Winter Then, Spring Now, Winter Temps Later

 What a wind event over the weekend! We were outside Saturday afternoon picking up things that might be blown about when the trees swaying and they were being blown about so much, got our attention.  They looked like they would snap in two. Many trees in the general area did fall, taking down power lines and the result being several fires. 

Congrats to the LSU Women's Basketball team! I'll admit, I didn't think they would win but they found a way. Since I only watch March Madness basketball and because I am and was such a bad basketball player, I never had too much interest in the game. Roy was telling me how and why LSU's defense was working. So it is always good to have someone who knows what is happening with commentary. It was fun watching them play this year. 

We made it through to the end of the lesson on Sunday. Whew! Really, I am surprised how much I have enjoyed the study of John. We are in the homestretch and heading toward Jeremiah and one Sunday of Lamentations in the summer. There was just so much to take in while studying and finally had to go with a few points out of the many. One is John 15:11, His joy in us and with His joy, our joy is overflowing. I read a quote from William Barclay about joy, internal as well as eternal, that is our focus to how we respond to and live life. Paraphrasing him, basically those who walk around dressed in black and mopey, they are a slap to the face of what not should be. It is not in our circumstances, it is who we believe and trust. I didn't fully develop the point too much but it is much easier to act all sad and mopey, than to be courageous and know who we believe and is with us always. Sometime, and this is Nancy commentary, I think it is easier to go sad than knowing and practicing the joy set before Him. Sad sometimes garners the response we'd like to see. I know both Marge Caldwell and Carole Lewis were both grief stricken while dealing with all the feelings and emotions of losing their daughters. I watched in awe as they navigated life. Oh there were tears and all that goes with grief, but at their core...Jesus, Joy, Overflowing.  This not a commentary on anyone else and how each one deals and plods through those tough days, but it is this, for me, when those tough, grief-filled times arrived, I remembered those two friends. That helped me so much especially with the death of my mom and then dealing with a deranged and evil father. My brother and I once discussed how we responded to the trauma of childhood differently. He'd get out into the neighborhood while I just froze, went to my room and spent copious hours shutting down, then putting all that trauma into individual compartments in my heart and mind. There for a few years as an adult, I went to my fearless zone, said whatever and didn't even care about one consequence, but a very good therapist helped me with that. I am forever grateful. 

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Our Tuesday took a shift of plans with trips to Burnsville and Erwin. Dropped off stuff at Goodwill, did the quick Walmart trip, love a smaller type Walmart, and then to the grocery store. Usually, we would do that later in the week, but opted to get everything done on one day. Stopped in at TJs and got more SC strawberries, then hit the Ingles for a couple of things they had one sale. Got started with unloading the truck and then ran over to see Inez and Cuman. Ah, such a happy afternoon. 

Today, my mom would have been 94 years old. I miss her everyday. Roy said this morning, she was one special person and she was. Alzheimer's took her way too soon from us.  

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Oh Friday, Good Friday. 

We went to Hendersonville yesterday. Roy had to do some additional bloodwork. Afterwards we went to The Fireside Restaurant for breakfast. I had been there pre-covid and remembered the food being delicious. We were not disappointed. We will make return visits, that's for sure. I have been following The Marketplace at Locust Street on FB and we headed that way to visit the store. It did not disappoint! Beautiful things, furniture and lamps. We will make return visits there as well. We made a quick trip to Southern Chicks and it was really quick. All the different fragrances from candles and the like made it difficult for Roy to breathe. I am trying my hardest not to buy décor items. I did find a pair of lamps that I loved but they were $526.00 for the pair. Oh my... Before we went to Southern Chicks, we stopped at an Episcopal church we had passed. Beautiful stone work as well as that welcoming red front door. Thursday their thrift store is open, so we walked around. Very well priced but didn't see anything that needed to come home with us. WE took the opportunity to walk through their garden area and what a beautiful sight. I would think it would be beautiful anytime of the year, but it was especially beautiful with spring blooms and the greening of the trees. So blessed to live within reasonable driving distance to see God's creation bursting forth.  

One More Thing

 I'm just about finished with one of my winter projects that has lingered into spring. Getting two closets cleaned out as well as bookcases upstairs. The delay in progress comes about when something is found that makes one stop and peruse. In the midst of books, I came across the 1989 choir and orchestra directory  I thumbed through the pages and remembered as well as wondered at the youth of friends and the fashion styles of the late 1980s. It was great fun! So you know, post haste, some of those pics went right to FB so we could all remember those times and people. Very rarely will you hear me say, I miss those days or I wish I could go back...cause even with the good stuff, I don't want to return to the days of yester-year. Am I sentimental? Oh yes but in this addled ADD mind, there is a difference. In the hurry to post, it wasn't until the second set of pics that I realized I had forgotten to honor the man who was in charge of it all, Gerald Ray. Better late than never but not, last but not least. What a privilege to sing in his choir as well as have great fun in choir. For this non-gifted musical person, choir has to be fun for me to learn and appreciate. What am I saying? Almost everything has to have some element of fun for me to love and appreciate the experience. 

Yesterday, we made the trip to Hendersonville for bloodwork and the reward, breakfast at Another Broken Egg. Delicious for sure. A quick visit to Lens Crafters for glasses adjustments and then, Barnes and Noble. Yes, I made it almost to April with a Christmas gift card from The Joy Class. Bought three books in three different genres and only had to add $2.03 to the purchase price. I realized I hadn't been in a bookstore until yesterday for the year 2023. Hope to change that up a bit.

We didn't make it through all of the lesson on Sunday, so we will finish it up and go into John 15 and then we will be up to date with the quarterly. In the commentary provided by Lifeway, the introduction to the spring study mentions that this is the time when Jesus is wrapping up earthly ministry and time is clicking down to His sacrifice, so He is making sure that the disciples are getting the "one more thing" from him. It just so happens that a book I'm reading fit right into the one more thing thought. Parents are dropping off their daughter for college to begin her freshman year. They graduated from Ole Miss as well as their older two sons, so this is the last child to deposit at Ole Miss. A daughter born to them in later life, so this time it is fraught with emotion. The mother is frantic with thoughts of, did I tell her everything she needs to know in her first eighteen years of life. So she is ranting off common sense know how, separate colors from light colors in the washing machine, you can always call home, don't forget to lock your dorm door...stuff like that. The daughter is mortified and embarrassed. Jesus isn't frantic in His one more thing but is making sure the disciples hear this so they will remember in the coming days. I also like that He used simple words that would draw them in, love, home, My Father, Life and a comforter. Words they can identify and understand. That is the emphasis of the lesson from Sunday and the one coming up, the simple words that draw us closer to the Lord. Teaching the big theological themes...well, I will leave that to those so gifted in understanding them and better yet communicating them. We began last week in John 13:34-35 and we will conclude this week's lesson with, friendship, joy and love. 

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While driving about in the country yesterday, we were able to find SC strawberries, not from Strawberry Hill but from another farm. They are so good and sweet, we didn't add sugar. Trees are blooming out again or maybe for the first time this season. Our dogwoods are just now sporting little blooms. The red bud trees kind of got hit by the cold temps here but the peach trees made it just fine. Strange and odd for sure. Sunday afternoon Roy put in the fertilizer spikes for our fruit trees and while out in the front yard, I heard a couple of quick honks. Theresa honked every time she drove by and as I turned toward the road to wave, I realized it wasn't going to be her. 

In the recent years, the end of March and the first of April have been eventful. March 27th came and went before realizing the anniversary date when my father's cardiologist nurse thought he hadn't made it in for his appointment. After retracing routes he could have taken, I went back to his home and looked through his rolodex for phone numbers of his friends. He came in the house, saw me at his desk and as it is said, the rest is history. Even after explaining why I was there and what I was doing...this wasn't going to end well and it didn't. That date is the last time I saw my father, alive cause the bottom dropped out of his demented and evil mind. The end of March 2015 we were here waiting for the moving van to arrive on April 1st. A momentous and wonderful memory. Also on April 1, 2017 my father passed away. Quite fitting to die on April Fools Day. In 2018 I had my ablation for afib and a-flutter. Five years...wow! What a difference in life and sadly at Mission Hospital. 

Surely there is one more thing...but even now as I finish this up, Roy is making breakfast and I do not want to miss that. 

My Friend, Here's to the Closing and To The New

 A new week yet a closing week. This morning I am thrilled that the rain, if any, passed through in the middle of the night. The sun is shinning and robins are scattered across the front yard, gathering up worms for the meals for today. In a bit the other birds that hang around will get the taste of a new blend of seeds that we haven't used before. Oh happy day for the birds. The Feral Fam is happy for a full breakfast and are content in the backyard before moving up to the edge of the gravel road. Over the weekend we were able to complete a few projects and contemplate the timing of our next projects before the temps are way too warm. The main project involves painting, so cool of the morning and evenings sound about right. We attempt our projects now at a slower speed than we previously tackled them. Lot more rest breaks. 

After the rain ended on Saturday morning we headed toward TN, not so much with a goal in mind or a purpose but more so to enjoy the scenery and check on the progress of the mountains greening up. The splashes of purple, red and white blooms of the trees encountered along the way, well just icing on the cake. We stopped at a grocery store on our way home and had the most delightful surprise, a manager's special on tulips. We thought the tray of tulips held 12 ready to bloom plants but in fact much to our wonder as we began planting them we found that there were 24 or more plants. We had picked up two trays, so 48 tulips to plant in and around the others we have planted in previous seasons. No guessing what or where, we could fill in and know. That sounds like a Bible verse, Fill in and Know...

The closing week is a friend's last week of working full time in the business world of marketing and communications. On Friday afternoon, she will have officially retired. Though, she will probably do some contract work for other companies because she is that good. With the news of retirement, several have contacted her about that very subject. We have talked and texted especially since she is on the clock to see what the Lord has planned after corporate America. Never heard that phrase much in Houston, but it is used here a lot.  For sure travel will be on the list as well as reading and resting. Many times I am mesmerized with the concept of predictable verses consistency. We all carry those traits but consistent is on the higher end of the scale with my friend. She is consistent. I don't think she has ever taught a bad Sunday School lesson, she makes the points and lands the plane.  Creative, mindful, studious, quick to laugh, prayerful, passionate about the things of God, a good and caring friend, and in the words of Toddlers and Tiaras, she is the total package when it comes to II Peter 1:1-4. You can bet the farm that on predictability, with her, there well be a process...she'll choose Molina's for the pickled veggies they serve, Lupe's for beef fajitas, and Fu's Garden for orange chicken. No wonder we get along so well, those would be my choices too. Her influence is a major reason that we moved here as she introduced me to some of the most wonderful sights in these mountains. Our adventures at the Biltmore over the years holds a lot of funny stories as well as meeting the nicest valet parker, who she simply named Scrumptious. Yes, a very fitting name for that young man. Our Inn on the Biltmore stays, gave us the way to express our feelings toward camping, "my idea of roughing it is a slow bellboy." Sitting on the Veranda for a late lunch simply delightful in the simplicity of the menu. Split a salad, split truffle fries, and split a pizza. I think on our first road trip when Roy had deadlines and projects and he could not go on our planned trip to visit my brother and family, Dena filled in on the road trip to Nashville and we added Asheville just for fun. While stopping to gas up the car and for snacks, we happened upon a bathroom...quite memorable in Corinth Mississippi.  Since most of these are one seaters, we went separately to the facilities. Once we were back on the road having gone several miles, Dena said are you going to say anything about that bathroom? The one seater was actually a two seater but no metal stalls around either toilet. Cracked us up!  Whether we stayed at the Inn or at Grove Park on trips even down to Hampton Inn in Alexandria, LA, there are just too many stories and memories to tell, yep after staying in Five Star Hotels to the lowly hotels of Mississippi and Louisiana, we agreed with Paul;

4:11  Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. (even Mississippi) Monarch translation

Here's to new adventures post career and I am hoping to be a part of a few of those adventures. 

Fair to Clear

 My high school class didn't have a 50th reunion. Many wanted to gather and wrote about it on FB, we just didn't have the class presence or leadership to do it. I remember who we should have elected as class President back then, but didn't. He had school spirit, whatever the definition of that is, involved, cute and popular but in our turbulent times of teenagerhood, we rebelled. Of course we did, we were the Rebels! The class of 73 has invited our class to attend their reunion. I have read through names of people in the group, most I am drawing a blank on but several names of those I remember have jumped out. Boy, we all look older that is for sure. Recognized the name of a boy, now man of course, and we were in drama together. He played the Tin Man and I was the Cowardly Lion. We talked a lot during rehearsals and he bought carnations at the Valentine fund raiser at school and were delivered in homeroom I think. We never dated or anything, I just thought he was an outstanding person. Just thinking about all the different directions that life went for each of us. Several surfer types were killed in a car wreck, I think it was right after high school. Don't remember. It looks like there has been several successful types and lives. There are people we meet in life where high school was as good as it got for them. Some still try to live in that world of make believe and such. Speaking for myself, lots of lessons learned from those years after high school...yep, lots of lessons but they have made life that much for the better I do believe. 

Roy had a great time target shooting, a tour of Madison County and lunch with Cuman. When he dropped off Roy here at the house, I was out in the front yard, raking up branches and limbs from the weeping willow tree as well as those limbs from all the tree trimming we had done recently. Our raised beds were delivered last week and hopefully, we can get those put together and at least get into the ready position when planting time arrives. We got a great deal on soil for raised beds, so we are ready. Mike the Mower Man came late this afternoon, fertilized and mowed the front lawn, also weed eating done in several hard to get to spots. The forsythia looks great and so do the new trees. Four plum trees, two peach trees and four apple trees in the midst of dogwoods, red buds and hopefully the service tree made it through. The two Japanese maples are beginning to bloom and the regular maple tree has a lot of leaves. A couple of weeks ago we bought some metal trellises for our blackberry bushes which by the way, are growing so well. Looking forward to those blackberries later this summer. 

We have decided that it is time to buy a new mattress. We had gotten so used to Tempur-Pedic but when we bought the house here, we realized we would need a king mattress that would fit going up the stairs. Well, now, we can get the separate twin mattresses that you put together with personal firmness and such. Don't know if we are going to splurge for the adjustable thingy, probably not. 

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We punted plans for the day and since it is so beautiful and warm today, we will probably get things done out in the yard. Roy has gone to workout and as soon as I finish up this post or almost finish the post, will work on the last section for the lesson on Sunday. I am rather enthused over the lesson which sometimes is not good because I am unable to articulate what I would love to share. 

Told Roy to be careful cause at the end of the road toward the old school, someone's cows have gotten out. He got up extra early this morning and then his CBS group were unable to get the link to work for their Zoom meeting. So, he is out and about earlier than usual. 

We also had our first top down in the convertible this afternoon. Such a beautiful day we took off toward Madison and stopped at TJs for heirloom tomatoes and a quick trip into Ingles for a few things. People on the river and just the feel of spring all along the way home via the scenic route. 

LSU women's basketball made it to the elite 8. We should have got tickets and gone to Greenville but alas it never occurred to us to do that. It was a really good game. 

Mike came back and fertilized the lawn and timing is great with incoming rain expected. 

Welcome Back, Hello and See Ya Later

 We are beginning to wonder and maybe say, welcome back spring. We have had a dash of winter temps over the weekend, bringing in The Feral Fam for garage hotel lodging. Looks like their checkout date will be sometime tomorrow. From our observations of the front yard, the forsythia and new trees have done well and maybe plants were not that affected by the cold nights. We shall know more as the season progresses. By the end of the week spring like temps will have returned. A happy hello for sure.

Mr. Mo is on my lap and GMoey was on my lap earlier, well several times earlier. Willie, brushes and rushes by with a quick hello, then off to the races of his own imagining. Feisty and young, GMoey and Mr Mo take turns running the ya yas out of him. Willie has gone upstairs with Roy in hopes of snagging a treat or two from him. 

We gathered together yesterday afternoon to say, see ya later, to Theresa. It was just about a full house. What was so touching is, and here is where I am going to sound old, really old, the young people led the music. Yes, said with the best creaky voice, the children led a song that we will sing on Easter, then high school and college age, led the worship music. What a wonderful sight, the legacy of Mama T. The pastor asked people to stand and then sit as he called out different areas of ministry Theresa was involved with. I got to stand twice, choir and VBS. Jonathan, former youth pastor at our church, also spoke and relayed several stories of ministry and laughs throughout the years. He noted every church needs a Mama T in the congregation. Jonathan, is at a church in the Upstate, so as per usual on I 26 on the weekends, he got stuck in really bad traffic due to a crash, but he made it. Kind of like how Theresa would just make it for sound check or the like. We all laughed or smiled, with a few slight nods of heads. Gosh, we are going to miss her something like crazy. One of her long time friends spoke for the family, shared a brief memory and read a poem. We, of course realize that she is with the Lord and just like it was said in the service, she just beat us there. 

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Last night I noticed a red and white light reflecting on the front window. I went to look and there had been an accident with a car on its side. Looked like an ambulance and several firetrucks. Several with flashlights checked for something in the pasture soon to be homes in front of us. We never even heard the screeching of tires or sirens. As fast as everyone goes up and down the road, we've not had hardly any accidents nearby. 

We said hello to spring at 5:24 pm yesterday and by the end of the week we might be saying hello summer with temps to be in the 80s. Think we would love to say goodbye to winter but there can be a few surprises in late March and early April. 

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The news of Duckett's Produce opening for the most wonderful time of the year, produce stand season, was the most welcomed hello of news. Soon others will be opening. Ducketts announced yesterday that the first delivery of strawberries from SC will arrive today.🎵 Jelly Jars cling, are you listening? It's a beautiful sight, strawberry buckets left and right, walking into a rural produce stand. 🎵

Another sign it shall be unto us, Roy and I have scheduled our haircut appointments back to back with Tammy. It's really fun but seems to be a part of the progression of aging. All the together trips. Actually, this is really the first time in our lives that we have consistently spent a ton of time together and it's going really well. Roy the workaholic and me being the play, meet friends for coffee or meals type. Then as part of that process we headed over to Publix to shop senior day with the 5% discount. While Roy brought in all the groceries, I defrosted some taco soup. Seemed like just the thing for a tad coolish day. It did hit the spot. I totally crashed after lunch. Always so sleepy in the afternoons after a morning haircut as well as a couple of nights of not so good sleep. I worked a bit on the lesson for Sunday. We are going through such familiar passages of scripture and love how God's spotlight to see the familiar in a whole new way. 

Not planning to saying goodbye anytime soon to breakfast fixed by Roy. He had to go to larger breakfasts in his health journey and just until recently, I had not partook but the last week and a half has changed my mind. Delicious, strawberries and oranges cut up, scrambled eggs and crisp bacon. Yum! He adds yogurt and oatmeal to his breakfast for him. One morning he even made some of his homemade biscuits. These breakfasts have certainly helped with that morning low, dip in energy I experience on a consistent basis. 

With the warm temps today, Roy is going target shooting. Cuman is taking him to Madison County and I gave Roy some yard art to use for targets...fall and old Easter decorations. Well, I am going to take advantage of this time so signing off for now. 

A Week's Worth of Thoughts...

 The past few days have held lots of energy toward fighting the good fight against a cold or allergies. Hopefully, I have nipped it in the bud as good ol Barney Fife would say. Really, giving the past two days with rest, while not easy to do, have been worth it. A couple of years ago I found these pills with elderberry, zinc and lots of other good stuff that you take at the first sight of symptoms. Feels healthier than Dayquil and the like.  Now I am behind in preparation for Sunday's lesson. Thankfully, the lesson for last week is ready to go with a brief interlude into John 13. 

I finished Beth Moore's memoir and it was really a good read. Laughter, tears, a dash of enjoyment with a strong message. Along with the video that someone posted on FB of a snippet of a church service and reading recollections of those back in the days with Beth being at First Baptist caused a bit of nostalgia. She mentions as well the beginning of the conservative movement in the SBC and one of the chief architects belonged to First. I never knew him but it was funny friends outside of the SBC kept asking me where would I go to church if the SBC split. That was an easy answer, the church with a gym. At that time it was the most honest answer I could give because workouts and such were more important then than spiritual growth. That soon changed though...whew! While Roy was still in law school, the last year and a half his study group was on Sunday mornings. I began to go to Beth's Sunday School class with the intention of going back to a couples class when Roy finished up. When that time came I kind of sheepishly asked him, " you don't want me to stop going to my SS class do you?" He was so kind to say, no, keep on, I'll find a mens class.  That was good because although at that time I didn't really feel a part of the class, nor was that important to me, but Beth's lessons challenged me and drove me to God's Word. I can't ever say enough thanks for that. 

Thomas Nelson Publishing and I must be friends again. Years ago, I subscribed to one of their newsletters and after awhile, I grew tired of them and wanted to unsubscribe. Well...they were none to happy with that news and sent a terse reply that I could never, ever, again subscribe. Thought it was overkill but then who knows. Now, all the sudden T Nelson is sending emails to me. Think they mainly have NIV which I used to use exclusively but when I retired I found NLT and I haven't looked back. 

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This week allergies or something have come to visit and I am trying my best to kick them out of the house. No cough due to cold, just runny nose and eyes. It is trying to slow me down and guess what, it has. Monday and Tuesday washouts, Wednesday went to the grocery store, and thankfully today my haircut was cancelled. Don't have to go anywhere until Sunday if I don't want to. In response to last week of getting meds timing down, Roy has volunteered to make breakfast for me when he makes his. I've been experiencing scrambled eggs, strawberries and oranges and two slices of bacon. We replenished eggs and bacon yesterday and oatmeal was on sale, so of course Roy got plenty of that. I am not an oatmeal eater unless it is in the form of oatmeal raisin cookies and he also eats yogurt along with all the above. Breakfast for Roy is a big meal and I am happy for that part he fixes that I eat. Yum!

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This morning Roy made biscuits and as always, so delicious. Catherine's Jellies and Jams have a small booth at Lamp Post Vintage Market and she had strawberry jam, since Florida strawberries are in the markets now. Yum! A most delicious breakfast to start this sunny and cool Saturday morning. On this fine morning The Boys are in a playful mood, even GMoey. Nothing like the sound of thundering paws up and down the stairs. 

One of my good friends from high school and church let me know since our class did not have a 50th reunion, the next class had invited us to theirs. Maybe if we were still in Houston, I might be interested but mostly not. The people and friends I knew back then, I still keep up with in some shape form or fashion. It is kind of like some of the FB pages that are groups about the town I was born in. We left when I was very young but I spent a lot of summers there. Funny, it has dawned on me that all these favorite places people remember or wish were still around, I didn't have a clue where or what. With the exception of Joyland and a pool my boy cousins belonged to, bus riding with Grandpa and being at work with Grandma...not much else. 

All these album memories of Carol King, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and now Three Dog Night memory posts on FB brings back a lot of memories. Had all the albums back in the day and still listen to Tapestry often. Even some of the looks from the 70s, not avocado green or anything but all the small print in shirts, jeans, sheets and décor. 

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Good grief, my lesson yesterday was all over the place but I think we finally landed. Didn't get to study like usual, so it was not a smooth lesson. Think I need to get my glasses adjusted cause they would slip just a bit, making it difficult to read the scripture. Thankfully, we got through it and we ended with Judas going out the door into darkness...what that meant, but reminded us that with him out the door Jesus began to speak to his disciples about everything He could leave with them, what they needed to know and practice. 

We went back to church at 2:00 for Theresa's Memorial Service. That deserves a separate post. But, it was so good to see very familiar faces again in the sanctuary. 

Dearly Loved, Theresa Baker

 I only knew her for eight years and the news of her passing devastated me. I cannot imagine the grief and sadness of those who have known her almost all their lives. No warning, no whispers of , "well, she has been sickly the past few weeks." No, it was texts of prayer requests for her on Friday evening and by Saturday morning the news began to trickle out a bit, Theresa had died, never being able to be resuscitated. Each one of us that texted or talked with one another said the same thing, shocked, stunned with time standing still. This was just a bad dream, come on wake up...We'll see Theresa up there on the stage, without a microphone because her beautiful voice carried through the church, all the way to the back row on Sundays. Now, we will celebrate her life with many others not just from church but throughout the county because she had that kind of effect on people, on Sunday afternoon. She leaves behind, two sons, a daughter in law, a grandchild and her husband. Brothers and sisters. Although, I would think that many would claim her as a family member because she was best known at Mama T. 

The summer of 2014 Roy gave me a month here in the mountains for my 60th birthday. The trip served many functions, to get out of that dagged gum Texas heat, to get me into the cooler temps of the mountains and away from the insanity with my father. A month to begin the search for a home here, never thinking we would return to Texas with a contract and a mortgage broker at the end of that August. Our previous trips were mainly staying at The Inn on the Biltmore Estate and staying close by, on the Estate. I would be rather miffed if we had to give any time to other areas nearby. Boy I didn't know what I was missing out on. Several years before, we had intended to get a condo around here for me to be out of the heat and stress of Houston/Katy. Beginning in spring and staying through the most beautiful parts of fall, then return back to Texas. Roy began to study this seriously and said, do you really want a condo or do you like the Biltmore experience. Uh, Biltmore and he said great cause that is cheaper than buying, furnishing and living here off and on. After my 2008 heart experiences that severely limited any coming and goings, Roy approached me again to think about buying something this way. We prayed about it for weeks and after those weeks he asked me how would I like to have a home here and when he retired, we would retire in NC.  In those last few days of that fabulous month of August, Roy flew in and Brian, our realtor, took us back to a home I was in love with but didn't want to get emotionally attached until Roy saw it. He loved it just like I did but for different reasons...being the practical man that he is. So the morning that we planned to return to Houston, we got the latter start due to the paperwork and such we filled out before making the journey back to Texas with the intentions of being back for Thanksgiving and Christmas, then the moving van arriving here on April 1st. Why am I telling you this in Theresa's story, well, it can be difficult moving to a new state, a new city, a new church and making friends. In the Appalachians, people can be wary of newcomers, especially those who come and then want to make everything like the place they left. That was not me, but this move was by faith. Roy told me I had to stick it out five years. Well, it didn't even take a year to know this is where we belonged because of friends like Theresa. 

Our church is the only one I visited during that month and we knew once I got up here we would move our letter to be a part of the oldest Baptist Church in Buncombe County. The first Sunday I visited, I remember hearing Theresa and her melodious voice. At that time the songs were contemporary, hymns and southern gospel. I also knew it wouldn't take me too long to join in with the choir. 

People here have loved and known Theresa so many years and I don't know nearly all or even half of the stories of mission trips, retreats, camp, choir, bus driving the senior adults...but she never met a stranger and she always greeted with abundant smiles. She could also look down, shake her head when one might say something one shouldn't but it wasn't too much too much longer she'd bust out smiling and laughing. Theresa once said to me, it's a good thing we aren't both sopranos, cause we would get in a world of trouble. Me not being a soprano has a lot more good things than that. That would be no range to even sing the lowest soprano note. Nope, it is the alto life for me. Many times after choir practice is when we got to visit. She told great stories and she had me all in when she'd begin, "well, one time....." We found out we had both been born in the Midwest and our conversation turned to shucking corn. I'd go with my cousins to farms in the area and earn 50 cents a bag picking and shucking corn. She had similar stories. One evening after choir Theresa and I were in the church lobby talking about this very thing when Debbie, choir director, walked past us. She turned and looked at us because she had mistaken shucking for another word that rhymes with it...we hurriedly let her know we were talking about working with corn.  A couple of years ago Roy saw some tambourine slip ons to wear over shoes and told me I needed to order two pairs. Why? Surely there is someone there with the same type sense of humor that would wear the other pair when y'all went to choir. Of course I first thought of Theresa, then Covid, so the tambourine shoes got put up for another time. 

Last Sunday in Sunday School, we didn't have a taught lesson, rather a sharathon of our friend Theresa. It could be 20 below and she would have on sandals or flip flops. I was told she didn't own a coat, said she didn't need one. Loved bling, lots of bling and her favorite color, orange. She is like no one else I have ever met and I am thankful to have met her on this side and look forward to seeing her. She'll probably say, girl, what took you so long! 

There has to be a thousand or more kiddos, teenagers and young adults touched by Theresa, her love of the Lord, her compassionate heart. I tear up while reading what others have written. So powerful, greater love, a new commandment love one another...she was all over that. There are a lot of tear stained eyes this week while we all prepare to honor a one of a kind friend. She was the heart and soul of our church. There weren't too many ministries she wasn't involved with. She loved Jesus and she loved his people. 

Our last conversation we had was a week before she passed away. We talked about clapping and she did her best to get everyone on the right beat that morning in church. She being a 2 and 4 girl, while I prefer the 1 and 3. A couple of Sundays ago when I once again joined in at big church, after my hibernation of January and half of February, she came out to find me after church. She said, it sure is good to see you back. Made me feel so welcomed and loved. 

I posted this picture yesterday of Theresa laughing so hard at the SPAM turkey Gertie and I made to have holidays on a budget. I told her she had won the door prize of this creation but she couldn't have the platter, we needed it.  Mash that SPAM together, put in a couple of chicken legs, complete with those little chicken leg hats. Stuff an apple and celery stalks in, you've got a meal. Theresa told me later she HATES SPAM, especially its lovely fragrance but she couldn't keep from laughing, as you can see here. 

Sunday morning while praying for our class prayer requests, I asked the Lord if he would tell Theresa hi for us and that we all miss her. 

I join the chorus of so many others expressing this, love you and miss you Theresa. We know you're singing in heaven and maybe if we get quiet one Sunday morning, we will hear your voice leading us in worship. 

Books, Nostalgia, Fake Naps and Meds

 Sunday, our pastor said, life is but a vapor. Vapor, box of chocolates...thank you Forest Gump. Anyway, in this season of life I would say life is but a vapo...Vicks Vapo Rub. It is fragrance du jour many days but never on Sunday morning. Just a few weeks ago Roy discovered Vicks Vapo Cream and I like it. Not as greasy as the good ol Vicks that mom rubbed on our chests and then pinned a towel around our neck but as effective. My Grandma B must have rubbed off on me here in the older portion of life cause she be lovin' some Vicks. It was a fix all for just about everything. 

I am almost finished with the book, Afternoons With Harper Lee. She certainly had a gift of wit and words and dare I say attitude. I wonder if she liked Vicks? Her friend that wrote the book and has traveled around the world giving talks on her work as well as other well known Alabamian writers. He was a professor for many years at Samford, then went on to great success at that other Tiger school, Auburn. The few times we have driven past Monroeville, AL, I have never been tempted to stop and do the tourist thing. For one, it is not the same with the exception of the courthouse. Still, not enough interest to drag me off the interstate path. Roy and I talked about, briefly, taking another trip to Israel. He has never been but it just doesn't have the pull for him that it has for others. I think it is the same thing as Monroeville. , it is not the same when Jesus was in and out of Jerusalem and Bethany and to the uttermost parts of the country. When it feels so rushed I have a hard time really taking anything in. Really, no time to ponder and pray with hundreds of new best friends. Early morning onto a bus until the evening...I'll be there when it is the New Jerusalem.

These Greeks that came to see Jesus in John 12 have held my attention all week. Lifeway once again, throws us in the middle of a story to fit their narrative, when it seems like we should at least spend a little time on triumphal entry. So, that is where we will begin on Sunday. Once again slinking in the shadows we will find the leaders intent on getting rid of Jesus and evidence of who He is. But in their midst truth is spoken and hopefully the disciples are picking up on what is to come...they didn't. 

I just finished reading Afternoons With Harper Lee. I liked the book a lot and now wishing to be a little more elegant in speech and witticisms that would rival many. Alas, I enjoy that kind of writing and the little stories told impacting the big picture of just about everything. Now onto Beth Moore's memoir. 

The Boys have been especially entertaining this week. We got a collar for Willie and he is accepting it. Mr Mo is the only one we cannot get a collar on. Maybe not so much the collar but the little bell is what bugs him the most. Willie is so fast we needed to be able to hear him.  

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This morning I am still stunned at the news of a passing of a friend from church. No warning, no sickness, nothing...Saturday, when I usually fine tune the lesson, I couldn't keep myself interested because I knew we would need to talk and share about our friend's life in Sunday School. I will do a separate post but nothing was the same Sunday morning, a cold wind kept a lot of us from honoring her by wearing open toed shoes cause she wore them year round, snow, sleet, sun, cloudy, sandals of flip flops. 

With the grief of losing a friend, but we know where she is with the Lord, my niece Erin sent pictures from her special engagement trip with then boyfriend, now fiancée, Travis. Pictures taken on the beach and oh I don't know, something told me it wasn't Galveston...no, Oregon. Haven't set a date yet, but my brother says it is a destination wedding. 

Besides the much needed kitchen mopping, thank you Roy for keeping The Boys in the bonus room so I could do this unassisted with little cat paws, I didn't do too much on Saturday. Finished the Harper Lee book and began Beth's memoir. What a gift of telling her life story in such a concise and understandable way instead of bogging down in details that maybe we'd want her to tell. I am almost finished with the book. Loved reading about her early days at HFBC and with seeing a video on FB from the long ago service at FBC as it was known then, brought up a lot of memories from those days. The choir, Gerald Ray, Brother John, and Felix Wagner. Roll the eight year of church memories here with my friend and those years from long ago, Beth's memoir, I was quite nostalgic Saturday night. The chaos from her childhood years with her father, brought to mind the same kind of chaos with mine. One of the best things my therapist told me early on was, you're still seeing yourself as a little girl when it come to your father, with little girl thinking...but you're an adult, and you can think like an adult, make decisions like an adult...The darkness turned to the dawning and the dawning to noonday bright. I was also reminded of several camps I went to at the Peach Creek Baptist Assembly Camp. Beth told us of her week being a sponsor with 6th grade girls. When she described the bunk houses and especially the bathroom, I pictured it completely as described cause lo, I had been there many times during my incarceration, I mean week long GA Camp or Junior Camp and some weekend retreats with our church in youth group. Ah, evening vespers at Peach Creek. 

Last week held a little bit of a heart issue and I felt pretty sure it was medicine related. Low blood pressure, a little lightheaded. It seems that one of my heart meds, now that I have gone the twice a day pills rather than one extended release pill due to drug costs, caused my problem. So, not eating a hearty breakfast, not even eating a non healthy breakfast, the fact was, I didn't eat enough to counteract the absorption rate and that knocked me to the bed a couple of mornings. I just happened to read an article on beta blockers and got the information of the importance of eating beforehand being especially important with the twice a day pills. No wonder it doesn't bother me at night. Anyway, think that is corrected now and Roy has included me in his hearty breakfasts for a few days. Scrambled eggs, bacon, orange and strawberries cut up.  

Hoping that The Boys having brunch just a few minutes ago will calm them down enough for a nap. Lots of hard playing going on. Fake naps, they're back to wrestling. 

A Happy Week

 This hasn't happened in a long time but a big hunting dog is roaming around, between houses and such. Roy went out to feed the Feral Fam and no one, not one of the family came to eat. The dog was just caught by his owner in our driveway. Hope we see some familiar Feral Fam faces today. I am so thankful we put up the fence, although I think that dog could jump it easily. One of the bigger black cats was found by our neighbor yesterday close to the road. Why they are drawn to that busy road, I don't know. So there is a stillness in the air this morning. I just saw one of the black and white cats out back on one of the cameras. Hope is rising. So thankful for the fence, that helps so much in keeping the dog strays at bay. 

My new definition of hope comes from our Three Boys. It matters not the time or the reason why, but if just but one person enters the space of the kitchen, one or more have hope that there might be some kind of food involved, meals or treats. It doesn't matter. A pretzel bag or a Friskies Treat bag, it all sounds alike to these boys. 

When Roy and I got home yesterday afternoon, a white truck was parked in the surveyed part of the pasture across the road. Didn't see any action but that day is coming soon enough. Saw on the first piece of property sold where a big beautiful home is being built, evidence of perking on the lower part of the property. Don't know if they were successful or not. 

We are seeing a few of the Feral Fam return. I sure hope Twiner and Dot made it. I've been working on getting them to get over being frightened of an interaction with me. For sure we've seen Toupee, her two kittens, Barney and Cutie. Cutie doesn't really hang out here anymore but maybe all the excitement drew her in for a bit. Both Twins and Beanie have been back as well as Radley stop in for food yesterday afternoon. 

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Back to normal with The Feral Fam this morning. The brief distress of the dog is now in the past. All were in attendance for breakfast. 

The big news around here is the paper mill in Canton shutting down in June. Over a 1000 jobs will be lost. This plant made mostly products like paper plates, cups and the like. Guess people are using paper goods like they used to. It is really so sad because the downtown area of Canton was making a comeback with great places to eat and interesting shops. I have several friends who have family working at the mill. This mill has been around since 1908. I read an interesting article this morning on the history of it. 

Even though the Murdaugh trial is over, the after affects as well as more indictments linger. For me it is an interesting look into generational issues, for a lack of a better word, that come crumbling down at some point. A video brought down this dynasty. Roy and I were talking about this just a bit this morning and if you are committing crimes and running several counties, it would be wise to keep up with technology. Also a narcissist in the mix throws a few curve balls. Unless one has had close up and usually long time dealings with one, it can be unnerving to find out that everyone and everything is just a possession. A possession that needs to be at their beck and call, one they can control, and when you are no longer needed...although there is always some usefulness of a person to a narcissist, they'll tuck you away. It is a hard, difficult fight to get away from someone like that but is worth the fight. 

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We finally made our trip to Burnsville. We planned to shop at Lamp Post Vintage Market and then go to Cast Iron Kitchen for lunch...only, there is no more Cast Iron Kitchen. They're gone and out of the restaurant business. The food there was farm to table, delicious and always good specials. This made us expand our horizons and so after saying we would try Rio's, we tried Rio's yesterday. Roy had the Texas fajitas...beef, chicken and shrimp and I had the spinach mushroom quesadilla. Those must not be ordered often because our server wanted to see where that was on the menu as well as when we paid, the cashier had to refer to the menu to find the price. There is one in Mars Hill that is fairly new and another Mexican restaurant is opening near TJ's in Mars Hill. Still no chili gravy on enchiladas but hope springs eternal. 

So many beautiful blooms now, kind of early for them and next week forecasts much cooler temps than what we have been experiencing. Enjoying them while they last. 

Scoops, LazMarMar and Power

 After some weekend temps that felt a bit winterish, we will now have spring for the week and then for the weekend, the dip in temps. Kind of feels like living in Texas. 

Roy got all the scoop yesterday while taking the garbage cans to the road. Our neighbor above us told us about the activities of the messy house below and to the right on the road. Don't think there is too much good happening and two pit bull dogs. Our neighbor below us on the road caught him up on the pasture across the way. The man who owns the property could not sell the large parcel so he is dividing it up for houses. Right now two are planned but our neighbor thinks they'll be nice sized homes and not like some that are thrown together. Anyone want to be our neighbor?

The JOY class is just so special to me. They put up with a bunny trail teacher and one that is not very organized in administrative details. So generous and truly a prayerful class. Lots of laughing together but we weep when one is weeping. We were able to get through half of the lesson yesterday so we will pick up with Jesus at Lazarus' tomb. The customs and practices of funerals and culture in the Bible is so interesting. The context and background makes the already alive Word, alive. I marvel at seeing the book of John so differently this time around. Some of the commentaries emphasize the deep friendship that Jesus had with this family, more so than how I usually studied in the past. The class was fortunate not to have me sing along with Karen Peck and The New River Band, Four Days Late. Roy got that thrill in the car as we went to church. But God...right in the middle of my most dramatic interpretation of the song, a flock of wild turkeys over to our right side, had their attention diverted from looking for food and deciding to fly in front and barely over our car. Of course to maneuver the car from a direct hit, the singing stopped. I must ask Roy is God answered his prayer to silence the SS teacher rendition of this song. I wonder if he fondly remembered when I first discovered this song, along with Get Away Jordon back in the day.   

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It has been a week since last attending to the blog. The mornings got away from me. But, this Monday morning, there is a respite. Because of Roy's allergies this morning our original plans of going out for breakfast, getting his glasses adjusted and a trip to the Barnes and Noble have been punted till later in the week. It's just as well, love a Monday morning...easing into the day. 

The John 11/12 combo lesson got done with just a few minutes over release time. I have certainly enjoyed studying about Mary, Martha and Lazarus. The question always asked, are you a Mary or a Martha? I think I am a LazMarMar, a little bit of each of them. Lazarus was at the table with Jesus in Luke 10 and John 12 and got that four day break from everyday life. He doesn't say a recorded word in the gospels but what an influence. 

Last year we waited too late to buy more forsythia to put along the side fence with the ones we planted in 2021. On Saturday we found several, not much to choose from, already. After church and lunch we planted three of the plants and then planted two trees. When spring actually arrives, we have several projects to redo the pandemic garden work that kept me occupied during those days of less travel and more prevention. 

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Lost power, generator came on, power returned, generator off, we are both wide awake and up early. The Boys started slowly with a rambunctious morning but they are in full play mode. All three of them are engaged in stalking and chasing. Think GMoey just left the group for a nap.  

Roy got the last forsythia planted yesterday afternoon in the warmth of 71 degrees. It is going to be a hard year for peaches after seeing a local orchard has lost all the peach blooms due to the high impact of the wind. Our peach tree still has blooms but the cold temps next week might zap it. 

I kept up with the Murdaugh trial over the past few weeks. Mostly I watched recaps but I did watch Alex's two days of testimony. I've read a lot of articles and interviews from the beginning of this family's influence in the lowcountry till now. I will probably write something on this later but for now I am thinking on these things. 

Who'll Start The Rain?

 GMoey is purring contentedly on my lap. A great cup of coffee and Roy is upstairs finishing up the CBS Online Bible Study that he participates in. Mr Mo and Willie are quiet, someplace and that usually means they have laid down for their second morning nap. GMoey is an early morning and early evening lap sitter. Mr Mo likes to sit on laps in the afternoons and Willie, well he has too much energy right now for lap naps. 

Like we are wont to do, we have changed plans that we had for today. We are still debating plan B or totally punt the plans. With the warmer temps in February, we have a few more options than usual. People around here say that when there is a warmer winter then March can hold some bad snowy weather. That plays havoc with crops. You want good weather for the strawberries and peaches. Thanks to Publix, pre-produce stand season starts in February with the influx of Florida strawberries. 

Lot of activity in the pasture soon to be turned into dwellings across the road. All the guys who have been out there over the past week begin at the knoll closest to the road and then look toward the southeast direction. It looks as if they are deciding where to put a house. The land didn't perk well so probably the house will need to be built in the lower section because there is a small water source there. After watching yesterday's activity, they might be plotting an entrance or driveway to where the house will be built. Once we see the direction of how this plays out might just determine if we go back to our plans of having a fence around part of our front yard.  

What an interesting day of trial watching. Defendant takes the stand, rambles and wanders throughout his explanation of things. Says he lied but he is not lying about killing two members of his family. On the beginning of the cross examination late in the afternoon, the sparring of two lawyers, one an assistant attorney general and one a disbarred attorney. Circling around the edge of the story both are trying to get to a point. It was so interesting watching it with Roy. He fills me in on the nuance of legal matters and I fill him in on watching the reactions and body language of the defendant. I might have it on as background noise today, but maybe I'll wait till the end of the day for re-caps. 

One person whose work led to the world discovering this small part of America, the lowcountry of South Carolina and this family dynasty, put a trigger warning on her recap of the day. If anyone has dealt with a narcissist closely or for any period of time, you certainly can see the patterns of lies displayed across the screen, which takes you back in your mind of dealing with the lies of the narcissist in your life. If one is not far removed from those days, I would think the difficulty of seeing the process would bog one down. Even after my father died, he had several lies that came from beyond the grave. Dang, didn't see that coming and the lies had to do with family. He was one of the best liars I ever knew. 

Today in Houston, it is Go Texan Day. All the trail riders are heading toward Memorial Park for their last campout of the trip before riding in the parade tomorrow morning. For several years living in our condo brought a close up view to several of the trail rides coming in. We lived near Memorial Park. So exciting when several friends participated in the rides cause you start looking for them and then do the frantic waving and calling out their names. When I was in elementary school, we had Go Texan Day. The only day of the school year girls could wear jeans to school. Our mom bought us Go Texan Bolo Ties and those blue ties made a white button up shirt a cowboy or cowgirl shirt. Think my brother still has his. Years ago, Roy worked for a man who had a BBQ cookoff team and we were given tickets to be a part of their blocked off area to eat and celebrate all things pre-rodeo. The food was good but usually the temps were the coldest of the year. One also came home reeking of smoke. That burnt wood fragrance ensconced in hair, clothes and probably boots. We went to several rodeo performances throughout the years but my dislike of crowds and country western music Later on Dena and I discovered shopping at the rodeo market and that was tons of fun. Go in and shop, leave before the huge crowds arrived for the carnival and rodeo.  

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Our energetic morning is off to a start. Well, Roy is easing into the day, but The Boys are in full throttle play. Even GMoey is involved this morning. The downstairs is a total rumpus room. They are so fun to watch. We are waiting for the forecasted rain this afternoon. Good for the new peach tree. 

Roy discovered blue cheese hamburgers at Publix. Only we have them made into quarter pound size cause the two big ones were way too much for us. We have rediscovered sloppy joes as well. The transition from winter food to springish food is in the works. 

I've decided I am in the Vicks Vapo Rub season of life. There was a time that wearing some Vicks during the day would have me undone, now...hey, now I'd rather breathe. Nothing like Ginger Essence and Vicks to make one feel so sexy, attractive,  no old but alive.  

Trial, Loss and Temps

 No Shrove Tuesday pancakes, but instead Shrove Tuesday waffles. Today, first day of Lent. 

I ordered some used books from Thrifts and one of the most lovely surprises was a book that had a delightful perfumed fragrance. Inside a treasure trove of old church notes written on slips of paper as well as the mimeographed bulletins from their church. Even the way this person underlined favorite parts of the book is unusual and memorable. It is not a devo book as such but a daily book with thoughts from JB Phillips. I came to know the works of JB Phillips as a child. No not a protégée in Bible translation but my father had been given a hardback copy of the Phillips translation of the NT. He had no use for it since he presumed that only part of the NT you could believe were the gospels. So, since he had no use for me, he gave me his book that he had no use for. I can finally note something good but probably not kind from him. Being familiar with Phillips, I began looking for his sparse collection of commentaries. He or someone else gathered enough from his writings to publish this book as well as a devo. The devo truly is snail mail at the media rate, but it will be here sometime in the next few weeks. 

Beth Moore's memoir came yesterday from Amazon. I read the preface and I am hooked. I had started Afternoons with Harper Lee, another book that has pulled me in, and will try and wait to read Beth's memoir after the book about Harper. Just to think a couple of weeks ago I lamented not being able to find anything in the TBR stack that caught me. 

While Roy and I were out yesterday morning, I got a message from my cousin Becky. Hi Becky! Anyway, I quickly texted her back that I would call later in the afternoon. What a fun conversation and catch up that came from the heartbreaking news about my cousin's wife who had passed away. Dave and Jan came through the Blue Ridge in 2019 on a motorcycle trip. We ate lunch and had a visit one Sunday afternoon. The visit was enjoyable as we talked about family and family matters that clouded understanding of us in the next or next to generation. Funny, I had not seen either Dave or Jan since I was in junior high or maybe high school. They were dating at that time and I thought it was just so cool that they stayed a bit with the family and then left going onto whatever exciting awaited the rest of their day. My Aunt Leah, David's mom, and I had a great correspondence via letters in the 80s and 90s. She sent some great recipes and I used them. Of course that was back in the day when cooking interested me. Becky got me caught up on my cousin Lois. She is writing the script for their church's choir Easter music presentation. That is really exciting. We laughed about the taboos at our grandparents. If you napped, there was a perfectly good floor to nap upon. No napping on beds once they were made. The cedar closet in the back bedroom that Grandma told me never to look in. I need to check with Doug and see if he got the same instructions and I bet if he did, he opened that closet door. 

The Boys have settled down for a morning nap, probably the second morning nap of the day. Roy woke up at 4:00 am and couldn't go back to sleep. So he and The Boys have been up for a long period of time. Roy has gone to work out though. Willie is quite funny and gets on GMoey's nerves. Mr Mo and Willie will chase each other all through the downstairs and then upstairs. We picked up a new toy for them, a little more interactive. Willie can get to it faster than the other two yet I am happy to report plastic bottle caps, paper, and shoe strings do in a pinch for entertainment. 

Got the recap last night from the Murdaugh trial. It is straight outta southern gothic. Family dominated the legal systems for almost a hundred years in the Lowcountry of SC. Roy has no interest in the trial or story but I do consult with him over legal terms and such used in courtrooms. Yes, law school pays off in retirement as well. A sidenote is, the Penny the Cat videos and this trial has helped lift some of the brain fog as well as being distracted and unable to watch or listen to anything for very long. The brain fog had almost made a two year anniversary. Being so distracted and not having the ability to think through some important issues caused me great losses as well interest in books, movies and the like that others suggested I watch or read. I am going to try again at least reading recommended books.  Not much of a point to talk about loss with others because I have always had the ability to push through difficulties with snippets of normal occasionally. Also, I don't seem to work as hard to regain or keep people in my life who have expressed the desire not to be involved. I used to think I could not go on at least without trying. Now I know life is good and we live in a place that has places and things of immense interest. We've made friends and have good neighbors. Welcome to my most boring life, as others think, but I am thinking this seemingly boring life is exciting and full of bountiful contentment. 

Happy Awareness of Aortic Stenosis Day!

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Oops, didn't get this posted last night. So welcome to Thursday and it could be a record breaking day. The temp right now at 9:00 am is 65, with a high of 77. We put the top down yesterday on the way home from the store. 

Fat Tuesday...Well, Every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday

 For just a brief moment Friday afternoon, snow fell from the sky...then melted but it sure was a beautiful sight. Caught us by surprise just a bit. Now, we have clear sunny skies with spring temps next week. I learned the first year here, do not plant anything until after Mother's Day, but it is so tempting. 

Our adventure or maybe our ba-venture this morning with The Feral Fam turned out better than expected with a least little bit of drama. Roy got an appointment at the low cost neuter and spay clinic, signing up to take a female. Hoping for the best but realistically, we were probably going to only be able to capture a male. Roy had been diligent in feeding them in the carriers last week to get them used to them but realistically, since this isn't my first rodeo capturing a feral, I didn't think his plan was going to work. He didn't want me to help but after about five minutes, it felt like I should go out there and check on the situation. Roy looked a bit dejected and said, it didn't work. So, he put out more food and I was able to pick up Beanie and get him in a carrier, with a great assist of Roy. So, a little drama in the scattering and regrouping of The Feral Fam, but Roy is off to the clinic with Beanie Boy...the least aggressive male cat outside. I almost got Blazey, but his cat like reflexes evaded capture at the last second. Thus our Monday morning has begun. 

I would be remiss not to add that I was wearing the perfect outfit to be interviewed on the news while attempting to catch a cat. Muck boots, knee high, happy camper jammie bottoms, Snoopy t-shirt and my fleece PJ hoodie and the hoodie part has ears of a bear. I also had on leather long line garden gloves.  No, I don't have any pink rollers in my hair but my hair is standing straight up...you know tossing and turning bed head. Yes, the perfect opportunity to be interviewed saying, they seemed like such nice neighbors. Quiet and kept to themselves. Roy just texted, Beanie is in and we pick him up tomorrow morning. 

Since we are experiencing warmer temps and maybe the flu and such is low, I went back to big church yesterday. It felt good to get back into that regular routine after hibernating for a month and half. Last week I didn't leave our house/yard which is kind of unusual for me. 

I loved study John 10 and like mentioned before, the Pharisees and their actions and reactions to Jesus are predictable but really I have never noticed this before at such a depth. While talking about shepherds and their accurate use of a sling, reminded me of the time Peggy and I used a water balloon sling for Mildred and Gertrude. In theory, it should have worked, but you know...we didn't rehearse it and when it came time to use that prop, I shot a kooze ball into the back of Peggy's head, knocking her wig and hat onto a table of the distinguished guest of the women's ministry out in the audience. We may have or may not have wet our pants as we made our way off the stage in total laughter...If you ain't got a swing, you don't fling that thing...

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Beanie Boy returned home earlier and still seems to be in a dazed and confused state of mind. He is doing well, even let me pet him...so he is not bitter or so it seems. I gave him his own little bowl of salmon cat food. Now to make another appointment to take another kitty in. All the surgery and shots are free if they are community cats, and that is what The Feral Family are. 

I met a lady at Hobby Lobby, in the parking lot this morning. She and I have been messaging. She has a booth at Lamp Post Vintage Market and I asked her if she would like a couple of things that are moving on to someone else. She wanted to pay for the things, but I didn't want money. She makes these wooden bears that are so cute and I asked her to make one with Sic Em Bears on it. She picked up an old wooden trunk, some lamb stuff, a tea pot and a decorative ladder. Also some décor rabbits. Roy and I went into Hobby Lobby, no earthquakes were experienced, got some t-shirts and some little scripture signs that Roy likes. Then off to Tractor Supply to replace a peach tree that died at the end of summer last year. 

When we arrived home, we planted the tree and then filled a couple of indentations with the extra dirt and grass in holes that the Feral Fam had made in the yard. I made a huge sacrifice cause the son of Alex Murdaugh took the stand in the trial. Now it looks like I didn't miss much, so much better use of time. Think we will go back and get a couple plum trees to go with the ones we already planted. 

I need to get rolling here. Just got off the phone and I need to do some reading for the lesson this Sunday. I wish we were liturgical today, cause that would mean pancakes tonight. 

Anticipation and Contrast

 Happy Day After Valentines! We celebrated the day with taco Tuesday, a few good laughs, and tree trimming. Yes, we are officially old but very much contented. Roy gave me the cutest card and we discovered The Boys don't know anything about being a Valentine. Well, if chasing one another till all decide to nap and put this on repeat throughout the day, that is their celebration. Really, we are fortunate that they get along pretty much the whole time and they are quite entertaining. 

The much anticipated snow event turned into mainly a rain event over the weekend. If conditions had been favorable many say that we would have experienced blizzard conditions. The wind was a bit gusty but not sustained. I took the opportunity of staying in to go through stuff in the front bedroom for the second time. It proved to be fruitful in culling out more things to go to Goodwill. Lots of paper, paper products both cute or functional. Dare I say that some notebooks and journals, empty of course, made their was into the bye bye box.  I also went through some jewelry pulling out earrings and a few necklaces that I don't wear very often. 

This week we are in John 10, a personal favorite. We didn't get through all the lesson of John 9 which has to be one of the most moving chapters on Jesus, I Am the light of the world vs keep a bunch of rules and be miserable like us, Pharisees, way of worship. Alex, I'll take Jesus.  Healed blind man formally known as  blind beggar, gets thrown out of temple and synagogue life, is now taken in and loved by Jesus and that is how chapter 10 begins. Chapter 10 says He knows us by name...we don't know the name of the healed man but it isn't important, cause Jesus knows his name. I re-read a bit of Scouting the Divine to refresh the observations made about modern shepherding as compared to Bible times shepherding...only the technology has changed, the basicness of raising sheep is just about the same. Although the comfort is in this, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. 

The Alex Murdaugh trial is mesmerizing.  Makes me think of back in the day watching the OJ Simpson trial. I try to limit watching to just updates but there have been a few times, the live stream pulls me in. The alleged stories and I guess true stories from this family tree is unsettling at best. The sister in law, Maggie's sister, wow...credible and a witness one can have sympathy and empathy with.  

On Facebook I belong to several groups dedicated to the memory of the city where I was born. For a smaller type city with lots of industry back in the day, the architecture and planning of buildings and such seemed to be more than the usual size of town. Now it looks like so many of these buildings have been left to lapse into disrepair and are doomed for tear downs. 

We just got in from pruning the rose bushes. Always an adventure. Roy trimmed his apple trees yesterday, so we are in spring mode, well kind of. I like winter and not quite ready to be done with it. 

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The good news this week? Pluto TV has an I Love Lucy channel. This is extremely good news since I Love Lucy. Pluto hasn't been showing them in order but that's okay. Of course I am waiting for one of my all time favs, the episode where Lucy sings I am the queen of the gypsies. 

Today, after reading and studying, I'll begin writing out the lesson for Sunday. What a contrast although I think I have written this before. 

Just Catching Up With Stuff

The sun is out in all its brilliance. The Feral Fam checked out reluctantly last night from the Le Garage Hotel. This time around they were rather good guests with most of them using the three litter boxes provided. Progress!

After the vigorous thundering paws and spirited play, The Boys are napping in their respective places. Willie on Roy's chair, GMoey in the front window and Mr Mo trying to decided between downstairs with GMoey or upstairs in the front bedroom. Somebody in all the energy playing knocked over the lamp on Roy's nightstand. My bet would be Willie. Our bed is nothing more than a giant wresting mat at times. No tag team, just all out wrestling and every cat for themselves. 

John 8 turned out to be very interesting study. We are now onto John 9. Started reading the chapter this morning and will in earnest begin studying tomorrow. 

The Chinese balloon was all the talk and for those who got outside to capture it on their phones or with cameras, we thank you. When we went to bed it was over Missouri but Saturday morning, right over the Carolinas. 

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Just like New Years Eve, I went to bed before it began or ended. Well, it had begun, but I was watching King of the Hill. So didn't see speech or rebuttal, nor commentary or arguments. It is a good morning. When I saw it went 73 minutes, I was even happier at having a good morning. Today is hair cut day...yay! Then errands. The past few days have held lots or research on John 9, which means a lot of reading. 

Until last week I had no clue what is out there on reelz. Mostly junk that you can roll right through, but all these cleaning tips, decluttering advice, Dollar Tree buys and uses, I sleep in my car, I live in my van, we live in an RV with 18 children...okay I made the last one up. As I have been going through things once again, getting stuff ready to give away or donate, I am feeling good about tackling the task. Accordingly, you can do this in about fifteen minutes a day. When one has ADD, one cannot get anything done, really of merit in fifteen minutes because there are so many distractions. After several fifteen minutes, one can get back to the original task, although now the tiredness sets in. 

Joy, joy, joy...Roy went with me to Tammy's and she had enough time to give him a trim, a great haircut after mine. He has rebooked. Yay! His last haircut at the barber shop left much to be desired. The barber made a big cut into his hair and left it that way, almost like an oops. Good thing his hair grows out quickly. Anyway, I was so happy for Roy to meet Tammy and vice versa. He looks so good with his new haircut. 

Bank, and two grocery stores later we were home. I had a slight headache all day and when we came home, after lunch, I went to take a nap. Mr Mo came in and slept with me a while and then he was up and moving, so nap was cut short. 

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Expired Vicks still works. That is good to know. We might have lots of snow or we might not. The forecast changes hourly for the system that comes into the region tonight. I am hooked on the strawberry pecan salad from Publix. I bought some Skinny Girl dressing so that when the salad goes off sale, I can make it. Lot like the Amuse' salad but will make in individual portions. 

This Alex Murdaugh trial has grabbed my attention. So many layers of deceit, love, friendship and greed. Perfect southern gothic novel. It's gots it all! I had it on as background noise yesterday and soon it took my focus and not what I was working on. 

The Feral Fam will get an early check in for the hotel this afternoon. Always like to let them in the garage when there is a chance of snow. 

Oh To Welcome February

 Wouldn't it be wonderful if our medicines we take said, may cause balance instead of may cause dizziness? Everyone of the meds I take notifies the user about dizziness. It is a wonder I can even walk with all the light headiness one can experience. 

While reading through the notebook my mom made me, that I saw for the first time how much friendship meant to my mother. She even wrote about my grandmother who found being a good friend and having good friends a priority in those busy days of the depression and WWII. My grandmother and her friend Ruthy were unlikely friends. When they were younger they met halfway between their two houses in a field. Each one of them with sandwich in hand to get in lunch and a quick visit before returning to take care of their chores. As they got older and making their way out to the field more difficult, they depended on their telephone conversations. Ruthy was very hard of hearing and my grandma wasn't too far behind in the hearing arena. Every morning and evening they talked mainly to make sure the other one was safe. My mom told us stories of her adventures with her friends while growing up. Her story of her friend who lived across the road were humorous. They loved to eat tomatoes and onions right out of the garden and they wondered why no one wanted to play with them after they had eaten their garden delicacies, on bread. My mom had a friend, with a car, but the only thing, once it stopped, even to let someone out of the car, it would die. So whenever this friend had a group with her, she would slow down as much as she could, and mom and her friends would jump out of the car so that her friend could get on home and the car could die there until the next adventure. Good thing these girls lived out in the country. These stories and memories of Mom had me take assessment of me. I used to be a really good friend to others but now I am a mediocre friend at best. I worked harder at being a good friend but not so much now. Reading and remembering her stories might just be the jumpstart I need to make some changes or maybe more like fine tuning. This is in no way written for others to say, oh that's not true...yep, it is. 

Just saw where Cindy Williams has passed away. She was Shirley to Penny Marshalls Laverne. A long time ago when their show was in the top 5 shows, a survey was done to see what, other than nostalgia, drove the popularity of the show. Women watched because they wanted to have a friendship like these television characters or they had a friendship like Laverne and Shirley and loved watching the adventures of these two in Milwaukee along with their family and friends. Sadly most wanted a friendship like what was shown on the show.  

We so enjoyed the 5th Sunday night at church. A group from a nearby city sang southern gospel songs and led us into spirited worship. First song, a Happy Goodman song and I so wanted to go Vestal Goodman with them but only one problem, I don't have Vestal's voice. I love southern gospel music, but don't listen to it much. Afterwards we had soup and sandwiches fellowshipping together. 

John 7 was the lesson yesterday, from Jesus' half siblings trying to push his buttons, to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the crowd asking a whole bunch of questions. Not questions of trying to get to know Jesus better but in disbelief and accusations. 

Free Willie! Yes, we rejoiced that his recovering days have concluded. The Boys are once again free to roam about the house. The hissing has stopped and good nature play has resumed. Oh, there are few fractious moments but for the most part just boys playing chase. We picked up a few new toys for them and they are having great times with those little stuffed animals and such. I will have to say though, the favorite of them all are tiny pinecones or bottle caps. Every other day we go through the house picking these items up to be redistributed at a later time. 

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This morning because I needed to get out of the house for a bit, I chauffeured Roy to his work out and I then went to Big Lots and Ingles...meeting up with him at Publix. He has an appointment this afternoon and neither one of wanted to mess with the truck...so, great idea launched.  It has been quite some time being at the Big Lots. I went in only looking for one thing but came home with more than the thing I went for and they didn't have the item I had in mind. The pet throws were marked down half price, so I picked up four more to use if we need to with the Feral Fam. Looks like the hotel will open for them tomorrow with rain and a good chance of snow. 

John 8 is proving much more interesting than expected. John uses the Jewish Leaders trap with the woman caught in adultery, notice the man isn't even around or caught. From what I've read, it was a total set up and the leaders made her a pawn in their trap to trip up Jesus and the effect He was having on the people...then we go to Jesus proclaiming, I Am the Light. John uses this dark trap to contrast with Jesus, The Light. 

So happy that our generator is communicating with us once again. After a couple of round abouts, the link corrected and the notifications coming. It always disturbs the Feral Fam a bit but the older ones are used to it. 

Ode To A Week

 Our snow day was more like a snow morning. Not complaining but thankful for a little snow and then a lot of clearing by the afternoon. Today, the beauty of a coolish to coldish morning with bright rays of sunlight. All the windows that face south are letting the bounteous beauty stream into the rooms, especially upstairs. Seems like all The Boys have found a window to bask in the warmth.  Mr Mo upstairs and GMoey and Willie downstairs. Willie Tonka is growing so quickly it seems. He is also more trusting. He realizes that we aren't putting him up every time one of walks by. Last night he even sat in my lap without an invitation and just now he sat on the end of the couch for some pets. We have made huge strides. Mr Mo is becoming my lap cat. Sometimes I feel like he gets the short end of the deal. Willie wants to play constantly with him but naps and sits with GMoey, who will take Willie down a peg if he is just the least little bit rowdy. This morning as most mornings, Mr Mo and Willie come a greeting when I open the bedroom door. Roy gets up earlier and he closes the door so that The Three can't come in and wake me up. The best decision we made was, no sleeping with us at night. Loved it with Buddy, but for years I slept only an hour at a time, with the persistent wake ups from her. 

Started studying this morning on this week's lesson. I will touch base on last week's lesson a bit and then go right into Chapter 7. Bread in chapter 6 and living water in chapter 7 with a whole lot of accusations and questions going on before we get to the part we are supposed to teach. Loving, loving the context we cover in these lessons in John. I saw that after we finish John, Jeremiah and Lamentations in the summer. Oh boy but I ordered study books this week, really early, not to compete with other teachers doing the same thing. 

Checked in with friends from Houston to see how they fared with the rain and tornadoes. So far, all is well. 

I found out a couple of months ago one of my favorite artists from the area has passed away. No way we could afford her original work but we did buy some prints...that were pricey but we brought the prints home, had them framed and they gave me great comfort to see scenes of this land I love. Those prints keeping me company in Houston keep me company as well here. Many of her prints were from acreage that the Biltmore owns. The amber grass of winter and fall, the flowers of spring and summer and always the blue skies. 

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I never got back to the blog this week. Willie had his surgery and we are coming to the end of his segregation of play with the others. Houdini had his collar of shame off before being home for any amount of time. We put his cat onesie on him and we have a leash attached to the onesie. We had plans to be out most of the day today but punted on that when we realized that the Boys are not back to normal yet. Mr Mo is having a difficult time and has regressed on all the progress that had been made with his attitude toward Willie. Willie just got his last dose of medicine, so we are on the road of less supervision and freedom once again for them all. I guess for us as well. Roy did yeoman's duty yesterday. I had a couple of things on hold at Christy's Crafts and since she was open I made the trip out that way. The drive is beautiful and the gift as I was leaving, two deer grazing in a field. Maybe the better gift is, no one behind me so I could catch a few pics. We see deer and turkeys many a day but it still is so special. After having such a fun conversation with Christy and then with one of her local friends that arrived right before I was leaving, brought about memories while driving back to Burnsville. Earlier in the week I came across the "grandmother" book that my mom made for me. She was doing books for the girls and she wrote by hand in a notebook for the me, the contents of the grandmother memories. I was thinking, she didn't write anything really personal to me in the book and then I saw the deer. As soon as the photo shoot was over, the thought hit me, she wrote it all out in her handwriting. That is a personal note if I've ever seen one. She had also included several black and white pictures. 

Talked to Roy once the phone had coverage and he encouraged me to go onto Lamp Post Vintage because Willie and GMoey were asleep and Mr Mo was behaving. Did a quick stop and found a couple of cute items as well as two more jars of apple jam. Checked in with Roy and he asked if I would stop on the way home at Ingles and pick up a few items on his list. Well, yes, it will be a joy. So a stop in Mars Hill and since I was that close to Marshall, I made a stop in Penland's. My friend Georgette, it was her week to work, so we had a great visit. Then I came home. A much longer jaunt than I had planned. Delivered the cold stuff at home, then ran to Brenda's real fast to drop off a couple of things to her. Then, I went on duty with The Boys, giving Roy a bit of a deserved break. He knows I try to limit my coming and goings in January and through about half of February. Been working since 2009 on the advice of the Houston cardiologist. 

Kitten Fuzz and Memories

 Underneath all that kitten fuzz, is a skinny cat. Willie has thrown us a few surprises in the last week or so. He has been playing with Mr Mo quite a bit this morning and that is good to see. It took Mr Mo a little bit of coercion to accept Willie. GMoey kind of looks after Willie and that kind of makes Mr Mo jealous. 

A day makes a difference. I struggled with reading the lesson for Sunday. I've written recently how this time around Lifeway has chosen huge passages of scripture for context but narrows it all down with the text or the meat of the lesson. It feels so undone and when that happens, I tend to spend more time teaching in the context rather than the verses of the lesson. I was telling the class on Sunday many times I lay out the place, main character or main group, Jesus' reply to the situation and then let those words bring us back to thinking on these things. This week we context the feeding of the 5000, Jesus sending his disciples off in a boat and Jesus and Peter walking on water. Then, we are to jump in as the crowd, kind of like the Samaritan woman thought about water, and how they are thinking when Jesus talks of the bread he is saying hey here is one more thing off your list to work for but He is speaking of eternal and deeper things. 

Everyone on our little road puts their garbage cans out on Sunday evening for a Monday pickup. Our neighbor texted us yesterday morning. Someone had on purpose or accidentally ran into all the garbage and recycle cans. He had put everything back into the cans for us all. Such nice neighbors. Waste Pro didn't empty our trash can though. Oh that Waste Pro but Roy found a bumper and part of a hood a little farther down in the ditch along the road. Maybe someone hit ice, who knows. Waste Pro says they'll pick up our trash tomorrow.  

Seven years ago this week while on the way back to the mountains, I changed up the way of coming back. I didn't stop in the familiar Cracker Barrel, but decided to stop at the one in Lafayette, and that stop changed the plans and by the end of the week, we were returning to Houston. Instead, after having my hip replaced there in Lafayette, not at the Cracker Barrel, Roy and I returned to Houston to be under the care of my orthopedic doctor as well as a one story home to recover and do home rehab in. Everything I worked on to get better was driven by the determination of returning to the mountains. Even my PT knew what I was working toward because he was from East TN. This broken hip also opened the way for bilateral knee replacements later on in that year and because of meeting out of pocket expenses, the 20% costs that we would have paid were covered. Part of this John 6 lesson could be titled, what are you working for? With that hip I was working for it to be strong and provide functional living but there was a deeper and spiritual layer. It wasn't just about the present but it was about factors for the future. Jesus is trying to let the crowd see it wasn't about bread here, but He being the Bread of Life and for their eternity  Good thing God is patient about us finally coming to the truth to see what He says and Who He is. 

These Three Boys are just so funny at times. My niece, Erin, sent a kitty cube and some mouse toys for the boys. They are having a blast! Two of them get into the cube and wrasle/wrestle while the third cat sits outside of the "ring" to tag team one of his cuzbros to join in the fracas. The other funny thing is one can tiptoe into the kitchen and the boys can be up in the bonus room and somehow know, someone is in the kitchen and the possibility of treats or food is in the air. 

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Two days in a row eating out or bringing home takeout. We rarely do that anymore. Thursday evening deacon and wives dinner at The Fireplace. Friday, on our way home from Burnsville we stopped at High Adventure BBQ for brisket and sides. Delicious. 

Snow Melted, Sun Returned and Life Is Good

 All of WNC is waiting...the thrill of hope...of snow. 🎵Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow🎵 Our skies look like snow skies and the mist lying low upon the pastures, but no snow as of yet. Two of the three boys are with me, but they are napping and not too excited over the adventure of snow. The hotel opened last night and The Feral Fam has checked in. We are even letting KH in because he is looking not well and dang, even as heartless as he has been against so many of these ferals I have loved, I refuse to be heartless and let him suffer when he is feeling poorly or in winter. Summer, all bets are off of me not liking him or his antics of maim and hurt. This just in, light snow falling now. It's not sticking but lovely to see. Tiny little flakes but welcomed. 

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Snow update, still falling on Saturday morning and it looks as if we've received around 2 inches. Not getting above freezing today and the snow is supposed to end around noon. With our main road being resurfaced this year, it is difficult to know the new icy spots. I think there is one right in front of the house. Our neighbor with the snow plow moved so how our little road is, haven't a clue. We have a couple of snow shovels that we can clear our driveway with. With sunshine predicted in the afternoon chances are we won't have to shovel and that southern exposure will begin the melting process. 

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Once again the weekend has passed and we are welcomed by a beautiful sunrise on this Monday morning. Roy caught me up on the football game from last night while The Three chased each other in and out upstairs to downstairs and back. Willie gave us some concern over the weekend, but he seems to have bounced back from whatever was ailing him. When we went to church yesterday, we left them home alone, not behind the bonus room door. They did well. We were only gone through the Sunday School hour since January is my semi hibernating month for good health. 

We were in John 5 in Sunday School. A favorite chapter. With the iffiness of the weather, I wasn't too sure if many would brave the cold. Thankfully, others braved the temps so I wasn't alone in class. My teacher brain felt a little scattered yesterday but I think the lesson made sense. Years ago, Kelly F told me about a memoir of Barbara Brown Taylor, Leaving Church. Spoiler, Barbara doesn't leave church but she works through the burnout and repetition of joyfully serving the Lord but she doesn't experience the joy. The story she tells of trying to help the birds that flew into glass or otherwise injured and her frustration of not being able to help them back to health until she had success with one. A starling no less. After several attempts for him to fly off back into bird world, from the atrium outside her office, she realizes taking him to a park for release is best. It is also how she saw her style of ministry and that she wasn't releasing people who had been helped by her, to live their lives outside of her realm of influence. Did she enjoy this aspect too much, keeping people too close for her influence. Thus, began her journey of finding where God wanted her and could be used the best with her talents and gifts. She is a professor at a small college and she has written several more books. Also, the young woman who used to call the church and trap people into hours long conversations. She just wanted to tell her story, she really didn't want help, well the way help was offered. She got unsuspecting church members to take her home only she didn't let them know right away, she really wanted to shop or see something. Then when pressed she'd say, I don't know how to get to my home, I forgot my address etc... There in John 5, Jesus approaches the man who has been lame or sick for thirty eight years and asks him, do you want to be well? The man explains why he can't be well cause he cannot get into the pool fast enough to be first. Interestingly, when Jesus tells him to rise, pick up your bed and walk...the man does as he is instructed and is instantly healed. By picking up his mat, Jesus is telling him, you're healed. You don't need to sit by this water anymore. We also looked at the crowd around him, sick, blind and lame. I am so encouraged by some of the ladies in our class. The range of things, bad backs, cancer, breathing issues, heart issues, stomach issues and more, they carry on. They do the work of the kingdom in the capabilities they are experiencing in this stage of life. After class some of us mentioned others in our church who hold fast, doing things for the Lord, without a whimper or a waller. As I face the future, I want to be like them, staying strong and forward focused.  This healing on the sabbath began the intensity of the Sanhedrin to follow Jesus' every move.  

Halfway through January, hibernation month for me. Thankful for a hubby that loves to grocery shop and convenient to do so cause where he works out is in the same shopping center as Publix.  Keeping a low profile has become much easier since keeping myself at home and entertained during the pandemic. Truthfully, I am never bored at home. I am thinking of starting the next project on the list, today. As most Mondays I do a reading of what the lesson on Sunday is about. Seems like Lifeway skips over a lot of really good Gospel of John stories. 

We have Willie's snip snip surgery on schedule and for this, I am thankful. This morning all three were asleep on the twin bed. Doesn't happen too often and as Willie looses his kitten fuzz, we don't think he is going to be big like his cuzbros. 

Cats and Snow, Maybe

 Upstairs in the front bedroom is a wonderful room. It has double windows, a window seat and a great view of the valley and a long range view of the mountains. We have a cat bed on the window seat and several times in the last week or so, when a kitty is in the bed, the neighborhood hawk flies low, casting his shadow on the room. It is an eerie, daunting and majestic all at the same time. If Mr Mo is asleep, he doesn't know that window glass keeps him a little more safe while he sleeps. Well, hawks can fly through glass but hopefully our neighborhood hawk finds enough field mice in the area. Speaking of sleep, Mr Mo has fallen asleep in my lap. He gave up on helping me blog this morning. His thoughts were just too deep and not understood or communicated by his typing. 

Free Willie is in full force today. He and The Boys are chasing each other, generally playing together and sharing treats, reluctantly. They all are still sleeping in the bonus room at night cause mama needs her sleep but we will gather them together sooner and shut all the bedroom doors earlier. Just takes one kitten hunt under a bed for one to adjust the plans. Then adding the other two to help...well, that didn't work quite the way we wanted our plan to be. Mr Mo and Willie do much better together in the free roaming of the house. 

It was haircut week and had a fabulous appointment with Tammy. Afterwards, I took a box of books over to Ann D. We got to visit a little bit before she headed over to her appointment. Since I was relatively close by, seemed like a good day to go to The Fresh Market. It was. Headed on home. 

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Monday morning with The Boys. Mr Mo is on my lap and GMoey is on the couch looking out the window. They have ditched the energizer bunny for the moment. Willie is full of kitten power but has decided to nap in the twin bedroom. Making a place of his own. Rambunctious and chasing each other all morning up and down the stairs, it is welcomed quiet for now. Mr Mo and GMoey fought most of the morning when playing turned a little too lively. Think they just made up and for this I am thankful. 

With the Samaritan woman studied, we head into John 5 for this Sunday. I haven't studied John 5 in a long time but it was front and center during the beginning of the heart journey. Used it for a devo in Ministries Staff devotions and in a Bible study. This time around I am seeing it so differently but then the Word is active and alive. I remembered a story told in Barbara Brown Taylor's memoir, Leaving Church that fits John 5 perfectly and it's a miracle, I found the book on the first bookshelf. 

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Wandering hither and yon yesterday totally wore us out. Willie had an early appointment to complete his shots and then we hit the road taking care of our errands. We picked up some BBQ that was delicious in Madison County. We will return that's for sure. Great sides, along with regular sides, fried okra, green beans, mac and cheese...collard greens...yummy! Also, the sandwiches are made with Texas Toast and not buns. 

The forecast is for snow beginning in the evening. We might get 2-3 inches where we live. We haven't had any snow this winter season, just cold temps moderating into warmer temps. Looks like we will open the hotel for the kitties to combat the elements. There is a fine misty fog this morning and it makes the pasture across from us even more picturesque. 

While cleaning out a storage tote the other day, I came across the email sent by my father's lawyer after she had served me papers on his behalf of  legally cutting off our relationship. She was asking on his behalf and her own family experience to reconcile. What? There was a time I would have done so because I always wanted to give him a chance but this time he had gone too far and just the wording of the email didn't include reconciliation on his part. I had read through the email and added comments to it, where there were lies and really no hope. This would begin once again because that is what he did best, keep things stirred up. The morning after being served papers, I woke up singing, My Chains Are Gone, I've Been Set Free. Seeing that email was such a surprise but it was a chance to thank the Lord for rescuing us from his schemes, devices and lies. 

A huge temperature drop tomorrow. We shall see if we get snow...