It looks like we might have received a little bit of rain last night or early this morning. Yes, Lord! Just a month or so ago we were setting rain records, well the records changing of late are heat related. Last evening was flowerbed watering time and although it takes most of the early evening to get everything taken care of, the beauty of these flowers and shrubs are worth it. The geranium spray from Thistle Farms seems to be working on repelling bugs when I spray it on me and I can see why, not too fond of the fragrance and it just adds to the sweaty fragrance of working outdoors. Reminds one of the verse in the Bible concerning Lazarus...he stinketh.
We are in the fun beginnings of the most wonderful time of the year, produce season time. Yesterday, it seemed like a good idea to eat breakfast out on the way to Strawberry Hill to pick up strawberries and whatever other fruitish offerings they had. There were several choices but when one has a Barnes and Noble coupon burning in their wallet, one makes the decision based on closeness of the bookstore. It made the choice easy, Another Broken Egg. I usually order the bananas foster pancakes because they are the bomb diggity, but constraint ruled and it was just regular pancakes with sides of eggs and bacon. Usually when one is dining alone you are seated in the back or in a corner, except yesterday, the hostess sat me in the middle of a dining section with no other breakfast consumers. They were all located in other sections of the restaurant. It was a bit daunting to be featured in the middle of the main area. It took longer than usual to order but finally someone came over and took care of that. If they had left me alone too much longer I might have stood next to the table, grabbing the back of the chair for support and sing, "the cheese stands alone, the cheese stands alone, hi ho the dairyo, the cheese stands alone." Eating alone is a regular part of life these days but yesterday was a bit of a trip. The only cure for a breakfast blip is to hasten quickly to the bookstore. In this world of Amazon Prime it feels as if Barnes and Noble is putting a good faith effort into customer service and experience. Greeted and asked several times if they could help me find anything. Nope, just a browser who has a systematic approach to going through the store. I left with three books, like I need three more books, but this is going to be the summer of reading. It is also the summer of the denim shirt cause I don't want to ponder too much on what to wear. You are so thankful when a drive south on I-26 is uneventful and the roads are clear. Yesterday's drive was a thankful drive. The past few days my heart has overflowed with a good theme...a praise to the God of my life. Ps 45:1 The whole beauty of this part of the country demonstrates majestically artistic and creativeness of God. The flowers that grow wild alongside the roads to the flowers planted by the fine folks at NCDOT, the bluest sky, and of course one cannot forget to mention the mountains silhouette against that sky. The innumerable shades of green in the trees. The creeks and rivers and streams...even the little mud holes that dot the landscapes on farms are just so marvelous in context of the landscape. With the abundance of rain early on, lots of hay is being baled so tractors are on the roads going to cut hay and trucks and trailers are filled with those big round bales. Don't mind this kind of traffic jam at all. I love seeing all of this and experiencing life so differently from any other time here on earth. The running conversations with the Lord seem more vibrant on the road than from a comfortable chair in the house or on the porch. Well, once again I digress but it was a good bunny trial. Think I will begin a new paragraph just cause this one is getting so long.
Strawberry Hill was busy but not so much as to be discouraged by so many people. The staff were putting out new buckets of strawberries when I arrived. The cucumbers looked good as well as the tomatoes. Peaches are on the scene now and the are the cling variety but I tried a new variety to me at least, of peach. It's good. All the tractors and farm equipment dotted the scene in a distance and even got to see up close and personal some of the biggest, takes almost both lanes wide farm apparatus.
On the drive home I considered a few detours but with fresh fruit and veggies, even in coolers, kept me on the straight and narrow of going home, with only a few drop offs of fruit to friends along the way. The backyard was buzzing with screen track and siding going up on the porch. Parking is a premium on the driveway... Only staying long enough to take care of the produce bounty and a little trip to the necessitarium. Then off to Weaverville for banking and grocery shopping...with a little trip to Tractor Supply thrown in to check on birdseed. They were out of the kind the birds seem to like but told me to check back in today or tomorrow. Home again where I nearly went off the side of the driveway trying to back in around the trucks. I have never seen on the backup camera the whole car outlined in red and alarms going off. Shawn, the siding guy, was kind enough to straighten his truck so I could do the safe parking in front of our truck. Whew, adventure for sure.
Here we have arrived where the post began, talking about watering plants because that was the evening activity. It was a welcomed diversion when Inez dropped by for a few minutes of sitting in lawn chairs and visiting. I love how the colors in the garden change over the weeks as flowers bloom and then step to the side for the next round of color from other plants. At the front bird feeder I have seen gold finch, house wrens, blue birds (meal worms in the seed mix,) cardinals, indigo blue, mockingbirds and doves...oh yes and all the little birds, wrens and chickadees. Butterflies are showing up too especially since there are several new plants added this year to attract them. Yep, thankful, grateful and blessed...but now I needs to be about preparing a Sunday School lesson...just need to get it in written form.
Friday, May 31, 2019
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
A Feral Cat Catch Up
We are following the advice of all the weather forecasters which is find a cool space and stay there. Some are heading up higher in the mountains to Mt Mitchell but today's cool spot is here at home where I am navigating several million loads of laundry...excuse the hyperbole. Maybe it is just thousands of loads of laundry. Also in my spare time I am scratching at my mosquito bites. Usually, I don't get bit often but I must be more sugary sweet than in years past. The heat is affecting the little troupe of ferals. They are looking for someplace cool and alternate from under the porch to the porch to under the front porch. I fed them this morning and Mr Meany took another swipe at me as I fixed the food. This time I shoved him back a little. He seems to be getting more aggressive which concerns me some. Mama Cat took him on in a minor scuff after his aggressive behavior toward me and it's not exactly like she is on my side, cause she has that mournful, pitiful, hungry face that greets us most mornings but when I come out to put their bowls in the back, she hisses. Oh the love of passive aggressive cats. Punky hisses too but only after the most pitiful and mournful cry. Strawyer, well, he keeps his meows short and sweet. Punky has regained her girlish figure which means she is very attractive to the males out back. One of them attempted a salacious rendezvous when she wasn't in the mood and pretty much made it a vain attempt as she wouldn't, as they say in the cat world, present. Punky looked up at me with eyes that spoke a general dissatisfaction with the attention when clearly all she wanted to do was take a nap and I told her every woman in the world has made that face at one time or another whether she be cat, dog, horse or human. I think the sadness that overtakes their eyes in the course of growing up makes me sad. You can tell when the spirit of a rambunctious kitten as been engulfed with the complexities of ♬ ah, ah, ah, ah...stayin' alive, stayin' alive.♪ The recent sighting of Camo yesterday confirmed she is still hanging in there. She lives up on the mountain, over by the church now, but drops in for food every now and again. A few minutes ago Punky sat on the porch with her back to me...she looks so much like Riley when I see her from the back. Yesterday, I had a brief thought concerning Riley that maybe someone over in the next holler past the ravine might have trapped her and might be giving her the good life. The chances of that are very slim, though. But until I know differently, there is that glimmer of hope.
With the heat the little ferals are interested in the garage. While it might feel cool in the mornings and evenings, it is hot as blue blazes in the middle of the day. Both Punky and Strawyer, together or alone, will migrate back to the corner where Riley migrated all those months ago. That corner is where Riley stayed for the first week in the garage only coming out for meals and treats and sometimes to let me pet and rub her head. Roy said maybe they smell her scent but from what I have read, after a series of days, cats will forget that familiar scent and it becomes a part of the unknown. The other draw besides the garage, is the front flowerbed. With it being newly mulched, there is fun galore, once again a good stripper name, as they chase each other, hunt and then potty in that expansive flowerbed. Play got so exuberant yesterday morning, that they knocked down one of the little chairs that holds flowers. Being too tired last night I waited till this morning to right the chair and do a little watering before the heat of the day. It makes the heat that much more bearable when there are cool mornings and not as hot evenings.
With work starting again on the back porch the ferals have sought shelter in other places. It looks like Strawyer is expanding his world and goes out a little farther and I wouldn't be surprised if he finds a territory to call his own. He is coming into his male-dom, so to speak. He has started to see that he can move Mama Cat from her bowl and just a few weeks ago she would have hissed and spat at him. He comes over, nudges her with his head as he eats and she moves to find the next bowl. Strawyer looks like he is biding his time in overtaking Mr Meany. He is big like his father, Dead Beat Dad but Strawyer has the sweetest personality. He is the only cat out of this bunch who has never hissed at me. He lets me get closer to him but never pet him. His little, short meow warms my heart. Punky whines and then hisses and whines some more. She has just about outgrown playing laser light on the porch and the timing is perfect with screens coming next. At dusk she is sitting out there waiting for that little red light. She doesn't chase it as much now but yet she is still mesmerized. I did think for a little bit last week that maybe her kittens were still alive...but I don't think they made it but wouldn't be surprised if I saw a little one. I do believe if given the chance Mr Meany would kill them. I think he got to Riley's kittens.
Camo made a brief appearance yesterday. She also worked over Mr Meany, so she has come up a few more notches. He was getting very aggressive toward her after being worked over and since it was so convenient to spray him with the water hose because I just happened to be watering flowers, I did. Cool his jets so to speak.
So, this is the feral/stray catch up.
With the heat the little ferals are interested in the garage. While it might feel cool in the mornings and evenings, it is hot as blue blazes in the middle of the day. Both Punky and Strawyer, together or alone, will migrate back to the corner where Riley migrated all those months ago. That corner is where Riley stayed for the first week in the garage only coming out for meals and treats and sometimes to let me pet and rub her head. Roy said maybe they smell her scent but from what I have read, after a series of days, cats will forget that familiar scent and it becomes a part of the unknown. The other draw besides the garage, is the front flowerbed. With it being newly mulched, there is fun galore, once again a good stripper name, as they chase each other, hunt and then potty in that expansive flowerbed. Play got so exuberant yesterday morning, that they knocked down one of the little chairs that holds flowers. Being too tired last night I waited till this morning to right the chair and do a little watering before the heat of the day. It makes the heat that much more bearable when there are cool mornings and not as hot evenings.
With work starting again on the back porch the ferals have sought shelter in other places. It looks like Strawyer is expanding his world and goes out a little farther and I wouldn't be surprised if he finds a territory to call his own. He is coming into his male-dom, so to speak. He has started to see that he can move Mama Cat from her bowl and just a few weeks ago she would have hissed and spat at him. He comes over, nudges her with his head as he eats and she moves to find the next bowl. Strawyer looks like he is biding his time in overtaking Mr Meany. He is big like his father, Dead Beat Dad but Strawyer has the sweetest personality. He is the only cat out of this bunch who has never hissed at me. He lets me get closer to him but never pet him. His little, short meow warms my heart. Punky whines and then hisses and whines some more. She has just about outgrown playing laser light on the porch and the timing is perfect with screens coming next. At dusk she is sitting out there waiting for that little red light. She doesn't chase it as much now but yet she is still mesmerized. I did think for a little bit last week that maybe her kittens were still alive...but I don't think they made it but wouldn't be surprised if I saw a little one. I do believe if given the chance Mr Meany would kill them. I think he got to Riley's kittens.
Camo made a brief appearance yesterday. She also worked over Mr Meany, so she has come up a few more notches. He was getting very aggressive toward her after being worked over and since it was so convenient to spray him with the water hose because I just happened to be watering flowers, I did. Cool his jets so to speak.
So, this is the feral/stray catch up.
Monday, May 27, 2019
All in All...A Good Time Was Had
Since last Friday we have been on the run with things to do and things to see. Yesterday, even with being on the go, we got a lot of things taken care of in anticipation of our porch being finished...Roy thinks it will be around Christmas...ha, I hope it is finished before July 4th. We are waiting on the siding to be installed. This process has taken longer than either of us anticipated and we had timed everything for this week for our part of the project. Yesterday afternoon and early evening we put together several items and now those items are in the house and all the cardboard and filler is in the trash or in the truck to go to the dump this morning. Mustang Sam has an appointment at the Ford dealership at noon and the A/C people will be here this afternoon doing the summer checkup.
Our area is getting ready for some of our warmest temps, even having the possibility for record breaking temps. Tuesday was really warm and with us going to Blowing Rock, GFM and Roan Mountain we both got a little to a lot of sun. Yesterday, the morning temps were cool and it was even cooler in SC which seemed kind of strange. As we worked on assemblage we had a great breeze that turned into a bit of wind as it turned to the early evening.
Roy finally got to go up to the Cataloochee. The road is winding, narrow and rough...oh and the view of the height of the mountain is breathtaking in more ways than one. Cuman and Inez took us up there and we had a delightful time. Butterflies were plenteous but the elk didn't show. That is such a majestic sight of all those elk but we will have to wait for another opportunity most likely in the fall. Cuman and Inez introduced us to a wonderful drive in/restaurant. The food was comfort food in the style of the 50's and 60's. We loved it! We plan to go back in the future.
********************
It's Monday and last week went by so quickly. It is a little quiet around the house this morning. Last week was a full, busy and fun week. We got a lot of stuff done and we got to do a lot of fun stuff. WNC has so much to see and to do and we haven't even scratched the surface. I will include TN in the mix too. We stopped at the TN welcome center a couple of Saturdays ago and the man working the desk was very helpful with some information about day trips in the eastern part of the state. We also rejoiced we were all brothers and sisters in Christ. That came up in the conversation about the two Presbyterian churches near The Farmer's Daughter that split in the 1800's over pastors being paid or not. The two churches are about fifty feet apart and they are still meeting separately.
The discovery of the Roan Mountain area has been an additional joy for our day trips. We found a great plant place and strawberry jam. It is only about 35 minutes from GFM makes it very appealing as well. It is such a beautiful area. Roy got to taste and see Ole Guacamole's in Johnson City while here. They were understaffed and over busy, the chili con queso was a little thin but he liked the food. We put together furniture and things for the eternally not finished back porch...no arguments. We have a record going here people. We planted plants, we watered plants and discussed future plans...I mean plants. We ate out, we ate at home. We laughed and we had great conversations. Roy made the trip without too much upper respiratory stuff and hung on to go home with less coughing. This junk has been dogging him since Christmas. We had a very good time....longer than most days here but went by too quickly.
Our area is getting ready for some of our warmest temps, even having the possibility for record breaking temps. Tuesday was really warm and with us going to Blowing Rock, GFM and Roan Mountain we both got a little to a lot of sun. Yesterday, the morning temps were cool and it was even cooler in SC which seemed kind of strange. As we worked on assemblage we had a great breeze that turned into a bit of wind as it turned to the early evening.
Roy finally got to go up to the Cataloochee. The road is winding, narrow and rough...oh and the view of the height of the mountain is breathtaking in more ways than one. Cuman and Inez took us up there and we had a delightful time. Butterflies were plenteous but the elk didn't show. That is such a majestic sight of all those elk but we will have to wait for another opportunity most likely in the fall. Cuman and Inez introduced us to a wonderful drive in/restaurant. The food was comfort food in the style of the 50's and 60's. We loved it! We plan to go back in the future.
********************
It's Monday and last week went by so quickly. It is a little quiet around the house this morning. Last week was a full, busy and fun week. We got a lot of stuff done and we got to do a lot of fun stuff. WNC has so much to see and to do and we haven't even scratched the surface. I will include TN in the mix too. We stopped at the TN welcome center a couple of Saturdays ago and the man working the desk was very helpful with some information about day trips in the eastern part of the state. We also rejoiced we were all brothers and sisters in Christ. That came up in the conversation about the two Presbyterian churches near The Farmer's Daughter that split in the 1800's over pastors being paid or not. The two churches are about fifty feet apart and they are still meeting separately.
The discovery of the Roan Mountain area has been an additional joy for our day trips. We found a great plant place and strawberry jam. It is only about 35 minutes from GFM makes it very appealing as well. It is such a beautiful area. Roy got to taste and see Ole Guacamole's in Johnson City while here. They were understaffed and over busy, the chili con queso was a little thin but he liked the food. We put together furniture and things for the eternally not finished back porch...no arguments. We have a record going here people. We planted plants, we watered plants and discussed future plans...I mean plants. We ate out, we ate at home. We laughed and we had great conversations. Roy made the trip without too much upper respiratory stuff and hung on to go home with less coughing. This junk has been dogging him since Christmas. We had a very good time....longer than most days here but went by too quickly.
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
A Few Days, A Few Thoughts
There are so many things that need to be done but yet, here I sit at the computer for just a few moments. It is almost like a vitamin taken daily for the time to be etched out for writing, whether it be blog or journal or otherwise.
Mother's Day was uneventful for me...none of the cats or birds wished me well, ha! Well, Buddy threw up and left me that gift but she has given that gift before. Most cats do. Thought ahead and had bought orange chicken on Friday for Sunday lunch. Sometimes in the days preceding Mother's Day, when wished to have a happy one, I just say thank you cause if I say, "I'm not a mom" it makes the person with the cheery greeting uncomfortable. It is not a hard day for me and it really never has been except for the first Mother's Day without my mom. It was an eventful Mother's Day because it was our new Pastor's first Sunday. He did well and covered all the Mother's Day bases. I think we are all excited to experience serving the Lord with our new pastor.
It is wonderful to see the sun and bright blue sky after a rainy and overcast weekend. We didn't get any measurable rain since Saturday until Sunday evening. A few good showers with a little thunder now and then. Two more plants that needed planting were put out in the backyard. Not too big and they draw hummingbirds. Finished that up, got the garbage down to the road and went around the block, well a rural block, to blow out the fruit flies...yes with produce stand season comes, fruit flies and stink bugs. Small price to pay for the glorious season of the stand. I had put the top down on Mustang Sam to take the bags down and timed everything just right cause there were a few droplets falling from the sky but it wasn't until pulling into the garage that the heavens opened and declared the glory of God.
*****************
It is now Tuesday and the day started early. Well, the day actually blended in with the night because around 1:00 am something moved some lumber on the back porch that made a loud noise...so wide awake, a restless Buddy and hard to settle down....there wasn't a whole lot of sleeping going on. Today was that trip to Hendersonville to go to the Dr...not just any Dr but Andy Morris. It was a good appointment with everything looking good. He is going to schedule a scan, but I don't know what kind to check on the bone lesion the radiologist found last year. Had five different tests to rule things out last year and I have been feeling the best I have in a long time, it is just a safe and good thing to do. Afterwards I thought about going to Strawberry Hill or Southern Chicks, but opted to celebrate with Jack in the Box tacos. Don't get them very often and they are just so good...even better, no spillage while eating them and driving. Made a quick stop at Biltmore Park and then on the way back home. Once Buddy was greeted, treated and released to the front porch, I took a very little nap. Then I began to do my work around here and plant the day lilies I picked up at Lowe's. So now the edge of the driveway has day lilies lining it. Yellow, orange, burgundy and a yellow/purple blend. They had roses on sale and finally saw the pink like we planted last year, so got that all ready to go.
*************
Yea, the crew is here working this morning. We know they have other projects going on but we haven't seen too much of them around here and being the plan ahead person, well I am a planner on this kind of stuff, the garage is getting a little more crowded with things for the back porch.
I feel like Paul in that Roy is bringing the books and parchments with him. Okay not parchments, but a couple of books that I can now use again, having the wonderful privilege of teaching Sunday School. He is also bringing a couple of items that I can't find around here but he has a plentiful treasure store to pick from, think taco seasoning Texas style.
Looks like the financial scandal in the Buncombe government is wrapping up. The beloved county manager and a few others had been skimming money by fraudulent means for several years. Mainly it was insurance fraud, illegal credit cards being issued and contractor kickbacks. Everything came to light when she unexpectedly retired in 2017. It was announced yesterday that an audit of 2018, costing around $340,000.00 showed no fraudulent activity. The audit improved procedures and the like bringing the county into the 21st century. It is interesting to read this because being married to a Certified Internal Auditor, who placed in the top five in the world the year he took the test and still holds the record of highest score in the Houston area, hearing from him over the years when something like this happens sticks with me and I find it so interesting. Not the numbers or math part but the mindset and plans that went into the deception. After she retired, she moved to TN but that wasn't far enough. The feds are involved and she entered to a plea agreement in January although she hasn't been sentenced yet. The county is trying to recover the fraudulently obtained money. Roy and I met at Pennzoil and I worked in treasury, he worked in internal audit. He wrote me up that when I had finished running checks through the signature machine, I did not clean the signature plate once the job was finished. Anyone for a small period of time could use the residual ink to fraudulently sign a check....gee, never even thought about that. Unlike fouls in basketball, I was and still am a horrible basketball player, I didn't take the write up personally and we dated and then got married. Hmm...I wonder if that was an audit exception. There are so many practicalities to auditing more so than just numbers. I remember telling the minister I worked for, who was on the leadership team at church, that they shouldn't all ride together in the same car when they went out for their leadership meetings. One wreck could have erased the entire leadership of the church. He laughed at my suggestion but I thought dang, so many times churches want to use a business world of governance, when church governance rules didn't apply, why wouldn't they want to do what every big business in the world does...the top leadership of teams don't fly on the same plane or don't ride all together in the same car. The county manager had worked for the county since 1994 and had brought a lot of good to Buncombe but sadly, she brought the bad too... The cost of the audit is the talk of the news and Twitter last night and this morning but a lot of improved procedures came about with the cost and maybe that insures, at least for a while. Many are upset with the cost or the need of the audit but at least now they kind of know where they stand.
Ah, the sound of progress as the ceiling is being put in on the porch. Mr Meany was flirting with Buddy on the front porch, so I brought her inside. He is no good, Mr Meany.
Mother's Day was uneventful for me...none of the cats or birds wished me well, ha! Well, Buddy threw up and left me that gift but she has given that gift before. Most cats do. Thought ahead and had bought orange chicken on Friday for Sunday lunch. Sometimes in the days preceding Mother's Day, when wished to have a happy one, I just say thank you cause if I say, "I'm not a mom" it makes the person with the cheery greeting uncomfortable. It is not a hard day for me and it really never has been except for the first Mother's Day without my mom. It was an eventful Mother's Day because it was our new Pastor's first Sunday. He did well and covered all the Mother's Day bases. I think we are all excited to experience serving the Lord with our new pastor.
It is wonderful to see the sun and bright blue sky after a rainy and overcast weekend. We didn't get any measurable rain since Saturday until Sunday evening. A few good showers with a little thunder now and then. Two more plants that needed planting were put out in the backyard. Not too big and they draw hummingbirds. Finished that up, got the garbage down to the road and went around the block, well a rural block, to blow out the fruit flies...yes with produce stand season comes, fruit flies and stink bugs. Small price to pay for the glorious season of the stand. I had put the top down on Mustang Sam to take the bags down and timed everything just right cause there were a few droplets falling from the sky but it wasn't until pulling into the garage that the heavens opened and declared the glory of God.
*****************
It is now Tuesday and the day started early. Well, the day actually blended in with the night because around 1:00 am something moved some lumber on the back porch that made a loud noise...so wide awake, a restless Buddy and hard to settle down....there wasn't a whole lot of sleeping going on. Today was that trip to Hendersonville to go to the Dr...not just any Dr but Andy Morris. It was a good appointment with everything looking good. He is going to schedule a scan, but I don't know what kind to check on the bone lesion the radiologist found last year. Had five different tests to rule things out last year and I have been feeling the best I have in a long time, it is just a safe and good thing to do. Afterwards I thought about going to Strawberry Hill or Southern Chicks, but opted to celebrate with Jack in the Box tacos. Don't get them very often and they are just so good...even better, no spillage while eating them and driving. Made a quick stop at Biltmore Park and then on the way back home. Once Buddy was greeted, treated and released to the front porch, I took a very little nap. Then I began to do my work around here and plant the day lilies I picked up at Lowe's. So now the edge of the driveway has day lilies lining it. Yellow, orange, burgundy and a yellow/purple blend. They had roses on sale and finally saw the pink like we planted last year, so got that all ready to go.
*************
Yea, the crew is here working this morning. We know they have other projects going on but we haven't seen too much of them around here and being the plan ahead person, well I am a planner on this kind of stuff, the garage is getting a little more crowded with things for the back porch.
I feel like Paul in that Roy is bringing the books and parchments with him. Okay not parchments, but a couple of books that I can now use again, having the wonderful privilege of teaching Sunday School. He is also bringing a couple of items that I can't find around here but he has a plentiful treasure store to pick from, think taco seasoning Texas style.
Looks like the financial scandal in the Buncombe government is wrapping up. The beloved county manager and a few others had been skimming money by fraudulent means for several years. Mainly it was insurance fraud, illegal credit cards being issued and contractor kickbacks. Everything came to light when she unexpectedly retired in 2017. It was announced yesterday that an audit of 2018, costing around $340,000.00 showed no fraudulent activity. The audit improved procedures and the like bringing the county into the 21st century. It is interesting to read this because being married to a Certified Internal Auditor, who placed in the top five in the world the year he took the test and still holds the record of highest score in the Houston area, hearing from him over the years when something like this happens sticks with me and I find it so interesting. Not the numbers or math part but the mindset and plans that went into the deception. After she retired, she moved to TN but that wasn't far enough. The feds are involved and she entered to a plea agreement in January although she hasn't been sentenced yet. The county is trying to recover the fraudulently obtained money. Roy and I met at Pennzoil and I worked in treasury, he worked in internal audit. He wrote me up that when I had finished running checks through the signature machine, I did not clean the signature plate once the job was finished. Anyone for a small period of time could use the residual ink to fraudulently sign a check....gee, never even thought about that. Unlike fouls in basketball, I was and still am a horrible basketball player, I didn't take the write up personally and we dated and then got married. Hmm...I wonder if that was an audit exception. There are so many practicalities to auditing more so than just numbers. I remember telling the minister I worked for, who was on the leadership team at church, that they shouldn't all ride together in the same car when they went out for their leadership meetings. One wreck could have erased the entire leadership of the church. He laughed at my suggestion but I thought dang, so many times churches want to use a business world of governance, when church governance rules didn't apply, why wouldn't they want to do what every big business in the world does...the top leadership of teams don't fly on the same plane or don't ride all together in the same car. The county manager had worked for the county since 1994 and had brought a lot of good to Buncombe but sadly, she brought the bad too... The cost of the audit is the talk of the news and Twitter last night and this morning but a lot of improved procedures came about with the cost and maybe that insures, at least for a while. Many are upset with the cost or the need of the audit but at least now they kind of know where they stand.
Ah, the sound of progress as the ceiling is being put in on the porch. Mr Meany was flirting with Buddy on the front porch, so I brought her inside. He is no good, Mr Meany.
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Cat Updates But No Shopping Updates
Living between two extremes...that really don't merit attention. There are a group of friends that love reading about the feral cats and since Riley, there hasn't been too much to write about because the joy in watching the Feral Fam has diminished significantly. Then there is a smaller group that seem concerned over my attention to the ferals and think I shop all the time. No one has asked me about this, but contrary to what they believe, I do not shop all the time and also as a person who doesn't put everything out here, which is hard to believe I know, there isn't anything that is worth the time to discuss about the worries of cats and shopping. So, with these two groups in mind, I am going to write this morning about the ferals because there is news to write about in the happenings of their lives.
I saw something last night I haven't seen ever before in the lives of the Feral Fam. And true to the cliche, the weather was brooding last night with winds, a sudden coolness, announcing things to come. Punky hadn't come to breakfast and she has looked liked her time of delivering was near. With being gone most of the day I cannot report on the goings on in the backyard, but last evening, Punky was there with the group. She looked smaller and in hindsight I believe she was having contractions as she scarfed down her meal. With Mama Cat and Mr Meany there, it behooves one to scarf cause those two senior ranking cats will eat everything in sight. The rest of the early evening kept me busy with the chores that have to be done but decided not to water plants since we expected rain overnight. Not too sure that a rain event happened. I came downstairs and is my habit looked out the back window only to notice Strawyer focused and on point with his attention directed toward the back of the house. Taking a further look, there was Punky with half a kitten hanging out of the back of her. She was doing all kind of gyrations to get that kitten out. As Strawyer and I looked on helplessly Punky continued having that kitten and just when it was about to plop out, she returned under the house. Of course I am emotionally invested and wondering if the kitten is stillborn or if this is how cats have kittens. Strawyer continued his sentry duty by attempting to keep Mr Meany at bay. To complete the picture, Camo shows up. Not to see her grandchildren or even to help Punky, she was there to eat...and there were a few scraps left for her to clean up. Since Mr Meany and Camo have a proclivity to killing kittens, I joined in on sentry duty. In the midst of this tense tug of war in cat life, Roy calls to let me know we do have the books I have been looking for and to update the Houston weather....rain, rain and more rain...with lots and lots of lightning. I'm telling him about the scene in the backyard and he stops me because of his low gag reflex and the fact a kitten was hanging out of Punky became too much for him to bear. With dusk quickly becoming night, there wasn't much for me to do...I can't crawl under the house and Punky doesn't trust humans too much. I prayed and entrusted them to the Lord.
This morning Punky came to breakfast and she was kitten free, at least on her body. Mama Cat was there and of course Mr Meany. Mr Meany began fighting with Strawyer and then Punky...thus the name Mr Meany and thus the reason I don't like him. My neighbor texted me asking about him because he has been hanging around her house and being disruptive just like he is here but she thinks he is sweet. Oh contrare, friend, he is not sweet. My neighbor is kind of the Gladys Kravitz of the animal news around here and she does a lot of surveillance. She thinks Punky has moved the kittens to a shed on another property. Told her I suspected as such since Mr Meany has caused problems and a hawk seems to know there are kittens to be had. Such an foreboding feeling when the sun is just right to cast the shadow of the hawk as it flies over the yard. Strawyer has puncture wounds on the tips of his ears. Strawyer is getting as big as his father, Dead Beat Dad, and should be able to overtake Mr Meany in the near future.
*****************************
Our Saturday has begun with rain and fog. Good timing because I spent the better part of the afternoon planting two bridal wreath plants and a plant with a pink flower whose name I have already forgotten. The afternoon began a little overcast but as soon as shovel hit the dirt, the sun came out. I decided to place the plants in the backyard since I should be spending lots of time on the back porch...if it ever is completed. It will be just in the homestretch and sensing completion is near and I am so ready for it to be done.
Since this post is about the cats and not so much shopping, I felt this morning as if I was being watched...well, I was. Mama Cat was almost to the window on the porch looking in at us. She is probably wanting something to eat but with all the rain happening, there won't be an attempt to get out there anytime soon. Well, Mama Cat was rewarded only by the presence of Strawyer and got them fed. Now onto other meaningful endeavors. Started doing some cleaning around the house and a thought came to mind this morning over next week's Sunday School lesson, so off to research some stuff.
I saw something last night I haven't seen ever before in the lives of the Feral Fam. And true to the cliche, the weather was brooding last night with winds, a sudden coolness, announcing things to come. Punky hadn't come to breakfast and she has looked liked her time of delivering was near. With being gone most of the day I cannot report on the goings on in the backyard, but last evening, Punky was there with the group. She looked smaller and in hindsight I believe she was having contractions as she scarfed down her meal. With Mama Cat and Mr Meany there, it behooves one to scarf cause those two senior ranking cats will eat everything in sight. The rest of the early evening kept me busy with the chores that have to be done but decided not to water plants since we expected rain overnight. Not too sure that a rain event happened. I came downstairs and is my habit looked out the back window only to notice Strawyer focused and on point with his attention directed toward the back of the house. Taking a further look, there was Punky with half a kitten hanging out of the back of her. She was doing all kind of gyrations to get that kitten out. As Strawyer and I looked on helplessly Punky continued having that kitten and just when it was about to plop out, she returned under the house. Of course I am emotionally invested and wondering if the kitten is stillborn or if this is how cats have kittens. Strawyer continued his sentry duty by attempting to keep Mr Meany at bay. To complete the picture, Camo shows up. Not to see her grandchildren or even to help Punky, she was there to eat...and there were a few scraps left for her to clean up. Since Mr Meany and Camo have a proclivity to killing kittens, I joined in on sentry duty. In the midst of this tense tug of war in cat life, Roy calls to let me know we do have the books I have been looking for and to update the Houston weather....rain, rain and more rain...with lots and lots of lightning. I'm telling him about the scene in the backyard and he stops me because of his low gag reflex and the fact a kitten was hanging out of Punky became too much for him to bear. With dusk quickly becoming night, there wasn't much for me to do...I can't crawl under the house and Punky doesn't trust humans too much. I prayed and entrusted them to the Lord.
This morning Punky came to breakfast and she was kitten free, at least on her body. Mama Cat was there and of course Mr Meany. Mr Meany began fighting with Strawyer and then Punky...thus the name Mr Meany and thus the reason I don't like him. My neighbor texted me asking about him because he has been hanging around her house and being disruptive just like he is here but she thinks he is sweet. Oh contrare, friend, he is not sweet. My neighbor is kind of the Gladys Kravitz of the animal news around here and she does a lot of surveillance. She thinks Punky has moved the kittens to a shed on another property. Told her I suspected as such since Mr Meany has caused problems and a hawk seems to know there are kittens to be had. Such an foreboding feeling when the sun is just right to cast the shadow of the hawk as it flies over the yard. Strawyer has puncture wounds on the tips of his ears. Strawyer is getting as big as his father, Dead Beat Dad, and should be able to overtake Mr Meany in the near future.
*****************************
Our Saturday has begun with rain and fog. Good timing because I spent the better part of the afternoon planting two bridal wreath plants and a plant with a pink flower whose name I have already forgotten. The afternoon began a little overcast but as soon as shovel hit the dirt, the sun came out. I decided to place the plants in the backyard since I should be spending lots of time on the back porch...if it ever is completed. It will be just in the homestretch and sensing completion is near and I am so ready for it to be done.
Since this post is about the cats and not so much shopping, I felt this morning as if I was being watched...well, I was. Mama Cat was almost to the window on the porch looking in at us. She is probably wanting something to eat but with all the rain happening, there won't be an attempt to get out there anytime soon. Well, Mama Cat was rewarded only by the presence of Strawyer and got them fed. Now onto other meaningful endeavors. Started doing some cleaning around the house and a thought came to mind this morning over next week's Sunday School lesson, so off to research some stuff.
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
A Few Pet Peeves
My shoulders and arms are speaking to me this morning about the labor they went through planting some day lilys near the driveway. Even with the recent rain the soil is hard. I still love messing around with plants but wisdom says defer to Nathan and company to do the hard stuff. There are a few other plants that I can work with because they are going to be on the front deck in containers. Along with the plants from Reems Creek and Lowe's, I bought a very simple sprinkler at Walmart. The one from last year is iffy at best and until Roy can look at some of the more technical timers and sprinklers, this will have to do.
I love the conversations Dena and I have when she is here. Well, for that matter, I love the conversations that Lisa and I have when she is here but our conversations have a few more dance moments in the midst. Anyway, Dena and I got to talking about different styles of writing and guess that would include speakers and most speakers have a social media presence. So, when authors who are published are complaining with one another on social media about deadlines or edits, that seems a little disingenuous because there are so many that would give their eye teeth to be published or have an editor. I say this as a person who doesn't give a rip about having a book published but it seems like that kind of grumbling could be done on a DM to all the other author friends. Other pet peeves? Well, I am glad you asked....cause Dena and I have them all solved, ha! Speakers who say, "did you see what I did there" after a "witty" or thought provoking statement...uh no, we are all so stupid, we didn't pick up on that turn of a phrase. Gee whiz, come on...This pet peeve carries over into comedy as well. I love comedians that make you think and then give the time in their monologue for their words to be taken in, processed that produce a thought provoking laugh. Comedians who feel they must explain their jokes, yea, they're funny but not a favorite. Another annoyance is the author/speaker that makes the point continually, that their life, even while sharing fun pics, is anything but normal and while the pics might show a fabulous event, behind the scenes things are crazy. Maybe introducing that idea every once in a while is beneficial but every stinkin' time...it gets old. Now maybe it is because I am an older observer but it doesn't seem like everyone believes every life they see on social media. It is fun to see the adventures, it is interesting to hear backstories of frustration or delays but respect your readers...every frustration does not have to be introduced with the disclaimer that life isn't everything you see on Instagram or Facebook or read on Twitter. Until a few years ago, I didn't know that one of my favorite pics of the nieces when they were very young happened after a few meltdowns in the studio. Finally, my brother told me, the photographer got a great shot. Does that make me like or dislike the picture? No, so that carries over that pictures on FB don't give me a false impression of total and complete happiness all the time. Okay, since I am on the pet peeve jag, one more...please stop making everything a devotion or make everything some kind of life lesson for those of us reading. Every post, every post... is a chance to give direction or my goodness use this old hack, give leadership. It would be nice to enjoy the story without all the insights...that are maybe meant just for you...not to share. And the kicker is this, these devotional thoughts lead right into a cliff hanger sentence that is usually written like this...new things? Can't wait to share with you all the new things that will be happening soon....most likely, the writer forgets to share the new things or we as the readers just aren't that interested.
The contractor called yesterday to verify our choice of stain for the back porch and the next thing, they are here staining the boards that will make the ceiling. There were those tough decisions I had no clue about, smooth side or side with a bit of a bead effect and stain applied by brush or rag. Brush was an easy choice but the decision to go smooth was made when they said that side is a dust collecting machine, thus my lack of passion for dusting made that decision easier. The crew chief in conversation yesterday, told about another project they are working on, removing a patio that was installed improperly. He said this is a million dollar home and why someone would skimp on having the patio done correctly was beyond him. They had been working with jackhammers all morning removing the concrete and today some huge machine had to be brought in to help in removing the chunks. I felt confident they wouldn't be here this morning.
****************************
What is up with Houston and rain lately? Last night between shows, I turned over to the weather channel or I read through Twitter to keep up with the latest. All that rain should be around here on Friday.
Punky looks like she could have those kittens at any moment. She is huge and the normal three that her family usually carries to birth might be more. Strawyer has stuck around her consistently the past few days. My heart goes out to her. I haven't a clue if she has picked out a spot to have them but those cats keep away from the corner tree by the gravel road...which had been a popular hangout spot for them. This morning they did their cat duties and killed a mole. They were having such a great time with that dead thing. It looked like Punky and Strawyer were playing soccer. I hope after they finish playing they put their "toy" up and not leave it as a gift by the backdoor.
We have officially entered the bug season. Fruit flies, gnats, stink bugs and the like...The multiple numbers of gnats is unreal. The dogwood blooms have departed only to be replaced by the beauty of blackberry blooms.
Well, thank you for reading even with all the pet peeves.
I love the conversations Dena and I have when she is here. Well, for that matter, I love the conversations that Lisa and I have when she is here but our conversations have a few more dance moments in the midst. Anyway, Dena and I got to talking about different styles of writing and guess that would include speakers and most speakers have a social media presence. So, when authors who are published are complaining with one another on social media about deadlines or edits, that seems a little disingenuous because there are so many that would give their eye teeth to be published or have an editor. I say this as a person who doesn't give a rip about having a book published but it seems like that kind of grumbling could be done on a DM to all the other author friends. Other pet peeves? Well, I am glad you asked....cause Dena and I have them all solved, ha! Speakers who say, "did you see what I did there" after a "witty" or thought provoking statement...uh no, we are all so stupid, we didn't pick up on that turn of a phrase. Gee whiz, come on...This pet peeve carries over into comedy as well. I love comedians that make you think and then give the time in their monologue for their words to be taken in, processed that produce a thought provoking laugh. Comedians who feel they must explain their jokes, yea, they're funny but not a favorite. Another annoyance is the author/speaker that makes the point continually, that their life, even while sharing fun pics, is anything but normal and while the pics might show a fabulous event, behind the scenes things are crazy. Maybe introducing that idea every once in a while is beneficial but every stinkin' time...it gets old. Now maybe it is because I am an older observer but it doesn't seem like everyone believes every life they see on social media. It is fun to see the adventures, it is interesting to hear backstories of frustration or delays but respect your readers...every frustration does not have to be introduced with the disclaimer that life isn't everything you see on Instagram or Facebook or read on Twitter. Until a few years ago, I didn't know that one of my favorite pics of the nieces when they were very young happened after a few meltdowns in the studio. Finally, my brother told me, the photographer got a great shot. Does that make me like or dislike the picture? No, so that carries over that pictures on FB don't give me a false impression of total and complete happiness all the time. Okay, since I am on the pet peeve jag, one more...please stop making everything a devotion or make everything some kind of life lesson for those of us reading. Every post, every post... is a chance to give direction or my goodness use this old hack, give leadership. It would be nice to enjoy the story without all the insights...that are maybe meant just for you...not to share. And the kicker is this, these devotional thoughts lead right into a cliff hanger sentence that is usually written like this...new things? Can't wait to share with you all the new things that will be happening soon....most likely, the writer forgets to share the new things or we as the readers just aren't that interested.
The contractor called yesterday to verify our choice of stain for the back porch and the next thing, they are here staining the boards that will make the ceiling. There were those tough decisions I had no clue about, smooth side or side with a bit of a bead effect and stain applied by brush or rag. Brush was an easy choice but the decision to go smooth was made when they said that side is a dust collecting machine, thus my lack of passion for dusting made that decision easier. The crew chief in conversation yesterday, told about another project they are working on, removing a patio that was installed improperly. He said this is a million dollar home and why someone would skimp on having the patio done correctly was beyond him. They had been working with jackhammers all morning removing the concrete and today some huge machine had to be brought in to help in removing the chunks. I felt confident they wouldn't be here this morning.
****************************
What is up with Houston and rain lately? Last night between shows, I turned over to the weather channel or I read through Twitter to keep up with the latest. All that rain should be around here on Friday.
Punky looks like she could have those kittens at any moment. She is huge and the normal three that her family usually carries to birth might be more. Strawyer has stuck around her consistently the past few days. My heart goes out to her. I haven't a clue if she has picked out a spot to have them but those cats keep away from the corner tree by the gravel road...which had been a popular hangout spot for them. This morning they did their cat duties and killed a mole. They were having such a great time with that dead thing. It looked like Punky and Strawyer were playing soccer. I hope after they finish playing they put their "toy" up and not leave it as a gift by the backdoor.
We have officially entered the bug season. Fruit flies, gnats, stink bugs and the like...The multiple numbers of gnats is unreal. The dogwood blooms have departed only to be replaced by the beauty of blackberry blooms.
Well, thank you for reading even with all the pet peeves.
Monday, May 6, 2019
A Week Quickly Gone
It was a foggy morning but the sun is brilliant and burning off the fog quickly. After all the rain everything looks so green and the colors of the flowers seem brighter. Mike the mower man must have come Saturday morning before all the rain to cut the grass. After seeing so many beautiful bridal wreath plants last week it would be good to head over to Reems Creek and see if they have any.
It seems I am a morning writer and by the evening the waves of tiredness hit as well as Buddy would love to sit on my arm thus limiting any typing. Buddy has just left the room and so with this little bit of time and attention, I will direct a few words to the good ol' Monablog.
This past week went by way too quickly as Dena and I traversed the countryside. We have been fortunate that we haven't had real early mornings and we have been able to ease into the day. Dena arrived last Thursday and we began the afternoon off right by eating a late lunch at Good Wood Pizza. I had stopped at Marilyn's Sweet Addictions on the way to pick her up at the airport, so we were well supplied with sustenance. Friday we took it easy, did some shopping in the area and had supper at Turkey Creek. Saturday we did a little bit of the Weaverville Art Safari, ate lunch at Ole Guacamole in Johnson City and then took a little drive to Elizabethton and Roan Mountain. We had a bit of adventure at Roan Mountain but I will save that story for latter. Sunday we went to Sunday School and church, then had lunch at Twisted Laurel. Because picking up a fork at lunch was so exhausting we headed back to the house for a little rest and reading. Once we felt revived we went to the Biltmore Estate to drive through the gardens and do a little shopping in Antler Hill Village. Before leaving the estate we did stop by the creamery for some dairy goodness. Monday we were able to ease into the day but before heading over to Waynesville, we went over to Optix to see if they could adjust Dena's glasses for her. It was a lens problem so she will have to go back in Texas to have them fixed. So, off to Waynesville where we started at Belk, Hazelwood, Blue Rooster and a drive through Maggie Valley. Most evenings during the week we were able to sit on the front porch with Buddy and watch the traffic go by.
Tuesday we headed back to the Biltmore for lunch on the veranda and shopping at the Inn but before going there we stopped in at Barnes and Noble, Lifeway and Target. Lunch was delicious as always but neither one of us found anything to purchase...which is probably a good thing. We also went to the Screen Door where I found an item for the back porch. Wednesday was crossing the bridge at Grandfather Mountain Day. First we stopped at The Italian Restaurant in Newland. We had tried on previous trips to get Dena to this spot of deliciousness but either they were closed or we had time constraints. Dena crossed the bridge with flying colors and to celebrate we stopped in Burnsville to shop at the Grapevine. Dena found several cute pieces of clothing and they were all on sale. Score! The little antique store that I loved is no longer on the square. The ladies in the shop told me the building it was in had been sold. Thursday we were up early to go to the Blue Ridge Biscuit Company and Dena liked it as much as Roy and I had. We had a great breakfast and then drove the short distance to Montreat. Montreat is such a beautiful spot and I am thinking I need to head over that way more. We walked downtown Black Mountain and then we were going to take highway 9 over to Hendersonville but Dena knew on the first curve she might not be able to withstand the curves and height. so we traversed the freeways to get over to Hendersonville. After going to Southern Chicks, we drove to downtown Hendersonville. Y'all, that is a miracle. Not a fav place to drive. We tried to eat at La Cantina in Biltmore Village but they were having computer problems. We decided to stop by Publix, pick up some chips and guac and eat at home on the front porch. It was delicious. Friday morning Brenda had us over for a wonderful breakfast and then a tour of the gardens outside. Later we went to Marshall and drove around. Love the drive along the river road. Then of course on Saturday we began the sad journey over to Charlotte. Such a fun and full week.
Funny that morning coffee and evening front porch chats just aren't the same this week.
It seems I am a morning writer and by the evening the waves of tiredness hit as well as Buddy would love to sit on my arm thus limiting any typing. Buddy has just left the room and so with this little bit of time and attention, I will direct a few words to the good ol' Monablog.
This past week went by way too quickly as Dena and I traversed the countryside. We have been fortunate that we haven't had real early mornings and we have been able to ease into the day. Dena arrived last Thursday and we began the afternoon off right by eating a late lunch at Good Wood Pizza. I had stopped at Marilyn's Sweet Addictions on the way to pick her up at the airport, so we were well supplied with sustenance. Friday we took it easy, did some shopping in the area and had supper at Turkey Creek. Saturday we did a little bit of the Weaverville Art Safari, ate lunch at Ole Guacamole in Johnson City and then took a little drive to Elizabethton and Roan Mountain. We had a bit of adventure at Roan Mountain but I will save that story for latter. Sunday we went to Sunday School and church, then had lunch at Twisted Laurel. Because picking up a fork at lunch was so exhausting we headed back to the house for a little rest and reading. Once we felt revived we went to the Biltmore Estate to drive through the gardens and do a little shopping in Antler Hill Village. Before leaving the estate we did stop by the creamery for some dairy goodness. Monday we were able to ease into the day but before heading over to Waynesville, we went over to Optix to see if they could adjust Dena's glasses for her. It was a lens problem so she will have to go back in Texas to have them fixed. So, off to Waynesville where we started at Belk, Hazelwood, Blue Rooster and a drive through Maggie Valley. Most evenings during the week we were able to sit on the front porch with Buddy and watch the traffic go by.
Tuesday we headed back to the Biltmore for lunch on the veranda and shopping at the Inn but before going there we stopped in at Barnes and Noble, Lifeway and Target. Lunch was delicious as always but neither one of us found anything to purchase...which is probably a good thing. We also went to the Screen Door where I found an item for the back porch. Wednesday was crossing the bridge at Grandfather Mountain Day. First we stopped at The Italian Restaurant in Newland. We had tried on previous trips to get Dena to this spot of deliciousness but either they were closed or we had time constraints. Dena crossed the bridge with flying colors and to celebrate we stopped in Burnsville to shop at the Grapevine. Dena found several cute pieces of clothing and they were all on sale. Score! The little antique store that I loved is no longer on the square. The ladies in the shop told me the building it was in had been sold. Thursday we were up early to go to the Blue Ridge Biscuit Company and Dena liked it as much as Roy and I had. We had a great breakfast and then drove the short distance to Montreat. Montreat is such a beautiful spot and I am thinking I need to head over that way more. We walked downtown Black Mountain and then we were going to take highway 9 over to Hendersonville but Dena knew on the first curve she might not be able to withstand the curves and height. so we traversed the freeways to get over to Hendersonville. After going to Southern Chicks, we drove to downtown Hendersonville. Y'all, that is a miracle. Not a fav place to drive. We tried to eat at La Cantina in Biltmore Village but they were having computer problems. We decided to stop by Publix, pick up some chips and guac and eat at home on the front porch. It was delicious. Friday morning Brenda had us over for a wonderful breakfast and then a tour of the gardens outside. Later we went to Marshall and drove around. Love the drive along the river road. Then of course on Saturday we began the sad journey over to Charlotte. Such a fun and full week.
Funny that morning coffee and evening front porch chats just aren't the same this week.
Sunday, May 5, 2019
Sabbatical Sunday
Of all places, I was in the drive thru line at the Jack in the Box near Dallas...Dallas North Carolina. While waiting to order I checked the weather and then Facebook. I was saddened to learn that Rachel Held Evans had passed away early this morning. Since seeing the call to prayer for her in the middle of April, I have faithfully kept her in prayer, asking God to heal her and return her to her family, a husband and two kiddos. I never doubted that she would return out of the medically induced coma that they had her in as they sought the answer to fighting the infection in her body. I don't know RHE and I didn't always agree with her but she seemed to be such an encourager and fighter. I teared up while thinking of her family...she was so young, 37.
The tears could have come easier because I had just dropped off Dena at the airport. She was able to spend a little over a week here and we had so much fun. We were busy, lazy, industrious and as always joyful being together. Our friendship began many years ago and although we are opposites in so many ways, we aren't. Hope that makes sense. She walked across the bridge at Grandfather Mountain and did so very easily, bought the t-shirt and I bought her the pin of honor....just like Lisa. She finally got to experience The Italian Restaurant in Newland and she loved it! Well, what's not to love? She hasn't been here in April before so Dena was able to experience the flowers. Such beauty. We had a great time together, ate at some wonderful places, shopped and hung around on the front porch. It won't be too long and the back porch will be finished.
Both Dena and I were keeping an eye on the weather. She for turbulence and me for rain, wind, hail and fog. For a bit it seemed like I might escape the rain but when I came around the curve and couldn't see the mountains in the distance, I knew. From Marion to Black Mountain it was rough. The wind began to blow and leaves were coming at me like driving through a snow storm. Then blinding rain began and even if I wanted to pull over I couldn't cause every available space on the shoulder was taken. Slow driving and keeping my eyes on the white lines helped. Just saw one crash and it was a single vehicle in the median. Look like he had been spun around. A state trooper was helping him. The rain let up a bit but rained all the way home. Buddy was happy to see me and well I was pretty dang happy to see her.
Roy is at a Toastmaster conference and he is enjoying it but a little bored. Sounds like a success!
*************************
After checking radar it looks like this is the last round of showers before sometime this afternoon. It has been a constant rain. The plants and trees planted in these past few weeks are looking rather happy with these long continuous drinks of water. The instructions with the snowball bushes is to keep the ball of the plant hydrated. So that is happening but it is so interesting how quickly water evaporates here even after all the rain.
The morning after a friend's visit feels so sentimental. Drinking coffee in the quiet and after a little bit Buddy disappears for the first of a morning naps. I think I am feeling sentimental this morning, more so than usual after reading Twitter testimonies concerning Rachel Held Evans. And last night when I went out to feed the kiddos it really hit me that Riley is gone. Someone had just posted on a FB page that they had found weeks old kittens and by chance a neighbor had found their mama by their mailbox after being hit by a car. This was not Riley but those feelings of loss and helplessness rushed in after reading the post asking where and to whom to take the kittens, who still need to be bottle fed.
It was a sabbatical Sunday today with Buddy awake at 2:00 and never settling down until 4:30 with a few blips before 6:00 am. It is exhausting and I was so tired when the alarm went off this morning. With rain falling and eyes unable to stay open the decision was easy...sabbatical Sunday. Got some rest this morning and this afternoon tackling laundry hasn't totally taken a toll.
The tears could have come easier because I had just dropped off Dena at the airport. She was able to spend a little over a week here and we had so much fun. We were busy, lazy, industrious and as always joyful being together. Our friendship began many years ago and although we are opposites in so many ways, we aren't. Hope that makes sense. She walked across the bridge at Grandfather Mountain and did so very easily, bought the t-shirt and I bought her the pin of honor....just like Lisa. She finally got to experience The Italian Restaurant in Newland and she loved it! Well, what's not to love? She hasn't been here in April before so Dena was able to experience the flowers. Such beauty. We had a great time together, ate at some wonderful places, shopped and hung around on the front porch. It won't be too long and the back porch will be finished.
Both Dena and I were keeping an eye on the weather. She for turbulence and me for rain, wind, hail and fog. For a bit it seemed like I might escape the rain but when I came around the curve and couldn't see the mountains in the distance, I knew. From Marion to Black Mountain it was rough. The wind began to blow and leaves were coming at me like driving through a snow storm. Then blinding rain began and even if I wanted to pull over I couldn't cause every available space on the shoulder was taken. Slow driving and keeping my eyes on the white lines helped. Just saw one crash and it was a single vehicle in the median. Look like he had been spun around. A state trooper was helping him. The rain let up a bit but rained all the way home. Buddy was happy to see me and well I was pretty dang happy to see her.
Roy is at a Toastmaster conference and he is enjoying it but a little bored. Sounds like a success!
*************************
After checking radar it looks like this is the last round of showers before sometime this afternoon. It has been a constant rain. The plants and trees planted in these past few weeks are looking rather happy with these long continuous drinks of water. The instructions with the snowball bushes is to keep the ball of the plant hydrated. So that is happening but it is so interesting how quickly water evaporates here even after all the rain.
The morning after a friend's visit feels so sentimental. Drinking coffee in the quiet and after a little bit Buddy disappears for the first of a morning naps. I think I am feeling sentimental this morning, more so than usual after reading Twitter testimonies concerning Rachel Held Evans. And last night when I went out to feed the kiddos it really hit me that Riley is gone. Someone had just posted on a FB page that they had found weeks old kittens and by chance a neighbor had found their mama by their mailbox after being hit by a car. This was not Riley but those feelings of loss and helplessness rushed in after reading the post asking where and to whom to take the kittens, who still need to be bottle fed.
It was a sabbatical Sunday today with Buddy awake at 2:00 and never settling down until 4:30 with a few blips before 6:00 am. It is exhausting and I was so tired when the alarm went off this morning. With rain falling and eyes unable to stay open the decision was easy...sabbatical Sunday. Got some rest this morning and this afternoon tackling laundry hasn't totally taken a toll.
Monday, April 22, 2019
Last Week Catch Up
We had a rather loud boom of thunder a few minutes ago and I think we all were startled. Especially the guys working outside on the porch. Now that it is covered and they tar papered it yesterday, they are doing some work under the cover. So with thunder and the continual noise of the saw, giving me the thrill of feeling like I'm at the dentist, all in all it is a good start to the day. Which by the way began early because one Ms Buddy Lee Beardsly couldn't keep settled from about 4:00 am on. Of course right now she is settled on my lap and making typing an adventure.
I switched plans between Wednesday and Thursday, so yesterday, early on the road to Johnson City. I feel so Andy Griffith Showish when I say Johnson City...guess thinking of Siler City. With the Houston trip postponed and planning on loading up at the Kroger in Houston, going to the Kroger in Johnson City was the second best option. Since the Kroger is located right across the way from ETSU, the earlier to shop the better. It's kind of a mishmash in how the store is laid out but when there are tons of shoppers and half of them college kids, it is bedlam. Fortunately I had picked the right time cause we were all old ladies shopping at the Kroger. With that shopping done it was on to other stores, skipped Academy which is a usual stop but it seems life is turning away from always stopping at an Academy store. I went to Kohl's, which is not a usual stop, looking for something in particular. I didn't browse the whole store but when I was just about to give up, I found what I came looking for. When checking out the clerk asked if I would like to open an account. No, I go into Kohl's about every two years or maybe it is every year and a half. There was a Kirkland's next door, so a brief walk thru seemed like a good idea. It has been years since I've been in a Kirkland's, saw some cute things but nothing that needed to come home with me. Next stop, Barnes and Noble. Didn't see anything there either which is hugely disappointing cause coupons and a gift card were in my purse. By this time, it was lunch time and so over to Ole Guacamole. After having a delicious lunch it was off to Mountain View Amish store and I took the back way. Eastern TN is adorned by red bud, dogwood and other blooming trees. I should have stopped and taken pics of the really big trees on University Park Blvd. I drove that route twice and enjoyed the visuals on both trips. The wind picked up along the route and by the time I was back on the road to return home, it was rather gusty.
Upon returning, the crew was finished for the day on the back porch and Nathan and crew hadn't been here yet. That worked out beautifully for the parking situation which is so limited and by the grace of our neighbors, let the guys use their gravel road. Nathan and Tristan arrived a little before 6:00 and worked till the sun went down. They got everything planted and we decided to wait on planting the seeds till after this weekend. Should have a frost on Saturday or Sunday morning. I need to get a couple more dogwoods and a red bud tree...and hydrangeas.
Yesterday, the pics that Bev had drawn of Cali, Riley and Strawyer arrived. I couldn't wait to open the envelope and did so in the post office parking lot. I teared up...didn't totally cry but somewhere between the two, I did. The picture of Riley...I think it brought closure to her saga. I haven't seen her in weeks but it has felt like she is gone from this world. Then after watching Straw and Punky...it dawned on me that they never go up to the corner of the fence by the gravel road anymore...that's where Riley liked to hang out...just like her mom. Straw and Punky made that area their playground. Even with the rain we've had, just their playing and roaming about kept the greenery at bay. Now, it is so overgrown. Something must have gotten Riley up there, even Mr Meany doesn't go that way anymore...when he goes up that way, he goes way wide. I carry such a sadness for that little Riley, We were oh so close to giving her a much better life and I failed her. Did she feel totally alone and rejected? Had she turned to me in desperation, against all her natural instincts? She had her kittens, but they didn't live long just by amateur observation.
******************
Well, the stomach bug got me Saturday morning and knocked me out of commission. Sad to miss Easter service but good to rest and get rejuvenated once again. Buddy even cooperated.
I switched plans between Wednesday and Thursday, so yesterday, early on the road to Johnson City. I feel so Andy Griffith Showish when I say Johnson City...guess thinking of Siler City. With the Houston trip postponed and planning on loading up at the Kroger in Houston, going to the Kroger in Johnson City was the second best option. Since the Kroger is located right across the way from ETSU, the earlier to shop the better. It's kind of a mishmash in how the store is laid out but when there are tons of shoppers and half of them college kids, it is bedlam. Fortunately I had picked the right time cause we were all old ladies shopping at the Kroger. With that shopping done it was on to other stores, skipped Academy which is a usual stop but it seems life is turning away from always stopping at an Academy store. I went to Kohl's, which is not a usual stop, looking for something in particular. I didn't browse the whole store but when I was just about to give up, I found what I came looking for. When checking out the clerk asked if I would like to open an account. No, I go into Kohl's about every two years or maybe it is every year and a half. There was a Kirkland's next door, so a brief walk thru seemed like a good idea. It has been years since I've been in a Kirkland's, saw some cute things but nothing that needed to come home with me. Next stop, Barnes and Noble. Didn't see anything there either which is hugely disappointing cause coupons and a gift card were in my purse. By this time, it was lunch time and so over to Ole Guacamole. After having a delicious lunch it was off to Mountain View Amish store and I took the back way. Eastern TN is adorned by red bud, dogwood and other blooming trees. I should have stopped and taken pics of the really big trees on University Park Blvd. I drove that route twice and enjoyed the visuals on both trips. The wind picked up along the route and by the time I was back on the road to return home, it was rather gusty.
Upon returning, the crew was finished for the day on the back porch and Nathan and crew hadn't been here yet. That worked out beautifully for the parking situation which is so limited and by the grace of our neighbors, let the guys use their gravel road. Nathan and Tristan arrived a little before 6:00 and worked till the sun went down. They got everything planted and we decided to wait on planting the seeds till after this weekend. Should have a frost on Saturday or Sunday morning. I need to get a couple more dogwoods and a red bud tree...and hydrangeas.
Yesterday, the pics that Bev had drawn of Cali, Riley and Strawyer arrived. I couldn't wait to open the envelope and did so in the post office parking lot. I teared up...didn't totally cry but somewhere between the two, I did. The picture of Riley...I think it brought closure to her saga. I haven't seen her in weeks but it has felt like she is gone from this world. Then after watching Straw and Punky...it dawned on me that they never go up to the corner of the fence by the gravel road anymore...that's where Riley liked to hang out...just like her mom. Straw and Punky made that area their playground. Even with the rain we've had, just their playing and roaming about kept the greenery at bay. Now, it is so overgrown. Something must have gotten Riley up there, even Mr Meany doesn't go that way anymore...when he goes up that way, he goes way wide. I carry such a sadness for that little Riley, We were oh so close to giving her a much better life and I failed her. Did she feel totally alone and rejected? Had she turned to me in desperation, against all her natural instincts? She had her kittens, but they didn't live long just by amateur observation.
******************
Well, the stomach bug got me Saturday morning and knocked me out of commission. Sad to miss Easter service but good to rest and get rejuvenated once again. Buddy even cooperated.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Oh Produce Stand Season, How I Love You!
It's beginning to look a lot like produce stand season, everywhere you go....It's the most wonderful time of the year...with the strawberry picking and FB greetings all sold for today y'all....Over the river and through the woods to produce stands we go... From this medley of songs you must know by now that this one is jazzed about the beginning of fruit and veggie time. Yesterday along the roads produce stands were being cleaned and readied for customers, in the most wonderful time of the year. Add to this the red buds, dogwoods, apple trees and all other blooming trees...azaleas, snowball bushes and tulips and lest we forget all the pollen, it is a coming out party of nature after the long sleep. So timely with a late Easter that even in nature, resurrection comes and brings joy. The colors of the sky and earth are vibrant and verdant. I love fall, my favorite season but living where we enjoy four seasons...I don't know spring is gaining on fall.
So, I made the twice postponed journey to Hendersonville for blood work before the yearly check up in May. Went early and bonus, spring break here. so less traffic to deal with. With the lab work done rather quickly, I was able to go have breakfast at Fireside Restaurant and Pancake Inn. It did not disappoint, great food and coffee. Then it seemed like the thing to do next was to make my first trip and hopefully not my last, to Strawberry Hill in South Carolina for fresh from the field strawberries. Such a beautiful drive after getting off I 26. Several produce stands along the way, not open yet, but people were there cleaning and making the stand ready for this produce stand season. Since I was on kind of a schedule, I only bought strawberries and didn't go to the gift shop or diner across the way. Back on the road to return to Hendersonville and stop in at Southern Chicks. They open at 11:00, I pulled in at 11:03 and when I left at 11:20, the parking lot was packed...just like the store. Now you may think Nancy, that lends itself to deduction but I'm talking about how much they have packed into that small space. You have to do a walk through and then shop cause there is so much to see. I have a natural affinity for this shop because they sell some of the best sheep related merchandise and yesterday, it was theme shopping...everything bought had to do with sheep.
It is bluebonnet time in Texas and it sounds like this is a banner year for the bluebonnets as well as all the other wild flowers that come in a too short season of time. So all highways that go toward Brenham and Navasota are filled with cars full of people trying to catch a glimpse of this seasonal beauty and take pictures in the midst of the fields of flowers. Please keep an eye out for snakes...anyway, a friend wrote of their frustrating trip with their three kids and mother in law to go see the flowers Sunday after church. My friend wrote about the frustration of the trip trying to get everyone fed so they could go see the flowers on Facebook concluding that small town charm was a myth because the local restaurants were closing thirty minutes before their posted closing time. I kind of chuckled because the charm of small town eateries is just what he complained about... I have noticed at some restaurants near Asheville some favor local over tourist. Once Dena and I were at a well known place and the waitress took us for tourists and treated us thusly...well, in our conversation while ordering our meal, I said a couple of things that would indicate I live here and the service so improved like night and day.
With such a beautiful day I tried to spend as much time outdoors as possible...we may have a dusting of snow on Saturday so everything I did today can be moved into the porch. Another day of good weather though, so that is wonderfl.
So, I made the twice postponed journey to Hendersonville for blood work before the yearly check up in May. Went early and bonus, spring break here. so less traffic to deal with. With the lab work done rather quickly, I was able to go have breakfast at Fireside Restaurant and Pancake Inn. It did not disappoint, great food and coffee. Then it seemed like the thing to do next was to make my first trip and hopefully not my last, to Strawberry Hill in South Carolina for fresh from the field strawberries. Such a beautiful drive after getting off I 26. Several produce stands along the way, not open yet, but people were there cleaning and making the stand ready for this produce stand season. Since I was on kind of a schedule, I only bought strawberries and didn't go to the gift shop or diner across the way. Back on the road to return to Hendersonville and stop in at Southern Chicks. They open at 11:00, I pulled in at 11:03 and when I left at 11:20, the parking lot was packed...just like the store. Now you may think Nancy, that lends itself to deduction but I'm talking about how much they have packed into that small space. You have to do a walk through and then shop cause there is so much to see. I have a natural affinity for this shop because they sell some of the best sheep related merchandise and yesterday, it was theme shopping...everything bought had to do with sheep.
It is bluebonnet time in Texas and it sounds like this is a banner year for the bluebonnets as well as all the other wild flowers that come in a too short season of time. So all highways that go toward Brenham and Navasota are filled with cars full of people trying to catch a glimpse of this seasonal beauty and take pictures in the midst of the fields of flowers. Please keep an eye out for snakes...anyway, a friend wrote of their frustrating trip with their three kids and mother in law to go see the flowers Sunday after church. My friend wrote about the frustration of the trip trying to get everyone fed so they could go see the flowers on Facebook concluding that small town charm was a myth because the local restaurants were closing thirty minutes before their posted closing time. I kind of chuckled because the charm of small town eateries is just what he complained about... I have noticed at some restaurants near Asheville some favor local over tourist. Once Dena and I were at a well known place and the waitress took us for tourists and treated us thusly...well, in our conversation while ordering our meal, I said a couple of things that would indicate I live here and the service so improved like night and day.
With such a beautiful day I tried to spend as much time outdoors as possible...we may have a dusting of snow on Saturday so everything I did today can be moved into the porch. Another day of good weather though, so that is wonderfl.
Sunday, April 14, 2019
For Now....
This morning I awoke with a sore throat and lots of coughing, with a small nuisance headache behind my eyes. The sore throat always gains attention because it has become a sign unto me that the good ol immune system has kicked into overdrive and needs additional assistance and that has come to be rest. Rest has been a difficult thing to acquire lately with Buddy. So, kind of like with a child you takes the rest when they choose to rest. For now...with Buddy on my lap, choosing rest was the best option.
With the homegoing of a beloved friend and attention needed for the back porch construction, being able to write about the luncheon at church on Thursday kind of took a backseat. But it was well done and so enjoyed by those of us in attendance. We enjoyed the presence of many who are unable to come to church on Sundays anymore. Several of the ladies are in their early hundreds. Wow! The meal is prepared by loving volunteers who have the regarded gift of food prep, no make that delicious food prep. So we had meat loaf, mashed potatoes, creamed corn (there ain't nothing like NC cream corn,) green beans, slaw, rolls and banana pudding. If you didn't know Jesus before this meal, you would know Him afterwards. Brenda's mom Robin, ditched sitting with us to go sit with her friends. Yes, somehow and somewhere we will always carry that part of being a teenager with us...don't blame her, that's what I would want to do. So Brenda, Ann, Jennell and then later joined by Dot and Jan had a marvelous time. The stories of growing up in this area mesmerized me. Stories of first jobs and school and the like. I left the luncheon full, not only of good food but thankful for friends and for a good church home. Several told me before we bought the house up here that it would be a rough road to make friends and that is true advice but God in His grace and mercy provided and we haven't become statistics.
It wasn't in the plans yesterday but I ended up in Maggie Valley. The original trip was to an antique store in Waynesville passed by so many times but never a stop. A Facebook market item had drawn my attention to the store. So after a much later start than anticipated, the Buddy no rest adventure, I went to Waynesville. I really wanted to take the car but I knew it would be better to take the truck...just in case I came across what I was looking for. This nixed the "find" but this is what put the malocchio on the trip, also had checks and antique hunting cash. I liked the antique store but it really didn't have the stuff I was looking for. The owner directed me to a place in Maggie Valley so I left but stopped at the hit and miss antique store on the Smoky Mountain Expressway. It was a miss visit so with the threat of rain hanging over the mountains, it was off to Maggie Valley. It has been sometime since I have been in MV and it was enchanting drive through yesterday. Years ago, we briefly toyed with the idea of buying a condo off a golf course there just for summer visits but Roy asked me if I really wanted a condo or just continue with the Biltmore Experience? Uh, at that time Biltmore was the answer and Roy in his accountant way said, well, it is cheaper to do that...which seems counter-intuitive. Maggie Valley's main drag is quaint motels, local comfort food eats, gift shops and antique stores. Many years ago I remember driving through such an area but couldn't quite place where we had been...it all came back to me yesterday. Of course these quaint motels cater to the bike crowd which means there is such a mix of people and that makes people watching more diverse and interesting. I stopped at the recommended antique store and loved it. Full of rustic, metal, tools, kitchen stuff....it is a definite return. Found a green ladderish kind of thing that will go perfectly on the back porch. When I got home I went through the scrap wood heap and found three boards that will work as shelves. Now to think of what color to paint them. Not green to be matchy matchy or white to be cutesy cutesy. After stopping there that is when I decided to drive through the rest of the way. Found Joey's Pancakes so now we can make a visit. Started back toward home. The old lady that used to sit out on her front porch a lot, almost every time while driving by hasn't been out there for about two years now. Well, maybe she is sick and when she gets better....but yesterday the truth of her absence was verified by the look of the house. The porch furniture has been removed and the window coverings gone revealing an empty house...for now.
I stopped at Dickey's to pick up some brisket for a late lunch and as always...delicious. After eating here it was onto the grocery store for a couple of needed items. Publix had New England Coffee brand on sale, or rather BOGO. Stocked up on butter pecan and some breakfast blend.
Cautiously last night...while watching Singing in the Rain, my eyes were on Buddy. She was starting to do that wander and meow thing. She settled a bit, hung around a bit and then when I went to the bedroom, she followed, jumped on the bed and got into her little bed. Just that in itself cut out several hours of fitful sleep.
So the wind is beginning to blow, huge gusts make trees creak and groan. I'm looking at all the lumber in the back yard, unsecured and think I'll go out and make a few adjustments. The more sun we have in the space of clearing between systems will either make this something to be very concerned over or it could be some rain that isn't too much of a problem.
So now, while finishing up this post, I have stopped coughing for a bit, Buddy is on my lap again and the wind has stopped blowing, for now.
With the homegoing of a beloved friend and attention needed for the back porch construction, being able to write about the luncheon at church on Thursday kind of took a backseat. But it was well done and so enjoyed by those of us in attendance. We enjoyed the presence of many who are unable to come to church on Sundays anymore. Several of the ladies are in their early hundreds. Wow! The meal is prepared by loving volunteers who have the regarded gift of food prep, no make that delicious food prep. So we had meat loaf, mashed potatoes, creamed corn (there ain't nothing like NC cream corn,) green beans, slaw, rolls and banana pudding. If you didn't know Jesus before this meal, you would know Him afterwards. Brenda's mom Robin, ditched sitting with us to go sit with her friends. Yes, somehow and somewhere we will always carry that part of being a teenager with us...don't blame her, that's what I would want to do. So Brenda, Ann, Jennell and then later joined by Dot and Jan had a marvelous time. The stories of growing up in this area mesmerized me. Stories of first jobs and school and the like. I left the luncheon full, not only of good food but thankful for friends and for a good church home. Several told me before we bought the house up here that it would be a rough road to make friends and that is true advice but God in His grace and mercy provided and we haven't become statistics.
It wasn't in the plans yesterday but I ended up in Maggie Valley. The original trip was to an antique store in Waynesville passed by so many times but never a stop. A Facebook market item had drawn my attention to the store. So after a much later start than anticipated, the Buddy no rest adventure, I went to Waynesville. I really wanted to take the car but I knew it would be better to take the truck...just in case I came across what I was looking for. This nixed the "find" but this is what put the malocchio on the trip, also had checks and antique hunting cash. I liked the antique store but it really didn't have the stuff I was looking for. The owner directed me to a place in Maggie Valley so I left but stopped at the hit and miss antique store on the Smoky Mountain Expressway. It was a miss visit so with the threat of rain hanging over the mountains, it was off to Maggie Valley. It has been sometime since I have been in MV and it was enchanting drive through yesterday. Years ago, we briefly toyed with the idea of buying a condo off a golf course there just for summer visits but Roy asked me if I really wanted a condo or just continue with the Biltmore Experience? Uh, at that time Biltmore was the answer and Roy in his accountant way said, well, it is cheaper to do that...which seems counter-intuitive. Maggie Valley's main drag is quaint motels, local comfort food eats, gift shops and antique stores. Many years ago I remember driving through such an area but couldn't quite place where we had been...it all came back to me yesterday. Of course these quaint motels cater to the bike crowd which means there is such a mix of people and that makes people watching more diverse and interesting. I stopped at the recommended antique store and loved it. Full of rustic, metal, tools, kitchen stuff....it is a definite return. Found a green ladderish kind of thing that will go perfectly on the back porch. When I got home I went through the scrap wood heap and found three boards that will work as shelves. Now to think of what color to paint them. Not green to be matchy matchy or white to be cutesy cutesy. After stopping there that is when I decided to drive through the rest of the way. Found Joey's Pancakes so now we can make a visit. Started back toward home. The old lady that used to sit out on her front porch a lot, almost every time while driving by hasn't been out there for about two years now. Well, maybe she is sick and when she gets better....but yesterday the truth of her absence was verified by the look of the house. The porch furniture has been removed and the window coverings gone revealing an empty house...for now.
I stopped at Dickey's to pick up some brisket for a late lunch and as always...delicious. After eating here it was onto the grocery store for a couple of needed items. Publix had New England Coffee brand on sale, or rather BOGO. Stocked up on butter pecan and some breakfast blend.
Cautiously last night...while watching Singing in the Rain, my eyes were on Buddy. She was starting to do that wander and meow thing. She settled a bit, hung around a bit and then when I went to the bedroom, she followed, jumped on the bed and got into her little bed. Just that in itself cut out several hours of fitful sleep.
So the wind is beginning to blow, huge gusts make trees creak and groan. I'm looking at all the lumber in the back yard, unsecured and think I'll go out and make a few adjustments. The more sun we have in the space of clearing between systems will either make this something to be very concerned over or it could be some rain that isn't too much of a problem.
So now, while finishing up this post, I have stopped coughing for a bit, Buddy is on my lap again and the wind has stopped blowing, for now.
Friday, April 12, 2019
A Little Friday Catch Up
It was not the restful night that was fully intended with an early bed time and a Buddy already on the bed asleep. She had been a little off all day but it seemed that came from her chill pill for the visit to the vet on Tuesday. It has been a little while since she has received it in her food and treats. Buddy seemed to be doing better without the added drugs and it seemed the vet has more of a palliative care in mind for Buddy. But Buddy has life in her, she plays, is interested in the ferals outside and jumps onto and off the bed many a day. So last night, I thought maybe would be Buddy's last night with me. She wouldn't lie down, when I looked for her she found herself in some of the most unusual places and she just gazed at the dresser or a chair. We went downstairs for some treats and because it w as nearly 1:00 am I didn't stay with her, instead I ascended the stairs, went to bed and finally fell asleep after praying for her. You can imagine the surprise in those first few moments of deep sleep of something jumping onto my face...I gave out a mini scream that startled Buddy. She never gets on the bed via my nightstand but last night was a first. She wanted to sleep on top of me, I am not a back sleeper, so we had many attempts but she finally settled into her natural position on my arm. When her head gently touched my hand, I felt sure we had a settling down. Of course then my weary brain goes into gear checking every few minutes to see if Buddy is still breathing. Finally, we both drifted off into sleep and this morning I was awakened by the whiny meow of Buddy. She seems to be back in sync. Opting for front porch time over treats which is not unusual on these beautiful spring mornings.
The guys finished the flooring part of the new back porch and while I am immensely happy it seemed that all the outside cats were happy as well. It was much easier playing laser light tag with Punky last night. Of course Mr Meany took ownership, well, that is until Mama Cat came along and pulled out a can of whip a$$. It is always a pleasure to see Mama Cat pull rank and put him in his place. Without seeing Camo for over a week she might be the only original member of the Feral Fam to be still living, although Camo could still be lurking about and just not at times I'm watching. I really like Strawyer and he seems to be less afraid around me. He comes and goes out of the garage when I'm out there working.
Yesterday was National Siblings Day on Facebook. Loved seeing all the siblings of friends in old or recent pics. After having a wonderful visit with my brother a week or so ago, the gratitude I feel is overwhelming. Like most brothers and sisters, we fought in our growing up years with maybe a few hours of pleasant play time thrown in not knowing that those hours were the seeds of hope we would grow up and get along. Over the past couple of years our conversations have progressed as we still process "what the heck was that" childhood. With the help of others, both professional and non-professional, our process talk diminishes with each conversation as we continue to grow into the people we were meant to be. One thing for sure, we both know the red flags of triggers and we seek to as in the words of Barney Fife, "Nip them in the bud." Once you have experienced first hand from one of the meanest people ever to populate the earth, you have attuned eyes for when someone exerts or tries to exert control. Those subtle and not so subtle attempts to manipulate small incidents of today for a greater surmount of tomorrow are top priority to untangle yourself from. We have both made that mistake but as we mature and grow old, the incidents of being taken unaware prove less and less and our speed to run from such encounters has increased. We both have different triggers but one of mine is when someone takes a bit of truth and spins it into one fantastic and devious fabrication. No one seems to question the statements and stories...mainly due to the aftermath that happens when one confronts.
*************************
Friday morning and the crew is hard at work. The past few weeks the work has started around 8:00 am but this morning it was closer to 7:30. I was so surprised to see the deliveries that had been made while being at church yesterday. I had stopped by home to put up the meatloaf that came home with me to see the delivery and then I headed out in the truck to Lowe's for a few needed items. I had just pulled in to Reems Creek when Roy called and I needed to get home to give Bruce a check. Pulling in I maneuvered past trucks and supplies. A whole crew was here and working on the porch. Not a bad welcome at all.
So, I kind of broke with my guidelines on porch decor yesterday. I do not want to go the predictable route of wicker, wicker and wicker for the back porch and especially if it is white but I saw a couple of smallish chairs with minimal wicker and sunbrella cushions and ordered them. Patio furniture can be so wide and clumsy and having gone that route with the courtyard at our Katy home, totally have been looking for something different. I am still on the search for other items but those searches are at antique or consignment stores.
This has totally been an ADD kind of day but at least stuff is getting done...almost have the great clothes exchange done and felt kind of safe putting up the comforter until next winter. I feel a little nap coming on and it might be difficult to sleep but that's ok cause there is progress being made.
The guys finished the flooring part of the new back porch and while I am immensely happy it seemed that all the outside cats were happy as well. It was much easier playing laser light tag with Punky last night. Of course Mr Meany took ownership, well, that is until Mama Cat came along and pulled out a can of whip a$$. It is always a pleasure to see Mama Cat pull rank and put him in his place. Without seeing Camo for over a week she might be the only original member of the Feral Fam to be still living, although Camo could still be lurking about and just not at times I'm watching. I really like Strawyer and he seems to be less afraid around me. He comes and goes out of the garage when I'm out there working.
Yesterday was National Siblings Day on Facebook. Loved seeing all the siblings of friends in old or recent pics. After having a wonderful visit with my brother a week or so ago, the gratitude I feel is overwhelming. Like most brothers and sisters, we fought in our growing up years with maybe a few hours of pleasant play time thrown in not knowing that those hours were the seeds of hope we would grow up and get along. Over the past couple of years our conversations have progressed as we still process "what the heck was that" childhood. With the help of others, both professional and non-professional, our process talk diminishes with each conversation as we continue to grow into the people we were meant to be. One thing for sure, we both know the red flags of triggers and we seek to as in the words of Barney Fife, "Nip them in the bud." Once you have experienced first hand from one of the meanest people ever to populate the earth, you have attuned eyes for when someone exerts or tries to exert control. Those subtle and not so subtle attempts to manipulate small incidents of today for a greater surmount of tomorrow are top priority to untangle yourself from. We have both made that mistake but as we mature and grow old, the incidents of being taken unaware prove less and less and our speed to run from such encounters has increased. We both have different triggers but one of mine is when someone takes a bit of truth and spins it into one fantastic and devious fabrication. No one seems to question the statements and stories...mainly due to the aftermath that happens when one confronts.
*************************
Friday morning and the crew is hard at work. The past few weeks the work has started around 8:00 am but this morning it was closer to 7:30. I was so surprised to see the deliveries that had been made while being at church yesterday. I had stopped by home to put up the meatloaf that came home with me to see the delivery and then I headed out in the truck to Lowe's for a few needed items. I had just pulled in to Reems Creek when Roy called and I needed to get home to give Bruce a check. Pulling in I maneuvered past trucks and supplies. A whole crew was here and working on the porch. Not a bad welcome at all.
So, I kind of broke with my guidelines on porch decor yesterday. I do not want to go the predictable route of wicker, wicker and wicker for the back porch and especially if it is white but I saw a couple of smallish chairs with minimal wicker and sunbrella cushions and ordered them. Patio furniture can be so wide and clumsy and having gone that route with the courtyard at our Katy home, totally have been looking for something different. I am still on the search for other items but those searches are at antique or consignment stores.
This has totally been an ADD kind of day but at least stuff is getting done...almost have the great clothes exchange done and felt kind of safe putting up the comforter until next winter. I feel a little nap coming on and it might be difficult to sleep but that's ok cause there is progress being made.
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
When A Friend Relocates
You can learn a lot from Facebook, a lot of it is useless info and some of it, well, the life hacks are sometimes worth the time to read an article making cleaning, cooking and the like easier. It has been fun watching friends on trips or with their families or seeing something funny on a video that makes you laugh over and over again. I'm thinking of Gina VH and the water challenge...never gets old. Facebook reacquaints friends from years back, high school and college. Seems strange that the last time you saw them...was back in the day and they have and I have lived all kinds of life in between. It's funny that when I see happy times or good times of others on Facebook my thoughts are not of jealousy or why do they get to do that or go there? No, not at all, I am happy and thrilled especially when it comes to travel because I have become my mother..."Can we see it from the car?"
Some days there one can learn unexpected news....you know, I knew my friend was moving...and although we hadn't talked about it personally, I knew the day was coming...but I wasn't ready for her move to take place, so soon...too quickly. Really, there are those of us, family and friends, she is leaving behind...We were going to have more conversations and visits...lots more hugs...more of her delicious desserts,but yesterday, she decided to move her closing date sooner...or maybe that should be God knew the date would be sooner than later. Yesterday, our world lost one of the brightest lights ever created, her family and her friends are saddened at the homegoing of Ria, there in the south of France, with her family beside her from breast cancer. An aggressive form of breast cancer. Ria kept us informed of her treatments and surgeries but in the midst of the news, she always had a good word to share that God is faithful, He is good and she experienced His peace. In the midst of her trials she encouraged us. From her October 2017 update....
The first time I heard of Ria and her family was in the office that a family from France had visited and had been back. In fact one Sunday they sat in front of Roy and me in the balcony. Once I had retired, I was able to get back to choir and that is when Ria and I met and became friends. She was such a joy to know, so easy to love and she gave just about the best hugs around...We were all sad when they were moving back to the Continent but we had all rejoiced that Claude's work time had been extended past the two years here in the states.
The last meaningful conversation we had was by Messenger. While recovering from bilateral knee replacements, my hours were jumbled and tumbled, so 3:00 and 4:00 in the morning in Houston was early afternoon there. Ria wondered what in the world was I doing up....and then we typed and shared from our hearts things going on in life...
Others from Houston were much closer to the family than we were but make no mistake, we treasured their friendship, our friendship. So now, we, her friends, do what friends do when our friends change residences from earth to heaven...we pray and love the family left to miss their dear one. We cherish the memories and thank God for letting us meet this side of heaven.
Some days there one can learn unexpected news....you know, I knew my friend was moving...and although we hadn't talked about it personally, I knew the day was coming...but I wasn't ready for her move to take place, so soon...too quickly. Really, there are those of us, family and friends, she is leaving behind...We were going to have more conversations and visits...lots more hugs...more of her delicious desserts,but yesterday, she decided to move her closing date sooner...or maybe that should be God knew the date would be sooner than later. Yesterday, our world lost one of the brightest lights ever created, her family and her friends are saddened at the homegoing of Ria, there in the south of France, with her family beside her from breast cancer. An aggressive form of breast cancer. Ria kept us informed of her treatments and surgeries but in the midst of the news, she always had a good word to share that God is faithful, He is good and she experienced His peace. In the midst of her trials she encouraged us. From her October 2017 update....
Like this verse bellow my heart is filled with His Peace and
His Joy
I am thankful for His presence in my heart ! His
faithfulness and His Grace ! Thank you Lord !
Thankful for your Support and prayers , your emails, phone
calls ...
Thankful for the medical care that we can have
Thankful for Life, my beloved, my children to be always
there and their encouragements !
Thank you to pray for
- next part ; strength , radiotherapy, wisdom for
doctors
- my back very weak since surgery ( this part is declining
too 🙄)
Let the peace of Christ rule
in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace . And be
thankful.
Colossians 3:15
Big hugs
Ria
"Count your blessings"
The first time I heard of Ria and her family was in the office that a family from France had visited and had been back. In fact one Sunday they sat in front of Roy and me in the balcony. Once I had retired, I was able to get back to choir and that is when Ria and I met and became friends. She was such a joy to know, so easy to love and she gave just about the best hugs around...We were all sad when they were moving back to the Continent but we had all rejoiced that Claude's work time had been extended past the two years here in the states.
The last meaningful conversation we had was by Messenger. While recovering from bilateral knee replacements, my hours were jumbled and tumbled, so 3:00 and 4:00 in the morning in Houston was early afternoon there. Ria wondered what in the world was I doing up....and then we typed and shared from our hearts things going on in life...
Others from Houston were much closer to the family than we were but make no mistake, we treasured their friendship, our friendship. So now, we, her friends, do what friends do when our friends change residences from earth to heaven...we pray and love the family left to miss their dear one. We cherish the memories and thank God for letting us meet this side of heaven.
Saturday, April 6, 2019
Come On Spring!
A misty rain morning in the mountains. Heard heavier rain drops earlier but seems like the rain has decided to settle into a light cadence. Mike the Mower Man mowed and weedeated yesterday. Several weeks ago he fertilized the lawn and the bright spring green looks so good whether it be rainy or sunny.
Yesterday afternoon I canceled reservations, told friends of our change of plans and geared my mindset to remaining in the mountains this April. Truthfully, it is not a hard change about the mountains because it is a blessing to be here and experience this place daily. Wednesday morning put me on the road earlier than usual and the scenes of deer crossing the road, as well as turkeys, was a bountiful joy while heading into the big city.
Back to the story of the busy weeks, my brother joined Lisa and I last Thursday. We had the morning to ready his room and just sit around and visit. Once he arrived we all set off for the Biltmore to have supper. Well, a lot of people had that idea because the veranda was full, so we ate in the library. As the sun set and knowing how it hits that side of the Inn, it was a happy thought not to be baking in the sun. After a delicious dinner and a lot of laughs we realized we had lingered too long over our meal and missed shopping hours. We did drive around the estate and the lambs did not disappoint. Friday, we left early to get to Lincolnton to stop in at Marilyn's Sweet Addictions and to have lunch on the patio of Good Wood Pizza. What a treat to introduce Doug to some very delicious pizza. We dropped Lisa at the airport and returned to shop in downtown Lincolnton and then headed on home. We had supper at Turkey Creek. We have eaten on Friday nights many a time but I have never ordered the fried fish and that all changed last Friday. It was delicious. In the past few weeks I have eaten more fried food or coconut cake but now back to the good ol' home routine of tuna salad or cranberry goat cheese or salads. Saturday Doug and I headed over to Haywood County for the Cottontail Market at the fairgrounds. It was a busy place but due to Doug's great sense of space, we found a great spot to park. Then we got our wristbands and began to peruse everything offered. At first it seemed as if it would be just another craft show but we both found some fabulous finds. The vendors were some of the nicest around and we found such creative people doing something with everyday junk, turning out art that deserves special recognition. We went to the Haywood Smokehouse for lunch...ah Texas brisket...and then headed over to Otto to look at Bryant's Antiques. Lots of fun stuff to look at and it is also somewhat heart warming that we saw items reminiscent from our childhood and we talked over our memories...the good ones. We came back home after a very good day of browsing and making a few purchases. Sunday we just went to the 11:00 service as my cold or upper respiratory thingy had me in the grip. We had a beautiful service with the pastor candidate preaching. Always like a sermon or teaching on Psalm One. We ate lunch and then Doug was off to Brenda's for his biscuit making lesson. He had a blast and his biscuits were quite good. I ran a few errands and then rested. Monday we eased into the day and had an early lunch at Blue Rooster. Doug headed back home and I did some shopping at Belk and Mast General. Wanted to get Roy some new shirts and as luck would have it, found a couple for me.
I have a little sign in the living room that says it is the little things we enjoy that makes life so grand. I love the time with friends there in the living room, visiting, talking, having our coffee. Doug and I have solved and counseled one another, Dena and Lisa...Brenda, Inez...
*************************
Well, I opted for change of plans this morning and decided to stick around the house. This respiratory thing has zapped my energy, so another night of going to bed early and then sleeping until after 8:00 am. I haven't felt bad at all but I am tired of coughing and blowing my nose. On a grocery trip to Ingles yesterday I loaded up on all things elderberry and so far at the best prices since I began the elderberry journey several years ago.
Also, while at the Ingles, I picked up cat food....not just any cat food but the kind Buddy ate in the long ago. She stopped eating her prescription food around March 16th, but would eat treats and sometimes some of the dry food that the ferals eat. I put a little food in her dish and she scarfed it down, so added some more and she ate that. This morning most of the food in her dish was gone so while eating the healthy prescription food is better for her, she's nearly 15 and junk cat food is what she'll be served, until she doesn't eat that anymore. She never seemed sickly but active, playing, whining to go out on the front porch....
Nathan and Lauren stopped by to check on the flowers in the back...tulips and daffodils are still going strong. He and his crew will be by next week to do mulch and the next round of planting.
The work guys dropped off the lumber that was on back order yesterday, so the work will continue. It is looking good and that porch will be so enjoyed this summer and fall. I also continue the search for furniture to go out there.
The forecast is for the temps to get into the 70's today. Come on spring, you can do it and stay around for a bit.
Yesterday afternoon I canceled reservations, told friends of our change of plans and geared my mindset to remaining in the mountains this April. Truthfully, it is not a hard change about the mountains because it is a blessing to be here and experience this place daily. Wednesday morning put me on the road earlier than usual and the scenes of deer crossing the road, as well as turkeys, was a bountiful joy while heading into the big city.
Back to the story of the busy weeks, my brother joined Lisa and I last Thursday. We had the morning to ready his room and just sit around and visit. Once he arrived we all set off for the Biltmore to have supper. Well, a lot of people had that idea because the veranda was full, so we ate in the library. As the sun set and knowing how it hits that side of the Inn, it was a happy thought not to be baking in the sun. After a delicious dinner and a lot of laughs we realized we had lingered too long over our meal and missed shopping hours. We did drive around the estate and the lambs did not disappoint. Friday, we left early to get to Lincolnton to stop in at Marilyn's Sweet Addictions and to have lunch on the patio of Good Wood Pizza. What a treat to introduce Doug to some very delicious pizza. We dropped Lisa at the airport and returned to shop in downtown Lincolnton and then headed on home. We had supper at Turkey Creek. We have eaten on Friday nights many a time but I have never ordered the fried fish and that all changed last Friday. It was delicious. In the past few weeks I have eaten more fried food or coconut cake but now back to the good ol' home routine of tuna salad or cranberry goat cheese or salads. Saturday Doug and I headed over to Haywood County for the Cottontail Market at the fairgrounds. It was a busy place but due to Doug's great sense of space, we found a great spot to park. Then we got our wristbands and began to peruse everything offered. At first it seemed as if it would be just another craft show but we both found some fabulous finds. The vendors were some of the nicest around and we found such creative people doing something with everyday junk, turning out art that deserves special recognition. We went to the Haywood Smokehouse for lunch...ah Texas brisket...and then headed over to Otto to look at Bryant's Antiques. Lots of fun stuff to look at and it is also somewhat heart warming that we saw items reminiscent from our childhood and we talked over our memories...the good ones. We came back home after a very good day of browsing and making a few purchases. Sunday we just went to the 11:00 service as my cold or upper respiratory thingy had me in the grip. We had a beautiful service with the pastor candidate preaching. Always like a sermon or teaching on Psalm One. We ate lunch and then Doug was off to Brenda's for his biscuit making lesson. He had a blast and his biscuits were quite good. I ran a few errands and then rested. Monday we eased into the day and had an early lunch at Blue Rooster. Doug headed back home and I did some shopping at Belk and Mast General. Wanted to get Roy some new shirts and as luck would have it, found a couple for me.
I have a little sign in the living room that says it is the little things we enjoy that makes life so grand. I love the time with friends there in the living room, visiting, talking, having our coffee. Doug and I have solved and counseled one another, Dena and Lisa...Brenda, Inez...
*************************
Well, I opted for change of plans this morning and decided to stick around the house. This respiratory thing has zapped my energy, so another night of going to bed early and then sleeping until after 8:00 am. I haven't felt bad at all but I am tired of coughing and blowing my nose. On a grocery trip to Ingles yesterday I loaded up on all things elderberry and so far at the best prices since I began the elderberry journey several years ago.
Also, while at the Ingles, I picked up cat food....not just any cat food but the kind Buddy ate in the long ago. She stopped eating her prescription food around March 16th, but would eat treats and sometimes some of the dry food that the ferals eat. I put a little food in her dish and she scarfed it down, so added some more and she ate that. This morning most of the food in her dish was gone so while eating the healthy prescription food is better for her, she's nearly 15 and junk cat food is what she'll be served, until she doesn't eat that anymore. She never seemed sickly but active, playing, whining to go out on the front porch....
Nathan and Lauren stopped by to check on the flowers in the back...tulips and daffodils are still going strong. He and his crew will be by next week to do mulch and the next round of planting.
The work guys dropped off the lumber that was on back order yesterday, so the work will continue. It is looking good and that porch will be so enjoyed this summer and fall. I also continue the search for furniture to go out there.
The forecast is for the temps to get into the 70's today. Come on spring, you can do it and stay around for a bit.
Thursday, April 4, 2019
24/7 It Is All About The Cats
Strawyer and Punky have found the front porch and the desirability it holds for the morning sunshine and comfort from the rocking chair cushions. They are keeping Buddy occupied and they are all content to just look at one another from a distance through the screen...not tear up the screen like Mr. Meany. Since he wasn't around, I did sneak a meal to them. Strawyer is coming into the garage more and more so we shall see if this leads to anything.
There was this glimmer of hope that Mr Meany had moved on because his mean presence didn't show up...well, that is until late yesterday afternoon. Punky and Strawyer are still around now and then and the past two days Mama Cat has shown up for a little snack. I am not feeding the cats as much and when the temps were in the 20's this week, I lifted the do not feed often tag because they need the food to help keep warm. Sadly, I have not seen Riley in over a week. I am trying not to go straight to the thought that she might not be in this world but it wouldn't surprise me. She had been acting strangely, not herself. This made me think that maybe she had lost her kittens especially when Mr Meany showed "dating" interest in her again and she reciprocated interest. I think the last time I saw her she was heading down the gravel road. With the construction as an added anxiety, this might have affected her. I hope she still has her kittens and moved someplace where she felt safe but my gut tells me otherwise. I feel horrible not getting her back to the vet. She trusted the human against her feral way and I let her down. I was looking through her pictures today and got teary eyed...that little kitten with the big ears and paws. the pink and black nose and that puny little meow. Those two months that she came into the garage were such pleasant ones while we played and she let me pet her. Life as a feral is so difficult yet Mama Cat and Camo live on....beating the odds.
This morning was a bit unnerving as Buddy got her leg caught in her collar. She was under the bed but I had changed her passage ways, not on purpose, but because of spring cleaning. I could hear her making a strange noise and she came out from under the bed and went to the hallway. She was lying on her side moving in a strange fashion. I picked her up and put her on the bed and only realized then she had her collar around her neck with one leg in it. As I tried to unclasp the collar she was fighting me tooth and nail and my hands bear the brunt of her defensive moves. I moved us away from the new white bedspread and into the front room. Got a pair of scissors and set her free. Once we were in the chair she quit fighting me and realized I was trying to help. She jumped off my lap but returned in a minute, seeming contrite and wanting a little head rubbing...what better way to celebrate release but with treats, so downstairs we went. Scared me that little episode. Wore her out but it changed the plans for the day to go to Hendersonville to do some labs. That will have to wait until another day.
Well, it did lead to another thing...see first paragraph...Strawyer and Punky came inside the garage and ate their supper tonight. Strawyer did a lot of exploring and I think he discovered the hidey hole of long ago of Riley's. He and Punky were able to eat undisturbed by Mr Meany.
Roy and I came to a decision today for me to cancel my trip to Houston. With the construction and the workmen to come into the house to complete work later in the process, we decided I needed to stick around especially since the building plans are fluid and subject to change. It was disappointing to let Houston friends know I won't be making the trip, Lisa even volunteered to come back but I told her she would be bored because we would have to stick around the house. Well, we are never bored but maybe cabin fever especially with the best part of spring ahead of us. Now to see if I can attend the luncheon next Thursday since the deadline to sign up was Sunday. In six or so weeks though, I will be so very, very happy I stayed home for the progress of the porch.
There was this glimmer of hope that Mr Meany had moved on because his mean presence didn't show up...well, that is until late yesterday afternoon. Punky and Strawyer are still around now and then and the past two days Mama Cat has shown up for a little snack. I am not feeding the cats as much and when the temps were in the 20's this week, I lifted the do not feed often tag because they need the food to help keep warm. Sadly, I have not seen Riley in over a week. I am trying not to go straight to the thought that she might not be in this world but it wouldn't surprise me. She had been acting strangely, not herself. This made me think that maybe she had lost her kittens especially when Mr Meany showed "dating" interest in her again and she reciprocated interest. I think the last time I saw her she was heading down the gravel road. With the construction as an added anxiety, this might have affected her. I hope she still has her kittens and moved someplace where she felt safe but my gut tells me otherwise. I feel horrible not getting her back to the vet. She trusted the human against her feral way and I let her down. I was looking through her pictures today and got teary eyed...that little kitten with the big ears and paws. the pink and black nose and that puny little meow. Those two months that she came into the garage were such pleasant ones while we played and she let me pet her. Life as a feral is so difficult yet Mama Cat and Camo live on....beating the odds.
This morning was a bit unnerving as Buddy got her leg caught in her collar. She was under the bed but I had changed her passage ways, not on purpose, but because of spring cleaning. I could hear her making a strange noise and she came out from under the bed and went to the hallway. She was lying on her side moving in a strange fashion. I picked her up and put her on the bed and only realized then she had her collar around her neck with one leg in it. As I tried to unclasp the collar she was fighting me tooth and nail and my hands bear the brunt of her defensive moves. I moved us away from the new white bedspread and into the front room. Got a pair of scissors and set her free. Once we were in the chair she quit fighting me and realized I was trying to help. She jumped off my lap but returned in a minute, seeming contrite and wanting a little head rubbing...what better way to celebrate release but with treats, so downstairs we went. Scared me that little episode. Wore her out but it changed the plans for the day to go to Hendersonville to do some labs. That will have to wait until another day.
Well, it did lead to another thing...see first paragraph...Strawyer and Punky came inside the garage and ate their supper tonight. Strawyer did a lot of exploring and I think he discovered the hidey hole of long ago of Riley's. He and Punky were able to eat undisturbed by Mr Meany.
Roy and I came to a decision today for me to cancel my trip to Houston. With the construction and the workmen to come into the house to complete work later in the process, we decided I needed to stick around especially since the building plans are fluid and subject to change. It was disappointing to let Houston friends know I won't be making the trip, Lisa even volunteered to come back but I told her she would be bored because we would have to stick around the house. Well, we are never bored but maybe cabin fever especially with the best part of spring ahead of us. Now to see if I can attend the luncheon next Thursday since the deadline to sign up was Sunday. In six or so weeks though, I will be so very, very happy I stayed home for the progress of the porch.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
When Friends Come to Visit
Adventure ebbs and flows...it's different...unique to each experience. Lisa has been here since Saturday and we have relaxed and ventured forward, thither and yon looking for fun, adventure, places of wonder, places to wander and learn. Because we have been occupied with road trippin' and friendship, the chance to blog has been fleeting. We are now waiting on the arrival of my brother, thus for the next 24 hours...a whole lot of fun will be going on. He is probably less than an hour away, depending on I 40 past Knoxville.
Of course on Saturday I dropped off Roy and then hung around Charlotte till Lisa got in. It has been a very long time since I have been at the mall on a Saturday and I hope I won't have to return to the mall anytime soon...on a Saturday. Had a bowl of soup at the Nord...the sub par Nord and then went down to Belk with a stop at Anthropologie. Lots of fun stuff to see. A little before the flight arrived, I went to the Billy Graham Library, had a Diet Coke, did some shopping and then put the finishing touches on the Sunday School lesson. Lisa's flight arrived early and with the day being so beautiful, I put the top down on Mustang Sam to pick her up. We are no fools, we did not get on the freeway until we put the top back up. We stopped in Lincolnton to get a late lunch, early supper at Good Wood Pizza. Delicious as always and we sat out on their patio...which was delightful.
Sunday was church, Monday was Waynesville which includes Blue Rooster, Robin Blu and Hazelwood Soap Company. Tuesday we eased into the day and left around lunchtime to go to Johnson City. We had tickets to hear Liz Curtis Higgs and we were spending the night afterwards at a hotel. But first lunch, so we ate at Ole Guacamole and it was delicious as usual. Then we did a church drive by and then checked into the hotel. We had purchased VIP tickets to be able to do the meet and greet with Liz. That was a whole lot of fun and she is a hoot. So funny but teaches the Word of God in a way that you'll never quite forget. We looked at Mary, Martha and Lazarus...so familiar but she brought such new insight into the passages. Sadly, the evening went by quickly but we headed back to the hotel where we stayed up late talking about what we had heard and learned. Wednesday we headed over toward Grandfather Mountain with a detour to Roan Mountain scouting it out for future trips when the rhododendron is in bloom. The scenic drive was just that, scenic. We went through Cranberry NC and so now I know what the town of Cranberry holds. The likes of Cranberry couldn't hold us because we were on a mission...to get to Grandfather Mountain...to see if this was the day that Lisa would cross the bridge. While the temps were cool the sunshine abundantly provided warmth. After a quick stop at the main center we were up the mountain to join others in the pursuit of crossing a bridge but then not going too far. In my heart of hearts, I knew this would be the day for Lisa. And as is His custom, the Lord provided a trail blazer or should that be a bridge blazer for Lisa. We met Brad and Kristi from the Knoxville area. Kristi was having doubts herself and as it is there at the top of the mountain by the swinging bridge, people become fast friends, friends of faith or friends of fear. Kristi was about to leave when she got the oomph to cross and she took several steps out onto the bridge and came right back. A bunch of kids came up to the bridge and crossed without a hint of fear. Really, don't cross the bridge with kids on it, too crowded and they'll attempt to get that bridge to move a little more. The opportunity presented itself and Brad and Kristi began the journey and happily Lisa and I were arm in arm, hand in hand walking across the bridge. Being the loving and encouraging friend that I am, I tried to sing to calm Lisa's fear...first selection I'll Fly Away....okay not a good choice. We had listened to a Tommy Walker arrangement of Abide With Me and I thought that song might help, but she said in the nicest way, don't sing or say anything. Yes, on March 27th Lisa walked across the bridge. We took in a few moments of being on the other side and then began our trek back across with Lisa watching Kristi's ponytail bob up and down as she made a brisk pace. We went to the gift shop and got the tshirt for Lisa and I got her a pin to remember this moment. She had bought us pins at the Hazelwood Soap Company done by a local artist of a black hand and a white hand clasped together. The crossing pin went with that theme. What's not to love about being on a bridge a mile above the earth? Fears conquered, friends made and a tshirt. Sounds like a perfect day and it needed to be celebrated at The Italian Restaurant on the way home. Brenda came over once we got home and brought dessert to celebrate. We had all planned to go to breakfast on Thursday but with both Lisa and I having a bit of a snotty nose and cough we opted for an ease into the morning kind of day and waited for Doug to arrive.
So, that is where I will leave the story for now.
Of course on Saturday I dropped off Roy and then hung around Charlotte till Lisa got in. It has been a very long time since I have been at the mall on a Saturday and I hope I won't have to return to the mall anytime soon...on a Saturday. Had a bowl of soup at the Nord...the sub par Nord and then went down to Belk with a stop at Anthropologie. Lots of fun stuff to see. A little before the flight arrived, I went to the Billy Graham Library, had a Diet Coke, did some shopping and then put the finishing touches on the Sunday School lesson. Lisa's flight arrived early and with the day being so beautiful, I put the top down on Mustang Sam to pick her up. We are no fools, we did not get on the freeway until we put the top back up. We stopped in Lincolnton to get a late lunch, early supper at Good Wood Pizza. Delicious as always and we sat out on their patio...which was delightful.
Sunday was church, Monday was Waynesville which includes Blue Rooster, Robin Blu and Hazelwood Soap Company. Tuesday we eased into the day and left around lunchtime to go to Johnson City. We had tickets to hear Liz Curtis Higgs and we were spending the night afterwards at a hotel. But first lunch, so we ate at Ole Guacamole and it was delicious as usual. Then we did a church drive by and then checked into the hotel. We had purchased VIP tickets to be able to do the meet and greet with Liz. That was a whole lot of fun and she is a hoot. So funny but teaches the Word of God in a way that you'll never quite forget. We looked at Mary, Martha and Lazarus...so familiar but she brought such new insight into the passages. Sadly, the evening went by quickly but we headed back to the hotel where we stayed up late talking about what we had heard and learned. Wednesday we headed over toward Grandfather Mountain with a detour to Roan Mountain scouting it out for future trips when the rhododendron is in bloom. The scenic drive was just that, scenic. We went through Cranberry NC and so now I know what the town of Cranberry holds. The likes of Cranberry couldn't hold us because we were on a mission...to get to Grandfather Mountain...to see if this was the day that Lisa would cross the bridge. While the temps were cool the sunshine abundantly provided warmth. After a quick stop at the main center we were up the mountain to join others in the pursuit of crossing a bridge but then not going too far. In my heart of hearts, I knew this would be the day for Lisa. And as is His custom, the Lord provided a trail blazer or should that be a bridge blazer for Lisa. We met Brad and Kristi from the Knoxville area. Kristi was having doubts herself and as it is there at the top of the mountain by the swinging bridge, people become fast friends, friends of faith or friends of fear. Kristi was about to leave when she got the oomph to cross and she took several steps out onto the bridge and came right back. A bunch of kids came up to the bridge and crossed without a hint of fear. Really, don't cross the bridge with kids on it, too crowded and they'll attempt to get that bridge to move a little more. The opportunity presented itself and Brad and Kristi began the journey and happily Lisa and I were arm in arm, hand in hand walking across the bridge. Being the loving and encouraging friend that I am, I tried to sing to calm Lisa's fear...first selection I'll Fly Away....okay not a good choice. We had listened to a Tommy Walker arrangement of Abide With Me and I thought that song might help, but she said in the nicest way, don't sing or say anything. Yes, on March 27th Lisa walked across the bridge. We took in a few moments of being on the other side and then began our trek back across with Lisa watching Kristi's ponytail bob up and down as she made a brisk pace. We went to the gift shop and got the tshirt for Lisa and I got her a pin to remember this moment. She had bought us pins at the Hazelwood Soap Company done by a local artist of a black hand and a white hand clasped together. The crossing pin went with that theme. What's not to love about being on a bridge a mile above the earth? Fears conquered, friends made and a tshirt. Sounds like a perfect day and it needed to be celebrated at The Italian Restaurant on the way home. Brenda came over once we got home and brought dessert to celebrate. We had all planned to go to breakfast on Thursday but with both Lisa and I having a bit of a snotty nose and cough we opted for an ease into the morning kind of day and waited for Doug to arrive.
So, that is where I will leave the story for now.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Great Adventures of All Kinds....Part One
After Monday's disappointment on our grand adventure of biscuits we could only go up. On Tuesday we were doing the Goodwill run and a trip to the dump and in between these trips we were picking up a pie at The Baked Pie Company for a funeral luncheon. On the way we passed Granny's Biscuits. Now, we have known about Granny's and the wonderful availablity of drive through biscuit purchasing, but we have never, ever gone there...until Tuesday. Roy got two biscuits and we ate them on the way to pick up pie. The biscuits were awesome, having all the buttery goodness you want in a biscuit. So now we know that Granny's is a return trip.
**************
It is about a week later now so I will finish up with the Great Biscuit Adventure and bring everything up to speed of the happenings of this week.
Last Wednesday, we headed over to Black Mountain to try the Blue Ridge Biscuit Company. We were not disappointed. What a great place all with the local vibe and local farm sourced products. The cat head biscuits are flavorful and fluffy. Not dry. We loved the jelly bar with all the choices of biscuit toppings. A definite return is in mind. After breakfast we drove over to Montreat. It has been awhile since we had been there. I think the last time was in our tourist days. After a successful trip to the gift shop we took highway 9 to the Lake Lure area. We have read about all the landslides on that road from the vast amount of rain and also 18 wheelers getting stuck on a road that is so narrow and not meant for big rigs. What a beautiful drive that took us to Hendersonville and since we were over halfway to South Carolina, we decided to make a Costco run in Spartenburg. After the successful shopping trip, we stopped at Jack in the Box for tacos. It is the closest Jack to us and there are times I miss or rather crave those greasy flat tacos. These were so good and the shells were crispy. Yes, a delicious lunch on the road.
Thursday was the best biscuit day because, Roy made biscuits. My favorite of the week on the Great Biscuit Adventure.
Our great back porch Adventure began last Tuesday. They tore out the deck and began the cement process that has been hampered a bit by rain. The porta john and lumber have been delivered. It is a red clay mess in the back but visions of a covered porch dance in my head. This development has affected the kiddos out back. Strawyer has made lemonade out of lemons and plays hard out there. Mr Meany has tore a hole in the screen on the front porch so I am ready to make a quick dispatch of his presence. I repaired it with a patch but one of the patches has fallen off, so that will need to be repaired again today. People ask what about Riley? Well, the sad fact is she will have nothing to do with me... I believe she has had her kittens but I don't believe they are alive or maybe she has one that survived. The temps here have been all over the place and kittens that young do not have the ability to fluctuate with the changes. Riley has encountered what all those ferals experience, she is living a very hard existence. Life has worn her down, no playfulness, no joy, no fun. She walks with that slow meandering gate that screams, weary. She doesn't eat much. It tears me up that I failed her and now she has no trust whatsoever of me.
Roy has been working on a new speech for Toastmasters. I think it is one of his best and his speech is on our adventure of buying a home in a place where we had been tourists for a very long time. He has a nice amount of humor in it. He will give the speech for the first time tomorrow and can't wait to hear the results.
This is the catch up for now....until some time rolls around again....The Great Adventure continues....
**************
It is about a week later now so I will finish up with the Great Biscuit Adventure and bring everything up to speed of the happenings of this week.
Last Wednesday, we headed over to Black Mountain to try the Blue Ridge Biscuit Company. We were not disappointed. What a great place all with the local vibe and local farm sourced products. The cat head biscuits are flavorful and fluffy. Not dry. We loved the jelly bar with all the choices of biscuit toppings. A definite return is in mind. After breakfast we drove over to Montreat. It has been awhile since we had been there. I think the last time was in our tourist days. After a successful trip to the gift shop we took highway 9 to the Lake Lure area. We have read about all the landslides on that road from the vast amount of rain and also 18 wheelers getting stuck on a road that is so narrow and not meant for big rigs. What a beautiful drive that took us to Hendersonville and since we were over halfway to South Carolina, we decided to make a Costco run in Spartenburg. After the successful shopping trip, we stopped at Jack in the Box for tacos. It is the closest Jack to us and there are times I miss or rather crave those greasy flat tacos. These were so good and the shells were crispy. Yes, a delicious lunch on the road.
Thursday was the best biscuit day because, Roy made biscuits. My favorite of the week on the Great Biscuit Adventure.
Our great back porch Adventure began last Tuesday. They tore out the deck and began the cement process that has been hampered a bit by rain. The porta john and lumber have been delivered. It is a red clay mess in the back but visions of a covered porch dance in my head. This development has affected the kiddos out back. Strawyer has made lemonade out of lemons and plays hard out there. Mr Meany has tore a hole in the screen on the front porch so I am ready to make a quick dispatch of his presence. I repaired it with a patch but one of the patches has fallen off, so that will need to be repaired again today. People ask what about Riley? Well, the sad fact is she will have nothing to do with me... I believe she has had her kittens but I don't believe they are alive or maybe she has one that survived. The temps here have been all over the place and kittens that young do not have the ability to fluctuate with the changes. Riley has encountered what all those ferals experience, she is living a very hard existence. Life has worn her down, no playfulness, no joy, no fun. She walks with that slow meandering gate that screams, weary. She doesn't eat much. It tears me up that I failed her and now she has no trust whatsoever of me.
Roy has been working on a new speech for Toastmasters. I think it is one of his best and his speech is on our adventure of buying a home in a place where we had been tourists for a very long time. He has a nice amount of humor in it. He will give the speech for the first time tomorrow and can't wait to hear the results.
This is the catch up for now....until some time rolls around again....The Great Adventure continues....
Monday, March 18, 2019
The Great Biscuit Adventure and Other Things
Ever since Our State magazine came out with their biscuit reviews we have been anxious to give a few local places mentioned in the article a try. Our attempt Saturday morning was a failure due to the allergy pill that Roy took that nearly knocked him out for the day and being in the truck in a parking lot with little tiny spaces. So we rerouted for home and made a different plan. Roy was pretty much out of it all day and only had a few waking moments of clarity here and there.
This morning we tried a biscuit place near Lake Juneleska and Waynesville. The food was very good but the biscuit was a drop biscuit and the consistency and dryness on the outer portions made this biscuit preferable for gravy, not butter or jelly. The rest of our food was delicious, eggs, bacon turkey sausage, I had pancakes and Roy the blueberry waffle. Roy asked me once we were in the car if this would be a place to return to....on the fence, cause I would come back for the pancakes but not for biscuits.
Our travels then took us to Bryant's Antique Mall where we found the mother load of biscuit cutters from back in the day. We bought a few and left a few for others. This time we went to both buildings and had a great time looking at stuff. We stopped at the Smoky Mountain Visitor Center on our way back and came across a great sale on hooded, reversible, warm yet rain resistant jackets marked down over 50% off. We both got jackets. Everything is on the cusp of spring...ready to go. The trees aren't greening up yet, but they are so very close.
Since we had eaten an early breakfast it seemed good to eat a late lunch and off to Blue Rooster for lunch and of course it was delicious. We came on home because our contractor is coming over this afternoon or in the morning with the bid and details. Think they'll be starting soon.
I'm keeping a watch on Riley trying to determine if she has had her kittens yet. She is spending more time in the tent of napping. I cannot get close enough to investigate yet. Mr Meany is still hanging about and just as a reminder, I don't like him. If work begins soon on the back deck turned into porch, they will lose the deck protection for a bit and that also means the tent of napping will be moved. So, we keep vigil on the comings and goings and trying to determine from watching these cats if we can make any sense of their actions. Roy was able to get a look inside the tent and there aren't any kittens, good news. Mr Meany stood his ground and Roy had to scare him off the deck.
Bruce is coming in the morning to discuss the back porch. Yea! Roy is doing some work work and I am enjoying a little time blogging before watching some TV with Roy. We usually do not like the same programs but he said if the Andy Griffith show are good ones tonight, he will watch with me. Yea! I kind of watched some Hallmark Mystery with him last night once I got home from choir. I could only take a little bit of that sappiness, so it was beddy bye time for me.
This morning we tried a biscuit place near Lake Juneleska and Waynesville. The food was very good but the biscuit was a drop biscuit and the consistency and dryness on the outer portions made this biscuit preferable for gravy, not butter or jelly. The rest of our food was delicious, eggs, bacon turkey sausage, I had pancakes and Roy the blueberry waffle. Roy asked me once we were in the car if this would be a place to return to....on the fence, cause I would come back for the pancakes but not for biscuits.
Our travels then took us to Bryant's Antique Mall where we found the mother load of biscuit cutters from back in the day. We bought a few and left a few for others. This time we went to both buildings and had a great time looking at stuff. We stopped at the Smoky Mountain Visitor Center on our way back and came across a great sale on hooded, reversible, warm yet rain resistant jackets marked down over 50% off. We both got jackets. Everything is on the cusp of spring...ready to go. The trees aren't greening up yet, but they are so very close.
Since we had eaten an early breakfast it seemed good to eat a late lunch and off to Blue Rooster for lunch and of course it was delicious. We came on home because our contractor is coming over this afternoon or in the morning with the bid and details. Think they'll be starting soon.
I'm keeping a watch on Riley trying to determine if she has had her kittens yet. She is spending more time in the tent of napping. I cannot get close enough to investigate yet. Mr Meany is still hanging about and just as a reminder, I don't like him. If work begins soon on the back deck turned into porch, they will lose the deck protection for a bit and that also means the tent of napping will be moved. So, we keep vigil on the comings and goings and trying to determine from watching these cats if we can make any sense of their actions. Roy was able to get a look inside the tent and there aren't any kittens, good news. Mr Meany stood his ground and Roy had to scare him off the deck.
Bruce is coming in the morning to discuss the back porch. Yea! Roy is doing some work work and I am enjoying a little time blogging before watching some TV with Roy. We usually do not like the same programs but he said if the Andy Griffith show are good ones tonight, he will watch with me. Yea! I kind of watched some Hallmark Mystery with him last night once I got home from choir. I could only take a little bit of that sappiness, so it was beddy bye time for me.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
A Time of Spring Forward
Daylight Savings Sunday for spring forward 2019 is in the books. Falling back in the fall is easy, the spring takes courage and resolve. Well, actually, it takes the ability to fall asleep an hour earlier and that isn't usually a problem for me except on spring forward Sunday. When it is a requirement, it is much more difficult. So on Saturday night with all clocks reset except one, I went to bed, to fall asleep and wake up refreshed. Even Buddy cooperated but alas it was not enough and so I was awake most of the night trying to fall asleep. Around 4:00 am I fell fast asleep knowing it would be the deepest sleep and when the alarm rang, there wasn't a bit of spring forward in my step.
Got ready for church, skimmed the lesson since I wasn't teaching and headed out the door. God has such a great sense of humor because as the clock ticked it was becoming obvious that the teacher for this Sunday wasn't going to be on time or show up...could this be spring forward related? So....we talked and prayed and I led an unstudied lesson, which was mainly reading out of the quarterly and asking for lots and lots of comments. And it wasn't a lesson in my wheel house so to speak, the bronze serpent being lifted up in the wilderness. We talked a lot about snakes...our general dislike of them and the irony of a snake being lifted up for healing. Lesson learned, I should spend more time on lesson reading when it is not my Sunday to teach. Told the class I could teach the upcoming lesson I've been studying and they all said, you could have because we won't remember you did when you teach it on your Sunday.
So on spring forward Sunday I went to choir practice. It was so helpful that the weather cooperated and thus my GWB status is still in place, Good Weather Baptist. Having daylight on the drive over to the church was welcomed and in the middle of summer, it will just be dusk when we drive home. Choir practice was good and we worked on our new songs and the Easter music. Happily, a strong alto has moved to the second row to help those of us who need to hear the alto part to sing the alto part. Lois and I lamented previously if a strong alto didn't come help us, we would have to quit choir since we don't read music. Thankfully, I have a friend who is willing to teach me and I told her once the spring forward and spring rush is over, we need to settle in on this task of learning this musical ability. Our interim choir director is such a fine musician. He is our pianist as well. For HFBC folks think Jill and Eric caliber of pianist.
Guess Saturday was a spring forward day of cleaning. A whole lot of mopping going on. I also did some cleaning that has been procrastinated long enough.
************************
Well, spring forward is not helping us get a restful night. In fact last night, we were sound asleep when the alarming deck noise woke us up, It sounded like a small pony was out there doing a few dance steps. I looked out the window and watched the largest possum I've ever seen run up to the gravel road and through the fence to our neighbors. Mr Meany earned his board and keep last night. The secret to keeping peace in the backyard is setting his dish away from the others. He only has to duke it out with Mama Cat occasionally.
It rained again yesterday afternoon, more than expected and it was much cooler than forecasted. When I went out there yesterday I reminisced of that time when much younger, I tried to learn how to surf. Fifty miles away from the coast, young and stupid....ya had to try it. Well, that feeling came back yesterday as the large stepping stones moved just like a surfboard because the ground is so saturated and the mud is so slick. Thankfully, I did better yesterday than I ever did learning to surf way back in the day.
I read something the other day written by a youngish Baptist young man. Glad so many things have changed over the years in churches for the good but sometimes those old colloquialisms are rooted deep and come out even with the young and hip. What I read was an explanation of an event and the term "time of______" was overreaching. I love how we Baptists use those terms, a time of but mainly it used by us older folks. Train a younger generation in the way they should go and they will have a time of fellowship, coffee, snacks, praying, reading, and so on to celebrate.
Funny thing, I researched pink shoes yesterday and now all over Facebook and ads on sites have lots and lots of pink shoes. Spring is just eight days away.
Got ready for church, skimmed the lesson since I wasn't teaching and headed out the door. God has such a great sense of humor because as the clock ticked it was becoming obvious that the teacher for this Sunday wasn't going to be on time or show up...could this be spring forward related? So....we talked and prayed and I led an unstudied lesson, which was mainly reading out of the quarterly and asking for lots and lots of comments. And it wasn't a lesson in my wheel house so to speak, the bronze serpent being lifted up in the wilderness. We talked a lot about snakes...our general dislike of them and the irony of a snake being lifted up for healing. Lesson learned, I should spend more time on lesson reading when it is not my Sunday to teach. Told the class I could teach the upcoming lesson I've been studying and they all said, you could have because we won't remember you did when you teach it on your Sunday.
So on spring forward Sunday I went to choir practice. It was so helpful that the weather cooperated and thus my GWB status is still in place, Good Weather Baptist. Having daylight on the drive over to the church was welcomed and in the middle of summer, it will just be dusk when we drive home. Choir practice was good and we worked on our new songs and the Easter music. Happily, a strong alto has moved to the second row to help those of us who need to hear the alto part to sing the alto part. Lois and I lamented previously if a strong alto didn't come help us, we would have to quit choir since we don't read music. Thankfully, I have a friend who is willing to teach me and I told her once the spring forward and spring rush is over, we need to settle in on this task of learning this musical ability. Our interim choir director is such a fine musician. He is our pianist as well. For HFBC folks think Jill and Eric caliber of pianist.
Guess Saturday was a spring forward day of cleaning. A whole lot of mopping going on. I also did some cleaning that has been procrastinated long enough.
************************
Well, spring forward is not helping us get a restful night. In fact last night, we were sound asleep when the alarming deck noise woke us up, It sounded like a small pony was out there doing a few dance steps. I looked out the window and watched the largest possum I've ever seen run up to the gravel road and through the fence to our neighbors. Mr Meany earned his board and keep last night. The secret to keeping peace in the backyard is setting his dish away from the others. He only has to duke it out with Mama Cat occasionally.
It rained again yesterday afternoon, more than expected and it was much cooler than forecasted. When I went out there yesterday I reminisced of that time when much younger, I tried to learn how to surf. Fifty miles away from the coast, young and stupid....ya had to try it. Well, that feeling came back yesterday as the large stepping stones moved just like a surfboard because the ground is so saturated and the mud is so slick. Thankfully, I did better yesterday than I ever did learning to surf way back in the day.
I read something the other day written by a youngish Baptist young man. Glad so many things have changed over the years in churches for the good but sometimes those old colloquialisms are rooted deep and come out even with the young and hip. What I read was an explanation of an event and the term "time of______" was overreaching. I love how we Baptists use those terms, a time of but mainly it used by us older folks. Train a younger generation in the way they should go and they will have a time of fellowship, coffee, snacks, praying, reading, and so on to celebrate.
Funny thing, I researched pink shoes yesterday and now all over Facebook and ads on sites have lots and lots of pink shoes. Spring is just eight days away.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Lessons Learned
Every once in a while someone will send me info on a creative writing class or some other opportunity that involves writing. Sometimes I look at what has been suggested but most of the time I pass them by because it has been my experience that my style of writing and the style of those leading or teaching are so far opposite. It's not that I don't think there is improvement for me, that's not it, it is just an attitude, a somewhat prejudicial attitude to the stream of consciousness style that is usually my choice of writing. Even in an elective setting. I met someone the other day who teaches or instructs these types of classes and as we discussed theories of writing and such, an aloofness and an arrogance came over this woman in our conversation which quickly went one sided as she poo pooed ideas and the experiences I chose to write about. Yes, she encouraged me to write on a higher plain, a higher level than I had chosen, to choose different subjects, to read above the level of books on the good old to be read pile...hooey on her. Nothing she said was of interest. Even as we talked about things to do or places to go around our area, she would never return to a place I mentioned, she would never shop at any of my suggestions and when I didn't agree with her on a particular place she loved, she nearly came unglued. Lesson learned, go happily and ignorantly with blogging.
After a couple of sunny days we welcome the rain back into the forecast. They, whoever they are, say that our coldest weather is behind us and we will experience a gradual warm up but we still need to be mindful of the dogwood and blackberry frost. It was very encouraging yesterday to be out and about in warmer temps and no need for a heavy coat. That made for an enjoyable trip to the landfill and then to the grocery store.
So, I haven't been writing about the cats lately. There is a reason for this and it merely comes down to there isn't any joy with their presence as has been true in the long past. The gray and white cat, Mr Meany, has disrupted the pleasantries of the backyard, dividing and terrorizing the kiddos and to some degree Riley. Dead Beat Dad and Big Sissy Daddy didn't camp here as they were more come and go types. But Mr Meany, he situates himself to be the observer and hearer to know when food is served or if treats are made available. The ones they are intended for don't always get food or treats. He is making me like Mama Cat and Camo a little more. They take him on and keep him at bay but they are infrequent visitors. He is not afraid of me and doesn't scatter so he must be a stray and used to being around people. Sometimes when he is not around in the afternoon the kiddos play out back without his soul withering presence. This morning I heard a commotion on the front deck and it was Mr Meany trying to attack Buddy through the screen. I waited till she had calmed down to pick her up and whisk her into the house, but she still bit me. He stayed out there with and his face seemed to be frozen in a snear and with his eyes half closed, not in sleep but ready for a fight. I am going to have to trap him but will wait till next week when I have help to do so. Then get him fixed and he can wander about and keep creatures at bay.
The wind is picking up and seems to be right on time as we are under a wind advisory. I guess you would say I have been busy doing spring cleaning although it does not feel or look like spring too much. With the long days of winter and cold temps, I used the time for reading or writing or thinking or watching cats, not so much doing the big cleaning kind of thing. So today, on this day of spring forward, I sprang into action with a little excitement on the side. The closet under the stairs can become a catch all for all kinds of stuff and so it seemed a good idea to straighten it up and clean it out. Because I have the bad habit of not turning on lights to do these kinds of things....as I moved stuff around in the dim lighted closet I saw something black with a long tail or so it seemed. First reaction to scream and jump back, and do the high knee raising hop over bags of trash, boxes waiting to return to the closet and junk. Buddy made a fast dash up the stairs, Turning on lights to make another look see, it was the remote control for the back massager. Lesson learned it is better to turn on a light than to have a heart attack amidst the junk.
After a couple of sunny days we welcome the rain back into the forecast. They, whoever they are, say that our coldest weather is behind us and we will experience a gradual warm up but we still need to be mindful of the dogwood and blackberry frost. It was very encouraging yesterday to be out and about in warmer temps and no need for a heavy coat. That made for an enjoyable trip to the landfill and then to the grocery store.
So, I haven't been writing about the cats lately. There is a reason for this and it merely comes down to there isn't any joy with their presence as has been true in the long past. The gray and white cat, Mr Meany, has disrupted the pleasantries of the backyard, dividing and terrorizing the kiddos and to some degree Riley. Dead Beat Dad and Big Sissy Daddy didn't camp here as they were more come and go types. But Mr Meany, he situates himself to be the observer and hearer to know when food is served or if treats are made available. The ones they are intended for don't always get food or treats. He is making me like Mama Cat and Camo a little more. They take him on and keep him at bay but they are infrequent visitors. He is not afraid of me and doesn't scatter so he must be a stray and used to being around people. Sometimes when he is not around in the afternoon the kiddos play out back without his soul withering presence. This morning I heard a commotion on the front deck and it was Mr Meany trying to attack Buddy through the screen. I waited till she had calmed down to pick her up and whisk her into the house, but she still bit me. He stayed out there with and his face seemed to be frozen in a snear and with his eyes half closed, not in sleep but ready for a fight. I am going to have to trap him but will wait till next week when I have help to do so. Then get him fixed and he can wander about and keep creatures at bay.
The wind is picking up and seems to be right on time as we are under a wind advisory. I guess you would say I have been busy doing spring cleaning although it does not feel or look like spring too much. With the long days of winter and cold temps, I used the time for reading or writing or thinking or watching cats, not so much doing the big cleaning kind of thing. So today, on this day of spring forward, I sprang into action with a little excitement on the side. The closet under the stairs can become a catch all for all kinds of stuff and so it seemed a good idea to straighten it up and clean it out. Because I have the bad habit of not turning on lights to do these kinds of things....as I moved stuff around in the dim lighted closet I saw something black with a long tail or so it seemed. First reaction to scream and jump back, and do the high knee raising hop over bags of trash, boxes waiting to return to the closet and junk. Buddy made a fast dash up the stairs, Turning on lights to make another look see, it was the remote control for the back massager. Lesson learned it is better to turn on a light than to have a heart attack amidst the junk.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)