Faith, Hope, and Procrastination

Saturday morning. Mama Cat has beckoned all the little ones, who aren't so little anymore, and she has included Boo. I know I have posted on FB as well as writing about this phenomenon several times but her acceptance and behavior toward Boo has truly astounded me.  Mama Cat be cranky most of the time. She swipes at Strawyer and Beanie...goes eye to eye growling with Punky and greets me every morning with a round of hissing. Then she does the closed eyes thing, so basically Mama Cat is passive aggressive.

My original plans for the day included going over to the Artsy Pants Market in Haywood County. I love going to this particular event, but last night before going to bed, the thought came to me even with an abundance of caution, protocols and required masks, that's a lot of people indoors in exhibit halls. A lot of the vendors are outside but I know me...I would not stay out of the exhibit halls thus I am staying home. I have something or someone more that I love than this market and they'll be here very soon. It does not help to see pics so I am staying away from FB for the time being. Another factor too, the high is going to be in the low 80s. Factor in temps, plus people, plus wearing a mask, and limited seating...and the likelihood of getting too warm or hot rapidly escalates. Last year at the market even in the spring, the heat affected me. It is all about staying in the protocols set for me to stay feeling good. This year, even with Covid 19 being all the rage, has been the best I have felt in a long time. With the exception of the spring heel spur, working in the garden and yard has been pain free with energy.

During the self distancing portion of life, I find myself watching a little more TV than usual. We have Netflix and Hulu but it seems I spend a lot of time in Mayberry or in Landford, if it is the first few seasons. I know I have been watching too much Andy when I am saying to the TV, why doesn't anyone confront Barney? Why do they tolerate this behavior? I mean how many times can Barney try to fix up Andy and fail. How many episodes will be devoted to Barney jumping the gun and thinking that Andy and__________ pick any of the girlfriends Andy dates...only a week or so...are getting married only to discover, Barney misread the circumstances. A tad dramatic and compensates for his feelings of insignificance by being a blow hard, know it all kind of person. So, yes, I have been self distancing for too long to be thinking these things. But he sure did bring a lot to the show even if it was on repeat.

It has been an interesting watch from a distance with the pastor from Atlanta thing from last Sunday. His word choice...well, it wasn't good but it looks as if he has escaped the mob mentality and will not have to resign from his church. He is a fortunate one but he came back with a social media apology that merits sincerity and repentance. He and his team have been cutting edge for quite some time, in music, books, and styles of worship. It seems to be the thing of his generation of preachers, teachers and pastors to change words...phrases to make them relevant to the times. This goes from renaming Sunday School, which so many still refer to even if it has a new name, to renaming rooms of the church or different ministries. I totally get that, but it is funny to think that most of these guys are in their late forties, fifties and early sixties...their relevance time is running short. Soon a new generation will come and rename the names, remove smoke and fog machines and light shows...not that all churches do that and sometimes it does add to a service. This particular generation hit church leadership when the business model began to form in churches and leadership being based on a business culture outlook, oh along with some prayer and meditation. Maybe, this type of leadership from these particular types isn't what is needed right now. It could be that we, white people, should let POC lead the way. Certainly, we need to be listening to learn and care and join with.

The much anticipated haircut happened yesterday. Chloe told me I have a lot of gray hair now, only it looks blond. I'll take it! So technically it feels like I lost about six pounds of hair yesterday. Next appointment comes with highlights and it is over a month and a half away, soonest to be able to get in. No blow drying, so that was kind of weird but totally doable. I just put the top down on the Mustang and let the wind do its thing. I thought about going to the Screen Door or ATB but opted for Barnes and Noble. Haven't been to this particular one since maybe January. Totally rearranged and the feel of relaxed browsing and relaxing is diminished somewhat, but that doesn't affect my style of bookstore browsing. I was there yesterday for a couple of magazines.

I have caught myself a couple of times going out in public dressed like an old lady and not by choice either. Went to the doctor office and my blues did not match. I wore an outfit the other day that totally screamed, old but didn't realize it until I was out and about. This is what happens when one's affection for The Nord has been replaced by Tractor Supply....well, that is not totally true. I still order from Flax.

This morning, like many mornings, I walked into a spider web. Did the necessary get the web out of my hair dance and now...well I feel like spiders are everywhere. Every little itch, is a spider and of course I know this not to be true. I do my best to avoid webs because those spiders are doing a job of catching bugs. Part of my long list of jobs accomplished is fly traps and fly paper cause with ferals in the summer, there are a lot of flies hanging about.

There is one more perennial to plant and I need to check the latest transplants of sunflowers. I should have kept a list of all the things accomplished around here during the isolation part of this year. Funny how being home translated into really doing projects cause sometimes procrastination is a spiritual gift and Paul said it so well in I Corinthians 12. So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.

But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all....The way of procrastination. 

And with that, I will end today's blog post. It is a beautiful day out here on the back porch but there are strawberries to be cut and vacuuming to be done. Oh and laundry, there is always laundry.

Catching Up With This Week

WNC is enjoying a brief respite from summer temps. In the 50s at night and only in the 60s during the day. Last night it felt so chilly in the bonus room that it was tempting to pull out a small heater but I resisted. That is what sweatshirts are for.

So many things to blog on and those thoughts have been rumbling about in my head but what happens is this, it is best to work in the flowerbeds earlier in the day. By the time I get into the house sitting down to write just isn't that appealing. The front flowerbed is just about done and now my attention has turned toward perennials for the backyard. Reems Creek is having a sale on perennials and pollinator plants through the month of June. With rain threatening yesterday, it was the perfect time to go there because the crowds are there mainly on sunny, let's plant something kind of days. While picking up a few plants yesterday I overheard a conversation that tickled me. The staff is so helpful at Reems Creek and they give you pointers and info while you are looking at plants. Being in the pollinator section, divided into native and non native plants, this gentleman who had been sent by his wife most probably, because there was that constant phone contact weighing over on plant decisions, asked a couple of questions to the staff lady about how these plants would do in the higher elevations. He went on quite a bit about living in the higher elevations...so the lady asked him, what is your elevation? He said oh we are up there at 2500 feet. She and I both about spit, but we didn't cause we had on masks and spit would just return to us...she kindly responded, sir, our location is at about 2500 feet. Around here, the higher elevations are considered 3200 and beyond. Must be a new Floridian to the area. Weaverville is a Floridian attraction point.

Buddy had her vet appointment and I am so much happier with this practice rather than the zen one closer to Asheville. All the Covid 19 protocols are in place, so they ask questions over the phone, then come out and get the pet, examine them and then call you in the car to tell you their findings. Buddy was not a well behaved cat yesterday and she was giving them a little bit of grief. They were not able to give her a full examination but after a little time in a darkened room to calm down, they were able to give her a mani/pedi and get the steroid shot in her. We are looking at options for Buddy to be examined and of course that includes getting meds into her. I told the vet gabapentin doesn't calm Buddy down one iota.

Last year I began collecting old ladders and benches. Didn't do much with them except put flower pots on them. This year I have spray painted them various colors but mainly going with a teal and red color theme. Last year the plant man by the river sold me a couple of apple crates and those have been spray painted and one so far has been stenciled. Nice work on cool afternoons on the back porch.

Mama Cat is keeping control of the backyard. Boo, Punky's kitten from the last litter is slowly but surely being accepted by, I have lost count, but its cousins or aunts and uncles...who knows. Until they totally tear them up, I am keeping the cushions that were on the rocking chairs back there for them. Has to be better than lying on the hard or wet ground. It is also a great play area as the kittens on the cushion defend from any aggressor trying to get up there with them. Guess it is like King of the Hill game. I got an up close look into the face of Boo when putting some treats out, dark eyes, really such a beautiful cat. This last litter of Mama Cat is about the best looking litter in the history of the feral fam claiming their home back in 2017. This particular litter are very fluffy, so I'm not too sure how many males and females there are. This is the jumpingest group of kittens. They hop around like bunnies in the evenings.
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It is getting a little rowdy in the backyard. Mama Cat doesn't like Strawyer, Punky these days doesn't seem to like anyone, Beanie is great with childs and the kittens are moving beyond their sacred spots and taking on adventure. So, two kittens were eating when Punky arrived. She made that low growling sound...didn't phase the kittens, so she took a swipe at it and the room so to speak scattered. One of the twin kittens came over to protect Mama Cat and there for a few seconds...I didn't know if an all out brawl would take place or what. Such hopes for peace as Mama Cat has taken in Boo. Punky is done with him. But Mama Cat remains a tried and true feral. She will eat every bit of food so that no other cat or rival can have any. There have been spats in the garage and by the food bowls. These ferals...they are entertaining though.

Of course none of the things I've contemplated or thought about have not been included on this post. Tomorrow is the long awaited haircut. Have to wear a mask. Sometimes I can get it adjusted right and no bother but other times...such a bother.

Buddy is feeling better. She is the happy wanderer. She goes from place to place but now has finally settled down in the window of the bonus room. She was a wanderer last night thus I had to take a short nap this afternoon.

Cats, Tags, Burgers and Jams

Buddy is taking in the fine temperatures and sun on the front porch and the kittens out back are playing those wild kitten games and feats of strength. Makes it difficult to get anything done because they are so entertaining.

I decided to try and pick up my temporary handicap tags. Last year being able to park closer to buildings really helped my intolerance for heat and kept the ol' ticker in rhythm. The line was longish so I punted and took a scenic drive over to Mars Hill to stop in at TJ's. They had a delivery of local beef and pork that morning but I was too late to get a steak to try because they were sold out. I picked up a package of hamburger and think I will make sliders this weekend. Got a few more peaches,  tomatoes, and a flat of beautiful zinnias. I was able to plant several before a nice rain shower came through. In a bit I'll check on the transplanted sunflowers but as of last evening they were looking like they had perked up a bit from the shock of transplanting. Last night I looked at several options on modified wheel barrels and think there is one that will do all the jobs that need to be done around here.
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Pick up of tag successful this morning and no waiting. Got there a little after 9:00. I debated on whether to run a couple of errands or come home. I came home to check on Buddy. Her old age is giving her problems this week. Nothing that seems to warrant a visit to the vet but it is tough watching your cat companion of nearly 15 years, deal with old age. She gives glimmers though of a youngish cat. She played with an empty paper bag this morning as well as chased a cardboard tie around the kitchen. Now she's napping and I'm feeling that call as well.

Our pastor and deacons have decided we will have outdoor church until the end of June. Several of us wanted to clap, but we held off on that. It struck me as funny yesterday that I parked by first base and sat in short right field. The chairman of the deacons prayed during the service and he said to the effect thank you God for this beautiful sanctuary you have given us. Yep, sitting on a softball field, lush green verdant mountains for a background, blue sky, hawks, birds singing and a pastor who preaches the Word. It is a lovely sanctuary in deed.
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Wednesday morning and the forecast is rain. Right now it is just overcast but the radar indicates that rain is moving toward us. It can be moving toward us but that doesn't mean it will get here. Last evening I went to the flowerbed to water and as I was wrapping up that work I could see rain moving our way. A fine mist that obscured long range mountain views. So, guess the watering primed a little rain shower.

Cat world right now is topsy turvy. Inside, Buddy is not feeling well and she now has a vet appointment. I know she is a geriatric cat but there might be an underlying problem. We've had rough nights of late. She has always been a meowing cat and she isn't meowing more than usual, but her demeanor is different. She still is eating, drinking and pooping, so that is all good. The past week or so Punky has not been herself. She came around in the evening and didn't eat much. I've been keeping my eye open for an opportunity to scoop her up, but she had pretty much stopped rubbing around my legs while preparing food for the fam. Her little black kitten that we could not rescue has been hanging around the yard a bit and just that makes me think that Punky might no longer be with us. These cats have proven that theory wrong before and I hope that is true this time. What I have gathered in watching these cats over the years is this, when one of them is not doing well, they sit with it. They put aside their cat differences and surround the ailing cat. Cali and Riley did this for a kitten that wasn't going to make it, Edee had her family with her and just the other day Strawyer sat with Punky, but not in the usual way. In other cat news, Mama Cat is not in the backyard this morning. Now with her, it could be several things, but she has been known to dump her kittens with me and she moves on. The past few days of observation made me think she was getting to that point. Now, to get the kittens but with Buddy I am hesitant. She does not share attention well...so I am at a quandary. Just a couple of weeks ago I felt overwhelmed by the ferals. Even one of the male cats that comes around now and then showed up last night and I think he has a broken front leg or at least an injured one. He is here rarely so he hasn't even received a name. Ranger disappeared about a week ago, Frankie, well he hasn't been seen for a couple of weeks. Frankly with Frankie, I am happy not to see him hanging around. He scared me and felt that he might attack me. Big Chief the alpha to the max cat, not around. Darth comes around a bit but I think he is someone's cat who they let out now and then. He is too well groomed and not afraid of my presence. So Beanie, Strawyer, Boo and the kittens are around this morning.

With plans to work around the house yesterday, a FB notification announcing strawberries changed those plans. I had been working out in the garage and believe me, I had a little bit of a Lazarus scent going on. But scent be danged, I did what we all do at times, just sprayed on more deodorant and hope for the best. I got there in time to claim strawberries, just a few buckets left, got some tomatoes, a couple of peaches and two more pounds of hamburger to freeze. Since I came prepared with a cooler, I took the scenic route home along the river road. The mixes of summer fragrances lofted in and out of the car. Hay, river water fragrance, and floral fragrances graced and accompanied me along the drive home. Those fragrances helped with the Lazarus thing....

Oh, an update on my hamburgers....oh my goodness! Out of this world delicious. I have grilled burgers but never fried them in a pan. First attempt successful. My Houston friend Sandy, got me to thinking about getting one of those George Foreman grills. I didn't buy one of those but got a Cuisinart grill that is a multi tasking grill and the grill and flat plates are dishwasher safe. Just like free shipping gets my attention, not having to do a hand washable type cleaning...well, I just ordered me up one, had a coupon and Belk Bucks. I had been thinking of giving away my canner for dummies that I have never used, but after looking through the recipe book, Roy and I decided we are going to try our hand at peach jam. It's a natural, you know, to go with his biscuits.

Thursday And Friday....

It has been a while since last posting about Edee. There's a reason, the security software on the laptop set to expire and of course my thoughts on anything dealing with set up or adding to a computer is this, it is never easy. This should have been an easy thing, renew the software only no, it wasn't. Thus I had to call in my computer support team, Roy. He speaks and understands the language. So, as it happens he said until he could make a phone call, to use the computer sparingly, if at all. So just like with Covid 19, I social distanced from the computer. Last night, everything was updated and ready to use. I asked Roy what the problem had been with the info the company had given me to renew. He said, I solve problems, got you a three year package, so I didn't ask about that. Well, okay then. So I am back to business so to speak with my laptop. Of course I asked Roy, what if this one dies and we have to get a new one? Uh, we will tackle that issue when the time comes he said.

Today I ventured to Hendersonville for my doctor appointment. All in all, it was a good report. I have lost weight and probably weigh what I did at this time last year. But, not taken into account was spending nearly four weeks in Texas where the brisket, cheese enchiladas, BBQ and the like is easily accessible and delicious; I partook abundantly. Then tag on January which was such a long month, well it seemed that way, where the choices I made food wise were not, well, wise. So I had gained more pounds than I had liked. Since being in NC, fall has become the most tempting of seasons in bad food choices. I blame the apple cider donuts. The work to lose began in February and the added benefit of lock down beginning in March is that I took up gardening and outdoor projects. When I first began, I could barely carry down a bag of mulch or garden soil, but now I can do a little more and feel a lot stronger. In my mind also is the fact that there are six additional pounds from cement in hip and knee replacements, so mentally, those six pounds come off the total. The plan had been to go down to Strawberry Hill afterwards, but a huge wreck had the freeway shut down. I had been to the bookstore the week before, didn't need anything from Target...operative word, need, and with the forecast of rain in the afternoon, I began the trek back home. First though, I did something I usually do after cardiologist appointments, I eat something delicious that is not good for you. Usually, it is fried chicken but since it was still morning, I opted for a drive thru the Krispy Kreme. The farthest moment from my next checkup. If I had been able to go to Strawberry Hill, the choice would have been Jack in the Box tacos in Hendersonville. For just a brief moment the thought of going to TN entered my brain, but when I got home Buddy was so desperate to be on the front porch, plans changed. She spent the entire afternoon out there. With storms nearby, the wind picked up later in the afternoon. We are not fans of gusty winds so we came inside. We got a little rain and a few rumbles of thunder but the rain did the split and mostly was on two sides of us passing us by. 

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The backyard has been taken over by Mama Cat. She is the original cat that brought her three kittens under the fir tree in 2017, Cali was one of those kittens. Once Cali took residence and claimed the deck and yard as her own, Mama Cat disappeared. As is wont with ferals, I figured something had gotten her or she had been trapped. Then, the day after Cali died, Mama Cat reappeared. She didn't take over the backyard, Camo did and Mama Cat was left to live on the edges on the gravel road. Punky and Strawyer, their mother is Camo. Camo abandoned them here to Riley to care for, only P and S shunned Riley. Wow, that felt a little bit like writing begats in the Bible. Punky has dominated the backyard for about a year, but when we rescued her kittens, she was dethroned and Mama Cat took over. Last Friday in fact, I woke up to find four kittens on the porch step. Mama Cat has cleaned house so to speak. Punky is living on the edge of the gravel road, Beanie drops in occasionally for a bite to eat, Strawyer is come and go, Frankie hasn't been seen in a week, Big Chief hasn't been around for two weeks, Darth is around now and then, but he is the alpha cat, even Mama defers to him. I miss Edee being in the back. She didn't wander too far. Ranger hasn't been around for several days, but she looked very pregnant,  so that could be why but even being a child of Mama Cat, her presence is barely tolerated. That poor cat has faced so much rejection within her family. In the past, Mama Cat has not been very watchful over her litters. This morning I saw something that thanks to the security cameras I was able to watch. She took her kittens out of the cleft of the rock, let them play a bit, then she began moving toward the food bowls. They straggled behind her as she showed them where to find breakfast. She sat guard as they dove into those bowls. Mama Cat still hisses at me, but she seems a little more relaxed in my presence. 

Now, in between rain showers, I think I will get the sunflower seedlings and get them replanted in the backyard. Water evaporates so quickly here, so while the soil is moist, gonna get right to it.