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. 

Friday and It's November

 The early mornings have a golden hue that bathes everything even making dried out leaves and empty branches brilliant. Now, the sun is fully shinning which is beautiful as well. The kittos just came in from a long morning on the back porch. It is good for them to enjoy while the temps are a little warmer than usual. 

It is a taking it easy type of day. It seems to work in the getting stamina and strength back. I have hung up a few winter things and debating on others, whether to keep or give away. Drinking coffee in my jammies and also have on a bum around flannel shirt that doesn't match anything I have on and I love it. One of the first joys of mountain living for me, don't have to match. Okay, I try to clean up if I will be in the public eye, but somedays, it doesn't matter. I think about our neighbor Mary Joyce. She wore the look well. What is so funny now is this, Macy's have been emailing me about the new Ralph Lauren fall/winter clothes. Now, truthfully in my heart of hearts I wish I could carry off that look...the whole Chabang, boots, purse, dress, and jacket. For one, that is an expensive proposition and like I already stated...don't have the look. Now, over the years I have worn bits and pieces of Ralph. My favorite Ralph Lauren thing from the past is the room spray they sold. Had that spicy scent with overtones of tobacco and buryl wood. It was my goal to saturate our home in that fragrance so it would naturally be everywhere. It was a huge project that didn't work but gee, it was fun trying to do that. 

This morning I thought, gee where did October go? Oh yea, I remember now. Fall back tomorrow night. Thought, this is the perfect Sunday to come back cause of the whole extra hour thing. Believe me, I will need it. 

In other aspects of the simply and solitary life of the last month I have noticed that Roy's focus is sharper than ever but it is a lot of work to get him to not overfocus too much. Now, on the surface this will look like an unkind story but it is not. It just makes my point and don't worry I am going to tattle on me a little later. We went to Sam's after voting on Monday. Toward the end of shopping I decided to go wait out in the truck. Since I was coughing I got out two cinnamon mints that helps stop the coughing. Roy finished up and started loading the truck. So, I'm in the front seat and quite by accident I was going to cough but I didn't get the mints moved to the side of my mouth and when I inhaled, the two mints got stuck in my throat. They weren't very big, but it scared the peewadlin out of me. I immediately flop across the front seat and console, coughing and choking...I manage to get the mints dislodged. I looked back and Roy is so proud of his packing job. He never paid attention that I was choking until I told him. He said it just sounded like you were coughing, but here is the focus issue, I am flopping and flipping like a fish out of water in the front seat. Never caught his eye. Now add my ADHD to the mix, distracted and inattentive. I start on task but if I find something that amuses or interests me, no task is done. Roy's solution is once again now that I feel better to put me on a schedule. A schedule that fits with his. Uh, thanks but I march to the beat of a different drummer. Like having the sickness from hell has changed me into this focused and task oriented person...he has high hopes that will be dashed to the ground in no time. It's like the time we refinanced our home in Rancho de Five, the contract sat on the island untouched and not disturbed by me. Roy is pacing from the front door to the kitchen. I was sitting in my reading room watching the march of the tin soldier. Finally Roy stops and says, well, aren't you going to read the contract? Uh who is the lawyer here???? Not me! I asked if he thought I had changed in anyway because I trust him on that contract stuff but he thought I would take an interest in this endeavor. Unrealistic expectations. He left the room, I moved the contract to the other side of the island, opened it to a page. He was so happy to see that when he returned. My ADHD coping mechanism. 

I can say for the first time in a long, long while...I'm catted out! The Boys are great but the kittos have been a handful today. They have worn me out. Chubola is entering that special time in a young girls life. This afternoon we separated her from her brothers and we finally got her in from the back porch as she was attracting attention from a few of the just coming into age male cats. She is furious with us. We have ruined her life. No one is going to vote her prom queen nor will she be a cheerleader. She's pouting by lying in her litter box. We tried an experiment this afternoon that went 50% well. I brought Baxter and Buster up to the front bedroom. Buster, the alpha cat of the group, hid under the daybed but Baxter played, discovered the front window, and sat beside me. Both GMoey and Mr Mo came in and no one growled or hissed. We had a time getting Buster and then with Chubola outside and we finally caught her...thus the catted out nature of the afternoon. Nobody seems to be that upset about the split. 

Tuesday and Wednesday...A Okay

 Tuesday evening. The kittos are up, the boys have settled in and Roy is busy in the bonus room working on something. A quiet evening. Since I tried my hand at getting out and about yesterday I stuck pretty close to home. Got some things accomplished and thankful that this cough is finally settling down. 

One thing about yesterday, I saw the French Broad River for the first time and the scenes of destruction were a bit overwhelming. We voted early then gave Sam's a little bit of a try and I did okay but at the end, started coughing so I went to the truck. 

I feel like I am slowly returning to normal and believe me, that is something I had doubts over. Please do not laugh. Anyway, anything whether it was texting or moving or whatever seemed overwhelming and wouldn't and couldn't be done. Then slowly but surely I didn't need to take a nap to take a shower and then take a nap after a shower. For a couple of weeks I didn't change jammies too often cause it was overwhelming to even consider. There are some wonderful miracles that have happened during all of this and I am anxious to get them written out. Before Helene, we had every week scheduled with the ASPCA for getting the feral fam in as well as the kittos. My sickness stopped progress on getting them acclimated to the house and the boys. Anyway, they were scheduled because little Chubola is becoming a young female cat with two brothers. Last week Roy emailed with his contact there asking if we could get on a waiting list for cancellations. She responded we could bring in all three on the 4th. I tell you that is a miracle. People are vying and we are so thankful for this favor from them. 

Today, Roy was going to take the Mustang into Weaverville. Mustang Sam would not start. We have had Triple A for years and never used it until today. A bad cell in the battery and low on antifreeze. They got the car started and Roy took it over to the mechanics. Changed things out and Roy said the car is running like it is brand new. For this we also give thanks. 

I think we got our electricity and internet back around the 8th. Roy woke me up to let me know we were off the generator but I was fitful and couldn't get my mind around anything. I have often told Roy that I have a good track record coming back from health issues that should have taken me out but I also know that day is coming when it is time for me to go to Jesus and no amount of fighting can change that. The 8th I had told the Lord that if this was my time to go, I would not fight. That night after finally falling asleep my mom came to me in a dream. I rarely dream about my mom, only have those bad dreams with my father in them. In my dream I could see my mom walking toward me. She had on her favorite pair of shorts and this white short sleeve top that kept her cool in the summer. She was about 35 years old. It was as if she came to the very edge where she is in heaven and I am on the other side, here on earth. She knelt down to talk to me. She said, this is not your time to go. It is not your time to come to heaven but it is your time to fight. You have to fight this and get well. I woke up halfway expecting my mom to be there but I knew she wasn't there but I felt that this was a message from the Lord. My whole attitude changed from that time forward. Today Judy Carver told me a story about her praying for me...I just wonder if all this was at the same time? Wow! The Lord is so good!

In August I kind of stumbled upon Rowe Casa Organics. Troyer's in TN had a couple of their products. I tried the Magnesium cream first. Wow! Added Lymphatic cream and wow, wow! Since then I have added many more of their products and I credit their products so much that helped me these past few weeks. 

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Wednesday evening and I am exhausted. Another day out and about trying to build back stamina. We went to Haywood County for a couple of things. We made a stop at Barbers Orchard and I think this is the first time that I have not bought apple cider donuts, ever. Pears and apples. Went on over to Publix and first time in five weeks I have gone to the grocery store. I made it almost to the end but did the debit card thing and left Roy and the groceries. I sat in the car and ate 1/2 of an oatmeal cookie. Stopped to pick up BBQ. We were a little later than usual and they had already sold out of the brisket and ribs. I did my regular sides. One thing in these past couple of weeks is discovering Boars Head chicken salad with cranberries. I think I have had that sandwich everyday for a week and a half. Not too much sounds good, but it sure does. When we got home I rested and most probably I will stay around the house tomorrow to keep improving and getting strength back.

I am going to be back in The Joy Class on Sunday. It will kind of be SS light but I think it will be meaningful. I sure have missed the class. 

We just put the kittos to bed, so I need to finish this up or they will just sit here and cry at me. 

Penland's, One of My Favorite Marshall Places and My Friend Georgette

 

*these photos do know belong to me. Top is from USA Today and the bottom pic probably belongs to Ian.*

This is my friend Georgette. If you have ever visited me, for the day or days, we've gone to Marshall and we stopped in her store, Penland's. Her family has owned it for three or four generations. Even the the front displays carry a touch of nostalgia. The displays of modern Carhart, pajamas made in North Carolina, books about the wild stories of Madison County (there are some great stories), homemade products from the artisans in the area and sometimes fresh veggies and fruit. It is the heartbeat of downtown Marshall. 

I first met Georgette when friends took me to her store and introduced us. It was part of their Madison County tour because my friends grew up there and have a deep abiding love for that county. Cuman, Inez's husband, has some great stories and he knows the history, good, bad, legal and maybe some illegal. He has some of the best stories of moonshine days. He wasn't with us that day but he asked Inez not to take the river road to Madison. We swore secrecy not to tell Cuman we did. Oops! Anyway... Several weeks later I went back to Penland's and reintroduced myself. Her friendship took me right in. I'll forever be grateful for that. Since I was here by myself then and didn't really visit with people much, she was so patient as I talked and talked and talked to her. Then before leaving I'd always apologize that I had taken so much of her time. She was always gracious saying, I enjoyed visiting. When locals came in to shoot the breeze or pick up a few things, Georgette would introduce me just like I was from around there. Not too long after meeting her, she gave me her cell number and home phone number. She said no matter what time, day or night, call if you need help or anything. We are not that far from you and we will be there in a jiffy. I still have that note in my project desk room attached to a wall hanging so I would never lose it. In exchange I always shared oil and gas related news to her. Roy called one day and said it hasn't hit the news yet, but Colonial Pipeline is shut down. It is the pipeline supplier to our area of the country. I texted friends but one of the first I told was Georgette. Fill up your cars, your family members cars before the news hits and lines start forming at the gas stations. Over the years I sent her that alert several times. 

Downtown Marshall began a resurgence several years ago and Penland's was an anchor to that. Then Hurricane Helene came a calling and changed everything. Half of downtown, gone. Buildings that had survived the flood of 1916, gone. Six feet of water got into her store. Her family lost everything in that store, including 100 year old red oak floor and sub floor, the old display cases. Only the antiques on the very top made it, including Pee Wee Herman. Now they are trying to put it all back together. Mud removed and waiting on estimates for HVAC and other things. If anyone deserves our support right now it is Georgette. 

I am hoping that any Houston friends that stopped and shopped at her store might want to make a contribution of any size to the rebuilding of a business but so much more than that. If you come in the future, invest so that we can make a stop there. Georgette always takes care of everyone, now is the time to help take care of she and her husband and extended family to make a go of this again. Mountain Strong! Madison Strong!

If you would like to make a monetary gift to them, message me and I will send you her mailing address. So worthy of time and consideration. 

Just A Quick Yet Incomplete Update

 Howdy! It has been a while since I have posted on my blog. For the first time ever writing on Monablog, there was no fire within me to write. Didn't want to write and if I did have something to say, it was a little snippet on Facebook. Then at the end of September Hurricane Helene came rolling through but even before Helene, we had some kind of front stall out and we had 8 inches of rain the day before Helene. I will say I have never ever been through something like this. I wasn't in Houston for Harvey or Beryl but nothing like wind and rain and wind. The week before Roy and I did prep work, just like in Houston. Gutter cleaners punted on us so Roy and I did the best we could cleaning out the gutters on the back porch. We shopped, got laundry done cause we felt for certain we would lose power. Filled up the truck and the car. Like every good Houstonian, we had our hurricane prep box ready, complete with Pop Tarts. Every preparation brochure has the box and right on top, Pop Tarts. I didn't go get rain or snow donuts which is so unlike me. Many times I don't eat them but if they are in the house I am not craving them. I know now there was a reason why. 

As the storm came in Thursday afternoon, Roy stood on the back porch and read storm verses out loud to the wind. He must have been out there for about an hour until I finally called him in. The mountains were hit hard, very hard. I'll write more on that later on another post. Our little post office by the French Broad River had three feet of water in it. Houses gone. Buildings gone and the Alexander Bridge was one foot away by being over taken and probably destroyed. 

The strange thing is this, I kept asking friends about the aftermath but no one knew what that was really. Before, when tropical storms come though it is a rain event. Lots of people were making plans for Friday afternoon and night. I think now, everyone knows about aftermath. 

As the storm came and went, along came a virus or cold that attached itself to me. At first, I didn't give it a thought until I became very ill. I now would bet money I had Covid, really, really bad Covid. I wasn't ever stopped up or ran much of a fever but the coughing was killing me. I was supposed to have a Dr appointment on Sept 30th, but it had to be cancelled...no water and no clear way to get to the office. On the 9th of October we called EMS and they made a stop. With all the storm, death and chaos normally they would have taken me to the hospital, but it would take 6-8 hours for one to come and pick me up. Then most probably due to more serious and immediate emergencies, I would have probably been there a lot longer and really never seen. We all decided I had a better chance at home for now. After that and until we had to call EMS back because I had fallen and couldn't get up, I don't remember much. Not eating much, coughing up junk and no stamina, no strength. My eyes stuck together, my arms and legs would not or could not do the things I was asking of them. Roy took such good care of me. It wasn't until the 13th or 14th, that I began to believe I was going to make it. Slowly but surely I am getting better. Yesterday I had a setback but today I feel like once again I am on the road to recovery.

Next week I am going to get some bloodwork done to see if I have currently long Covid. 

Well, that is about it for now. I will try to be better with updates.

PS- Roy is taking good care of all the kitties

Approaching Seventy

 Twenty years ago I decided I was going to go into my fifties in the best way possible. Lost weight but then had a crisis and I didn't go into my fifties weighing a little bit less. Ah, nothing like crisis, stress eating. One thing I did do on this day twenty years ago was to take my three best friends for Spa Sanctuary at the Nord. We had body wraps, massages, facials and nails done. They served us lunch in the relaxation room. It was the best time. After the luxurious day, we had our makeup done downstairs and then finished the day at Lupe's Tortillas. Turning fifty, besides turning twenty, are the only birthdays that have bothered me age wise. This "big" birthday tomorrow doesn't bother me because other than by God's grace I  wasn't supposed to be here to celebrate. We had a fun party at Peggy's twenty years ago to celebrate and the age range of friends was 3-90. Even had some family attend who just happened to be in town. Such fun and such good memories. 

Ten years ago Roy treated me to a month here in the mountains. We arrived here after a few days at a cousin reunion. On the last day of that month's time, we left with an accepted offer on a home. We never ever thought we would find something in just a month, that we would probably need several trips but God knew. We bought before the housing market here skyrocketed. Such fun, such good memories and still loving and making memories living here. 

I have been reflecting this week on living so many years. I remember when my mom turned seventy. I took over a cake and had a small celebration with her and my father. Looking back I think she might have been dealing with some mild memory problems but she had kind of withdrawn herself over those last few years of her life. One of her best friends was walking an all too short fight against cancer. My mom had a few other friends that she did things with, but didn't enjoy getting out with them too much. 

There have been a lot of mistakes, unkind words I wish I could take back but my life has contained good decisions, lots of fun and laughter and joy. I am thankful that the Lord has never left me and holds me in His heart and hand. Recently I was cleaning out more diaries from late elementary school and the seventh grade. Happy to know there have been good changes, but dang, almost the same things back then make me irritated today. Gave those diaries a good read through cause they went into the shredder. 

This year my two best friends from high school have or will be joining in the age beginning with 7 club. Beth hasn't turned that number yet but her family gave her a wonderful party to celebrate. It broke my heart that I couldn't attend. Having too many health issues to fly or road trip any great distance and a no from my cardiologist on this trip to the Seattle area as well as my nieces destination wedding earlier this year. I came across pictures from my visit to Gig Harbor those many years ago. You know, back when I could hike...well, I didn't hike well in those mountains coming from flatland, but I did dress the part. 

Last Monday was the ol' mammo appointment. The waiting area used to be so welcoming and comfortable. Easy chairs and the decor of a mountain cabin with restful colors. Well, that has all changed and is now the sterile medical environment we all are familiar with. Once behind the doors and changed into the lovely gown, opening in the front, you're seated in a smaller waiting area with other gowned women. It has been my experience in the past that area is rather chatty. No one was talking until a woman arrived, probably younger than me but looked older and she asked, why isn't anyone talking? So, those timid first conversations of mammograms of the past began to roll out of us along with laughter. When my turn to tell a mammo story came, I told them in the past I would cancel a mammogram if storms were in the area. You know cause, what if lighting hits the building and the power goes out, there I am attached to this grip thing in the dark. No one would remember to use the emergency release thing, if there was one. Back in the day those grab and smash machines were attached to the wall and I was too tall for them. The next lady gave the advice, don't look down. Why? Cause it will freak you out what you see. I mentioned that when my friend, Lisa P crossed the mile high swinging bridge at GF Mountain, that is what I told her...don't look down. Well, I had never even thought of looking down getting a mammo. While getting mine done, I did not look down, but kind of wanted to. The techs were so nice and really invested in making sure I could punch in the numbers and press enter to unlock my locker. Told them, I felt like I could do that but while changing into the front open gown, I could not figure out how to tie it shut. That is not an elderly problem for me, it's just a Nancy problem. Been having trouble with those hospital gowns since 2008. Now I am figuring out what kind of elderly patient do I want to be on these visits with doctors and tests. They all seem to see me as such and dang, it was during the last week to be in the six decade. Monday morning, I have another appointment but I'll be in the beginning of the seven decade, so it will be a new experience for me. 

Just like twenty years ago I approach this birthday weighing a little more than I have in recent years. Not crisis or stress eating, but a little less active. More of a fluid retention thing. This time I am going into the next decade concerned about memory and things related to that. It has been suggested that I check out if my ADHD is a bit more active and causing those concerns. I did take one test and yes, officially, ADHD is detected. I could have told them that without the test. 

Cats, Appointments and Being Older

 Good Morning from the Inn on the Catmore Estate. This is a much better morning than yesterday. The kittens were lethargic and had that look. We ran through anything that we had changed in their diet and we narrowed down what we thought might be the problem. Last night we fed them just a bit of milk to tide them over through the night. It seems to have done the trick. This morning I was greeted with a exuberant greeting by all three. We did a little milk and then had morning playtime on the front porch. GMoey took part once again but still ignores These Three for the most part. When the gray kitten tried to nurse from him, GMoey gave it such a look! Just gave them the second round of milk and they have settled down into nap time. At lunch time we will give the two who eat solid wet kitten food a little bit of lunch. I read this morning that the little guy who has trouble eating out of the bowl might be due to eyesight not being fully developed. This is my first time working with kittens so young so I am trying to learn all that I can. 

 This time two Saturdays ago I never planned nor imagined that we would have little kittens in the house. It has been our practice to help only when it seems like the mom or moms in this case need help. Everything seemed to be going well with the exception of the eye matting. That Saturday afternoon when I picked up the first kitten, she was covered in maggots. I hate those things. Anyway, that opened up the opportunity for These Three on Sunday. They are fun to watch and all three have the sweetest personalities. I had my doubts with the gray one because his linage is Mr Meany, Frankie and Nimbus...all mean, all nasty in temperament. He is just the sweetest thing, purrs and he loves that solid food topped with salmon lil soups as a chaser. I just gave them their milk feeding and then brought the above mentioned fav of the lil gray one. He and the orange kitten that loves wet food, fought to the death I mean fought to the nap to clean out the bowl, although there right beside the grudge match of the morning was a bowl with the same food in it.

We are more and more becoming "that" couple who go to Dr appointments together. Although, we have not stepped over the line of going back as a couple behind the golden door. The nurse asked if I would like Roy to come back and I said no way. Not there at that point. Success with the three words, yay! Drew the clock but with just a second of hesitation. She said draw the clock with no hands. Okay, I replied, it might take a while since I don't usually draw with my mouth holding a pen. I put my pen in my mouth, it was my pen, and she cracked up. Of course she must have seen that a million times, but she said I am the first who ever did that. Got to see Dr Andy and always a joy to talk with him. I have had some concerns and we talked though what they could be. This thing, whatever it is has been going on for a little more than two years. The process of getting an orthopedic is in process. Andy sent a referral and  I got a text that I am now in their portal system. Everything moves slowly here, especially anything in the medical profession. 

Our blackberries are producing much fruit this season. Some of those berries are huge! Both Roy and I picked yesterday. Birds are getting to the tomatoes, so we hung red Christmas ball ornaments among the branches. We planted purple Cherokee cherry tomatoes and they are producing like crazy. All his tomato plants are. I haven't been over to the other side of the yard to see the bell peppers but Roy says they are doing good. 

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 Getting a mammogram here is one of the only not slow timing medical things one can get here. They contacted me yesterday to set up my appointment and I could have gone in today, but since we have a car in the shop I turned down the immediacy of getting in so quickly. I chose another date a couple of weeks out. Now, here is the thing I learned yesterday. For a brief moment that maybe I'll start calling Bidenbrain, not a political comment just keeping up with world events, I had Bidenbrain and couldn't remember the word, mammogram. Imagining, resolution all came to mind but finally at the last minute, the word came forth into the brain and out of my mouth. This little slip up caused the conversation to go really slow and be given instructions very slowly and at least five times telling me the address. Yes, I have been there before but now the mammogram office takes up the whole second floor instead of being on the first floor. Yep, after about the third time I know where to go. I am at that age and I know it comes with the territory but some of the questions you are asked are borderline ageist.  Do I live at home rather than in a home, can I bathe myself...? Yes, it is my preference. Can I walk by myself? Yes, that is my preference as well. Do I know what time I am supposed to arrive at the center? Why yes, I can even draw a clock for you and show my work that I understand the concept of noon. The lady asking me all these questions was so kind but I was painfully aware she had or as singers and worship leaders are wont to say, let's bring it down a little, cause I had a bit of a stumble at first. I thought I was never going to get off the phone with her, though. Must be a sensitive subject to me cause of those types of questions in the checkup this week. Do we have throw rugs? WE also have cats, so we do have throw up. Do we have cords and wires I have to step over? Do we have stairs and if so, are there items on the steps. Well, technically yes but I answered no cause they are neatly organized in a stair basket and one of these years, the contents will finally make it upstairs. The new question this year along with the smoking, drinking and stepping over cord questions and the nurse prefaced it with kind of a blush, was a question about s#x. Yes, this is all important information that the government and hospitals need to know. Oh to have had a pack of candy ciggies in my purse, to pull out the pack and retrieve a candy ciggie from it. Then tap it on my thumb nail like my Aunt Amy used to do, act like I am lighting it, take a long draw and respond with a witty answer. Like, we just did it in the parking lot waiting for your office to open after lunch time. 🎜Sky rockets in sight, afternoon delight . 🎜 I will have to remember this for next year's check up. 

Our neighbors made another hornet removal attempt and it cut short our watering, pruning and picking of fruit last night. Just as well, cause we needed to stop and let the little ones out on the front porch for playtime. Third kitty is eating from a bowl and gray kitty is drinking water from a saucer. They'll be leaving for college before you know it. 

This has been a hard week in some ways yet a very joyous week as well. Rejoicing with a friend with a new job and passing a certification in her line of career. Praying for friends here as well as praying for friends in Houston after hurricane Beryl. So many do not have power yet and the heat index is over 100 degrees. 

We did something new this morning, we fed These Three on the front porch while cleaning out their playpen. GMoey came out for a while but just watched the yard for birds. Now the kittens are fast asleep in their clean bed and playpen.