Days Are Going By Quickly

 Such a fun week, so far. Yes, that sounds like all those songs in church that say, He's never failed me, yet. Like the possibility is there that Jesus might fail you at some point. Yes, it is only Tuesday but with Roy around, we are eating out more, traveling about and today, chores in the yard. He might not think that is too fun, but I love seeing the improvements in flowerbeds etc... 

Roy's flight was delayed as it had to fly around all the turbulent weather in the south. He used to fly a great deal for his job and flying doesn't phase him but he said this was one of the most turbulence filled flights he had ever been on. At one point he thought they hit something because of the noise and reaction of the plane, so he was happy to be on the ground. Even driving home in pouring rain, we were both happy at his arrival. We had planned to grab something to eat but with the later hour, we returned home and he had his supper here. Taco soup, it is good for rainy weather. 

Friday we ran a million and one errands and drove some of the backroads around here. He teases me that I say every road is my favorite drive. That's not always true but any road going to Madison County is beautiful. We did make a quick run over that way. Saturday, we tried to go to the Spring Market in Haywood County. Just as we drove into the parking lot, the heaven poured forth an abundance of rain, along with lightning and thunder. We made the circle around the lot and headed toward home. The rain was falling so fast and my vision of the road was hard to decipher. Then the hail opened up and we looked forward to getting over the mountain, where we had encountered an ice patch at Christmas, and over into the valley and dry ridge. The rain began to taper off, for which we were thankful. After the rain moved through we planted our peach tree and called it a day. Sunday, church. Taught Mark 5 about Jairus's daughter and the woman with the issue of blood. It is so good to gather together once again. Sunday, I think all the work of getting ready for Roy's arrival, preparing a lesson, dental work and finally getting a call for my appointment and next day first shot of the Pfizer vaccine. I napped, a really good nap. Sunday afternoon naps are almost a non event for me anymore whereas in the past it was a scheduled thing. I rest on Sunday afternoons, but rarely nap. 

Yesterday, we took a trip over to TN. I missed doing that last spring because of Covid and because there was some concern for intrastate travel. The trees and flowers are as beautiful as around here but in a more rural setting. We did the Barnes and Noble thing and then had lunch at Carabba's. Academy and Kroger, then a long winding, kind of got lost for a few minutes of backroads in the TN countryside. We were treated to delightful scenery of fields being readied for planting, produce stands getting ready for opening day, rivers and bars and all kinds of things. We saw a bridge last year that I have wanted to get closer to for Roy to take some pics. We traveled to the bridge that is no longer used. Beautiful! We went to Troyer's and then took a few more roads back to I 26. Even with cool temps we were able to put the top down on Mustang Sam. 

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It is a rainy Wednesday morning. We were able to stop by Reems Creek yesterday and bought some blackberry plants and a couple of camellias. Oh, just like the movie Now Voyager, that just came to me while writing and Roy is telling me about accounting...so you know my mind is wandering because accounting practices, while important, aren't too important to my daily thinking or reasoning. Earlier in the day we stopped at Lowe's, talked to the contractor appointment person and had and have several over to the house already. We picked up new safety goggles, yes I know that is why you read Monablog for those interesting kind of facts. We also got some yellow knockout roses, I never see them later in the spring and some type of perennial border plant. Publix for strawberries and we came home only for me to remember, we needed to pick up meds at CVS. Back in the truck and that is when we went to Reems. I was looking for more forsythia, but all that was left was the petite version. We made a quick trip to Mars Hill because the day turning into evening was beautiful. They usually have Diet Dr Enuff, which Roy can go through like how I used to go through Diet Cokes. We had just arrived home when several of the contractors called to come and measure. 

On Friday morning one of the first things we did was get me a new phone. My iPhone 10 was barely hanging onto life and I was trying to eek out its existence until Roy's arrival on Thursday evening. So now I have a great new phone and with that comes the learning curve and with that comes all the reinstallation of stuff.  We are still trying to figure out how to get the contacts from the phone into the truck's system. It is nice not having to worry about the battery life. This phone came with 22 hours of battery life or so they say. 

I think I have some bad news to share about Bobbsey. We haven't seen him around too much and not at all yesterday. He kind of was spooked on Saturday and while Bobbs has come around to eat, not too much more than that. He had a limp the other day and I've noticed that Frankie and our neighbors cat had some hunks of fur taken out of their tails. Haven't seen Frankie, which in my book is good and I don't know if Bobbs limp has anything to do with that or not, but that big ol' cat is missed by me. I'll keep an eye out for him. Such a sweetie.  On a good note, HP greets me and wants in on the back porch. 

We are easing into the day because the next few days won't be conducive for a laid back approach. Cold tomorrow, snow in the higher elevations, and then the temps try to work their way back into spring like weather. 

Spring Time

Happy First Day of Spring!  Mary Joyce's daffodils are an enjoyable view from the bonus room. She has a mix of them and so when it comes time to buy bulbs, I am going to remember this. Ours in the back are looking beautiful in bunches. The first year bed of daffodils in the front are doing okay in the midst of the biggest and thickest clover I have ever seen. My shoulders and arms are talking me to me about the work done outside weed eating a lot of that clover. There is more to be trimmed back. Text Mike the Mower Man and he has added me to the list of getting the yard work started. I went to Reems Creek and got a peach tree, considered some cherry trees but came home with forsythia, the newest variety called show off. I'm trying to decide if it will be planted in the front as kind of a barrier or in the back. They grow rather large or you can keep them trimmed. I also got some small azaleas and some daylily bulbs. Fun day shopping for spring. All the snowball bushes, juniper, and redbuds have the hint of small buds gathering on the limbs. Several small branches from the trees blew down during a windy night, so I will get those picked up before Mike comes to mow and to fertilize the lawn as well. 

Last night while randomly channel surfing, I came across an episode of Toddlers and Tiaras. Back in the day I never missed an episode and Dena and I thought about finding one of those pageants that are held in conference rooms A and B at the local Holiday Inn in East Texas. At first, I thought it was an episode that I had missed but realized into it, I had seen it. Of course the lovely McKenzie was one of the stories the show followed. I think I enjoyed her performances and tantrums the most on the show. 

Yesterday was a semi snub day from HP and this morning she bypassed coming onto the back porch. That didn't upset me too much because it upsets Buddy when she knows HP is on the proper property. But, I have watched HP the last few days be, Hector Protector. She has kept Baby and Junioretta in her sights, fought off Frankie at the food bowls to let the other cats eat and she confronted Punky when she was being ugly yesterday afternoon. She sits with Boodos, the limping cat. Last night Baby and Biggio were wrapped around her while sleeping. She is doing all the things she used to do while a kitten that gave her the name Hector Protector. 

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This morning is spring surprise. Not only did HP come onto the back porch but Bobbsey came right along with her. They ate treats, Bobbsey ate food and now they are both taking naps. I am not as concerned about Bobbsey because that cat will sleep all day in the garage but HP is a little more active. She wanted into the house this morning but I hadn't shut the bedroom door to keep she and Buddy separated so, she is still on the porch. I am hoping with the addition of Bobbsey to the mix HP will settle in for a nice morning nap and I can get some things done without worrying too much. 

I was really nervous yesterday with going back to Sunday School and teaching. This is a combo of three women's classes. Seeing familiar faces from the Joy class certainly helped. They know my quirks in my teaching style. I tried not to be quirky but it slipped out. Anyway, hope the others give me another chance. Even back in the day of teaching in the student ministry, the quarterly was more of a guideline than a tool that I taught straight out of. We studied Luke 17:11-19, the ten lepers. It was a joy to study for and I learned a lot looking at the particular passage. 

Well, Bobbs and HP have left the porch, although Bobbs left reluctantly. I think letting the coming and going will get him familiar with the process. He only lets me pet him when he is eating. I also just got back in before the neighbor took his horse poop to their compost pile. Whew! 

Spring cleaning is in the air and hopefully it will fall fresh on me to get motivated. I did do some cleanout this weekend for the student ministry rummage sale. I look at things we bought for this house and if I have enjoyed the things and think someone else would enjoy, I pass it on. Also gave flannel twin bed sheets because in the six years here, never used them. Time to go to another home. Roy and I decided if the twin beds were ever used in winter, we would get electric blankets for them. Funny, we both have become big fans of the electric blanket. Of course nothing is getting done while I'm blogging so with that, I will sign off for now. 

Rain to a Beautiful Sunny Day

 Several times during the night the hard pelting rain against the metal roof was both comforting as well as alarming. Note to self, get out rain gauge for next weather event. The comfort of the rhythmic music of rain and the realistic part of trees falling or flooding, and hopefully no thunderstorms. According to old wives tales, thunderstorm in winter means snow will fall sometime in the next ten days. Twice the noise of low flying planes awakened me and being a bit groggy, I needed to determine what I was hearing. 

I took some pictures of the flowers blooming in the front and back. The clover has taken over where Mike tilled so I could plant tulips and daffodils this past fall. I am taking note of where these flowers are and will add to the mix when it comes time again to plant. After these flowers have bloomed, mobile containers will take over the spot filled with flowers this summer. 

Spring is peaking through elsewhere. The redbud and maple trees are adding a bit of pink and red to the landscape. Trees are leafing out and of course the daffodils. I went to the post office and then to CVS to pick up prescriptions. Even though it was overcast yesterday, it just seemed like a good day to shop in Mars Hill rather than Weaverville. Then I could take the scenic way home. I love the orange chicken from Ingles deli and yesterday it was some of the best I had tasted. Lots of orange sauce. Before heading home, I stopped at Mars Hill University. It has been several years since being in their bookstore. One of my favorite sweatshirts is from there. I was going in to also look at their books. They have such a good range of history on this area and although I didn't buy any books I made note of ones I would like to read. I did find a tshirt but the best find of the day, maybe the week is, narrow ruled legal pads. Oh my, I love a narrow rule. Tinier than college ruled paper. The price, $1.49, what a discount! I made it home just before the rain began. 

It has been a year or so since everything began to shut down except for maybe a few fears and the significant need to hoard products, especially paper goods. I know last year at this time grocery shopping looked a lot different for me cause it contained a lot of what ifs. What if this happens? What if we can't get a product for a long time? I remember when the fear hit that meat would be hard to obtain and fortunately I found a few local sourced avenues of beef and chicken. And of course I stocked up on jalapeno stuffed olives because one never knows. We stopped meeting in person. Masks and latex gloves became all the rage and yes even rage, became popular. Didn't seem to have a rage shortage on any level. I knew that keeping myself occupied was key. So, gardening became interesting and the work in the front flowerbed became my job and exercise. I began chain ganging the slabs of rock Mike had brought and soon the backyard and other places had decorative flat rocks increasing eye appeal. Not to mention better walking and stepping through mud conditions. Other than a grocery store trip the only other place I went on a regular basis was Lowe's for rubberized mulch last spring. No shopping in small, local stores. No eating out. Very little take out, more cooking at home. Even after a year, I am still careful about where I go, wearing a mask, washing my hands and social distancing to the best of my ability. 

I am doing something today that I haven't done in over a year, writing out the Sunday School lesson for Sunday. I've studied off and on but not writing anything down. We are starting modified Sunday School this Sunday morning. The three women's classes will meet in the fellowship hall and we teachers will take turns teaching. 

We are now in the snub part of the relationship, me and HP. She will let me pet her but she doesn't come to me, but does come close by. Didn't come on the back porch this morning. Doesn't purr when I pet her but she let me look at her incision and it is healing quite nicely. Her attention is more on Junioretta and Baby. Kind of watching over them. I hope this doesn't turn out like Riley when Riley stopped coming near. Oh well, we shall see but I do know I have made her life better, she just doesn't know it. 

This is worst clover spread I remember. I was out there today trying to trim some of it back from around the roses and walkways. It is high and it is thick. Wore my muck boots because it has rained but also in case of seeing a snake. It doesn't even look like I made much of a dent in the tall clover. Think I will text Mike and see if he has started mowing lawns yet. 

Guess I should head back and finish up the lesson. Buddy is napping and I need to feed the Feral Fam. Then, I am going to take it easy. I can tell I will be sore tomorrow from weed eating. That trimmer is not that lightweight. 

Ferally Feral Adventures of HP, Buddy Lee and Me

 

Monday evening and into the night were tough with HP. She clearly wanted more than her room. Since we all were up most of that night I prayed, asking for wisdom. This situation with HP, Buddy and me in the present state could not coexist much longer. Buddy had started acting out on her displeasure, just think clean up on aisle 2. When I woke up Tuesday morning I knew she needed to get back with her family and hope that the immediate rush of first seeing her family would diminish as it can happen at family reunions, the love of first sight diminishes occurs and family begins to rub one another the wrong way. I felt pretty good about the reunion because I put HP in the garage twice on Monday with the door down, to do a sip and see. Oh my Lord what a time! Except on the second meet and greet, Biggio snubbed HP. 

Tuesday morning after getting Buddy treated and settled in for a morning nap, I got HP and we came downstairs. She ate a little bit of food and then began the pacing at the windows after seeing and hearing her family. I picked her up, checked her incision, talked to her a bit, gave her a lot of loving and proceeded to the garage. All the fam was there except for Bobbsey and he has been tomming around at night and comes in late morning to sleep it off. I placed HP on the floor. She ran toward the fam and they toward her. The meowing was that low guttural kind that ends up on a high note, kind of like chirping. Noses were being touched. Junior and Junioretta rubbed against HP, so happy to see her. The previously snubber, Biggio, greeted HP with such happiness. Even stately Radley, came over to say hi before going to the food bowls.  Baby, well Baby was extremely happy to see HP and hopped around the group only to work her way in and quickly, she backed out and hopped and repeated several times. HP went toward the open part of the garage door and looked out. It was raining, the perfect backdrop to this narrative. She came over to me by the back steps and rubbed around my legs, looked up and did her little, light meow and sauntered back to her family for the second round of greetings. I came back into the house and an immense peace overwhelmed me. No matter what the future holds for her living conditions I knew that God had answered my prayer asking for wisdom in this situation. I texted a couple of friends previously, letting them know my gut feeling of letting HP outdoors, beyond being on the front or back porch. My friend Bev had texted me Monday morning, encouraging me and giving some wise advice on the HP situation that matched up to my thoughts exactly. Then the vet office called Monday afternoon checking in on HP. We talked a bit about the Buddy/HP situation and they confirmed my thoughts on Buddy being so old and fragile. One good fight and her left hip that is barely holding together could mean the new decision to be made about her life. I cannot do that to her after all these years. She is a cranky and feisty one but when I was going through the hardest times with heart issues, she rarely left my side. Knee replacements, she was there attending. 

I had a 9:00 am haircut appointment, so I had to move on and finish getting ready. When I left, I went out the front door and into the rain cause I didn't need heartstrings pulled. Haircut and then a quick trip to The Fresh Market and Publix. Came home, and there was HP in the garage with family surrounding her in the warmth of old sweaters and flannel jammies. I went about getting things in before the heavens opened once more, cause it would be a heavy rain. The afternoon brought clearing and a wee bit of sunshine, St Patty's Day today, and the Feral Fam came into the yard, chasing one another and playing. Since they hadn't received treats that morning, I went out with some and they all came running to the back door. HP was in the back of the group and like always, made her way through to come onto the back porch. She ate a few treats and then looked at me like, she was ready to go back outside. So, she went out. After supper she and the Fam went out across and beyond Mary Joyce's house. It took everything within me not to go outside and try to coax them back with treats. Before turning dark, a few of the Fam were playing on the driveway, but not HP. I went to bed later with a prayer for HP and her safety. 

This morning, at treat time, Junior and one of the Boos were waiting on the step. Once they heard the ring of the backdoor opening, they came a running...no HP sighting. Running low on treats, I went out to the garage to get another container...no HP. When I went back out there she was sitting in the back of the group, she saw me and began making her way to the open door and onto the porch for her private snack. She stayed a bit, got up on the daybed for her morning grooming. A bit later, she looked into the back door window and when I came out, I checked her incision, looking good, and she sat on my lap for a minute or two. Then she went to the screen door, and I let her out. It is important to establish our regular routine and for her to trust me, that I will let her out, so she doesn't feel trapped. I get every indication that she will come back into the house. 

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Buddy is extremely happy to be the one, all attention directed and no sharing, cat. She keeps going into the two rooms HP was in to check for interlopers. I am slowly putting the rooms back in order, you know just in case, the future was now instead of a journey for HP. 

Being a feral cat mom is sometimes so difficult and yet at other times it seems so easy. HP was outside, surviving, before her surgery. She might be so much more happy without a lot of attention and then left behind to raise the brood. These cats are somewhat trained in knowing feeding and treat times. I want to get all of them fixed but the rest will not be getting the Taj Mahal surgery, they'll be going to the discount snip and clip clinic. 

HP just came running down to the back porch steps and wanted in again. She was inside briefly to snack and eat, some grooming and then back out to the fam. This might be her way of testing me and I want to pass. 

Thank you all for encouragement during this past week. Thank you for being interested and caring for these little ones that are now big ones. More adventures to write about later but for now I wanted to catch you up on the happenings. 

The Tale or Tail of Two Kitties

 Life can be described by a famous book title adapted for this time and forgive me because I am so sleep deprived but since Thursday night it has been A Tale of Two Kitties...or maybe that should be A Tail of Two Kitties. HP had successful surgery and heck no, no anesthesia is going to stop or slow her down. That cat has more energy. I have given her a couple of chill pills and have played laser light with her in hopes she will sleep for a bit. I moved her from the front bedroom to the bedroom with twin beds because the door is a tighter fit and she can't move it and make loud banging noises with it. Now Buddy is awake and moving about, but she should be much quieter than HP. I feel bad for HP because all she wants to do is return outdoors with her extended family. She paces, looks out the window and I had opened the back porch for her but it is creating more problems with the Feral Fam wanting to climb up the screen. So out came the squirt bottle. You would think HP would be so tired of meowing. I told Roy she is like a toddler fighting off sleep when it is obvious she is just so tired.  If Buddy was younger I would think the arrangement would work but she is 15 1/2 and so fragile. It would crush me if something happened to her. Once the incision heals more, I might have to see if inside outside works with HP. I know it takes time and I knew this was going to be hard, no harder to do, but a couple more days like the last few...don't know if I have the stamina for it. I don't think Buddy does either, she is a funny cat. 

Saturday morning, up at 6:30 checked on HP, she had removed her collar. I told Roy I wouldn't be surprised if she got it off. I'm glad we don't have lever handles on the doors because HP would have that figured out and be running around. 

I think HP finally settled down and hopefully she is asleep. I just finished lunch. With everything going on I was just grabbing stuff here and there to eat and especially at night not eating healthy although there have been a lot of salads. Maybe eating lunch today will go a long way with me being more patient this afternoon. Well, it was a very short nap, but thankful for the little bit of quiet time. 

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This morning I have done all my cat duties for now. Buddy treated then put up so that HP can come out and meow mournfully as she watches her family out the window and then of course feeding the Feral Fam. Now HP is back in the bedroom and Buddy is free to roam around the house. HP's incision is healing nicely. So maybe later this week we can have the big sit down to see how they react to one another. 

I have received so many encouraging words from friends on continuing the process with feral meets cranky. Cranky being Buddy, not me.

Guess cat nature and human nature are alike. When we are inside, we want to be outside and when we are outside we want to be inside. My mom used to say when we lived right outside Chicago my friends that lived behind us would come over. Mom would help them out of their snow suits. Then after about thirty minutes, they were ready to go home. Mom had to get them all suited for the return trip. My mom didn't play so if they weren't going to stay for an hour or so, she'd just say no to their coming over. 

HP settled in last night and it was much quieter with her in the bedroom with the twin beds. Still has a great view and there is always exploring under the beds. They are jacked up about seven inches so plenty of room to go in and out between the storage bags.

Speaking of views I heard the now familiar noise of heavy equipment being moved in across the road. Talked with one of the neighbors last night and she had heard the land didn't perk as well as hoped, so maybe there won't be as many houses. They cleared out trees last week but I hope the ones that remain are a permanent part of the deal. 

Well, I will keep trying to get stuff done around here in the midst of catdom. I need to stop and gaze at the daffodils. They are blooming and giving such hope for spring, which will be here soon enough. 

HP, Mission Accomplished

 March 12, 2021 a historic day. The Feral Fam came into our lives around November of 2017. It was Mama Cat, Camo, Cali and MJ. I fell in love with Cali and worked so hard to get her into the house and the day she might have made the bold step, Mama Cat was there to give her a swat discouraging any further advances. Of the four only Mama Cat is still around. Cali had Riley and she came into the garage at night to sleep. I got her to the vet office for shots but on the day of surgery to be spayed, she fought tooth and nail not to go in the carrier and she won. She won that day but in just a few weeks, she lost. She made a trip down the gravel road and we never saw her again. Her death weighs heavy on me even today because I feel like I let that cat down. In between then and now there have been scads of kittens, some rescued and others most likely their demise came somewhere on the gravel road. Mr McBeavy was hit by a car on the real road last January. Strawyer succumbed to an injury that led to infection thus taking him to the Med Vet and putting him down, out of his pain. Then Mama Cat had a litter of kittens that had to be the most beautiful kittens I had ever seen. Long hair, black and white tuxedo cats. One kitten who I named Miss Priss, was white with black markings. Hector Protector is a part of that litter and while HP acted like a male cat early on, recently she had received attention from some male suitors. From the very beginning HP was not afraid of me and one day when I extended my hand, she came right to it and wanted to be petted. In these months, I think she is about eight months old, she sat at the backdoor or ran to greet me. She became even bolder by running through the maze of kittens to get inside the back porch. She made it her own, napping and playing out there for hours at a time. While doing any yard work, HP followed me and waited by the swing when she grew bored of my endeavors but she knew at some point I would make my way over to that swing where she would join me. 

This week I have been preparing HP the best way I knew how for today. She came in every afternoon, spent time in the front bedroom, Buddy and HP hissed at one another through the bottom of the door and then I would carry her out to the back porch, feed her and sit with her until she let me know she would like to go outside. It was all working as planned until yesterday, she pulled a get a way with Baby, the wild child of the younger set, and didn't come back until after 5: 30ish. In hindsight that was a blessing. Fed her, let her rest on the back porch and when it was dark, I brought her in and placed her in the front bedroom. I stayed with her, petted and assured her, this was a good thing. Buddy wasn't thrilled but she's fine, unless I am out of her sight. We all went to bed at 8:20 pm thinking the less noise Buddy and I made, the better off HP would be. It did work and only at 2:00 am, did I get up and go into where HP was to pet and assure her. She had some mournful cries. After about thirty minutes, I was able to get away only to return to bed smelling of another cat and Buddy rebuffed me. She left to sleep on the couch, 😁 and returned around 4:30 am. It was not a restful night for any of us. No sound sleeping because I wanted to make sure all was well with HP. Buddy didn't sleep well because she was keeping an eye on me and of course HP didn't being in a totally new situation. 

This morning when it came time to get HP, she was up in the window looking out. She ran over to me and I petted her, assured her this was going to be a great beginning to a new life and she would not like me for a bit. It was a struggle and yes I wore gloves, to get HP into the carrier. Finally, success! I took her down to the truck, strapped the carrier in and we took off for her appointment. I have to say even though she meowed most of the way and tried to bite her way through plastic, if she had time I think she could do it, she behaved better than Buddy. After having Buddy being so puny the past couple of years I had forgotten all about how strong cats are when they are young. 

The Dr should call around 2:00 and pick up is 4:00-4:30. She's coming home in the cone of shame. Everything they can possible do for that cat today, I said do it. They are throwing in a free mani/pedi. 

Other members of the Feral Fam are mad at me because I closed the garage door last night. The low in the mid 50s and they weren't even in the garage. I don't think they have slept there the past few nights and maybe the food is drawing possums or raccoons, so close the door. The orange cats snubbed me but all the Boos showed up for a late treat time. 

It has been a process with Hectorina, and it is not over by any means. I have to decide if she can become an indoor cat full time and if she and Buddy will certainly get along at some point down the road. 

When I got home, I sighed a sigh of relief. Now to get things ready for her return and oh, maybe a nap might be nice. 

Fire, Cat and SBC Watch

 With the temps in the mid 60s yesterday afternoon, I ventured out in Mustang Sam with the top down to take in the beautiful afternoon. Sam needed a bath so to drive in scenic beauty with a destination in mind, we were off to Mars Hill. After getting Sam all cleaned up, I went over to Ingles to pick up some bread and an order of orange chicken. On the way home my brother texted me, "did you hear about Beth Moore?" My first thought was on my goodness, did one of those crazies get to her? The news was not all that surprising when he said she was leaving the SBC. I told him, she has been on that road for a while and finally made the cut off. Good for her!

Being a member at First Baptist Houston and attending Beth's Bible studies for years, you can't remember everything you learn and hear, but over the years she has made several statements that have stayed with me. One being on a Tuesday night, she shared she felt that God was telling her to quit plowing in the same ground. The encouragement to get out of those safe ruts and see what God would do in her life and ministry. I remember looking around the worship center at women in attendance and thought how this would affect them. On Tuesday nights, there were a lot of Beth look a likes in the audience. Same hair cut, color and attempts at recreating outfits that resembled what Beth wore. It wouldn't be too much longer that Tuesday Night Bible study ended meeting at First Baptist and I think Beth has certainly gotten out of the fallow ground and moved into new, yet difficult, fertile and fruitful fields. 

This in my opinion, a lot of churches and ministries in the SBC have ridden on the back of LPM and Beth Moore. I have shared this many times but I remember standing with a preacher boy on the second floor in front of our offices at First and looking over the railing at the mass of women who had come early, to stand in line and get a close seat to the stage. The preacher boy said something derogatory and sarcastic about so many women waiting to get in the worship center. I responded to him, oh you're just jealous cause you'll never have people coming early to get a good seat when you're speaking. Beth never took an offering on Tuesday nights to cover the cost of the meetings and believe me, her ministry was charged for church usage. 

I was naively wrong when I first heard about the rumblings from others concerning Beth with Trump running for President. I thought, you don't think other men in power haven't done something like this? This particular man just happened to brag and get caught saying this. At the time I was more upset that no one was upset about the Howard Stern Show. I didn't watch it because it was just raunchy and the whole premise of the program seemed to be to demean women. Now I know that it was more of evangelicals flocking to Trump that upset her. I was also wrong when one of her daughters wrote about entitlement. I did not see at the time that she was writing about white entitlement in the course of involvement with others in a racial tone. I thought it was just a general subject. Clearly, she was writing to improve relations and make people think. I was wrong in my assumptions back then. 

My personal thanks for not only teaching me how to study the Bible, becoming outward in proclaiming the love of Jesus and delivering me from women's retreats that included or started with fashion shows, I am grateful for Beth's life and ministry. She doesn't need anything from me in speaking for her at this moment, but this is more for me to reflect and be grateful that now many more women will be taught and influenced by her. Maybe that influence will be more than hair styles and clothes, well, it will be cause God is in it. 

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I started this part of the post yesterday.

 My iPhone is almost on its last legs and persnickety about charging. Last night the phone was charging and I wasn't moving it as I went about the usual evening schedule. When I got back near the phone, there was a notification that my brother had called. So, I called him back and we talked for almost 2 1/2 hours. It has been awhile, so we did the catchup with each other's lives thing. Such fun! Along the way we talked about Covid 19, the Harry, Meghan and Oprah interview on Sunday evening and then the usual wonderings and wanderings of the age old, why? 

Treat time held the usual ones on the back porch but Radley and Bobbsey were noticeably absent. Radley, not unusual but Bobbsey...well, he had a rough yesterday so maybe he is recovering somewhere along the gravel road or over by Mary Joyce. HP came in and ate a bit as well as basked in the heat of the heater fan we put out on the back porch. I need to bring her in this afternoon and get her used to the room she will be spending Thursday night in. With all the drama happening yesterday afternoon, I didn't get her inside. 

Once again, I have started studying the Sunday School lesson for our first Sunday back in a modified setting. We will have the three women's classes meeting in the fellowship hall, with masks. We are using material from last summer so we can be good stewards of our resources. 

Every time I hear the sound of equipment I run over to a front window and check to see if they are taking down the barn across the road. So far, it has been workmen over a holler working on a house and our neighbor who drives one of those big dump trucks. Whew! I know the day is coming but I like seeing it put off as long as possible. The work across the way is clearing out trees and burning them. Makes me feel so good that they are burning on some of the lowest humidity days and no rain in the forecast. Last night I could see the fire glowing in the darkness of that field. I only hoped there were people still around keeping an eye on things. 

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I brought HP in yesterday for a while. She also spent a lot of time on the back porch. I will scoop her up later this afternoon and bring her in for the night cause she has an appointment with the vet in the morning. She and Buddy hiss at one another through the screen. I tried getting as much sleep as possible last night cause I think the next few nights won't hold much rest. 

The fire department was called last night and showed up at the field across the road. We are under a burn watch/warning and the workers were stoking the fire up until dusk. It had a fiery glow along with flames. The trucks left after a bit so I guess that means there were people onsite making sure the fire didn't get out of hand. Who knows? 

There is something different about the Feral Fam. I think Radley, Baby and Bobbsey have moved over past Mary Joyce's house. Biggio is sometime here and the orange cats are around, mostly. The three Boos were not around all afternoon but saw them last night and one of them this morning. The odd mix to the scenario is, an orange cat I have never seen before, coming around. He has back hip issues like Strawyer. Clearly he has a presence because several of the cats saw him last night and behaved with fear. When I came out onto the back porch he went up to the gravel road but he might have hung around up there in the dark. My concern today is with HP who is asleep on the back porch this morning. 

The workmen are back across the road so I am on fire watch and cat watch this morning. 

***cat watch update***

I saw Radley and Baby has been around too. HP has been on the porch twice and I am trying to act in a normal routine cause everything within me wants to hold her captive, but that will not work. So, I am praying that she will come back around in the late afternoon so I can get her and bring her in the house. 

Spring Temps of Deception

 I just came in from feeding the Feral Fam along with the unwelcomed and as per usual hissing Frankie. I put out food for the relatively small gathering that happens when Frankie is around and will go out later and put out a couple of bowls when our "guest" leaves. 

Yesterday, a monumental day in that I returned to in person church after a two and a half month absence. I sure missed being with everyone. Every January and February I have to be a little more careful about flue and colds and with a pandemic a foot, Roy asked me to stay home until the temps warmed up. I've watched TV and Online Church but there is nothing like being in your home church. Our pastor has been given the month of March to work on his dissertation, so deacons, committee members and volunteers are helping out. Jesse, who is a student at Campbell University and our intern last summer, preached on Enoch. Wow! He preached the Word. After the service, we had a brief Sunday School teacher meeting to make sure we are all on the same page and ready for March 21st. We also learned that Rob is resigning from leading the music ministry and will be with us until the end of April. So sad to see him leave. 

Since yesterday was the first time back in a while, I woke up early to give extra time to get ready because it is so seldom now dressing up or wearing makeup or doing my hair...what little can be done with it. Anyway, I am glad I gave myself extra time because right off after getting dressed, I knocked over my Diet Coke and it sprayed everywhere. Cleanup on aisle six. After cleaning off Diet Coke, I noticed it had spewed onto my white blouse, so changed clothes and started the make up process. Ate breakfast, got the Feral Fam taken care of and began the process of moving the boxes that I use to block most of the partially opened garage door. Moved the car out, got security set and went out the gate. The gate didn't want to close all the way. Not today Satan! Got out and worked with the gate until it closed all the way and then it was off to church. Another theme for the day seemed to be, pull out in front of me day. Happened on the way to church and then after church going to and returning home from The Fresh Market, there must have been three pull outs with very little room to maneuver from crashing. One of those vehicles being a huge flatbed tow truck. With all the close encounters of the road kind, I decided it was best just to go home and leave all the cars and trucks to work it out among themselves.  

I read this quote the other day on Facebook and thought it was so appropriate for these winter/spring days. 

"...And every day the mountains changed in color or shadow, so that the whole year was a succession of tapestries, never twice the same."

~ Sharyn McCrumb

"The Songcatcher"

The dogwood trees are beginning to bud out as well as a few other trees. Glad I got the apple trees trimmed before they start to bud. I need to get the limbs I trimmed into a landscape trash bag and with the temps being in the low 60s this afternoon, it will be a pleasant day to work outdoors.

My hands were in the gutter Saturday, okay not really the gutter but more like gutter solar lights. I put a few on the fence, back toward the corner where the Ferals like to hang out. They look so pretty, I think I will get a few more to put on the back part of the fence. It will be lovely to look at throughout the spring and summer while being on the back porch.

I tried to watch the Harry, Meghan and Oprah interview last night. I had a difficult time paying attention although the subject matter was riveting. It has been more interesting reading the feedback this morning on Twitter. People are all over the place with their thoughts. I thought Oprah, from what I saw, did a great interview, not throwing softball type questions to them and then following through on their statements. After watching a few documentaries last year on the royal family and the business end of being royal, none of it was too surprising.

Last week, there was World Book Day. I was confused by this. Were we to celebrate World Book Encyclopedia or just books in general. Today is International Woman Day. All the email ads are about strong women. I would like some discounts from some of these manufacturers but I have read some of the articles too.

Funny, what you see when you don't expect it. I sat out on the front porch with Buddy and saw a huge piece of machinery delivered across the way. One guy drove the huge truck, unhitched, then unloaded the big scooper machine, walked back to the truck, hitched up the trailer and left. It will probably be this week when they start digging or tearing down the barn. I then went to the back porch to eat lunch and I heard a noise. The cats were on point and Punky made a mad dash under the porch. I saw that big brown dog looking into the gate. Dang! I left the garage door open after bringing in the garbage bin. The dog ate all the food in the bowls and made a dash when I came out the back door. I had cooked eggs for the kitties this morning as I had some eggs going out of date soon. Even mixed with crab and shrimp cat food, they were not interested. But doggie liked it, he'll eat anything. I think all the kitties are safe after checking about. I brought Buddy in from the front porch just to be safe.

More kitty chaos. The stray male cat who has always seemed kind of docile took out after Bobbsey this afternoon when I was feeding them. HP went to check on the Bobbsey and Biggio just observed from the back corner bed.

Warm Then Cold Then Warm

Roy's Toastmaster Club finished their International Speech Contest this week and to say that Roy is relieved is quite the understatement. He did significant behind the scenes work and sounds like he is ready to get back to the regular routine of writing, practicing, evaluating and giving speeches. I will forever be thankful for Toastmasters because Roy has learned a better way to communicate than what previously served him well back in the day. Law school made a dramatic change in how he formulated thoughts and years later Toastmasters built on that foundation. I am so proud of him and all the work he has accomplished. 

Several months ago I joined a Facebook group from the city where I was born. It is a then and now kind of pictorial group. I have found it so interesting because the photographers present such beautiful work and the memories, while faint for me, are solid for those who grew up there. My experience came from visiting almost every year and then spending many a summer with my Grandma B and with my grandparents. My Grandma B lived out in the country back then but now her property is a major part of the city. My brother once stated that our father's side of the family pretty much kept to themselves and didn't have many outside friends, other than church friends for my grandparents. I thought he made such an insightful statement and one I had never really thought about. Other than picnicking with family in the larger parks or going to Joyland, every once in awhile eating at a restaurant that was called a smorgasbord rather than a buffet. and church, we didn't see much else of the sights in the city. Most probably it was because with my parents growing up there, it was familiar to them. Kind of like when I think about Houston, I think well, there is nothing to see or do there because it is so matter of fact to me. Several posts in the group have reminded me of things I had long ago filed away. Driving by the Sunbeam Bakery and the fragrance of bread baking filled the car. Sledding in Nelson Park, but I think we only did this once because there wasn't snow at every Christmas while visiting. Someone posted a pool picture, where memberships were sold for the summer. My cousins on my mother's side took me there several times a week. Afterwards, we would get ice cream cones from Dairy Queen. The city where I was born has beautiful architecture for a medium size city and from what I have read, the past forty or fifty years the once so beautiful city is in disrepair. Some say it is leadership of the city that brought this on, not being forward thinking or growth oriented. Years ago, several shopping malls had wanted to build there but the refusal of the leaders meant those malls just went to other places. Of course now, empty malls are a problem but back then they were a sign of a robust economy. Several large industries left the area and so began the decline with intermittent sprouts of growth here and there. I haven't been back there since I was 24 years old when I made a trip with my mom. 

For once in my math life, which isn't much of a life to be honest, I bought the right amount of wire edging fence to go around the Lisa P Honorary Tulip and Daffodil flowerbed. She gave me a gardening gift card for my birthday and that's what I used it for. Thankfully, the squirrels didn't get all the bulbs planted. Kind did in the middle but more are coming up each day. They are at the stem stage but a couple looked to have blooms, daffodils. HP came out to help me but gave up and went inside the garage for a nap.  

I trimmed the apple trees and some roses out front. One of the apple trees is staked to stand straight so the unwieldy side got extra attention. Once I got the roses trimmed, I sat down on the swing and just took in the beautiful day. Sitting there in thought and true enjoyment, from my right side came a huge brown dog but it was so stealth and quiet, the first blur of brown made me think it was something other than a huge dog. The collar on that dog was heavy with tags, so you know it is a dog that has gotten out. He didn't stop or even look at me, he just continued down the yard to the neighbors where their dogs went nuts. I thought of the Feral Fam and rushed up to the garage. HP and Biggio were asleep in the corner, Junior and one of the Boos were in the back playing. Of all times to just pull the gate to and not lock it...it was yesterday. From the look of things, the dog was interested in cleaning out the food bowls and had scooted a huge bag of cat food around, looking for an opening. 

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It was a dark and restless night. Buddy could not settle and I was feeling just a bit off kilter. So sleep came in fitful bits and pieces. I am thankful for the two good nights of sleep I got on Wednesday and Thursday. 

Got all the Feral Fam fed this morning. Frankie was here. He is warming up a bit but still hisses at me when I have bowls of food to put down for them. He and Punky have a tiff almost every morning and sets everyone on edge. Frankie is the most muscular cat I have ever seen. It's like he works out. He is the least pickiest of eaters and he and Punky eat like there may never be another meal come their way. Guess that is true is some days. 

Made a quick trip to Lowe's yesterday afternoon. Got some flower seeds and dahlia roots. Getting in the ready position for spring. Really, you don't plant too much until after Mother's Day. I always sell out and buy geraniums at some point because I am ready for flowers and for some color. I hang them on the front deck so I can bring them inside the front porch when we have the remaining frosts or cold temps. 

This week I realized that my hands aren't as strong as they used to be. There have been several jar lids that have never been a problem, that were problematic opening. Made me feel a little old.

Got some Easter decorations out by the gate and also moved the address plaque to a better place to be seen. I might try and do some more outdoor work if it warms up a bit. We are having cooler temps again, mainly at night but it looks as if we are going to warm up at the beginning of the week.  

Two books arrived yesterday and one seems to be the next read, but I'll let you know. 

Warm Again, A Working Heater Does A Body Good

 It was a restless sleep night, not because of Buddy but because of the heater. I'll be calling the repair service when they open. We have replaced both HVAC systems. I have never liked the one we have for upstairs because it has had way too many problems. When they came and did the winter maintenance check, they mentioned a problem to keep an eye on. Both Roy and I said fix it now, we don't want to wait till it goes out, but he assured us we would probably make it through winter. We should have insisted on getting it repaired around Thanksgiving time. Just talked with Roy about it and he is already in "work" mode and he listened to a podcast driving in this morning on constructing and deconstruction a story for speech or story telling purposes...uh, I've had coffee but my brain can't go there before 8:00 am, especially when I have been awake most of the night. I am having praline pecan coffee this morning because it was BOGO last week. It is Community Coffee and we don't usually get flavors here, unless you count the with chicory brew. He is telling me probably since pecan in out of season is the reason Publix got a deal. I knew better but I said, pecan coffee is trans-seasonal, it is not just for fall and with the praline added to the flavor maybe it's because of Mardi Grau. So, I know about speech construction and coffee but no empathy cause of the heater and no sleep. Too much expectation before 8:00 am of conversation when one of us is in work mode. 

Speaking of story telling, if you want to read an insightful, wise, and interesting book, look no further than Just As I Am by Cecily Tyson. I made myself read it slowly because it is one of those books you want to keep reading and not put down until finished. Now, when I see her in movies or productions I will truly appreciate the amount of work and immersion in preparing for those roles. I did not realize that she played a huge role in civil rights through her art and her craft. There is so much in the book but I have not processed everything since I just finished reading this yesterday afternoon but while fresh on my mind I wanted to add this to the post. Go get this book! 

Now I am in book purgatory because I need to find a book that will hook me in from the start. I started a fiction book last night but it seems so empty after reading Just As I Am. It's not like I don't have books to choose from but that is the dilemma upon finishing a worthy read. 

HP chose to come on the back porch for a third time in a day during late afternoon and early evening. She settled in to get warm and grab some shuteye before having an active nocturnal adventure. I think she is done with her "time" so she's not bothered by the male cats but she goes off and beyond Mary Joyce's house most evenings in the past few weeks. I got to thinking about those cats and I don't think any of the females have had a litter since the summer. That is kind of unusual but oh so welcomed. I do think Mama Cat had a litter but she doesn't always let the kitties grow up. Punky didn't have any since her huge litter of seven, which only three survived. This mishmash of cousins keeps me amused and on my toes. Bobbsey let me pet him yesterday and he almost came onto the back porch twice. 

We have heat once again upstairs. Our unit coded, twice and I never realized the outside unit was not running. Oh my. I have saved money though by not letting it run during the day which on really cold days called for layers and space heaters. I let Buddy out of the front bedroom and she must have been burning up and she loves heat. The sun is bright and with the added heat of the sun with the heater running full blast, yep that would do it. I was able to get everything done at the grocery store this morning. My neighbor was emptying material for her compost pile. They are heading to Florida to get some warmth. Good weekend to do so because the lows will be in the low twenties at night. 

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This morning is beautiful. Buddy is sleeping in the front bedroom and she's a bit miffed with me and the Feral Fam has spread out to play, not even coming in for breakfast. Buddy, is not happy with having the Feral Fam around, up close and personal. This is the first year I have let them all sleep in the garage and HP has been an often visitor to the back porch. Yesterday afternoon, feeling the need for a nap, I laid down upstairs in the bonus room, the room farthest from the downstairs. A familiar fragrance wafted in the air. I had cleaned the litter box earlier, but this was such a strong fragrance force. To show her displeasure Buddy threw up right by my chair, where she and I usually sit in the mornings. I got that mess cleaned up yet there was still that stink going on. Upon inspection Buddy had left the biggest pile of 💩 by the front door. Both of these places are spots where she shows her displeasure. Now, this pile of 💩 gave me a mixed reaction because pooping is a huge issue for her and this pile signaled her food is working yet she is really upset. Cleaned up everything and sprayed Lysol everywhere. 

It was so wonderful last night to have the heater properly working. It was even more wonderful this morning when getting up. 

Today holds another trip to Goodwill, this time mostly kitchen stuff and then a quick stop at Publix because they have a great deal on strawberries. Of course, I have waited till later to do these things which means the Instacart people will be shopping and dodging them both in the aisles and in the checkout line can be exercise or an occasion to try and not sin by letting my thoughts about the Instacart shoppers drag me down. Better read another chapter or two in my Bible before leaving. 

Tuesday Morning Catch Up

 Here lately, I have really been into orange drinks both carbonated and just plain orange water. It dawned on me that my mother craved orange popsicles when she was pregnant with me, so the love of orange came to me later then sooner but it draws me in a bit closer to her in mind and heart. I dreamed about her the other night, I don't remember anything other than I was spending time with my mom and was sad when I woke up but happy to have had the dream. I don't dream about her often so it was a treat. 

April 1, will be our sixth year living in this house. The movers were here and delivered then but Roy and I had come up earlier to get things ready for them. That was 2015. In 2017 my father died on April 1st. So, instead of being April Fools Day it is more of liberation day in my book. Roy and I were just talking about the changes in us individually and togetherly...I know it's not a word but have the "ly" thing going on since we bought the house and faced toward North Carolina with Texas in the rearview mirror. Not there yet but closer all the time. Yesterday, visiting with Inez and Cuman, I told them how I shed a few tears when driving out of the mountains and heading toward Texas. Sad, cause I don't want to leave the mountains, really, ever. Of course there are happy tears upon returning and seeing the beautiful mountains in the distance when we hit Andrews. These has been the best years of my life! Even this past quarantine year. I think I might have gone nuts in Texas but here there are enough distractions to take up days and days and nights and nights. While we were talking about change we noted that some changes are only noticeable by us and other changes have more of a public view. I think too about other friends who are experiencing change of views or how they have done life. I learned from experience it is best to give lots of room for this to happen. We approach life, our views and thoughts knowing we will come out on the other side, different; so we go from extremes to somewhere in the middle or sometimes stay at the extreme. One thing for me, health-wise, the pace of life and the important things are so different from Houston. Not the same stress and letting some stuff go, has been the best thing. A Houston friend asked the other day about recommending a restaurant near the Galleria...and nothing came to mind. I told her, it has felt like a lifetime and with Covid even, didn't know who made it or what places have closed. Since then I have thought of a few places so I need to get back with her. 

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Around 3:00 am, the heavens busted loose with rain. It sounded like a hard rain and I tried to stay awake to see if I heard any thunder. Didn't, so maybe no snow for the next ten days. The kiddos were waiting for me on the porch steps and the Queen is now asleep on the back porch after having treats and breakfast. Buddy is asleep on the bed, not too happy about HP being on the back porch. I think Buddy spent most of the night downstairs guarding her domain, only HP wasn't on the porch. In the evenings the kitties scatter and then gather back at some point in the night. Last night I saw a HUGE raccoon in the side flowerbed. So big I thought it might be some other kind of animal. He had a root from a sunflower from last summer and was happily busy with it. 

The Covid curfew has been lifted. Not that this news affects me much cause really, I am not out after 10:00 pm as a rule. But now, if I want to be out, I can. I think a few more restrictions have been lifted that has to do with sporting events and restaurants. Yesterday, I was thinking about what I have missed and this list is not about being with people and such, but just things or just what used to be normal. Like not having to think twice about going into a small shop. I miss Corner Kitchen's breakfasts before getting a haircut. Or drop in someplace for lunch or to grab a coffee or something. Again, with change in mind I do like how life has become even simpler. I am thankful to be easily entertained and amused. Sometimes in these months I have felt some confrontations and those have been good to sort through beliefs and thoughts but I don't want to be drawn in for intense discussions purely based on a selfish reason that I don't want flutter or fib to happen. Some days and weeks it's all about No Flutter or Fib.

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I slept thirty minutes later into this morning. So, I missed the Queen on the first round of treats. She arrived fashionably late and came on in to the back porch. Bobbsey nearly came in this morning too. The Queen was a bit restless so after eating and grooming she wanted back out to play. It's kind of cold this morning but I don't blame her when most of the Feral Fam is chasing one another. I had a little talk with Junior yesterday. He is a teenager and went after one of the older and more seasoned male cats. The older cat took out after Junior but more in a warning way. Junior seemed a bit puzzled and he won't admit it but frightened. I told him of his great grandfather, Big Daddy, the largest orange cat around. He was the cat among cats. Now Strawyer, he was as big as Big Daddy but didn't have the fight or anger in him. So, Junior, I said, you have a great mix of both of those fine cats and you will come into your own. Then he hissed at me. I take that as confirmation that my words got through to him.