Quiet Zones

 I watched one You Tube video on singing alto 2 notes for Shepherds Pipe Carol. Just a fun memory of singing the most ahhhhssss in a Christmas song. John Rutter must not think too much of altos. Anyway, I try to keep that alto knowledge because one never knows when a Shepherds Pipe Carol emergency will happen. You know listening to an in person concert when one of the altos falls sick. From the stage, does anyone know the alto part? I would be able to run to the stage...well, walk briskly and save the song. 

Because I watched this video now my Reels feed is filled with how to develop the voice, most tonality and what to do in Christmas concerts etc...  Too much for me. Fortunately, in my non-musical life set in choir music I have sat in choirs with fabulous directors. So, I know how to look, how to form my mouth for notes, lifting the eyebrows and making eye contact with the congregation. I can do all of that, but the voice never changes. It's the same from year to year. 

While going through books and getting them ready to leave our house I stumbled upon a Christmas book, A Gentle and Lowly Christmas by Daphne Simpkins. It's a Mildred Budge book I think I have read just about all of them and at first, well, wasn't a fan but I loved how she would bring such deep spiritual thoughts in some of the simplest and creative ways in the ordinary of life. This book is one that I have enjoyed the most. Some of the petty issues that face so many churches, changing the time of Christmas Eve service or using battery candles for the singing of Silent Night. What? We're changing to the carol, Joy to the World are covered in such a kind but funny way. Even if you have been or are guilty of these kinds of things she presents them in a way to bring attention not trigger anyone to bitterness. Mildred is not the main emphasis since we have journeyed with her story in the past books but she has come to a place where she doesn't need to be in the center of the church prep for the Christmas Eve service or the reception afterwards. Level headed Mildred is in a quiet zone leaving details to those who are more than capable to take care of things and at a place where she can enjoy dare I say ponder these things in her heart. A couple of days ago I read a devo/article about Zechariah and the after effect of his questioning Gabriel while serving in the Temple. Almost every time I read it or read about it, the emphasis is on the questioning when he should have known better. This time the article is about what God did in Zechariah when he was in the forced quiet, in the quiet zone until naming their baby, John. Think about it, the neighbors and relatives were meddling in family business, Elizabeth says John, but they go running over to Zechariah and in my mind, my comedic mind I see this in a modern day way. The relatives and people probably would say, well, Elizabeth has that Jezebel spirit, she's trying to run the family. The rejoicing for Elizabeth stops so that the fringe can run over to Zechariah asking him about this news. The case is made that John has never been a name used in their family which could be written today as, we've never done it this way before! I don't know if there were family by-laws that said you can use any name you want except John. But Zechariah praised God when he could finally speak and then the family and friends were amazed and they rejoiced. They wondered what plans the Lord had for John, "what then is the plans for this child?' Insert background music of Que Sera Sera, Whatever will be will be. The future's not ours to see. Que Sera Sera. Naming a child should always be left to the man or is it. Case in point, my father. I am named after his 5th grade girlfriend and my brother is named after a news anchor because my father thought his name sounded so distinguished. We don't want women taking over that...well, guess what, Elizabeth didn't name him, the Lord did. 

That Jezebel spirit stuff gets thrown about a lot today. If you really think about what you're saying, it can be hyperbole for just being a bossy woman. Jezzy was evil, really evil and you equate that evilness to a woman who buys the Christmas tree without her husband's help? Please! No one is singing, "I want to be a Jezzy girl" Ah, the Rick Springfield song. I read he is 80 years old now. Wow! It could be said that these manly retreats held during hunting season are really not to get men in a closer walk with God but to align themselves with Jacob's brother, Esau. You know he was a hunter and didn't make wise choices in wives and spent time trying to get a blessing that had already been given. He relied on, well he relied on Esau. Said in my best old timey voice, "he just has that spirit of Esau on him." You can add Cain, Nimrod, King Saul, Solomon and his son, I think Jeroboam Rehoboam to the OT spirit on them. Also as a reminder, Esau could have never been a deacon cause of the one wife clause but he could be a pastor. Hmmm....

What a stream of ADHD thoughts. My brain is rolling on the river this morning. Oh to take these ADHD thoughts and guide them to some more useful endeavor...vacuuming or dusting or starting a new book, even finish up the old one, The View From Lake Como. Must be the quiet zone of this morning that lit the flame. 

In conclusion, The Gospel of Luke shows in the beginning and in the ending, women seemed to be a little more spiritual than the men. Like I said, I am thinking of this in a humorous way but sometimes the humor shows the truth. Of course, if one gets really upset over this, well, you just got that spirit of the 10 brothers of Joseph on you. 

When It is Cold, Very Cold, Very, Very Cold

 I'd sing In the Bleak Mid-Winter only that officially, we haven't even reached mid-winter much less winter. December has been a cold one. All the weather reports state that once it is close to Christmas our area will have a warm up. Well, ding dong merrily on high... This next system arriving this weekend is bringing really, really cold temps. Some are saying the feel like temp will be -2. 

Just my observation from new catalogues coming to the house, if one wants to look officially Scottish, it is a very expensive look. Guess it is all that wool and plaid. Last Sunday I had a gray plaid dress I wanted to wear but I felt it was too hot to wear in the choir loft cause the choir loft can be rather warm. This Sunday is supposed to be so very, very cold I just might wear it. 

I've been looking for a particular picture of mine on FB but as I have searched I have found some pics of wonderful memories. I still have a lot of fun but those memories of fun times in Houston remain close to my heart. 

Yesterday, Roy and I ventured out to Pensacola, NC and Burnsville (it's excellent, said in my best Mr. Burns voice.) The past few weeks we have gone places that were devastated by hurricane Helene. Marshall, a couple of weeks ago and Pensacola yesterday. The river along 197 took away lots of earth making the drive a bit scary. One wrong move...you are on the rocks. Much less water than there used to be. Landmarks that I have used over the years are no where to be found. A little old grocery store that attracts men to a wooden stove surrounded by the retired, semi retired and maybe should be working and not goofing off men, made it. Don't know if many groceries are bought but I am sure there are always good stories. Both new but it would seem be mostly old stories that are still entertaining. I was shocked but the old wooden house right behind it looked to be a bit rearranged. There is still a house that slid with a landslide facing face down near the river. Private bridges are still out but a little bitty road has been hewn to reach those far reaching places. We went to Pensacola to see my friend Christy at her father's gallery and workshop. He makes woodcarvings and they are fabulous. We were able to bring a small piece back for our Christmas decor in the dinning room. No trees except quilt ones and we got another one to add to the collection. We have several of Christy's trees. Afterwards as we made our way into Burnsville, we punted our lunch idea and just did a little bit of shopping. Went to The Find and we did "find" a few things that needed to come home with us. We were welcomed home by Chubola and The Boys, not that they missed us but they must have been worried about their next meal. 

This afternoon we put on KHCB radio from Houston. Saturday afternoon is by request and so it has been a joy to have Christmas Carols on for background music. First song was from long ago Christmas Pageant days. Just trying to duck out of Happy Birthday Jesus. SOS-song over sung. Roy had Christmas music on this morning and I promise you in forty five minutes time we heard Away in the Manger and Mary Did You Know about four times a piece by different artists, but still...

I found by accident my childhood best friend who recently died, well her mom passed away with her service in Houston being last Monday. I read her obituary and her father's as well but not one for my long ago friend. She had it all, academically brilliant, beautiful and personable but something tells me it didn't end well for her. I also forgot her birthday is the day after mine. 

This morning, Sunday, with really cold temps and a little bit of snow falling, we are erring on the side of caution and not going over to church today. It's like Roy and I have traded places, he is really leaning toward not going and I thought maybe it might be worth the risk, but alas, he won me over with his reasons. We probably could have gone but he has listened to me when I've expressed concerns and won him over against the odds. 

We opened The Inn on the Catmore Estate last night mainly to get those who are reluctant a bit of a chance to go into the garage without fear. Tonight is the tester of temperaments with the temps going way down and a feels like temp of -2. We put out another large bed filled with blankets and soft fabrics to let them burrow into for comfort and warmth. 

Dave Ward, longtime Houston anchor and newsman has passed away. He was with ABC Houston for fifty years. He was on at our house during growing up years as well as high school, college and young married years. Many times I saw him at Rice Epicurean grocery store, which I called The Play Grocery Store. I just kind of played when I went there, it was too expensive to buy weekly groceries. Took a lot of chicken pot pie from there to pot lucks and tennis luncheons. But I digress. It's another footnote of passing and he was/is still held in beloved memories.  

Oh, the temps are dropping. We will set the dishwasher to run around 2:00 am as well as drip a few faucets. At least it gets above freezing tomorrow but we will stick close by. 

Season-ing

 Our wintery overcast day is flirting with the sun. Kind of late in the afternoon but hey...the gray has never bothered me nor the clouds. Sunday the early sky was covered by freezing fog and our drive to church came with frosted fields and icy boughs on trees. This morning rain accompanies the morning skies. The rich color of golden grasses and some trees still diffuses that soothing sense of the vastitudes of fall exiting the stage it has held since September now to winter's not so subtle entrance this year. Even after ten years I am in awe of experiencing the seasons in seasons timing, not like Houston many a year, three seasons could be experienced in one day. 

Saturday, we met with our pastor and an elder in our church...cause officially we are members of First Presbyterian Church. We gave our testimonies, talked about spiritual growth and all those important tangibles. Roy said to me that Saturday afternoon, "I'm thrilled to see you so happy and joyful." I think he said that because it has been a season or two or maybe six since I've (we've) been excited about attending big church services and being involved. Sunday morning we were presented to the church. 

The Mustang is in the shop and what we thought was noise from the convertible top in reality is a broken shock. Bummer. The mechanics are waiting for the part from Ford and soon enough Mustang Sam will be back in business. I had stopped driving  it and glad I followed that instinct cause we were told it is a safety factor and hazard. 

We are getting used to our low tech washing machine and dryer. And after a less than ideal installation of the dryer and the need for a quicker response than what we got, we took matters in our own hands and got the dryer hooked up with all the correct fittings and such. Really, it was more than an immediate need but the delivery guys kind of scared us. This is the first time I can recall being very cautious and a bit fearful of these guys. Even Roy felt it and we thought what if.... what if they send these guys back out to finish the job? I am so proud of Roy being nimble enough and I summoned muscle memory to be strong enough to help. 

During this Christmas season I have been thinking about our lives and the changes that have come about all because eleven years ago we stepped out in faith, bought a home with plans to retire here and all through the unknowns and knowns God is with us, Emmanuel. It might have been in 2023 that Roy came out on the back porch and we just visited and in that conversation he said to me, I really didn't realize how much I worked, how much I got wrapped up in projects, how much I traveled and how much I left on you to take care of, mostly by yourself. I was shocked, I hadn't really thought about it. It was life and you just do those things that need to be done with a little bit of fun in-between. Then he apologized. What a wonderful man and hubby. He didn't have to do that but it meant so much for me. We always joke that I know how to amuse and entertain myself. I am never bored. That gift helped me as I played softball, volleyball, took calligraphy lessons, tennis, book clubs, collecting first edition southern fiction, lunch and dinner with friends, and all things church including choir and Bible study. Oh, and sometimes those periods included a job or two. I think that now, after Roy has retired I enjoy our mornings. He is a consistent quiet time, early riser. I wish I was but I am not...evening quiet time for me. So as we drink coffee he will often say, I read something interesting this morning in....John or Matthew or wherever his reading plan takes him. And he will include football observations some mornings. It is one of my favorite things in this particular season of life, drinking coffee and talking about the meaningful and the absurd with Roy. 

The Mustang was ready to come home Monday and happy to have Mustang Sam home and road worthy.

Giving Thanks, Being Grateful

 Over the course of the last few years on X I have discovered several pastors that are not only enjoyable to follow, not just interesting, but their words and observations have been seeds planted in good soil. One particular pastor is Steve Bezner. Insightful with a good sense of humor. The physical church he pastored was almost destroyed or maybe that is was destroyed in Hurricane Harvey. Last year he announced that he was resigning from the church to be a professor at Truett Seminary, a part of the Baylor family. He wrote some on that journey of the old and the new, but he seemed to fall off the radar or maybe that should be algorithm on my feed. That is until yesterday. He had written on his substack and I just happened to catch it. Or was it a just happened occasion? https://bezner.substack.com/p/gratitude-is-transformative

As most of my fourteen readers know, I resigned teaching Sunday School at the end of summer. First, it was a leave of absence and after a few crucial heart related appointments by summers end, I knew it was a reality. I had a choice to make. Like Steve B, cause you know we are now internet pals, wrote of his heart being attacked by a virus when he was 24. Me too! Except I was 54 and got strep two times one winter and the virus went to the weakest muscle, my heart. He writes about cardiologist appointments through the years until the one in 2024. He had to make a choice of his family or his job. Doing what he loved ended abruptly. There is the process and each one of us process life differently but it comes to this point he makes, gratitude is transformative. No matter the individual processing.  "But I am not sad because I am thankful."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      So, here is where I find myself but only my experience is a little different from his. Once I quit I have never looked back. I was shocked not to miss teaching but began to experience such a sense of well being and freedom. Roy and I did very few daytrips because of various factors, but mainly because of the precautions I had to take until the flutter was corrected as well as BP. But the time...it has been full of wonder as well as hard work. 

I loved teaching Sunday School and I love my friends in The Joy Class. I am so thankful for that experience and to follow such a beloved teacher like Gale Murray. Over those years my study style evolved and in turn I gained more love for the scripture. Almost like back to those early days in college and early marriage when you gots to love the Word to make it through difficult times. This summer and fall gave me time and less stress to take advantage of that window of opportunity. The wisdom of Dr. Seger is not forgotten, you do well when you stay in the parameters. Oh, the other thing he said was, after asking what stressed me out and I said my hair. He patted my back and said hair isn't worth dying for. He's right and I've made the necessary adjustments. Through these years several have said, well now that you are doing better you can do______. Nope, I'll just have to re-work everything if I go back living, eating, well, just stuff that needs to be reworked and redesigned. I'll continue the straight and narrow. 

The years at Newfound for the most part were good and it was just the landing spot I needed when I first got to WNC. Making friends and participating in things was a balm to my soul. It was a good place to learn small, rural church life after coming from a large city church. Our former pastor gave the church a lot to overcome with yet more work to be done. I think everyone involved in those years from both sides might agree, it wasn't a good fit. Then Covid gave the opening for some to leave. Then a trickle process of losing members here and there. A big heart of kindness and joy at the church either moved or died. Those six and a half years were tiresome and made one weary. We stopped attending Christmas Eve services cause frankly, he was just too depressing. The music he picked was the slow paced, not that I don't love a slow Christmas song, but none of those happy and joyous Christmas songs for us. If we sang The Bleak Mid-Winter, I would have had to call CourtneyS. Not a Christmas sermon but just a regular one, he said don't approach the Bible with wonder because you might get disappointed if nothing doesn't jump out for you. What??? The wonder of God's Word, the wonder that God would send His Son for our sins, the wonder of living life to all it can be, the wonder of happy marriages and treasured friendships. I will takes my chances with the wonder approach and the reverence for God's Word verses any of the other approaches. But it looks like their new church they went to is a good fit for them and that makes me happy. It also looks like Newfound has called a pastor is a good fit for them. As for us, we have found a church that is a good fit for us as well.  

A life of gratitude makes us WHOLE, overwhelms us with LOVE, and moves us to LIVE generous lives. Erwin McManus, Stand Against the Wind.

                                                

Low Tech and Nerdy

 It is a rejoicing type of weekend. Friday, the cardiologist appointment. Finally, had my first official blood pressure reading back into normal range. This has been one crazy ride because my blood pressure has mostly been low for at least the last fifteen or so years. Like they were worried about that in the rehab hospital after bilateral knee replacements. Then the atrial flutter returned, got that taken care of, had a cyst removed and now I can rejoice being in sync and the low BP. Next year there is a possibility of another ablation. The technology has advanced in heart ablation world that you don't even need to spend the night at the hospital after having it done. The other good news, so much advancement you'll not need another one cause this version is the be all end all of ablations.  

Once again, I am thankful that I made the decision to use that window of opportunity to correct and right the path. I read something today written by a former Houston pastor that has helped me get my thoughts together over major changes this summer. I'll save that for a latter post.

Thanksgiving weekend holds the second blast of winter temps this month. In Houston it was so disappointing to have 80 degree plus temps at Thanksgiving time. Think we have purchased all we need for the Thursday meal. The change of weather begins today with rain. The rain helps me get projects done that I tend to procrastinate. I know I'll be working on my three foot Christmas tree for the fellowship center. Part of the tree I am decorating will have a DIY aspect to it. Let us pray...this is not my strong suite but I am excited about doing it and taking it next week to church. I haven't been this excited for Christmas since maybe 2001 or so. Some years I put up a tree but most years I don't. Hits and misses with outdoors decorations over the years, but I'm thinking we might put out a few lights and our manger scene. I can hear the objections from Roy cause we will have to move quite a few things to get Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus out. I'll make him feel guilty by saying, we don't want to hide Baby Jesus do we? Roy was raised Catholic and I was raised Baptist...both have guilt responses from our religious backgrounds, but different paths and ways used. He'd probably say to me, think of all the children around the world that would love to have a nativity in their garage. Yea, I don't get it either. We are both such nerds. 

This afternoon I have been working on my paperchains for the little Christmas tree I am decorating for the church fellowship hall. I found a little hymnal that I could spare and I have been cutting and putting together the cut paper into a chain of hymns. Going the staple method but still festive with green staples. I'll take a picture of the final result. 

I have spent a lot of time looking at Google Maps of Harvey Illinois. We lived there a brief time when I was a toddler and I believe it was the first house my parents bought. They had always rented. It was a cross the street from an elementary school and down the street from a hospital. The hospital is easy to locate but after all the years of progress and then downfall of Harvey probably the little house has been torn down. Somewhere I think I have a baby book with the address in it but who knows where I have stored that book. The interest in the this came about because I met a woman who is about the same age as me that grew up in the Chicago area. We have laughed about Garfield Goose and Kukla, Fran and Ollie. One memory has me puzzled because, I never asked about it and only remember bits and pieces. My mom and I took the train from Chicago to Decatur where her mama lived and my father's parents. My mother wasn't the "let's take a train" type. I believe my grandparents drove us back. We returned to a surprise party for my mom and my father had made me a wooden scooter using roller skates. The wood was not sanded so I got splinters every time I rode it. Thinking just now all the people invited to the party were all probably relatives on my father's side, who my mom loved. So, I have often wondered if my mom left him for that brief time. That might be the only surprise party he ever threw for her. I haven't a clue cause I don't remember the train ride or how we got there or while we were in Decatur, nothing. Just what I just wrote. It is an intriguing thought that will go no where. 

We celebrated Thanksgiving Eve Morning by going to Lowe's and buying a new washer and dryer. Roy did his research and had his spread sheet with him. We went low tech. Most washing machines and dryers have WIFI and get this, if the WIFI is out, they don't work and you cannot override WIFI. That would have been horrible in the aftermath of Helene where we were without internet for two weeks. Our WIFI can be spotty so yep, low tech that was on sale. They are installing on Friday. Good cause Roy is running out of socks. 

Mugs, Books, Lost MCD and Childhood Friend

 Oh there are stories to tell and just a whole lot of things to write about but if I did, I wouldn't be walking in peace and God's wisdom. Nothing earth shattering but just those observations that somehow get me in trouble from time to time. 

This morning Roy and I both drank our coffee out of the new Christmas teddy bear mugs from Marshall's. They both hold a lot of coffee but the cuteness kind of inhibits easy sipping. I am willing to forgo the ease of sip for more ounces and less trips to the coffee maker. As for Roy he likes the extra ounces but isn't too excited about the cuteness of those mugs. He did it this morning cause he loves me but in the future he will probably only drink out of them if nothing else is available. If Roy is too cranky about the teddy bear mug, I think I will order this one.

In choir last night we worked on Christmas music. Ah, the memories of Pageants and Celebrations and whatever they were called in between. As we sang the familiar carols some traditional and some in new arrangements I remembered those long ago memories. I was talking with CourtneyS, after she won the second year in a row the MCD contest, I'm not bitter, in my ordinary life I have gotten to do some very fun things and many of those from Pageant days. Or maybe even choir days. I wish I had been in choir more for the music but I was in it to spend time with friends and laugh...oh yes and worship the Lord, but that didn't come too much in practice. Now, I am in choir and I am the only one that can't read music, so when Debbie says make note of the, then uses a music term, she'll say for my benefit, make an upside down smiley face. 

My confession is, I have never been an avid fan of Jen Hatmaker. Her books didn't really have too much to do with my life back in the day. Maybe I started one and never finished. I do not know what compelled me to buy her memoir, AWAKE. Read some reviews and thought this will be good cause her short chapters and subject matter will keep my distractions at bay. Well, I was wrong. I didn't like the book but it is one book I didn't like that I finished reading. Well, the last half of the book was skimming. While she is dealt a blow by a cheating spouse from then on it is all about her, her wonderful supportive friends and all that affected her and her family. Guess she deconstructed her faith but she hasn't started repairing and rebuilding. Me thinks there might be a sequel in the works. Her stories reminded me of friends who are walking down that same path of deconstruction of their faith. Not being the same but being the same is a blogger turned author, turned speaker...turned whatever, granted she is funny but my goodness the entitlement and availability of options that more likely than not, most cannot afford. AWAKE seemed to be on that same pattern of luxury whether it be time, places, or people. One reviewer said, no bridge or encouragement is offered, we just learn of their story whose conclusion is more personal than anything. Gee, that's a lot of words for a book I didn't particularly enjoy but read with no prejudice. 

I didn't win the MCD contest this year. CourtneyS heard Merry Christmas Darling before I did, although it came up on a playlist this past summer but I couldn't really count that. 

Our front yard and half of the back received a nice trim and shape. Mike came and cut down two dead trees, shaped up the shrubs and cut back the hybrid hydrangeas. He will be back after the holiday to conclude trimming the rest of the backyard. He also took the decorative pumpkins so that we can begin the minimal Christmas decorations. 

I learned this morning that my first childhood best friend Leah Rae Montgomery passed away several weeks ago. She lived around the corner and down the street. We met in kindergarten and got in trouble usually every week while playing. The time I remember the most is playing in the bayou better known as the ditch and her brother Brian falling in, getting his socks all muddy and we tried to clean them with the insides of a buttercup weed. Leah told me she had heard that this would take the mud out. I was in trouble before I got home cause Mrs. Montgomery called my mom to let her know we had been playing in the forbidden ditch. Then they moved to Ft Worth and came back around junior high time. Leah and I would walk the neighborhood and talk. Her plans were to go to the University of Texas and my plans were as soon as I got my drivers license, I was going to run a car into a big tree on a curve and end it all. I had no plans for the future, not much hope and few options. I knew this in the 9th grade. Thankfully, the Lord stopped all my morbid plans when I truly came to know Him. Still had no clue on my future but I had hope and faith it was all in His hands. Leah got to go out of the zoned school district because she was half Hispanic. She came back to Westbury later and our paths took different paths. She was a cool, smart, popular drug using...I think, person and I was just athletic and goofy. The last time I saw her was in college my freshman year. I stayed a night with her at UT. I don't remember why I was at Texas and I don't remember too much of the short visit. She kept her dorm room dark with only a small lamp shedding any light while we talked. 

Snow, Ice and Sunshine

 The lesson isn't just that starting over doesn't have an age limit.

The lesson is that purpose doesn't have an expiration date.

In a world that is so quick to tell us to "rest," to move aside, to become invisible... remember this:

We are not disposable just because our hair turns gray.

We are not liabilities.

We are libraries. Every wrinkle, every memory, every book we've ever read, is a story.

You don't stop growing when you grow old. You just grow wiser.

Don't let anyone close your book before you're finished.

Go out and start the next chapter.

I copied this from one of those FB stories that of course now, cannot find. But the story being told by a 73 year old woman and after her husband died, and the protest of her son, she sold the house and cashed out insurance policies and the like. She didn't like being in a home filled with memories and conversations she wasn't going to have anymore. Long story short, she finds a situation needing help and it was the help she could give. Not easy but after a bit of time the story resolves into being the best thing she could have done. Even her son came around and knew she had done the right thing. She wasn't quite ready yet to give up her talents, abilities and enjoyment of life. She found purpose.

This past summer when reminded of that window of opportunity afforded to me, that I shouldn't waste the time and do what needed to be done became the theme of living. That summer theme has come into fall and should be a winter type theme as well. I'm walking a lot more, my gait is becoming steady and the excruciating sciatic nerve pain is in remission. My heart is staying in rhythm. My diet is more to deal with inflammation. I'm researching the avenues open to dealing with high blood pressure in a more nature or holistic way. Last week was the most social week in a long time, maybe before Covid. All that social interaction just about wore me out, but it was so good. Saturday afternoon, we dead headed more plants for a short time and boom, it was nap time. I've enjoyed spending time by myself in projects and such but a quick return to how life used to be was something I needed. Of course today I am thrilled to be wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt, hanging out with Roy and our cats.

Our soon to be former church did pick the interim guy as pastor. He has a good heart as a pastor from what I've seen. We have been praying for the church and the influence it can have in Leicester but our time there is over. I miss friends but we know this is the right decision for us. Since I have quit teaching I cannot say I miss it. Not because of the amount of studying or anything, just the pressure I put on myself. I am on the go more even around the house. I am reminded that I need to do some strengthening exercise and some balance work. We have been half-heartedly looking at or really just thinking about moving to a one story home but several experts and doctors say the stairs help you maintain. They have a point. Although, I will skim Zillow and Realtor to see if anything opens up.

It is a snowy November day. Snow, then sun, snow, then sun and now heavy snow falling that almost looks like fog. This is unusual for this time of year. January and February holds these kinds of days. We officially opened The Garage on the Catmore Estate last night. It was to help those cautious cat members to get over their jitters of coming inside. We got the beds out, the food stocked and water bowl insulated to help their stay be warm or at least warmer and protected from the elements outside.

So last week I went to my first Circle meeting, the joy circle. They meet once a month, work on a Bible study, have a missions emphasis with support and have a lot of fun. It is a little different than Bible study on Thursdays. We are in the book of Mark and it has been such a rich study. Of course I went to choir and then Saturday morning we attended the new member class. Now we have some paperwork to fill out and submit.

I read an article about the song Amazing Grace, especially when bag pipes are utilized. We sang Amazing Grace a couple of weeks ago in the service and it just had a different sound...being sung with assurance of what we sing is true, not just pulling out that tired old hymn once again. There are times that is how I feel about that particular hymn. I have learned several hymns that we don't sing as a Baptist. Who knows?

Roy has been busy outside knowing the weather would be cooler. He painted chairs and got the deck looking pretty spiffy except for a few places that need a bit of attention. He picked the last of the tomatoes Sunday afternoon.

Friday, we went to Marshall to shop at Penland. Helene totally destroyed the bottom floor but with lots of hard work by professionals, church groups and family it is back. It was so good to see Georgette and visit a bit with her. The selection of merchandise is awesome! Roy got a coat and we also bought a handmade basket, wooden basket. The store still has that familiar feel with the old mixed in with the new. And they take credit and debit cards now. Love it! Then several other items. Other shops in Marshall are opening and even the tag office is back in business.

Looks like the sand and salt trucks were out last night. Still not a lot of traffic on our busy road. The sun is out and it is melting snow and ice in our front yard. Most of the back is in shade so it might take till tonight or in the morning for everything to melt. The Feral Fam is getting along in The Garage at the Catmore Estate but Roy wants to terminate reservations beginning tonight. We shall see.

Matically and Nario Along With a Statement Sweater

 I will have to say that cyst-o-matically, the report from the doctor's office...benign. Seems like this cyst-nario has played before. Hysterectomy for quality of life soon turns to we found a tumor and we won't know until surgery if it is benign or malignant. Date of surgery changed due to the oncologist the doctor liked to work with was unavailable. My doctor told me afterwards all the signs were there and he didn't expect it to be benign, but it was. Same thing happened when I fell and broke my hip, it opened the doors for bilateral knee replacement but my knees were almost too far gone but then the last x-ray before surgery showed a whole different scenario. So this cyst who had made its home for about fifteen years on my neck changed, became hard and inflamed, weird shape with irregular margins. There was some concern about it being a sign of Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma because of the location and the recent changes. BUT, it wasn't and PTL! 

Love the study we are doing on Thursday mornings. We are in the book of Mark which is just about one of my favorites. Such great discussion and such wonderful fellowship with a few laughs mixed in for good measure. 

Today after Bible study I went to the nearby Urgent Care to get the stitches removed. Not a long wait but the whole situation was a bit concerning. Chaotic in the waiting room but soon enough my name was called. I did not anticipate taking vitals, just want the stitches removed. Dang, BP higher than I want it to be but the conditions were not optimal and my arm wasn't arranged correctly. Did a great job getting everything taken care and said the incision looked good. I am so relieved to have that taken care of and not needing to drive back out to the dermatologist office. 

I learned yesterday that I need a statement sweater. What??? Yes, I was told in an advertisement this is something I definitely need to have. I have sweaters but nothing that is statement making. I don't even know what statement to make. JJill is saying that my life will be so wonderful if I have a pair of coffee brown pants. Good news, I already have some both dressy and then a pair of coffee bean jeans. I don't know if this is a statement or not but we ordered some new shirts for Roy. Guess the statement would be he owns more than the same two shirts or something like that. Roy took several boxes of clothes to Goodwill today. Guess he gave up on gray jeans, not wanting making a statement about that either. 

In the spirt of fall festival day I only have to make it through today and this is the first year that I can recall, eating no candy corn. None! That's unusual because I love candy corn especially with French burnt peanuts. Around here at the house we call that snackage. 

I am happy for our soon to be former church as they will probably vote on Sunday for their new pastor. Only, he is not new to them because he has been the interim guy. He and his wife seem genuinely concerned for the congregation. Believe me, that church needs that assurance of love and pastoring after six years or so of a less than desirable match between the church and the former pastor.  Oh and the wife. The good news for them is, they seem to have found the church to serve with. Both their family and their congregation seem to be a good fit. The families that left in June from our former church have all, pretty much, found a good landing and are serving in those landing churches. New beginnings all the way around. New mercies every morning. 

In 2014, we had closed on our house here and my friend Dena came with me to pick up the keys to the home Roy and I bought. Kate, was still in the house and she needed the extra time due to her daughter getting married and a huge work project. She had been so generous to us with some of the furnishings and such, we extended back to her. We agreed she would be out before the week of Thanksgiving. What I remember from that trip is, it snowed in the mountains. We had to take the freeway from Chattanooga instead of the back scenic way. Fall colors set to brilliant with the backdrop of snow. Of course, we had made our reservations at The Inn on The Biltmore Estate and low and behold to our surprise, we were there for the bringing in of the Christmas tree. Horse drawn with Santa directing the horses. Mrs. Claus at the front door. We were there early cause we took the shuttle from the Inn and got a front row seat which included discounts on shopping and the like. Yes, all in all a wonderful memory. 

Yesterday, while leaving the urgent care place which now seems to be more like appointment and drop in medical services, there was a penny right outside the front door. I thought of Carole Lewis and the why she picks up the penny. Just a great reminder that it is in God we trust and He sees us. I was so very, very happy to get out that door and that great reminder. 

Reading, Window, Stamina, and The Week

 Another golden sunrise with a hint of frost, but it doesn't look like it got cold enough for that to happen this morning. 

I started the just published Harper Lee book, The Land of Sweet Forever. My goodness the introduction hooked me in and I read the first short story in the book yesterday. Very few books anymore grab my attention. I read them but if I put a book down for a couple of weeks I'm very, meh.... My attention span, though never that good, is even more distracted here in the recent past.  

The past week or so I have been thinking about one of the medical admonitions from this summer, you have a window of opportunity and take advantage of it. Now all these sit and be fit videos are popping up in my FB feed as well as pay for info that will change your life. Most say it is nothing new after subscribing. Something got my attention though that has nothing to do with this subject on the surface but yet it does. A young woman who didn't get into the school of her choice is told, don't worry, you have the rest of your life. Hmm...now the term rest of your life seems different seeing this through my eyes. Because, rest of my life is shorter than the start of my life. Yep, the ol' window of opportunity again. I also am thinking, yes, that would be nice...the rest of my life, taking it easy resting along the way. I do that now anyway. In that rest needs to be some structure. Roy told me the other day he had been concerned when I was teaching that my activity level was really low. It was. With an upcoming cardiologist appointment I hope that my numbers tell the story of recovery and making strides. 

Yep, got to get that stamina up a bit. Worked out in the yard more specifically the flowerbed that Roy cleaned out. It is a larger raised bed but got one half of it planted with tulips. We have another flowerbed that I have tulip bulbs for and will wait for the opportunity to get those put in the bed. We are supposed to have a lot of rain this week. I think Roy did a little too much outside. He finished up his deck staining and getting the chairs out in the yard painted. We should have done that much earlier this year but the thought is to help them through cold months and do more touch ups when spring hits. 

The main road has opened after several months of road repair. The road kind of broke down as the retaining pieces had been compromised when a double wide had been placed there below the road. Thursday morning it was so wonderful to make that straightish shot down the road, especially because I was running late. The detour roads are beautiful but I am sure the people that live along them are glad for the reduction of traffic. This weekend the road noise is louder here because all the big trucks have returned. 

This Monday morning feels just a bit lighter, BK no longer coaches at LSU. We read the headlines last night. Last season and so far this season Roy really hasn't watched the games. I haven't because it worked out better with the team winning if I didn't watch. Ha! We talk about the BK news and rumors. It is kind of fun. Roy is waiting for LSU Women's Basketball. One of the nurses at our dermatologist office is from Louisiana, big fan of LSU. Get this, her niece is Kim Mulkey's security and I couldn't wait to tell Roy. He found her the other night on a You Tube wrap up of the game and saw her. He said she looks shorter than Kim.  Wow! 

We had planned on going to the concert at church yesterday afternoon but Sunday morning Roy felt more tired than he usually does. He decided to go to church Sunday morning but felt it would be best if he stayed home instead of attending the concert. I decided to stay home as well because Roy is hardly ever sick or very tired. He has worked so hard this past week getting the deck painted and painting the chairs and table we have out in the yard. I had started that project then we had a bit of a heatwave and didn't get back to it. The deck turned out so well that I don't think we will have to hire a professional in the spring. 

The Be and The Wanna-Be

 This morning GMoey and Baxter are sitting together on the back of the couch viewing the sights of the front yard and road. It is a peaceful existence, for now. The quiet and stately GMoey confident in his authority and subdued personality and Baxter hyper, messing with stuff and coming back to his perch next to the one in charge, GMoey. Baxter has been challenging him the past few weeks but GMoey takes care of him quickly and quietly. Baxter retreats for another day but in the meantime he takes his frustrations out on his brother Buster. It wasn't that long ago that GMoey asserted his dominance over Mr Mo, I wonder if Mr Mo regrets all his aggressive playing when they were kittens, and Willie. Willie just like playing and getting on Mr Mo and GMoey's nerves. Not to worry, GMoey let him get the sillies out and then smacked Willie. GMoey is the alpha cat...the rest are wanna-bes. 

We had the most beautiful sunrise yesterday. Oh my, everything outside bathed in a pinkish/golden tone. Everything from the trees, the skies and the fields were touched and for these brief moments immersed in the magical shimmer. God must have made that sunrise beautiful everywhere. Local and across the country people share those golden tones. The trees in our backyard shimmered but I wasn't fast enough to catch a picture. After the sunrise it clouded up and we got some rain. We needed the rain. 

All of the sudden just like back in the day clothes washing instructions are complicated. When manufactures of dresses and such weren't too sure about their clothes and the wear and tear of daily wearing they put dry clean only tags on everything. I returned a flannel shirt to Nordstrom because it said to dry clean it. What??? Now all the instructions are handwash and lay flat to dry. There are not enough flat spaces in this house to do that. That's the reason there are handwash cycles on washing machines now. Use that and hang to dry. So far so good. Even if there were enough flat places in the house, our six kitties would think the items were their new bed.

It is 35 degrees this fine Tuesday morning. Roy turned on the heater downstairs this morning, our first of this season. I am also wearing the flannel jammies for the first time this season. That Roy, he is a lucky man. It keeps me from stealing the covers and that is what it is all about now. 

In Houston you could hear some of the best conversations at Buffalo Grill. The business deals, social gossip and everything in-between. While reading a book while eating breakfast, I heard about the soon to be fired from companies and a minister, why he chose such a vocal place, telling staff members his struggles staying faithful to his wife. If you are thinking about the Buffalo Grill on Woodway, the pastor was not from the huge sister church in the area. I only knew this guy was a minister cause he spoke at one of our church staff retreats...some of this came through in his aside comments then. Now, if I am going to hear anything it is at the Publix. People standing around visiting in the produce section or over by the bread and yogurt. Two of the busiest parts of the store. So while there aren't business news flashes there, there is a lot of family business discussed. So, these two ladies talked about the upcoming holidays with the extended family. The story and worries of Thanksgiving was a cliff-hanger. Granted these women were older but maybe younger than me. So, her older brother and younger sister and their families are coming in for the holidays and the political spectrum of these two siblings is at opposite ends. The younger sister fights against invisible foes and causes. They're not hers in reality but she joins in with the rhetoric of the cause. Loved that the friend, now named lady #2 for this post, reminded her friend, lady #1, when the younger sister took up a cause, wanted family and friends to donate to it but the younger sister never gave to these causes personally, Hey, aren't Instagram and FB posts enough? Uh that is my commentary. I looked at disgusting brussel sprouts to hear the rest of the convo. The brother is described as a chunky bantam rooster type. Knows everything, doesn't give any time to discussion, and a hot head. He sounded like a real likeable guy, a scared mousy wife comes along with children with bad posture. Hopefully, there will be a peaceful Thanksgiving, but somehow I doubt it for them. I headed over to the coffee aisle thinking about those two ladies visiting together in the store. There are probably hundreds more. A conversation that lasted a minute or two can say a lot. 

I have given up wearing a bandage over the incision made on my neck Tuesday. Sometime along the way, I have developed a reaction to bandage adhesive. Now to find someone who will help with removing the stiches next week. She gave me a kit and Roy refuses to do it. Ugh! 

The good news this week is this, our road is opened to traffic. I know the detour route people are happy not to have so much traffic. The volume both in numbers and noise has increased for us. Big trucks keep on turning...but it is okay, it is a shorter drive without so many twists and turns. 

Chores Abound In and Around Home

 The day is winding down. Bible study at church and a quick trip to Ingles. Leftover BBQ for lunch and a few household chores to knock off the list. Then a quick nap, well mine was quick because Baxter jumped on top of me and woke me up. Now, Roy is doing online Bible study with Community Bible Study. They are in the Psalms this year. This summer Roy fell in love with the Psalms and I couldn't be more happy about that. He is listening to scripture songs from the Psalms and that is new. Music has never interested him too much. 

Speaking of music, we changed choir from 7:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon. Tell me that most in the choir are retired without telling me. Delighted though with a change in time. At least even with the time change it won't be late night darkness. The river road is one dark spot on the route home. Nothing lights it up since any homes that were close by were probably destroyed by Helene. As I was backing into the driveway and Roy was out there helping me because the bright lights, especially brake lights distort my vision. While backing in our neighbors above us came up the road. Nancy texted us immediately, asking if everything was okay. We weren't usually out late...in the world view it was not late. Anyway, I texted back that we are good I was coming home from choir rehearsal. 

******

Since we rearranged our summer we have also created new pathways in our brains. We are learning new things and new names. New ministries and such. Saying Ah-men instead of AAAAAmen at the end of corporate prayer or at the end of certain songs. Forgive us our trespasses is now forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  This is the kind of stuff that keeps your brain semi young, learning things. Like I have written before Roy's Sunday dress is totally different now. In some ways mine is too, no longer wearing jeans on Sunday morning with long jackets and such. No one has said anything to us, just our observations and a heart tuned more to reverence of God in church. I picked up an article in the church office on the history of the church and the theme over and over is giving and being generous. You've got to love the DNA of this church. 

With all these new paths in the brain, a few memories of the long, long ago surfaced. So, this was a strange one. My mom had a twin brother. We were back visiting relatives and my mom's twin and his wife were coming out to Grandma's to visit us. Only thing, my aunt had just had a miscarriage and my parents told my brother and me to stay outside and play. Our aunt would be too disturbed by seeing us, that we were born and lived. Outside, there was all kinds of stuff to get involved with only we had been restricted from going in the garage where all kinds of treasures, at least to us, were stored. We couldn't play in the side yard because we could be viewed from the living room windows. We stayed in the back part of the large continuous yard that led straight to the abandoned apple orchard of my grandparents. Other than the fact that we told our aunt and uncle goodbye when they left, I don't remember anything else about the evening. Was that the truth or was it so the adults could discuss things, probably about my grandmother living alone. Who knows, but kind of an odd remembrance. After thinking about it, I doubt the conversation was about my grandmother staying in her home. 

We dead-headed zinnias and pulled out the rest of the plants out of the raised flowerbed. Roy took care of the raised bed where the plum trees are. We both worked on the bed where the greasy beans and purple peas grew. I have tulip and daffodil bulbs to put in that bed. Roy stained the deck on Monday and a little touch up work on Tuesday. The center of the decks needs another coat but we are going to do the railings first. We found this spray deck stain and the paint guy at Lowe's said it was really good. He wasn't kidding. Our plans just to get it covered before winter and then let the professionals take over in the spring, but we might not need to do that. We also began painting our gate. Got a fourth of it taken care of and should finish up this afternoon. 

In our chore induced stupor I cleaned the baseboards and the wood trim on the stairway. Roy put a bunch of stuff away that has been holding meetings on the dining room table. Almost cleared. We are now looking at closets, uh Roy, to see what can be given away or thrown away or kept. I admit I buy too many clothes, long story, not interesting, but I also part ways quickly. 

Habit and Hope

 By all standards I have lived a very ordinary life but the opportunities came to participate in some extraordinary things. Many times the extraordinary came from friend's invites or the favor of friends falling on me unexpectedly. Nothing came to me because I was beautiful or even cute, but my sense of humor sometimes made an entrance for me. guess very John the Baptist, prepare ye the way. I only say that cause we studied him in Bible study this week. Thankful for a good sense of humor but always aware of those off the cuff remarks. 

I'm still working on formulating a fragrance that is acceptable of Vick's and menthol complete with all the healing properties contained therein. Using the new pain reliever early in getting dressed hopefully for that familiar scent to dissipate and pain relieving action to sink in. Another project I am considering is Christmas decorations. Clearly a tree is out of the picture this year because the trio would not be able to stay out of or on it. We have enough of that kind of stuff to deal with on the regular furnishings. We conceded the top of the book cases to them and the ottoman. I am also trying to think through what a yard nativity would look like if all the references used in Christmas songs would look like. Not Rudolph or Santa, but Jenette Isabella, she's bringing the torch. The three ships sailing. Stuff like that. Seriously, I am loosing interest in that but still something to solve if I find myself wide awake in the middle of the night.

Dena texted me last night asking if I had seen Oscar Wyatt had passed away. He was 101. Now normally, I wouldn't be interested but dang, I spent a lot of time last week reading Texas Monthly back articles and stories from other magazines and journals about his life, including wife Lynn Wyatt. Don't know them, never met them, wouldn't want to be them, but their lives are just so interesting. 

Mr Penurious found Diet Coke with Lime at Publix and bought some for me. Shocked! But thankfully, I have plenty....for now. I actually had my first one this morning and it is just as good as I remember. Always have liked it better than Diet Coke. Which is funny, I don't drink Diet Coke as much, lots of iced tea. Oh, the taste of lime, yes brings back some great Diet Coke memories. 

Thursday morning I attended ladies Bible study and we are in the book of Mark. Great discussion and these ladies who have been friends for quite some time were so welcoming. The pastor's wife made us some pumpkin muffins and they were delicious. After two weeks off due to vacations, we will be back in choir rehearsal this week. 

Once again I am using skills that aren't as necessary as in other times of life. No more jeans, flannel shirts and hiking boots for Roy's Sunday morning attire. Back to dressy type pants and button down shirts. After he was robbed in Mobile and all his dress clothes went with the robber, we added a few pants and shirts for the just in case a month or so after getting here. Now, he needs a few more shirts but dang no one is making it easy. I have noticed in perusing clothing websites, the normal fall/winter choices are limited with many still hawking their spring clothes at deep discounts. I finally found shirts for Roy at Lands End and we are debating shirts from American Tall. Funny, he is considered semi tall there. It was kind of late when I was on the American Tall website, so after putting like 76 pairs of socks in the cart accidently, I decided a fresh start should be advised. Now, I will tell you that the late night hour was probably at 8:00 pm. Hey, we are tackling the retired life with full gusto! 

I have not written too much about The Feral Fam. It is too difficult. Our neighbors thought they saw Fido but I think they saw Beanie. It has been a little over two weeks...we thought Coco might have disappeared as well but this morning she showed up to wolf down food and now she is sound asleep in the garage. She will probably do that till this evening. Other cats here and there are not around much. Rumor has it better food over the hill, who knows. Our tribe is certainly on the small side. We don't know whether it is natural causes or a natural predator or a human one. I cannot even... Roy and I don't talk it about it much because our emotions are right there under the surface but we both look wistfully out that back windows to watch for Fido to run down to the yard. Out of habit and out of prevailing hope. 

Winding Down to Fully Experience Fall

 Since I rejoined the online shopping of Nordstrom my boot collection has grown by a few pairs. The salutation from The Nord when communicating with me is, welcome back. I have ordered over the past ten years a few times but not very much. Nothing like those days in Houston.  A few occasions and my lack of accessories drew me back. I needed to see the offerings. The Nord has changed a lot in the past ten years, maybe even fifteen years. I aged out of the customer focus. The friendly confines of their stores went to a minimalist structure, even more so. I loved not having crowded aisles and loved the selection that didn't look like other places. I missed the piano. The love of boots is reignited in me and this season has not put out the fire and the love of unique boots. Or maybe that should be the love of boots that fit. Also, after a spring and summer of wearing tennis shoes, albeit fashion tennis shoes, I am ready for that boot fun. 

In life if you want, you can hear all kinds of preachers. Over the long haul of Sunday mornings, evenings and Wednesday nights a boatload of preachers have shared their hearts, thoughts, ideas and fear in all kinds of styles. Over the years I have heard a whole lot of Baptist preaching but alas, there in the midst of searching for the deeper Christian life I have listened to liturgical sermons, faith full Gospel sermons and downright Pentecostal. My least favorite to experience is Pentecostal and here in the mountains I would say that mountain style preaching parallels the Pentecostal style. But maybe not any speaking in tongues. As side note, I heard someone say yesterday in response to the idea that all those signs and wonders died out with the last apostle is, God is still Jehovah Rahpa and He didn't die out with the last apostle. He still heals. Like how that was put.  Don't get me wrong I enjoy exuberant worship but sometimes it becomes rote and relying on it being emotionally based styles. The emotions go deeper but not in a good way. Emotionally based music and sermons are never enough. People shedding tears at the altar becomes a standard. I know we are to pray about everything and I try to but every time I'm praying doesn't have to be so demonstrative, at home or at church. Most of the full gospel preachers in Houston and this is my opinion, used a lot of time to see which way the wind was blowing beginning their sermon. You see people getting all worked up, all danced out and the gasps in between each word preached. A friend and I went to a New Year's Eve service many moons ago at Evangelistic Temple. We kind of felt out of our element, but on our row was an frail looking older black woman. As the preaching started and all through the sermon she would yell and bend over from the waist sitting down, "I feel it, I feel it! Somebody help me!" We were a little dumbfounded because at the invitation that this woman went forward to be saved. I thought she was affirming the preacher's words.  

*******

No fog, but a bright sunrise. Delicious coffee, a new flavor to us from Dunkin Donuts Coffee...caramel. Yesterday, our pastor returned from his sabbatical month. He was happy to be back in the pulpit and we were happy he was. His love of learning is such a blessing. Joy filled stories of  spending time with family as well as being away from his phone. He loves to share the love of Jesus in conversations along the way and his story of the man next to him on the plane arriving to his seat with headphones on and never took them off. With Debbie on vacation our flutist played the organ. She is gifted on both instruments. We met some lovely people visiting from TN and Missouri. 

I just used my first application on my hip of Mountain Ice, like Biofreeze only made with natural ingredients. I was hoping for the non menthol fragrance but it has that but the way it took the pain away, my new fragrance might just be this. Now here is something disturbing, White Linen is now considered old lady perfume. What???!!!!  White Linen was my signature fragrance until I found Opium, then Angel Innocent and now Origins Ginger. No, it can't be! Old lady perfume was Youth Dew. I am sure someone has thought of this before but I think we should mix together that lovely menthol with Vicks Vapo Rub. Menthol and camphor, in a distribution that says my muscles and joints are feeling pretty good. During my ten minutes of research the experts advise women over 50 to stay away from heavy floral perfumes especially those with lilac or violets and jasmine. Lilac makes sense cause that shrub was put around outhouses back in the day. Nothing was said about staying away from Vicks and Mountain Ice pain relief. 

We are getting the tomato plants and all the weeds in the flowerbeds pulled out. Had a good tomato season but not as productive as last years. Over the weekend the bean and pea vines were pulled out but the bell peppers are still producing. 

One last thing for today; Chubola is still going to the bonus room with The Boys at night. She goes willingly except for the other night she was kind of slow about joining. Her brothers, Baxter and Buster are just a little too wild for her anymore. She likes hanging out with Mr Mo and GMoey or a quiet corner away from all the chaos of cat life. 

The Cusp of Autumn

 Here we are on the last day of September and the promise of cooler temps on Thursday makes me giddy. I am in the process of changing out seasonal clothes. As one always looking for the deeply discounted end of season offerings last year, I put stuff away unopened. Now, it feels like summer, no it feels like Christmas opening up these delights after a long spring and summer respite. And joy of joy, I finally found the red sweater jacket I held out for, cheapest price offering. I had left a closet door open and while searching to see if one of the cats had entered and decided on napping, I found the sweater in a bag. Yay! 

Also, Amazon should be delivering a book I have been waiting for since preordering it in the summer, Untamed Prayers 365 devotions in the Psalms written by Chad Bird. I have loved all the books of his I have read. I used his book on Jacob when we studied Genesis and my goodness, his insights helped me so much. 

I hadn't seen anything about Second Baptist in Houston for a while and wondered if everything had been settled or were they looking at a court date. Looked it up and the past few days held some articles or notation of what would be happening. The court date is set for February. Second wanted it to be in business court, so that will be interesting. So many volunteers removed from their positions, some in those positions for years because they questioned what had happened. Many have let their feet and offerings do the talking. I've heard that our former church, First Baptist, has picked up quite a new few members. Some disgruntled ones have stayed at Second but they are not giving to the church. It seems to me that a strategy I had never thought of when I was younger would be to do nothing and hope for the best. Answer no one, have a script that is stuck too so that even with enough time you begin to believe the script. For most in the congregation, they are fine until it becomes personal to them that the decision to take away church voting rights and choices for budget, ministries and the like hit them hard. The six people making decisions for the main church and all the campuses are related to or have financial dealings with the Youngs.  Technically, they could sell the church properties and pocket the proceeds now that is the law of the church. Seems strange that a church with so many wealthy business people or those who inherited their wealth and their name carries a lot of clout could have been taken by surprise. I don't have a dog in the show but it is always an interesting study of people and interactions. 

*****

For some unknown reason I woke up really, really early and couldn't go back to sleep. Have a morning like this about once a week. Last night I was reading The View From Lake Como and made myself stop so that I don't rush through because it is so good. It was tempting to get up and start back in but I know me and I won't get stuff done today. 

It is usually me that acts up at Publix, somewhat. Today, it was Roy's turn. We were checking out and one of the assistant managers or customer service was bagging the groceries. Roy asked him not to put the salad in with the boxed bacon. The guy said, do you want to bag these cause I have other lanes I can help. Roy said no but I said to the young man, we have an ice chest in the truck and things have to be arranged for everything to fit. The guy brushed me off. I said, he isn't trying to be rude and Roy chimed in affirming that...the young man said, yeah, yeah yeah you don't have to say anything else. Oh my, you would think on Wednesdays the guy would remember, yep, there are old people afoot but even more Roy could have been recovering from a stroke or have some ailment where those who have it get so focused on something. Even maybe dementia. We were loading groceries and Roy said I made him mad and that wasn't my intent but the more I thought about it, the guy was just a tad short with us. Oh to be young, in your twenties and think you know everything about everything. His attitude seems contrary to all the Publix culture. Maybe he was just having a bad day. 

We are so addicted to 6 Pigs BBQ and it was looking like we were heading into week 2 without the tasty brisket and pulled chicken. We came home after shopping and had a pitiful lunch. I checked FB and there was the announcement that they were on the River Road selling BBQ. We headed out in a flash to pick up our tasty supper and leftovers for lunch today and maybe even tomorrow. Oh my, it is good to lead such a simple life. 

The house we would love to look at is on the market again. It is too tempting to go look because it seems that we would be totally swayed. It is not the time in life but just knowing it is there and we are resisting is good. The offer deal fell through but now we are happier in our circumstances and Burnsville seems to be too far away, now. 

Today, Thursday, we made our trek to Canton. Lou Lou didn't disappoint with her canned greasy beans, veggie soup and tomato sauce ready to roll for taco soup this fall and winter. We picked up a few different type of apples. Roy really wanted to get out to Barber's Orchard so we went there and got some candy crisp apples. So good. Came back through Canton and went to the Country Vintage Market that opened a little over a month ago. Lots of cute stuff but that visit was cut short due to the traffic back up on I 40 which meant the back roads were backed up as well. Lots of tractor trailer trucks and there were several warning signs about not being able to make a turn in downtown. We were welcomed home by our indoor crew and they were hungry. We missed serving lunch by two hours. Oh my...

The low in the morning will be in the 40s. Our days are warm up morning and evening cool. In fact we had to put the top up on the car cause we were getting too cold. Weather wimps, that's us. 

More Memories But No Imelda For Us

 It's a rainy morning with no definite plans or places to be. The coffee is very good this morning and The Boys and The Trio all seem to be getting along. Of course, that could change at any moment. We welcome the calm. The rain and the cooler temps to come might just be what the remaining tomato plants need to push through for one more harvest. We actually had to buy tomatoes for our tacos this past weekend. 

I was deleting emails yesterday when I came across the Garden and Gun magazine's fall reading list. While my reading is half in present or current fiction and half of biographies of people in the twentieth century. I am looking forward to my Texas book that Dena sent. I also need to finish up my waiting room book since not many anticipated appointments in the near future and the story is finally getting more interesting. One of the books on the Garden and Gun list, Lynn Wyatt. If you don't run in social circles, upper echelon social circles, you have no idea who she is but because she ran those social circles out of a swankienda, term used by Maxine Messenger social and gossip columnist for the Houston Chronicle back in the day, in Houston, I know her name. Her husband is Oscar Wyatt, who has a whole history of his own in the oil and gas industry. I have just spent most of the morning reading Texas Monthly articles from back in the day. I kind of remember some of this but I was mostly, like any other eventful news, worried about my hair. 

Oh my, the reports are coming in with all the uncertainty of a tropical storm/system/hurricane making landfall in the Carolinas. Ugh! I was looking at FB memories in-between all my TM reading and a year ago today, we cleaned out the gutters on the back porch. Roy brought up cleaning out the gutters Tuesday as he and Mike looked at some things we would like him to do in the back. We now have a company that comes and cleans out our gutters once a year, after fall is over but since we just began fall, this week, they won't be here till November. So as we keep our eyes on the Lord and happy we stocked up on Pop Tarts, which we never eat unless there is a threat of bad weather, our eyes and ears are attune to weather updates.  

Along with last years memory, I read about September 25, 2008- the electricity came back on after being without it for twelve days because of hurricane Ike, as I was recovering from the heart thing that had been diagnosed on September 11th. The quest was to find cool air. In hindsight the "have to" adjust made me stronger and more determined. The electricity came back two days after my first follow up cardiologist appointment, where each nurse, tech and Dr said, we thought you had probably died over the first weekend of Ike. Nope, but a few months later I moved on, a cardiologist in the Med Center, one of the best. 

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Monday morning, last Monday of September, foggy now with rain chances later. The good news is the storm is being pulled out to sea by the bigger hurricane Humberto. Thank you, Lord! We joined with thousands of others for this outcome. My heart felt so heavy thinking about enduring lots of rain and wind. The rain would not be like last year, but it doesn't help with those feelings for people who lost everything including loved ones. For us, we didn't have much damage of note but it was the start of that long six weeks of being so sick. 

There is much rejoicing from the weekend, but I'm carrying a bit of sadness too or reflections I have put away for a while. The good news of the storm, wonderful for WNC. On Saturday afternoon we attended a much anticipated and joyful wedding out in beautiful Burnsville. For the families there were many obstacles to overcome, adjustments and much to give to God arriving at the ceremony. There were so many unique things but don't want to say until the family releases pics and such. After the ceremony we hightailed it out of Burnsville trying to get to Marshall for our friend's stores grand reopening. A year to the date of Helene. The town was full of people thus full of cars and we could not find a parking spot to run in for the last 15 minutes before closing for the day. It was my first time back in Marshall because I could not bear to see it so destroyed. The town has come back but there is so many building and places that are gone.  We are also coming to the conclusion that Fido might be gone. This is the longest time he has not returned for his special meals and garage sleeping. We hold a good thought but I am feeling such sadness if this is reality. He was good at sensing danger and staying away from it. He was not tempted by the road and rarely went down the gravel road. There will be such a hole in our hearts if this is true. On several occasions we tried to bring him in to live but he didn't like it. He wanted to be outside. Roy just went out with brunch and Fido still a no show. Roy had put that line in his mind if he didn't show up this time, the inevitable thought is, he is gone. I am fighting back tears. He has been a fixture for Roy since 2022. 

The Reels Have It, Info, Comedy and Everything In-Between

 Nothing like the sound, the regretful sound of your husband discovering "clean up on aisle 9" in the hallway at 4:00 am. He closes the door when he gets up thus the agonizing sound took me out of my restful slumber I opened the bedroom door to come help but when I saw that it was a fur ball, I left Roy in the silence of paper towel retrieval to get that fur up. Willie did not go into the bonus room last night and most nights he regrets his decision before we go to sleep. His timing was off. Chubola has ditched her brothers to hang out 𝅗𝅥𝅗𝅥 where the boys are 𝅗𝅥𝅗𝅥. So that is the latest news here with the The Trio and The Boys. Being awake since 4:00 am might mean a nap at 11:00 am.

This morning, like really early morning, I caught a few Reels on FB. In three straight reels, were three different types of preachers. The first one, older, crustier with words preacher, grabbed your attention by saying something that stirs you up until he begins to expand on his thoughts and you see the truth of his preaching. The next preacher was probably in his late 40s and really super buff. Tight tennis polo shirt, tight jeans (not because they don't fit anymore, and with a very immaculate trimmed beard. He had a display that was part of his sermon but he noticeably stood sideways almost like a body builder does for a contest. This preacher wasn't oiled up though. The last picture was a man in a blue t-shirt surrounded by five men in suits. A trucker asked if he could park his truck in the church parking lot, pastor said yes, if he would attend Sunday service. Trucker did and got saved. We were at Pig and Grits for lunch several months ago and four men in suits assembled at a table nearby. Roy thought they were business men, I said preachers. If we had bet I would have won. Each one of those men said grace over their meals. Out loud and loud, each one trying to out do the others in being grateful. While kind of funny it is kind of refreshing. 

We had a guest preacher Sunday and he was very good, really good. He preached from John 10, Jesus the Good Shepherd, and I could see Roy taking copious notes. I was in the choir loft. I took notes as well. Yep, second Sunday in the loft. We were few in number but big in enthusiasm as we sang out. The loud of the world is subdued in the silence of coming to worship. Reading God's Word together, singing and studying with a good bit of laugher before, even some during and after the service. The preacher, Daniel Beck of Morganton, told a story about his dog, a chi-weenie with a huge underbite, needing to be on a leash at all times while out of the house comparing to the Jack Russell they had who could be trusted to run about and come in when called. It was a great example to illustrate John 10.

Sunday was September 21st and I didn't wish my friend a Happy EWF Day. She is celebrating in heaven and has probably a better tune to dance with, but Do You Remember is always a good song. 

We are coming up to the year anniversary of Helene. It is so encouraging to see homes rebuilt, churches open, businesses returning and the progress made this past year. On a personal note I am remembering the illness and recovery from a year ago when I got the double barrel shot of pneumonia and Covid.

There are all kinds of info laden Facebook reels filled with helpful stuff and there is quite some good comedy to watch or in many cases remember. One type of reel that gives me some trouble are the ones that are too long or it takes forever to get to the main point. The other day I watched part of one about 13 things older people should quit doing if you want to remain social and have people talk to you. In the amount of time they had, only 5 were covered and they were the obvious ones and the build up was way too much. 

No choir practice tonight. We are the weary and the wounded. Kind of relieved cause it was looking like rain and with the detour...I was getting just a little bitty taddy nervous. Guess all my energy went into the excitement that the creamer we use is on sale at both Publix and Ingles. As well as the cold foam. Yehaw! 

Well, it looks like the Reels have had the most attention in my limited attention span. 

Moments, Memories, Mmmmmm

A long time ago my niece Erin and I had a bit we did and  much to the less than patient people, got on nerves, but not to us. We called it Moments, Memories, Mmmm.....  So say that we heard a song in the car. A few minutes later, one of would say, remember that song we heard. Yes, yes, I do. Okay, picture that moment, do you see it? What colors of the moments would you color them? Okay now, put it in your memory. Is it there? Can you picture it? Now, think of the moment, cherish the memory and give a satisfactory hmmmmm. Thus I present to you, moment, memory, mmmmmm. Everyone hated it but we loved it. That is what this post feels like. I am thinking of moments, it's a memory....mmmmmmm.

 Four years ago today, the 16th, I took Buddy to the vet and Buddy crossed the rainbow bridge. Ugh, thank you FB memories. She rescued me when I needed rescuing in 2005. She stayed beside me through all the heart issues that began right before Ike in 2008. She flew more than I had in years coming and going between Texas and home. I love these rescues we have now but none of them are like Buddy. Guess as things go you get a chance just ever so often to have a pet that is just the best. Our group now are fun and friendly. Baxter has way too much energy but all the others are settling down and taking more naps, which is very good. In hindsight, I think Buddy was in a lot of pain toward the end and maybe we should have let her cross the bridge before she did, but I got that time. The last night we stayed up together. We didn't leave each other's side except for bathroom breaks. 

Roy has ordered a new computer for me. This one has been on its last legs for quite sometime. I will leave him alone with it after it arrives cause my belief, though oh so wrong, is plug it in and turn it on. Happy that he knows what and how to on computers. He is excited about the speed and ram and I have no other clue, but I shake my head and say wow! Usually, after all the buildup I ask something like, will I still be able to write my blog? So just in case I have prescheduled several bills and responses needed just in case it takes more time than what he thinks it will. 

As much as I do not want to do this, I need to look into getting hearing aids or something. Sunday morning in the choir loft, I struggled to understand the preacher. Now, it was the associate preacher and he had an accent, so I'll give it another go cause there is a different speaker the next two Sundays. The pastor is on a month sabbatical. The scripture the associate preached from was Zechariah 1. I only remember him talking about myrtle trees and that intrigued me. I didn't know if he was saying water or warrior...remember I am getting a little more hearing impaired. Gonna have to do something because Roy is tired of me misunderstanding him or the constant, on both of our parts, yelling, what? What? WHAT? I saw a cartoon a couple of months ago that said, 80% of marriage is yelling "what" back and forth with your spouse. It is our new hobby. 

Well, it happens. I read one post on narcissistic families and now my FB timeline has a veritable pou-pourri  of articles pertaining to narcissists. Most of the posts I read and concur with the realizations and the revelations. I read one the other day that stopped me short because even knowing what I know now and how hard those days of being accused with delusions that danced in my father's head, his intent was clearly destruction. A burnt earth policy. When I think about how my mother was dying in the hospital but he told those close to him, family, not to tell me. I found out right after a cardiologist appointment. My brother got around telling by putting a prayer request on FB for my mom. My sister in law called that night because she could not go through with what my father had asked her to do. After talking to my father during the immediate time of the incident, I thought we had made the necessary amends to get her the best care. Of course, I was wrong and things went downhill and came to a conclusion in April when he had his lawyer serve me with papers that he was breaking all contact with us and under no circumstances could we make any decision when it came to him. When we did not take the bait or respond by asking him why and giving him a sense of power that we had come back for more abuse , he made his last stand. He didn't plan on that happening thus he had to go scorched earth calling in Adult Protective Services, Police and Constables. He rallied whatever friends he had left and began that campaign. He could have destroyed us with his lies. Roy worked in SEC compliance and he could have been fired if anyone had learned of the lies or a hint of wrong.. Each agency that contacted us said after fruitless investigations my father was the most convincing liar they had ever met. He did make a mistake and left several horrible messages on our phone. The things he said were hate filled with lots of cussing, sadistic and mean. The agencies shut him down for a bit and he revamped his assault about a year later only now I was here and his "witnesses" backed him up, which just amounts to lying for him. My brother made some phone calls and intercepted a letter with all the accusations that my father made, written from his yard lady, that now his daughter was harassing her at her home and job sites. Some of his most trusted friends had several things of his, SS Card and jewelry. He was going crazy frantic looking for those items. I was turning on his stove or leaving water to run, but alas, being here, several states away the timeline didn't work. Some of his friends began to realize his stories were not true, not feasible. I think when he went into assisted living he only had one friend that helped out with him. Things started to go missing there at the ol' assisted living and it was all traced back to him. Roy has always said as people age, they cannot hide who they really are. When it all came down to it, his life of accusing people of stealing from him, it was to cover his own penchant of theft. As a kid he found a quarter at a church VBS. He knew it was for the mission offering but he kept it. Probably about fifty years later he had figured out to the penny with interest what he owed that church. He wrote them a check and a letter. I think he anticipated a warm response with some attention. The young pastor of that church thanked him and that was about it. My father was livid that he wasn't rewarded with attention of theft and then making it right.  

One can look back better with hindsight and see how it was all a part of a plan or a game or for his amusement. I am happy to look forward. I am also happy to make a way to not have excessive dealings with those who have strong or even covert narcissistic traits and tendencies.  

I went to choir practice last night. We sang a few songs that brought back great memories of singing at HFBC. That helps because the alto parts come back to me. I think I am the only one that can't read music. For the first time in my choir life I asked to hear the alto line on a couple of measures. What? Who is this person? At the end of October we have a guest Steinway artist coming to give a concert with a huge evangelistic message. Classical music composers who shared the message of God. In our services coming up to the event we are singing some classics, People Need the Lord etc... But what is really interesting is for the offering time we are singing some of the memorable hymns from days gone by, We'll Work Till Jesus Comes, Bring Them In and maybe even Bringing in the Sheaves. It is so much fun and the long time Presbyterians are hearing hymns that are so Baptist. I think they enjoyed the songs. Bring Them In back in my day was a Sunday night church song because it is lively and fun to sing. The congregation will hopefully join in with enthusiastic singing. Oh my, what a joy! 

Computer Issues and Such

 There is an advantage for us and the detour. Our road is busy with all kinds of construction equipment being hauled here and yonder, big ol' dump trucks filled with dirt or going to pick up dirt, and last but not the least noisiest, motorcycles. With the detour there are a couple, just a couple, of through ways to head over to the other side of the river. The mornings sound like mornings from about ten years ago. Heard yesterday that everything is at a standstill as bids are being taken for the work. We will enjoy the serenity for the time being. 

Several observations and articles of late have exposed the lack of color in homes, advertising, and buildings. A friend from Atlanta visited one time and couldn't believe how beige Cinco Ranch was. You know, when a HOA is involved lots of fun gets eliminated in a fury of good taste. Basically, some guidelines were established and because we all like to push boundaries in different places and different ways, home landscaping and presentation gets everyone punished and the clamp down begins. Lot of people are just frustrated vigilantes, and the bane of their existence is being the keeper of the rules. But this paragraph started out about color. Newer buildings here are going bland but older ones are the keeper of the colors bringing merry hearts to all that notice. We get into a mood of looking at houses online. The one we loved in Burnsville did not get an in person visit because it would have been too tempting and it would not be a good decision. We looked and still look at Mars Hill. So many of the new home's interiors is gray and white. I understand you can use the gray as a wonderful backdrop but at this time my interest is not in decorating or investing in projects even though I have found a new interest in doing things around here. 

The side flowerbed is starting to scale back on blooms. It is looking kind of sad. This evening I will get out there and see what the next steps will be. Roy worked on some vine weeds, different from Morning Glories, and for now got the base of them cut back and out of the tree. Seems we will have warm afternoons and cool mornings and evenings. Didn't get to the side flowerbed but worked in the little backyard with driftwood roses and pulling a few pesky weeds around the back porch steps. The Feral Family kept us company just in case treats were involved. 

I did something last night that I haven't done in awhile...I went to choir practice. Not only did I go to choir practice I also drove home in the dark detour roads home. Only scared myself twice. Dang, it is really dark and not a lot of curves but enough. We bought some of those glasses that help with glare at night from the lights. They do help quite a bit. I had music and God for company. How can you go wrong? I was singing with Hezekiah Walker, Every Praise cause those alto notes are low. I certainly received grace though in choir practice. I knew the songs and remembered the alto part and another piece we worked on was a part of the HFBC legacy of choir. An hour and fifteen minutes in, my voice was shot and yes, I am aware there isn't much to lose with my voice but definitely raspy.  

Chubola is coming around and more friendly than she has been. She wants her head petted and even will sit in our laps, momentarily. That's a start. Willie has won the war of the bathroom window perch. He took it back from Buster and Chubola. Baxter and Buster are fighting in between playing. As my mother used to say, it's always fun until someone gets hurt. We had to separate them several times yesterday. GMoey is just being himself, cool, calm and collected unless he is forced into different circumstances. Then he proves that he is the alfa cat of this household. 

Rarely do I use the KJV except when looking for poetic readings of the Psalms. Came across a word this morning that got me thinking, divers. Not divers like into the sea but divers as the archaic word for diverse, several or different. I get interested in words at the strangest times but divers is my archaic word of the week. 

Seems like we just went through false fall # 2. The fact of fall or autumn is the favorite season of many people, including me, and it feels like the shortest season. Summer wants to hang on and then winter impatiently wants to move in and push out those autumn moments. Maybe because it feels like the shortest season is why it is so beloved. It is change yet it begins to close out the produce stand season. That makes me kind of sad. Our ornamental cherry trees have dropped leaves earlier than usual. I was told it is due to the cicadas at the beginning of summer.   

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Cool enough to remove small shrubs and weeds that are pretty much just junk. Oh and the dreaded morning glory vine. Stopped around 10:30, fed the kittos, had lunch and checked email. I feel just like Sheila E's song, Glamorous Life, complete with drum work. I have kind of stopped working in the evenings cause I'm getting eaten up by mosquitoes. 

We receive a lot of rain last night and everything is looking refreshed outside. My lap top might be on the verge of crashing, so until I get a new computer or this one works better, I'll greet you on the other side of computer issues. 

Little Detours and the Like

 I read a snippet of an article on LSU football and something that Brian Kelly said. This week LSU plays Louisiana Tech in Death Valley. When asked about preparation for the week Kelly said, it is difficult when you have an un-named opponent verses preparing for SEC games and rivalries. You know what to expect and the players themselves know the history. There really isn't any history with La Tech except that LSU is trying to help football programs at universities in Louisiana with much needed funds. Also hopeful that one of these other teams doesn't upset LSU. Preparing for an un-named opponent verses an unknown opponent has kind of settled in the brain thinking through that in life situations. Maybe even into a spiritual capacity. Don't have much to write about in this capacity cause I need to think about it and ponder it. This also will help me remember I once had a thought about this. 

We are socked in with fog, a dense fog. The house across the way has disappeared again from view. The weather report last night told us it would thusly and they were right on this one. No place pressing to have to be at this morning. So thankful for that. 

With the beginning of fallish like temps, some days, and with those autumnal hues of nature come the "good try" colors of fallish clothes. I love looking at the websites suggested to me by FB. That also means my inbox is filled with offers from said clothiers. Love J Jill and April Cornell, I check in with The Nord and Macy's and a few others. This year got the early jump on two pairs of boots. Now I'm on the search for a particular style jacket and so far the regular stops on the internet have proved futile.

Got the good news on the skin biopsy, the mole is benign. PTL! Now I just have a return appointment to take care of another little problem area and I should be good to go and maybe even get on the once a year mole patrol. 

I finished the book When Narcissism Comes to Church. So much packed into the relatively small book. The author goes beyond a person with NPD but systems that continue a supply for a church or nonprofit system to run. This goes to a deeply personal level with me being raised by a father with NPD. All the hurt and quirks are brought to the level of the years and years of his abuse toward our family and toward others and the best part, the escape out of those grasping emotions. Textbook really because he couldn't find a new way of using people as possessions. Men with NPD have mother wounds and believe you me, he had those issues with his mother. He was not the golden child he was the scapegoat. It caused his attachment issues and lack of compassion, empathy or mercy. I read yesterday that abnormal brain development can be seen clearly in those with NPD. I've remembered these past few days the enormous weight I carried as a child because he put all those issues and problems on me because and this is no surprise at the end of the story where life did not turn out to his way of thinking, I was the cause of those problems. So while most second and third graders were challenged by math problems and learning how to write in cursive, I was worried that we wouldn't make the mortgage payment or that he was going to lose his job. The problems he had with my mother and that mainly to her credit was resisting the total destruction of her personality by him. I think about that more now than the destruction attempted on my brother and me. His lack of friendships at church of course, were due to my mom. She wasn't good enough and no one wanted to be around her. Uh, change that pronoun to he/him and there is the true version of that story or stories. In his later years he chose the attempt of taking down a good man that was beloved by their church. My father failed and he was left to sit alone on Sunday mornings, at home, reviewing every hurt that had come his way instead of making things right with the church or visit other churches. The term I learned in reading this book is, looking for a supply. Supply = people to control. His supply was running thin and I think the attempt he made at trying to ruin Roy and me and our reputations with his false accusations and false reports made to the police, constable office and adult protective services was the last straw in his once never ending supply. His malice and hatred turned into his being the victim. I truly think during all of this he wanted his cancer, non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, to return because of all the attention he received in his first go around. All the friends and church that did care, had died, including my mother. He had been fortunate in most of his life, getting away with his behavior. It's ironic, he got tired of taking care of my mom and most probably hastened the end of her life. One of the very things that saved him, her presence and her willingness to pick up the pieces in the places he messed up. She did the reconciliation with friends and family, she made things right. Here was this man with huge mother wounds, issues with women but most particularly strong women and they and we were the ones that did the work to cover and make excuses for his problems. edswf - Baxter tried to help me write. Just within the last few years I have realized the huge price my mom paid, the things she gave up and her actions to appease the wildly predictable reactions and thought process with my father. Maybe that should be lack of thought progress with my father.   

Looks like our detour will be needed for several months. We don't mind it because the detour views are beautiful, more scenic than the regular route. We are having rain in the afternoons again and everything is so greened up. Hopefully, this will make for spectacular fall colors. 

LSU won but they didn't look good and Florida is the next opponent in Death Valley. 

With the cooler temps we have checked a few things off the list concerning outdoor chores. We decided to outsource a couple of things that we felt we could take care of but if we outsource we can do some of those little bothersome chores. I put a new coat of paint on the railings of the front yard steps. Dead headed two and a half rose bushes and cut off some zinnias dried blooms for the seeds for next year. Looks like our beans and peas are finished blooming for the year. I didn't think anything would come of this experience and happily I can report I was so wrong. The footrests of the outside furniture got a coat of paint today and the chairs will be ready to do later this week. 

Roy took a bunch of stuff to Goodwill yesterday. Once again I can tell stories of where I was in life but what brand of clothes I liked. When Eddie Bauer launched dressier clothes back in the day, those clothes were the foundation of my work wardrobe. Then in an especially trying time of life, Soft Surroundings but not the full price clothes, always the clearance. Clearwater Creek because it was convenient in Katy. J Jill has been a recent love but April Cornell has been my choice of late. Every once in awhile I would buy Soft Surroundings things since they were across from Wink, where I got my hair cut. But not a lot cause of the memories in that time frame.