Boxes, Letters and Poetry

 The continuous journey of going through box after box seems never ending. Although I have come across a few items that has given me pause. The notebook from college that I began when I was writing out Bible studies. Jumbled studies at best with no theme, but I remember many of them to this day. That was kind of fun looking through them. Then I found a letter from a Sunday School teacher during Married Young Adult days at First Baptist. Let's just say, this teacher didn't particularly care for me, nor I her. This whole letter is admonishing me. Apparently, we overslept church and Sunday School, thus my part of the lesson of reading a passage and then telling the class what I had learned created a huge distraction for this teacher. She pulled aside another member of the class to ask questions about me. This Cheryl, who I don't remember at all told the teacher I hated public speaking...Cheryl didn't know me very well, did she? This letter I haven't thought of since, well probably since the day of receiving the letter, but just now when I read it, it all came back to me. I read it to Roy and just now he remembered when I got that letter. It was different back then. Churches now court young couples with children or just young people. When we were in MYA there were some good teachers mixed in along with a lot of passive aggressive bitter old people who didn't really encourage, but excelled in grinding everyone down. I still remember the Education Minister coming to the department and telling us we were causing the long lines at bathrooms and the reason the parking lot filled so quickly. We all should have left. A long time ago, when Dena first began teaching, I made a solemn vow to her I would not disrupt her class in anyway like I had done so previously as a child, teenager and young adult. You know cussing in class to get kicked out, studying more than the teacher to takeover the class with questions I felt she could not answer. Yes, many years at the beginning of a promotion year to the next grade in Sunday School, my mother would call the teacher and say, I am saving you a hard call you'll want to make later. Let's go ahead and meet so we can at least know one another before discussing Nancy's conduct in class. 

We watched football yesterday, rooting for the Bengals because of Joey B and Chase. It was difficult though cause the Honey Badger and Clyde are on the Chiefs. Roy decided to do paperwork upstairs during the Rams/49s game. I was on the phone for most of it but did see the end of the game. These have been thrilling games in the post season. 

It felt good to be out for just a couple of minutes in the balmy 45 degree temps yesterday afternoon. The sun came out but the windy breeze kept it on the cool side. I fed the Feral Fam early in the late afternoon. Just a few in attendance because after being cooped up for a bit, they needed to get out and roam. It is easier to get them fed when they are not all in attendance. I just came in and it was almost a full house this morning. Junior and Biggio in attendance, but Mr Biggio has been in a fight and with his back legs looking like they do, I believe this is the work of KH. He hasn't been around as much but he is still a presence. Biggio did not greet me but was under a table as Sweetie sat with him. He came out to eat a little which is good. I did not get too close to him because I have to remember he is a feral cat and I do not want him to bite or scratch me because he is afraid and defensive. 

Not even 9:00 am and Roy has already been on the phone with SSA, mainly for mailing info but again, told something different. We have filled out all the forms everyone wants and so once again we will be visiting our new BBF, UPS. We have a generator appointment this morning as well as Roy has Toastmasters, as well as a Zoom call a little later. Meanwhile, I go through boxes of stuff. Believe me I would rather go through the boxes. Let me give a shout out to our friend Jennell, she helped Roy with so much on Saturday. She learned all of this Medicare stuff working at the hospital and has kept up with all the changes throughout the years. Thank you, Jennell. She has helped with DMV questions as well. A fount of blessing for sure. 

I used to write a lot of poetry, bad poetry, but none the less, it was something creative. So this morning, I leave you with a poem written while either in high school or early in college. 

The Donut Queen

She's known very well in this place- the shop in which she fills her face.

The table is set with such grace and care for there is so many donuts to prepare

Sugar, jelly, cream filled is the demand as she gathers them up with her hand

These donuts she begins to seize but there must be more than just these!!

With much gusto, the plate she attacks and as she does the chair goes, crack!

But she doesn't care, she doesn't mind it's just a little extra weight on her behind.

In her desperation she tries to restrain but when you love donuts it's all done in vain.

This was a wonderful, stupendous, victorious day!

She'd eaten all the donuts before the plate was taken away.

Miss Donut Queen she was crowned, but she didn't wear a formal for she was too round.

People crowded around, they knew she wouldn't fail because that girl had the ribs of a whale.

They wanted to erect a memorial, a shrine. She could be the Queen forever-she'd never resign.

As she pulled herself off the floor and headed out the wide load door, she was heard to say

You can have your cookies , tea and such

but just give to me, Hot Shipley Donuts! 

NC friends, Shipley Donuts is a legend and mainstay of the donut world in much of Texas. 

Ten Degrees and Rising

 Brrr...it was cold feeding the Feral Fam and it is still cold going out to the garage to get another can of beef broth for the roast out of the storage container. This house has no storage, or at least very limited. 

I am part of two groups on FB associated with my birthplace. While we left when I was really young, for those of you new to Monablog, I spent almost every summer there when I was in elementary school. While not being familiar with all the places talked about and remembered fondly, those that are familiar really bring back some good memories. A member of the group posted a memory of being the age between mom and pop stores in neighborhoods and the beginning of larger chain grocery stores. So many have posted about the stores they visited after school for candy and such. One post in particular was about the small store located across from Riverside Elementary School which was located on my grandparents street. I responded and added, my grandmother just called it the junk store because we went there and got junk...candy and such. The author of the post and I got into a conversation and he knew my grandfather and my cousin from church. Ah, yes, Riverside Baptist Church. Funny, there wasn't a river in close proximity to all these places named riverside. I had just been thinking about my grandparent's church earlier in the week. Memorable, the sound our patent leather mary janes made on the sound of the linoleum steps as we clattered down to the basement for Sunday School and many years, VBS. It was a hollow sound that seemed to fill the stairwell, basement and beyond. One of the other sounds of the neighborhood was the Standard Gas Station on the corner of two main streets in the area. The ding ding sound of cars rolling over the rubber hose bell was a constant in the evenings. You could only hear it from the back upstairs bedroom. A familiar sound greeting my falling asleep. The icing on the cake from replying to the post, someone knew the name of the junk store, Pat's Little Market. That is so nice to know.

Just got word there is no Sunday School in the morning because of the roads and the chance of black ice. I am going to teach this week's lesson next week. I really enjoyed the study of Daniel 3 and this will give me time to do more studying and reading. 

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We woke up to 10 degree temperature and a Life Lock alert. Nothing like waking up quickly. It was an alert on some things we had changed so all in all, it is good knowing Life Lock is working. No Sunday School like I had previously written but I had decided to wear a cable knit sweater to class. I hardly ever wear sweaters because even here, they get too hot. I was also thinking of wearing my very warm coat, but now they are just thoughts. Wow, what a morning to be teaching on the fiery furnace.  I did get out to the Feral Fam and got them fed. It is chilly in the garage and some have taken the opportunity to use the back corner for warmth. Roy doesn't call them the Feral Fam, he calls them the Poot Butts. No explanation is needed. 

The afternoon held a little bit of time to read, continuing with the Anderson Cooper book on the Vanderbilts. He said his mom, Gloria of jean fame, kept everything and as he went through boxes he read journals and notes, newspaper articles and pictures. Over the years, I have read a lot of books both nonfiction and fictionalized versions of their story. It was a difficult read to get through on the Commodore. The only thing he really cared about is money and how he treated his family was based on their worth to money. It felt a little too close to home cause it doesn't matter if you are the richest person in the world or just an average Joe who hoarded money and was miserly in any administration of it be it charity or people.  The Commodore at the end of his life was trying to "buy" so to speak his way into heaven. The book is riveting but I may need to start a different book to counterbalance the sadness of the story. 

The remaining bit of snow will melt today, at least in the front of the house but this morning the snow is reflecting like diamonds. The pasture across the way as well. Our busy road is not busy right now. At both ends of this connecting road is a lot of shade so for sure there is black ice hanging around till it at least melts. 

Margaret Feinberg wrote a week a so ago about feeling foggy, maybe even thinking that she was experiencing a brain tumor. Long story short, pandemic side effect. I was happy to read this because last summer into early fall I was doubting my mental abilities. Please no sarcastic comments. Ha!  Partly age but deep in the recesses of the brain is the fact my mother had Alzheimer's. My brother and I have talked about that deep receded fear and his Dr has assured him that anything he has experienced is not Alzheimer's. Last summer, as I have written about before, really felt like a time of loss and that sense of loss really messed with me. Having regular conversations now that Roy is here and spirited discussions both agreeing and disagreeing on how to solve the world's problems has been immensely helpful.  I'm including part of the email that Margaret Feinberg sent out in case you have been feeling this too.

Truth be told—everything feels a little foggy. I catch myself saying, “Last August or was it February or was it the year before.” 

 

I simply can't recall. It's so blurry. 

 

I visited a doctor who assured me I didn't have a brain tumor, and says she's seeing this grey forgetfulness among many of her patients.

 

One of my friends jokes… “We're living in coronatime.” 

 

But it's not all silliness. One of the big factors that helps us distinguish time and create markers of memory is big events.

 

The huge holiday celebrations. The breathtaking Fourth of July fireworks. The birthday party surrounded by everyone you love and everyone who loves you. 

 

For me, many of those memory markers have disappeared or been muted over the last two years. Snowstorms and cancelled flights and postponed events. Friends unable to attend gatherings from hesitance or sickness or sudden life change. Big trips and little getaways cancelled… parties made smaller… people missed… and the shuffling of friends along the way. 

 

The breakneck speed of life before the pandemic has been replaced with a bit-by-bit blurring with spikes of stress, social isolation, and disruption that take up a lot of our cognitive space and sometimes leave us with a hollow void. And I can't remember when that happened. :)

 So if you're experiencing this, too, rest assured… you're normal.  

 In this flatter toned world, I believe it's all the more important to ask Holy Spirit to make us hyper-attentive to the Presence. Because God has not lost one iota of his wonder and magnificence.

 Revelation 4 describes God on the throne surrounded by splashes of color, crashes of sound, and bizarre shapes and creatures that even on our best earthly days we'll never fully comprehend. 

 God still shines and shimmers, glitzes and glimmers, beams and blazes. Nope! God has not lost his flare. 

 So listen and look close, my friend, to be wonderstruck by God. You might find it when you least expect. 

 On Sunday, the church service felt muted. The response to worship passive. The attendance sparse. 

 But when we lit candles at the altar in prayer, I stood next to an elderly man. Like me, he's a kid in a candy store during this bright, flickery prayer time. While most people light a candle, we light rows and rows of them. A touch of whimsy tucked in, the flames represent hushed heartcries  for ourselves and those we love. 

 That's when I heard it. 

 This shush-shush-shushing sound.  

 I noticed the man's hands shaking, his whole body rocking with tremors. I can't identify the medical malady, but there we stood, side by side, crying out to God for healing for ourselves and those we love. In that moment, I sensed the power that can only be found in the community of believers who pray. 

 Nope. God has not lost his flare. 

 My hope and prayer for you this week is that you'll know you're not the only one who is feeling a little foggy.  Though life sometimes feels repetitive or muted or not like it used to be, God still rises above this mess in glory and wonder inviting us to look up and look all around his presence. 

 So go ahead, light a candle or two of prayer, and remember God has not lost his flare. 

With all my love, 

Margaret

  

Third Weekend of Snow, Lovely

 We have had some big ol flakes of snow falling over the past hour. It is not sticking but the forecasters are saying we might get snow all night with a little break around supper time. Roy just had to go out because the modem was delivered. We got to see a beautiful sight just a little bit ago. We were in the front bedroom watching it snow. It has the best view and lo and behold three young deer were in the pasture across the road. They made their way sticking close to one another. When they stopped for a brief pause, they were in the tall weeds that have lost all their green and are now amber and brown, just like the deer. We couldn't see them too well camouflaged in the midst but they moved on, probably across the other road to some woods. It was a beautiful and delightful sight to experience. We don't see deer too much around our house. Once I saw two on the back gravel road and they were surprised as much as I was to lay eyes on one another.   

Today, Roy's brother Patrick was laid to rest. The last phone call Roy received from Patrick was about snow. He wanted to make sure we were okay. Roy just said, it started snowing here just about the time Patrick's service would begin. I saw a big ol cardinal on Tuesday afternoon in the hemlock tree. They say when a cardinal is around, loved ones who have passed away are visiting you. Roy missed the visit because he was lost looking for the barber shop and then had to wait a couple of hours to get the haircut. It is so strange in this time, these years of a pandemic and how decisions can be made for what we do and where we go. Roy's oldest brother was not able to attend either. That is in the back our of minds but what threw us for a loop, we both had a little bit of PTSD when thinking about having to stop at a hotel and then stay in a hotel while being in town for the service. While Roy was calm during the robbery, he was visibly moved once he began thinking about a hotel parking lot. That is very unusual for Roy. Allison, Patrick's wife, was very understanding because other family members were having a difficult time getting to the service. She knows we love her and that Roy was close to Patrick. When he spoke of his uneasiness of travel to her, his voice broke and I saw a tear or two mixed of grief and trepidation thinking about traveling, staying and parking in a hotel lot.  

Because of the impending snow, wind and wind chill forecasted, we took off yesterday going up yonder to TN. We had some stuff for Goodwill in the back of the truck and right there by the Walmart, a Goodwill truck. Made a Wally run for some stuff Roy needed and got his supply back up of six packs of Dr Enuf, diet that is. Then we took the scenic trip through Erwin, found a Tractor Supply to visit someday, on the way to Food City. We then went into Johnson City to the Kroger to get the food that Roy loves and can't be found, well can't be found in portion control packages. The coffee we can't find here, well, we found it there at the Kroger. Before we went to the Kroger, we stopped in for lunch at the Mexican food restaurant next to it. Roy has been wanting to try it and so yesterday seemed like a good day to do so. It was really good! The salsa, guacamole, the eggs Mexicana, and soft tacos were delicious. We love Ay Caramba near us but this was a little more Tex Mex but not enough Tex Mex for chili gravy. Oh well, the search continues. We ended our TN visit with a quick trip through Barnes and Noble, made a stop at TJs in Mars Hill for some heirloom tomatoes and ran into Ingles for some snow donuts. All in all a good day. I think the day brought a smile to Roy's face and spirit. He has experienced one heck of a December and January. 

We are solving the mystery of Social Security and Medicare...somewhat. Roy's paperwork, while not flying through the system has been processed and a letter sent. Crickets from them when it comes to anything concerning me. He called this morning both agencies, got very lovely people and once they processed all of Roy's info, they stopped the process for me because I qualify for more benefits under his than mine. She gave us links to do the paperwork, the person to call and leave a message with and encouragement that all is not lost, there is a solution. It would have been nice to know this and they had just sent a letter addressing what needs to happen.  

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Snow began around 2:00 and big flakes were falling by 3:00. Had that little break the forecasters told us about and then it began snowing again. Think we got a little more than anticipated but the snow is moving on heading toward Boston and NYC.

I started reading the Anderson Cooper book on the Vanderbilts last night and had to stop when I realized I had not folded clothes on our bed and those would need to be taken care of before going to sleep. I don't know if the Biltmore Vanderbilts are included in the book. After the intro with some family facts, he begins with The Breakers in Newport RI. Back in the day when Roy and I were doing a Joint Venture Audit of some oil and gas properties, we took the weekends we were there to travel about. Decided against NYC and went to the Boston area and then up to Rhode Island. We toured the Breakers. Beautiful. 

So the roast is cooking and making the downstairs a fragrance extravaganza. Roy is doing his quiet time and then riding the recumbent bike. The Feral Fam has been fed and hopefully they will settle down in the warmth of blankets, old sweaters and flannels. It dawned on me last night that Junioretta has not been around for a couple of weeks. She has always been a bit on the dainty side and not hardy stock like the others. 

January Weekend, Another Weekend With Snow

 It is 3:21 am and another night of waking up in the middle of the night. So far I have studied for Sunday and looked through FB and now, blogging. I have to be up earlier than usual because Jen had a cancellation and so I am getting a haircut. 

Speaking of haircuts, Roy got one yesterday after about six weeks. He belonged to the Board Room in TX and he got haircuts every two weeks. He went to a barber shop and it took him several hours to finally be the one in the chair. Usually, there are three barbers but one injured his shoulder so they are down to two. This was Roy's first solo drive and to make it interesting, he arrived home after the sunset. We had dropped off the truck for service and when we picked it up in the afternoon, I came on home and Roy drove to the barber shop, only getting lost once. These narrow rural roads are something else and at night...well, that is another story. I was very happy to see Roy pull onto our road and I was very happy to help him by parking the car. It takes some getting used to but with practice he will be wheeling into our drive in no time. 

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Good news, I slept through the night. I think I've worried too much about timing of things and paperwork getting taken care of and stuff like that. I told my friend Sandy, those late night get ups sometimes become a tug of war, I give things to the Lord and then take them back, give and take back. Finally, once I have worn myself out in prayer, it is the indicator of going to sleep. Sometimes I do things the hard way. 

Jenn had a cancellation and I was able to get a haircut yesterday morning. It was the perfect time, 9:00 am. The salon was conducting a class for their apprentices and junior stylists on working on curly hair. I am not that much into the subject but it was interesting, especially the description of product. I asked Jenn what she is teaching in March, her specialty in teaching is color especially in the red tones but she added it is the hair subject she is the most communicative to others on. She added that she has tried to instruct on the subject of foundational cuts, but she approaches haircuts as art and she goes where her creative spirit and art take her. I loved that! You wouldn't think that with my hair you'd need anything creative to go on. She of recent stylists in my life gets it, how I want my haircut. It used to be the front part of my hair got very heavy but now as hair thinning is taking place, the problem area is the crown of my head. Are you just glued to your seats to find the resolution in all of this? Well, it is not so much about my hair as it is with Jenn's creative talent and the process of creating. I should get her a copy of Walking On Water by Madelene L'Engle. 

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This post has kind of taken a backseat to life this week. We have had a lot demanding our attention. The mornings haven't given a chance for much writing. I believe we are sticking around the house today and will definitely will tomorrow with the wind chill at -1. This should be our third weekend in a row with snow. I saw a forecast for February and it begins cold but warms up toward the end of the month. I do like that but of course relying on forecasts that far out, well, they are not believable. 

We thought at least one pair of dress pants had made it to the mountains, but alas, they were all taken in the robbery, as well as dress shirts. We ordered two pairs of pants and we are still looking for a deal on one or two dress shirts. This came to our attention when we were planning to go to a funeral this week. When I got home Roy relayed the discovery as well as no news on my medical coverage. Those factors as well as maybe thinking about his brother, he wasn't quite ready to go to a funeral just yet. We dropped off the cake for the family meal afterwards. 

A friend asked me yesterday how I liked having Roy here 24/7. The response, I love it. We are finding our pattern to mornings and the rest of the day. He being more structured than me, needs that discipline for his mornings and the beginning of the day. That works because I like blogging in the early morning. Well, early for me. I enjoy days where we don't have to go anyplace and he is starting to welcome that as well. He still has lots of Toastmaster Zoom meetings as he wraps up his duties with that and has found a group here he enjoys as well as a once a month group where I think you have to be DTMs to attend. He has stayed consistent with his workout program and now he is debating on whether he really wants a gym membership or not. Of course, winter snow and ice are jading his thinking process on this right now, but who knows. He has made quite the mini workout space that is easily put away in the bonus room and once it warms up and we've cleared out a few more boxes, he will have a spinning bike to add to his routine. 

The Feral Fam has been fed and depending on the cat, they are going about their normal routine. Some napping in the garage and others playing a fierce game of tag up on the gravel road. Yep, get that energy out because this afternoon starts the cold and maybe snow...and wind...but mainly cold. 

Sentimental Journey, Once Again

 Ah, home from church. The sun is out. It is supposed to warm up today. Love the cold and love the warm up. We have made plans, unmade plans, changed plans, adjusted plans and how we are just going to go with hanging around the house. I am trying to begin a new book and still haven't found the next one to read. Years ago, I purposely did not read a best seller by Gail Godwin because the day would come where I just might need to read something by her...today just might be the day that I open up that saved book. 

We took a bunch of stuff over to Habitat Thrift Store and some clothes over to Goodwill. When we got back since it was kind of warm in the garage I went through a couple of storage containers. Mostly Christmas stuff that we don't use anymore. I found the barbed wire Christmas tree, table size, but think it is going out the door as much as I loved it. Found a few things to keep. I also went through purses and brief cases that will be going out the door as well. I did find some treasures though, not treasures in the usual word, but things I had forgotten about and that brought joy to see them once again. On the practical side, I found a few orthotics that can be utilized.  

Sometimes when a Sunday School lesson means a little bit more than usual, it is even more difficult to teach it because of the affection attached to the study. I felt that with the first Daniel lesson. He was consistent in his leadership and being dependent on the Lord. He was becoming who he be starting there in the first chapter. When he determined not to defile his body with the king's food, he did so in a manner that respected his guard putting his life on the line as well as honoring God. We hear it so often in church situations to be a Daniel or to be strong and take a stand, to do the will of God, but we hear it as maybe shouting it out or demanding the change, not following after the Lord with a quiet and kind spirit. Daniel's quiet spoke louder than any yelling ever does. You see it happening on Twitter, sometimes what you read resembles a shouting match. When Daniel tells the King in chapter 2 what he dreamed as well as the meaning, he didn't hog the glory so to speak, he included his three friends who had been praying with him for this wisdom from God. They were rewarded for their faithfulness and integrity. A particularly moving introduction in a Eugene Peterson book brought it together for me, who Daniel was and who he became were congruent what he said and how he responded lined up with the values and character Daniel possessed. Eugene Peterson wrote of his own experience. Starting a church he had the business end of the denomination pushing him to have a larger congregation, take in more tithes and offerings, attract rich people to be members and the like. It had an affect on his pastoring. He was conflicted in his presentation in sermons and in his ministry to the people of the church. The Lord used a seminar speaker who Eugene highly respected to change his attitude and he then truly began to minister and serve his congregation, the only church he ever pastored and did so for many years. While teaching the lesson and in this critical part, I could see our pastor out in the parking lot spreading more sand around some ice and snow that lingered because of the shade. 

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Unpacking more boxes from the garage slowed to a crawl because of sentimental attachments. Found things my mom made, scrapbooks from junior high and high school, pictures of some great trips, and a few things like that. Why I took the time to paste notes passed in school is beyond me but our sign off on all these notes between friends is "Luff ya" which I hadn't remembered. I looked it up and today it means friend love which I guess is what it meant back them. Funny, not even given this a thought in all these years, then start reading notes and it was the sign off of choice. I kept all my comic books too. Lots of Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, all the Archie and Riverdale gang and Casper the Friendly Ghost comics. Nothing like vintage Superman or anything. I did look a few of them up and a few could bring a couple of dollars. Not bad for a 10 or 12 cent investment. 

This week we are on the plains of Dura with Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego. Since we didn't have much on the calendar to take care of, I got some time to put together study notes and do some reading. One of the most beloved Bible stories. I looked at a couple of vintage children's books bought over the years to remember those wonderful days of Bible story telling with a flannel board and the poster cards hanging on the walls. 

After three reschedules due to snow, we are finally getting the truck in this week for an oil change and checkup. Roy has  Zoom appointments all week on various days. Tomorrow is the service for a friend here. She is one of the first people that greeted and welcomed me to our Sunday School class. I enjoyed our phone conversations and she gave me helpful hints for life in the mountains. I loved to hear her pray in our class and she also told some funny stories too. 

Well, I am up once again in the early morning, so guess I will try now to go back to sleep. Two nights in a row...much better sleeping through the night. 

Enjoy The Winter View

 There is a winter fog settling into our valley. Not a heavy fog but definitely a winter scene. There is also a winter fog settling over my brain while preparing for Sunday. There is so much in this first chapter of Daniel. Roy just came downstairs and said have you ever thought about Daniel is becoming who he needs to be in the first chapter so that the second chapter happens. Surprisingly to us both, I had looked into that yesterday on my limited ability to think through concrete yet abstract thoughts. With Roy's propensity to think exactly that way, it was more than interesting until my brain felt like it had gone on overload and rebelled wanting to return to the nonsensical nature that is prone to be experienced more than deep and heavy matters. Just for fun I Googled Up a paper written by a professor at Stanford University, written in 2001 but highly revised, their words, in 2021. Made it through the introduction before I began thinking about other things. Like, I took philosophy in college and flunked the course. Made A and Bs on tests and papers but I would not go to the lab, for discussion. It was a catch 22 situation I could go and get torn apart on what I believed or not go. I would fail no matter. I should have dropped the course but I thought maybe I would make a point with this professor. He made his point though. That was the year I stepped on a sewing needle...please do not faint knowing I was trying to sew on a button, dropped the needle in the shag carpet in my bedroom, couldn't find it but found it when I went to answer the phone. Stepped on it and it broke off in my foot. Father said I was fine but after a couple of days, I was not fine and went to the family doctor. He scheduled me immediately  for surgery to remove the needle. When he got into my foot, he couldn't find it and believed it was traveling around in my body. He was about to close up my foot and get me X-rays to find it when his finger tip touched it. The needle had traveled into a toe. After the surgery my parents were there and even coming out of the drugs I remember my father saying to me, "thanks a lot. You are costing me money," After this long, rambling paragraph you may join in with me saying, Nancy, stay out of philosophy matters. 

Well, that fog, it's snow. We are experiencing a light dusting of snow this morning. According to meteorologists, the snow in the mountains would be a hit or miss situation. 

After revealing the whole sewing experience, please be prepared for the next paragraph of secrets revealed. Yesterday, I made tortilla soup and it turned out to be a good batch. Sounds like I am making moonshine or something...but no soup. Froze most of it after having our supper but kept some for lunch this weekend. Today, now this is where you need to be sitting down, I got up early and put a roast in the crock pot. Fixing food two days in a row! What? Roy is hoping that this is something to become normal where I am thinking, maybe it's just the snow and winter weather. 

Different morning at breakfast today. Most of the main participants were in attendance. Baby was in the corner and yes, I know nobody puts Baby in the corner, but he put himself there. Blazey and Toupee met me at the door, Blazey is getting the hang of this, meeting me at the door means first food served is to these cats. The orange kitten who is growing by leaps and bounds has had a metamorphosis, he is becoming assertive at the food bowls. He is getting in closer to proximity but still runs a bit when I come near. 

We got word that Waste Pro will start back with regular pickups on Monday but recyclables not until our next regular day, January 31st. Such a quandary. So once again we planned a trip to the landfill and took trash but we also took several boxes of recyclables. That helped us in two ways, got rid of more moving boxes and plastic and glass bottles. We were in good company while there, a truck from the Biltmore Estate had backed up to a dumpster. It didn't look like trash from food or anything like that, must be from projects going on around the estate. You know nothing like being with the Biltmore, even at the dump. It was almost like being at the Estate...if one was hanging around their dumpsters. 

Today, I will leave you with these thoughts on snow from Reems Creek Nursery. 

  

Snow is called “poor man’s fertilizer”. We can all rejoice in the wealth of free nitrogen we received! According to NOAA, on average, 13 inches of snow is equal to 1 inch of rain. Snow can act like an insulating blanket for plants, but too much snow can cause branches to break. With a broom, gently remove heavy snow from trees and shrubs that may be damaged by the weight of the snow. De-icing salts can damage your plants, so apply de-icers with care. Sand, kitty litter, and sawdust won’t melt snow, but they may help prevent slipping on pathways. Old timers suggest sowing grass seed just before a snow (the snow insulates the seed and provides slow-release moisture to the seed). Try sowing grass seed on those bare spots in your lawn!   A blanket of snow disguises a multitude of eyesores. Enjoy the winter view.    So from a snowy day in the mountains I'll repeat the last line from Reems Creek, enjoy the winter view

Cabin Fever...Gone

 We are one degree above freezing and while others are out and about, we shall see if we can safely get out to take care of a couple of errands. Businesses are slowly opening today but many are closed. Don't blame them at all. That's what I love about being near small towns and cities. I kind of wish Fed Ex was open and making deliveries but it looks as if they're not. I want them all to be safe as well especially on all the side roads that may have not been cleared. We are so fortunate that our road and driveway are clear as well as the main road that runs in front of our house. 

This morning we cleaned out one junk drawer and are now trying to downsize from two junk drawers into one. Lot more stuff going to the Habitat Thrift Store whenever we can get there. We cleared out dishes we haven't used in a while which means we will need them next week. Roy has been on the phone or online with our insurance company and checking on our status with a few other companies. I am so glad we took garbage to the landfill last week because Waste Pro isn't running once again due to the side roads and black ice in the mornings. 

It is finally catching up with me, going on full throttle for the past month. I am weary and tired. I know that Galatians says not to grow weary in doing good, so onward but maybe with a slower pace. I know things will work out and the frustrations we are experiencing with Fed Ex and others will be resolved. It feels like what others have been saying, January has been the longest year this month.  

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Looks like we will warm up quicker today and that's good because we need groceries, especially for Roy's health diet he has to follow. Word is another snow storm this weekend yet it is an iffy prospect. Looks like the impact might be more for eastern NC than in the mountains. We will see. Hope the stores aren't too packed out. I will probably have to go alone because Roy needs to stay here if the Fed Ex package is put out for delivery again. Normally, we can go but he has to sign for this one. We've spent our days working here with the eye ever vigilant on the security camera and Roy's ear to the ground, so to speak. 

Had the 2:00 am wakeup so I got some studying done on the lesson for Sunday. We begin in Daniel and I am struck by how different the first chapter seems this time around. God's Word, active and alive. I am drawn to the relationship Daniel had with God and how that affects his relationship with others. After a year of watching Christians duke it out with other Christians on Twitter studying Daniel in the first chapter is welcomed. It is interesting in the reading for study purposes that in the late 1950s-mid 1970s, this passage was used to encourage students getting ready to attend college. It certainly seems to fit that theme. I don't remember if anyone did that or not in the summer before college. 

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Thursday morning. Breakfast was not well attended but it is warmer and KH is around. The weather forecast hasn't really been defined so we might have snow, we might not but the feeling is we will have rain. 

We finally solved the Fed Ex problem. After sitting around for days waiting on the delivery, which had to be signed for, we went to Fed Ex. Thinking all this time it would be located near the airport, it is only about eight miles away. Roy got on the phone, they still had the package, so we went there. It is a tremendous load off of us, it caused a lot of stress in trying to keep up with what was going on. I am leaving out details on purpose but to watch the tracking of it be on delivery vehicles and then not make it here since Saturday...partly the fault of the sender and partly weather/employees calling in sick/supply chain issues. 

While Roy waited on news of a delivery yesterday morning, I went to the grocery store. The roads were clear with the temps above freezing. Brenda once took me around our area showing me the places where black ice tends to happen and I am always thankful for that knowledge. Publix wasn't too bad and I found pretty much what we needed. I was looking mainly for stuff that Roy can eat. I thought about going over to Ingles for a few things but their parking lot was packed out. We ended up there a little later, still packed parking lot but the difference seemed to be staffing with Publix having more people working. Being in the late afternoon, the main drag was humming and filled with cars. Cabin fever broke and fear of ice lifted, we were all set free to roam. 

Prone to Wander, Prone to Wonder

 Good morning from the winter wonderland, but not wanderland because NDOT is asking that people not get out and about unless they absolutely have to. Izzy has left the area but we are now experiencing the back flow from the storm. Little flakes of snow are falling. Looks rather tranquil after watching the snow blowing in, with large flakes yesterday. We are forecasted not to get above freezing today. 

We have finished with Ezekiel and start Daniel this Sunday, the first chapter. Is it wrong that I ate the last donut for the snow mornings as I read the chapter? Technically, the popular Daniel fast is not really a fast and according to Heathline, The Ultimate Daniel Fast, and other resources, most if they participate, the fast should last ten days to three weeks but the training period was three years, so I am conflicted. Guess I will eat the last of my donut and think on these things. 

Yesterday, being a cold day, I dressed warmly even without any plans of going outdoors. I wore an insulated long sleeve Cuddle Dud shirt, long sleeve shirt and then a heavy flannel shirt. My jeans were lined with flannel. I did stay warm. Today, not going to that extreme although we probably won't get out of freezing temps, I am dressed once again in a layered, warmer look. The key to keeping warm? Warm feet, that is for sure. 

While going through these containers of memories, I feel like the view is from a completely different set of eyes and emotions. The last time I went through all these things, 2011. Getting into the ready position to move to Cinco Ranch. I got rid of so much then and now I need to get rid of this like I did back in the day, only there seems to be a more critical eye on some things and a little more sentimental feelings in the mix. Going back through the years, especially of Christmas, vacation or various holidays one cannot miss how uncomfortable my father looks. You can see the distant look saying, I'd rather be somewhere else, with someone else than these people. No smiles just dead compartmentalized eyes. The pictures were captured in what should be happy celebrations but he is decidedly unhappy and the happiness would only return at someone's misfortune or from a situation he orchestrated with the use of sabotage.   

If this pic doesn't say Merry Christmas, glad Jesus was born and we can celebrate, well butter my biscuits, I don't know what does. I have also been giving extra time at looking at pics with my mother. She was trendy and beautiful and I didn't realize that till last year. There have been many wonderful moments in life that overshadows those times in childhood and seeing pictures of all the fun stuff is gratifying. Doug and I say often, we are so thankful for our mom because she brought fun and light to certainly a dismal and miserable situation. Again, it hasn't been until recently that I think of my mom and the effect he had on her life. My mom had such a great sense of whimsy. There is a storage box in the garage that holds the clay pot family she made me...and I feel sure most of them are broken. I am not quite ready to face that reality yet but I did find the heart pillows with faces she made for me. 

The Feral Fam are rather a smart group at times. While all huddled up today, they put a chair cushion against the window, helping with a cold draft. 

Today, once again, Roy digs us out of the snow, well the car and truck. The neighbors did our road and Roy shoveled the big hunks aside. He got snow and ice off our vehicles too. He worked hard being a newbie to the snowfall. He was careful too realizing it could be rather slick out there on steep inclines. 

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It has been a month since Roy was robbed at gunpoint in Mobile Al at the I 65 Holiday Inn Express. They sent me a text yesterday offering rates just for me to stay there again. Are you kidding me? This is the first reach out they have done and they never published my review of their hotel. Some things have moved quickly in getting reconciled and other things are not. We have hit a glitch in one particular area that needs to be resolved quickly. We were tied up with the details yesterday and the whole day concentrating on resolution. Hopefully, the resolution comes today. What a mess but we trust the Lord and I am the one having the trust issues because I am so frustrated with the whole thing. Even in the frustration, we got some stuff done. Even in frustration there is so much to be thankful for, especially that Roy is here, never physically harmed or hurt in the robbery. We have read so many accounts of similar type robberies where the ending was not a good outcome. 

The snow stopped late yesterday morning. Today we get above freezing. We got more boxes emptied and we were surprised to find a couple of surprises in the boxes. I believe we have enough Band-Aids to last for years and years and years. We found Roy's pasta bowls, all of this in boxes he thought were from the office. The everyday silverware that I especially liked, was in that box as well as three of my favorite glasses for ice tea. 

Baby was here this morning. He comes by from time to time. He was up in the corner with the blankets. Toupee and Blazey were inside with the kits. From the look of the snow in the backyard, lots of little paw prints so guess some of these enjoy the snow. 

Well, there are things to do...or not do if we are not so moved. Maybe we can get things gathered for an eventual trip to Habitat. Roy is in a Zoom meeting and I am going to fix my breakfast and then work on the lesson for Sunday. 

Izzy and The Snow Fizzy

 Getting lots of texts and emails on how to prepare for a winter storm. We are doing laundry and I just vacuumed downstairs. Made taco soup last night and we stocked up on all of life's necessities, Diet Coke, Dr Enuff, snacks, sweets, boiled shrimp, tacos and strawberries...oh and some peeled orange slices. I moved everything on the front deck out of the way in case we needed to leave via the front door so we wouldn't be rolling on the river so to speak. Roy was bemoaning we didn't buy a sled the other day...uh, not being a party pooper here but our sledding days are over and we need to be more diligent about our slipping days. Slipping days are not usually of the fun sort. I also reminded him we will not be walking in a winter wonderland, we will be watching a winter wonderland. Pictures taken from the house are beautiful. Anyway, we await and watch all the weather as snow accumulations go up one hour and the next hour, it could be just ice. It could be snow and ice, or sleet or freezing rain or snow. Guess we are getting the smorgasbord of winter precip. 

Due to the coming storm, I have kind of a lesson prepared for Sunday School because I feel we will not have church. Also, this is not a favorite lesson this week because it feels agenda driven. Don't get me wrong the theme is important. I kind of got wore out with agenda driven sermons for capital campaigns or initiatives for the future or for whatever or even lessons for small groups that sustains directives, initiatives and the like. (as you can see I am a practicing run on sentence writer)  Sanctity of Life Sunday which I am all for but sometimes it isn't inclusive enough from before birth, I was just about to write after birth...but...that could be taken as something else totally, so after being born, living in all the seasons of life and then inching toward the end of life here on earth. Looking toward eternity. Anyway, if we have class we will cover the Israelites and how they approached life where wrongdoing is justified, callousness becomes the norm and Psalm 139, God's relationship with us. Going differently on Psalm 139 just a bit. Not a shock because I rarely cover what is in the quarterly, because you know, people read it or skim it or have lost their quarterly. I have been all those people I  am sad to report. 

It has been about a week since I have had one of those get up in the middle of the night things because I am wide awake. Of course one reason is to check on the status of snow and it is snowing a little bit right now. Looks to increase as the night goes on into morning. Our last snow was tiny flakes and the anticipation of larger snowflakes is kind of fun. This evening it was good to see that most of the Feral Fam have taken refuge in the garage and they're using the back corner where cat beds and blankets are. Gave them extra food to help keep them warmer tonight. 

Went through a small box and found a bunch more pictures. Some M&G and the HFBC Orchestra's Pop Concert. They played the William Tell Overture and Drew, Peggy, Ronnie and I played the parts of Lone Ranger, Tonto and escaped criminals. It was great fun and it felt like we were in a Bugs Bunny cartoon. Pictures of Roy when he was in Pageant but my health kept me from participating. Lots and lots of pictures and I realize I have been able to do a lot of fun things. Do I want to do these kinds of things again? Nope! But it sure was a lot of fun. I love posting them because a lot of people remember those times and hopefully a little smile comes to their faces. 

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Snow is blowing, snow is falling, it's true, Izzy has arrived just like she was forecasted to do. I can really hear the wind in this front room downstairs, more so than any other room in the house. The blanket of snow is covering imperfections for the day and the road out front is blanketed with snow and probably some ice. We've seen a few very brave people driving this morning but that number is very low. The road verses the ditches along the side are not seeable, at least from our view point at a distance. I also realized this morning when people are asked to check on their elderly neighbors...we have changed from checker to the check on category.  I am happy not to have to go through this winter blast alone. 

Well, our neighbors are out there and Roy joined them clearing off our driveway. Earlier a man on an ATV had a snow scrapper on the back of it and was clearing the main road we live off of snow. Does a heart good to see people out helping. Several guys with winches on their trucks have been pulling cars out of ditches this afternoon. One thing, I got so tickled about is Roy and his muck boots. He can get one off but struggles with the one left on a foot. He got me laughing so hard and of course that doesn't help his situation. We are going to have to get a boot jack or whatever they are called for him. I went weak laughing and wasn't too much help. 

We've only had one little blip with power today, so that's good. Looks like other counties are having more of a problem with that. We are at a snow standstill once again. We might have a little more snow this evening. Thankful that the wind is not blowing hard. Guess it is time to watch some football, so that's what I will do. 

The Quiet Before A Storm

 As the weather reports and forecasts come in, we are getting ready for a winter storm that may or may not bring in a lot of ice and snow. It is looking more and more like snow on snow, but don't know if it will be snooooow on snow...  We checked the outside faucets and although they have been covered and winterized, we wanted to make double sure all is well. 

Once we got the phone call on the wrinkle in the paperwork, we were free to roam about the country-side Friday. We decided since we had some trash we were going to take over to the landfill, that we should take all the trash in case the trucks don't get around here for several days, in the case of snow. The line was longer than usual, but it felt like several of us non-professional trash takers had the same idea. We got the trash in the dumpster and headed over to Habitat with a few of the smaller things. We need to take a desk over and then have a service we've heard of that will pick up furniture and take it to them. With the three living room chairs, we will probably go in that direction. Too big and heavy for us to take care of by ourselves. 

Sounds as if there is more traffic this morning than usual. People going about normal activities as well as preparing for a storm. Sounds like more snow than ice for us but even this morning the meteorologists are having trouble with the tracking but no matter it sounds like snow. 

My high school FB page had a post by a fellow graduate the same year as me and she wanted to see if a particular English teacher was still alive or if anyone knew how to contact her. She explained that this teacher changed her life and she wanted to thank her. This post reminded me of my senior year English teacher and how she changed my life's perspective. It seems if I remember correctly, my senior year, was the first of what they hoped to offer in the future going away from the traditional English classes that are offered. We still had writing assignments and grammar but the emphasis leaned toward putting this knowledge into action, in a creative and useful way. Mrs. Long was talented in accomplishing this. My final in the fall of that year gave me the inspiration needed. She gave us three topics and we were to choose one and write a paper in the time we had left. Later in the day schoolmates and friends asked if I had written the paper that Mrs. Long was talking about, yes. Mrs. Long had read the paper to the rest of her classes to show what she was looking for. Even my first year in college, when we had a nutty associate professor who tore up the English Dept office in a rage, I held onto her encouragement because it wasn't looking good grade-wise. But then, after he tore up everything and SWTSU brought in a nun from a college in San Antonio and as it is said, the rest is history. My grade improved immensely. 

I finished up Capote's Women last night. One of the most interesting yet sad books I have read in a long time. There is not a happy ending for anyone, well except maybe for the author. Basically his book is the material in a concise application that Capote could have used. Of all these wealthy women most who had the world at their feet, they were unhappy. Then in the 60s when people became casual in an approach to fashion and to life, these women went from swans to ancient dinosaurs that didn't bring too much influence on the world of fashion or café elegance. Only two of the women kept up with Truman once his shunning started after his novella in Esquire was published. Several died from lung cancer because smoking was still a thing back then. I think Jackie Kennedy's sister Lee was the most tragic story. In the shadow of her sister all her life and with a lack of sticking to something once it became a difficult task brought her life to a sad end. Truly, she did not sound like a pleasant person but that is what made her so sad. She had the resources to change her attitude but did not. Now comes that time that the next book to read must be picked carefully, so it holds my interest. 

Roy is Zooming with a Toastmaster group this morning that meets once a month that is in the area. He has been in two area club meetings and he has been doing his work as an area district representative in Houston. I try to keep up with it all but it just makes me happy that he enjoys this so much.

Cancelled the truck appointment for Monday and my hair appointment early on Tuesday. Got my name on the cancelled appointment list for the rest of January. I just might be a shaggy haired person, just like my kindergarten depictions show. 

 

Will We Have A Winter Wonderland?

 Everything is indicating a winter wonderland this weekend. The appetizer is this evening but the main event looks to be Saturday into Monday. We may need to reschedule the truck maintenance again scheduled for Monday. 

We took a lovely trip over to TN yesterday and that included a stop at Walmart. Lovely and Walmart are usually not two words that I string together. It isn't a super store and gasp, they have checkout lines, more than one or two open. We went in to get the needed office supplies and some medical supplies that are much cheaper than anywhere else. Then we went to Food City and may I saw, what a treat! Got Roy stocked up on Dr Enuff, they still had their store made party mix, heavy on Chex cereal my fav, and cat food. They have more cat food on their shelves than any other store. Of course we bought more than those things. We came back via Mars Hill. We stopped at Ingles to get orange cokes on sale, then came home on the river road. Ice still clinging to the rocks and the river, I think it is the most beautiful in the winter. The water is a turquoise shade.

Once we arrived home, we were down for the duration. We had planned to take more stuff to Habitat but Roy had some meetings to schedule on Zoom and stuff like that. I kind of just took it easy, which is a lot easier for me to do than Roy. He wants more structure to his days and I say, go for it. I am trying to read more this year. Last year was a bust for reading. I am almost finished up with the book about the women in Truman Capotes life. Now you might be saying, uh, is that a one page book? Nah, he loved to hang around these women who were ultra wealthy and in todays vernacular, influencers. From the book the theme is, he really did not respect the intelligence of his "swans" and when he turned on them in written form, they exiled him forever from their circle. He had to look for celebrities who would keep him entertained but he no longer had the perk of financially beneficial. This week's lesson in SS is on values and I think reading these stories where the name changes but the result is the same, highlights exactly what the fine folks at Lifeway are trying to say. 

After a few things like being robbed at gunpoint, paperwork, government bureaucracy, more paperwork and the like...retirement is not for weaklings. Oh my, we have gone through the ringer on so much stuff with a new wrinkle in the works to iron out, other things are easy and rolling along. But thankfully, Roy loves tedious work, it just affects me and I go down with the vapors. Okay, I don't do that either but it is wearisome. 

We got to The Fresh Market this morning and filled up with the $5.00 deals, shrimp cocktail, pizza, sliced oranges and tuna salad. Then we went to Ingles because no one likes, okay it's me that doesn't like to be in a storm, be it hurricane or snowstorm, without something sweet to eat. I believe we have more sweet stuff in the house than anytime before. We also picked up bread and milk cause that is what you do when a winter storm and Jim Cantore are on the way to North Carolina. 

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The Feral Fam were in full force this morning. Biggio is back and nearly caused me to fall. Glad I have strong upper body strength and righted myself with the railing. Got everyone fed and it was a happy only one growl group. It isn't as cold this morning but guess we have some days ahead that will dip mighty low. I am preparing for the SS lesson but think we might not have church with snow on snow. Who knows? Well, God does. Last week in the Ezekiel lesson God asks Ezekiel, can these bones live? EZ answers, only you know. I like that response. 

We are planning on sticking close to the house unless we need to leave due to the wrinkle in paperwork or something noteworthy comes in the mail box. I love these kinds of days. Yesterday, on the way to The Fresh Market, Roy and I were talking about how we've changed over time...mostly good stuff, happy to report. He is learning a little bit about relaxing yet keeping his need for structure. He just asked me if I was eating breakfast soon...nope, it is an ease into the morning kind of day. I will get there. 

While going through boxes I found the red notebook that served as a journal, notes to self and attempts at poetry. One poem in particular got my attention and it was almost prophetic. When I unpack the boxes again to get rid of scenery pics, that will help with room, I just might copy it onto a post. The poem was about walking on a beach but thinking of the mountains where I would find joy and peace. At the point of life this was written, I had not spent anytime in the mountains, but many a day on the beach. 

Hopefully, I will be productive today, not so much yesterday. Roy kept asking are you tired? Nope, just taking it easy, filling the tank for energy needed in the coming days. 

Memories Stuffed in Boxes

It is feeling like January 2020 because there is a National Champion that isn't Alabama. Truthfully, I could not stay awake to watch the second half and the first half of the game didn't do anything to help the cause. After staying up the night before watching a NFL game, Roy wasn't going to stay up late two nights in a row. The eastern time zone is really getting to him, especially when it comes to watching sports. Around 5:30 am, we found out, much to our surprise, that Georgia had come alive in the second half. We watched the re-cap of the game and then Roy headed upstairs for breakfast and his devo he watches. We really do give and take on these things. He likes to ride the bike and watch news later in the day so I make myself scarce because I will sit there and talk to him. 

Feeding the Feral Fam this morning felt especially cold. They were in good humor because the growl fest participants hadn't shown up yet, although Biggio is can growl with the best of them when it comes to food. Toupee had a great appetite as well as the rest of the fam. Seemed to be a full house except for Mama Cat and Punky. 

This Sunday should be our last one in Ezekiel and even as I have enjoyed finding gems in this book of the Bible, I can't say I am sad to leave Ezekiel behind and begin with Daniel. This week the lesson is on values. This is one of those lessons that feels like a pot luck of scripture by the good people of Lifeway. Hey, we need to finish up this book so lets throw everything in that we didn't cover. Granted, the topic is good, it just has that feel that I remember from years ago teaching from the quarterly. For the most part, the quarterly has improved and for this we are thankful.

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It is now Wednesday. It is brrrr...cold too but will warm up to be probably the warmest day of the week. All eyes are on the weekend storms and whether or not we will have snow. Make that accumulating snow. We are preparing like accumulation but I think it is the same as no snow. We have canned soup for days. 

We did a couple of errands that include long range plans. Then after that appointment we headed over to Publix for prepared meals and strawberries on sale. Got home and while I put up groceries Roy made our lunch from The Fresh Market. Their pepper steak, mashed sweet potatoes and green beans dinner is very tasty. It was back to preparing a lesson for me and Roy needed to finish up his homework for Zoom Community Bible Study. When I took a break I began going through storage containers and that pretty much kept me occupied for hours. I found stuff I thought was long gone. Going through pictures quickly of our trips to Carmel, SF and then to the east coast off the of Georgia. Pics from my tanning days where we had to have beach time to keep up the much too dark tan that I had. Trips to Hilton Head for a tennis tournament and for a vacation trip. Came across the first time I was in Asheville and at the Biltmore. Softball pics from practices and tournaments. Pictures of friends and pictures of family. It was a pleasant afternoon into evening. Now, I did get rid of some stuff but I need to go through it all again and throw away scenery pics and the like that have faded with age. Loved remembering that Roy did have brown hair at one time. Also the various hairstyles I have sported throughout the years...oh my. I found the kindergarten scrap book my mom kept and I got a kick out of some of my artwork. Included in all the treasures, three autograph books. I remember most of those who signed but others...what the heck? Cards from my Grandma B, wow, that was a bonus. Also a few pics from my Tiger Beat days of the Monkees and Paul Revere and the Raiders. I kept Camp Fire Girls beads, combs, certificates and GA books, patches and cards. I found a notebook of poetry I had written as well as some I turned in for school probably in the second grade cause it was that half paper. Top half for drawing and the bottom half lined for writing. Workbooks and VBS stuff. I made several F+s which boggles my mind. 

One thing that is consistent, my hair. It's all over the place from early years to this morning. 

There is still so much to do but we are tackling it whole heartedly or leisurely, depends on the day. Roy has not gone through his office boxes and it will probably be a while before he does. He is adjusting to being retired beautifully, better than anticipated. Although, when we were talking with the banker yesterday, she talked about getting into compliance and such. Roy beamed as he told her the directions that would be helpful for her to know as she looks toward this goal. In the car he said, I have so much I can share to help and I believe he does. Just to find the right opportunity. 

Well, the day started and I need to join in. Fed the Feral Fam and they were all hungry and waiting for food. No growling this morning, so that makes it a pleasant chore. 21 degrees but now it has warmed up to 24 degrees. 

Monday, Monday...

 This week life has been consumed with movers arriving with lots of storage containers and just a little bit of furniture. Two days early than what was scheduled and it has thrown us into survival mode as we go through boxes and placing books in place. Lots of stuff leaving for Habitat thrift store and we are feeling like lots more could and probably should go. When there has been any free time it has been working on the lesson for tomorrow. Trying to plan meals with Roy in mind and of course the daily course of living and watching and wondering about the Feral Fam. Much neglect in so many areas, but not in a meanspirited way but just a I have not had this much to do or to take care of in a long time. We've been consumed with paperwork and follow ups, plans for the future, updates from the detective in Mobile and generally putting life back in order. With all this taking our attention, having Roy here is just about the best thing going. 

I don't know if I would call this person a friend or someone I knew at church or what, but a friend to many passed away yesterday and the wake of loss and sorrow has overtaken the Facebook feed learning about her in so many ways that I never appreciated. She was known as a prayer warrior and she walked along side of many offering friendship, prayers and kindness. She had a lot of sass going on about her but in many ways, that endeared her to many. Today the memories of those who knew her well and loved her best has made me think maybe we should have taken the time to know one another better in choir or in Sunday School. Though it would seem unlikely that we would have gotten along, two strong willed women with opinions we both felt were correct. We sparred a bit over politics and not even in a way you would think. She loved the Blue Ridge Mountains and came here many times going to The Cove or visiting friends. I don't believe she came this way while I have lived here, although if Covid hadn't been a factor in 2020, she and some friends were planning to come this way. While reading these thoughts and memories from mutual friends and others, I have a new appreciation for her life and ministry, all the things she was involved with and reaching across international lines sharing the Gospel and making friends. 

We ventured out no not once yesterday when temps never got above freezing. Today, after an expected delivery was made, we were able to load up the truck with load one for the thrift store. Bright sunshine so welcomed but the wind blowing was a cold and bitter wind. We also stopped at Tractor Supply and found cat food on their shelves. Loaded up on some dry food as well. Made a stop at the Post Office where a letter of interest had been delivered, from the IRS. Dant dant DAAAAA. Roy felt sure it was the annual pin number we have for filing taxes and that is what it was. 

One of the big tall boxes we emptied yesterday is now a big time play pen for the Feral Fam. They are so fun to watch as they wrestle and play all over inside that box and the noise makes Punky and Mama Cat a bit nervous. Toupee looked so good today, her eyes a bright green color and she had energy. No telling where this box will end up in the garage but it also might give them an extra layer of warmth for another cold night. 

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So happy to report we lost no one from the Ezekiel 37 lesson. There was good input from the class and everything. Whew, now to look at the next lesson in a little bit. We came home and ate lunch, then I headed to bed for a long winters nap. It has been a while since I have done this but with the rain, the cold felt much colder and I couldn't get warm. Thank you electric blanket. Then off to a committee meeting at church. We watched the Raider vs Chargers game and I went to bed before halftime. Glad I did cause Roy stayed up to watch the game and said the ending was a strange one. 

One thing we are working on is mornings. Roy likes to catch up with news and sports as well as watching a devotional kind of program. I like quiet in the mornings. So when we moved my computer down here we said he would watch TV upstairs and eat his breakfast. This morning, the TV downstairs came on and I reminded him of our agreement. I said I would never have a TV downstairs but about a year ago, we had to put one down here. We watch such different shows. The streaming connection downstairs isn't as good but that's okay cause it is hardly on. Until a few years ago, more than a few years ago, I began to realize that quiet had become more important for me. I think that is when I realized I was an extroverted introvert with more emphasis on introvert. The rush and chaos of being an extrovert helped me get through this life and the worlds I found myself in. When the distraction of everything that caused the chaos began to have less impact, the quietness was welcomed and needed. 

Got the Feral Fam breakfast this morning first thing. Toupee and Biggio were in attendance. Toupee was a little mopey yesterday but this morning she was ready to eat. It didn't get as cold last night as previous nights, so that helps them too. 

Hopefully A Break From Below Freezing Days

 The morning greeted us with temps in the low 20s. Not expected to get above freezing today. Put a roast in the crock pot and now drinking coffee. With Roy returning to drinking coffee, some mornings we are making two pots, especially on cold mornings. Braved the chilly to get out to feed the Feral Fam. Toupee was there and she ate a good bit of food, so encouraging to see that. Blazey has figured out that if he hangs around her he has a good chance at eating before the others. He has started rubbing around my legs and lets me pet him, in fact he is like Toupee in that he is letting me pet him when food is not involved. Roy is experiencing the wonder of kitty playtime in our backyard. I am happy to see that the kittens are playing with the orange kitten that made his appearance several weeks ago. Punky took a couple of swipes at him last night but it didn't discourage him to return this morning. Punky takes swipes at everyone. When she is around with Mama Cat, growlfest 2022 happens. 

We have pushed so hard these past few days that we've decided to take it a little more slowly today as we decide what stays and what goes and where it will be moved to. Good thing we hardly ever use the dining room because it has become the receptacle for the unknowns or too cold to move things to the truck status. 

Roy and I operate on different levels in the mornings. He has always been a morning person and throughout the years I am slowly becoming one. Two sips of coffee into the morning, he is talking wills with legalese. Wait! What? It must be due to the fact that we have unpacked and shelved several law books he has kept from law school and the one summer he clerked. If anyone needs a citation book, we can loan you one. Of course when we talk wills he only talks about mine because he is still in denial that he will die if Jesus tarries. I guess he took the getting a pot roast into the crock pot being more of an awake thing rather than a lets get this on so we don't have to wait and have late lunch early supper. He eats his breakfast almost always right after getting up for the morning. I cannot face food that quickly, but he has offered to make eggs for me whenever I am ready. This morning feels more like a toast is good morning, so he is off scrambled egg duty. He has found the regimen he needs to eat healthy and maintain his weight. Regimen sounds like a harsh word, but it doesn't mean to be, but that is how Roy approaches problems and situations to solve. I bet the fact that I am a mood eater can kind of bother him from time to time.  

Early on in 2022, there are so many needs and prayers to be made for those things. Mostly health and some of it Covid related. Our Sunday School class is a praying class who also have fun. While fun is almost the operative word for me, I am even happier that we are a class who prays for one another and one another's requests. Roy said this morning as my phone had a bunch of text pings, your class must be praying for requests. It is encouraging to hear that sound but more so that prayers are being lifted. Just about the only group text message I like. 

We had tiny flakes of snow this morning. Several others in a weather group I follow and live in the area are saying the same thing. One has to look intently to see them. 

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Saturday morning and we are supposed to get above freezing today. Think we are all looking forward to that. 

Yesterday afternoon, a prayer warrior at First Baptist Houston passed away from Covid. She didn't have the up and down journey of good and bad days, they just seemed to get worse. We were not close but we were in choir and Sunday School together. It has been interesting and insightful reading the tributes written in her memory on Facebook. She left a legacy of prayer and service. 

Also, yesterday afternoon, I took some time to go through two of the storage boxes that had been out in the casita bedroom, moved to the condo and then here. I got so sick while in Houston in 2019 that I wasn't able to go through things then as I had in the house. What was to be a break from a Sunday School lesson turned into an afternoon of memories. Several pics I posted were of Mildred and Gertrude and people began remembering the times we had made them laugh. Peggy and I were texting and after a while, I called because that was a lot of texting. Oh my, we laughed so much at our memories of being Mildred and Gertrude. Along with other memories as well. I even found the DVD that First Baptist Trussville recorded of us when we did their Sunday School appreciation. Our first out of state gig. I also found recipes in my mother's handwriting, birthday cards and letters from her. And then cards, if I remember the person, I keep the card, those that don't ring a bell, they get discarded. 

Roy and I got another huge box sorted and it was such a joy in the midst of giving, throwing away and keeping boxes that we found several of the cold weather fleeces he loves. He thought they had been in the car. We were rejoicing over the delight of finding such cherished and well, needed things. We were able to go through t-shirts as well. We are slowly making progress. 

Out in the garage this morning there was a full house of hungry kitties. Toupee included. She is looking better and a bit more lively. Of course growl fest happened a few times as they waited impatiently for food to be served. I made the autoship from Chewy's happen a week earlier than usual so variety will be back next week. 

We are sticking around home today waiting for a delivery from Fed-Ex. If there is time, we take a load of stuff to the Habitat thrift store to make room for more stuff to exit.  

Coming Along Nicely

 🎵These are the days of Ezekiel. The dry bones becoming as flesh.🎵

With the past days all about moving and rearranging and getting rid of, Ezekiel has taken a back seat in my thoughts. Yes, this week we study one of the most famous and well known passages, Ezekiel 37, 

Ezekiel cried dem dry bones

Ezekiel cried dem dry bones

Ezekiel cried dem dry bones

Now I hear the word of the Lord

Ezekiel connected dem dry bones

Ezekiel connected dem dry bones

Ezekiel connected dem dry bones

Now I hear the word of the Lord

Well, Ezekiel didn't connect the bones but it is feeling like a very musical morning. So, I have taken some time to assemble a few thoughts and read the verses and pray through the lesson today. We aren't planning to get out with rain and maybe some snow in the forecast for much later today and it does feel like is we give some time to all of our unpacking, we can make a huge dent. The only thing that might make us get out is this feature that Roy got when he paid extra to have our mail from Houston forwarded than the longer period of time. He gets an email every morning and a picture of the mail going into our PO Box. 

We ran errands yesterday morning and got those out of the way. Today if all holds well, Roy will be getting several deliveries from Amazon that will make him one happy camper. He discovered something yesterday morning. We have two ceramic heaters that we love, one in the bonus room and one in the living room. He had put the heater in front of the fireplace and when he used the remote to turn on the heater, the fireplace insert turned on. Strange happening. He was telling me about the phenomenon, so I had to try it only we couldn't get the insert to turn off. I unplugged it. He said, you acted just like me, I would have had to turn it on as well. 

I think we have all the books unpacked and just have the boxes of Roy's office stuff. Now we can tackle the storage containers in the garage. Speaking of garage, I fed the Feral Fam this morning. Mr. Biggio was there, as well as Toupee. The rest of the usual members arrived for breakfast. Toupee looks a little better and hope she takes advantage of the warmer than outside option of the garage. This group likes the little cat houses in the garage and not sleeping all together in the corner like last years group.  

We have moved furniture again, put down an area rug, moved furniture back. It is a constant promise but we are seeing results and that keeps us energized. Now, Roy's computer has arrived so he isn't as energized as before. Well, not about moving furniture and the like. He got my computer moved and that almost went perfectly, but you know there always has to be something if it involves the set up of a computer or TV. I continue on getting books arranged and put up. The bookcases has freed up space in the glass door bookcases. 

The temps are dropping and rain is coming. Several have taken up warmer spots in the garage. I'll probably go out and give them a snack to help them keep warm. I just ate the last of the gingerbread men...lasted over a week, so that is pretty good. 

I need to go study now but I just really want to sit and read a book that has nothing to do with Ezekiel or dry bones or dry skin issues. 

Movers

 With the past few days filled with moving furniture, books and the like, muscles are sore and pleading with me not to do this again. Especially my shoulders and a hamstring. Monday we cleared out the living room and moved stuff into the dinning room that will eventually and hopefully sooner than later leave the house. I think a couple of the old time kids school desks might go with some of the other stuff designated to go on to someone else to enjoy. I have had those for a very long time and used them as small bookcases but now with the bookcases from Roy's former study and condo, we might not need the extra display and it feels like we are at max capacity. 

Once the movers called from the road they were about thirty minutes away, we began moving vehicles up to our neighbors gravel road. That was fun cause it was still snowy with some ice. The Mustang was perfect getting up there, but the truck, I had to use four wheel drive. Go figure. All this movement and a garage door open on a very cold morning threw the Feral Fam into a bit of a panic. They were happy to see normalcy when the door closed and they had new things to climb on. Toupee did pretty good yesterday but this morning, she didn't eat but she is moving about, so that is a hopeful thing. 

The movers go here a little before 10:00. One of the guys had helped pack Roy. Both of these guys were not prepared for cold weather and only wore zip up sweatshirts. We have given away or had stolen several winter coats and if we had them I would have given them coats. Our road and driveway scared them and finally they came to the conclusion they would block our one lane road to unload. Fortunately, Mary Joyce has a driveway and exit to the main road. I am thankful for kind and understanding neighbors. The truck, a large cube truck, had two more deliveries of furniture and their next stop was New York. These young guys were flatlanders from Houston and the slope of our driveway made them a tad nervous. The blessing is, we had to move the bed here because Roy was zipping out the door as soon as they left the condo but when Roy told them to put it on the back porch, we are now truly rednecks, because we were going to get rid of it, one of the guys asked if he could have it to give to a friend that had their kids sleeping on air mattresses. It went right back on the truck. Everyone was happy all around. After they left, we decided to tackle the boxes that mainly held books and get them up on the shelves. We came across a few surprises that made us so happy. Our plates and skillets were there, not in the car that was stolen as well as several new pair of jeans that Roy had bought in Houston. He thought they were in the car with him. We have a long way to go but it felt good to have tackled most of the boxes. There were several boxes filled with cables and wires and connectors...Roy went through them, kept what he thought we might need and once his new computer gets here and if he doesn't need them, they too will go the way of the thrift store. Last night in our living room it looked like Hoarders could come in and film, but here's the deal, we are quick to rid and don't hold onto too much. Several of the boxes were ones that Roy packed up from his office. He was so surprised to find some of his Toastmaster awards made it here. This made me so happy for him. Arranging the books yesterday, I realized we have a million different kinds of Bible. Happy to see some books to use for lesson study but I was so happy to see all my Ellen Gilchrist, Anne Rivers Siddons and Gail Godwin books. Along with those the early purchased books by North Carolina authors and those books began to kindle a love for the mountains here. Guess, the rest is history. 

We did get a call from the Mobile detective yesterday. He got a search warrant to ping Roy's old phone. They got a location and they went to investigate. No news, really, but it is good to know that he is still working on the case. They feel like the plates have been changed and have to hope a pull over happens. 

This morning, I slept to nearly 8:00 am which is sleeping in these days. Roy was up and making his oatmeal...ugh...and I could smell the fragrance of coffee as it lofted upstairs. I checked emails, a habit from six years of early morning communication with Roy, and there were two letters from our stock plan letting us know they had received notice of withdrawal requests. Sore hammy and all, I flew down the stairs to let Roy know. He came up here and talked and with a representative. It wasn't a thing at all but when one has been robbed and lost all the paperwork to years of dedicated saving, one gets a little nervous. All those representatives are working from home and the lady helping was having monitor issues. He was able to help her with that. All in all that makes for a very good morning. 

The next weather maker is on the way with the chance of snow. So, we better get out there and run our errands. Then come back to unpack. 

Snow Update

 "Then I opened the door to enjoy the great gulp of fresh air-and I was transported into another world. An active, swirling, almost violent world surrounded the quiet, unlit houses and a new, mysterious presence was coming among us.

Snow. 

With the bustle of daytime noises stifled, the rustle of nature's sounds emerged. Looking out upon the new world, going out to participate in its routines, the staccato schedules of humans or the more sustained rhythms of nature, the knowledge is reasserted of snow's revelations and concealments. The pure crystalline blanket hides accumulations of debris and waste and ugliness. It softens sharp edges and bandages scars of roadsides and uninhabited buildings... As a surprise, it came in the night. As a delight it accumulated in the morning. First snow. Winter has left us its annual calling card." Selections from Explorations by Wilma Dykeman

The weather people talked about today all day yesterday. Difficult forecast because of so many factors. Some would get snow, some thunder snow, many experienced tough wind gusts, almost everyone got some rain. By the time we went to bed, the hours of the beginning of snow were pushed farther into the early morning. I woke up at 3:20 am and looked out the window, no snow. Woke up at 4:30 am, snow. The first snow is especially special. Our first snow came later because by now we've had a couple of snow showers in December. Like Wilma says, snow quiets everything. Not as many cars or big logging or dump trucks on the road this morning. The trees are wearing their snow coat well but probably by noon, the snow will begin to melt. I checked on the flight that Roy would have taken this morning if he hadn't retired, cancelled. He would have been scrambling to find a flight back to Houston tomorrow. But, no need to scramble or drive on slick roads. Now, we are scrambling on a different matter. The movers just called and said they would be here tomorrow morning. 

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With the movers calling we switched gears and began moving chairs to the dinning room to be out of the way. Some of those chairs are going to the thrift store so for now they are out of the way. The living room is bare, furniture rearranged upstairs and making a clear path. We've made a spot in the garage of the long industrial table to be used as storage. From Pottery Barn and one of the first things we bought for the Cinco Ranch house...oh how the mighty have fallen. 

I had a quick chance to read Ezekiel 37 about the dry bones and have a glimmer of hope to understand it all. It has been a long time since I have read or heard anything about that chapter, maybe even back to high school and college days cause we were all so interested and believed that Jesus would return before we got out of school. 

Toupee is looking and moving a little better. She has eaten a little more and I have been able to keep the others away while she eats her doctored food with some supplements to help her. I found a toy of Buddy's yesterday and took it out to the Feral Fam last night. This morning several of them were playing with it. We have kept her favorite sheep and a lambchop sheep and two bags of treats. I need to use the treats but just not ready to part with them. Truly, treats were Buddy's love language and she could work you for extra treats like no other cat...well, probably like every other cat. 

I found a couple of treasures hidden in some boxes while preparing the way for the movers. Several old perfume bottles and some thimbles that belonged to my mom. I also found my SS card and the good news this morning was, they had approved my request yet for another card. We are moving right along. 

Yesterday, the neighbor kiddos played in our front yard. We have a pretty good slope for sledding and they built two snowmen as well as a massive snowball fight. I reminded our neighbor that they can play in our yard on those snowy days. So glad they took us up on the yearly offer. They are getting older but if you are young and don't have replacements for knees and hips, you are never too old for snow fun.