Hudson Cream and Swedish Clean

 The last day of 2022 started out well. A couple of weeks ago while in TN we bought Hudson Cream Flour, self rising. On several Appalachian FB boards, I read the comparison between it and White Lilly Flour. Roy made me biscuits this morning with the Hudson Cream Flour and y'all, I cannot believe I am saying this but, the biscuits were lighter and fluffier than when using White Lilly. When you top those delightful biscuits with homemade strawberry jam, deliciousness to the tenth power. We had eggs and bacon with them, what a great way to celebrate the end of a year. 

On Christmas Day I read an article on Swedish Death Cleaning and how on Christmas it is the best to approach your elderly relatives with the thought, maybe they should consider this. Maybe on New Years, but not Christmas morning. 𝅘𝅥𝅯 Clean out your house, oh hear your relatives voices, O cleaning is fine, throw away all your junk🎵  Not being one to hold onto things with clenched fingers, I am one who over decorates but at some point start thinning things out. I am quick to throw out old make up and stuff, but the weakness lies in paper, pens and office supplies. There are years I could outfit many a office. We just made a trip to Goodwill and almost every place in the truck was filled. Not so much clothes or books but lots of other things. 

Thursday, after being home for a week due to below freezing temps, we decided I needed to get out for a little bit. Did me some good that's for sure. Although, staying home didn't bother me much or really at all. Got a couple of books finished and started a new fiction read. Also began a non-fiction book. Several small projects that have been bugging me finally were taken care of. The snow that remained on the sides of the hills or where the sun's warming takes longer than usual due to the shade was quite plentiful. We got back home in plenty of time for Roy to go workout as well as stop by Publix.   

2022 started out in tenuous days that developed into a few months. A few health scares for both of us. We began the year without inside cats and now we have three. Roy settled into retirement much easier than either one of us anticipated. Roy went on a mission trip to Vermont, became a deacon and settled into the quiet life of rural America. 

Roy brought home fresh strawberries and so I am thinking a little strawberries on biscuits sounds nice. 

Happy New Year Blessings for 2023! 

Stuff to Get Done, But Easing Into Chores...Delightful

 A quiet Christmas is fading into daily living once again. We didn't lose our power during the cold winter blast but we are always thankful to have the generator as back up. Our electric bill will be through the roof but thankful we will be able to pay it. I enjoyed the week of not preparing a Sunday School lesson but this morning I am anxious to begin the process for this coming Sunday. Last week held a few projects to take care of and the smallish projects are done. Those were the ones bugging me the most. 

We didn't make it to the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services at church. The cold temps were the biggest hindrance, although Sunday morning was probably more do-able. The quiet Christmas theme prevailed as we read the Christmas story and pondered these Christmas words. I watched the original Miracle on 34th Street for the hundredth time but came away with some spiritual insights that I had never noticed before. It seems the quieting down has been restorative this season. Although, we live a rather quiet life most of the time. An article about the holidays, our state in particular, mentioned the population is one of the fastest growing state populations. It is a beautiful state with different landscapes, diverse cultures and history. The quiet season for the mountains will be happening soon, where local businesses close for days, weeks and sometimes months at a time. If someone comes for a winter visit, it is always good to check and see what is open during this dormant season. If we let it, we are reminded that rest and quietness is needed, a lot for some and a little for others. 

The state of the economy, big jump for me and unusual, really showed around the fall. Businesses and produce stands ended up giving away pumpkins before the end of October. Several Christmas tree businesses around here ended up giving away trees a week before Christmas Day. Lots of discounts, significant discounts happened sooner than later so that merchandise continues moving. Several newsletters have advised holding off on any big purchases until we see how things play out financially in the new year. Several articles on Google are talking about food shortages for 2023 because of weather related loss as well as the high price of fertilizer cost. This is the first year we haven't had our grass fertilized. Mike the Mower Man couldn't find much and what he found was super expensive. 

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The temps got above freezing yesterday afternoon. A welcomed event for sure. The garage hotel will probably close down this afternoon and will reopen when the temps drop in a dangerous range again. We saw a few more of the cats taking advantage of the sunshine yesterday. 

Another small project got checked on the list yesterday. In the midst of it, found some pictures of Christmases long ago and a few pics from Pageant days at First Baptist. For some reason, well I know the reason, we procrastinated on taking care of these little chores. When The Boys came into the house in June, getting them healthy and acclimated to living inside took a lot of time. Then came Willie and we have him out of the play pen and introducing him to the rest of the house. 

I am almost finished with the non-fiction book I've been reading the past month. An interesting look at NYC, Mademoiselle magazine, women making their way out of small cities, and The Barbizon Hotel and the role that it played to make the way possible. The author looks at the famous college edition of Mademoiselle magazine and the college women chosen from all over the country for a month of internship there at the magazine. Several famous people, Grace Kelly, Sylvia Plath, Joan Didion lives during that time are looked at and the effect this experience had on their lives.  

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I finished up the book last night. Very interesting read. One of the women of the 1953 group, who didn't fit the mold that the magazine was looking for became one of the more successful and famous of that group. A noted restaurant column in New York Magazine. Googled her up and she passed away in November of this year.  

We have punted our plans for today until tomorrow. Fine with us, of course. We are rejoicing over the forecast of temps being in the 40s today with bounteous sunshine. Time to uncover those tender plants. 

The mist is hanging around in the valleys and hollers this morning. Truly one of the most beautiful sights in the mountains. I think the neighbors across the way are getting thinned out since they are there most probably for tax reasons. It is a joy to watch them and check in on them everyday. Looks like the land work has been done and the house is being built on the smaller track of land. 

Well the day awaits and although easing into the morning has been happy, it's time to get some stuff done. 

Greeting Cards Have Not Been Sent...Merry Christmas, Darling!

 Three degrees with a windchill of -17. This my friends is some very cold weather. It is the coldest temps I've ever experienced here. Everything is holding up pretty well, although the upstairs heater is working overtime to maintain. Don't think we see above freezing until Monday. Many in the area have reported very strong winds, but we are so thankful the wind hasn't been bad around here. Roy has gone outside a couple of times and returns back to the warmth rather quickly. 

The above written around midnight. Going through the house making visual inspections making sure the taps are dripping, the dryer drying and making sure the dishwasher is scheduled for a middle of the night wash run. For a little while our upstairs unit lost the fight being two degrees lower inside than the setting but on the third inspection round a little later, it once again was breaking even. 

For quite some time I have been dealing with a shorter attention span than normal but maybe I have found something that is helping me regain attention. Last week I discovered

 https://www.facebook.com/Aymieandgracie/

Believe me, you will be quite entertained by the creativity and antics. Sometimes it seems the silly can bring us back to the serious. Watching these videos, they are doing a good work in and for me. Just a cat Penny, her fur siblings, hooman mom and daughter and sometimes dad can add a smile. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We were awakened by a noise this morning. Rhythmic thumping...don't think it was Santa Claus but probably a noise from the heater. Roy stayed up later than usual last night so he was a bit groggy to investigate. Roy wasn't waiting for Santa but to register some of The Feral Fam for holiday snipping at the area animal neuter and spay clinic.  The policy used to be sign up at midnight but that recently changed to 10:00 am Mondays. Ho Ho Ho!

While reading some Houston Christmas memories on a FB site, one post brought back a memory for me that I had long forgotten about. While working at Pennzoil downtown, in one of the coolest office buildings ever, each Christmas a bank downtown served gingerbread men and wassail during lunch hours. Texas Commerce Bank  had an employee Christmas choir that sang carols and Christmas songs the work week before Christmas, too. The person who shared about the banks at Christmas is Jewish and she said these experiences, taking the bus downtown with her grandmother, hearing the songs and the Christmas goodies is such a strong memory for her. Today,  Three Brothers Bakery is open for several hours at the original location in Houston. Home of the very tasty and best gingerbread men, well that is outside my of my mom's cookies. 

Last week in Sunday School, we did a little Christmas quiz and questions. One of the questions was, have you ever celebrated Christmas in July? Roy thought it wasn't a good question to include but if you grew up Southern Baptist and in GA's, you did celebrate Christmas in July. Back in the day, shipping toys and gifts for the missionaries to give out all over the world had to be shipped by the end of July. This year, I too celebrated Christmas in July, well, August really. When my brother was here he brought both birthday gifts and Christmas. The Christmas gift is so special in light of the happenings in December of last year. One of the special and sentimental things stolen when Roy was robbed, my great grandmother's medicine cabinet. I loved rooting through things on my Grandma B's back porch, So many interesting things to discover. One of those discoveries is an old wooden medicine chest and my grandmother told me I could have it if I wanted it. Oh yes, thank you. It sat in a closet for years as we lived in apartments and then when we moved into our townhouse. We had it hanging there but in the original, neglected state. It went back into a closet while living in the condo but when we moved into our CR home, I wanted it back out on display. Bill Bain stained and repaired it for us. Added a dowel rod and the rest is history. When we sold the house, Roy moved the medicine chest to the condo/apartment he rented before retiring. To keep it safe and in good condition, Roy loaded it in the Sequoia for his journey home. I'm ever so thankful that Roy made it home safely. This summer, with Doug's visit, he brought in a huge wrapped gift and said Merry Christmas! At first glance I thought he had found the original online, but it was a medicine chest that looked very much like the one we had. Even signed by the builder of it in 1929. I may have shed a few tears over the gift, the thoughtfulness and joy that went into finding it and then giving it. What a wonderful brother! He even had the hanger on the back! As of yet, we haven't put it up because we need to see if we find a furniture piece and then the chest will hang over it. Hey, no bathroom relegation for this piece. I thought I had taken a pic of it before moving it into the closet. It was getting way too much attention from The Boys. 

Yesterday as we kept warm in these cold temps, I felt a little bit of sadness. Barbers Orchard closed on Christmas Eve at 3:00 pm. So sad...six months of waiting till August 1st. The most wonderful time of the year, produce stand season, officially has come to an end for 2022. We have strawberries and peaches frozen from summer for the winter, plenty of apples and caramel sauce, and Publix has strawberries on sale beginning tomorrow. 

A different Christmas this year and as always a different Christmas is welcomed. You can never be disappointed. We didn't get over to the Biltmore, but we still have time to do that in warmer temps this week. We didn't look at Christmas lights except for what we could see from our front windows. Traditions with friends, yes, looking at you CourtneyS...MCD winner for 2022! We've laughed, had fun with The Boys, and eaten delicious snacks. We have read our Bibles and pondered the greatest gift ever. Rejoice that we have friends near and far. We are rejoicing that we can pay what will probably be one of the biggest electric bills ever. We have Joy, even in the midst of all we understand and don't understand. Joy, that I have an ever growing pile of TBR books. I have a loving and wonderful husband. We have a great and gracious God!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This Christmas, Please the Lord...Results, Christmas Blessings

 A Christmas riddle. How does one get a bruised big toe when a rock is thrown in the direction of your hand and lands on your thumb? Here's a little Christmas story.... Yesterday, we covered the blackberry bushes in preparation for the coming cold blast of winter. Last year it was relatively easy because they were smaller. This year, the bushes have done really well. We bought flannel sheets for this purpose. Took a king and full set to do the job. The pillow cases came in handy for the lime tree, rosemary, lavender and small Japanese maple. While trying to anchor down the sheets, we picked up the rocks that are somewhat kind of , sorta used as flowerbed borders. Roy picked up a huge rock and threw it in the vicinity of where it needed to land, only my hand was in the way and that big rock hit my thumb with such a wallop and being fortunate to have a high pain tolerance...well, this rock was more painful than I could bear. I screamed with pain and I did something I hardly ever do, I threw a fit and kicked two plastic window boxes. Now I was in double pain because my big toe landed squarely with the boxes and my hiking boots did not protect me like I thought, only thing, I didn't think when kicking because of the throbbing thumb pain. Two combos that don't go well with one another, pain and anger. I was mad at Roy and the rock. Then I got mad at me cause I kicked the window boxes and doubled, maybe even tripled the pain. Once the throbbing stopped, I was able to help secure the sheets. Later in the evening, Roy brought me an orange drink, being so kind but accidently stepped on the big toe that I kicked the window boxes with. The painful toe woke me several times during the night and this morning the big bruise under the nail is brightly colored in hues of purple and blue. 

We opened the hotel up last night for The Feral Fam in anticipation of the cold temps. Those who previously enjoyed the garage were quick to come in and we also put out food to help those who might be wary. This time we made comfy quarters using a kiddie pool full of beds, blankets and old sweaters. We added a few additional places for them to feel like they were up high. As soon as this cold passes, they will be back to their heated cat houses. Beanie and Barney were thrilled to come back to their old stomping grounds. 

Willie went to the vet yesterday and he has doubled his weight. Excellent! Probably in March he will be neutered. The shots tired him out just a bit yesterday. He has too much energy for Mr Mo and GMoey, so they take a little of him along the way. They are with me right now enjoying the quiet of downstairs. 

This year I've  remembered Christmas in long ago years. Not the bad stuff that happened but the things that brought light and laughter. Being in Pageant, driving around looking at Christmas lights, the simple hot chocky nights with Roy, Christmas Eve services etc... 

The following excerpt is from Christmas 2011. My mom had just passed away in November. We had opted out on going to the Biltmore for Christmas and instead stayed home to try and help my dad with his first Christmas without his wife. I truly don't know if he was sad that Christmas or not but we shook up tradition. We took him to church with us, went out for Chinese food afterwards and then drove around the outskirts of Katy helping him remember his territory for selling to smaller stores when he worked for Staley's. We had dessert in our new home and then took him back home. We were exhausted because his presence could do that. That Christmas, no iced sugar cookies or gingerbread cookie and no peanut butter cookies. It had been a few years because of Alzheimer's since my mom made them but 2011, the door finally closed on that season. The finality of her passing and knowing the future held trouble with my father, we looked to be blessings to others. Pleasing and honoring God in this way held us together individually as well as together emotionally. 

I have traditions with friends and every year doesn't always look the same, but we at least try to do dinner and maybe a quick look at lights.  Some years it feels pretty special and we do it up right and some years we are happy to grab some time at Luby's to say Merry Christmas. 

If you don't have any friends, then start being to others the kind of friend you would like to have.  Don't roll out your tales of sadness that many have heard time and time again.  Rejoice and be glad.  Look for all kinds of ways to be a blessing. 

Don't worry about fitting into the box of real or imagined Christmas celebrations.  Make your own.  Be happy and joyous if year to year those traditions don't look at all alike.  Don't be envious of others that you imagine have the most wonderful times and traditions.  Don't be depressed if you and yours aren't included in any one's Christmas celebrations.  Be giving and do things for those you know and those you don't.  Have a generous heart and you won't have time or the inclination to be anxious over how Christmas may look this year.  Read Facebook and Twitter with a joyous attitude as others share their day.  Heck, add you own take on the day but don't you dare add that semi sounding misery element in there so that others will feel sorry for you.  Live above that.  Go to the movies while everyone else is eating their Christmas feast.  It won't be crowded and the popcorn will be fresh.  Some years we put up a tree, some years we don't.  This year we have some Christmas decorations out and maybe next year more will be placed in and around our home. 

Gearing Up and Laughing All The Way

 The oft cancelled back on tree trimmer guys showed up yesterday to trim back some of the fir trees we have in front, beside and back of the house. They were getting a little top heavy and needed to be thinned out a bit before snow or wind could take down the whole tree. They are due back this morning finishing up loading the trailer. The firs out front are probably the height they were when we bought the house. Once again we can see the long range mountain views and see a bit more of the road. You know how everyone loves a road view. Haha! 

Ann lent me a treasured book to read, I Am Nell. Part of her husband's family history that takes place in and around Burnsville. Love that little town! We saw Ann on Sunday afternoon and I started reading that night. 

Not wanting to be around the whole time the tree guys were here, I hit the road early running a few errands. Not to undone in the Spirit of Christmas, I've been trying to wear the MD Anderson Christmas designed shirts from children who have cancer. These shirts are older than the hills, buying them in Uptown Park in Houston. So officially, I am an old lady wearing Christmas shirts...just like the ones I used to know...or observe at the play grocery store. I got a great deal on Keen hiking boots and to dispel any fears, they will not be used for actual hiking. They are blue and waterproof and cute but be wary, this is coming from an old lady wearing Christmas themed t-shirts. Oh, I haven't gone so crazy to wear the craze of the 80's, painted t-shirts. You have been warned and informed. 

There is nothing like a Sunday School teacher who reads to you from their journal. I was careful to just copy out the portion I needed for class. Anyway, since the lesson part of the class was more devotional style, I told them or rather read to them a snippet from the story of the picnic table in Baytown, TX. Years ago Dena told me about her parent's trips to the recycling center and her mom told her about the picnic table in the middle of everything. I wanted to see this wonderous sight, so we headed out to Baytown one afternoon. We met up with her parents and proceeded to see this covered picnic table. We got out of our cars, went over and sat at the table and the men who ran the center joined us. We sat there in the middle of things no one wanted anymore, merely trash that can be recycled. Piles of cans, bulldozers on standby and a ramp to take the scenic route to rid your car of recyclables. Truly a picture of finding peace in the midst of chaos. Not the peace that the world gives but peace in the Lord. It reminded me of something that Roy said to me after getting the heart diagnosis. He said as you recover, the cardiologist sent me home with some pills and a wish of good luck but basically sent me home to die, we will not what if ourselves on this journey. He said, we will say won't it be wonderful when feel better and you can go to Nordstrom, church, see friends, and go back to work. That positive attitude played a huge role in my recovery. That peace that passes all understanding, nothing like it at all except maybe for a picnic table at a recycling center. 

Last night I got a text from my friend Beth, I've known her since the 6th grade. She was looking at our high school yearbook and remembering some of the best and funny times in our lives. The two of us could laugh and get silly over the simplest things. We still can do that. Our texting last night considered all the stuff we found funny from the volleyball coach to Mrs. Tate, curly red hair, a little gruff but fun as all get out. Ms Crabaugh, the coach, went to beautician school as well as teaching and coaching. Beth and I called her beauty beautician. We remembered stunts and tumbling our senior year in gym. Not my favorite because in life I could always do stunts and tumbling, only accidental not planned out for a grade.  

Everyone is gearing up for the cold weather headed our way. Seems like most of the country is experiencing the same thing. Better check the cookie and treats stockpile. No other way to get through cold but probably no snow weather. 

Christmas Week

 Roy is the best gift giver! We haven't exchanged Christmas gifts in years because we were able to get what we wanted all through the year, so the one gift we did give to each other was time together at Christmas. For many years it was to stand together and be strong as we battled those years when Christmas included my father. A true saboteur as he punished the family with his unrealistic expectations on us and for the holiday. Whew, glad those days are in the past. I have digressed, back to wonderful gift giver Roy. This morning he has gifted me with quiet. He has ALL the boys upstairs in the bonus room. Quiet mornings since the summer are few as we have acquired a few kittens that have become family. For the Christmas season, he also gave me two sweet gifts...he bought White Christmas and The Trouble With Angels for me on Amazon Prime. The best $10.00 gift I have ever received. White Christmas, I now watch the dance numbers only. My goodness they are spectacular in their presentation. Angels, well I mostly watch the whole movie, but there are a few parts I fast forward through.  

We had a wonderful Thursday as our friends Al and Mary Madeline were in town. We had lunch together before they went to The Cove. Mary Madeline and I have been friends for fifty years. I met her right before leaving for college. Her impact on my early life can still be seen in my daily walk. Such an encourager and friend. God has a sense of humor for sure as we truly are so opposite. I love that she uses the words dreamy and frufy. Since we haven't seen each other for several years, we both told each other there are a few changes in our appearance. So, there in Black Mountain the four of us had lunch and had great conversations. We were having such a great time, we forgot to take pictures. Soon it was time for them to head to The Cove. Roy and I headed toward Montreat before making our way home. We haven't been to Montreat since B.C...before C*v*d. One of the most beautiful places on God's earth. Although, I don't watch Hallmark Christmas movies, it seems the setting would be perfect for a Christmas movie. We went to the little shop/bookstore there. Because of being the type of person that loves t-shirts and rates t-shirts, that little shop never disappoints and the decision to narrow down choices for purchase is always deliberate and thoughtful. Once that choice was made, it was onto the book section. The selection is small but well thought through. Some of the best books for Bible subjects have been found there in the past. This time, two devotional type books were chosen. Ah, the best day old  I mean long time friends and the little shop in Montreat.  

Willie Tonka's days in the playpen will soon come to an end and he will be free to move about the house with his cuzbros. They turned a corner this week, with Mr Mo and Willie treating each other as friends, the transition is easier. The playfulness of three cats under the age of one is a delightful but sometimes frightful experience. 

This Christmas season, JOY, has jumped out on page and experience. JOY, might be the One Word for 2023. Haven't participated in the One Word thing for several years. We let our Sirrus XM subscription go in the Mustang. Roy listens to podcasts in the car and most of the time the radio is turned down when I am driving. We didn't cancel the subscription in the truck because we use it for longer distances. We were running errands in the truck yesterday and I was singing Christmas carols with Bing, Dean and Andy. Of course that is the optimal times to receive a ticket, so being mindful of speed limits was front and foremost. This morning while pondering JOY, I thought of those who won't be experiencing JOY because of circumstances or due to family dynamics or even not being joyful themselves. Then there are those experiencing JOY in spite of circumstance and find JOY in knowing and learning and experiencing that peace that passes understanding in JOY from the outcome or reason. I am not really explaining my thoughts but this will have to do for now. 

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Today, the tree trimmer guys are supposed to come. Just in time for the big freeze/maybe a little snow and ice Christmas weekend that soon will be upon us. Hopefully, I will be able to get out and about before they arrive. Have several errands to run. This week holds lots of reading, hopefully, and knocking out a few projects, inside where it is warm. 

I received the most wonderful surprise. The Joy class generously donated to a cause I love, reading, with a Barnes and Noble gift card. I teared up and usually only sentimental football games and these feral cats cause tears. Also some wonderful potpourri and who couldn't use that especially with three cats and a cute Christmas tea towel. I am certainly blessed. Think they were surprised that I rather we, baked cookies for them but included peppermint white choc cookies from the fine folks at Publix. Christy's Crafts ornaments rounded everything out. 

After lunch we visited our friend Ann. Such a good visit with her and now I can totally picture her story of the bear at the back door. We left all three boys in the bonus room to try that little experiment while we were gone. Think the threesome is ready for more togetherness. Willie has a vet appointment this week, so our plans are to begin The Three Boys together at night after that appointment.  Will be thankful to have the playpen gone out of the entry way. 

Contentment

 The thundering paws are back this morning. Really, almost every morning but today the thundering seems to be contained to the downstairs. No racing up and down the stairs yet but that's probably on the agenda for The Boys today. Willie wants out of the playpen and that will happen momentarily, so his tiny little meows fill in any dead spots from the sound of the thundering paws. 

Our misty morning holds the promise of sunshine which has been more like shun-shine cause of the lack of light from that brilliant orb in the sky. It looks like winter when looking out the front windows. I've decided that I'll call our friends the cows from across the road, short term renters or AB&Bers. No complaints, it is comforting to see them, eating and taking care of the numerous little ones. Good mix of teenager cows too. Lot of head butting in play going on. Down the road and below the road level several homes are being built. Don't think I'd like to live below the road line when it rains and rain is forecasted beginning tomorrow evening. 

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Laundry and linen closet clean out kept me from returning back to the ol' blog. Well, that and I found a reels on FB that is on Tik Tok, that has me mesmerized. These days that is quite the accomplishment because the attention span thing that's plaguing me is still around. The daughter does the voice over of their cat Penny and it is quite hilarious. 

I was looking for a refresh on a memory from long ago and stumbled upon an interesting fact. On December 17 2010, we traded in Mustang Sally for Sequisha Sequoia. First day Roy drove her home. December 17, 2021 was the last day Roy drove Sequisha from Houston to stupid Mobile. Robbed and stolen on the 18th. Many a happy journey to the mountains through the years and she didn't deserve to end up the way she did. 

Cleaning out a few more closets and bookshelves. Came across the Blue Bird book from Campfire Girls. The theme songs come easily to mind, but not all the words. Loved being in the Campfire Girls, from Blue Bird up to whatever rank I got to, which wasn't very high at all. Usually due to loosing interest in projects, whatever. Never interested in Girl Scouts, too much camping for my taste. Blue Birds were supposed to finish what they began, to learn how to make beautiful things and make friends. The consistency of making friends and keeping friends is the one thing out of those three ideals that still travels with me. 

We've had a breakthrough with The Boys. Roy brought in the cat condo tower, tightened it up again and put it in the bonus room. Willie took to that tower immediately. GMoey and Mr Mo reacquainted themselves with their long lost friend. Just a few hissing incidents between Mr and Willie. We thought the Mr had lots of energy, Willie has a whole lot more. Watching the three of them is quite entertaining and Willie is throwing his two pounds of fury and fun around. 

This week the lesson in SS will be more devo than lesson. Next week we don't have class and then on January 1st, the completion of the devo. That gives a break from in depth studying. I need the break, not only to get things done around here but also catch up on fun reading. It's funny after years of tumultuous Christmases, then several years of Biltmore Christmases, we are now at quiet Christmas. Not a whole lot of hustle and bustle, few big Christmas plans, we are content. Life is simpler now and after living chaotic and busy lives both at work, for fun and at home...we love the quiet. My quiet has background Christmas music. I think Roy's background has market reports and the like. No matter, the key now is content.   

Oh The Blessings....In The Mountains

 With TV viewing being awfully poor these days, yes with a million channels to choose from, we have returned to the TCM app to watch favorite movies. One of my very favorite movies comes from childhood, The Trouble With Angels. Roy keeps remarking, you are Mary Clancy. Don't know about that but I feel like we would be friends. To rethink this just a bit, I totally would be Mary Clancy-ish back in the day of recklessly going to my "fearless" zone...which got me in a lot of trouble throughout growing up as well as in adulthood. I can hear my therapist admonishing me, that going to the fearless zone took energy and back in those days, I was woefully lacking this commodity. Many times the trip to the zone was amusing, therefore the risk seemed worth it. Oh well.... Anyway, we have watched several times over the past few days. It has been several years since we last viewed the movie, that is until this week. We both realized that we are seeing this movie differently. Still entertained by the antics of the two friends, but for me I am seeing for the first time why...spoiler alert... Mary joins the sisterhood of the Order that runs St Francis after she graduates from St Francis. I almost always understood Rachel's hurt and disbelief that this wildly fun friend who had brilliantly scathing ideas, wanted to serve God. This time though, I saw and it is obviously done by the director, but this time I really noticed how Mary watched Mother Superior in alone moments, putting food out for birds and squirrels, walking, reading her Bible and when her best friend and assistant Sister Lagoria passes away, the supreme sorrow Mother Superior shows after the family has left. It was the consistency that MS led her life. When she shares with Mary her life before becoming a nun, it all is taken in by Mary and the audience. One would never think that before she was a nun, she had a life that sounds as if she would have found great success. Mary Clancy was like Mary of the New Testament, she saw these things and pondered them in her heart. 

We dropped Netflix last year. We hardly watched it but at Christmas time, I watched White Christmas, several times, okay a whole lot, mainly to watch the dances. Roy surprised me by buying it digitally on Amazon Prime, so I can watch it over and over all through the holidays. A very good use of $5.00. The Trouble With Angels is about to roll off the TCM app, so maybe we can check whether it is available for purchase. 

On Saturday we made our TN run. The BBQ people were back and we got some brisket and smoked mac and cheese. They ran out of smoked bologna or I would have gotten a sandwich for the road like Roy. Instead, we did the Taco Bell drive through to get a cheese quesadilla for my trip home. With a stop in Mars Hill at TJ's and Ingles, we completed the shopping portion of our day. The best part of going over to TN, besides Roy, is that we get a glimpse of the ever changing, ever beautiful scenery. With the overcast skies and a little chill nip in the wind, it truly felt like Christmas, winter scenery wise and the only thing missing would be snow...snow...snow snow.... (song from White Christmas.) Only if there was snow, we wouldn't have made the trip. 

Mr Mo has noticed the little spindle tree I put on top of the bookcases. He casts a gaze to it in the evenings and maybe he is planning on climbing up to the top for Christmas inspection. We had all three boys together for a very short period of time. It is a step into the right direction. 

After church yesterday, we had the senior adult Christmas luncheon. Our first since all the Covid restrictions. Lots of fun gathering with friends to eat a delicious lunch. Oh the green beans were outstanding, as per usual. 

Not many, but some Christmases, we went back to Illinois to celebrate the holidays. One year we took the train because my father needed to pick up his company car but mostly we drove. This morning someone in the hometown group posted a picture of a well known bridge or viaduct and gave the history of its construction. It was one of those places we as kiddos thought was the highest bridge we'd ever been on. Now seeing the pics, it wasn't that high but oh the memories and the pungent odor from the plant processing soybeans and the like. It's kind of like Canton here, it is the smell of money, papermill there... There was also a street we'd take sometimes going from my grandmothers to the grandparents house. A water tower, not so much a tower and maybe it didn't hold water, but it was darkly painted and the sight lurking in the distance, it always scared me. People post pics of the parks in the city and downtown. Now, the city isn't as vibrant and crime has taken over in many areas. Things I would remember are probably not there anymore and if we wanted to do a drive by of the house my grandparents lived in, from what we've been told it would be like taking our lives into our own hands. Haven't been back since I was 24 years old but love seeing the pictures from then. 

We are approaching the year anniversary of Roy retiring and then being robbed of everything but 50 cents, his wedding ring and watch...oh but most importantly, he was not robbed of his life. It has been an interesting year as we have processed emotionally from it all, got everything in order and then taken care of for all the changes legally and such that occurs when one moves to a new state. Roy has adjusted to retirement really well. For these things, the healing emotionally and the changes to a new life, we are thankful. God is so good!

A December Start

 Already the 5th of December. With three cats under the age of one we adulted and chose to not put up a tree or very many Christmas decorations that would tempt our otherwise, fairly well behaved cats. We haven't put out many outside decorations either just because, well no reason other than the normal time we got started, Thanksgiving weekend, we didn't begin. Oh well, just think of all the time we'll have not having to put up stuff after the first of the year. 

This morning I've listened to Christmas music from Apple Music playlists. I'm telling you Merry Christmas Darling gets no love, couldn't find it on any playlist. Of course I haven't looked through all of them. Listened to Shepherds Pipe Carol, just to see if I remember the brief, repetitive and boring alto part. Yes, comes back to me every Christmas. 

I've listened to a good bit of classical Christmas music and always around this time of year. There is a big part of me that wishes we were Episcopal or some other type of liturgical worship style. Guess it is from all the years I couldn't stay up anymore for the 11:00 pm Christmas Eve service at HFBC so we went to St Martins. Nothing like a Christmas Eve service scented by balsam, candles, and whiskey/bourbon. I didn't keep up too well with when to kneel but no problem for Roy being raised Catholic. I remember one sermon from those services, when good things take up the space that should be held for Jesus. I always remember the music, high church with a mix of beloved carols intermixed with John Rutter, and for good measure pieces from the classical vein. They offered communion at these services and every time I participated in the Lord's Supper, it could have led to a fire able offense since I worked at First Baptist. Wine verses grape juice kind of thing. I also know the novelty of liturgical would soon become rote and it would loose the specialness. Just like being Baptist, those traditions of Lottie Moon can sometimes become repetitive and boring, only because we don't look at these things through a fresh set of spiritual eyes. Once I read that Lottie had a great sense of humor and that she attended church and revivals to make fun of the speaker I thought, Lottie and I could be friends. The night she came to know the Lord, she had sat herself right close to the front of the church but she heard the gospel instead of her giggles and laughter. 

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Roy and I ran errands for most of Tuesday. The rain and fog cleared once we had everything done for our ride back home. We made a quick stop into Barnes and Noble and it was a quick stop because the only parking close by was the 15 minute limit variety. Found the Daphne 2023 planner I had been looking for and a Foxfire book, a best of thirty essays. Not bad for a limited part of time. For 2023 one of my, I hate to say goals and it sure isn't a bucket list, but I am going to try to read Jane Austen. Never ever have and please don't @ me over this. Found a book with all her novels and a few shorter pieces of work at a very good price. So, the Jane Austen thing for 2023. 

Our tree guys are now coming on another date due to the rain. So Roy has headed out to work out and to stop at Publix. The boys are all quiet. G Moey in my lap, Willie in his playpen and Mr Mo upstairs. G Moey is becoming quite the lap cat. Fluff Butt one better known as Willie looks to be a lap cat soon enough. He just has all that pent up kitten energy. 

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It was a dark and foggy night and a pale foggy morning. We had a rare day for WNC or at least rare for the times we have been here. Most days don't stay rainy all day but pretty much yesterday was one of those rare occurrences. We've needed the rain and with precipitation spread out no flooding or mud slides, at least around here.  

Once again the days don't give a lot of time for blogging right now, so I'll just finish this up. With the rainy days, we have tried to do some closet cleanouts as well as things we've let go too long. It is good that I don't hold too tightly to material things. Once again I am faced with the obsession I have with journals, especially with thin lines. Oh my...They will find good homes...eventually. Haha! 

A Week of Times

 It was the best of days. It was the worst of days...talking about Saturday. First the best, we found some brisket in Erwin, TN on a Saturday morning in front of the Food City. Let's just say it was as good but really better than some brisket we've had in Texas. Tender, lean and full of flavor. The best of days because we have Goode Company BBQ sauce in the house. The best of Saturday also included a LSU victory over Arkansas, well barely a victory. Hey a win is a win. Mathematically, a word rarely used by me, LSU is the SEC West winner but here is where the worst came in...Alabama needed to beat Ole Miss for LSU to clinch. It goes against everything in our being to pull for Alabama, even if it means for the good of all the team. Then to make football matters worse, we had to root for University of Texas against TCU cause, you know, it would help LSU move up. Baylor, well, they got beat every which way and night games aren't good for a Baptist University. Afternoon games gives one the time to drive back home to Houston or Dallas or Austin or to every small town in between. Night games, well those are great for LSU but not so much for Baptists who plan to attend church on Sunday morning. After all the angst, Alabama won and sent the opportunity for LSU to meet Georgia. Not holding onto too much hope for a win in Atlanta but one can always hope.

Please, don't ever make us root for Alabama and University of Texas in football...really in any sport ever again. Amen.

We awoke to snow on Sunday morning. Just a light dusting but it is always such a joy to see the first dusting of the year. Then...it becomes the first big snow. The temps are a little cooler than a normal November, that is until it warms up again and according to those learned meteorologists, will happen once again in the next few weeks. 

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On our journey through the mountains yesterday we saw wonderful views of rime ice in the upper elevations. We could never find a good place to pull over and take pics. Told Roy we will just have to commit the views to memory. We will look at the mountains of the Lord in this week's lesson. Yep, he is talking about Jerusalem et all but these mountains here are mountains of the Lord to me. Their beauty enhanced by their danger. Never being a why did you climb that mountain, because it was there type person I am content to gaze and take it all in. 

Looking back at this week from the past few years, significant events have held sway. Bilateral knee replacement in 2016, the 15th to be exact. Recently, this time last year Roy decided it was time to retire and after the previous months he had, selling the house and all, the last month and a half last year had details and things to tie up before making the move here. He received some news last week that even cemented the fact, if there were any doubts and the doubts were few, that he made the right decision. 

It has been fun sharing autumn this year with Roy. His schedule never allowed an October vacation or trip this way. Think God's creation showed out this year for him, just like in 2015, my first year here. He captured beautiful pictures as we day tripped around the countryside. 

Well, it is a balmy 28 degrees. 22 went I woke up. Have a couple of things to do today and those things that are out and about, Roy wants to wait till it gets above freezing.

Mostly Rain With A Little Wind

 A beautiful sunny morning has greeted us. Cooler than yesterday but it seems the bottom will drop out on Saturday night. Cold temps and a hard freeze. This is the first ease into the morning day in a while. With appointments and such, guys coming over to give estimates on some work, I welcome the relaxed entrance into this day. 

We voted for the first time as NC residents. Our voting place just down the road and we arrived when there was a bit of a lull. Pretty exciting, really. As we make our way through those firsts of feeling like with Roy here, finally at home. Poll workers were very nice and the whole process took about ten minutes leaving us time to trade out for the truck and go to Lowe's. Picked up a ladder and new numbers for our new trash can. Living the wildly exciting life! No, really. 

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Preparing for a hurricane is different here than on the coast of Texas. Mostly rain and wind but the difference is the elevation that makes for landslides. A different perspective for sure than just flat land. Mike the Mower Man was here earlier this week mulching our leaves for us and getting some yard debris taken care of. We need to semi clean out the gutter on one side of the back porch so we will semi try to get some of that taken care of. We will do this before the rain hits this afternoon. We punted apple orchard trip and will push that to next week. 

Last week I was talking to a friend here and she said who knew that ten years ago that you'd be here and living a totally different way of living than what you had been used to. She was correct. In fact Roy and I had talked about this very subject all through last week. Think it is due to the fact we are coming up to the one year anniversary of deciding to retire by the end of the year. Great decision in hindsight. Roy is much more relaxed, still focused, but not stressed. He would have been miserable in Houston and would have probably looked for contract work cause he wouldn't have enough around the house to keep him busy. Here, there is always a project or something that needs attention. 

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The rain continues from the outer rain bands of Nichole. Think the heaviest rain is yet to come. A year ago today I was at Asheville Cardiology getting an echo and stress test. Glad a year later to be home to enjoy a rainy day. Today, I will begin writing out the lesson for Sunday. We are in Micah. In several weeks we begin the book of John. I've enjoyed teaching from the OT but ready for a change, although we are six months in John. 

We successfully cleared out the gutter on the back porch. No one was hurt not even off balance one time. We made some crude clearing of the leaves out of the gutter by using a kid rake sideways. 

At Tammy's getting my haircut, we got to talking about how easily it is to get inundated with volunteer jobs at small churches. I realized that part of a standard of M&G, talking about getting volunteered at church was coming true for Roy, better known as Ed in Mildred and Gertrude. I got so tickled thinking about that as well as telling stories of how we took real events that had happened in our lives and twisting them just enough for no one to really recognize who it might be. Last week in our lesson in Haggai, we looked at how we can spiritualize our reasons for not doing something...we sound good or so we think, but God knows. This week in Micah we are looking at the coming judgement for Israel and Judah and the bad leadership going on. Crooked politicians and priests that fleeced the poor people of the land and money. The theme of justice runs throughout Micah as well as the other minor prophets. A couple of years ago the theme to teach was idolatry. Guess this week's lesson is more like, don't let this happen to you kind of thing. As the priests took bribes and such, I can't help but think back to Kyle Lake's book on prayer and using the Lord's name in vain. We usually trend toward someone cussing but he wrote that we are the worst at using the Lord's name in vain with unneeded repetition in prayer as well as over using prayer to quiet a room, fill in time, cause we have always done it this way and my very favorite announcement prayer. One thing I remember Roy studying in 1999 as we drove to Nashville. He was joining the Stephen Ministry. The thought that prayer should be used to open and close a meeting or session was challenged and suggested other ways because you never want people to think that opening and closing a meeting as a sign that it's time to leave. Instead we need to know and experience that this is a sacred moment not the sign of a meeting being over. 

I think the rain has finally let up a bit. We sure needed it and in our area we didn't get the big heavy rains that causes waterfalls in our back yard. 

Also, I lost the Merry Christmas Darling contest this year with CourtneyS being the winner. 

Saturday Morning Catch Up

 November 1st will feel like April 1st temp wise today. Roy is resting from a vigorous and focused job of entrance, exit and keeping Fall Festival participants safe from other drivers last night. Sounds like the Fall Festival was a hit and heard that maybe a thousand or so participants. That is a large number when it comes to this rural area.  

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Once again a weak beginning on Monday and hopefully a wrap up on a Friday, so it truly doesn't become a week. Intentions are there but then life needs to be lived and glory be, that means something to write about. This afternoon as well as tomorrow afternoon we have tree trimmer guys coming out to give us an estimate to thin out some firs as well as trim up some of the bigger trees. Andy was here last week trimming the shrubs and such in the back as well as putting out pine straw. Fertilizer is an expensive deal this year, so we are going with some natural solutions. Our neighbor offered some of their compost for our flower beds. We love their horses and what they contribute to the beauty as well as the flowerbeds. The leaves have been doing a rapid drop and we use those as well. Our neighbors aren't interested in the leaves and let us rake and take all we want. Wait a minute....no really, most of their leaves come onto the driveway so it's more a sweep than a rake. 

We took a little trip to the Costco on Wednesday. Filled up with $2.97 gas before going into the store. We had a lovely time picking up a few more holiday items and then the very necessary items. We bought a ham and it is the best price we have seen. So Thanksgiving meal will be ham centered. Batteries and flashlights on sale but the best thing or one of the best things we bought was pumpkin strudel muffins. Never tried them but I have started looking at Costco influencers and their reviews on products in November. These are a hit and don't know if we or rather if I can wait a couple of weeks when we go back when a new sale starts. I 26 was rather beautiful going and coming. Lower elevation so much brighter color than what has come and gone in the mountains. A bonus always is this, we had a relatively easy traffic trip, one overturned tractor trailer but nothing toxic or liquid or messy. 

Yesterday, I made the trek, a fun and beautiful trek, over to Burnsville. Lamp Post Vintage Market is getting ready for the big Christmas reveal and that means I was able to get in before the official kick off tonight. Pretty much had in mind what I was looking for and I came away with everything I went to get, mostly Christmas gifts and such. Since we still have two rambunctious young cats, no Christmas tree this year but we have a small table top one we can use. My mom would already have her tree up by now because she loved Christmas and spent many an hour sitting still and watching the lights on the tree. Stopped in Mars Hill on the way home at the Ingles for a couple of things. 

I realized while writing about Christmas and how much my mom loved it, she will have been gone from earth eleven years on Tuesday. I miss her everyday and so wish that she could see and visit or live here but I think she knows her kiddos are doing okay. I'd like for her to see the spring flowers, tulips and such, then the zinnias, roses and dahlias we have planted. It has just been recently, she has shown up in my dreams and that right there makes me so happy. 

We will wrap up Haggai on Sunday. Such an interesting minor prophet. Not much is known about him but he got the people off their butts and out of remodeling their homes and the temple construction started again.  

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The morning holds a little bit of rain and it is welcomed in these parts. We thought we were going to do some chair painting yesterday but the wind was too much. Instead we put out tulip and daffodil bulbs. Another highlight of the day, we officially took down the playpens were the boys slept at night. They have transferred to the bonus room for their nighttime slumber. It is so nice to have the entrance area back or semi back to normal. We will probably bring a cat tree in from the back porch but then again, we might not. 

Two tree guys are supposed to come today and give us estimates on thinning out some firs and trimming a few other trees. We shall see if they really get here so until then....

The Boys Disputing

 The Boys are busy chasing a toy or a decorative pine cone but they are behaving after a raucous morning of fighting with some play involved. We changed our plans yesterday and headed out Waynesville way. We'd considered going over to Costco, but that will happen in the next few weeks before the busy time of holidays. I mentioned yesterday we had gone to Publix and witnessed the shout off in the parking lot. For Southern Gospel music fans one could say it was Shouting Time, but not in heaven...right here on earth. Before the Publix, we went over to Big Lots with a 25% coupon. We needed to pick up a few necessities. Like a spatula.  We have tiny ones but not regular size. Somehow, this news is not shocking to those who know me. A new sink strainer, cause you know we live the exciting life...living on the edge. 

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Overcast and rainy on a Monday morning. Love it! I am easing into the day and delighted with the promise of no plans. 

We had quite the domestic dispute yesterday afternoon and long into the night. No, not Roy and me, but The Boys. Someone, G Mo, got a little rough and caused one of those pitiful cat screams, Mr Mo. We went to investigate, no visible marks but certainly an emotional one. Mr Mo hid under the kitchen table not even tempted by the rattling of a treat package to come out. I Googled it up and read about when cats have disputes and what we can do to make it move along and back to a peaceful coexistence. They kept separate for the afternoon and into the evening. Finally, they were in the same room together, did the nose touch thing, so that is good and did play a little. The domestic dispute put the cabash on trying out the sleep in a room together at night or share a playpen at night. This morning The Boys have reconciled. Eating together, both food and treats, as well playing and chasing one another. The sound of the thundering paws are back and we are so thankful for that. 

Although we are looking at Haggai, we spent most of our study time in Ezra, reading the background and the reason why work stopped for fourteen years on the temple. When we got to the part where the young rejoiced over the altar and foundation being repaired and rebuilt, the older set were crying because it wasn't as beautiful as Solomon's temple. I so to speak, really went off script talking about us older ones squashing the joy of younger ones in the church work or Lord's work. The example I gave was this; in high school pizza got us to youth group events...or there were other reasons we attended but you know pizza. Back then in the olden days of the early 70's pizza was kind of new on the scene of deliciousness. When growing up, my parents never ordered or brought pizza home from a restaurant. We didn't even know it existed outside of Chef Boyardee pizza in a box. Spoiler...it wasn't every good. Compared to now, pizza isn't the big draw. You can get pizza everywhere, including gas stations. Guess now, charcuterie boards might be the thing to bring 'em in. Nostalgia hurts one if one lives in the nostalgic world all the time that the good old days were the best days. It robs you of the here and now. Where I got off? Well, I kept saying pizza party? Nobody cares. It was the nobody cares part I should have stayed away from. The Lord keeps teaching me about off the cuff remarks and sometimes I am a fast learner but here of late, it is more like being a slow learner. I began thinking yesterday afternoon, oh my, I hope no one thinks I was talking about Fall Festivals cause it didn't enter my mind. Those weren't even a part of life for me until adulthood and our church had big Fall Festivals each year. Somehow though, along the way they stopped having them and joined the campaign of be the light in your neighborhood thing for All Hallows Eve. 

Since I finally joined the I had an oscophy group, my attention is now returned to the normal aches and pains of getting older. Since I was determined to think my hip pain was somehow related to all the digestive news of the last ten months, I endured. Have no choice anyway because the cardiologist has banned me from taking OTC pain meds like Tylenol and Advil. So the banality of arthritis returns with sprays and creams and such to dull the pain. The damp weather has made it flare up thus no comfort in sitting, standing or walking. Just put Bio Freeze on the spot and hoping for a good result. 

Even with on and off cool temps, we officially went with flannel sheets till spring. We had some cute fall type motif sheets on the bed, blue trucks with pumpkins, but I hated the feel of those sheets. I'm a flannel or crisp percale sheet type. Making the bed yesterday helped in the Mr and G Mo reconciliation cause they had never before discovered the joy of helping make the bed. 

Last year around this time I got into the journals, notebooks and paper accessories available for purchase on the internet. This around this time I am unsubscribing from those websites. Like I need to order anymore journals or pens or books. Hey! Let's keep books out of this...and pens...yes, let's keep pens out of it as well. 

The newest Christmas decoration? It seems to be a Christmas tree collar. Never known about them till this year. 

Since I just finished up a book, it is time to begin another. What? I don't know. I started the Book Woman's Daughter but there are passages that are difficult to get through. Just a little at a time. 

Onward!

 Oh Happy Day! Once again meals can be approached with normal everyday foods and back to drinking Zero Sugar Sunkist Orange. I celebrated with cranberry port goat cheese last night on mini whole wheat crackers. All in all here are my observations about my first oscophy type procedure. There is a lot of busy work paperwork involved and about half of it is never looked at. The actual staff assisting and doing the oscophy is much more pleasant and approachable than the front house staff. I know there are reasons because they deal with cranky and confused difficult people everyday, at least on weekdays. If ever I need another one, although it was a pain in the butt I mean it kind of clipped my wings but I will again do the three day prep because it made the main event just an event, not eventful. It also gave me a chance to get some minor projects taken care of since sticking close to home was prescribed. For the main event yesterday finally someone listened that the symptoms and pain I talked about ended, during the initial consultation in March, and the general consensus has been a whopping dose of stress and thus caused a major overload to all the systems in my body. In fact while waiting to be called back through the golden door there was a magazine in the waiting room that dealt with stress in grief and situations that are almost too much to bear have on our gastro system. In that brief skimming of the article these past months since last December came into a clearer view. I can verify that the prep part is worse than the actual procedure because we are put into la la land for it and truly, you cannot think about what they really do, so you just kind of skip over that part mentally. The Dr was just as he had been reviewed, all business with limited bedside manner and truthfully, that is the kind of Dr I needed on that particular day. He did listen as I told him the circumstances, given in brief form, that led me to this day. He stated that this then, is a follow up and not a present matter. Yes, thank you! To the best of my knowledge.

Upon coming too from the anesthesia, there was Roy and the nurse and in just a few minutes a Diet Coke was presented to me and all is well. The Dr tells us they found one little bitty polyp. ONE! They got it all and they'll have it tested but I am good to go for another 7-10 years. So going with my, gut feeling, all these years was good. He was kind of shocked that this was my first and I hope only oscophy. They handed me some souvenir photos of the journey, just like Disney. And I had a report online complete with more photos when we returned home.  

This did help rule out the cause of a few symptoms that have hung around and now we can almost say for certain they are heart related, the news of the valves. Knowing what I have to keep watch on is helpful and doesn't carry the full weight of concern that seemed to accompany and affect me through these months thinking it was gastro related. So, it will be keeping a log of when things are well and what sets off symptoms. The biggest things to watch is coughing and dizziness. Gee, every med I take says causes dizziness. That makes me laugh but not dizzy.

I don't know why or from what made me so ill this year. Symptoms traveled constantly head, stomach, heart and didn't stay long enough to merit a visit to the ER or Urgent Care. Strangest thing I've ever encountered. I do know there were two nights when I fell asleep, I felt certain I would be waking up in Glory Land. 

Roy made me eggs, bacon and canned biscuits when we got home from the appointment. Even had coffee which is usually not on the afternoon calendar. I told Roy today while thankful they let you strain the noodles and drink chicken noodle soup broth, it will be a while before wanting chicken noodle soup. 

Today must be old people fight in the parking lot day. We were leaving Publix, Wednesday is the senior discount day of 5%, a lady in her car and a man outside the car were yelling at one another. She was going the wrong way in the lot causing confusion and tempers for others. She pulled into her spot, sat there awhile and to top it off, she didn't even pull in straight. Then she pulled out her phone and Roy said, let's get out of here, I think she is calling the cops. We came on home, put up groceries and headed back out the door for Blue Rooster. There was a line when we arrived, so we went down to Tractor Supply and purchased a few things. Back to Blue Rooster, no lines. Delicious lunch then onward to Barber's Orchard. At the orchard an older couple got in a fight with each other because the man felt like they didn't get all the baked goods he had ordered. He yelled, she yelled back to appease him. Finally, he listened to her as she reminded him he had changed his mind on getting the apple cake loaf. Waynesville still has a lot of tourists, so we made our way toward home. The fall foliage at our elevation is at peak colors and the way to and from filled our eyes with such wonderful and colorful beauty. 

Winning and Prepping

 Sports weekend victories. All the teams we root for, Baylor, LSU and Astros won yesterday. 

Day three of low residue diet is going well. Tomorrow will be the difficult day or so it seems or so it has been said. While having an off week from teaching I was able to finish Empty Mansions last night. Non fiction that reads like fiction, except when all the accounting and math gets involved...so those chapters were mainly skimmed. The story of Huggett Clark is one of the more interesting stories of one of the richest women in the world with mansions she didn't live in, 5th Avenue apartments and lots of money and time, withdrew from the world, lived in a hospital for twenty years and then her mental state etc. called into question by greedy relatives toward the end of her life.  Relatives who didn't stay in touch much throughout life I might add. Reclusive, she liked phone calls and writing and receiving letters. Genuinely loyal throughout her life to friends and staff. Generous. Some thought she was slow or not mentally all there because she collected dolls, mainly Japanese and French antique dolls and loved, more than loved having precise and accurate little houses built for them. She loved studying animation, she was an artist and photographer. The author reminds us this is no different than coin collectors or vase collectors or any other hobbyist, she had the funds to go to the inth degree. Many believe her father was the richest man in the world having more money than John Rockefeller but not as much notoriety.  He also kept all his businesses as sole proprietor rather than corporations. Her father W A Clark was a Wyoming Senator as well as mine owner of copper, gold and such. One of the saddest and revealing stories in the book is the house he built in NYC. If he thought the marble and granite was priced too high for this monumental home to himself, he just bought the quarries. The aftermath of the home he took forever to build and then only lived in for fourteen years is a bleak story without a happy ending. That story is for another day. 

We would rate our tomato season as good. Our first and we made rookie mistakes but kind of got control upon learning what we did wrong and how to save the tomato season. The other day Roy harvested the last of the tomatoes and began breaking down the plants. We need to plant tulip bulbs and maybe we can get to that this afternoon or maybe later this week. 

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And now to celebrate the Astros sweeping the Yankees and going to the World Series. Being on eastern time it is so difficult to stay up to watch. So happy to see this good news this morning. 

I pulled out an old hymnal this morning. I think I bought it at an antique store. Here is the poignant thing that happened...that old Baptist Hymnal evoked such a fragrance of flowers. Don't know if the pages held that all these years after not being open. Great reminder of singing and worshipping God, it is supposed to be like a sweet fragrance. Astros win and fragrant hymnal, all for a clear diet day of JELLO, broth, water and clear sodas. 

Roy soloed at church yesterday. Got the report from Inez that he behaved himself. That's good. 

Well, chicken noodle soup broth is okay. 

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Today is the day. All the prep stuff stayed down with no throwing up. I am already thinking about my first meal afterwards and like a friend of mine, think I will lean toward a breakfasty late lunch. Yum!

Low Residue

 Roy is upstairs defrosting after taking Mr Mo to the vet for an ear problem. Now, they are both home. G Mo was pretty much my shadow while Mr Mo was out and about. Although I was trying to unload the dishwasher and such, he wasn't too much help. It didn't warm up Roy telling him it didn't get as cold as forecasted but watching the market, drinking hot tea and two cats on his lap should help the situation. 

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This morning it did get as cold as forecasted. When we woke up it was 27, so I went back to bed while Roy stoically got up to begin the day. Think we are on the upside now temp wise and should go back to seasonal temps. That electric blanket sure felt good last night. 

Today is the kind of official beginning of the low residue diet for the next few days. So, the love of eating an apple in the afternoon will have to wait for several days. Truthfully, the low residue diet surely was my choice of eating while in my 20s to mid 30s. Lots of refined, processed food heavy on the carbs. Told Roy my serotonin levels will rise and I will be in a good mood over the weekend. The gastro office called yesterday to remind me when to stop taking Pradaxa and I took the opportunity to ask a couple more questions. Did some research into the low residue foods, so it is looking like white bread, pasta, mild cheese, bacon, meat and fish are in order but while I can still drink Diet Cokes, the Sunkist Zero Orange drink is out. We got some zero sugar ginger ale to sub in and of course we always have Dr Enuf around, except it has caffeine thus needing the ginger ale for evenings. I am drinking lots of water too. Roy made me some scrambled eggs that were out of this world good. 

This morning we were talking about the housing market and the message of housing starts and sales declining. Thinking about last year selling the house in Katy. It is always good to remember those journeys where listening to the Lord made all the difference in the world. 

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Here we are on a Friday morning. Today is the day for the warm up to begin and it is also the day that begins in earnest the low residue diet. Yesterday, was the cardio appointment. Closed the place down because I was the last patient to leave the building. Interesting waiting room as always. I am amused by people who work really hard or hardly at all maintaining their youth. One lady came in, big lady I might add, whose crop top days are behind her along with skin tight joggers. She sat across from me for a few minutes and I was ever so happy to have a book along to keep my attention. Wow, and it was cold yesterday even into the afternoon. I felt for her though cause every move she made looked to be quite painful for her and the wheeze to her breathing was belabored. Eventually, I was the only one in the waiting room. Had this happen before so got a little proactive to see if I was in the system. Yes, they were running late. All in all a good visit, but I did receive news I wasn't quite expecting with some valve issues. Right now, the ball is in my court so to speak and as the cardiologist in Houston told me, stay in the parameters set for you and you'll live better health wise. So, in a nutshell, I am going to have to cut back on a few things and make a few adjustments. 

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The Boys are eating once again, must be the weather. We are all easing into the day, even Roy. When he sleeps till 7:00 am, that's a sign. We have had some of the most interesting morning conversations of late. Thinking back on decisions we've made, both good and bad and funny things we have lived through and sometimes endured...the only way many times to get through those rough patches, a sense of humor to see life from a different slant. 

G Mo is becoming quite the lap cat. Didn't see that coming. The Boys have settled into quite a nice domestic life. The still chase one another and play but they nap now. Didn't think this day would ever come back in the kitten stage of life. 

I began looking through the minor prophets we will not cover on this go around and it looks like Haggai has won my interest and heart. Been studying a bit since the first of next week is otherwise occupadoed. This week has felt a bit freeing knowing I will not be teaching tomorrow and I have taken the opportunity to get some things done around here that have been put off too long. I am almost finished reading Empty Mansions, non fiction that reads like fiction. 

Roy is officially leaving the easing and heading out into the world. Fill up the car, workout and Publix is on his schedule. Put in the request for the goat cheese and Panera's autumn soup that can be consumed after next Tuesday. Looks like The Boys have chosen nap time. Guess I'll go work on a couple of projects. It is all low residue, all the time, at least until Tuesday. 

A Little Bit of Winter, Early

 

It seems we are in for a bit of a drop in temperatures by this evening. We will do our preps for the water faucets outside and the water filter is due for a cleaning. Guess by Friday, our weather temps will return to autumn. This cold snap is earlier than usual. 

This week begins prep for the appointment I have been waiting on since June. Because of several situations from the first of the year, I have to do an additional four days of prep with the big prep day on Monday. Hoping for some answers to several symptoms. Then again it all ties into the afib situation and I need to be observant of keeping that to a minimum. Right now it takes a lot of energy that I feel like I don't have in abundance here of late. Told Roy the other day, I build up energy for studying and teaching on Sunday mornings. Most Sunday afternoons for me lately has been complete and total rest. This week also includes a cardiologist appointment and the timing is good for that to be happening. Well, the gastro office just called for reminders and questions. Got my questions answered on how to count the preparing days and what meds to take the morning of. I made the caller laugh after she said, "we look forward to taking care of you." I honestly answered with, "I can't say that I am looking forward to seeing y'all but I am looking forward to being taken care of." A dawdling old lady would not have said that. 

We started Hosea yesterday but the main focus of the lesson was, what is your raisin cake? That phrase stuck with me. What do I hold onto that keeps me living and worshipping God as I ought? The use of the term raisin cake caused some research to take place. I also discovered an online library where you can borrow a book for an hour at a time online. No cut and paste but it added a deeper level of learning being able to use this source. I love when the class adds comments while teaching. Karen S made the brilliant point that Baal is a religion of convivence. Didn't need to do any prep to worship Baal. No preparation of sacrifices whether it be lamb or doves. To start the lesson, we went back to Exodus 32, the golden calf and how quickly the Israelites began to murmur and want action as Moses seemed to be spending too much time on the mountain. Then onto Jeroboam II, put calves at Bethel and Dan, the worship of convivence. Appointed priests and made their own festivals. Now we tackle Hosea after Amos and Jonah. Minor Prophets are so interesting. 

I am posting a few pics from last week. Roy downloaded his pics on our computers. I just chose a few to include. 

The Boys are doing well. They are getting old enough to act like cats, you know, sleep 16 hours a day. They have spent a lot of time with Roy as well. That is so welcomed because Buddy was so partial to me. Mr Mo has a vet appointment on Wednesday. He has a little growth on the front part of his ear. 

Autumn in The Mountains

 A coolish morning and The Boys are filled with energy. On the wood floors the sound of thundering hoofs, I mean paws, resounds throughout the house. It is when the thundering halts that gets our attention. They are slowly but surely being introduced to rooms in the house and so far so good. I am glad we waited to try this way instead of letting them roam free when they were so little and hard to find. With exception of the pitter patter of voluminous running, it is a quiet morning. Roy has gone to the men's prayer time at church, now that it is in the fellowship center rather than in the cold temps of the picnic shelter with the incredible view. 

According to LifeWay, we will be spending four weeks in Hosea. Truthfully, I don't think I have four weeks of Hosea in me. As I began outlining the lesson yesterday and after doing some research, we might only be in Hosea two weeks and maybe we will use the other two weeks to look at Nahum and Obadiah. We shall see. I need to promise the class not to say golly like Gomer Pyle but I might have so say citizen's arrest, citizen's arrest. 

On Monday Roy and I took off to see fall foliage off the BRP in Haywood County. Since lunch is the most important meal before looking at leaves, we stopped in at the Blue Rooster. Meatloaf for Roy and fried chicken legs for me. I was much too full to have coconut cake. The server told us that this year the fame of their coconut cake has spread and that good news is causing them to run out of cake sooner than later. She added though, they are buying apple cakes from Barber's Orchard to supplement the dessert menu, which is extensive. The apple cake from Barber's is delicious and reminds me so much of the apple cake my mom used to make. But cake discussion is a bunny trail, so back to fall foliage. The colors are brilliant this year. The reds are popping and the sun hitting the golden leaves is dazzling. The temps were cool and the tourists were few. All in all a great afternoon of leaf looking. Usually, we go to Devil's Courthouse and return on NC 215 into Canton, but we figured that might be where we would encounter crowds. Roy has yet to load his pics onto my computer and hopefully, he will get that done today. I know he got some great photos. 

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Feel like a new person, got my haircut yesterday. Came home to pick up Roy and we headed over to Publix with every other person in the tri county area. Okay, we don't live anyplace where it is called tri county but I like saying it. With Roy changing brands of oatmeal, we don't need to go to the Kroger as much as we used to. He has also discovered almond bars from Costco and he eats them more often than just plain almonds. It's always a work in progress. 

Doesn't look like the forecasted rain is going to happen today. We could use a little rain since it has been so dry and a gentle rain would extend the leaves staying on the trees. The other day I took The Boys out to the front porch. It has been a while since they've been out there. I sat at the table working on the lesson while they ran around and kept up with everything moving about because of the breeze. The neighbor's donkey was braying and the horses above us were in the pasture closest to our house. Their snorts and whinnies broke through all the way to the front porch. The sky and landscape both held those hints of fall in the air. Such a special time to enjoy the fragrances, sights and sounds of the country. 

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Warm Saturday, well eventually it will be. Going to get the warm weather stuff taken care of this weekend before the bottom drops out temp wise. We got all the zinnias in the front containers pulled out and put together another raised bed. Dead headed some roses and have several more to take care of. 

I read last night this is one of the more brilliant falls color wise in recent memory. The mountains along the freeway are ablaze with autumnal hues. What a delight and blessing to live here. I'm considering heading out to the Madison Market in a bit. It is one of my favorites. 

You Might Remember...

 Let me introduce myself...well, it has been a long time since writing a blog post. Partly due to first Roy having the crud, then I got it, then we had a few days where we both had it, I am still recovering and then that fire inside me to sit and write just wasn't sparking, thus the lull. Getting Mr Mo and G Mo acclimated to freedom in the house took some of the fire out for sure. This is all a work in progress. These boys play so hard and have FOMO to the inth degree. We almost have to put them in time out for them to rest. They are sweet and loving that's for sure but still young and not looking to be lap cats just yet. They wear me out but thankfully, Roy has the stamina for their antics. Right now, their favorite toy to play with inside is a little pine cone.  They get along really well and share, well for the most part. 

I think the appointment with the gastro office really did me in. Right after the appointment to even this morning, that whole thing has not set well with me. For the most part yes, the patients are mostly of our ilk, older, some elderly and some well, just some. It seemed like some of the questions with the PA were questions to trip one up. I do not believe in doing rote things and I had filled out paperwork two times online and had paperwork to bring in. Thus, I attach a list of meds to the paperwork but either the reception clerk mistyped in the info or this is standard practice, but too many of the dosages were wrong and as we went through the medications, a lot of corrections were made. Did she think I didn't know? Of course the question of what brought you in today? I explained about the symptoms and pain I had at the first of the year but hadn't experienced since March when all things related to the robbery and such were resolved, thus the stress conclusion by two of my other doctors. She assumed it was still going on and wrote thusly in the report. When I went to the scheduler the feeling of being railroaded into two different times didn't sit well. So, I chose one of the dates, only to change it once I got home. The phone call scheduler is much nicer. This week the scheduler called and wanted to know if I was willing for the appointment to be bumped out an hour and I was nice and pleasant with my response of, yes that will be fine...she was kind of surprised to tell you the truth. They must get lots of push back on any changes.  Hope that got written into the permanent record. Of course I realize that complaining about their attitude at the office is a typical old person kind of thing...but y'all this was almost oppressive in nature.

The Feral Fam is doing well for the most part. Mama Cat has launched her two kittens into cat world and they seem to be holding their own. Fluff Mo takes an active part in keeping watch and helping them. This week our neighbor helped a baby squirrel and then took it to a wildlife refuge place. 

Yesterday, third time was a charm in getting over to Little Switzerland. Roy had never been there. The drive is beautiful but Little Switz is a bump in the road. The little café there has delicious food. I was so hoping for orange cake but they didn't have any. The bookstore is a lot of fun to look through. Used books and saw a Gail Godwin first edition of one of her earlier novels but dang, didn't want to pay the first edition price. I had it in paperback but it went the way of Goodwill in the 2011 purge before moving to Rancho De Five. After browsing the store we headed over to an apple orchard that grows vintage apples that were popular long ago. We weren't interested in getting apples cause we have honey crisp and candy crisp apples from Barbers Orchard. Fun looking around and I found a Save the Monarchs sweatshirt. It will be cool enough to wear this weekend. We opted out of Mt Mitchell because my stamina was ebbing but I had enough energy to make a quick walk through at Lamp Post Vintage Market. There is a woodworking vendor and I love his little Christmas trees. He also had snowmen that were rustic and cute. May have to go back for a couple of those. 

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A lazy Saturday morning. The Boys are full of energy and we've tried all the tricks to get the yips out but it just one of those cool mornings that energizes. We are getting ready for probably what will be the first frost of the season. Got to get the lime tree in as well as several other plants like lavender and rosemary. We pulled up zinnias yesterday afternoon. Need to dead head roses but we shall see...how much energy Roy has. 

We conclude Jonah tomorrow. This four chapter book is really complex and layered with all kinds of disobedience, obedience, anger, joy...its gots it all! We only have this window of time in Jonah's life, we don't know anything other than where he lived, his father's name and his prophecy in II Kings 14. He seems to be grouchy that's for sure. Next week we start Hosea. We covered that book in The Gospel Project a couple of years ago, daunting no less for this simple minded teacher. 

The dreaded day has come for the pasture across the way. Trucks and heavy equipment are digging and leveling away toward the top of the rise. For now trees hide whatever is happening but we had this wonderful view for almost eight years and reluctantly I accepted that progress continues out here in the country. 

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Guess I will close this post and try to begin again. A bit of that fire is back, well maybe more like a spark. Off for an exciting Monday. 

 

Fog, Earth Wind and Fire...and the Long Awaited Appointment

 A good Monday morning, albeit foggy. These have been some of the densest fog of recent memory these past few days. We have heard sirens several times and guessing it could be due to wrecks. One siren even had the sound like those heard in WWII movies. From the sound of it, people are driving much faster than they should in this fog. So says the old lady in me. 

I actually shared in Sunday School class a "My crazy friend, Debbie" story. It fit perfectly and the memory of that story came to mind while getting ready for church. Oh my, I wish with the story I could have impersonated her looks and speech pattern. One of my all time fav, about the pastor having the church staff build him a patio and deck all in the name of teamwork and spiritual gifts. 

Think this week is our last lesson in Amos. I wasn't too enthused about the Minor Prophets for the fall session with the exception of Jonah, but the lessons are so applicable to the current culture as well as the status quo in church world...mainly with pastors looking for a platform or a voice or popularity. I kind of stayed out of that and chose to look at how easily the world view can sneak into our lives and views...then totally surprised when we evaluate and ponder on these things.  

Last week we were gifted with the leg, tail and hip section of a squirrel. This morning we were left some squirrel innards. Oh yes, the joy of the gift but in this case it is better to give back to The Feral Fam as it was to receive squirrel parts. For sure, these are special and treasured gifts and we are so undeserving. So, back to the cats the innards went and I am happier for it. 

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The big day I've been waiting for since June. Hope all goes well, which it should because it is just a consultation but I should leave being on the road for something knowledgeable. It feels like the crisis point is in the past but still...  That's why it has been so important for me to go into this appointment the best I can both physically and mentally. Maybe the true test is doing all the paperwork they require...like I feel as if I have done this online as well as bringing in the same info. Oh well. 

Looks like this week the feral cat lady will be coming by to pick up any males we can catch. Several are friendly with us when they eat, so hopefully we will be able to start the process. We think we have more males than females, thus all the cat fights in the past few weeks. 

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Do you remember the 21st night of September.... Well, it is that day we like to celebrate with a little dancing and such. Good day to be driving around in the convertible playing this on repeat. G Mo had an appointment to finish up his shots as well as later in the day running over to Ingles for a few things.

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The appointment at the Dr office was neither good nor bad but expected. They gave me a date for the next appointment and once I got home, we realized it will not work for us. So, since then emailed them, responded to cancel the appointment when the automated machine call came last night and this morning I find an email wanting me to confirm the appointment, but sent a message back. I will call later and leave a message cause this practice is the hardest I have ever seen to actually talk to a real live person. I understand the need for this but it is very frustrating. The people that work at the facility are nice enough but this is the first time that I can remember being treated as an old person, not just old but probably treated like a dawdling old person, which I am not. Or rather I am not at that stage of old person level. So I wait. The appointment itself had good news that in just the physical exam everything felt right so that is good. The PA spent a lot of time feeling my heartbeat. She didn't use the stethoscope but just her hand. That was odd in my thinking but what do I know, I am just an old lady.  So, for friends who are praying for me and the results and ongoing adventure concerning all things that have to do with this appointment, no real news except the day finally came and went. Nothing physically to the touch felt out of place, just now to wait for anything internal and oh yes, a call back. 

No Worse For The Wear

 Oops, I did it again. Yes, last night while getting the sunflower heads off of the stalks and after pulling up a few stalks, it happened. Yes, I slipped and fell in the garden. Another instance of coming to the garden alone, but no dew on the roses, no sinking sand, just slippery sod. Roy was in the front flowerbed and I called out. He heard me and responded but didn't come to checkout the happenings. So I called him on the phone. While he was making his way to the slippery sod, I checked out my feet both straight, not leaning to the side. I fell on my good hip. No worse for the wear except a little sore this morning and no bruises. Working for EPD all these years, with safety moments every morning, Roy is very safety minded. I had to promise I would not do this without him being closer which to him means, he will do it. With the cooler temps I have finally felt good enough to get outside and work in the yard doing something that I love. Guess finding some level ground is a good idea. 

The clouds and fog are so beautiful this morning in our valley. Guess it is selective fog. With cooler temps we have the windows open and just now that September fragrance from the outdoors wafted into the house. I think it is my favorite fragrance. 

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Thanks to my friend Karon, I think I have a new hair stylist and she is so much closer than going into Biltmore Village.  The appeal of making that trip also lost its luster when Corner Kitchen stopped serving breakfast. A lot of thought has gone into making the change and it was just me needing to take the time and make the appointment. Last haircut in July, so I was a bit of a shaggy dog. Tammy is so talented and she is also a great stylist. Came home loving my haircut and I booked my next appointment. 

The plan was to head over to Canton afterwards but instead I came on home. Ate a late lunch and then we went to the Les-Ter Farmer's Market. Our friends from church were selling homemade bread, handmade jewelry and lemonade. I had some of the bread last night and it is delicious! It was also fun seeing friends there as well. Next time I am not eating a late lunch so that we can get a hamburger from Wellsdale Farms. 

All the Feral Fam and The Boys are quite lively this morning. Charlie got up in the dogwood tree and had difficulty in finding his way down. So, he climbs a little higher. Eventually, Charlie made his way down the tree and as he is almost to the lowest limb, his tail caught his attention. He is in the Y of two branches, hanging upside down and grabbing his tail. G Mo has had his attention on his tail as well as Mr Mo's. 

I experienced a little hip pain from the slip on the sod the other night once I got into bed and laid on my left side. Mainly muscular but that pain sometimes with a little nerve pain shall we say, sometimes cuts right through to the bone. Finally, I got out of bed when I realized this pain wouldn't just fade away and got out the Bio Freeze. Thankfully, found the roll on kind and didn't have to use the spray...which is an eye opening experience on warm skin. Nothing like crawling back into bed with the perfume of the night lingering underneath and over the covers. Roy mumbled something like, what hurts? Hip. I told you not to garden alone...is it working? Yes, relief is overtaking the pain. 

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Buddy has been gone for a year today. We were talking and remembering her quirks, tantrums and immense love she had for us, me in particular. A couple of days ago Bobbsey was around. He looks identical to HP except for his nose. For a brief moment, I thought it was HP. He hasn't been around for over six months, so his appearance is always a welcomed surprise. 

On Thursday we were heading toward Little Switzerland to visit the bookstore there and have lunch at the really cute restaurant. Not much there except for beautiful scenery. Roy has never been there and he was ready to take pictures except we were hearing a not usual noise with the Mustang. We pulled over and didn't see anything suspicious and went on a little farther when we decided to punt Little Switzerland and head back home. Upon inspection at home Roy figured out the noise being a little mud flap by the front left tire. It is working itself loose. I decided to head over to Canton to go to Duckett's and the Blue Moon Bookstore that opened earlier this year in downtown Canton.  Beautiful cool day with the fragrance of cut hay but then you hit Canton and the wafting fragrance of paper mill overtakes any cut hay fragrance. First stop Blue Moon Books. Didn't realize it was a used bookstore. Unusual in that it has cozy nooks for reading and the books are shelved beautifully and in an orderly fashion. In the front of the bookstore, regional interest and authors. So many books, so many books that looked like the shelves at home. Several signed and one signed by Gail Godwin...one of my all time favs. I've been thinking over the fact that many of the books I collected over the years need to find new homes but didn't want to just take them over to Habitat. Now, they can go to Blue Moon and while this is not a selling point for me, but store credit is given. The man running the shop that day and I had such an interesting conversation to all things books, especially the genre that interests me. 

The stop at Duckett's was productive. Had good looking peaches and also picked up some canned products by Lou Lou. She is also making tomato pies. Had a slice, okay two slices for lunch Thursday and wowsers, that's some good tomato pie. Think I might freeze several slices for this winter when fresh grown tomatoes are only a fond memory. 

We picked up our glasses yesterday and as our recent tradition, breakfast at Another Broken Egg beforehand. Roy ordered his regular choice but I ordered the pumpkin waffle with cinnamon butter and pecans. It was a great choice and although I like fall and all things fall related, pumpkin other in pie or maybe ravioli, I as far as I go with that pumpkin thing. This waffle, if we are nearby will be ordered again. Yum!

We have a couple of things on the to do list today so we will begin those errands in a bit. I realized the choir retreat would take a lot out of me and opted out but assured our choir director that I would use the CDs she made for us. The fine line of sitting and moving is just that, a fine line and I approach that line with the confidence of a tight rope artist...balanced of course but a few off balance scares to make it all interesting.