main character begins to thaw out and she is seeing the Lord is in  those small details of life. Her hard rule living brought no joy, not even in the suffering which spiritual  rule makers and followers adhere to, cause you know suffering is so spiritual, especially when one doesn't want to make any changes. I've reread some Charles Swindoll books and to a lesser extent Luci Swindoll quotes and how the both of them hate legalism. Being legalistic, you can't manage to move forward. When frozen in time, you're being held in past by words or the voice of one from the long ago who were critical and not very encouraging and your sense of ideals, that you feel unable to attain, is what impresses you, be it money or beauty or artistic talent or even the gift that God has given to someone else, but not you. 

I am an applicable style teacher and while I wish I could give you four ways to achieve like Joseph or Don't Be a Mrs. Potiphar in three easy points. But I can look into these passages and apply them to whatever is facing you and however you feel like your past has been stolen from you. How fortuitous to see two Esau McCaulley quotes this morning.

That interior voice that only speaks to you only of your failures and shortcomings is not the voice of God.

Sometimes you have to tell your testimony to yourself to remind yourself of how far God has brought you. 

Joseph is the first mention in the Old Testament of "the Lord was with him." We don't know if Joseph had a wrestle with an angel experience or a Hagar experience of the God who sees me, but he knew the Lord. He knew the Lord was with him. 

Finally, a story that has it all...lots of Bible stories have it all but this particular one emphasizes clothes. Favored son coat, a cloak is all you get Mrs. P, orange is the new black prison clothes, the prison release change of clothes and finest linen, from Pharoah but not Eileen Fisher or J Jill. I remember something Peggy, Gertrude, said to me a long time ago. We were doing a Mildred and Gertrude thing for Jersey Village Baptist and we had a set phrase to interrupt the meeting and start our performance. The lady accidentally said the phrase and I came in making my way to the front, but I noticed her panicked face and knew it wasn't the cue...so I just sat down at one of the tables and said to them, uh we need to be paying attention to ________. Quit looking at me I am sure you've seen a beautiful woman before. Afterwards, Peggy said to me, isn't it fun what you can get away with saying while wearing a costume. She was and still is right. I don't think Joseph's clothes were costumes but it is tempting to think about after reading an article about the Imagery of Clothes in these passages. 

Yep, fancy coats and ultimately man about Egypt. Joseph's story is just beginning and it is multi layered. 

Thoughts and Dead Heading Roses

 In the midst of several projects this week. My attention span for such is usually limited, so I try my hardest to limit distractions and as they say, keep my nose to the grindstone. Yes, and that is why I am blogging this morning, cause you know...distractions. Roy has gone to workout after having his workout cut short yesterday. Since we have schedule conflicts with his workout in the next few days, I suggested he go and then do the Wednesday shopping at the Publix. I know those rude people are going to miss me. He is a much better shopper than me, I just come along for the ride, mostly. I did make a quick list for him beyond the usual purchases. 

After several days, we had our first sighting of Beanie, a long standing member of The Feral Fam. It is not unusual for him to be absent for several days, but he had been gone a night longer. Roy said Beanie ran into the garage when he opened the door to put out dry food. Yay, happy to know that Beanie is back in the fold for a while, I hope. We also have a young black and white cat hiding out in the garage. I think it is Boo Boo Kitty. She always looks like she wants to trust us but at the last minute her feral ways come into play and she runs. Like a vet told us several years ago when a feral cat wants to come in and find safety and you rarely see them, it has been traumatic experience that will put them in. Long ago Riley was that way and didn't come out for seven days. 

Sometimes when pondering deep thoughts and such, I think about how life comes full circle in so many areas. Studying and teaching Genesis might do that to a person. Watching the ups and downs of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, although they knew, saw and believed God's faithfulness and the bad decisions of Lot, Esau and a few of Jacob's sons might bring that attention to those thoughts. Maybe it's due to the fact that we are purchasing our final resting places tomorrow. Just happy that although we won't be here, being in heaven, we will have our places in the grand state of North Carolina, but more specifically in the mountains of North Carolina. And we are near the softball field, so that's kind of fitting as well. I always loved playing softball and when we were first married Roy played on the church team. He enjoyed the friendships and fellowship, mostly. Let's just say what Excel is to me, is what softball is to Roy. We both had doctor appointments this week. Nothing bad, mostly good but the whole medical system is so different now. Roy needed a tetanus shot. Last year I did too but they gave it to me in the office. This time for Roy he had to go to the pharmacy downstairs, fill out more paperwork, they had to go through the system online to see if he had one in NC before, uh no. They looked at Texas but gave up cause we had been waiting for almost 45 minutes for him to get a shot.  

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I told a friend yesterday that this past week I have really felt old. Many reasons for feeling that way. The highlight of feeling old was backing up when I thought I was going forward. At least it happened at home and the big container that holds hoses and outdoor junk took the brunt of the hit. So no structural damage to the house. We will have to get the truck to a body shop and get an estimate. All last week I kept thinking, we need to move that container. Yes, the wonderful gift of procrastination paid off. 

Yesterday, and now his name escapes me, but he and his family are missionaries. He grew up at Newfound and when they are home on furlough or break, he usually preaches one Sunday. That one Sunday was yesterday. I love to hear him speak because he is so honest with his thoughts and feelings yet he is so honest and enthusiastic in the work that they are doing. God is doing something special with them and their outreach. Most missionaries I've heard throughout the years are boring and stick to a script. Hey, he showed their churches with lots of tambourine playing. Has anyone ever been called to serve just for the tambourine playing? 

I finished reading The Swamp Kings a week or so ago. Wow! The legacy, if you want to call it that for crime and shenanigans, is almost unbelievable. The downfall of this generation for not getting away with everything that their ancestors did is, social media. I had to quit reading it before going to bed. It kept me from sweet dreams and a good nights sleep. I am finishing up a Mildred Budge book. I have read all the books out of order, mostly, but the plots aren't that difficult to follow. The beauty of the books is observing the ways that Mildred grows, letting go a lot of rigidity and realizing that legalism rather than relationship has governed her life. It all fits in with the readings from Charles Swindoll on legalism as well as the insights garnered from the book by Chad Bird, Limping With God. Thanks Sandy for posting about this book on FB. I mainly got it since it deals with Jacob but the layers on this story has been most rewarding and edifying. We can live in a joyless circle, even when we know that joy is a strength, a fruit of the spirit and doesn't come with happiness but can be experienced in some of the lowest times in life. Years ago a friend told me about her pastor who was the most joyless pastor she had ever seen as well as the least thankful. He rarely if ever thanked his congregation for participating or initiating, or anything associated with growth. Not in numbers but in spirits and hearts. She realized this influenced her attitude. She finally left knowing if she didn't that she would go down a road she didn't want to travel. She wanted to be joyful approaching her quiet time or Bible reading plan. She wanted to be expectant in the Word and sing praises to the Lord in joy, not in duty. When she left her church she also had to leave her job...there at the church. She lived in the Chicago area and we lost touch soon after making her move. I think of her now and then because I thought she was so brave. You didn't see people making those kinds of decisions like that back in the olden days. 

Yesterday, I read about a Houston friend that is going into hospice, at home. I thought about our friendship and her influences on others, me included. Sometimes the blessing of working at a church is the people who become friends. Talented in design, presentation and artistic endeavors, as she volunteered those gifts at church. She was so helpful when we built our home in Cinco Ranch. I loved those times as we went to look at furniture, or talk with the builder reps and then usually wrap up our time with lunch. Lots of laughing for sure mixed in with the serious business of home decor. Her specialty, French country, my taste rustic chic, with a touch of arts and craftsman. Her patience is to be commended. She and her hubby came through the Asheville area early on in the adventure of the mountains. We all had lunch together and a wonderful time. We both began heart journeys around the same time. I always laugh and tease about the apple picking ladder she bought on our behalf to hang in the entry way of our home. That ladder never made it to the wall and lived nearby the fireplace in CR. Since there are many apple orchards in our area, we brought it up here. Lived by the fireplace for a while and now located in the dining room. It is a proud apple picking ladder that holds some of the finest sock monkeys and a lumberjack, for that dining experience ambiance. 

Dead headed roses this evening. Didn't really make a dent but it is a start. Spot came over for dinner so I had to help guard his bowl from the others so he could eat his supper. 

Weeding and Planting...With Lots of Rain

 This past week has held lots of weather patterns. Storms to light rain, warm to very cool temps, lots of sun and lots of darkened skies. As I watched the weather patterns from the front bedroom, I was entertained then scared by watching the clouds. This is the first time I have seen a weather system move into our area from the west but the clouds in the sky moved rapidly east. When those skies opened with heavy rain, my goodness, in the nine years of living here, seeing beyond the middle of the front yard proved difficult. Just a silver sheet of precip. 

Yesterday, we planned a quick stop in Weaverville, then head over to Burnsville. A giant oak tree had other plans for those of us hitting the roads. Around 5:30 am, this oak toppled over near the Alexander bridge making access to the bridge harder. Power lines also went down with the oak. Around 8:45 am someone posted an all clear...but it wasn't. We made a quality decision to tack the first part of the trip to the end. We headed over to the road taking us in the scenic back way into Madison County. We were not disappointed by our decision. Yes, it added time but I hadn't been this way in years. Of course more homes being built and we saw one home with a driveway that pretty much went straight up to the house. Bet winter is fun and bet all your vehicles are 4 wheel drive. Once we hit town, a train stopped progress, well for us. It was kind of fun to grab some pics. We got to Pig and Grits a few minutes before they began serving lunch, but we were able to sit at a booth with a menu and try to narrow down all the delicious choices. We ended lunch with banana pudding...so good...and went over to Christy's Crafts. Great visit and brought home some wonderful things. Then quick stop at TJs for more zinnias. All in all a fun day and the road home was oak free, as far as the road is concerned. The Boys and The Feral Fam were all happy to see us or rather see us for the ability of food being provided. 

We got a lot of work done in the front. We planted zinnias and marigolds. Then we prepared the bed where we put wildflowers and such. The official start gardening is after Mother's Day but we cheated a bit and put in a few things before Mother's Day. 

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Good Monday morning. Taking the opportunity to ease into the day because the end of the week holds early morning wake-ups. Roy is going over his to do list, not from me, but his own. He is motivated that way. I kind of keep my list to myself and only I know if I got things done or not. 

Think the plane landed in yesterday's lesson. I am at a frustrating point right now. My usual notes up to the present consisted of three main words with an arrow onto the next point. That's when I had a great memory now, being so easily distracted, I over write notes. Yesterday, I stuck pretty much to going through the verses and talking about the importance or what can be learned. So when I looked down at my notes, I had covered several pages. With the tendency to sometimes go on a bunny trail, it is important to me to cover several wonderful things I found in the week of study. We got through to Joseph loosing his boss suit and being sold into slavery by his brothers. That family had a whole lot of hatred bubbling up and now to the boiling point of acting on that hate. Joseph must have been lonely with way older brothers and a baby brother. The brother's lives changed upon the arrival of Joseph, moved away from Laban, Joseph and Rachel kept to the back of the family groups in the anticipation of meeting an angry Esau, and now the tunic that placed Joseph as the boss in his father's favoritism. 

A week or so ago Fido had a problem with one of his back legs. Looked like maybe a sticker or something but it was a slight bit of a wound. Had some meds and got them into him. An afternoon of rest and he was good to go. Spot's wound is looking better and he is letting Roy get closer to him. 

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I so enjoyed seeing Mother's Day pictures of friends who attend various churches, mainly back in Houston. The family pictures or at least moms with kids pictures, standing in front of various backgrounds that the churches provided are so special. Not so much the new idea anymore, but on one Sunday morning there is joy. Joy in taking the time to go to church with mom or the joy of celebrating her. Flowers given out, prayers for mom, grandmothers, aunts or women who have invested in lives etc...  Taking care of feral cats is not the same as motherhood but we feel a sense of doing what the Lord would ask. Early on I read that if the Lord brings them your way, do your best to help them and if they move on or don't survive, you did the good thing of taking care of them. Even with the Feral Fam and The Boys, Roy has them on a schedule. As much as we can, we try to keep to the schedule cause it is helpful for outdoor survival and indoor survival, mainly for us. Mr Mo, GMoey and Willie know when bedtime is and they hang around us waiting for the call of snacking that is the reward of going to bed. 

With the cool temps yesterday morning, we got some work done out front. Weed pulling, trimming up the shrubs, and planting some miniature roses. Things grow quickly here and that includes weeds. By the end of the summer the shrubs that were trimmed will be back to the size they were. The peach tree is loaded and the apple trees aren't too far behind. The blackberries also have lots of blooms and the tomato plants are growing nicely. Two days after Mother's Day, the official planting time. I have already written that info but it is good to remember when the official planting season begins. 

Near Hit But It Was a Miss

Exciting times around here as we dodge storms in the area. Well, we didn't exactly dodge them but around us no hail or wind damage. Mars Hill and Barnardsville got hit and I saw a picture of the freeway between Mars Hill and Weaverville during the storm and the road looked like winter had hit with so much hail, large hail. The first storm of the day had intense rain and the sky got dark rather quickly. The wind picked up and we had a couple of thunder bunders. Then the late afternoon, sun came out and dried up all the rain and the itsy bitsy spider...oops. Last night we got Fido, Beanie and Coco in for the night. They weren't happy but I bet around midnight they were happy to be high and dry. So the middle of the night storm was intense lightning and thunder. It woke me up and knowing going back to sleep would be difficult, I got up and worked on my lesson and checked radar every few minutes. Even after the storm had mostly moved on, we had quite a bit of rolling thunder but soon everything settled back down. 

 This has been a social weekend, well more so than usual. We had our first meeting since forever for Women's Ministry. Had breakfast together and had a great time. Then today, since Roy is taking pics for VBS, we went to the lunch and training after church. Visited with friends and once the regular meeting was over, Roy and I were free to leave. 

With two days of rain everything has greened up even more, if that is really even possible. This next week I'll be out in the garden dead heading roses. They are blooming gangbusters this year. Also need to get the supplies for Japanese beetles because they will be showing their unwanted selves soon. 

Don't feel like I landed the plane on the lesson. We circled a bit about the first few verses and I threw myself off when I had trouble pronouncing a word because in my haste of writing out notes I misspelled a descriptive word. Even though writing out notes helps me remember, I do need spell check. Since childhood I thought spelling is just the ability to memorize letters not a skill set. Once that got deciphered we moved on. We've slowed down and are a little behind what Lifeway has scheduled. We will get into Genesis later since that is next on the docket, but our pastor is still going through the book of Acts. Kind of like the same time frame that Brother John used in preaching through Revelation. Reference for long time members of HFBC. We will wrap up the last part of Chapter 35 and then move onto Joseph. 

We added a trip to Sam's for our regular routine. Cat litter on sale and Fancy Feast restocked. Roy got vitamins and our all important snack, cashews and we were on our way. Although we had another reminder that I can't throw anything like I used to. Roy didn't think the salad mix should go in the cooler...uh, yes it should... and I admit to being frustrated but as I aimed to throw the bag into the cart, it slipped in my hand and hit Roy on the chin. He was not happy and I was telling him, I was aiming for the cart, not you...I am throwing like a girl. We both busted out laughing cause he knew I don't do things like that and my recent history of throwing things to him or out in the yard has been abysmal.  Ugh! First stop of the grocery stores was Ingles cause they have Pepsi Zero and Zero Sugar Sunkist on sale. Roy went in and took care of that. Then we went to Publix. I had an interesting near encounter. We pulled into a parking spot next to a hoarder car. The backseat was filled to the top of the car with stuff. The older lady got in her car just as we pulled in. She started the car and then sat there...another older type woman was honking her horn to get the lady to backout to no avail. We began our trek into the store when at that time hoarder lady started backing up. If I hadn't glanced down for a split second she would have run me over, but I saw her backup and brake lights light up and I used my hand on her trunk to move and jump out of the way. In the distance I can hear a woman cry out thinking I'm about to get run over. I made it out of the way and the woman just kept backing up as another car on the row behind us is backing up as well and the driver makes a maneuver to dodge her car. At the time I thought wow, that was interesting but Roy told me last night he thought she would run over me and it scared him. I remember at the time thinking I should hit her trunk with my fist to warn her but something or shall I saw Someone encouraged me not to. Most people would stop their motion but I think she would have sped up. Other than that, the shopping trip was uneventful. Our Wednesday reward, BBQ from 6 Pigs BBQ across from the post office. Delicious!   

The Wednesday Wrap Up on Thursday

 It has been a little bit since we have had dense patchy fog and this morning the fog is slowly lifting. After a mostly rainy day, fog comes along and covers the land. The sky was so beautiful last night with the rain gone and the bright white clouds rolling along. The setting sun cast a brightness atop the mountains in the distance. It was as if we were experiencing three spheres of weather and treated too verdant greens and crystal blues. This afternoon, I will get some sunflower seeds planted as well as some seeds for wildflowers. The roses this year are budding out something spectacular. Vivid pinks, sunny yellows and bright red roses. Sometimes it is too much to take in, but I take it in. So thankful for our Creator who has given us these colors painting the landscape. 

At the beginning of the year as I started blogging, I tried to capture some memories of the long ago. I felt rather strongly about this and blogged a bit more than I have in the recent past. Now that we are in spring, I give the growth and weather updates. There is a mention or two of lessons involving research and study, usually. When I first began blogging I took up topics that I felt strongly about and I sometimes still do that. But now, it is a more settled time and more of time for me doing something that I love. There are topics I would cover now but wisdom dictates that wouldn't be prudent. Ah SNL...back in the day reference. 

Roy is finally in Genesis on Sundays. My class is slowing down a bit as we round the turn into studying Joseph. We are at Bethel with Jacob right now as he is in the last lap of becoming the next patriarch after his father. Jacob has been dragging his feet as of late, taking his time to arrive where he has been called to live. This morning Roy and I were talking about Lot, cause that is where he is at and then chapter 35 where we are. The difference we noticed was in the road trip. Lot couldn't wait to divide off and live his own life with all this stuff and the nostalgia for his time in Egypt. Jacob's road trip is full of moving on and then sputtering. Being a devote of Michael Card's teaching using our imaginations to see the scene we are reading in its entirety. Moving those tents back then did not include pop up tents or campers. We were remembering some of the trips that we took here before living here. The journey was never too much. Roy and I would make that first day of driving, the hardest one and we got in the habit of going to Chattanooga because our niece was in college there. The next morning we took the back way to Asheville with a slower pace, then vacation really began. Now, that we live here and even with several trips back throughout the years, that journey doesn't hold the same alure it once did. The world has changed and we have changed. 

I behaved at Publix and didn't see or run into the rude couple. We actually shopped like we were adults and our cart didn't look like we eat the same as college students. On the way home we did our Wednesday lunch stop picking up 6 Pigs BBQ across from the post office on the river road. Delicious! They will also be at the Madison Market next weekend. After eating lunch we headed to Ducketts. They just got a new shipment in of plants and we wanted to check out what they had. Year before last I bought plants from them and was thrilled with the price and the outcome. Best $20 spent yesterday was a tray of zinnias and the flat includes 36 plants. That that was a great deal. Also picked up another hanging plant for the front. On the way to and back from Clyde, we saw a large panel truck that had ran off the road as you are going up the mountain from Clyde. Looked like a back broken axel. Must have been the theme of the week cause several rigs have slid off the road and into a culvert. 

While we planted zinnias, the Feral Fam had a wonderful time chasing one another in the tall grass. It looked as if we had planted kitty cats. It was hard not to tear up because Cha Nay-Nay would have been out there with the others chasing each other and then the hose as Roy moved over the yard to water the new flowers just planted. 

Woke up at 3:00 am and couldn't go back to sleep. Got up and worked on the outline for Sunday. It is one of those lessons where you could go point to point to point or mainly focus on two highpoints. Think I am going highpoints. 

Interruptions, Compost, Dreams and Plants

 It was quite the exciting day, but not in the usual sense of the word. HVAC maintenance time. We tried to get The Boys into the bonus room but only GMoey would go. Willie ran away like he usually runs for treats. Mr Mo went into the queen bed room, so I shut the door. The only cat out and about in the house was Free Willie. He is excellent in his choice of hiding spots. None of The Boys seems interested in going outdoors since they are well acquainted with the outdoors in their early life. It took less than an hour to check and replace filters and the tech was gone before 10:00 am. Roy found GMoey under the dresser in the bonus room, Mr Mo came out of the bedroom but getting Willie to show was a no go. He stayed hidden for hours and even missed the lure of cat food cans opening up for their lunch. In the middle of the afternoon I decided to try one more time to locate that hidden kitty. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I got out the red laser light and a tube of squeeze cheese. Well, it isn't really squeeze cheese, it is Churros and all three love that goodness in a tube. Mr Mo chased the laser light and I rattle the treat tube. Willie sauntered out from underneath the daybed in the front bedroom, ready for play and a treat. We would have bet money Willie was under our bed. Such is the life of a stealth kitty. Willie's fear when the routine has a new snag introduced is more so than the other two. I am not a professional cat phycologist but his behavior stems from his mother's protection. She probably had other kittens but Willie is the only survivor. She watched over him and rushed him off to safety anytime something alarmed her. Since he lost his mom at a young age, maybe he reverts to that behavior. He is the hardest to get to the vet and we are already planning and scheduling the weeks before his appointment to make the transition easier. Well, it won't ever be easy but without tipping him off. Also Roy doesn't have a poker face nor actions that would distract Willie Boy. 

With warmer temps we set out to get marigolds planted so that the tomatoes will benefit from their presence, well when the tomatoes are put into the ground that is. The experiment of planting in a small bag of potting or garden soil has been successful so far. We were able to move the plants in those two nights that were a bit colder than usual. Then bring them back out for the sun and the rainy Friday. 

This week I began studying to introduce Joseph on Sunday morning but it just seemed we could not make that huge jump from the good parting of Jacob and Esau to Joseph. Chapters 34 and 35 need to be covered. I tell ya, anything that has to do with Old Testament circumcision gets a pass over...oops that is kind of a pun, but not really. But, there is so much to the story and the family gift of deception, lying and scheming. Chapter 34 has it all. Passive Jacob, a daughter assaulted and held captive, sons with rage and tempers, and not stopping his sons from outright war over the actions of two. Despicable actions of the two sons. You do not see God's name nor His presence or influence in chapter 34. Chapter 35 brings remedy and repentance but getting through 34 has to be done. 

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Today has been a lovely day to haul dirt and compost across the yard. A good day to cut back old growth and prepare for new plants. Had a funny moment. I tried to use one of the footstools from the wooden chairs in the yard. It slopes as well as the yard. Too much slope for me and we got quite the laughs of me trying to figure out what was going on. In these situations I can laugh so hard that well, let's just say the result is not what is needed. Roy did a lot of work out there today and this evening he finished watering. We are supposed to get some rain tomorrow, so who knows but it really felt good being outside today. Last year I really missed doing all of this and the work and the lovely fragrances that arrive in spring. 

I don't know if it is because I am studying a lot on Joseph but the past two weeks I have had such vivid dreams. No one bowing down to me like he dreamed but I will say a few of those dreams might be a way to prepare a bit for days ahead. Nothing earth shattering just reminding me that there is a beginning, middle and end to stories. It's kind of like using prayer to segue from thing to thing cause that is just what has been done for eons of generations. Maybe these dreams will help me adjust, I have no idea other than the Lord has used dreams before in my life and I have learned to know the difference between eating popcorn dreams before bed and these of the last few days. 

Sunday after church was our fellowship lunch. Always delicious food as well as visiting with friends. It is one of the most fun things we do at church and it is so needed anytime and all the time. With school soon coming to an end, our attention turns toward preparation for VBS. The format has changed a bit so I won't be volunteering as before but Roy is taking the pictures for that week. 

This is such a colorful and verdant spring. The leaves of the trees are especially vibrant this year. It might have to do with a little more rain than usual. I am also ready to plant some zinnias. They have become one of my favorites. 

RIP Cha Nay-Nay

 These days with The Feral Fam have been especially poignant. Coco is trusting us more, even letting Roy pet her. She likes hanging out with Fido and he is showing her the ropes of in and out of the garage living. She hasn't stayed over yet but many a morning, after their private breakfast, she adjourns to her king size bed in the corner of The Garage on the Catmore Estate. Fido's brother, Spot or Spotty as I call him, is trusting us more as well. He has a huge wound on his neck and we would like to get him into a vet. There is also a couple who board horses with our neighbor that is very interested in him. He too enjoys the private dining privilege here at Catmore. Won't eat in the garage but he has one of us on guard duty to keep the others away so he can eat and gain strength. We hadn't seen him for a couple of days and we kept an eye out for him but we were slowly resigning ourselves to maybe his passing. Thrilled to see him! One of Camo's last batch got too close to the road about a month or so ago. Since The Feral Family harem has diminished the males from around the area are a bit disappointed to only find a table for one, meals. Hector Protector's twin Bobbsey has made a few appearances of late. He lives with another colony over the mountain. Radley is still around but not as much. Shows up about every week and a half for supper. 

Sadly, I believe that Cha Nay-Nay might be gone. It has been about a week and that girl never missed a meal as well as some pets and then time in my lap. As a young one, something got to her like something has gotten to Spot. Not as bad but she slowly healed. She stayed around here most of the time, with just a couple of ventures down the gravel road with Coco. Not out of sight from our backyard. This little spicy kitten who hissed her way into adulthood, all of the sudden wanted some interaction with the hoomans. Once again, Fido showed the way. As we worked getting the flowerbeds ready, Fido and Cha Nay-Nay helped us. Of course with too little stamina, I would sit down and the helpers joined me. She always touched noses with me, so I knew I was accepted by her. On those cool to warm evenings, she would cuddle up on my lap with her head tucked into my arm. I have always been partial to calicos. Remember Cali? We have looked everywhere for Cha Nay-Nay and I can tear up a bit when I think of her. The last time she sat on my lap and then had her supper, she came back to me and put her paws on my shoulder...like a hug. Then she went onto whatever plans she had for early evening. 

That first little Calico, Cali, never let me pet her but this little one opened wide her heart. Like all good ferals, she kept just enough of that wild spirit to remind me she wasn't totally domesticated. She didn't like to be carried. The one time she got into the house, she went nuts trying to get out of the house. 

She started out as Chanel but I realized soon enough she was more a Cha Nay-Nay. She was barely a year old. 

Last night Roy heard coyotes howling and he got Beanie into the garage with Fido for the night. We haven't heard coyotes for a while but their presence might just explain our lost Cha Nay-Nay. 

The loss has hit me hard. I still go out and whistle cause she always came a running cause the whistle means mealtime or snack time. The joy of getting involved and winning ferals over is challenging but oh so wonderful if it evolves but the loss is tremendous. 

Weekly Reader, Maybe Two Week Reader

 The morning rain has moved east and supposedly this afternoon we will have a few more showers come in. We took the opportunity to work some outside. Roy put together a fire pit/raised garden ring and I cleaned out some big planters and started our tomato experiment. Is there anything we can't learn from social media. At TJs, they had veggie plants and although it is too early for our area, the call of tomatoes is in the air especially with the warmer than normal temps. This experiment is totally mobile and the plants can be moved easily to warmth and away from frost fear. It didn't take long for me to cry uncle and to surrender to the heat. We placed the fire ring, cut some lilac and came inside. After lunch Roy went back outside to finish the second ring. 

While spring is evident all over the countryside there is a period of time that if you didn't know the season, several tree sprout leaves that are in a fallish hue. Red, gold and light orange. Sitting on the daybed in the front room with the double windows. just seeing those colors brought this to mind. If I had been sick and lost track of seasons and time, it would be quite perplexing to say the least if this was my only view. Since it isn't, I have seen the daffodils and tulips make the early spring entrance, red buds and dogwoods bloom out, peach and plum trees filled with blossoms and now apple trees going from bloom to little apple buds. 

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We nearly had another "alarm" incident this morning. Woke up at 3:00 am, couldn't sleep. Got up and read. Roy woke up a little after 4:00 am and we had a regular, not morning before coffee conversation, and that is what threw me off on the morning routine. Cause I am the alarm disarmer but Roy has promised me again and again he always checks the monitor to make sure the alarm is disengaged. Emersed in a good book I hear Roy, maybe yelling my name or is he talking to the cats? It was me whose attention he is calling out for...turn off the alarm! Hurry! Whew! We made it without having to verify with the alarm company that it was a mistake. 

After reading Mildred Budge books, I am going the complete opposite now. Started The Swamp Kings, history of the Murdaugh family in SC. The stories of the family coming into prominence, along with their many faults and flaws goes hand in hand with Jacob and his family. Throughout the narrative we see all the deception and scheming that takes place. Jacob has a divine encounter and change for him begins but it is still in his family, with his sons. 

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Ah, the temps of winter return for today and tomorrow. We brought in the tomato plants and covered them against the lows and the possibility of frost. With the rain on and off all weekend everything is looking so green outdoors. Every color of green on the prism is being represented by various trees. Once it gets a little warmer we are going to cut back some plants that have grown behind the hydrangeas and the deck. Have to pick a day like today where it will not be as warm so that we don't have to battle the plant as well as bugs. 

We sang Heaven Came Down yesterday morning in church. Oh my, it has been many, many years since I have heard the song much less singing it. What I remember is back in the day, at an age before I could participate in youth activities at Westbury Baptist, the youth choir came home from a mission trip. They sang all the songs and Heaven was one of them. Ron Lowry was our music minister and he set the joy of singing into many. One that comes to mind is Mindy Scott although many would know her as Mindy Klassen. That Sunday night that was devoted to the report of the trip was probably the only Sunday night I paid attention. I remember how soft the voices were on, "sins were washed away" became bolder with "and my night was turned to day, heaven came down and glory filled my soul." While most memories at WBC are not good, this particular one is. That Sunday night is the first time I heard the song, Amen. 

Yesterday, I posted a blog post from 2009 titled Thank An Admin. I think I do this every year because the truth in it is still relevant as well as truth. I looked at some of the original comments by the admins to look at what life for them now looks like. Interesting, for sure. 

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HVAC checkup time. Roy and the tech are outside looking at the downstairs unit. We have two of the three boys put up and it looks like rain. Cooler as well. If we get a chance this afternoon we might put out some of the plants we purchased this week most probably in a raised bed but we might do the bag of dirt thing. 

I think I will close this less than stellar post. It has been a couple of weeks in the making. I like the slow days now. We finally tackled a couple of projects this week. We are also doing a massive clean out. Found tons of stuff that needs to move on. Lots of pandemic interests to keep me busy at home and the truth is, now they don't hold the same interest. So, off they go.