Such and So

The sun hasn't even set and I feel as if I could fall asleep right now. Another difficult night with Buddy and finally this morning around 6:00 am, she was banished so at least I could get a couple hours of sleep. She was not happy and she can't help it when she can't get comfortable because her arthritis is causing her so much pain. I remember my own nights from long ago with arthritis keeping me awake and uncomfortable. It was important for her not to get so upset that she'd hide because it was steroid shot day for her at the vet office. So, she was asleep in another bedroom and then we went about the morning just like it was a normal not going to the vet kind of day.
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This is as much as I could write last night cause the sleepies were taking over. So, it was an evening of American Pickers cause mindless entertainment seemed like the venue of the evening.

Buddy's vet visit yesterday was one of her best. They gave her the shot on the first attempt and she let them trim her nails for three and a half paws....then got impatient but the tech was able to get the last two nails taken care of. It was a good day at the vet and Buddy celebrated by throwing up in her crate. Hey, if that is the price of success, I'll clean the crate.

We are all deliriously happy seeing the sun shine once again. Two days in a row in what has been a dreary and wet few weeks. I-40 near the TN line is closed due to a rock slide that closed both sides of the freeway. Another slide occurred just past Balsam Mountain on the Smokey Mountain Expressway just over the county line of Haywood. Not as big of a slide but down to one lane going westbound. This slide is not too far from the house we submitted an offer on and so another good reason to be thankful, and believe me we are, for the people that came in at the last minute and submitted a better offer. Roy says every once in a while, we should send them flowers to thank them. Just thinking about that driveway and now knowing what ice and snow do, whew...maybe we should send them something from the Taste of Texas...

This morning only Strawyer was waiting on the deck for breakfast but soon afterwards Riley and Punky joined him. Don't know if they ate anything because the cat no one likes arrived and ate everything. He got served yesterday when Camo and Mama Cat took him on. It is about the only time I have felt sorry for him. There was that delightful moment of all cats, Punky chased her tail thus a dizzying stupor overtook her. Riley seemed amused to see such a normal cat sight. She has needed the company of other cats and with Camo, always in a bad mood, leaving for greener pastures, except for a meal here now and then, the outdoors became viable once again for Riley. Basically, she now ignores me but doesn't always run from me when treats or food is involved. She doesn't respond to her name. Well, she doesn't respond positively. Call her name, she turns her back in my direction.

So my original plans for the day got changed, so with the warm temps and with upcoming construction it was the day to begin a garage cleanup and straightening. The call of the warm sun though, stopped progress several times. I did get a bird house put out for new little families and put out some of Riley's toys cause it is doubtful she will return anytime soon. They had a blast playing. Punky and Strawyer first got a hold of the game after Riley had finished playing. Strawyer was soon worn out and Punky played for almost forty five minutes straight. The gray and white cat came and took over. He didn't play, he just sat on it so no one else could play. We don't like him....at all....

Rock Slides and Rain, Porches and LSU...Oh And A Cat Update

In my best Tina Turner voice...."I can't stand the rain against my window...bringing back sweet memories." Who remembers this great BJ Thomas song?..."Raindrops keep falling on my head," Yes, here in Western North Carolina and Eastern TN we are, "Singing in the rain, just singing in the rain." Hoping that the rain doesn't turn into..."Purple Rain." If you didn't know, we are experiencing Texas kind of rain, well, actually this is Texas rain because it came up from the gulf coast. With all this rain a rock slide has occurred on  I-40 and has both east and west bound lanes closed at the TN/NC border.

Roy received an unexpected call yesterday that has made both of us happy. The contractor that built and remodeled our front porch has been so busy building homes he has not been able to take on remodeling work but he can begin our back porch in a couple of weeks. Our plan has been the screening in and covering our deck out back, with add ons of electrical outlets and a small uncovered porch to the entrance for quite some time. I have gathered several names of contractors in the area that people recommend. Each time I went to make the call about giving us a bid, I didn't follow through. With this time in between, the search for furniture and the like has stopped because, no storage. But with this word yesterday, the better part of the afternoon was spent looking at websites for ideas. My personal thing is trying not to do the back porch in wicker...especially white wicker. It's pretty but predictable. Doug, my brother, texted ideas with me yesterday. He is so creative with using the unusual for decor. Trying to use this space in the best way, I have pretty much come to the conclusion that a metal daybed with an outdoor/water resistant fabric for the mattress is a good way to go. This frees up space for a couple of side chairs. There are several local stores that do a great job on re-purposing furniture and that is where I might start the chair search and for other ideas. Bought a table and a beverage cart several years ago for that porch and they are still in boxes, in the garage. Through the couple of years delay we have talked through several ideas, even including an outdoor TV and an outdoor fireplace. But in that time we realized the entertainment is outdoors, so no TV and while the fireplace is still in the thought process, we are backing away from it. Things I have learned from building our home in Katy and purchasing this house in the mountains, you don't end up using things as much as you thought. Totally, we use our indoor fireplace in Katy, but not the outdoor one so much. Of course the weather here is more conducive for fireplace use. Yes, I should be looking at lighting fixtures but now I am researching automatic shades for those sunsets in summer and shades to provide a little protection from the elements.

Well, I had to take a little time out to watch the second half of the LSU basketball game. Thank you Inez for reminding me the game was on. LSU won in overtime over TN. Woot!

Strawyer and Buddy had a window encounter today. Nothing wild but it is fun to watch. Riley is around and ignores my presence but is happy to eat the food. Mama Cat showed up today and was mean to everyone. The backyard is so mushy. Can't even get to the feeder to feed the birds. After today it seems like we have some dry days ahead and for this we are thankful.

Rain, Cats and Memories

The calm after the rain and a few thunders here and there last night. It has been a while since lightning has been close by. Even some of the pavers out in the back were moved by all the rain yesterday. Those things are heavy but the power of water is never to be underestimated.

Riley's moment of freedom came this morning. Before letting her outside I made sure she wasn't still groggy from yesterday. No, she was bright and engaging and wanting to go outside. She let me pet her a moment before the door opened for her. She didn't eat any of the food I put out last night except for treats. Yesterday was an emotionally difficult day and frankly, it wore me out. Roy and I talked a long time last night about Riley and the off and on again hope and future with her. He had teased me earlier in the week that this weekend would be a tough one with both Buddy and Riley in the house, only separated by a door but that isn't looking viable. Most of my scratches from yesterday's struggle are healing up nicely. Only have one that is giving me trouble and that is only because it is on my right hand, on a finger that is essential for daily operation but even this morning it is trying to heal up and become useful again. Meanwhile, out on the deck, an interesting situation is happening with Strawyer and Punky. They still run away while putting out food but not very far. Strawyer has begun talking to me...meowing. Oh these little heart string pullers but I am not as naive and easily taken in as I was a week or so ago. In cat world time, it seems like years ago.
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Well, the calm ended last night from the rain. It was a little after 10:00 and headed toward dreamland when the sound of the rain began, hitting the metal roof and pounding on the deck. It sounded like a drum line, a very good drum line. This morning, drizzle and a few light showers have added to the mix. The backyard is soupy and sloppy. The idea of getting out and about is relegated to the back burner this morning.

So, this interesting phenomenon is happening on my high school's FB page. Someone brought up an English teacher and an incident that happened with them in her class. Several have added their own memories and stories of trying to pass her class without experiencing a lot of damage in the wake of personality conflicts. Usually, I just read these things and move on, rarely commenting but today it seemed like sharing my story with said teacher would be a good idea. This teacher accused me of cheating on a test and then quoted Proverbs 22:1 to me, 

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.


I pleaded with this teacher because I hadn't cheated. Oh, if this was math class, she would have had me dead to rights but not English. After she quoted the scripture, she put a big fat, red F on the test and marked it in red in her grade book. For the rest of the semester she dogged me, kept an eye on me, said negative things to and about me...my only recourse was to elongate the first syllable of her last name which began in A$$. So, we are finding we were not alone in the struggle. Keep in mind this is back in the day when the teacher was right and you were wrong...when the parents got involved. The English teacher that I had my senior year definitely made an impression on me, for the good, and I am so thankful for her input and guidance. But back to the bad teacher...while there are more stories of angst with her, there in the midst of the stories comes a post from someone who was friends with the teacher's daughter in elementary school and they have renewed their friendship in the last year on Facebook. Wow, modern day tattle telling on social media. As the morning passes more and more stories are being shared. One thing I didn't know back in high school is that she was the first cousin of LBJ and he had lived with she and her husband when he taught school in Houston. How did I miss this fact? Oh yes, I was constantly on the defense trying not to fail the course. Funny, I don't remember if I did or made a D. When Roy was finishing up law school, we went to a local Presbyterian Church during those last semesters. It was closer, we didn't know anyone, and if he missed a Sunday due to his study group, no one missed us. The preacher was so good, the music outstanding and the pipe organ...love me some organ music and the organist was tops in the city. All good things till one Sunday, looking across the way, I spotted her...the dreaded English teacher from high school. The one who had pronounced failure in high school studies and took opportunities to share with the class that I wouldn't amount to much in life. Oh, the love that would not let me go....First off, she would have never remembered me cause well, at least I know now, we were a dime a dozen in her tight fisted rule. All day long now more and more stories of that long ago time fills memories of a time long ago. All these memories reminds me of a story I read about a month ago, about a teacher in a Houston high school that had it down pat, no variation and how the students broke through and defeated her for just a quick season. All memories of the time I did not cheat, never convinced the teacher otherwise and now reading about her odd behavior with others....I think I kind of got off lucky. 

A side note on Riley....she hasn't responded to the invite to get out of the rain, but she is eating and then looking for treats. Tomorrow is another day. 

Lost Opportunity and The Passing of a Friend, Joan Brunson

This is an early morning kind of day. If all had gone according to plan, Riley would be getting prepped for surgery. All had gone so well, with getting meds in her and hopefully not having her realize it was not going to be a normal morning....but, she fought hard and we knocked over stuff in the garage trying to get her into the carrier. I have scratches galore...hmm...another good stripper name, Gentlemen, welcome Scratches Galore to the stage...anyway, she won this round, Riley, not Scratches Galore. Now, the decision of what to do. That will come later because right now she is probably sleeping off the effects of the chill pill. The surgeon called me this morning and was so reassuring because I want to cry, boohoo cry, cause each time I try to help I lose her trust and although she had bounced back, you never know with cats. She can't live in the garage for the rest of her life, so I will have to let her out but the risk is, she will never come back in. Emotionally, before yesterday, I had turned a corner just like I thought she had. Now, those emotions are back and I'm in a quandary for the next step. The doctor did come up with a plan if I am able to get her in a carrier, but the cutoff timing will be next week. Meanwhile, inside the house, Buddy has taken up residence in front of the little heater we use in the bonus room. The room is over the garage and probably doesn't have much in the way of insulation. For me, it is a cup of coffee and finally getting these scratches to stop bleeding. And to sit here and try to think what the next step will be with Riley. Gee whiz, my heart is held captive for this little bit of a time by a feral cat named Riley. Just had to go out in the garage and got the stink eye from her.

This early morning I also awoke to the news of a friend who passed away last night. Her name, Joan Brunson and she was the church pianist for over thirty years at Houston's First Baptist Church. I knew her from choir, got to know her better at Camp Houston when we were sponsors for the high school students at Camp Alto Frio. She got me at lunch one afternoon. You know how delicious camp food is, food served on those sectioned off trays and we had been relegated to just spoons by the kitchen staff and no forks due to horseplay at another meal, all of us, not just Joan and me. We were waiting on full restoration of eating utensil privilege cause eating with a fork is a privilege not a right. Joan put a huge spoonful of food in her mouth and then began to violently react to her food. Fumbling around, shaking her head...when she spits out a roach onto her spoon. Oh my goodness, I am freaking out and she is laughing so hard at me...fake rubber roach and she got to the newbies every time. You know I so wanted to be like her from that point on. When we were moved to the music suite while on staff at First Baptist, it was another opportunity to get to know Joan better. Such a delight. Several of us would eat our lunches together in the small conference room and we always had such a good time. Joan always had candy, candy bars in particular, hidden in the office. Some afternoons, when we were getting the 3:00 slowdown, she would magically produce some candy and you know, she did that sometimes at lunch. Some afternoons she would practice the songs for Sunday and it made some of the more boring work palatable with her music filling the air. I remember one Sunday night church service where she and another pianist sang the offertory rather than play it. She and Barbara sang It Is Well With My Soul and we taken up in worship once again....oh these musicians and their talents. Joan refused to drink anything from an aluminum can because she believed that Alzheimer's could be a side effect. Even with that, Joan developed that dread disease. It did not take away her piano abilities though and she played almost until she passed away.   She and her husband John raised two great kids. both of whom I love and respect. I wish I could get back to Houston for her service. Any choir and orchestra present or past is asked to participate in the service. Peggy had texted me to let me know about Joan, and the song that came to mind at that moment...No More Night. Side note to the song, No More Night, when singing, "See Over There...." wouldn't it be fun for the choir to point in a direction and see if the congregation would look to where the choir pointed?

Now, the kiddos have been fed and they got to eat their fill since none of the transient cats were around. They also got a special treat cause I used some of Buddy's food and Fortiflora added into their wet cat food. They were very happy campers.

The sun is trying to break through the overcast skies. The rain has moved off and away for now but think we are to expect another round this afternoon. Still have Riley in the garage for her own safety till the chill pill wears off...then...I don't know...  I have sure tried at giving this little cat a better shot at life and hopefully, that will be a goal that will be met, but for now she sits at the window and I tear up and put band aids on my hands. Because...here with you now, for your blogging pleasure, live and in person...Scratches Galore...no clothes were removed while writing the blog post.

Surprise, Surprise

It isn't even 7:00 pm and I believe I could fall asleep right this very minute. Buddy is already napping but she has eaten a lot of her food today and a few helpings of treats with chill pill. Hey, maybe she is slipping stuff into my food when I am gone!

With the rest of the week's forecast being sleet or ice or snow or rain and with a beautiful sunny day, I took off for parts to the north. There is a tinge of pink among the trees as red bud trees are beginning to think about spring. No wildlife was seen today but four goats who might have escaped captivity were happily munching grass pretty close to the freeway. Several ridges with a northern exposure in TN had some snow but I didn't encounter anything like that today. So, off to Johnson City and first stop is Barnes and Noble...a coupon and gift cards! I hadn't planned on going to Academy and I went onto the Kroger but Lisa P told me Academy was having a huge clearance...so, you know I had to go. Didn't really find anything but it is always a fun stop. Instead of doing the Carabba's lunch, I went to Ole Guacamole. The one by us is more of a to go place but this is a regular restaurant. Ordered the shrimp tacos and chili con queso. It was all so good and even have leftovers. I had thought about going over to Roan Mountain but time was quickly getting away and so it was back home once again. Didn't see any goats this time.

An update on Riley. Sadly, she is going back to her feral mindset. She finally has a group to run with and isn't on her own anymore. The kiddos have embraced her since their mom is hither and thither and only shows up when she is hungry. The past few nights have been cool and rainy, even the warmth and comfort of a garage cannot compete against her natural inclination. She has gone back to running away when I am bringing food etc or doing other things that aren't related to cats. I called the vet office today to relinquish the surgery scheduled in case there was a waiting list. They told me to keep trying and if by tomorrow evening she still hadn't come in, to call then. I had felt so optimistic because we had just started doing the eye squint thing which is cat language for trust. Hopefully, she will come around tomorrow but it is looking doubtful as time passes. The good news with Buddy is she let me trim her nails today both front and back paws.
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Ah, the calm before the storm...with the forecast being more like a roller coaster with the ups and downs of lots of snow...no snow....lots of ice....minimal ice...rain. Well, the rain part has held steady in all the forecasts from the various weather sources. Rain for the rest of the week and some clearing is predicted on Sunday. With the weather being so uncertain, we rescheduled book club. I had read most of the book but skipped ahead and read the last few chapters. It turned out how I expected it to and the author used a lot of words and pages for angst that could have been reduced a tad. There were some good quotes and thoughts but there were also a lot of cutesy sayings that we could have all been spared, but then I am not a cutesy kind of person.

The window at the landing of our staircase gives some of the best views of the moon and last night the scene was especially spectacular. I should have gone outside with the camera but iPhone photos from inside the warm house made more sense to me than an artistic picture of the moon. Sometimes the pics off the phone look almost as if they have been painted in water colors. This year, I have noticed the stars more than in previous years. So plentiful in the night sky with minimal light. Today and yesterday the placement of the clouds on and around the mountains have been so beautiful and well placed by the hand of God. Now it isn't a secret that I almost always appreciate the clouds and fog.

The rain has arrived and so far we should stay above freezing....  So the biggest surprise of the morning. I had put the food out for the kiddos and Riley shows up. Kind of sniffs the food and sits looking at the backdoor of the garage. So, I went out to the garage and opened the door. Didn't even call out her name, she came right to the door and scrambled inside. Talk about shocked! Gave her some treats and went into the house because, I no more thought this would happen than anything. She has been stubborn and snubbing and downright feral. Today, she has let me pet her while feeding her chill pill laced treats. I will feed her supper in a moment or two. Of course with a little chill pill for good measure. Think she is enjoying her table side view of the front yard. Glad for that window to keep her occupied. I have tried playing with her a bit, but not too interested compared to playing with the kiddos on the gravel road. Meanwhile Buddy knows that Riley is in the garage and has kept up a constant watching of the door and me. She is sound asleep upstairs, so this is a good time to fix Riley a little supper.

Riley has eaten her supper, almost all of it. Chill pill and then later she gets a snack with Proselac or however you spell it in the mixture. Just a 1/4 of a pill. She let me pet her again and hasn't run away. Yesterday, I had made the turn to accept she wouldn't come back in and to prepare my heart for that. I still don't know what road this will lead down, but I am trusting to do the right thing for her.

SunMonday

It was a terribly rough night...not because Riley didn't spend the night in the garage but because Buddy had a difficult time getting comfortable, to sleep. She didn't eat much of her food yesterday so this morning, I have added pain pills to her treats to help her be comfortable. All in all I believe I experienced about two hours of sleep and this morning upon awakening, my eyes were swollen and puffy, my mind fuzzy and strength waning. I could have soldiered on to church but deep inside and not because of rain, the right decision meant staying home.

Last night I did a last call for Riley to come in around 9:00 pm. She was sitting on one of the big rocks and when she heard her name, she went running...not toward the garage but to the opening in the fence and escaped to the other side. I told Roy, Riley has made her choice and so I cannot worry or be anxious over her decision but trust she will be fine. At that particular time not knowing how the night would go and being awake most of the night, well, if any signal of distress came from her...to her rescue would be easier than awakening from deep sleep...oh deep sleep, so missed you. No call of distress was issued. It rained off and on and the wind chimes indicated there was just a bit of wind, but the temps didn't leave the 40's overnight. When I came downstairs this morning, I looked out the window and no sign of Riley or the kiddos, so Buddy and I went about our morning of coffee and treats, repeat, repeat, repeat. A little before 10:00 am, there was a slight movement in the holly bush and that patch of  white fur showing through the leaves. It was a moment to debate, do I call or just leave her alone. The decision was to call but not to prolong and see what choice she made. Called out Riley, and she emerged from her hiding, sat on a big rock, groomed a bit and then came inside the garage. Gave her some treats and she allowed a few head rubs, got her some food and let her be for a bit. This afternoon holds the opportunity for more rain showers, so, we will see about letting her back out. I did not stay home this morning in hopes of seeing Riley. It still feels a bit iffy about her surgery on Wednesday but that decision doesn't have to be made today.

This past week because of the Houston Chronicle article on Southern Baptist churches and the decades of not dealing with sexual abuse in congregations has had a lot of triggers, bringing up experiences and memories that have shown up at the darnedest time for me. Thankfully, not anything that I've read or heard has catapulted me back into that dangerous/needy/helpless feelings, place. It hasn't been a place of lament or why. It feels like going through a checklist of life and seeing yes, this happened because of this thing. Oh yes, that's the reason a circumstance melted into trauma and chaos so quickly. Last year I found myself asking the questions, why did my father think this? Why did he do that? How could anyone be so cruel? What kind of faulty thinking makes these kinds of decisions? Then one morning, by chance a friend from high school posted an article on Facebook about narcissists that explained behaviors and expectations if you're involved with one...That morning my questions were answered and developed an understanding on so many situations and times early on in life. In the midst of this revelation, it became so evident of the things I did right by the grace of God and the things I did wrong, happened cause I had no idea of what the heck our lives were in.

So, this morning, after reading rave reviews and ordering when first released, then banished to the to be read pile, I picked up The Last Arrow by Erwin Raphael McManus. He is a favorite author and his book Stand Against The Wind has played a pivotal role on this journey. Into the second chapter of engaging reading, this thought pops into my head...a memory from Branson Missouri and our last family vacation of four.

Our family of four took two cars to travel to my grandparents 50th anniversary celebration in Illinois. We took two cars because my parents owned two Ford Mavericks and those cars would not hold four people and luggage. I got stuck in the car with my father. My brother has told me that while he and Mom followed us, they commiserated in sympathy for the situation I was in. He was never comfortable to be around. On our way back to Houston, we detoured to Branson Missouri where we took our last family vacation together. Now, this was before Branson became BRANSON. We had gone to the performance of Shepherd of the Hills and had stopped afterwards at a ice cream shop or something in those lines. My father ordered everyone an ice cream cone and I asked if I could have a Dr Pepper instead. His reaction was so over the top, you would have thought I had wanted a steak dinner instead of ice cream. He was visibly upset at my non conformation and told me to go sit down at a table. He ordered and then brought back three of the largest ice cream cones and the smallest ever Dr Pepper served in a small dixie cup meant for water and he glared at me. His glares could break you because such hatred and malice filled his eyes and the overflow contorted the rest of his face. When he was this enraged, a bit of spittle rested in the corners of his mouth and he asked sneeringly, how was that Dr Pepper. Tears welled up of course and the response to him, good. But the tears and the downcast look gave him the victory he always went for. I didn't know it then or maybe I didn't know the depth of it but he used every opportunity to drive home this point, I was to have no life other than the life path he determined. At this point in life I had gone away to college, he had never been too happy about that and in my attempt to transfer to Baylor, he squashed those hopes and now life would be back in Houston, attending U of H, living at home. You might be thinking, Nancy, it was just a Dr Pepper. No, nothing was ever just random....it all had  meaning, hidden meaning. I have written before that life with father was just a series of secret tests that no one could ever pass.

Now, here is an accompanying thought that came with the above memory, never putting the two together, I had another encounter on the way to Branson that involved a Dr Pepper and root beer. Roy and I had been in OKC working on an audit and instead of coming home, our crazy friend Debbie told us we should go to the Passion Play in Hot Springs, Arkansas because it was only a four hour drive....hmm...very reminiscent of Gilligan's Island...three hour tour. When you have named someone my crazy friend________, one should review timelines and travel destinations cause she was WRONG! It was more like a 6-7 hour drive and that is when the famous Roy dumping his Big Gulp Root Beer on my head happened. I was so angry, we had taken the wrong road, making the trip even longer and so much internal strife and frustration that had nothing to do with Roy overflowed but it just happened to be that Roy was there in the car and he took the brunt of my anger. To cool me off, he dumped his whole Big Gulp on my head. We didn't speak to one another until we arrived at the hotel, checking in, with my root beer matted hair and my lavender business suit forever stained with said root beer. The hotel clerk was at a loss for words with this vision of beauty standing right there at the front desk. Of course this made Roy and I bust out laughing once we got to our room.  We never made it to the play but spent the rest of the weekend in Branson.

You might be thinking, Branson Missouri hasn't been good to you, maybe you should stop going there. Uh yes, we have. About fifteen years ago one Christmas, my father proposed that our whole family, now having spouses and Doug, children, should go to Branson and he would foot the bill. Wow, talk about lots of panic in the room...I responded that we had different ideas of what vacation looked like, they didn't mesh...so thank you  but no thank you. But until this morning it hadn't dawned on me that although there were two episodes of soda water, one was done in malice and the other one just to stop me at that moment from ranting and raving. One was done in hate and one was done in love...no really. I grimace at the first account and laugh about the second. Thankfully, the second instance was about our second or third year of marriage. Happy to report there hasn't ever had to be a repeat, by either Roy or me.

Because It's Valentines and Then The Day After

Just like last year, my hair appointment landed on the day of love. Like usual, I planned on going to the Corner Kitchen for breakfast and planned for the crowd remembering Valentine Breakfast of 2018. Only, 2019...not a huge crowd, got to sit at a table and never felt rushed because of the crowd. It was wonderful to have a leisurely breakfast because next month the additional crowd of tourists will begin anew for the upcoming busy season. Had the regular Biltmore Village breakfast and then walked around the area filling time until some of the stores opened at 10:00. I found several bargains at Soft Surroundings and had them held until after my hair appointment.

When one has a 25% off coupon for Barnes and Noble...one must go to Barnes and Noble. Found a few things that I didn't need but were sure fun to shop for. Then it felt like an Antique Tobacco Barn kind of day. It was cool and it seemed like a good idea. It was, found a little thing and also got coffee from the coffee guy who has set up shop there. Got a caramel latte and it was delicious. Being so close to the Biltmore Estate, the idea of driving through the estate sounded good, so off to take in the beauty of the ebbing of winter and they are getting ready for the bounty of spring. Since it is pass holder appreciation, you get 20% off instead of 10%. Found some cute things. So all in all it was a good shopping day for this child.

It was nice to spend a day away from cat drama. Riley got out to the great outdoors early this morning and it was after 5:00 when I returned home. Pulled into the garage and shut the door, then went into the house to check on Buddy. She met me in the kitchen and got treated. I had a package in the mailbox by the road, so as I came out of the backdoor, guess who came from underneath the deck and made haste into the garage...yep, Riley Roo. She is still skittish around me since the vet visit, but I am playing it cool. Doing the things I need to do and bring things into the house. I did give her some treats before going into the house. Waited a couple of hours, she had eaten treats, her food from last night and drank some water. So, she did let me pet her a bit, but still skittish.
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Because it is the day after Valentines and it is beginning to rain, I am settling down for the evening. Riley hasn't decided if she is going to stay outside tonight or if she will come into the garage. She always friendly enough in the mornings but as the day turns to evening, she acts upset. Like Peggy said, she has put me into timeout. All her blood work came back today and she is disease free and in good health. She is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday morning...we shall see. I need to pick up a packet from them tomorrow so I will also stop in at The Fresh Market while over that direction.

It was run to the bank and grocery stores today. Got all the errands done and when I got home I loaded up a garbage bag and headed over to the dump. I'd rather do that than deal with the rain on Monday...we are supposed to have a very rainy spell next week. After taking the trash over to the dump, I turned toward Marshall. Love going into Penland's. Today, was a good shopping day there and they are carrying a new line of jewelry. I bought a couple of things a local artist had made.

When we first moved here I didn't think the French Broad was a very pretty river. We moved here during a drought, so there's that. Last year was the first full winter here and this is the second and I have discovered that the river turns a beautiful shade of light turquoise in the winter. iPhone pics do not capture it, so guess the camera will need to be put to use.

Because life is full of cat drama right now, I was a bit concerned for Buddy last night. She was so lethargic and didn't do most of her normal, you can bet on it behavior. This morning it was as if she didn't act that way. Really, I am just about done with cat drama. Okay I say that but don't mean it.

It was a little traumatic getting Riley to come into the garage tonight. It was raining and several attempts to entice her in, failed. It looked like she was choosing to stay out with the kiddos last night. I turned out the lights in the back and waited for night to fall. After a hard rain, to the back door to call out for Riley. Saw the little white part of fur peek out from under the deck. Called once more and Riley gingerly made her way to the garage. Gave her some treats and let her settle a bit. Meanwhile in the house while she was settling, I mixed up her food for her. After a little time, back out the garage and before she would come to meet me, not now. She remained on the table I fixed up for her to look out the window. She is much friendlier in the morning these days. Trying not to do anything to tip my hat about what will happen Wednesday.

Keeping Up With Riley

After a good night sleeping and waking to a brilliant sunny morning felt so welcoming this morning. By the brightness of the sun's rays, I thought I had slept till 10:00 am but it was just a little before 8:00. With Buddy sleeping away, shutting the door and sneaking out to the garage to check on Riley was a tad easier. She greeted me at the door and would love to come on in but we stayed in the garage for some treats and some head rubbing. With it being such a lovely bright day, I could not keep Riley in the garage, even though I wanted to...since we have invested in her health. She went out the door and greeted the kiddos. Got the food out to them and once they were done it was off to play. The stupid gray and white cat that I haven't mentioned too much, sauntered out of the tent of napping and headed toward breakfast. Quickly, going back into the garage I threw together some breakfast for him, mainly to keep him from eating everything in sight. The elusive Camo made an appearance briefly.

Yes, the gray and white cat...at first I thought he was the neighbor's rescue cat and didn't mind him too much, but when I caught he and Riley on the deck....uh, I knew it was not the neighbor's cat. I also knew for sure what sex Riley is after that bit of messing around on the deck. Riley sprays more than any female cat I have ever seen which drew the conclusion that Riley might be in that 2% of male calicoes. When petting Riley I would say, you're a good girl or boy....now I don't have to say boy. The vet office helped with a plan and thus getting Riley in yesterday was part one of the plan. Riley is probably about a week and a half pregnant and they are trying to get her scheduled as soon as possible to be spayed. I hate that she will lose the kittens but after looking at the conditions/dangers/health of Riley it seems to be the best decision. The vet said something very traumatic must have happened for her to come into the garage and remain in it for seven days. Then she began the in and out of the garage stage and she wants in before the sun sets. The threat of coyotes is real here and bobcats. A couple of years ago on a Sunday night I watched a bobcat cross our front yard. Chilling sight for sure. Camo is a threat as well. She is one mean cat. The neighbor across the woods and ravine has two dogs that get out sometimes, also the owls that live back there off the gravel road are something to be considered. Does this sound like I am trying to justify this...maybe... but I want what is best for Riley. The tech and vet asked how I came to know Riley Roo and the story of Cali was told in brevity for them. The tech said most people don't invest in a feral like this, they take them to the community spay/vet services but for me, not Riley. I'm hoping for a future with this young one and like the vet said yesterday, Riley has made up her mind that she wants to be a pet...it just comes in stages. Just a bit ago Riley came back into the garage for a little bit of time but she was moody toward me. Wouldn't take treats from me and let me pet her a little. Let her back outdoors and she slowly made her way up to the gravel road. Sure hope she'll be ready to come back in closer to dusk.

Not only do I have cat responsibilities, but also keeping up with feeding the birds. I put the feeders back out in front and was about to fill them when my neighbor Mary Joyce called to me. She wanted to know if a big black and white cat was mine...well, none of them are mine, really. She wanted to let me know she had found a dead cat up against her house in the bushes as if someone had put it there. We think that particularity bad cold spell must have gotten him. It was Big Sissy Daddy. This wasn't welcomed news on a day that Riley was being stubborn and acting like she might not be coming back into the garage but staying out. I was working on some book organization and saw Riley up near the window looking in, so I went out and called her, she came running into the garage. Night falling along with the temps, lured her in. Got her some fresh food and a few treats but she stayed away. Just went out there and Riley was looking out the window, got down and came to meet me. She did let me pet her so that is good. 

I am saddened that Big Sissy Daddy has gone to cat heaven. He was in cat terms a good father. He stuck around with Cali when she had the kittens out on the deck. He looked after the kittens when Cali needed a break. Probably the vet office thought they had a crazy cat lady on their hands yesterday, knowing the stories of these little feral kittens and cats and trying to give them info so they know a little bit about Riley.

An All Animal Post

Yesterday was one of those reprieve from cooler temps kind of day. No coat was needed but it was a good day for flannels, jeans and boots. Our neighbor was working on her compost pile and I walked down to talk with her. I have never been that far down the gravel road and with the leaves gone from the trees, the view was better than anticipated. Told her of the Riley plans and then we will try to get Strawyer and Punky. But more of that later.

Today is an overcast rainy day but unlike most that does not bother me. Love these kinds of days. It provides the background needed to do a few things around the house. These days those things can be taken at a much slower pace but come March, the tempo of home will be a little faster as schedules and plans shape up.

Operation Change of Life for Riley began in earnest last night. Fed her the fancy cat food with a chill pill chaser as well as chill pill laced treats. She definitely has slowed down a bit with that extra help. She is a lot more affectionate on that pill too. Wants her head rubbed and follows my every step in the garage. I sure hope she transitions to the carrier this afternoon. She has been sitting in it but when I pick her up, that will be a whole nother thing.

The thought came out of the blue yesterday morning, remembering a phone call of several years ago from the Constable's precinct that patrolled my parent's neighborhood. There had been complaints from neighbors on their street that maybe my father was poisoning their pets. He wanted to know was that a far fetched idea and it wasn't. There were a few pets we had growing up that met untimely and mysterious endings. Fewer made it through to a full life. In particular they thought my father was unnecessarily picking on the lady who lived next door to them. Granted she was a strange one, but my father would pick up on a weakness and exploit it till it no longer amused him or he would nearly be caught. She certainly fit the bill on weakness, so it wasn't long after my parents moved back to Houston and into the house they purchased, that she became a factor on the radar; thus beginning his antics of antagonizing her in so many minute ways that she would look crazy when she talked. He, of course, came off as just a normal neighbor trying to get along with a nut. She owned and loved several cats, mostly indoor cats but she had a couple, probably feral in nature that she fed and looked after. The thought of this probably stemmed from my taking care of these little feral cats and from the article and series from the Houston Chronicle on the SBC and covering up sexual abuse. It has been a bit triggering but thankful, not at all, like it would have done years ago. More so, such a sadness at the heartbreak that didn't need to be. Looking at the pictures and some of the stories on Twitter the reminder of not being an only one is overwhelming.

My neighbor and I had a little excitement last night. She called wanting to know if a house was on fire down a little ways on our road. To the front porch for observation, and no, it was a big fire they were maintaining probably burning brush etc...knowing that rain was forecasted beginning later in the night. It was a tall fire and several cars and trucks slowed down when driving past, probably making sure it wasn't an uncontrolled brush fire. You see that a lot around here but this was huge.

Strawyer and Punky finally showed up this morning. We have been in this habit of ringing a bell for them and then feeding them when they sit there by the door. Strawyer climbed up on the deck gate and looked in. Riley did that and thus began her journey. Hopefully, they will have this journey as well. It is always a little concerning when the dogs next door do that attack bark and it looks like they are barking at something up in the tree but just checked and Strawyer and Punky are in the back and were headed to the tent of napping. The rain has started back and heavy at times so that will give them good napping weather.

Just fed Riley or put the food out. Hopefully, she will take interest in the food before the appointment. To keep busy while waiting I have done a few chores that have been put off, so there is that happy thought.
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Thank you all who prayed for Riley today. She ate her food, she was chill and getting her into the carrier was easier than I anticipated. Got her situated in the car and off to the vet office. She did much better than Buddy. She was good, didn't flinch for shots or for the pill. Blood work went off without a hitch. They will call on Friday to give results and to set surgery for her. Told them she is pregnant, about two weeks worth, so they want to get it done sooner than later. The Dr. was asking me about Riley and how I got her to come into the garage to begin this adventure. Told her it was Riley's choice by staying in the garage for seven days, not wanting to leave. Then the in and out version we are in right now. The Dr said, Riley has made the choice she wants to be a pet more than be out on her own. So, it is good news and then the adventure begins to transition Riley into the house with Buddy. Dr Garner also looked at Strawyer's pic and she thinks Straw is a boy. Who knows? Riley got home, first thing on the agenda, potty. She didn't run and hide or stay away from me. Got her settled with new non chill pill food and treats. She let me pet her but wasn't as enthusiastic as usual...but that's ok. She didn't hide.

So an all animal blog post today. Tomorrow I'll be nervous letting Riley out for the day.

A Week Goes By, Nothing of Interest To Read Here.....

The sky is gray and overcast now but today there was some sun and just a tad bit of rain. Not really rain just more like sprinkles here and there. Riley went out early this morning and stayed out a little later than usual. She has had a full day. This morning Riley and her cousins played on the deck, really played, didn't fight. So encouraging and it helps that Camo is scarce these days which keeps peace in the family. Buddy has been on guard duty and has spent the majority of her day downstairs keeping watch. She fought through the glass with the kiddos earlier, so she is on point for any cats getting attention, other than her. The only good that comes out of this is, she is tired in the evenings.

This morning Lisa texted to see if it was a good time to talk. It was and so we did. Covered all the news at home and abroad with lots of laughs included. She led worship at a retreat this past weekend and she was telling me about the speaker and her subject using the book of Esther. I told Lisa I am knee deep in studying the golden calf.
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One of my favorite movies is on, All About Eve. Nice to have on in the background. Today I had the special privilege of being invited over to Brenda's for breakfast. For any who have had breakfast with Brenda know what a feast we had. And...I came home with breakfast for tomorrow. After spending a wonderful morning there I headed out for the errands of the day, getting Buddy's meds and a stop at The Fresh Market. The vet office helped me with a plan to get Riley into their offices. So our goal is Tuesday late afternoon.
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I just looked out the window and saw Riley sitting near the gravel road looking toward the backdoor. That is usually a sign she wants to come inside the garage. So, out the backdoor and just looked her way, not even calling her name, she came running...straight inside, no playing around or sitting for a few minutes. The temps are much colder than even a couple of hours earlier and so that smart kitty kitty came inside. Meanwhile a mockingbird has discovered his image/discovered a supposed interloper at the window. He sits there and preens and then attacks the window. I do not know the mind of a mockingbird but being in love with his own image has freed the bird feeder to one and all of the birds. This morning I thought someone was knocking on the door but it is just a bird, enamored and captivated.

Yes, this season of life is ruled by cats, or so it seems. Last night Buddy could not, would not get comfortable to sleep or stick around. Thus, it was a very rough night for sleep. I would grab a few extended minutes here and there but usually that sleep had weird dreams to accompany the rough night.
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This post should be wrapped up because it has gone on too long. A little bit here and there and then life calls and don't get back to the blog. Part of it too has been several movies this weekend that are favorites; Now Voyager and Yankee Doodle Dandy. Then preparing a Sunday School lesson for today. All week I had been reading and researching but didn't get it all written out until yesterday. Then there were two little projects to take care of...and of course there is always the quality decision not to write out everything I am thinking or want to say. So, sometimes when that is happening, it is difficult to write about the fun things or the everyday things.

It was kind of sleeting with a little bit of snow on the way home from church. My friend Jan gave me a cat carrier she's not using since she doesn't have a cat anymore. So now I have the carrier and I'll check in a little bit on the food situation out in the garage with Riley. If she likes this new more gravy like food, I'll put one of Buddy's chill pills in it to get her to be a little calmer for this new change of life for her.

Ingles has pretty good orange chicken of which I have mentioned before, so that is what I had for lunch today, with a little bit of rice. A little nap is calling out to me so once all the trash has been gathered to be put out by the road later, believe I will indulge in a few minutes of sleepy time.

Reprieve,Reveal, Resolve and Resign

A weather reprieve has come to the mountains. This week abundant sunshine, warmer temps and a little fragrance of spring in the air is welcomed. All the weather people are warning us, enjoy but winter is going to return. I don't mind winter at all but this break seems so needed after many days of cold temps and icy terrain.

Yesterday, Inez and I journeyed over to Haywood County, stopping first at The Blue Rooster. The first day back after being closed for their annual week at the end of January. We arrived early and so happy we did, because there was a waiting list for tables not too long after opening. Inez astutely observed the lack of coconut cake in the dessert display case and when our server returned, we, probably sounding rather desperate, asked about the cake. The kitchen staff was in the process of finishing up the cakes and there would be cake available for the end of our meal. With that we returned to enjoying our fried chicky and delicious veggies. We got to see Lora for a little visit but with things hopping in the restaurant, she could only visit for just a bit. After fortifying ourselves for shopping, we headed over to the Hazelwood area. Hazelwood Soap and Robin Blu were our main objectives for stops, then we headed over to Mast General in downtown Waynesville. Such an enjoyable day. We solved world problems completely knowing that no one was going to listen to our solutions. We laughed and giggled to ourselves for our own entertainment. And Inez still has it, she got in and out of that convertible like a spring chicken.

As per usual, upon returning home, the first thing is typically a little walk to the back and call out to Riley. You know, just a checking in kind of thing. Anyway, called out...heard a weak little meow. The kiddos looked out from under the porch but the meow didn't come from them. Called again, nothing. Then called a third time and once again a weak little meow followed. Turned around to look by the propane tank and the cypress firs, don't know what they are called here, nothing. Then I remembered that Riley has been paying a lot of attention to this storage tub that is turned upside down on a stack of flagstone walking pavers. The storage container is used for water hose storage in the winter but since we need to replace the hoses this year, we left it there on the driveway. When Riley was a tiny kitten, Cali used that area to hide her kittens as they traversed between the front and backyard. It was an accidental discovery on my part back then and acted as if I had never seen Cali herding her kittens underneath for protection. I lifted one end up of the bin, nothing...still heard a faint meow, so I lifted the other end and there was Riley. Happy to be released but wonder how long or short of a time she had been trapped in there? I wonder if she remembers being safe there when she was a kitten? Even today, while I was working outside and in the garage, Riley was hanging around and from time to time she'd pay a lot of attention to that spot. When I put the bin back onto the stack of pavers, I made it with a bigger opening so in case she tries going in again, she will not be caught.

This morning while out feeding the birds and doing a few odds and ends, our neighbor on her four wheeler, was on the gravel road taking her horse deposits to her compost pile. We have not seen each other for awhile because of winter and hibernation on my part. She has talked with her vet and they are going to help us catch the cats, have them neutered or spayed and release back into our area. She probably thinks of me as a crazy, older cat lady...I am more of a crazy squirrel lady... But, she did make a statement to the effect, she was not going to have cats overrun her gravel road and ravine area. I agreed and told her I would pay for the services rendered, cause I am feeding them causing them to hang about...she seemed very happy that I volunteered that and any issues of announcing her intents to me are now resolved. Heck, if she makes the phone calls and arranges it all, happy to do my part cause that phone thing...not the best at that.

The French Broad school at the end of our road caught fire last night. Don't think it has been used as a school for quite some time but it was built in the 1920's. Beautiful building, well, until the shell of brick revealed this morning. Someone said the school was being made into studio apartments and I had also heard that artists were using the building for studio space. Roads around that area have been closed most of the day. No known injuries but hope the goats that worked outside by keeping the grass cut, didn't get hurt.

Sunday morning our minister of music announced his resignation at the end of the service. Many of us were shocked but I am willing to bet there were several there in attendance who were not. I have been in choir under many fine musicians and directors, I have been so fortunate. My type of personality and the fact I don't read music usually means I really get on the director's nerves. Also having just a blender kind of voice doesn't add much. Oh and ADD kicks in after about an hour, so I'm done and left to my own devices which may involve disruption to rehearsals until we are finished. Our minister of music gave me chances to be musical, no he wasn't crazy enough to give me a solo, but he encouraged, much to the chagrin of others, me to play percussion instruments if the song had that good beat and easy to dance to...oops, Baptist...no dancing...  As Christmas drew near last year, he asked if I would participate with the hand bell group...uh, I don't read music...he said, well, come and try, we will help you. Granted, I only played about five notes in each of the songs we did and I was totally out of my comfort zone. Truthfully, I wasn't going to do it but Roy encouraged me not to miss this opportunity and he said it will be one of those things that you'll regret if you don't do it. He was right. I got to spend time with people I love and got to know Owen on my left and Robin on my right. What a joy!  I have never met a pastor that desired everyone to come to salvation from the Lord so much, so central to his conversations. He lived out that commitment in our small community. He received his doctorate in December, with the emphasis on ministry and reaching the lost. Every Sunday morning and every Sunday night, he prayed that someone would get saved when they came to church....every time! He encouraged us and reminded us we must share the Gospel wherever we are and be a light to a lost world. He and his wife visited those who could no longer physically come to church, they visited the sick and they made hospital visits. When I had my ablation last year, he came before the procedure and prayed with us and then that evening he and his wife returned to the hospital and visited with us. That meant so much to me but especially to Roy. His wife is one of the most talented people I have ever met. A chemist by study and an artist by gift...she has both the left and right brain thing going. Her costumes and her work with musical productions here in the area will truly be missed. She is a lot of fun too! Sadly, I will not sing as well after they leave because I told her she was Naomi and I, Ruth...cause when she sang, especially when it came to the alto part...wherever she went, I went. What ever note she sang would be my note too. All these years being in church choirs, I have liked choir but not loved it. Choir is one of those activities that I have dropped so many times in life because I don't participate, always, for the right reasons...yes, I want to help glorify God in singing, that's always there, but the reasons for liking choir is, being with friends. Getting to participate in a meaningful activity and have fun and laugh and learn all at the same time...well, that's a pretty good dang thing. Well, maybe I do love choir more than I thought. We get to sing with them several more Sundays, so we have that. And that will have to sustain...

First Warm Sunday In A Long Time

This is the absolute universal truth, the people that pull out in front of you from a side street? That will be the fastest they go cause once they are in front of you they slow down to a slow...slow crawl. It is true in Texas and it is true in North Carolina, so it must be true everywhere one drives. Today, when this happened, I recognized the turquoise truck that has done this to me before. Ugh...

Because this year, it doesn't matter who is in the Super Bowl made the decision easy for me to pick up the few things I needed from the grocery store today. Tomorrow, it might be a more crowded situation and maybe even Sunday. We used to do our shopping during the Super Bowl cause everyone else glued to the TV in Katy. Don't like either team but I do like the Puppy Bowl. Now that is cute!

The bully mockingbird is back keeping all the birds waiting in the trees. It is a beautiful sight seeing all the birds as he keeps everyone at bay. This afternoon Strawyer took an interest in the mockingbird and shut down the bullying for about thirty minutes. There are baby squirrels playing along the pasture fence above the gravel road. They are fun to watch but they grow up to be squirrels that want to raid the backyard of flower bulbs. The robins are plentiful in the front yard and of course the ever lovely and present cardinals.

So I used to enjoy reading Twitter, for news, sports, entertainment and dare I say it for encouragement. You can still find good things on Twitter, it just takes a little longer and some diligence to find the good. Everyone, conservative and liberals, undecideds or decideds are angry. Angry and mad about the same things or opposite things. Even at times when a neutral statement is made about....oh who knows, anything, someone is going to come out loud and mad over something. It is so difficult to wade through. Some people leave Twitter, some lurk and read and others...well, the do the fast scroll past issues or items or news that has everybody all worked up. Not saying the issues or items or news is not important, it is, but the anger...it is more than I can deal with. Guess that response gave away which one I am. There was a day I'd be all over this stuff, angry, speaking my mind and letting someone have it...cause it was a skill set that developed by dealing with a narcissistic parent. Being angry takes a toll and takes a lot more energy that I used to have a deep deposit of, now even though this is the best I have felt in a long time, energy can be depleted in a heartbeat.

Yesterday in a new store I had never been to and with a long line to check out, I felt that first twinge from warmer type weather that hits and depletes my energy. It happened this morning in church, I began to get a little warm, never felt woozy but sat down for the last half of the choir song...but kept singing. It feels so hot in that loft at times. As much as I am enjoying the rise in temps, that little bit of a temp hit keeps me honest in keeping with feeling good.

After having a fun social day on Thursday of meeting friends for lunch and having a bit of a catch up Friday, Saturday with the good weather seemed like the time to go visit friends in Lincolnton. The thought occurred to get up and get an early start but sleep and the sun rise in my eyes at so early of a time persuaded me otherwise. Got on the road about 9:15 am. Had a wonderful time there and included a quick stop at Marilyn's Sweet Addictions, a delicious lunch at Good Wood and some shopping in downtown Lincolnton. Also had a little extra time to stop in Morganton to visit The Weathered Home. Saw a work of metal art that was very difficult for me to leave there in the store and I pondered the purchase for a very long time, but decided against it. I was able to get home with the sun still in the sky, so that meant I got all the kitties taken care of. Even with leaving breakfast before getting on the road Camo must have beat them to it.

I tried on Friday evening to see if Riley is more receptive to being picked up. She is not. It wasn't as bad as the first time trying, but it still wasn't good. I am trying to think through the future with her and I don't know, that feral part of her is still a huge part of her. Buddy, isn't taking too kindly to her presence which right now is just spending the night in the garage. After she has been out all day, Riley comes in, wants a few treats and then hits the sack and sleeps really, really hard. I owe Buddy a lot and she is first place in my heart when it comes to cats. But, I will give it a little more time. Riley is a sweetie that's for sure....