At our book club meeting the other night we were asked this question, "what would we travel or road trip across country to experience? We are reading a book about a journalist turned food critic/writer making her way to NYC from San Francisco on the back roads to experience pie. We read about her initial journey with a friend, the interlude as she writes and works in NYC and now we are reading about her second jaunt to find out why people like pie, all the ways people make them and just the experience of meeting people through this story. Our answers were various and off the top of my head I responded produce stands...not farmers markets but stands along the side of the road and guess that would mean back roads cause produce stands unless owned by an orchard aren't usually found along the side of an interstate highway. They asked about my favorite produce stands in Asheville and I couldn't answer that because all the produce stands I love are away from Asheville and some in nearby states. If I could work it in while traveling back roads I would visit independent bookstores too. Now there is some time well spent.
With all our rain and storms this week some of my adventures have been sidelined and probably that's for the good because there are those last minute things that need to be taken care of around here. It has been good for SequishShawn to get some road time in because this is the season and the reason for a convertible and Mustang Sam makes those back roads rip roaring fun. The drive type can be set for normal, sport, track or comfortable. Right now the setting is sport which makes the switchbacks and winding roads a pleasure to drive. Added benefit the fragrances that fill the senses, thank you Jon Denver, except when those fragrances be skunk, sewer or bad smelling livestock.
During the night in the haze of sleep the sound of distant rumbling roused me from sleep. The sound of storms in the distance soon became storms in the here and now. A couple thunder boomers were a little too close for comfort. Those only make Buddy nervous and she leaves. Many times it needs to be pondered, should I follow her? Does she know something I don't know? Her mindset is probably every cat for themselves. I wondered about the Feral Fam in the storms and hoped their abode was staying dry. This morning with it still raining I wasn't really looking for them but a familiar sound got my attention while enjoying that first cup of coffee, it was Camo and Cali sitting on the back doormat, making noise to draw my attention. Feeding of the Feral Fam was a full house with mother and son keeping up a constant hissing and growling at one another. Cali came into the garage and sat while food prep took place...it makes me wonder if she feels more of an affinity with me than with her family. Probably not, just taking the chance for a few minutes of dry. She is the least afraid of me and the last one to vacate a bowl when I draw near.
Once the rain stopped it was off to the dealership to get Mustang Sam's license plate. They put it on him and off we went to parts known and unknown to do a few errands and enjoy the cooler temps from all the rain. Most everything has been unloaded, just a few more things but maybe that can wait till tomorrow. Got the kitchen cleaned up and all the cats of the near and far world fed or treated. Had a long fun conversation with Lisa P and now waiting for Roy to get home after a retirement dinner for a co-worker...or is that former co-worker?
Tomorrow is supposed to be a drier day. Of course with the evaporation rate here by Sunday we will be looking at the sky and clouds trying to detect if any of the wet stuff will come our way. I find myself immensely satisfied and happy. God is so good!
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
What A Day Holds
The sounds of summer fill the air as Mike the Mower Man mows the yard. The fragrance of summer will fill the senses of cut grass mingled with the aroma of cut hay, which seems to have a sweeter scent. Mix the two together, what a lovely bouquet. With what seems to be an army of lightning bugs in the evenings, colorful splashes of blooming flowers...higher temps and thunderstorms, summer has certainly taken up residence here. Also an aside, with the Feral Fam keeping up regular visits to the backyard, the squirrel visits are more sporadic and yesterday the first chipmunk of the summer showed up for a quick minute or two before Mama Cat made her presence known. Cali hasn't been around for several days and since learning of her expanded territory, maybe she prayed the prayer of Jabez, she might be otherwise occupied. Still, she might be otherwise in another world, since she doesn't look both ways before crossing a road. MJ and Camo are around this morning though.
The past few days have filled with a busier schedule or disciplined time at home to study and to read to where I needed to be for book club. Happily, I got book club reading done last night. By God's grace the Philippians 1 lesson came together for Sunday and even had it typed out by Friday evening...in which I stayed up too late. Saturday morning meant finishing up studying and adding some new notes to the lesson. Then I found the song the choir sang Sunday on You Tube and practiced with the tambourine a couple of times. Our Sunday School class had a party Saturday night and Vivian asked if I would lip sync a song with back ups...so Ain't No Mountain High Enough got played several times to hear the words and think through choreography and additional actions that conveyed the message, we do not think we are Diana Ross and the Supremes. This kind of comedy usually falls into two camps, making sure no one thinks we are the artist or we perform with an audience knowing we are simply horrible but it is up to us on the stage to exude confidence and think we are the best that ever came down the road. When Peggy and I do our Christmas Dance, would be an example of the later category.
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A quiet Wednesday morning with all the Feral Fam kiddos greeting me as I served breakfast to them. Cali was asleep on the deck when I came downstairs. It is so good to see that little wanderer. The weather forecast is rain beginning around noon. We had several good showers yesterday complete with lightning and thunder. The first storm that passed through moved more to the south but our area received lots of lightning. The rain let up enough to make a safe drive to book club and got home with threatening skies and rain.
I love book club. Not only did we semi discuss the book, cause there is so much else to talk about but we were treated to two of the pie recipes that the author came across on her road trip across the country. We meet in a couple of weeks to discuss the rest of the book.
The lesson for Sunday has been a harder one to study for. The quarterlies of today are so much better than of yesterday. While teaching in the student ministry those examples in the lessons were from the 1950's-1960's and were unusable. We just took the verses and discussed them in our teacher's meeting on Wednesday nights for the lessons. Studying for Philippians 1 was a great diversion to get away from overthinking this week's lesson. Yesterday while studying, I came across a devotional that was never completed because the author passed away before finishing it but his commentary and style of writing on Colossians was just the thing to open my eyes to the verses we are studying. It is too bad with a quarterly that we don't get to spend much time on background and the whys of what is written. That certainly helps me see why Paul wrote what he did. So for this week, we are going to look at the background of what was going on with that little church that Paul never visited and then we can understand why he then wrote on the preeminence of Christ in the universe, in our relationship to God and in our relationships with one another. So many of my study aids are still in Texas because you know, I thought the Lord asked me to lay down teaching...and I added the forever part but it was for a season. This could be a short season or a long season of teaching, I don't know but to be ready and willing seems to be the lesson for me in the here and now.
Yesterday, I was fixing a glass of ice tea. I used a lime squeezer to squeeze juice from a lemon and then a blood orange. The blood orange must have been too big to use in something meant for a lime and some of the juice flew out of the top and to the side instead of in the glass. I saw a few spots and of course cleaned them up. Last night I looked up and there on the wall and ceiling were more blood orange juice squirts and it did look like blood splatters on the wall...this fact I know from watching too much ID TV in the past. So last night I cleaned off the walls and ceiling only to see this morning some that I missed. That was a juicy orange.
Well, this day's adventure hold vacuuming and folding laundry. Oh and probably some rain.
The past few days have filled with a busier schedule or disciplined time at home to study and to read to where I needed to be for book club. Happily, I got book club reading done last night. By God's grace the Philippians 1 lesson came together for Sunday and even had it typed out by Friday evening...in which I stayed up too late. Saturday morning meant finishing up studying and adding some new notes to the lesson. Then I found the song the choir sang Sunday on You Tube and practiced with the tambourine a couple of times. Our Sunday School class had a party Saturday night and Vivian asked if I would lip sync a song with back ups...so Ain't No Mountain High Enough got played several times to hear the words and think through choreography and additional actions that conveyed the message, we do not think we are Diana Ross and the Supremes. This kind of comedy usually falls into two camps, making sure no one thinks we are the artist or we perform with an audience knowing we are simply horrible but it is up to us on the stage to exude confidence and think we are the best that ever came down the road. When Peggy and I do our Christmas Dance, would be an example of the later category.
***********************
A quiet Wednesday morning with all the Feral Fam kiddos greeting me as I served breakfast to them. Cali was asleep on the deck when I came downstairs. It is so good to see that little wanderer. The weather forecast is rain beginning around noon. We had several good showers yesterday complete with lightning and thunder. The first storm that passed through moved more to the south but our area received lots of lightning. The rain let up enough to make a safe drive to book club and got home with threatening skies and rain.
I love book club. Not only did we semi discuss the book, cause there is so much else to talk about but we were treated to two of the pie recipes that the author came across on her road trip across the country. We meet in a couple of weeks to discuss the rest of the book.
The lesson for Sunday has been a harder one to study for. The quarterlies of today are so much better than of yesterday. While teaching in the student ministry those examples in the lessons were from the 1950's-1960's and were unusable. We just took the verses and discussed them in our teacher's meeting on Wednesday nights for the lessons. Studying for Philippians 1 was a great diversion to get away from overthinking this week's lesson. Yesterday while studying, I came across a devotional that was never completed because the author passed away before finishing it but his commentary and style of writing on Colossians was just the thing to open my eyes to the verses we are studying. It is too bad with a quarterly that we don't get to spend much time on background and the whys of what is written. That certainly helps me see why Paul wrote what he did. So for this week, we are going to look at the background of what was going on with that little church that Paul never visited and then we can understand why he then wrote on the preeminence of Christ in the universe, in our relationship to God and in our relationships with one another. So many of my study aids are still in Texas because you know, I thought the Lord asked me to lay down teaching...and I added the forever part but it was for a season. This could be a short season or a long season of teaching, I don't know but to be ready and willing seems to be the lesson for me in the here and now.
Yesterday, I was fixing a glass of ice tea. I used a lime squeezer to squeeze juice from a lemon and then a blood orange. The blood orange must have been too big to use in something meant for a lime and some of the juice flew out of the top and to the side instead of in the glass. I saw a few spots and of course cleaned them up. Last night I looked up and there on the wall and ceiling were more blood orange juice squirts and it did look like blood splatters on the wall...this fact I know from watching too much ID TV in the past. So last night I cleaned off the walls and ceiling only to see this morning some that I missed. That was a juicy orange.
Well, this day's adventure hold vacuuming and folding laundry. Oh and probably some rain.
Friday, June 22, 2018
It's Official! It's Summer!
The first day of summer begins overcast with a hint of coming precip in the air. Little droplets of damp pepper the skin. The forecast is rain and most probably around lunch time. It is good to know that by watering the plants and trees in the front flowerbed last night, I have helped bring rain to the area. If I really wanted a downpour I would have taken SequishShawn to the car wash but he is on a strict seventy hours of no high power car washing, letting the new windshield settle in. In the back of my mind I had a little road trip planned for today but another rough sleeping night, although not as rough as the night before, seemed to call for a day around the house. Like, there is not anything around here to do...said no one here. I've been studying the Sunday School lesson I'll teach on July 1st. I have read the chapter in several different translations and read a little bit of commentary...do you ever feel like everything you are trying to take in resides outside your head and it isn't getting through in a narrative that your brain can take in. That's how it has felt the past few days cause the big words and I love big words, needed to be simplified for a greater understanding of a truth I love so much. So I have been meditating on God's Word and asking Him to open the scriptures, just a treasured time of prayer. Last night and this morning, a eureka moment has taken place. Maybe today I can get an outline written.
This morning I wanted to see the verses of a hymn and since I have collected old hymnals and books of songs over the years, there isn't any monetary value in collecting them just a love of old songs and eternal truths of the hymns. This isn't an editorial over church music at all. Like today's music in the church world. Since singing hymns in church began as a child for me, sometimes I am more inclined to sing hymns by rote and not really take in the meaning. Being a good Baptist I know most hymns but only the first and last verse...oh maybe on a few the second verse. So, back to this morning, I looked in the bookcase and found the good old Blue Baptist Hymnal of my childhood and early youth. Found the hymn and read all three verses...read the verses and sang the chorus.
Well nothing brings joy like a tambourine! So excited, the back ordered tambourine was delivered today. I like an open one cause I have one that has Jesus' face on it and well, when I hit it, it just doesn't seem right. Then while accompanying Sheila E, Glamorous Life, Lisa P sent me a song she has the solo and lead on...so I did what good friends do, I called and played her song along with my percussion. We are booking gigs right now.
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Well, there has been a lot of life happening and thus getting back to the computer to finish up this post has taken a back seat. I won't bore you with the mundane and no I haven't been playing the tambourine the whole time. The idea came to maybe hit some of my favorite roads and places but lack of sleep kept me closer to home. Like a quick trip to the store cause those Ferals be liking milk a whole lot.
This morning I awoke refreshed because of a decent night's sleep. My plan was to head out but a phone call changed that decision when Gale asked if I could teach for her this Sunday. Two days to prep? Good thing I had slept in a little bit to be here to answer the phone. So I began pulling out the different translations of the chapter we are in and got a good feel for what is there. Quarterlies are so much better now than back in the day...so I just finished typing out my notes and that means I am 3/4 of the way done. This afternoon I decided a Turkey Creek hamburger sounded good and then I drove around for a bit enjoying the wind and the sun. Dead Beat Dad, the big orange cat, has been hanging around and when he is here, the Feral Fam scrams. He eats their food and I have to become the crazy cat lady and chase him out of the yard with my Grandma B's famous woooohooo yell. Tonight when I thought it might rain but didn't, I went outside to water the new plants and saw Cali. She melts my heart, so she got a bowl of milk and I stood there a bit to make sure Dead Beat didn't chase her off. MJ and Cali were hanging around and got in on supper as well.
It is getting way past my bedtime and Buddy has been asleep which means when I come to bed, she will get up or maybe she won't and will just sleep through the night. That would be nice.
This morning I wanted to see the verses of a hymn and since I have collected old hymnals and books of songs over the years, there isn't any monetary value in collecting them just a love of old songs and eternal truths of the hymns. This isn't an editorial over church music at all. Like today's music in the church world. Since singing hymns in church began as a child for me, sometimes I am more inclined to sing hymns by rote and not really take in the meaning. Being a good Baptist I know most hymns but only the first and last verse...oh maybe on a few the second verse. So, back to this morning, I looked in the bookcase and found the good old Blue Baptist Hymnal of my childhood and early youth. Found the hymn and read all three verses...read the verses and sang the chorus.
Well nothing brings joy like a tambourine! So excited, the back ordered tambourine was delivered today. I like an open one cause I have one that has Jesus' face on it and well, when I hit it, it just doesn't seem right. Then while accompanying Sheila E, Glamorous Life, Lisa P sent me a song she has the solo and lead on...so I did what good friends do, I called and played her song along with my percussion. We are booking gigs right now.
********************
Well, there has been a lot of life happening and thus getting back to the computer to finish up this post has taken a back seat. I won't bore you with the mundane and no I haven't been playing the tambourine the whole time. The idea came to maybe hit some of my favorite roads and places but lack of sleep kept me closer to home. Like a quick trip to the store cause those Ferals be liking milk a whole lot.
This morning I awoke refreshed because of a decent night's sleep. My plan was to head out but a phone call changed that decision when Gale asked if I could teach for her this Sunday. Two days to prep? Good thing I had slept in a little bit to be here to answer the phone. So I began pulling out the different translations of the chapter we are in and got a good feel for what is there. Quarterlies are so much better now than back in the day...so I just finished typing out my notes and that means I am 3/4 of the way done. This afternoon I decided a Turkey Creek hamburger sounded good and then I drove around for a bit enjoying the wind and the sun. Dead Beat Dad, the big orange cat, has been hanging around and when he is here, the Feral Fam scrams. He eats their food and I have to become the crazy cat lady and chase him out of the yard with my Grandma B's famous woooohooo yell. Tonight when I thought it might rain but didn't, I went outside to water the new plants and saw Cali. She melts my heart, so she got a bowl of milk and I stood there a bit to make sure Dead Beat didn't chase her off. MJ and Cali were hanging around and got in on supper as well.
It is getting way past my bedtime and Buddy has been asleep which means when I come to bed, she will get up or maybe she won't and will just sleep through the night. That would be nice.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Cranky....Yes, That Is Me This Evening
It was a no schedule day and it was a good day. There are a lot of those kinds of days here, lot less structure. Whereas I used to like having moments filled, now the quest for no schedule days is most desirable. The morning held sleeping in, eating a late breakfast, and reading. When Mike the Mower Man showed up, it was a quick transition to starting the day. I finally made it to the grocery store and loaded up on sale items. A couple of weeks ago I made Ninfa's Green Sauce and it was really good. So with avocados 5 for $5.00, it seemed the right thing to do...you know, plan to make more green sauce. I forgot the green tomatoes but there might be some frozen, but if not those are easily picked up tomorrow.
Tonight, all the Feral Fam were together again and it looks like Mama Cat and MJ could rumble at any moment. The best thing to do so that Cali can eat is to stand nearby. Cali is the only one brave enough many times to go ahead and eat while standing there. This morning she came around the corner to greet me with meows while coming out of the garage with food. She isn't consistent in letting me be near but it does increase. Tonight while working in the backyard Cali sat on the front stone steps resting but moved when dead heading roses had to be done in the front. It is a little nerve wracking when wasps, who will attack just cause you're breathing, and bees flit about but the dead heading means soon enough more bright pink blooms will make for plenteous pollination.
For supper it was boiled shrimp and then I sliced some peaches for dessert. Yum! Since it is warmer iced tea is the drink of choice, yes even over Diet Coke...which I have cut way back but still have one once a day. More so in the car and then I don't drink it all.
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Once again it was a unsettled night with Buddy and to make matters worse my brain kept going on and on, thinking about all kinds of stuff. Not fear or dread but plans. It also doesn't help when I know I have to be up early, it takes longer to fall asleep. Another factor was waiting too late to wash my hair and shower...it wakes me up. So this morning it wasn't a cheerful greeting to the day, in fact I was downright cranky, especially with Buddy. No one wants a cat on their head. I got up and got ready to go to the dentist office. Nathan and Andrew were here really early trying to stay out of the warmer temps of the afternoon. The flowerbed looks wonderful and they planted a bunch of seeds as well.
I was out of the dentist office by 10:00. All in all it was a good checkup and only have to have some minor work done but it is scheduled along with the major work in October. A stop at Barnes and Noble and Home Goods, then to the grocery store closer to home. It has been a hot day so the top stayed up on Mustang Sam.
Cali hadn't been around much today but after watering the plants in the front yard I headed down the road to the mail box. Cali was lying there, not dead, but resting on our road. She began to act a little spooked as I walked nearby and as my neighbors dog barked at her. She turned and ran across the street to the cow pasture and I could hear a car nearing. You better believe some prayer was lifted for that little cat cause she ran across the road without looking. When I got back up to the driveway to finish watering the new flowerbed, she had made her way to the backyard and was eating with her sister. Buddy has been a shadow all day around the house. I have sat on her, tripped but not fallen and stepped on her tail a minute ago. I am so cranky I raised my voice to her....something I rarely do. She ran upstairs but we are on good terms cause she let me pet her on the way to last treat of the evening.
It is finally getting dark so I am seriously considering an early bedtime. Hope that is okay with Buddy.
Tonight, all the Feral Fam were together again and it looks like Mama Cat and MJ could rumble at any moment. The best thing to do so that Cali can eat is to stand nearby. Cali is the only one brave enough many times to go ahead and eat while standing there. This morning she came around the corner to greet me with meows while coming out of the garage with food. She isn't consistent in letting me be near but it does increase. Tonight while working in the backyard Cali sat on the front stone steps resting but moved when dead heading roses had to be done in the front. It is a little nerve wracking when wasps, who will attack just cause you're breathing, and bees flit about but the dead heading means soon enough more bright pink blooms will make for plenteous pollination.
For supper it was boiled shrimp and then I sliced some peaches for dessert. Yum! Since it is warmer iced tea is the drink of choice, yes even over Diet Coke...which I have cut way back but still have one once a day. More so in the car and then I don't drink it all.
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Once again it was a unsettled night with Buddy and to make matters worse my brain kept going on and on, thinking about all kinds of stuff. Not fear or dread but plans. It also doesn't help when I know I have to be up early, it takes longer to fall asleep. Another factor was waiting too late to wash my hair and shower...it wakes me up. So this morning it wasn't a cheerful greeting to the day, in fact I was downright cranky, especially with Buddy. No one wants a cat on their head. I got up and got ready to go to the dentist office. Nathan and Andrew were here really early trying to stay out of the warmer temps of the afternoon. The flowerbed looks wonderful and they planted a bunch of seeds as well.
I was out of the dentist office by 10:00. All in all it was a good checkup and only have to have some minor work done but it is scheduled along with the major work in October. A stop at Barnes and Noble and Home Goods, then to the grocery store closer to home. It has been a hot day so the top stayed up on Mustang Sam.
Cali hadn't been around much today but after watering the plants in the front yard I headed down the road to the mail box. Cali was lying there, not dead, but resting on our road. She began to act a little spooked as I walked nearby and as my neighbors dog barked at her. She turned and ran across the street to the cow pasture and I could hear a car nearing. You better believe some prayer was lifted for that little cat cause she ran across the road without looking. When I got back up to the driveway to finish watering the new flowerbed, she had made her way to the backyard and was eating with her sister. Buddy has been a shadow all day around the house. I have sat on her, tripped but not fallen and stepped on her tail a minute ago. I am so cranky I raised my voice to her....something I rarely do. She ran upstairs but we are on good terms cause she let me pet her on the way to last treat of the evening.
It is finally getting dark so I am seriously considering an early bedtime. Hope that is okay with Buddy.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Tuesday Morning Catch Up and Thoughts
Monday mornings aren't as early as they used to be. Workout time changed to an hour later and it helps with easing into a morning. It is especially welcomed because it seems Saturday and Sunday nights are not good nights for Buddy. Last night it looked to be a long evening in getting her to settle in but it went smoother than anticipated. Just a few hiccups at the beginning but soon she settled in for night time.
Maybe this week holds a trip to check out a new antique/home furnishings, and yard decor that might be open or will be opening soon. Heard about it last week. Have noted a few more places to scout out in Morganton and Lincolnton. Guess the founders of these cities decided to get away from going with "ville."
Yesterday was Father's Day and as it has been the past six or so years, it came and went uneventful. That normally wasn't the case. It was a day mixed with unrealistic expectations, resentment and the ever present disappointment. Oh, that was just my father's feelings. Basically he made everything in life difficult with very few exceptions. While my brother was here we worked very diligently looking for good or happy times with Dad and we found a few, but it takes a lot of energy to do so. The sermon yesterday was centered on Father's Day and my internal reaction to one statement, children tend to take after their fathers, caused a few seconds of shock and then gratitude internally. But for The Lord, that statement might have been true in Doug and me, but thankfully we have taken more after our mom or it could be God stopped the development of that path for which we are eternally grateful. As Doug and I spend more time together, our conversations of childhood and those related subjects has decreased... Now it might be more of a wonder why or how would have life been but more so it is keeping in the present and expressing gratitude. Doug reminded me of something our father said often and I had totally forgotten about... You know there are times when people think they are prophets or if they say something enough, it makes it true but I guess my father would say I would be poor and not have much when I grew up and Doug told me I'd respond, well...I'll just marry someone rich. And while all this had been unremembered, this is what I had totally forgotten, my father would say, "dreams don't come true little girl, dreams don't come true." Like so many other things, he was wrong. Oh, I didn't marry rich but I married well which is way much better. Yes, I am aware that I ended the last sentence grammatically incorrect.
I taught our Sunday School class yesterday. Taught from one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, Acts 27. There is just so many treasures in that chapter.
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Tuesday morning and all the cats in my life are happy after a little delay on breakfast for the Feral Fam and treats for Buddy. I went to bed early and slept in this morning. I was feeling the tireds yesterday after a hard workout and from the heat. Temps are rising. This sounds strange and that has never stopped me before, but a sign unto me other than the sore throat is when the edges of my eyes ache. I don't know how to describe it but it certainly tells me to step back and rest. And with that sentence the familiar sound of a lawn mower filled the air and this little chicky had to get downstairs and go to the front yard and wrap up the water hose that I left out going the full length to water the plants in the flowerbed out in the middle of the lawn. It is already warm outside but thankfully little but any sweating went on.
Safe-lite Auto came out to the house yesterday to replace SequishShawn's windshield. A large crack appeared a couple of years ago and it has been held in check but with him residing for now on the driveway, the heat caused the crack to expand. Have a couple of road trips coming up where he will be the vehicle to take and the line of the crack expanded more into the driver's line of vision, so made the call and got the appt set up. Wow! It was worth the extra $25 they charge to come to the house and it was just like the commercial. You can track their van as they come to you and they give you the estimated time. He pulled in just as I was raising the garage door. He was able to save my Mr Zips sticker and my HCTRA toll sticker. Took him about an hour and a half to replace it. Vacuumed the car and cleaned all the windows as well. So far it has been a positive experience.
or
Yesterday marked the day when Taylor and I started a more demanding workout. It was great and loved the new TRX things he introduced yesterday. Probably that contributed to the tireds all afternoon and into the evening. With all the hard work I am doing things again that not too long ago seemed just a dream. Never say never but I am thinking about tennis, I've written about this recently, and both Doug and Taylor are encouraging me to go back to it. Not thinking of games or matches but lessons and just hitting. There are several options here so I need to check into the one that would be best.
Started reading the book club book yesterday and so far it is an enjoyable read. It's nonfiction and the author tells her story with humor. She has me hooked reading about her adventure.
The day awaits without a schedule and this is a wonderful thing. Just a trip to the grocery store is all that is in the plans. Started studying for the Sunday School lesson for July 1st. Buddy has started her second nap of the morning and the Feral Fam rested on the deck until Mike the Mower Man came through with the weed eater.
Maybe this week holds a trip to check out a new antique/home furnishings, and yard decor that might be open or will be opening soon. Heard about it last week. Have noted a few more places to scout out in Morganton and Lincolnton. Guess the founders of these cities decided to get away from going with "ville."
Yesterday was Father's Day and as it has been the past six or so years, it came and went uneventful. That normally wasn't the case. It was a day mixed with unrealistic expectations, resentment and the ever present disappointment. Oh, that was just my father's feelings. Basically he made everything in life difficult with very few exceptions. While my brother was here we worked very diligently looking for good or happy times with Dad and we found a few, but it takes a lot of energy to do so. The sermon yesterday was centered on Father's Day and my internal reaction to one statement, children tend to take after their fathers, caused a few seconds of shock and then gratitude internally. But for The Lord, that statement might have been true in Doug and me, but thankfully we have taken more after our mom or it could be God stopped the development of that path for which we are eternally grateful. As Doug and I spend more time together, our conversations of childhood and those related subjects has decreased... Now it might be more of a wonder why or how would have life been but more so it is keeping in the present and expressing gratitude. Doug reminded me of something our father said often and I had totally forgotten about... You know there are times when people think they are prophets or if they say something enough, it makes it true but I guess my father would say I would be poor and not have much when I grew up and Doug told me I'd respond, well...I'll just marry someone rich. And while all this had been unremembered, this is what I had totally forgotten, my father would say, "dreams don't come true little girl, dreams don't come true." Like so many other things, he was wrong. Oh, I didn't marry rich but I married well which is way much better. Yes, I am aware that I ended the last sentence grammatically incorrect.
I taught our Sunday School class yesterday. Taught from one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, Acts 27. There is just so many treasures in that chapter.
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Tuesday morning and all the cats in my life are happy after a little delay on breakfast for the Feral Fam and treats for Buddy. I went to bed early and slept in this morning. I was feeling the tireds yesterday after a hard workout and from the heat. Temps are rising. This sounds strange and that has never stopped me before, but a sign unto me other than the sore throat is when the edges of my eyes ache. I don't know how to describe it but it certainly tells me to step back and rest. And with that sentence the familiar sound of a lawn mower filled the air and this little chicky had to get downstairs and go to the front yard and wrap up the water hose that I left out going the full length to water the plants in the flowerbed out in the middle of the lawn. It is already warm outside but thankfully little but any sweating went on.
Safe-lite Auto came out to the house yesterday to replace SequishShawn's windshield. A large crack appeared a couple of years ago and it has been held in check but with him residing for now on the driveway, the heat caused the crack to expand. Have a couple of road trips coming up where he will be the vehicle to take and the line of the crack expanded more into the driver's line of vision, so made the call and got the appt set up. Wow! It was worth the extra $25 they charge to come to the house and it was just like the commercial. You can track their van as they come to you and they give you the estimated time. He pulled in just as I was raising the garage door. He was able to save my Mr Zips sticker and my HCTRA toll sticker. Took him about an hour and a half to replace it. Vacuumed the car and cleaned all the windows as well. So far it has been a positive experience.
or
Yesterday marked the day when Taylor and I started a more demanding workout. It was great and loved the new TRX things he introduced yesterday. Probably that contributed to the tireds all afternoon and into the evening. With all the hard work I am doing things again that not too long ago seemed just a dream. Never say never but I am thinking about tennis, I've written about this recently, and both Doug and Taylor are encouraging me to go back to it. Not thinking of games or matches but lessons and just hitting. There are several options here so I need to check into the one that would be best.
Started reading the book club book yesterday and so far it is an enjoyable read. It's nonfiction and the author tells her story with humor. She has me hooked reading about her adventure.
The day awaits without a schedule and this is a wonderful thing. Just a trip to the grocery store is all that is in the plans. Started studying for the Sunday School lesson for July 1st. Buddy has started her second nap of the morning and the Feral Fam rested on the deck until Mike the Mower Man came through with the weed eater.
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Back At It
Hi, my name is Nancy and I used to be at posting on the ol' blog and thankfully my memory is not so far gone that I have forgotten how to do this. So many things are going on and have had my attention. When I thought to blog the tireds overtook and well...maybe a paragraph or two would be written and then abandoned.
My brother Doug arrived Wednesday. We met at The Blue Rooster for a late lunch and then hit Duckket's Produce stand. He also brought me my early birthday gift...rimmed bowls that go with our everyday dishes. So difficult to find since they don't make that pattern anymore. Made me so happy to see them and with the two we have, now have a set of eight. One of the things we were going to take care of while he was here was some paperwork but after looking through everything there wasn't really that much to take care of, so we played. Thursday we headed up to Grandfather Mountain. We ate lunch at The Italian Restaurant first...then headed up the mountain to the mile high bridge. It was a very windy day up there and it felt like the wind could lift you up off your feet and in the air, then down the side of the mountain. We didn't cross over the bridge but took pictures and met some nice people. We went to the animal habitats but we only saw the eagles...no other animals were out and about. Since the Linn Cove Viaduct had been reopened, we drove across it and back and it was just beautiful. Then over to Valle Crusis to the original Mast Store and Annex. The food truck guy was there and he has fabulous beef brisket, so we got a pound and a half. We remembered to bring a cooler. Mustang Sam makes a fun trip even funner! We were windblown and a little sunburned upon returning home, but the fragrances of honeysuckle and cut grass and oh cut hay filled the air and made us so happy. Yesterday, we eased into the morning and began our day in the late morning. Doug loves Sanctuary of Stuff, well I do too but I live here, and he finds all kinds of neat things for his daughters...early Christmas shopping. We took off to TN to eat at The Farmer's Daughter and shop at Mountain View. We also stopped at several produce stands and Doug has his meals planned for the next several days. We debated driving over to the Biltmore Estate but decided that we'd rather stick close to home. We ate my leftover pizza for supper and sat on the front porch and watched the cows move across the field and cars pass by. The lightning bugs gave us a spectacular show before we adjourned to the living room. This morning Doug left with a cooler full of goodies, a delicious lunch and memories of spending time with his sister. We are so blessed.
I have also joined a book club. Our first meeting was Tuesday night and it was a delightful time.
SequishShawn needs his windshield replaced so that appointment is set for Monday afternoon. The man I talked with, making sure what I had filled out on the form was correctly, on the phone was from Texas and somehow the conversation came around to Houston. He had grown up there and lived in nearby subdivisions to where I grew up...then we discovered we were both about the same age. It was a nice side conversation of places in Houston still around and those that are long gone.
This past week has seemed like so many friends are retiring and it still takes me by surprise because in my mind I think of us all so young and back in the day. The guy I dated off and on for six years retired last week from his work as a Methodist pastor. Sent congrats to him and his lovely wife who just retired from teaching. They are moving closer to their kids. A friend who has been a much beloved elementary school music teacher decided that this past school year was her last. She is so creative and the kids coming up won't know what they missed.
Keeping an eye on the sky as it looks overcast but radar shows no rain. Sure would be nice so that chore could be eliminated today. Feeding the Feral Fam in shifts today. Doing laundry and getting everything back in place. My reward for hard work, sliced peaches. Yum!
My brother Doug arrived Wednesday. We met at The Blue Rooster for a late lunch and then hit Duckket's Produce stand. He also brought me my early birthday gift...rimmed bowls that go with our everyday dishes. So difficult to find since they don't make that pattern anymore. Made me so happy to see them and with the two we have, now have a set of eight. One of the things we were going to take care of while he was here was some paperwork but after looking through everything there wasn't really that much to take care of, so we played. Thursday we headed up to Grandfather Mountain. We ate lunch at The Italian Restaurant first...then headed up the mountain to the mile high bridge. It was a very windy day up there and it felt like the wind could lift you up off your feet and in the air, then down the side of the mountain. We didn't cross over the bridge but took pictures and met some nice people. We went to the animal habitats but we only saw the eagles...no other animals were out and about. Since the Linn Cove Viaduct had been reopened, we drove across it and back and it was just beautiful. Then over to Valle Crusis to the original Mast Store and Annex. The food truck guy was there and he has fabulous beef brisket, so we got a pound and a half. We remembered to bring a cooler. Mustang Sam makes a fun trip even funner! We were windblown and a little sunburned upon returning home, but the fragrances of honeysuckle and cut grass and oh cut hay filled the air and made us so happy. Yesterday, we eased into the morning and began our day in the late morning. Doug loves Sanctuary of Stuff, well I do too but I live here, and he finds all kinds of neat things for his daughters...early Christmas shopping. We took off to TN to eat at The Farmer's Daughter and shop at Mountain View. We also stopped at several produce stands and Doug has his meals planned for the next several days. We debated driving over to the Biltmore Estate but decided that we'd rather stick close to home. We ate my leftover pizza for supper and sat on the front porch and watched the cows move across the field and cars pass by. The lightning bugs gave us a spectacular show before we adjourned to the living room. This morning Doug left with a cooler full of goodies, a delicious lunch and memories of spending time with his sister. We are so blessed.
I have also joined a book club. Our first meeting was Tuesday night and it was a delightful time.
SequishShawn needs his windshield replaced so that appointment is set for Monday afternoon. The man I talked with, making sure what I had filled out on the form was correctly, on the phone was from Texas and somehow the conversation came around to Houston. He had grown up there and lived in nearby subdivisions to where I grew up...then we discovered we were both about the same age. It was a nice side conversation of places in Houston still around and those that are long gone.
This past week has seemed like so many friends are retiring and it still takes me by surprise because in my mind I think of us all so young and back in the day. The guy I dated off and on for six years retired last week from his work as a Methodist pastor. Sent congrats to him and his lovely wife who just retired from teaching. They are moving closer to their kids. A friend who has been a much beloved elementary school music teacher decided that this past school year was her last. She is so creative and the kids coming up won't know what they missed.
Keeping an eye on the sky as it looks overcast but radar shows no rain. Sure would be nice so that chore could be eliminated today. Feeding the Feral Fam in shifts today. Doing laundry and getting everything back in place. My reward for hard work, sliced peaches. Yum!
Friday, June 8, 2018
Living and Lists and Growth and Gratitude
Yesterday must have really worn me out because I slept till a little after 8:00 am. We got up, got Buddy some treats, at least three times and went outside to feed the Feral Fam without MJ. Cali is not here usually in the mornings, but Camo and Mama Cat have been regulars of late. I noticed last night that MJ was kind of walking about with a limp and got a closer inspection of a wound on his leg and on his tail. He was a bit subdued last night and was easily intimidated by Mama Cat. He has had the upper paw here of late. I think Mama Cat if she arrives first for food many times tries to eat as much as possible, leaving little for others. Camo tried to eat out of the same bowl this morning with her Mama and Mama slapped her right across the mouth. Camo withdrew a bit and Mama chowed on. Cali was over at the other bowl. Camo was just out there looking for any scraps leftover from this morning, which there is a little bit out there but decided to get her a bowl of milk for this warm afternoon. Put it in the shade but Camo will finish off a bowl in nothing flat.
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Friday evening and the brother and sisters are relaxing in the backyard after their supper. I need to go out and water plants because it looks like Waynesville got the majority of the rain today. About an inch.
I ventured out to the post office and grocery stores today. Other than that, it has been a laid back afternoon. Been working on the lesson for June 17th in Sunday School. While going through a bookcase today there on the shelf was The Net Bible. So happy to find it here cause it seemed like after searching high and low it was in Texas. After reading through The Net Bible notes on our chapter, the ending of the lesson fell right in with the quarterly and a few other things that I have studied.
It looks like this years SBC convention is going to memorable. Yes, I know I have said that before but now Paige Patterson is not going to preach the convention sermon. That sure helps out and now it might just be controlled panic in the discussions of the future of our denomination. Gee, I can't use my answer from long ago, which kind of Baptist church will you go to and I answered the one with a gym. Now, I attend a church that doesn't have a gym...and that isn't important to me anymore. Well, good health is and I am a member at a gym or workout place...I don't know what to call it, but I like it.
This afternoon while looking through a bookcase upstairs where favorite books are housed, I picked up a book I was reading in 2012-2013 on Sacred Spaces. Building those in our lives and in the book I had written several lists and thoughts on the happenings of 2012 which remarkably was mainly about my father serving us papers to sever any relationship with us. This was in the midst of APS, Police and Constables calling to follow through with a complaint he had filed, false ones I might add. We were investigated thoroughly every time it happened and every time the same result, we hadn't touched any of his stuff or accounts or stocks or whatever. We had done what the court requested, no relationship whatsoever! Besides that would be morally against how we believe and act. I had done years of therapy so I was in a good place, but in hindsight, today looking at these lists and thoughts really showed me how far along I have come mentally and emotionally from such life long abuse, more so as a child and less and less as an adult...thank you Cheryl! I am also glad I took the time this winter when there weren't demands on my time or schedules to keep, to sort through and pray over the last few years. It was quite revealing what I learned and part of that learning was, I never ever want to put myself in any position to manipulated or on my behalf being spoken for...cause usually it has been my experience it's not what I would say or how I would respond. It seemed after his death that I came across articles on narcissists and toxic people. Where I had made mistakes was ever thinking that the problems we encountered with him really had to do anything with either one of us, no toxic people are concerned about themselves and you're merely a possession or you have value to them to extract whatever thing they are trying to possess or acquire or they want you to "worship" them by building them up. No wonder I was tired so often as a kid. What a serendipity to pick up that book this afternoon and what an opportunity to be grateful for God's faithfulness and love.
Just as I had finished watering the flowers and plants it began to rain while rolling up the hose. It didn't rain much but I did my part trying to coax the rain over this way. Think I'll get cleaned up and then settle in and watch a few shows on TV.
*******************
Friday evening and the brother and sisters are relaxing in the backyard after their supper. I need to go out and water plants because it looks like Waynesville got the majority of the rain today. About an inch.
I ventured out to the post office and grocery stores today. Other than that, it has been a laid back afternoon. Been working on the lesson for June 17th in Sunday School. While going through a bookcase today there on the shelf was The Net Bible. So happy to find it here cause it seemed like after searching high and low it was in Texas. After reading through The Net Bible notes on our chapter, the ending of the lesson fell right in with the quarterly and a few other things that I have studied.
It looks like this years SBC convention is going to memorable. Yes, I know I have said that before but now Paige Patterson is not going to preach the convention sermon. That sure helps out and now it might just be controlled panic in the discussions of the future of our denomination. Gee, I can't use my answer from long ago, which kind of Baptist church will you go to and I answered the one with a gym. Now, I attend a church that doesn't have a gym...and that isn't important to me anymore. Well, good health is and I am a member at a gym or workout place...I don't know what to call it, but I like it.
This afternoon while looking through a bookcase upstairs where favorite books are housed, I picked up a book I was reading in 2012-2013 on Sacred Spaces. Building those in our lives and in the book I had written several lists and thoughts on the happenings of 2012 which remarkably was mainly about my father serving us papers to sever any relationship with us. This was in the midst of APS, Police and Constables calling to follow through with a complaint he had filed, false ones I might add. We were investigated thoroughly every time it happened and every time the same result, we hadn't touched any of his stuff or accounts or stocks or whatever. We had done what the court requested, no relationship whatsoever! Besides that would be morally against how we believe and act. I had done years of therapy so I was in a good place, but in hindsight, today looking at these lists and thoughts really showed me how far along I have come mentally and emotionally from such life long abuse, more so as a child and less and less as an adult...thank you Cheryl! I am also glad I took the time this winter when there weren't demands on my time or schedules to keep, to sort through and pray over the last few years. It was quite revealing what I learned and part of that learning was, I never ever want to put myself in any position to manipulated or on my behalf being spoken for...cause usually it has been my experience it's not what I would say or how I would respond. It seemed after his death that I came across articles on narcissists and toxic people. Where I had made mistakes was ever thinking that the problems we encountered with him really had to do anything with either one of us, no toxic people are concerned about themselves and you're merely a possession or you have value to them to extract whatever thing they are trying to possess or acquire or they want you to "worship" them by building them up. No wonder I was tired so often as a kid. What a serendipity to pick up that book this afternoon and what an opportunity to be grateful for God's faithfulness and love.
Just as I had finished watering the flowers and plants it began to rain while rolling up the hose. It didn't rain much but I did my part trying to coax the rain over this way. Think I'll get cleaned up and then settle in and watch a few shows on TV.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
It's All Cool
A little cool front went through the area last night and today has been fabulous! A breeze, low humidity and temps in the lower 70's. It was pleasant enough to do some work outside, in the afternoon. I will finish up this evening by watering the front flower bed. Three days without rain and the ground is already dry. Because we had so much rain last week, the new sod never needed watering but today, it got a good soaking.
Mike the Mower Man made it here today as well. So all that high grass has been cut and he did some of the extra weed eating today. It can be like an overgrowth of a jungle if you don't keep up with things. The birds got their feeders restocked and Cali got a special treat of getting to eat by herself. She must not be a morning cat cause she missed breakfast but everyone else was present and accounted for. She was exploring the garage when I came back from getting the trash can from the road. She stuck closer as long as she could see food in her future. Probably, since it is such a pleasant day and sitting on the front porch is delightful that Mama Cat is sitting on the back deck waiting for supper. Maybe even Camo will be around.
I really like our interim pastor. He is a professor at an local seminary. The choir sang a favorite, Thou O Lord. The worship just builds with each repeat of Thou O Lord art a shield for me, the glory and the lifter of my head. We also have a new pianist and for Houston friends Rob is like a Jill pianist. Of course I always love Sunday School. We almost had everyone there yesterday...just missing a few.
******************
Well, our downstairs is cooling like a boss! Today Haynes came and installed a new downstairs HVAC unit. It is bigger and since the other one was loosing freon, this one is more efficient. It took them much longer than I had anticipated but the trouble was the new thermostat, so once they got that figured out, they were able to get that going and move on. It is hard to do anything constructive or even not constructive when you have people in and out of the house. Before the A/C guys got here, Nathan and Andrew were her early putting in a few sunflowers, but mostly sunflower seeds. The new sod is looking good and he seed sodded right be the light pole. We went over some flowers for the new flowerbed and I am excited at the possibilities. So I went out and watered the new seeds and plants after the sun had gone down behind us. MJ and Cali were hanging in the backyard. Cali got brave and explored the garage so I might be able to rig something up to catch her in there. The garage intrigues her. Tonight is the closet yet I have been to her and also she doesn't run every time I get near.
The little female cardinal still can't figure out the image she sees. All the birds are happy with full feeders in both the front and back yards. We are all happy campers around here tonight. Cool happy campers.
Mike the Mower Man made it here today as well. So all that high grass has been cut and he did some of the extra weed eating today. It can be like an overgrowth of a jungle if you don't keep up with things. The birds got their feeders restocked and Cali got a special treat of getting to eat by herself. She must not be a morning cat cause she missed breakfast but everyone else was present and accounted for. She was exploring the garage when I came back from getting the trash can from the road. She stuck closer as long as she could see food in her future. Probably, since it is such a pleasant day and sitting on the front porch is delightful that Mama Cat is sitting on the back deck waiting for supper. Maybe even Camo will be around.
I really like our interim pastor. He is a professor at an local seminary. The choir sang a favorite, Thou O Lord. The worship just builds with each repeat of Thou O Lord art a shield for me, the glory and the lifter of my head. We also have a new pianist and for Houston friends Rob is like a Jill pianist. Of course I always love Sunday School. We almost had everyone there yesterday...just missing a few.
******************
Well, our downstairs is cooling like a boss! Today Haynes came and installed a new downstairs HVAC unit. It is bigger and since the other one was loosing freon, this one is more efficient. It took them much longer than I had anticipated but the trouble was the new thermostat, so once they got that figured out, they were able to get that going and move on. It is hard to do anything constructive or even not constructive when you have people in and out of the house. Before the A/C guys got here, Nathan and Andrew were her early putting in a few sunflowers, but mostly sunflower seeds. The new sod is looking good and he seed sodded right be the light pole. We went over some flowers for the new flowerbed and I am excited at the possibilities. So I went out and watered the new seeds and plants after the sun had gone down behind us. MJ and Cali were hanging in the backyard. Cali got brave and explored the garage so I might be able to rig something up to catch her in there. The garage intrigues her. Tonight is the closet yet I have been to her and also she doesn't run every time I get near.
The little female cardinal still can't figure out the image she sees. All the birds are happy with full feeders in both the front and back yards. We are all happy campers around here tonight. Cool happy campers.
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Playing And Having Fun
This is the first morning all week that the first look on the phone wasn't weather related, you know checking radar and running the future-cast radar. It's about trying to plan a day and seeing if it was an all day event of rain or a smattering of showers here and there. Yesterday, no rain around here and that was welcomed, except in a few weeks when we haven't had rain, we will be wanting it to return.
Last night while we sat on the porch, MJ, whose presence has been noticeably absent, made himself comfortable on one of the rocking chairs on the front porch. Must have needed a break from his mama and sisters. Mama Cat has this habit of hissing before anything happens. Putting out food, she looks and hisses at you. She does the same with her grown kiddos but the hiss is worse than actions, cause now the kiddos beat her to the food bowls and she waits, being outnumbered. She hissed this morning while placing the bowls out and I scolded her a bit...really, hissing at me? You sit on the back deck looking pitiful in the mornings prompting fast food production...to the back yard. Hissing? Really? Think it is just a bad habit Mama Cat has fallen into.
The Wall Street Journal has a great article today on older adults having fun...you know, where play is involved and the title of the article...An Overlooked Skill In Aging: How To Have Fun
If you know me, having fun and playing around is ingrained in my DNA. If I had a dollar for times when the more serious ones in life have said, "Does everything have to be play?" Uh, yes. The article stresses that fun is different for every person. The thought of playing dress up with hats and gloves to drink tea and eat little sandwiches...is not my idea of fun. Probably stems from childhood cause having pretend tea parties wasn't the epitome of fun for me. Now do I like to go have tea, yes, but not in some silly costume. And the dress up girls who like to do this probably feel the same about things that amuse me. Lisa and I like ourselves a good dance party, just about anywhere. I was texting with her the other day and reminded her she needs to get up here so we can have epic dance parties in Mustang Sam. No ceiling to inhibit hand raising, both for worship and dance, play.
The other aspect of this article is, fun is not usually being kept busy by someone else. Ya's got to be able to have fun when no one else is around. To look at our home you can tell, fun is the priority not the constraining element of everything being in place or arranged just so. I threw away a quote on a board that said, A clean house is the result of a wasted life. Yes, I believe that but didn't want to make our housekeeper feel bad.
The article in the paper the other day remains in my thoughts, there is a get back to tennis class available at the Asheville Tennis Center. It is for those who used to play tennis or for those who never learned. It fills quickly and the price involves a racquet and tshirt. They had me at tshirt. The thought of playing tennis doesn't attract me but the thought of hitting tennis balls does. When I played league tennis, several leagues...like HLTA on Mondays, Tuesday night HTA, University Club Wednesday league and Friday Indoor League...the fun in playing tennis was lost in the seriousness of winning. Add tennis lessons and clinics each week along with working out to be able to do all these leagues and lessons....as the song says, the thrill is gone. But just to hit tennis balls for the sake of fun...yes please. I do know me though, the racquet that comes with the clinic would surely be replaced cause I got a little bit OCD over racquets and stringing.
I'm so glad that Roy agreed the second car up here needed to be a fun car. SequishShawn is a fun truck but it will be nice to have Mustang Sam around for those tight parking place cases. Yesterday going to workout and then running a few errands made the boring exciting. Although I have remembered a few incidents when we had a convertible before...like driving down Memorial and a lizard fell from a tree into the car. Nearly wrecked trying to get said lizard out of the car before he secured himself some hiding place. I also remember coming home from Macy's with a room sized rug and rocking chair tied to the back and with the top down. Now Memorial is a fancy place to live and we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies as we drove home. Roy would not drive so I could sit in the rocker. Now that's when a lizard dropping into the car might have had another outcome and this story wouldn't be able to be shared today.
So today as I have done things here around the house, that are not fun, but have to be made into fun. Also look for the playful things going on around you. I just wasted, or did I, a few minutes watching a female cardinal see her image in the truck side windows. She jumped from the bird condo in the tree to the rim of the window. She jumped side to side, even going to the back windows and then began the jump up until she reached the top of the truck and much to her surprise did not see that other bird up there with her. So, back to the bird condo tree and begin the process again and again and again. I have been checking on her almost every hour and she has not given up.
The Feral's sans MJ are in the backyard. Buddy is here beside me and with the stops and starts of the day, I have to get back to making my housework fun. But I have almost had fun and am played out or at least I will be soon.
Last night while we sat on the porch, MJ, whose presence has been noticeably absent, made himself comfortable on one of the rocking chairs on the front porch. Must have needed a break from his mama and sisters. Mama Cat has this habit of hissing before anything happens. Putting out food, she looks and hisses at you. She does the same with her grown kiddos but the hiss is worse than actions, cause now the kiddos beat her to the food bowls and she waits, being outnumbered. She hissed this morning while placing the bowls out and I scolded her a bit...really, hissing at me? You sit on the back deck looking pitiful in the mornings prompting fast food production...to the back yard. Hissing? Really? Think it is just a bad habit Mama Cat has fallen into.
The Wall Street Journal has a great article today on older adults having fun...you know, where play is involved and the title of the article...An Overlooked Skill In Aging: How To Have Fun
Play, often associated with fun, does have some experts, although mainly focused on children. One of the few studies on play and older adults concluded that “playful older adults are psychologically upbeat: they are happy, optimistic, cheerful, joyful, positive, relaxed, and enthusiastic individuals.” The study, published in 2011 in the American Journal of Play, looked at 46 people, 65 years and older to come up with an “Older Adult Playfulness Scale” of characteristics.
Fun is different for every person. What makes you happy? What makes you laugh? What activities did you do in your youth? Fun is usually not being kept busy by someone else. “There’s a real sense of choice,” says Peter Gray, 74, a Boston College research professor and psychologist who studies play, primarily in children.
Psychologist Elizabeth Skibinski-Bortman, 71, asks each client at their first session: “What do you do for fun?” Some can’t think of anything.
The other aspect of this article is, fun is not usually being kept busy by someone else. Ya's got to be able to have fun when no one else is around. To look at our home you can tell, fun is the priority not the constraining element of everything being in place or arranged just so. I threw away a quote on a board that said, A clean house is the result of a wasted life. Yes, I believe that but didn't want to make our housekeeper feel bad.
The article in the paper the other day remains in my thoughts, there is a get back to tennis class available at the Asheville Tennis Center. It is for those who used to play tennis or for those who never learned. It fills quickly and the price involves a racquet and tshirt. They had me at tshirt. The thought of playing tennis doesn't attract me but the thought of hitting tennis balls does. When I played league tennis, several leagues...like HLTA on Mondays, Tuesday night HTA, University Club Wednesday league and Friday Indoor League...the fun in playing tennis was lost in the seriousness of winning. Add tennis lessons and clinics each week along with working out to be able to do all these leagues and lessons....as the song says, the thrill is gone. But just to hit tennis balls for the sake of fun...yes please. I do know me though, the racquet that comes with the clinic would surely be replaced cause I got a little bit OCD over racquets and stringing.
I'm so glad that Roy agreed the second car up here needed to be a fun car. SequishShawn is a fun truck but it will be nice to have Mustang Sam around for those tight parking place cases. Yesterday going to workout and then running a few errands made the boring exciting. Although I have remembered a few incidents when we had a convertible before...like driving down Memorial and a lizard fell from a tree into the car. Nearly wrecked trying to get said lizard out of the car before he secured himself some hiding place. I also remember coming home from Macy's with a room sized rug and rocking chair tied to the back and with the top down. Now Memorial is a fancy place to live and we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies as we drove home. Roy would not drive so I could sit in the rocker. Now that's when a lizard dropping into the car might have had another outcome and this story wouldn't be able to be shared today.
So today as I have done things here around the house, that are not fun, but have to be made into fun. Also look for the playful things going on around you. I just wasted, or did I, a few minutes watching a female cardinal see her image in the truck side windows. She jumped from the bird condo in the tree to the rim of the window. She jumped side to side, even going to the back windows and then began the jump up until she reached the top of the truck and much to her surprise did not see that other bird up there with her. So, back to the bird condo tree and begin the process again and again and again. I have been checking on her almost every hour and she has not given up.
The Feral's sans MJ are in the backyard. Buddy is here beside me and with the stops and starts of the day, I have to get back to making my housework fun. But I have almost had fun and am played out or at least I will be soon.
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