Winter Season Has Arrived

 Roy has taken the Tundra for tire rotation and balancing. Just me and The Boys and The Kittos at home and all is quiet cause they are all taking naps. What has been a comfortable temperature day is now a bit cooler as the wind picks up. Tomorrow, it will begin snowing in the higher elevations while we here in the lower elevations will have a dusting of snow or not. It will be a lot colder though. 

This morning we were out and about by mid morning. Ran a couple of errands, then to the grocery stores. Publix crowded with a mixture of ages. Mainly old, like us, well I think they all were a lot older and crankier this morning. When we stopped at the Fresh Market over in Arden yesterday, it was way crowded too. Only it had a vibe...It was a familiar vibe from al long time ago. We were the ones who looked out of place. Purposely, I wore my best workout pants, a Baylor t-shirt and a quarter collar fleece cause I want the least amount of clothes weight for the weigh in at the doctor office. Roy was in jeans, t-shirt and fleece jacket. Everyone else was dressed up for the trip to the grocery store. We were given some snotty looks. That's okay if they came out here, away from the fancy smancy stuff, they would get some looks too. Too bad they can't see me today, Uggs, jeans, long sleeve Baylor shirt with a flannel shirt over the t-shirt and an Eddie Bauer vest. Now, there is something to discuss except if the same people were going downtown, they would want the local vibe such as my outfit. 

Last Sunday as we continue our journey through Acts, I kind of camped out on a point. I didn't mean to just seemed to go that way. It was so good that the Jerusalem Church sent Barnabas to check on the Antioch church. It could have totally gone the wrong way if a legalistic, rigid type person had been sent to give the report. After spending time in Mark and Jerimiah this year as well as previous years with John, there are a lot more legalists than I had any idea of. One example I used was, what if Lifeway came to our Sunday School room to report on what was going on with The Joy Class. No Lifeway maps of the Holy Land, (I save the church money by not doing the kit) or no tracts or having different blinds, three windows the same and one window has mini blinds. Yep, they could audit our surroundings, but  the truth is this, the Joy Class is a praying and caring class. We like to help in our church and in our community. We laugh and encourage and sometimes we learn things...only if the teacher stays off the rabbit trails. I had really planned in teaching to hit a few points on legalism, like we think to have a daily Bible reading plan for the new year it has to begin in Genesis. Nay, I say. You'll die in Leviticus. I did take the rabbit trail of what Leviticus is good for if one is looking for odd things in the Bible and told them the story of the two doves I cut out of a women's product box and gave them to Peggy with Levitical instructions. We also learned the term, on the straw. Hey, we had the two or more thing going. See, we just went on a rabbit trail. Roy does the NT every three months. I think this is the second year he has done that. There isn't much of a difference like the NT Jewish Christians and now, rules we make up on top of the way Christ has taught us how to live...well, it keeps a lot of people under a burden we aren't supposed to carry. Or it can be following our made up rules is easier than being Christ like at home and in the world. 

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Speaking of freedom The Kittos have had a morning of roaming free range in the house. We have kept them restricted in a sense and my October illness set back the timing of this. Once can't be the caregiver and the warden for cats at the same time. The two orange cats, Buster and Baxter enjoy the freedom and yet will come sit on my lap or come over to be petted. Chubola, not so much. She is living in the land of the free range and doing her thing, within reason. It has been a fun morning but we have to remember to keep a close eye on things. They really just chase each other around a lot of play with a toy. Buster is the one that can most easily entertain himself. 

The first batch of taco soup of the season was pretty good. On Sunday the first pot roast of the season was good as well. Those are my winter meals that turn out pretty good. I am going to try my hand at making buttermilk chicken. We shall see.

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It is snowing! Even with the warmer temps and ground temps it is beginning to stick. It won't last long but it is so pretty. First snowfall of the season. We saw a few flakes yesterday afternoon but today counts as the official. Since it is snowing I am having snow donuts for breakfast. Roy decided he would have taco soup since he was starving. 

I lost the Merry Christmas, Darling contest this year. CourtneyS heard it in the car and she is singing when I answered the phone. The best part, the conversation and laughs we had. 

Day one of The Kittos roaming about in the house went rather well. Chubola does not socialize with us like Buster and Baxter. She is wild and wants to live on her own terms. Had to trick her last night to catch her so that won't work this evening. The six get along good enough but Willie is still nervous around them. Buster and Chubola wear out GMoey. They are so intrigued with him. Mr Mo had been going outside with The Kittos so the one we were worried about the most is doing fine. He is such a jealous cat but he is getting attention and that is what counts with him. 

We opened The Garage at the Catmore Estate yesterday afternoon. We have a full house and breakfast was just served. They did not make reservations so the guests are crowding around the bowls. Roy's kittens are holding their own in the garage.

Good Report and Maybe Some Snow

A cold sunny Monday morning. After Wednesday of this week the temps drop into the highs in the 40s. Brrr...but I like cooler/cold weather. 

Saturday was our first foray into East TN. Wow! Still six weeks from the storm and it looked like a war zone. Not that I have seen a war zone in person but looked the same as the WWII documentaries on the history channel. The metal buildings wrapped around and the tanks that were probably underground stacked together in one spot. The houses, the trees and all the rocks moved by the river brought tears to my eyes. The TNDOT has done a fabulous job of opening one lane each way on I 26. We took the Erwin exit to go to Food City but if we had wanted to go to The Farmer's Daughter, turning left was not an option. Read that so many of the small bridges on the way are damaged or gone. I had read the exit for Erwin coming from Johnson City was closed but later we found out that they had opened it. Thus we stopped at Pals for a delicious lunch on the ride back home. 

Tuesday morning we noticed that the water wasn't that hot. Of course we know what that means. So we got on the phone, called around looking for a plumber. I remembered using a local guy several years ago. Roy called and he could be at our house by noon. Long story short, needed a new water heater. Roy helped a little bit and that is in the crawl space. Ugh! We had hot water by 5:30 pm. As Roy and the plumber visited, he told Roy that normally we would have had to schedule several weeks out because he was that busy...until he wasn't. Helene has disrupted his business. When water is murky coming out of the faucet you're not scheduling any repairs until the water clears up. At the right time the water heater went out. I think that water heater was about 12-13 years old. That is commendable service. 

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Today was one of those days I had been dreading for several months. We stacked Roy's ophthalmology appt and my cardiologist appt. In between the appointments we ate at Zaxby's and went to the Fresh Market. Traffic was getting worse the farther we went down Hendersonville Road. Zaxby's was a great choice because you do not want to eat a heavy meal before being weighed in at the doctor office. We did buy celebratory cake at Fresh Market in anticipation of a good appointment. We got to the cardiologist office a few minutes early. I had fixed my cough syrup in a small bottle and gulped it down. It is the only thing that stops this coughing. My Rowe Casa order should arrive this week with more cough syrup. We got in to the waiting room. I had just sat down when they called my name. All those old people sitting there hated me at that moment. I was seeing a PA, not one of the doctors. I still have kept off most of the weight I lost from the October sickness. My blood pressure was good and my heart rate was back in the 60s. They been keeping it lower but all were pleased with the result. EKG, looked really good and they have pushed back the stress test a couple of months, maybe even after my May appointment. Here's the thing...when I was checking out I asked when I should call to make a May appointment. She said, I can make your appointment today. What? Mission Hospital/Asheville Cardiologists is coming into the 20th century? I know it is the 21st century it just seems like everything moves so slow here. I then told her she nearly put me in shock with this news and guess it was a good place to be revived. That is the first time I have ever seen this woman laugh. She tends toward cranky. I left the office, got Roy from the waiting room and we were off...with a jump in my steps. 

Being in Arden reminded me too much of Houston. The traffic, the traffic and well, the traffic. I am so glad we didn't want to buy anywhere that was just like Katy or Houston. Ah, this rural life is great. It has been a while since Roy has been in a Zaxby's and although his eyes had not been dilated they had put drops in his eyes that hindered some of his vision. I order a salad and he asks about hamburgers. It got real quiet around us. Told Roy Wendy's was next door but we were at a chicken place. He ordered a sandwich and went back and got an order of egg rolls. Those egg roles were pretty good. 

We may get some snow on Friday. The fall has been a little warmer than usual so it seems like quite the surprise. I used to not get cold often but now that has changed. If I could carry a space heater with me everywhere, I would be so happy. There are no battery operated heaters, at least there weren't the last time I checked. Just checked, still not good choices. 

Found Friend, Feral Fam and Fortuitous Detective Work

 This past weekend doing the regular, an especially joyful moment occurred. I was going over lesson notes and marking for particular interest for me as well as for the lesson. An example from long ago had popped into my brain as the perfect and humorous memory of a bridal luncheon from yester year, a brief look at legalism. The story involves a coffee cup and some head shaking. Sometimes when those memories come, I google names and see if there is any social media footprints. I've looked up my vanished friend many times to no avail. Stories from those early days of being newlyweds, buying our first home and navigating the waters of being a grown up contain some of the happiest and funniest recollections. We needed those cause the being a grown up was such a hard season of life. Last week I remembered one of the funniest stories that my crazy friend D told me with the long lost friend, J. The story takes place a few weeks before J got married. J wanted D to come spend the night so they could laugh and talk about memories and such. Now D was a total opposite of J. It didn't help that J lived near the apartment pool and D thought it would be fun to go out there. No said J, so they had a very early dinner and eating dinner with J was always an adventure. The several times we were invited for dinner at her place Roy would say, either we eat dinner before we go or afterwards cause dinner with J, well, it leaves me hungry. This is way before Roy practiced portion control and J was ahead of the times. Back to the original story, so J takes a shower to get ready for bed and as D tells it, the sun hadn't even began to set. D is starving so while J is in the bathroom, D scours the kitchen for something to eat. She finds a box of graham crackers and she scarfs down the whole box, then takes the box out to the trash dumpster and makes it back in before J is out of the bathroom. Little does D know that when J returns to the kitchen, J announces she is making a special dessert for them. She begins to look for the box of graham crackers. J looked high and low. No crackers. She is getting a little perturbed she cannot find them anywhere. D never told her what she had done, leaving J a bit frustrated. That story although it doesn't seem funny as I tell it, is so funny in how crazy D told the story. 

So, this past weekend I once again looked for J and there she was, on a church website from two or three years ago when she taught a Wednesday night class. The first time I watched the video for a moment or two, I wasn't sure that it was her. I watched a bit of another video and she mentioned her husband, yep that's J. She still has a little bit of that staccato way of speaking, she still kind of laughs at the same things and her mannerisms still the same. Yep. I don't know if they attend that church or if she is still even doing any teaching. In the past I would have wanted to contact her but I don't want to. Think that is why I found her this time. Clearly with very little social media footprint, she doesn't want to be found or bothered. We would probably have very little in common to talk about now, it would be one of those constant remember when type things. When I found D that's all it was and even still being in the Houston area and I was still there too, she didn't want to meet for lunch or have the four of us, she has remarried, meet. We talked a few times and then at least for me, I wasn't interested cause it truly had been a wonderful and fun friendship back in the day but I felt I had outgrown the friendship and it came to mind, that a lot had changed with her. Always so beautiful back then but I had a feeling she had grown obese just like her aunt who never wanted to leave the house. Also, her financial situation had changed and I think she was embarrassed about that too. That would be the best grace extended, to let her go on. If memory serves me correctly about J, there was some turmoil and hurt from a church they had worked at. I had heard they had left Houston and moved somewhere on the east coast. Have no clue but if they did, they made it back to the Houston area. We lost touch with them no one we knew back then had seen them socially, but D had married and moved to Tulsa and she was the glue that held us together as friends. I am joyful that life turned out well for them. She just wanted one child and it looks like that is what happened. She mentions a son on one of her teaching videos. So joyful and happy, as I have skimmed a few videos and that is good enough for me. 

Roy just got two more of the Feral Fam to take to the ASPCA tomorrow. He said they are none too happy about it all but once they calm down a bit I will look and make sure these two are good to go. Roy said no left ear trim and they aren't the most recent kittens. Today will be a big day for the kittos, we are expanding their territory. They might not know what to do. Nah, they will know. The Kittos are recovering well. Chubola is back to being herself, not all hopped up on hormones and the attention of all the boys. She has returned to her preferred style of eating, spreading herself across the bowl so no one else can eat. I spent some time with them on the back porch yesterday. We got some playing in and of course, we had rest time too. 

The case of the maligned mailboxes may have been solved. A week ago Saturday Roy had just come home. He went to see if we had any mail. Lo and behold the mailboxes were smashed like someone had taken a baseball bat to them. Roy sent a pic and a text to our neighbor who built the mailbox area. Steve said it looked like maybe bears had messed with him cause his dogs went nuts at some smell around the box setup. I thought maybe a delivery truck had hit them. Well, the bear theory was thrown out pretty quickly...this morning Steve texted us that as he got to work on the boxes it was looking more and more like a delivery truck had done the damage. So with their notice they received about a delivery and Roy's photo with meta info, Steve is going to file a claim. Lots of great detective work happening around here. 

Wednesday, BBQ Day

 Today is a big day in our house. The kittos have been spayed or neutered, shots, and nail trim. Usually they would have stayed over night but the ASPCA is still dealing with the water situation that Helene exposed for Asheville. We are so grateful that they took these three today. Dropped them off and picked them up at 3:00. They are still high on drugs but we just gave them a little bit of food so hopefully that will settle them down. 

Yesterday was a big day as well. I got to go to Sunday School for the first time in five or six weeks. It felt so good to be back. To top off the welcome back, Katrin made some delicious iced sugar cookies. They are my favorite! By the time class was over, I was exhausted and we made our way home. When I got home I realized we hadn't done prayer requests or prayed...hope all is forgiven, class. It was the moment of joy in the Lord and a heart filled to overflowing with gratitude. 

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Tuesday. My presence at the computer had an effect on the kittos. They jumped and were so hyper to have anesthesia in them This morning, they are knocked out tired. The HVAC people come today to do winter maintenance. I might get out of the house for that. No biggie but I'd like to look at a few things. I'll have to pace myself cause stamina while getting back is still not normal. 

Once again we proved to ourselves why we are outsource people although maybe not as much as we once were. Saturday afternoon Roy was just about ready to run to the grocery store for a few things. When we heard that familiar and annoying chirp. Dang, a smoke alarm battery needed to be changed and how timely on the day that we fall back and change all the batteries in smoke alarms. We were kind of prepared to fall back but in no way were we going to do the big changeout on the alarms. One step ladder and 9 volt latter, we were ready to congratulate ourselves...when, chirp. Must be a bad battery. We repeated this process several times until I Googled Up what might be the problem. Did all that stuff...still chirp, chirp. It wasn't time to replace all the smoke alarms. We decided that Roy would pick up a new battery at the store and he left. This whole time I am praying for wisdom, how to solve this. I was now really, really tired and exhausted. I came back upstairs for something and then it occurred to me, the unplugged carbon monoxide detector sitting by the air filter. I took out the battery and my, my, the chirping stopped. When Roy got home I casually dropped the news I had solved the problem...then I told him. 

Today I did my first solo run while the AC guy was here. Ran a couple of errands. One thing I have noticed my walking and drifting right is a little more noticeable. I think it is just getting used to walking longer distances than I did all of last month. It's a journey and a process. I ended up having to go over to Mars Hill so I took the river road home. I just couldn't make the turn to Marshall. I'm not ready yet. Along the river road, several houses were gone and a business close to the river had several buildings demolished by the water. Along the other side of the river there were places with all the tree debris but the ground looked like pristine beach sand like you see in Rosemary Beach. It was the trees though, bent at an angle, neither fallen or standing set in  a position from the powerful wall of water that came through. Several houses are already being repaired but all the parks along the river are closed. Couldn't see down to verify, but maybe all the land was washed away. It is going to take years to recover.  

It is kind of funny thinking about all the thoughts that ran through my head while being down with whatever I had. Days and nights mixed up, so those late night thinking sessions were all over the place. I decided that all these brilliant and original thoughts should be written down to take apart later. So, I did that and of course I cannot read my writing. Looks like scribbles by a toddler. I do remember one thought in particular. In the big picture, it is just a blip on the screen but the repercussions of the blip are still felt today. I went against my better judgement and gut feeling to help and listen but the whole time my kindness was used to fund, betray with a false sense of entitlement empowering a false narrative. At least right now that is the end result. I did decide all through those thinking nights that I would rather deal with a narcissist, cause their tactics never change and they become quite predictable, verses someone who is passive aggressive. Their style and approach is all over the map and they are able to hide any diabolical planning. That indirect style puts you off. Thankfully, this situation is out of my hands. I don't plan on addressing it because at this point it would be futile and it would also give an opportunity to this passive aggressive to justify and express. Frankly even though I am writing about it, it does not matter to me anymore. Now, have we adjusted for any future interaction, oh you better believe it. Not to sound all spiritual but thinking through the blip and doing some soul searching on my part is healing. God binds up that long ago wound and continues to bring laughter and an element of romping. Guess like we studied on Sunday, God gives hinds feet on high places. 

Chubola reunited with her brothers Baxter and Buster and it feels so good. After surgeries, once again it is like kitten kingdom. Lots of running and playing with extended long naps in between. The ASPCA is doing this on bottled water supplies because the water in Asheville isn't safe to use. Even after a month and they are saying too, that it might be into next year when it is. 

Friday and It's November

 The early mornings have a golden hue that bathes everything even making dried out leaves and empty branches brilliant. Now, the sun is fully shinning which is beautiful as well. The kittos just came in from a long morning on the back porch. It is good for them to enjoy while the temps are a little warmer than usual. 

It is a taking it easy type of day. It seems to work in the getting stamina and strength back. I have hung up a few winter things and debating on others, whether to keep or give away. Drinking coffee in my jammies and also have on a bum around flannel shirt that doesn't match anything I have on and I love it. One of the first joys of mountain living for me, don't have to match. Okay, I try to clean up if I will be in the public eye, but somedays, it doesn't matter. I think about our neighbor Mary Joyce. She wore the look well. What is so funny now is this, Macy's have been emailing me about the new Ralph Lauren fall/winter clothes. Now, truthfully in my heart of hearts I wish I could carry off that look...the whole Chabang, boots, purse, dress, and jacket. For one, that is an expensive proposition and like I already stated...don't have the look. Now, over the years I have worn bits and pieces of Ralph. My favorite Ralph Lauren thing from the past is the room spray they sold. Had that spicy scent with overtones of tobacco and buryl wood. It was my goal to saturate our home in that fragrance so it would naturally be everywhere. It was a huge project that didn't work but gee, it was fun trying to do that. 

This morning I thought, gee where did October go? Oh yea, I remember now. Fall back tomorrow night. Thought, this is the perfect Sunday to come back cause of the whole extra hour thing. Believe me, I will need it. 

In other aspects of the simply and solitary life of the last month I have noticed that Roy's focus is sharper than ever but it is a lot of work to get him to not overfocus too much. Now, on the surface this will look like an unkind story but it is not. It just makes my point and don't worry I am going to tattle on me a little later. We went to Sam's after voting on Monday. Toward the end of shopping I decided to go wait out in the truck. Since I was coughing I got out two cinnamon mints that helps stop the coughing. Roy finished up and started loading the truck. So, I'm in the front seat and quite by accident I was going to cough but I didn't get the mints moved to the side of my mouth and when I inhaled, the two mints got stuck in my throat. They weren't very big, but it scared the peewadlin out of me. I immediately flop across the front seat and console, coughing and choking...I manage to get the mints dislodged. I looked back and Roy is so proud of his packing job. He never paid attention that I was choking until I told him. He said it just sounded like you were coughing, but here is the focus issue, I am flopping and flipping like a fish out of water in the front seat. Never caught his eye. Now add my ADHD to the mix, distracted and inattentive. I start on task but if I find something that amuses or interests me, no task is done. Roy's solution is once again now that I feel better to put me on a schedule. A schedule that fits with his. Uh, thanks but I march to the beat of a different drummer. Like having the sickness from hell has changed me into this focused and task oriented person...he has high hopes that will be dashed to the ground in no time. It's like the time we refinanced our home in Rancho de Five, the contract sat on the island untouched and not disturbed by me. Roy is pacing from the front door to the kitchen. I was sitting in my reading room watching the march of the tin soldier. Finally Roy stops and says, well, aren't you going to read the contract? Uh who is the lawyer here???? Not me! I asked if he thought I had changed in anyway because I trust him on that contract stuff but he thought I would take an interest in this endeavor. Unrealistic expectations. He left the room, I moved the contract to the other side of the island, opened it to a page. He was so happy to see that when he returned. My ADHD coping mechanism. 

I can say for the first time in a long, long while...I'm catted out! The Boys are great but the kittos have been a handful today. They have worn me out. Chubola is entering that special time in a young girls life. This afternoon we separated her from her brothers and we finally got her in from the back porch as she was attracting attention from a few of the just coming into age male cats. She is furious with us. We have ruined her life. No one is going to vote her prom queen nor will she be a cheerleader. She's pouting by lying in her litter box. We tried an experiment this afternoon that went 50% well. I brought Baxter and Buster up to the front bedroom. Buster, the alpha cat of the group, hid under the daybed but Baxter played, discovered the front window, and sat beside me. Both GMoey and Mr Mo came in and no one growled or hissed. We had a time getting Buster and then with Chubola outside and we finally caught her...thus the catted out nature of the afternoon. Nobody seems to be that upset about the split. 

Tuesday and Wednesday...A Okay

 Tuesday evening. The kittos are up, the boys have settled in and Roy is busy in the bonus room working on something. A quiet evening. Since I tried my hand at getting out and about yesterday I stuck pretty close to home. Got some things accomplished and thankful that this cough is finally settling down. 

One thing about yesterday, I saw the French Broad River for the first time and the scenes of destruction were a bit overwhelming. We voted early then gave Sam's a little bit of a try and I did okay but at the end, started coughing so I went to the truck. 

I feel like I am slowly returning to normal and believe me, that is something I had doubts over. Please do not laugh. Anyway, anything whether it was texting or moving or whatever seemed overwhelming and wouldn't and couldn't be done. Then slowly but surely I didn't need to take a nap to take a shower and then take a nap after a shower. For a couple of weeks I didn't change jammies too often cause it was overwhelming to even consider. There are some wonderful miracles that have happened during all of this and I am anxious to get them written out. Before Helene, we had every week scheduled with the ASPCA for getting the feral fam in as well as the kittos. My sickness stopped progress on getting them acclimated to the house and the boys. Anyway, they were scheduled because little Chubola is becoming a young female cat with two brothers. Last week Roy emailed with his contact there asking if we could get on a waiting list for cancellations. She responded we could bring in all three on the 4th. I tell you that is a miracle. People are vying and we are so thankful for this favor from them. 

Today, Roy was going to take the Mustang into Weaverville. Mustang Sam would not start. We have had Triple A for years and never used it until today. A bad cell in the battery and low on antifreeze. They got the car started and Roy took it over to the mechanics. Changed things out and Roy said the car is running like it is brand new. For this we also give thanks. 

I think we got our electricity and internet back around the 8th. Roy woke me up to let me know we were off the generator but I was fitful and couldn't get my mind around anything. I have often told Roy that I have a good track record coming back from health issues that should have taken me out but I also know that day is coming when it is time for me to go to Jesus and no amount of fighting can change that. The 8th I had told the Lord that if this was my time to go, I would not fight. That night after finally falling asleep my mom came to me in a dream. I rarely dream about my mom, only have those bad dreams with my father in them. In my dream I could see my mom walking toward me. She had on her favorite pair of shorts and this white short sleeve top that kept her cool in the summer. She was about 35 years old. It was as if she came to the very edge where she is in heaven and I am on the other side, here on earth. She knelt down to talk to me. She said, this is not your time to go. It is not your time to come to heaven but it is your time to fight. You have to fight this and get well. I woke up halfway expecting my mom to be there but I knew she wasn't there but I felt that this was a message from the Lord. My whole attitude changed from that time forward. Today Judy Carver told me a story about her praying for me...I just wonder if all this was at the same time? Wow! The Lord is so good!

In August I kind of stumbled upon Rowe Casa Organics. Troyer's in TN had a couple of their products. I tried the Magnesium cream first. Wow! Added Lymphatic cream and wow, wow! Since then I have added many more of their products and I credit their products so much that helped me these past few weeks. 

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Wednesday evening and I am exhausted. Another day out and about trying to build back stamina. We went to Haywood County for a couple of things. We made a stop at Barbers Orchard and I think this is the first time that I have not bought apple cider donuts, ever. Pears and apples. Went on over to Publix and first time in five weeks I have gone to the grocery store. I made it almost to the end but did the debit card thing and left Roy and the groceries. I sat in the car and ate 1/2 of an oatmeal cookie. Stopped to pick up BBQ. We were a little later than usual and they had already sold out of the brisket and ribs. I did my regular sides. One thing in these past couple of weeks is discovering Boars Head chicken salad with cranberries. I think I have had that sandwich everyday for a week and a half. Not too much sounds good, but it sure does. When we got home I rested and most probably I will stay around the house tomorrow to keep improving and getting strength back.

I am going to be back in The Joy Class on Sunday. It will kind of be SS light but I think it will be meaningful. I sure have missed the class. 

We just put the kittos to bed, so I need to finish this up or they will just sit here and cry at me. 

Penland's, One of My Favorite Marshall Places and My Friend Georgette

 

*these photos do know belong to me. Top is from USA Today and the bottom pic probably belongs to Ian.*

This is my friend Georgette. If you have ever visited me, for the day or days, we've gone to Marshall and we stopped in her store, Penland's. Her family has owned it for three or four generations. Even the the front displays carry a touch of nostalgia. The displays of modern Carhart, pajamas made in North Carolina, books about the wild stories of Madison County (there are some great stories), homemade products from the artisans in the area and sometimes fresh veggies and fruit. It is the heartbeat of downtown Marshall. 

I first met Georgette when friends took me to her store and introduced us. It was part of their Madison County tour because my friends grew up there and have a deep abiding love for that county. Cuman, Inez's husband, has some great stories and he knows the history, good, bad, legal and maybe some illegal. He has some of the best stories of moonshine days. He wasn't with us that day but he asked Inez not to take the river road to Madison. We swore secrecy not to tell Cuman we did. Oops! Anyway... Several weeks later I went back to Penland's and reintroduced myself. Her friendship took me right in. I'll forever be grateful for that. Since I was here by myself then and didn't really visit with people much, she was so patient as I talked and talked and talked to her. Then before leaving I'd always apologize that I had taken so much of her time. She was always gracious saying, I enjoyed visiting. When locals came in to shoot the breeze or pick up a few things, Georgette would introduce me just like I was from around there. Not too long after meeting her, she gave me her cell number and home phone number. She said no matter what time, day or night, call if you need help or anything. We are not that far from you and we will be there in a jiffy. I still have that note in my project desk room attached to a wall hanging so I would never lose it. In exchange I always shared oil and gas related news to her. Roy called one day and said it hasn't hit the news yet, but Colonial Pipeline is shut down. It is the pipeline supplier to our area of the country. I texted friends but one of the first I told was Georgette. Fill up your cars, your family members cars before the news hits and lines start forming at the gas stations. Over the years I sent her that alert several times. 

Downtown Marshall began a resurgence several years ago and Penland's was an anchor to that. Then Hurricane Helene came a calling and changed everything. Half of downtown, gone. Buildings that had survived the flood of 1916, gone. Six feet of water got into her store. Her family lost everything in that store, including 100 year old red oak floor and sub floor, the old display cases. Only the antiques on the very top made it, including Pee Wee Herman. Now they are trying to put it all back together. Mud removed and waiting on estimates for HVAC and other things. If anyone deserves our support right now it is Georgette. 

I am hoping that any Houston friends that stopped and shopped at her store might want to make a contribution of any size to the rebuilding of a business but so much more than that. If you come in the future, invest so that we can make a stop there. Georgette always takes care of everyone, now is the time to help take care of she and her husband and extended family to make a go of this again. Mountain Strong! Madison Strong!

If you would like to make a monetary gift to them, message me and I will send you her mailing address. So worthy of time and consideration. 

Just A Quick Yet Incomplete Update

 Howdy! It has been a while since I have posted on my blog. For the first time ever writing on Monablog, there was no fire within me to write. Didn't want to write and if I did have something to say, it was a little snippet on Facebook. Then at the end of September Hurricane Helene came rolling through but even before Helene, we had some kind of front stall out and we had 8 inches of rain the day before Helene. I will say I have never ever been through something like this. I wasn't in Houston for Harvey or Beryl but nothing like wind and rain and wind. The week before Roy and I did prep work, just like in Houston. Gutter cleaners punted on us so Roy and I did the best we could cleaning out the gutters on the back porch. We shopped, got laundry done cause we felt for certain we would lose power. Filled up the truck and the car. Like every good Houstonian, we had our hurricane prep box ready, complete with Pop Tarts. Every preparation brochure has the box and right on top, Pop Tarts. I didn't go get rain or snow donuts which is so unlike me. Many times I don't eat them but if they are in the house I am not craving them. I know now there was a reason why. 

As the storm came in Thursday afternoon, Roy stood on the back porch and read storm verses out loud to the wind. He must have been out there for about an hour until I finally called him in. The mountains were hit hard, very hard. I'll write more on that later on another post. Our little post office by the French Broad River had three feet of water in it. Houses gone. Buildings gone and the Alexander Bridge was one foot away by being over taken and probably destroyed. 

The strange thing is this, I kept asking friends about the aftermath but no one knew what that was really. Before, when tropical storms come though it is a rain event. Lots of people were making plans for Friday afternoon and night. I think now, everyone knows about aftermath. 

As the storm came and went, along came a virus or cold that attached itself to me. At first, I didn't give it a thought until I became very ill. I now would bet money I had Covid, really, really bad Covid. I wasn't ever stopped up or ran much of a fever but the coughing was killing me. I was supposed to have a Dr appointment on Sept 30th, but it had to be cancelled...no water and no clear way to get to the office. On the 9th of October we called EMS and they made a stop. With all the storm, death and chaos normally they would have taken me to the hospital, but it would take 6-8 hours for one to come and pick me up. Then most probably due to more serious and immediate emergencies, I would have probably been there a lot longer and really never seen. We all decided I had a better chance at home for now. After that and until we had to call EMS back because I had fallen and couldn't get up, I don't remember much. Not eating much, coughing up junk and no stamina, no strength. My eyes stuck together, my arms and legs would not or could not do the things I was asking of them. Roy took such good care of me. It wasn't until the 13th or 14th, that I began to believe I was going to make it. Slowly but surely I am getting better. Yesterday I had a setback but today I feel like once again I am on the road to recovery.

Next week I am going to get some bloodwork done to see if I have currently long Covid. 

Well, that is about it for now. I will try to be better with updates.

PS- Roy is taking good care of all the kitties

Approaching Seventy

 Twenty years ago I decided I was going to go into my fifties in the best way possible. Lost weight but then had a crisis and I didn't go into my fifties weighing a little bit less. Ah, nothing like crisis, stress eating. One thing I did do on this day twenty years ago was to take my three best friends for Spa Sanctuary at the Nord. We had body wraps, massages, facials and nails done. They served us lunch in the relaxation room. It was the best time. After the luxurious day, we had our makeup done downstairs and then finished the day at Lupe's Tortillas. Turning fifty, besides turning twenty, are the only birthdays that have bothered me age wise. This "big" birthday tomorrow doesn't bother me because other than by God's grace I  wasn't supposed to be here to celebrate. We had a fun party at Peggy's twenty years ago to celebrate and the age range of friends was 3-90. Even had some family attend who just happened to be in town. Such fun and such good memories. 

Ten years ago Roy treated me to a month here in the mountains. We arrived here after a few days at a cousin reunion. On the last day of that month's time, we left with an accepted offer on a home. We never ever thought we would find something in just a month, that we would probably need several trips but God knew. We bought before the housing market here skyrocketed. Such fun, such good memories and still loving and making memories living here. 

I have been reflecting this week on living so many years. I remember when my mom turned seventy. I took over a cake and had a small celebration with her and my father. Looking back I think she might have been dealing with some mild memory problems but she had kind of withdrawn herself over those last few years of her life. One of her best friends was walking an all too short fight against cancer. My mom had a few other friends that she did things with, but didn't enjoy getting out with them too much. 

There have been a lot of mistakes, unkind words I wish I could take back but my life has contained good decisions, lots of fun and laughter and joy. I am thankful that the Lord has never left me and holds me in His heart and hand. Recently I was cleaning out more diaries from late elementary school and the seventh grade. Happy to know there have been good changes, but dang, almost the same things back then make me irritated today. Gave those diaries a good read through cause they went into the shredder. 

This year my two best friends from high school have or will be joining in the age beginning with 7 club. Beth hasn't turned that number yet but her family gave her a wonderful party to celebrate. It broke my heart that I couldn't attend. Having too many health issues to fly or road trip any great distance and a no from my cardiologist on this trip to the Seattle area as well as my nieces destination wedding earlier this year. I came across pictures from my visit to Gig Harbor those many years ago. You know, back when I could hike...well, I didn't hike well in those mountains coming from flatland, but I did dress the part. 

Last Monday was the ol' mammo appointment. The waiting area used to be so welcoming and comfortable. Easy chairs and the decor of a mountain cabin with restful colors. Well, that has all changed and is now the sterile medical environment we all are familiar with. Once behind the doors and changed into the lovely gown, opening in the front, you're seated in a smaller waiting area with other gowned women. It has been my experience in the past that area is rather chatty. No one was talking until a woman arrived, probably younger than me but looked older and she asked, why isn't anyone talking? So, those timid first conversations of mammograms of the past began to roll out of us along with laughter. When my turn to tell a mammo story came, I told them in the past I would cancel a mammogram if storms were in the area. You know cause, what if lighting hits the building and the power goes out, there I am attached to this grip thing in the dark. No one would remember to use the emergency release thing, if there was one. Back in the day those grab and smash machines were attached to the wall and I was too tall for them. The next lady gave the advice, don't look down. Why? Cause it will freak you out what you see. I mentioned that when my friend, Lisa P crossed the mile high swinging bridge at GF Mountain, that is what I told her...don't look down. Well, I had never even thought of looking down getting a mammo. While getting mine done, I did not look down, but kind of wanted to. The techs were so nice and really invested in making sure I could punch in the numbers and press enter to unlock my locker. Told them, I felt like I could do that but while changing into the front open gown, I could not figure out how to tie it shut. That is not an elderly problem for me, it's just a Nancy problem. Been having trouble with those hospital gowns since 2008. Now I am figuring out what kind of elderly patient do I want to be on these visits with doctors and tests. They all seem to see me as such and dang, it was during the last week to be in the six decade. Monday morning, I have another appointment but I'll be in the beginning of the seven decade, so it will be a new experience for me. 

Just like twenty years ago I approach this birthday weighing a little more than I have in recent years. Not crisis or stress eating, but a little less active. More of a fluid retention thing. This time I am going into the next decade concerned about memory and things related to that. It has been suggested that I check out if my ADHD is a bit more active and causing those concerns. I did take one test and yes, officially, ADHD is detected. I could have told them that without the test. 

Cats, Appointments and Being Older

 Good Morning from the Inn on the Catmore Estate. This is a much better morning than yesterday. The kittens were lethargic and had that look. We ran through anything that we had changed in their diet and we narrowed down what we thought might be the problem. Last night we fed them just a bit of milk to tide them over through the night. It seems to have done the trick. This morning I was greeted with a exuberant greeting by all three. We did a little milk and then had morning playtime on the front porch. GMoey took part once again but still ignores These Three for the most part. When the gray kitten tried to nurse from him, GMoey gave it such a look! Just gave them the second round of milk and they have settled down into nap time. At lunch time we will give the two who eat solid wet kitten food a little bit of lunch. I read this morning that the little guy who has trouble eating out of the bowl might be due to eyesight not being fully developed. This is my first time working with kittens so young so I am trying to learn all that I can. 

 This time two Saturdays ago I never planned nor imagined that we would have little kittens in the house. It has been our practice to help only when it seems like the mom or moms in this case need help. Everything seemed to be going well with the exception of the eye matting. That Saturday afternoon when I picked up the first kitten, she was covered in maggots. I hate those things. Anyway, that opened up the opportunity for These Three on Sunday. They are fun to watch and all three have the sweetest personalities. I had my doubts with the gray one because his linage is Mr Meany, Frankie and Nimbus...all mean, all nasty in temperament. He is just the sweetest thing, purrs and he loves that solid food topped with salmon lil soups as a chaser. I just gave them their milk feeding and then brought the above mentioned fav of the lil gray one. He and the orange kitten that loves wet food, fought to the death I mean fought to the nap to clean out the bowl, although there right beside the grudge match of the morning was a bowl with the same food in it.

We are more and more becoming "that" couple who go to Dr appointments together. Although, we have not stepped over the line of going back as a couple behind the golden door. The nurse asked if I would like Roy to come back and I said no way. Not there at that point. Success with the three words, yay! Drew the clock but with just a second of hesitation. She said draw the clock with no hands. Okay, I replied, it might take a while since I don't usually draw with my mouth holding a pen. I put my pen in my mouth, it was my pen, and she cracked up. Of course she must have seen that a million times, but she said I am the first who ever did that. Got to see Dr Andy and always a joy to talk with him. I have had some concerns and we talked though what they could be. This thing, whatever it is has been going on for a little more than two years. The process of getting an orthopedic is in process. Andy sent a referral and  I got a text that I am now in their portal system. Everything moves slowly here, especially anything in the medical profession. 

Our blackberries are producing much fruit this season. Some of those berries are huge! Both Roy and I picked yesterday. Birds are getting to the tomatoes, so we hung red Christmas ball ornaments among the branches. We planted purple Cherokee cherry tomatoes and they are producing like crazy. All his tomato plants are. I haven't been over to the other side of the yard to see the bell peppers but Roy says they are doing good. 

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 Getting a mammogram here is one of the only not slow timing medical things one can get here. They contacted me yesterday to set up my appointment and I could have gone in today, but since we have a car in the shop I turned down the immediacy of getting in so quickly. I chose another date a couple of weeks out. Now, here is the thing I learned yesterday. For a brief moment that maybe I'll start calling Bidenbrain, not a political comment just keeping up with world events, I had Bidenbrain and couldn't remember the word, mammogram. Imagining, resolution all came to mind but finally at the last minute, the word came forth into the brain and out of my mouth. This little slip up caused the conversation to go really slow and be given instructions very slowly and at least five times telling me the address. Yes, I have been there before but now the mammogram office takes up the whole second floor instead of being on the first floor. Yep, after about the third time I know where to go. I am at that age and I know it comes with the territory but some of the questions you are asked are borderline ageist.  Do I live at home rather than in a home, can I bathe myself...? Yes, it is my preference. Can I walk by myself? Yes, that is my preference as well. Do I know what time I am supposed to arrive at the center? Why yes, I can even draw a clock for you and show my work that I understand the concept of noon. The lady asking me all these questions was so kind but I was painfully aware she had or as singers and worship leaders are wont to say, let's bring it down a little, cause I had a bit of a stumble at first. I thought I was never going to get off the phone with her, though. Must be a sensitive subject to me cause of those types of questions in the checkup this week. Do we have throw rugs? WE also have cats, so we do have throw up. Do we have cords and wires I have to step over? Do we have stairs and if so, are there items on the steps. Well, technically yes but I answered no cause they are neatly organized in a stair basket and one of these years, the contents will finally make it upstairs. The new question this year along with the smoking, drinking and stepping over cord questions and the nurse prefaced it with kind of a blush, was a question about s#x. Yes, this is all important information that the government and hospitals need to know. Oh to have had a pack of candy ciggies in my purse, to pull out the pack and retrieve a candy ciggie from it. Then tap it on my thumb nail like my Aunt Amy used to do, act like I am lighting it, take a long draw and respond with a witty answer. Like, we just did it in the parking lot waiting for your office to open after lunch time. 🎜Sky rockets in sight, afternoon delight . 🎜 I will have to remember this for next year's check up. 

Our neighbors made another hornet removal attempt and it cut short our watering, pruning and picking of fruit last night. Just as well, cause we needed to stop and let the little ones out on the front porch for playtime. Third kitty is eating from a bowl and gray kitty is drinking water from a saucer. They'll be leaving for college before you know it. 

This has been a hard week in some ways yet a very joyous week as well. Rejoicing with a friend with a new job and passing a certification in her line of career. Praying for friends here as well as praying for friends in Houston after hurricane Beryl. So many do not have power yet and the heat index is over 100 degrees. 

We did something new this morning, we fed These Three on the front porch while cleaning out their playpen. GMoey came out for a while but just watched the yard for birds. Now the kittens are fast asleep in their clean bed and playpen. 

Fourth, Fifth and Sixth

 Happy Fourth of July! Hopefully, some of our neighbors in the distance will put on a great show of fireworks but sometimes we can see the official firework shows from our front porch. I think from about ninth grade till a little after high school, Westbury Square had a wonderful firework display. Westbury Square holds many good memories for those of us who grew up in southwest Houston. It really was ahead of its time with quaint shops and restaurants. Sharpstown Mall began its downfall. It felt like a European village with winding walkways, not that I had ever been to Europe back then. Candle making shop, bookstore, perfume shops, and Cargo Houston. Large store with international merchandise. Hey in the late 60s and 70s, it was our first experience with international shopping. Kind of leaned to the hippy influence. Being young, the walk from our home to the Square was easy so many a fourth either as a family or with friends walk over to the Patton's home and sit in their front yard for a front row seat of brilliance and flashes of light in the sky. Ooooh, ahhhhhh....could be heard all throughout the neighborhood. One year I wasn't feeling particularly interested in being with others watching the show. I climbed up one of the big trees in the backyard and ooooohed and ahhhhhhed by myself. I remember thinking as I easily climbed up the tree that this might be the last time I would climb a tree cause you know one didn't do that as they got older. Had a perfect view for fireworks near the top of that tree. 

We press onward taking care of These Three. We've had them out sitting on our laps. Uh, I mean climbing up our shirts and digging into our necks. We've been changing out the blankets in the playpen but I found a little cat bed in the garage. I put that in the playpen about an hour ago and they love it. Their appetite and kitten milk consumption is up and that makes them energetic and being a little more playful. We will go out to the front porch again this evening and let them run and wrestle or just investigate this new area in their lives. 

Been working on the lesson today. We get to see this how big picture of a life, Jacob's, and watch his growth and trust in God. His birth, hanging onto his brother to be the first one born. He deceives his brother and father, then shipped off to reform school at Uncle Laban's. There he perfects some of his most deceptive and manipulative maneuvers but Uncle Laban is a little better than him at the beginning. God is with him but he wrestles with Him to get that blessing. Did the family tradition thing and showed favoritism. His other sons were not too happy about that and hated Joseph. Took his coat, threw him in a pit and then sold him to be a slave in Egypt. That's where we lose about twenty years of Jacob's life but we see in between that it has not been a happy twenty years for anyone except maybe Benjamin. We have the details of Joseph and we know he is second in all the land. The seven years of plenty have come and gone and now Egypt and the surrounding countries find themselves in famine and lack of food. Here come the brothers, with empty sacks, money in their pockets, donkeys to carry everything back but they meet a prime minister who accuses them of being spies. Joseph recognizes them but they don't have a clue who they are dealing with now. We are looking at the big reveal and the trip to live with his son in Egypt. We see Jacob's total life, mistakes and all as well as the good and godly. There around chapter 46 we see Jacob reacting in fear, well we see that in-between the lines until verse 3 when God addresses the issue with Jacob. Fear, good fear keeps us safe and healthy but oppressive fear of going, coming, learning or trying something new can stop us dead in our tracks and we find out that we are not experiencing joy or relying on God's strength. 

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Our new neighbors as well as our long time neighbors put on great firework displays last night. The one across the street was a short program but dazzling to be so close to the display. For only about fifteen minutes did it sound like a war zone outside. That's what I like great shows compacted into a little bit of time and not all night and then all week. Our area is in a bit of a drought so hopefully everyone was careful and haven't heard of any fires in our area. 

These Three are doing well this morning. Two milk feedings and one soupy solid food. Two of them love it and the other one wants to be biblical...not desiring solid food but wanting the milk. 

 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Hebrews 5:12

We added something new to the day, a morning trip to the front porch. While they explored Roy cleaned out their playpen and litter box. Food and fun leads to nap time at this stage of the game and although I would love to take a nap, that SS lesson isn't going to write itself.

The blackberries we are growing this year are huge. Roy took a look at the peaches and they are ripening up. It is the time for free stone peaches and we haven't bought any, yet. Strawberry season is just about done. Apples are ripening and well that means that apple cider donut season is less than a month away. 

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Our oak tree toppled in the storm yesterday. If Mike can work it in today, he will at least cut it up. Lots of lightning and hard rain with the storm. We are thankful it fell into the yard and not across the road. Some damage to the raised galvanized metal flowerbed, but think the metal can be popped back into place. We are picking some of the biggest blackberries and Roy's tomatoes are producing well. 

Roy helped me with bath time for the kittens. They all did well and they are fluffy and clean. He took them out on the front porch after we dried them so I could vacuum and change out playpens and bedding. Mike came by and he went out to help get the trunk of the tree off the metal flowerbed. Mike will come back next week and cut it down to manageable pieces. 

Been up since 4:45 and it is now just a bit after 10:00 am. I'm exhausted and need a nap. Oh, I do think one of the orange kittens is a girl now that some swelling has gone down and so I am thinking to call them Buster, Baxter and Betty. Baptist alteration as well as having a kitten named after a friend. 💕 

These Three

 While being on the back porch with our little tribe I noticed how good the zinnias we planted in an old tree stump look so beautiful. I think it is one of my favorite flower decisions we've made. Our area received a brief shower last night and the next morning all the plants have perked up.

Speaking of perked up, I am kind of perked up. Well, let's see, I am up early and running on coffee that was brewed not percolated. But, you get the idea.  Rescuing the kittens of BBKitty and Cami has been emotionally exhausting. Those little mamas tried but they are merely older kittens themselves. I think most of the kittens we have from the litter are Cami's. The adventure began on Saturday. I picked up a kitten to check its eyes for matting. That little ones rear end was covered in wiggly, squiggly maggots that will be referred as fly eggs. Got that baby a bath and got it cleaned up. Put some Wondercide flea and tick spray on it and we brought a playpen to the back porch. Got some kitten milk in it and kept cleaning up any evidence of vermin. When we came home from church yesterday, an orange kitty was sitting by the recycle bin and seemed to be saying, I'm ready, what took y'all so long? Got him settled in after de-lousing him or at least first treatment. The babies cuddled up quickly and cat #1 seemed very happy to have company. Got a little food in him and then I settled down for a two and a half hour nap. I rarely do this but Roy said you needed the sleep and rest. Uh, I did. We were getting ready to go to the fellowship supper at church when Roy came to the back porch with two more kitties. Same procedure but the second orange kitten didn't look like it was in that good of health. Our evening plans changed and we got about the business of taking care of four young kittens. We moved them into a more spacious playpen, got rid of the stuffed animal and made a different litter pan for them. Then we used a lighter colored blanket so that we can observe them better. This morning Roy called into the vet office and we are waiting on a call back. Just called back and can't see them until tomorrow. Since we discovered that if both of us do the feeding, the resistant ones are a little less combative and will eat. Again, the two orange cats are the concern. The other two are doing better as the hours go by. For sure, not battling the heat and flies is a huge help for them. We just had a Spotty sighting and he ate really well. His wounds are healing and Fido was happy to see his bro. All in all that is good. 

The Sisters discovered their kittos on the back porch so operation move them inside began in earnest this evening. All four had a bath and a new scent of Wondercide to take care of those pesky varmints. They are asleep after all that water and change. Gave them some salmon/tuna bisque and two of them chowed down. I am concerned about the one orange one but we are getting kitten milk in it. The others as well. Did a milk feeding and tucked them in for a good night. 

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This morning the little bowl of salmon bisque was licked dry. Put more in the bowl and set it in the playpen. Mama had some coffee and then set about the early morning milk meal. They all ate well and drifted back to sleep. Had two of them wake up meowing and Roy said, hey they need more breakfast and I kiddingly responded, not my table. I'm on a break. We will get them a snack for sure a little later in the morning but quiet time for them is also quiet time for us.

Mr Mo is not happy at all with the presence of these kittens. He is taking it personally. Barely lets me pet him and stays upstairs for the most part. The other two while not thrilled are not as upset. 

Just had a moment...we could only see three kittens. Oh my, searched through the blankets and that stinker avoided detection twice. Finally, we found him all wrapped up and alive. So, got him back on the top of the blanket with the sibs. That also prompted gray and Camo Jr kitten to eat food from the bowl. Now they are all back together sleeping on this bright Tuesday morning. 

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We lost Little Bit last night. Her siblings gathered round her in that wake position that I have seen over the years of loving The Feral Fam. Each time there is a loss, it is difficult. Both Roy and I teared up at the loss. We are watching an orange kitten that is lively but does a lot of that face plant sleep into a blanket. It might like sleeping that way. GMoey has an appointment tomorrow so we can ask a few questions of what we might need to do to help Little Bit. Both GMoey and Willie have sat by the playpen to watch the kittos. GMoey even got up on the cat tree to look down and keep an eye on these little ones. I was so hoping for a better outcome. 

Seems like our attention has been directed to cats, The Four Amigos, The Boys, and The Feral Fam. Who knows, but probably something about cats will be in the lesson for Sunday. Oh I hope not but will work diligently today and tomorrow. Have an outline, which is good. 

The babies are sound asleep full of kitten milk. So, guess it is a good time to get the day started before the next meal for these three. 

Herding Kitties

 There are hard mornings and this morning is one of those. BBKitty and her sister Cami are letting the youngsters run amuck. We gathered them up this morning from off the driveway and put them in a box for the moms to pick up the kittens and take them back to wherever they had moved them. Last night they had them under the front porch. At least Cami is by the box but since they are quiet and napping she might not be so inclined to move them. I think one or two kittens are missing but we aren't too sure. We were able to help another kitten with their eyes, so that is always a good thing. All the other cat chores went well but chasing little kittens, while not hard is heart breaking. They are related to Camo and she always stopped caring at some point for her kittens so she let them fend for themselves, we assure, or she dropped them here. 

I am kind of struggling with this week's lesson. So many things to cover but I need to find those things that fit together and make sense in able to apply the lessons to our lives. 

Well, it is almost twelve hours later and we are doing the same thing that we were doing about this time this morning. Herding kittens. When we left the kittens this morning, we left them in a box that the mothers can get them out of. Late morning when we arrived back home the box was tipped over and the moms had them under a tree. This evening kittens have been moved hither and yon but it feels like their preferred gathering place is on the porch in the corner. We put a bed there for them. They are good moms but they have a lot on their paws for being first time mamas. Round 2, we just came in after finding the orange kittens and we think they have been among the blackberries all day. Family is now under the porch again. 

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And now for the latest update on kittens. Family has moved from under the front porch to under the back porch. Although it is noisier they are safer there. We've heard a few meows but the sisters are near so that is a great sign. I am not confident all the kittens will make it. Two look a little lethargic but we shall see. Maybe the older cuzbros will help reign in the younger ones with play. One of the little ones is bigger than the others and I believe that he/she is from BBKitty's litter which will be one month on July 1st. Last night we discovered that the kittens have once again been moved by the moms. We saw two of them yesterday when we fed the Feral Fam. The moms are around so that is a good sign. 

We don't know the places where the sisters take the kittens because they did not grow up here in the yard. With Cutie we pretty much know the progression. She has her kittens finding out about the gravel road and that is my least favorite growing up test that she gives her babies. By next week she will have moved on paying just a little attention to them. 

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Yes, this week it is all about the Feral Fam and the newest members. Last night one of the little ones ran freely about the food bowls. I checked on her eyes and she had one matted again. Since Roy had gone to church for a men's fellowship supper, I had to remember how to help a kitty without the extra set of hands. Brought her in the house, got some meds in her and got that eye cleaned up. GMoey was happy to see her and she scared Willie. These little ones are eating food. They are at the age but I think all the moving and such has them a little smaller than their age would show. We are seeing three kittens, Roy thinks maybe four. 

All the Feral Fam is on edge. They are keeping out of the way and hidden. Think their arch enemy is frustrated and attacking. We have not seen Spotty for three days. He does that but with the tension in the air, we just wonder. When Roy got home last night, he heard the sound of a brutal cat fight. He tried to find it but too far over past Mary Joyce's house. Cutie has kind of moved her tribe near the fence and on the rocks. That gives three ways to exit or hide. Thankfully, all four of her showed up for breakfast. 

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I'll wrap this up because this is going to be a longer story I have a feeling. Now four kitties on the back porch in a pet playpen. This morning around 4:30 when I was feeding the first guest I heard the mournful wail up toward the neighbors and the church of a cat. I hope it wasn't hurt or being stalked by the mean cat. We think he finally did Spotty in. We have not seen him since last Monday night. That Spotty was getting so close to trusting us. Now, we have these little ones to help. Calling the vet in the morning to see if we can get them in and on the way to health. 

Herding, Securing and Watering

 Oh these warm days but thankful for cool mornings and evenings. The other night we put the top down on Mustang Sam and took a ride through the country. Just so beautiful taking in the sights and fragrances. Saturday morning the Women's Ministry had a canvas paint party and we had a blast. Came with breakfast, devotion and planning. Such a joy to be around friends on a summer Saturday morning. 

Once again I saw birds in training from the front bedroom window. A hawk and a much smaller hawk enjoying their ride on the wind. Circling and floating all the while keeping an eye out for something moving on the ground that could become supper. Hawks don't really teach their young to hunt but the kiddos learn by watching their parents hunt and soon learn it is better to perch in an area to find accessible food. While the hawks glided in their circular pattern two of the young blackbirds were training and developing skills to keep hawks away from nests. Mockingbirds and blackbirds will chase hawks in the sky and it seems like the hawk should be the one in control and not being bothered by this distraction. 

Cutie is in the process of getting in the last lessons for the four kittens before releasing them to make it on their own. She is taking them near the gravel road and showing the escape route under the fence. She sits back and waits for the kittens to start eating at the dish of food in the morning and evenings. They have grown and they are healthy from the looks of them. Before leaving for church yesterday, we were treated to a front row view of the BBKitty and Cami litters. Oh my, that's a whole lot of kittens. Two orange, a calico, two black and white, one gray...maybe two and a black kitten. Some of them are nearing four weeks and the others look to be three weeks. Cutie knows the lay of the land and uses it to the best situations because she grew up in our backyard. She learned her motherhood tips from Punky. Camo just dropped off kittens when she was tired of raising them. Such is the case of the two sisters...they don't know the crannies of safety but they have done rather well with what they see. I don't think any kittens have died under their watch...well, we helped a couple of times with the wandering ones. There seems to be something outside that is bothering The Feral Fam. Coco doesn't really want to leave the garage. The vet told me long ago with Riley, if they want to stay in they have survived a traumatic experience. Of course Fido comes and goes but he has wanted to be in the garage more than usual. Beanie is here for a few days and then he is off to wherever he goes for several days. He wanted in the garage this morning as well. Nimbus, our neighbors intact male cat is causing some of this trauma, I think but there could be wildlife in the mix too. 

It's kind of funny, well not funny, but I saw that a girl I went to jr high and high school with passed away last September. We didn't talk or anything in school nor did we ever after. She was popular and in all the popular things. She married her high school sweetheart and have been around the Houston area all this time. No obituary that I can find and not much about her. But, it makes me always wonder how it all turned out for her. Well, I know the ending but before that. 

We are still in Genesis studying the life of Joseph. After a 20 year period of time the brothers meet the brother that is no more, well in their minds. Joseph is second in command in Egypt. One description I read was this, we are in a unique position to see all that makes up the story in these chapters. We know Joseph is safe and the Lord is with him, Jacob and fam have probably had not the greatest of twenty years, we see God changing the brothers, and we know the plan that was for good. 

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This morning we have been herding kittens. The sisters are having trouble with a couple of the happy wanderers. One of the kittens on the run has the eyes matted shut problem so I was able to get him and get his eyes cleaned up and get some meds in him. The Camo III kitten has that wild streak that comes with their cat family line. We have discovered if we put the kittens we capture and recapture in a box that mom or aunt will come get them and go back to the pile. Except they are lively and don't want to be fenced in. Roy tackled the big tomato plant that needs more support. We did minimal work on it last night but today got everything secured. Now is cooling off and resting from herding, securing and watering. He had to finish out the last little bit of watering this morning cause we ran out of daylight. 

All in all, we are punting our plans for the day which is fine. Roy has leftover BBQ for lunch since 6 Pigs was in our area yesterday instead of Wednesday. Getting a few more boxes ready to take to Habitat. Another hot day is forecast but the evening should cool down. 

Finally Finishing Up On Friday

 While looking back at FB memories the other day a lot of things have happened on June 14th. The first time eating at The Blue Rooster, the beginning of the homes built across the road and the official home day of Mr Mo. Well, the official day not the leading up days bringing him into the house. Soon the pics of GMoey will hit the memories because he came in not too long after that. 

Some of the hardest lessons to teach on Sunday are the lessons that hit me hard during the week. Too many personal memories and stories seem to make it into the the lessons and then I spend a few days aggravated with myself over that fact. Also, in my personal study and reading the topics, while not chosen by me specifically, all have to do with do not become legalistic. It is very easy to step into that trap while covering it over with a false sense of spirituality. Like a description of P Pressler's in the New York Times obituary made by Dwight McKissic, a black pastor in the Dallas area, P Pressler operated under a cloak of control on many levels without anyone realizing there was rot at the root. My paraphrase of the quote. We were at First Baptist Houston in the "heyday" of all this upheaval to bring in all the conservatism. I am not political for the most part so when friends outside of the Baptist church asked me which church I would attend, conservative or moderate, my answer was I am going to a church with a gym. Can you see that strong spirituality in play here. Ha! I am only mentioning this obit because it supports my thoughts on legalism on steroids. We have all participated in legalism at some point and guilty of rule making just for the heck of rule making. Only the obit reminds us that the legalism on steroids hurt and damaged people. 

Haircut, BBQ at Pig and Grits and a few errands. I had planned on going on over to The Find Vintage Market but truly like clockwork, the energy stopped thus meaning no trip to the new place. I was so disappointed but all these years I have learned to live within my parameters. With my heartbeat lowered it doesn't take much to drain me. We got home and Roy noticed one of the youngest kittens under the pallet. Both Cami and BBKitty will put them there if they are nervous for danger. In hindsight this is one that just got away. Later when Roy went outside it had moved out a bit and was crying. Beanie, such a sweet cat, was trying to comfort it as our presence was making the moms nervous. I picked up the little gray and white kitten. Eyes matted shut so I ran inside and got the cream to loosen up the mess. Got his eyes open and the kittens were in a big pile back under the tree, we got him back with the fam. Fed the moms and all the others that eat supper with us. Radley was up on one of the big rocks, so I got a bowl of food out to him. He protects this little family from the gray cat that can be so mean. He is just cranky cause his harem is diminishing. 

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I watched something magical from the front bedroom window the other morning. A black bird had two little ones being taught how to fly onto wires and stick the landing. Mom pulled back a bit and let her two kiddos have fun learning and flying. A mockingbird chased mom off the perch but she landed on a spot behind the mockingbird. The little ones became ineffective dive bombers trying to scare off the mockingbird. They have not perfected their style yet. Blackbirds leave and the two kiddos of the mockingbird land on the wire and the whole process is created again by a different species of birds. Blackbird came back and let the kiddos of the mockingbird attempt swarm procedures and like before mama mockingbird sits behind the blackbird. It looked like cooperation between two bird groups that really don't like each other. I felt fortunate to see the learning process for those baby birds who will soon be on their own. We see grownup cats act scared when a kitten arches its back and hisses. 

We picked up our order of Amish beef this week. Also had a dentist appointment and having a crown replaced is my first major dental work for the last three years. So that will begin in August. Again, we are dealing with the Mustang. Roy took it over to a shop that balanced the wheels and the thumping noise we heard was the sound of a tire cupping not the rims that we had straightened. Basically, we have two tires not even a year old, cupping because of the rims. One other issue has not resolved itself but we believe that there is an answer and it will come after the mechanic gets back from vacation.

Another baby kitten got lost but Roy found her. Got some meds in for respiration issue and cleaned out the eye boogers. Saw the orange kitten we helped at the first of the week and eyes are doing better.  

The Blade, The Cut and The Cats...Blade and Cats Have Nothing To Do With Each Other

 A little excitement was added to the day on Tuesday. Roy was going to workout but on his way he stopped in the nail salon close to the gym. He worked out for about an hour and then went back for his appointment. He likes them to trim his toe nails but he is not interested in the best part of the pedicure, the softening of the feet, massage and lotion but he does let them use a pumice stone on his feet to smooth things out. Thought it was all going well until Roy phoned. His voice was a bit panicked as well as weak. He tells me, they cut my foot and we cannot get the bleeding to stop and then he mumbled something, who knows what, and he hung up. He calls back and says pray. I offered to come over that way but he turned me down. Well, yes I began talking to the Lord immediately. You have to understand this is not regular Roy. Nothing flusters him. In 2008 when he had a possible diagnosis of ALS, he wasn't phased. In fact all his tests were during the time I was on a cruise. He wanted me to go and not to worry about a thing. He didn't have ALS, PTL, but something else that mimics it in the blood. The name is too long and too hard to pronounce. With this, I sent a text on our class group text asking prayer for Roy. He calls again, but it must have been a butt call. So, I call him back. His voice is sounding more normal but he is concerned with the bleeding and now this doesn't make any sense but he tells me he is going to walk over to the Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care. Uh, two bloody towels, bleeding foot, pressure...take the car. I talked him into that. His foot finally wrapped in gauze, bleeding stopped. He goes over to the Sisters of Mercy. Now, he will excel and overachieve there if he happens to run into any real sisters. Raised Catholic and it comes back to him in a heartbeat. He was a tad embarrassed. It was the tiniest cut. The nurse cleaned it up and put a little bitty round band aid on the cut. Then the doctor came in to see it and said she would need a bigger bandage cause the little dot would be too difficult to remove the next morning. The doctor did say the bleeding was more than usual in that he was nicked by a vein. I think it is and I will put this in a form of a math question, long leg + short person applying pressure = lots of bleeding.  Once things settled down and he was waiting to be released, I told him that The Joy Class was praying for him. He sounded a little choked up and asked me to thank them. I could not help think of one of the funniest stories I have ever heard and is told by Lisa P. The time she was given a gift certificate for a mani/pedi in a not so like normal place. The conversation she had between...and see, I cannot remember the name of the nail tech nor can I remember some of the things that happened, but I do remember this. Lisa P being asked if she wanted the blade. I asked Roy if they used the blade on him cause even about ten years ago salons still used the blade here. When the blade was applied I could not stop laughing thinking of the story that I remembered better back then than now. The Blade story is one I never thought I would ever forget and I haven't. It is just so many of the details and how those details come together to make one of the funniest stories. 

Keeping in mind Roy's cut and blood, I practiced precaution and didn't take my blood thinner this morning. Nor my horse chestnut extract. The lab opens at 8:30 and we arrived just about at that time. The lady that takes the blood and such is a great vein finder. So no incidents. We went to our favorite breakfast spot. Tried the California omelet and it was delicious.  Comes with pancakes, so what's not to like. After brunch, we made a quick run through Sam's and it truly was quick. Onward back north but it is called west, up the river road into Marshall where we pulled right in to park in front of the tag office and didn't have to wait in line. No entertainment this year by the hordes of people with title transfers etc... Once we hit the driveway I felt the tiredness hit. Like I had been drugged. Know it is the stress of things, driving and all but I did get a little bity nap out of it all this afternoon. 

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Each group of kittens over the years have a distinct personality yet very similar in growth cycles. This week the kittens are venturing out a little in the backyard. Of course, most of the time, under Cutie's vigilant watch. In the mornings when I serve a plate, a buffet of beef, chicken and seafood the little ones know when the sound of a door unlocking that most probably food will be presented soon enough. Now the two most reluctant kittens are not taking their time in approaching breakfast. Because we are trying to help these little ones, most of the time the plate is served with the big cat tunnel shielding their meal from other cats. We are working in more pate rather than flakes or grilled cat food. They are at that fun age and two of them are letting me get closer, especially when food is involved. 

After the two week break it feels good and right to be back studying for a lesson. We are back with Joseph and we find him in prison. Soon he will meet the butler and baker. Sounds like a law firm. Anyway, butler has a good result of his dream being interpreted, the baker...not so much. Anyway, Joseph asks to be remembered once the butler begins in Pharoah's service. But, the most supernatural and divine thing that ever happened in the butler's life doesn't even become a memory...he forgets Joseph. Two years Joseph does his job, well I might add, in prison maybe even wondering why he hasn't heard anything. Kind of like back in the day when packages were mostly delivered without tracking, you wait and hope but never knew the arrival. Joseph had that attitude...still serving yet still hoping. This time around studying Joseph, I am seeing how the wisdom he received from the Lord as well as natural talents got him the job overseeing the collection and then distribution of food for the people of Egypt as well as others in the world. It takes both parts all which unite in God's glory. Pharoah saw God was with Joseph. It took the miracle of telling what the dream meant to Pharoah and those God given natural, everyday insights on how something should be done or ran. Believe me, I am married to a plan man. My planning is more on the common sense side but Roy sees and within a magnitude and range with the tedious. I cannot remember if I have ever heard anyone teach or preach on this, it took both miracle and talent. Some church leaders don't like plans or programs, some church leaders say the days of miracles is over...some church leaders are high and dry stuck in the middle. 

I have found that I am studying in the front bedroom with the double windows that a huge hawk and I are on the same schedule. The hawk is looking for something for supper and is out floating on the wind currents to do so. The wind must be a rather consistent ride cause the patterns look to be the same. There are times the shadow of the hawk is what gets my attention especially if it flies closely to the window when one of The Boys naps close by. I think Cutie knows the timing of that flight each day because she will pull those kittens out of their full on play underneath shrubs and plants. 

One last cat thing. Willie did not want to go into the bonus room last night with his cuz bros. He stayed out all night and out of the three he is the best suited for that. He never came into our bedroom until 3:30 am and he didn't stay long. He wanted one of us to get up and let him in the bonus room but that was a no go. We shall see how things go this evening. It has been a while since one of the boys doesn't want to go to bed and be fed. 

Over Priced Conferences and Life

 I am fortunate that The Joy Class lets me take two Sundays off from teaching by helping prepare for VBS. We cut out lots of paper decorations and the fellowship around those tables is priceless. On the second Sunday I usually prepare a devotion but didn't this time. Our subtitle as a class might be willing workers cause we got things cut out in record time. This morning refreshed and ready to once again prepare lessons. We will return to prison with Joseph and his soon release. 

On FB I looked at one conference, actually didn't really look at the conference but the comments. That is where I learned the base price of this weekend conference was $825.00, next level $975.00 and for an extra $300.00 you could do a Q and A with the leaders. The conference is walking in your calling which looks to emphasize doing podcasts, writing and speaking events. My opinion has always been when you go to a conference to learn how to do those things, they are already played out. That is a rather steep fee for a weekend. Many commented that the conference must be for the wealthy. I mean really, as far as the speakers for the conference goes, I didn't recognize too many names. So FB decided since I read the comments and then looked at the post, that I want to attend lots and lots of conferences. So I now can become a woman of excellence, a woman highly favored, a Bible based coach or counselor, I can run 40 miles with Jesus, Over I can find out who my biblical twin is, and the list goes on and on. I was telling Roy about this and I am especially laughing over finding my biblical twin. Mentioned to him that I must think this is a bunch of hooey cause of my age. Roy deadpan response, even when you were young this would be your reaction. It was so tempting to put in the comments, "I have found my biblical twin, the fatted calf!" But you know some Christians don't respond well to humor. For those into running you can also do a 40 day run with Jesus that incorporates running and Bible study. Also looking at most of these studies and conferences, there mustn't be any women worship leaders, haha, cause almost all the worship leaders are men. I would also add that most of these conferences are all white women. My views on this might be a little extra because of reading the book Churchy by Sarah Condon. The book published in 2015 holds up rather well and although many of the experiences she writes on is about motherhood, I totally could relate in other areas of life. She is spot on how we'd rather deal with the mess than the why of the mess or this is my mess, come join me, give an opinion but never resolve the mess we'd rather stew in. Oh yes, she was raised SBC in Mississippi so she gets this even in her role of Episcopal priest married to an Episcopal priest.  

Hope Mike the Mower man gets here soon cause our yard could almost be mown for hay. We did have a brief shower but no storms last night. We were concerned for the two mamas and the babies under the wood pallet. We pulled out an old patio table and a blue tarp. We covered the area with the tarp so that they wouldn't have to battle rain from above. Thankfully, it wasn't a deluge so we don't think they were washed out from underneath. We will check the Mustang again but that has become a habit since we first discovered their rainy day hideout. Cutie and her kittens are getting a little more adventurous in exploring the backyard. Soon enough, will be the gravel road test for those little ones. I hate that but so far Cutie hasn't lost a kitten due to the gravel road test. Other ways yes...

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Mike came late in the afternoon and cut down our hay field, I mean lawn. We were out there last night doing fruit and veggie inspections. All winter long putting egg shells in the compost and dirt looks to be paying off. After a non crop of apples last year, we have two trees with small to medium apples growing. 

I talked with a friend last night who has a whole lot going on, her whole family does. I am reminded now that people don't want you to say oh yes, I have things too, but they just need to talk it out. Decisions are made easier or maybe not easier but with more direction when it is all laid out in conversation. You as the friend also get insight in how to pray more specifically for the people and situations. 

One Week Cars, One Week Cats

 Operation get Fido in the carrier went well this morning. Roy and I have been praying and asking the Lord for wisdom on this cause there is so much that can go wrong. We decided that Roy should go out to the garage just like normal and I stood by in the kitchen waiting for the assistance call. Got it and we got Fido in with relative ease. Is he happy? No, he isn't but once Roy gets home with him, Fido will get to spend time with Roy to help with that as well. The past few days Fido wasn't eating much. He has so much fur it is difficult to tell until you pick him up. We discovered some chicken and salmon shreds that he has scarfed down. He will get his shots and a look inside his mouth to see if he has stomatitis like GMoey. 

I am almost finished with Churchy. Love the topics and how she tells her story, mistakes and all. There are many who like to cover over flaws, especially the little ones...that trip one up at some point in time. The chapter on seminary was especially interesting. Seminary, it was of the Ivy League variety. Each year early on in the semester each student told their story. First year she is sharing she lives in NYC, but is from deep south  Mississippi. Covers her ministry in life so far. Sarah mentions she did all this in a calculated move, urban, but from the country, first in family to go to grad school and married to a Episcopal priest, saying that she was the real deal and rounded in ministry. As the semesters and years go by she notices what she shares at the beginning each year as well as her fellow classmates, the story changes and it is honest so that they are getting down to the foundation of who they really are. 

Don't know why this thought came to me last week but I believe my mom would have been content to live life in their hometown. She enjoyed the simple things of life while my father wanted to enjoy the finer things but he sabotaged his efforts, then blamed her. Mom was comfortable with good friends but uneasy in groups, especially at church. I have no evidence except for what I experienced with father, but I think he made her feel inadequate and less than other women in the church. She would never be good enough, well none of us would ever be good enough... It is a tenuous journey where you're not quite on the mountain top nor are you in the depths of the valley. You have to find the road where both confront you but doesn't defeat you. The normal things that parents want for their kids was an up and down experience for my brother and me. If we were successful, our father would find some way to disrupt and then when we failed of course he was there to tell us we weren't good enough. While I think her choice would have been to stay close to family the outcome emotionally would probably be the same. 

Roy and Fido are home. The vet office couldn't believe that Fido is a feral cat, so well behaved and friendly. He does have a problem with his teeth but not to the point of having them extracted. There is a process that we will have to do to let him become a member of the inside cats. He goes back in a month to get the second shot and his bloodwork should be ready this week or next. GMoey isn't feeling well and we might take him to the vet instead of Mr Mo. We shall see. GMoey looks like he is feeling better but we will make the determination in the morning. 

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Mr Mo got to go to the vet this morning. We think GMoey had a reaction to chicken cat food. Chicken has never agreed with him and since he has been doing so well...let's just say a good reminder not to give him chicken, again. It was a relatively easy catch and carrier with Mr Mo but the one we are dreading is in November when Willie has to go to the vet. He has not shed all his feral ways but he is moving forward in wanting pets and attention. 

I just went out to feed Cutie and her kittens. Right by the back door I hear tiny kitten meows but couldn't find any evidence of tiny ones. On another trip to the garage saw Cami with an orange kitten in her mouth. I almost thought she had a mouse so good thing I didn't scream. I quickly closed the door so as not to interrupt her process of moving kittens from under the front porch to the back. When I went back out a tiny black and white kitten is meowing his head off. I put him on the base of the cat tree and then I saw Cami's face underneath the pallet. So, I put him back so that he/she would find their way to mom. Hopefully, that is not where she is going to keep them for a while but no rain is expected for the next few days. Well, we found them again and this time the kittens were in the front bumper of the Mustang. We rescued the three and searched just in case there were anymore. BBKitty and Cami have had kittens. I think the orange one is Cami's and the other two will be a week old tomorrow. Good thing we did a search cause Roy didn't see the three at first. The sisters watched us place them close to where they had them before and we are hoping for the best. It is just so hard to see this kind of thing. Cutie and Mama Cat and to some extent Punky are great mothers. BB and Cami are babies themselves. We start back with getting the cats fixed on Monday. Most everyone is except for these young ones one of which both Roy and I thought was a boy have been fixed. 

Last week was a hard week dealing with cars and this week is a hard week dealing with cats.