Getting Ready in Exodus As Well As Life

 A rainy Saturday morning and nothing is on the schedule. Yay! We will both most probably be working on Sunday School lessons today. Both of us in the plagues, but I am a few plagues ahead of Roy. Our teaching styles are totally different but we do help each other with the things we've studied or quotes we like. 

GMoey is helping me write this morning and it looks like he is going to settle in for a nap on my lap. That will be very helpful. Looks like we got everyone on the healthy side of life. We are cutting back on the probiotic drops that calms down the stomach. Thus, I don't think we have had a clean up on Aisle 9 in the last several days. 

Thursday, we went to the visitation of a friend's brother. We usually go to the service but I have found the last three times I have been ill has comes a few days after attending a funeral service. The parking lot of the small church was filled to capacity. We paid our respects and left turning over our prime parking spot to an older lady. Heck, I am probably older than her but my mind just doesn't want to process this info. Roy took me out to lunch at Bonnie and Clyde's. He and our friend Cuman eat there but I have never been. The food was really good. I was going to order the country fried steak but it came with brown gravy. This is the closest thing to chicken friend steak here.

We finished up the plagues, well the first nine, yesterday. Throughout the study process last week I kept thinking about the Israelites. What were they doing during the plagues? Most probably they cleaned up dead fish and frogs, but after that, maybe they had time to ponder and think about all that Moses and Aaron were telling them. Maybe they were getting ready to leave and go to the promise land. I turned this question of what were they doing to, what am I doing? What are we doing? As the old report card said, grading you on using your time and materials wisely, am I doing that? I was surprised in FB memories today from the Monablog of the past, right before we decided to move to Katy. We were in the process of finding a lot and building a home in Rancho de Five. We felt that this was God's leading and in hindsight, I can confirm it was. 

"Today I did something that I did before we moved to where we live now.  Before we moved to our condo and when I found myself on this side of town, I would drive around and do a little stop and shop in the neighborhood.  Just kind of wanted to get the feel of it and did it feel right. The Play Neighborhood.  Did that today in what could be our new Play Neighborhood.  In fact I almost didn't take my exit on 99 for CBS and was going to go on a little further down the road like I was going home.  This was not a conscious decision, it just felt right.  Quickly I swerved for the exit and made it just in time to miss the devotion portion of the study.  I can miss devotional time but never an exit.  I always miss music and devotion and arrived just in time for core group.  After Bible study today, I found myself doing that very same thing playing in the neighborhood.  Since organizing for a probable/possible/surely it will happen move, I am trying to get things cleared out and put into modular plastic containers.  Yesterday I brought home four and a few other storage type things.  Ah, I am no professional when it comes to organizational terms.  Well, the four modular plastic storage drawers were filled in no time with t shirts and sweatshirts.  Here of late I like wearing work out togs, but just haven't had the desire to actually work out in them.  Besides the way to my heart besides journals and pens is a t-shirt.  Roy thinks I am high maintenance and maybe that is sometimes true, but when he goes on a trip, I just want a cute t-shirt from wherever he has been.  That is low maintenance any way you look at it.  It was serious clear out yesterday because I'm letting go of some t-shirts that have been in the collection for quite some time.  That's how serious I am about getting into the ready position.  So I went to the Katy Super Target hoping to pick up 4 more modular plastic containers and there were only 2!  Who else is getting organized?  Now I am going to have to make a trip to the dreaded San Felipe Target, it has not been my first choice of a Target in a long time but have heard it has improved since remodeling.  I thought about driving by the lot where we might build again to see what the neighborhood looks like during an early dismissal day, but decided just to head back into Houston. 


Buddy has been a bit feisty of late.  The other night, out of the blue she attacked my forehead.  Now I know side bangs may not be her favorite style for me, but I think the attacked stemmed from the fact that I had been laying on my left side and didn't turn over and change to the right side when she sat next to me and meowed into my ear.  I finally gave in because Buddy has me trained so well, and when I thought she was going to settle down on my arm, like she wants to do, she lashed out with one big old swipe of the paw.  My cry woke up Roy, who I call the enforcer when it comes to disciplining Buddy, he got me a Kleenex and he wanted to put a big honkin' band aid on the cut.  Yes, that will feel great ripping off the band aid the next morning and half my eye brow going along with it.  Hmmm...maybe that wasn't such a bad idea at all.  But he didn't act all enforcer like with Buddy and he decided he would rather go back to sleep than chase a cat in the middle of the night with a spray bottle.  Where is the love?"

So, kind of funny to read this getting ready post from a few years back. Really, the move to Cinco Ranch was a great decision for so many reasons. It also prepared us, but me mostly, in making the move from Texas to North Carolina. 

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We had snow this morning and several times those huge fluffy flakes fell. Most of it has melted because we are above freezing this afternoon. We cancelled the ASPCA appointments since we were worried about this morning being snowy or icy. Definitely snowy and having two, especially if they are females. recovering in the garage.  We will open the Inn on the Catmore Garage later this afternoon. The next two nights will be rather chilly, no I mean downright cold. We do not get above freezing tomorrow as temps hover in the 20's. 

Yesterday, was a huge win in the declutter project. In September while changing out summer to fall to winter clothes, I got sick. I was out of commission for over a month. Missing out on all of October in autumnal wear was difficult but it also put me behind in getting clothes out to Goodwill. Then the storm stopped all that kind of thing and when I was finally organized, no one wanted to take donations of clothes. This is also the year that I let go of sentimental clothes cause it ain't doing anyone any good in drawers and storage cubes. Got shoes as well. Now, that it will soon be March and that month can go a lot of ways temperature wise, I'll just be in the ready position to get winter put up and spring and fall out. Last week we took four small boxes of books to the Resale store of Habitat and we have two large boxes of books and other items to go. Guess we will do that next week if the weather cooperates. I also cleaned out a couple of dresser drawers, so this afternoon I am feeling uncluttered and free. 

A Catch Up For Now

 It has been some time since the last blog post. I have one written but now not current so, not posting. I find that if I want good study time most days there really isn't any quiet time for blogging. With Roy resuming his workouts there is a tad more quiet but The Trio and The Boys can be loud. Looks like most have decided on a nap which is just wonderful for peaceful moments to think. They two groups are blending together a little bit more. Roy has five out of the six eating together and they hang out together in the morning.

Speaking of The Trio and The Boys, we were dealing with some sickness with five of the six. We ordered some gentle food and probiotic and this Monday morning they are all feeling well. One gets creative to take care of these little ones without breaking the bank and five to the vet at one time, oh yes, that is a bank breaker. I missed our ladies brunch at church because someone needed to stay with the little ones and since Roy has gone above and beyond duty taking care of me and the long recovery since October, I thought his getting out and doing what he loves was the right decision. 

Sunday's service kind of held some nostalgic feelings. We sang Just A Closer Walk which of course harkened back to an Inspire Women Conference with the Mass Choir that wasn't so massive. Friends in the mass choir got tickled with the line, If I falter Lord Who Cares? Well, that set off our row in attendance cause we were friends with the mass choir all in about twelve in number. Then, I got to do a skit with Hannah to inspire....think I am going with inspire for the paragraph Alec, people to sign up to work in VBS. That was a lot of fun and now I know I can't do more than one page of a script, cause I can't memorize like I used to. We sang Jesus Paid it All for the closing hymn and I remember that hymn with anthem emphasis as we sang it long ago in the HFBC choir. Then, just one more nostalgic feeling, our pastor has been called to a new church that is closer to where he and his wife grew up here in North Carolina. In two weeks we begin the "interim" period which of course totally reminds me of those days of long ago when we went five years looking for a pastor at First Baptist. So, the morning filled with inspiring moments turned into lunch afterwards for a VBS planning meeting. I cannot participate due to health issues but Roy is the VBS photographer and he wanted to attend in order to have knowledge of where he needs to be to catch those timely and wonderful VBS moments. They did make a recommendation of no more Kool-Ade and then discussed snack items. I tells ya, some kind of off brand Kool-Ade and butter cookies that had holes in the center, thus eating them while wearing cookies as a ring, was good enough for generations why not now? I'm joking of course and we do have kids that attend from around the area who experience food insecurity. Thus healthy snacks are to be considered as well. 

Since rediscovering my love of reading I battle with reading for fun and reading for lessons. I just finished a book on Bunny Mellon. She was a Capote swan as well as a fashion/gardening trend setter of her day. My interest is not so much in her but that the book is written by the same author as Mrs. Astor Sends Regrets. Her style of writing and my style of reading are muy simpatico. I got into a few chapters in the book and I was hooked. You get a foundation, briefly of her early life and the early influences that defined her later in life. As part of the foundational knowledge, there is a fast forward of her estate sale. Sotheby's handled the sale and it took a week with her treasures divided into sections. One night paintings and art work and the next night furniture...etc.... She amassed an impressive amount of things or stuff. When she died, her service although planned out, held a few surprises as loved ones didn't give a kind word for her life. What they said according to the book was true. Her favor and attention was at her discernment and whim. She would drop friends so quickly, it was expected...it could be a friend of a few years or fifty or more. Bunny was buried in her cap and gown from the Rhode Island Art Institute. She was honored with an honorary degree from there. She had always wanted to go to college but she was pushed into that debutante life of searching for a husband. The jewelery she took to the grave was a small pinkie horse shoe ring that was of sentimental worth, not expensive at all. From her first husband of whom she truly loved and although he was wealthy, it wasn't enough for all she wanted to do in life. I also finished up The Devil at His Elbow, Alex Murdaugh. Very well done and probably the best book I have read in his life's genera. Put the Queen Mother book on hold and started The Woman Who Knew Everybody. Until now, I had never heard of her but that doesn't mean much. I don't get out too often.  

We got two more of The Feral Fam into the ASPCA this morning. They were not happy with their first road trip. But we were happy when we picked them up because we took in two females. We will be trapping again next Monday. Ah yes, next Monday when the temps are supposed to drop significantly. 

Just a quick catch up, for now. 

What I Did On My January Snow Days

 Greetings from cold NC. We still have some snow falling this morning but most of the storm has moved on out of the area. The snow is from the northwest backflow. I don't know what that means but after almost ten years here, I kind of know if only in my head. The snow in the afternoon was blowing in heavily from the south. Quite pretty. We had some sleet/ice fall in the early evening. The main road in front of the house has been scraped or salted but it is looking a little sketchy driving wise. Our road to the main one is solid white. We won't get above freezing today so I don't know about church in the morning. It is sanctity of life Sunday, so hope the decisions will be made with that in mind. You, know we don't want y'all slipping off the highway and losing your life type sanctity of life thought. Oops, next Sunday is sanctity of life Sunday...hmmm...well, you want us to be there next Sunday right? **** this just in, snow day tomorrow. No services so everyone can stay safe and off the roads. 

Y'all know that Peggy and I exchange recipes all the time...some of the time? Okay, every once in a while. She sent me a recipe for Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake. I think I have a similar one around here somewhere. Anyway, I got to thinking it has been over a year and a half since I've eaten at The Blue Rooster and last fall, I ate only three apple cider donuts. Oh how the mighty have fallen. 

The Jimmy Carter funeral was certainly an interesting view into the art of the snub. Even people, important people aren't really that good with snubbing. If some snubbing is going to take place it falls into these categories, oh, I didn't see you. Here is a good one, just don't acknowledge or be polite or something like oh my, this funeral program is just so dang interesting. Bill Clinton looked like he was reading a menu, deciding between the deluxe burger or the double deluxe burger with waffle fries. Nobody even mentioned Al Gore. He is probably thinking, hey I was snubbing too but just out of camera range or maybe he was being snubbed. The heater probably got turned up with the solid cold going on between Jill and Kamala. I mean everyone has snubbed or have been snubbed sometime in their life. Snubbing is an interesting story being told but not being told. For the love of it all, personally, I am a recipient into year three of a one sided continuing snub. How does someone do that? In the words of Whitney Houston, 🎜This is the greatest love snub of all....🎜Yes, children, adults even high ranking in a political realm snub. Guess it is something that continues with being a grown up.

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I didn't sleep like a sinner till half past nine, but we had a leisurely breakfast that included waffles. Very nice treat for a snow day Sunday. Lots of roads are still iced over but the main roads have been treated. We will get above freezing today and the sun is out. All the snow out front will melt but the backyard with lots of shade will take another day or two. I saw the professional scrape and salt trucks yesterday, but I also saw someone just being helpful. Had the scraper on the front end of the truck and a DIY salter attached to the tailgate of the truck. He seemed to be concentrating on the middle spots in the lanes as well as right in the middle. 

This afternoon we will clean out The Garage on the Catmore Estate. You know clean up any messes, check the linens and such. We aren't kicking them out yet but it wouldn't take much for Roy to say, shut it down. Nope, too cold. 

Roy is recovering nicely. But being the overachiever that he is, I'm keeping tabs on what he needs to do, what he is able to do and what he can't do. His answers are entirely different from a couple of weeks ago. The overachiever needing harder goals to accomplish but when one is married to a "cheive" person like me, the extra credit stuff does not interest me. 

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Remnants of snow remain this morning. Icy patches on some roads. We got out the snow shovels yesterday and cleared a path up the driveway out to our road. Our road was dry until you get past the gravel road behind us. We got the trash can down to the main road in case of a Monday pick up. Got the beautiful Christmas wreath off the front door of the porch, so all two things of Christmas decorations has been taken care of. 

With a snow Sunday, I got a lot of things done. Made my two week portions of adrenal, vitality, infusion and elderberry into single serve containers. Makes the medicine part of the morning easier and faster. Started working in the front room upstairs and made a dent into things on my project desk. I finished two books last night. Both biographies, Lucy and the other Brooke Astor. Both interesting and thought provoking. I've mentioned before on the ol' blog that it is sad how Lucille Ball could not modify her appearance or her comedy stylings. She finally agreed with critics that she could not reproduce Lucy now as the younger one from the I Love Lucy days but she blamed fans for that, not that she kind of ran the schtick into the ground. Most of the stories in the book I had read from other sources but this is the first that I read of there being issues between Lucy and her writers. Again, this is later on from the I Love Lucy days, but Desi was a bridge that could make the verbal blows she dealt out, land softer on bruised egos and hearts. Now, the Mrs. Astor book, I knew nothing about her and found the book interesting on how she lived life and what came as she got older. She lived till she was 105. I googled it up, the ending, because the book only goes to the civil and criminal indictments of her son and a somewhat trusted friend.   

2025 and Other Stuff

 Happy 2025! I had written a post wrapping up Christmas and New Years here and well, it was too boring. Not boring to live but boring to tell. I try to have some original thoughts but they are becoming hard to manufacture when in a routine. We are in the eyes have it season with Roy getting cataract surgery the day after Christmas and this week they will do the other eye. We are all about eye drops and eye patches and a schedule for all these things. 

I'm in a funk but I don't know why. Sometimes I feel like I can't complete a sentence or a thought. The funk isn't from winter because I love winter. There is a lot of hope in this season but sometimes it stays hidden and hope arrives just when you need it. 

Since I have been so distracted of late I think that will be my One Word for the year. It can easily be changed into a productive or a spiritual connotation. It feels right even though I feel like I have been living a distracted life the past few years. Thankfully, I have regained some ability to focus but it has come with a lot of grace and a lot of work. You know connecting a thought or completing a sentence is a worthy goal. 

Wrapping up 2024. It seemed like one of the strangest years of recent memory. The county changed trash pick up companies and the last month has kind of been a mix of when will the old trash bins be picked up and when will we receive our new ones. That has pretty much resolved itself but for those who haven't received their trash bins some have resorted to stealing them from the side of the road. Last Monday was the last Waste Pro pick up and they emptied trash and recyclables into the same truck. I've heard it has always been that way but on the second to last day of a contract, not trying that hard. This was a year when a hurricane in the mountains happened. You can still see just how devastating it has been. It will takes years to recover is some areas of the mountains. I still have effects from my six weeks of illness. Had a short reoccurrence of the illness a couple of weeks ago, but it ended sooner than before if because of the supplements I'm taking. The never ending cough hangs around a bit, less and less thankfully. I've been taking a mixture of immune support, elderberry, antioxidant infusion, adrenal and tart cherry. It truly has made a difference. Also the cough syrup works! Thank you Rowe Casa.  

We made the realization that this spring when we plant veggies and such, we are going to keep it in a smaller, more accessible area of the yard. Think we will plant sunflowers over by the fence. We shall see. It's not that the yard is too much for us, but maybe, that comes sooner than later.

There were some losses this year, not in the usual way one would think of loss. If this was several years ago I would have fought to know the whys but at this stage, it is something that can take a backseat from now on. Sometimes these things happen because of a third party and you can be thrown in with a group just being guilty by association. It feels a little passive/aggressive intentionally. Been there and ain't anything new. Other losses come from someone outgrowing you or the friendship or vice versa, me outgrowing them. It is all a natural thing of life but it can be painful. In 2024 I just wanted to be done with the whole thing. Sometimes communication feels like a set up and not genuine. 

Our cats like to rearrange the rugs in the kitchen. It is mostly a small rug that is pushed and played with. They are non skid type but they are able to get underneath it and move it all over. One never knows where or where that rug will be. The play tunnels are moved quite a bit as well. 

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Friday. We are supposed to get snow and maybe some ice today and through the night. We've had little flakes of snow since Monday. The roads have been salted but there are still slippery spots. We headed out a little earlier for Roy's cataract removal appointment. Because of several cancellations he was taken back for preop rather quickly. On our way to the surgery center the tire pressure light came on. That happens in cold temps and we decided we were close enough to get there, then if a tire problem occurred we would call AAA. By observation, it was the front right tire. Roy took several steps back while assessing the situation and caught his heel against a concrete parking thingy. He fell backwards. Didn't hit his head and only the side of his right palm hurt. Roy did so much better this time in recovery He was awake and even drank some coffee. We got home much sooner than anticipated and the tire pressure light came on as we drew near home. He rested a lot yesterday. I did a lot of his chores thus no rest for the weary. 

Schools are closed this morning but by the look of it construction must go on. Big trucks hauling heavy equipment are prominent on the main road this morning. Roy cancelled his appointment with the ophthalmologist this morning. They gave us the paperwork yesterday and then did a quick consult with the Dr's nurse. I am thankful not to be out on the roads this morning.   

Merry Quiet Christmas!

 Christmas Eve Day. Wow, Christmas seems to have come early this year but it feels this way cause Thanksgiving came late in November. I didn't get to wear nearly any of my Christmas frocks, not that I have frocks. I mean things that seem Christmassy by colors. Some go into that period of time between Christmas and New Years. We don't have too many occasions to dress up for and when I write this, I am not complaining at all. These years of quiet Thanksgiving and Christmas are so welcomed. We have a non traditional meal planned for tomorrow since we did the usual ham for Thanksgiving. Not a huge turkey fan but a real fan of the sides that accompany said turkey. 

Yesterday morning, Roy surprised me. He had a huge smile and a softer tone in his voice. He said he was thinking about going someplace that morning and he wanted me to come along. Y'all, it sounded like it was going to be something special and of course I responded enthusiastically, why yes! Where are we going? Not out for breakfast but he extended the invitation to accompany him to the landfill. He got me good. Well, it has been a while since we've been there. He is a stinker! So, yes, we went to the landfill with so many others who had that thought. The new trash service trucks were in abundance, so that is a hopeful sight of timely trash pick ups. Lots of us non professional environmental engineers in line. We got through the line faster than anticipated, got the trash deposited, and we were on our way. Next stop Tractor Supply, Exxon, Publix and Ingles. We got home fixed lunch and then headed out the door with a few little Christmassy things for friends. Oops, we forgot one thing and had to go back home. Andrew was there finishing up trimming all the shrubs, plants and bushes in the back. It looks so good. We ran a couple of more errands and came back home exhausted. 

We did not make any Christmas Eve services this year. 5:00 is too early but I know why churches have services at that time. Roy and I used to go to St Martin Episcopal Church for Christmas Eve services. Nothing like a liturgical, wonderful choir and music, an organ and the smell of Christmas mixed with bourbon or scotch. We loved doing that. When we were younger we could stay awake to go to the 11:00 pm service but as the years went by, we went to the 7:00 pm Christmas Eve service. For years when I was in the choir, First Baptist Houston had an 11:00 pm service. Most of the people attending were not members and it seemed to be a good outreach but over the years it disappeared.

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Merry Christmas! It is cold and sunny this morning. We've had breakfast, the kitties are getting out the last of the yips before taking a nap. We stayed up a little later than usual watching The Bishops Wife. It is one of our favorites. Earlier, we watched the parts of White Christmas that we like. Of course the song Sisters and all the dance numbers. Then the ending. Usually by this time, I have watched it many times but somehow I forgot about doing that this year. 

Our Christmas lunch is prepared and staying warm in the crock pot. Just have to add a few sides. We didn't put out much Christmas, so we don't have to put up lots of stuff. Our neighbors brought us some of their honey yesterday. It is so good, sourwood honey. 

Books that I ordered came in on Christmas Eve so I have been able to spend the afternoon reading. I also took a little bit of time to study for Sunday. Roy has cataract surgery tomorrow and an appointment on Friday. 

Sunday, we had a little Christmas celebration. No lesson, no devo thought, just eating, visiting and playing one how well do you know your Christmas Carol game. Thankfully, God has provided people in the years of teaching, that help me remember some of spiritual things. I invited everyone to start in the snack line, but Karen reminded me we hadn't prayed. Oh yes, that is an important thing to do. I really am hyper ADD with organizing these kinds of things. I give a half minute of thought and don't proceed in a timely manner of either giving instructions or arranging food for presentation. My brain is going a thousand different ways with a thousand different thoughts. Not unlike many Sunday School lessons, but that is another subject. The Joy Class knows what I love and I have a Barnes and Noble gift card burning a hole in my pocket. I'm so grateful for such wonderful friends. Like Jennell and Lori who brought delicious goodies to serve alongside the biscuits from TN. Kim made wassail which was perfect for such a cold Sunday morning. 

 Sing we quiet Christmas and now onto a quiet New Year!

If I Wrote a Christmas Letter....

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Friends and Family,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Curating Sweets and Book Reviews

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

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

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

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

****

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

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

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

Just the Daily

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

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

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

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

*******

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

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

December 13

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

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

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

Herding Cats is Not For The Fainthearted

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

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

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

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

December 2

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

December 4

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

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

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

One of My Favorite Blog Posts Ever!

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

My Thanksgiving Day by Nancy Mon

My Thanksgiving Day

By Nancy Mon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Winter Season Has Arrived

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

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

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

****

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

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

****

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

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

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

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

Good Report and Maybe Some Snow

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

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

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

******

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

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

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

Found Friend, Feral Fam and Fortuitous Detective Work

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, BBQ Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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