cold front

Who would have thought that we'd be looking for tornados in February?  Why, in West Tennessee of course.  It's rained just enough that I don't have to water twice a day and I'm gonna be real pissed if it hails on that broccoli.  I've been on the phone with several folks, all checking in on me and the state of our world.  That is such a comfort.  

There was this one tornado that haunts me.  It hit Lakewood and the girl was in the basement like you're told to be only a beam fell on her and she was killed.  Against the wall, I'd figure.  They're all concrete and have chalk graffiti on them from when I was party mom.  

I have faith for the first time in weeks that this country is turning away from being sheeple and learning to deal with reality.  That's no small thing considering what's up in Washington and around the globe.  Eff a bunch of bad news.  If I'm gonna be persecuted for honesty and integrity so be it.  At least I'll die with pride.  *sidenote* how about you know who all up with her feet on the couch.  As my mama would say "lord have mercy."  She looks like a hooker in a pose.

Laugh often ~

lady in waiting

Well, it's official, there's pre-natal  care scheduled and started for Lauren's baby.  I went all the way to the exam with her which was done by a very efficient and knowledgeable nurse midwife.  She will deliver at Jackson General with one of four doctors in that practice doing the honor.  As usual, she will see all of them because who knows which one will be on call when it's her time.  Blood was drawn, I'm assuming for vaccination immune status, blood type and antibody screen, and STDs.  It's pretty standard wherever you go.  

After meeting her favorite neighbor and visiting with the girls, I headed on back to the 'burg and picked up more straw for the project out back.  It gave me a chance to visit with Chris and Mike on a sunshiny day dreaming about possibilities for the upstairs at Mike's place.  What is aleady a showplace could be a masterpiece with windows up top!

I visited Patterson Brothers before leaving town and got Ann to work me up a price on tires.  She called while I was driving and left a good price for me.  This will come as the $$ does.  Then the manifold, lord have mercy.  You can hear the Camry coming from two blocks away.  Easy fix I was told.  And of course, door handles and hubcaps.  

It's time for more fun in the sun and I suspect there will be some sweating going on today.  Y'all have a marvelous monday, as Jerry would say.

Joy~

yard play

A lot of people call it "working" in the yard but it's play for me when I'm planting and creating.  After breakfast I went down to Casa Grands and dug up some baby daffodils and grape hyacinth from the yard.  They are now neatly tucked into the ground out back next to the asparagus beds.  The rosemary and lavender are potted with chives up next.  I've cleaned out the bed next to the back porch and pulled out little beginnings of clematis and gave them something to climb on.  I feel accomplished enough to take a break.  

Next up will be planing broccoli and spinach, six of each close to the asparagus as well.  The goal of this type of gardening is to keep it small and compact, easily attainable for watering.  I forgot to get a hose at Lowe's so I'm stuck with the 25 ft el cheapo from the gentral for now.  Next trip to the crack dealer  Pennington's I'll pick up a couple more bales and some finch seed.  

I feel much better knowing that the scope is over and negative.  At our age you never know what's gonna' happen next.  My goal this year is to get my health in order with plenty of preventive care.  Lorna is trying to get me into boot camp in May to get in shape but I'm not real sure about that one yet. The class is at 5:30 and I'm due at the sawmill at six.  Besides, I lost seven pounds Friday!!!

The fly for pleasure folks are out in full force an I love watching them since the airport is my back yard.  Oh, and also the golf course.  I can hear "FORE" from my back steps.  I noticed in the church newsletter that they will be going to one service which is very smart considering the small attendance at both early and late.  My daddy, however, would have had a fit to be off schedule.  8AM on the dot for men's choir practice prior to 8:30 service.  

It's still chilly but not enough so that you can't work up a sweat with fleece on.  Which is exactly what I plan to do the rest of the day.  Y'all get out there and enjoy the day ^j^

room for the drummer

Once upon a time in a land far ago I met a guy in a chat room who was a musician in Memphis, thus Rvrguy.  He had worked for all the ad agencies in the area including Tanner et al and just wanted to create.  I was recently divorced and looking for company so we did whatever you did back then online.  Prolly Yahoo messenger.  Mark was JT fan too and was the reason I bought October Road which brought much joy.  I had kind of missed Copperline and he made me a copy.  

Last I heard he was living in California with his wife.  He had a lot of health problems and suggested to me that maybe I didn't want to take that on.  I reckon that was thoughtful and all.  He did do me the courtesy of a phone call to tell me he was getting married!  If you're still alive out there, give me a sign.  

^j^

fun day

After yesterday's going on I hung on until almost dark and then gave it up for the best night's sleep I've had in a long time waking bright and early to a cold but sunny day.  Taking my time wih the wakeup, I went back to normal routine of diet coke for caffeine ( not a coffee drinker ) and a visit to the gentral.

Next stop was Pennington's where I bought herbs and cool weather veggies.  They were out of straw so I had an empty trunk for compost from Lowe's.  Needless to say at 34 degrees there weren't many shoppers out there.  I hauled it out to the trusty old Camry and headed home to meet friends.  There was a little bit of mystery involved when I noticed the law sitting right across from my road parked.  Then he went up to the golf course and back down by Smith's garage.  Prolly catching up on reports or talking to his wife.  At any rate, my seatbelt was engaged and I felt totally protected and served.  

Mamye and I talked about humility and being assertive while maintaining balance.  She's miles ahead of me in coping with the hard life and is a very good witch.  You know, like Glenda of the north.  After I walked her to the car I brought in what I bought so it wouldn't freeze tonight.  Tomorrow will be a warmer day.  Lorna already has a white spear from the crowns she took home last Sunday.  How's that for mother nature.  

Growth ~

in the blink of an eye

I hit snooze twice today not in any particular hurry but ready to get the fast over with.  The last four pills were at 5PM and I went to bed only to have them hit all during the night.  Mamye scooped me up and everybody was there ready for me at Riverside.  I had to make a payment arrangement for the delinquent ER co-pay before they would proceed but it was something I'd been intending to do anyway.  She saved me a trip to HR.  Denise did my intake and started an IV and Jake ( not from State Farm ) did a quick beside check of meds and allergies.  They all were diligent about time out, patient identification and it was totally professional.  My doctor is a guy whom I met at church years ago and became friends with professionally and personally.  He was with me through the deaths of my grandmother and both parents.  I was in good hands.  Suzanne came in later Jenny too.  It was to be a light day, they said.  

Mamye took care of me and we ate at Sonic but not much.  I lost seven pounds yesterday the hard way!!  She made sure I was safely in for the day and is probably headed for a nap as we speak.  She's been a lifesaver and a true friend.  We watched as the supply truck pulled up to get ready for another day of fungicide fun with the spider looking sprayer.  I need to water the asparagus but won't go out in that.  

I feel humbled by the number of people who are praying for my family.  I certainly feel it and I think BG does too.  I have two days off and then to Jackson for her first OB visit.  Gotta get the tires checked out tomorrow.  Thank you for reading my thoughts and not judging.  It's just the way I'm made to speak what's on my mind.  

^j^

prep day

It dawned bright and early but I slept in so begin time was an hour late.  Somehow I think that doesn't matter!  The Mg citrate has done its' thing and dulcolax is due around 1.  Lerd.  I'm kind of dazed already and plan on an early bedtime.  Gotta be there at 6:15.  Mamye is in charge.  

Today is a good opportunity to catch up on laundry and do chair yoga for my aching back.  It helps a lot to arch and hold because the point of impact was between my shoulders.  Arthritis also plays a part, I'm sure.  I sat on the back steps sunning like a turtle this morning and appreciating the glory of a day like this in winter.  Everything is blooming as if it were March.  Hippie made a bet last night that there would be "no mo sno" and it's dated and posted on the frig.  If he loses, peach pecan whiskey is on him.  We clarified that by including that accumulation doesn't matter.  If it's an ice storm, he wins.  They fed me well as we listened to the frogs tune up with the back door wide open.  

The critters are enjoying having me home and they're all chilling in their respective spots.  It's warm and tornado season which makes for interesting weather around here.  I expect to see mr snake any time now.  I'm faithfully watering the lasagna style asparagus beds and my composted bale.  I'm working on a Lowe's list and will probably hit them up over the weekend. My daddy is smiling down from heaven over me and my agricultural ways.  

Around this time of the season whenever it might be, he would come by and we'd walk the yard together looking at whatever had popped up.  I do it by myself now and give thanks for the cycle that is rebirth and growth.  For some reason I get totally bummed out when everything is dead.  The winter wheat surrounding me is to die for gorgeous and will be followed with "wheat beans." Thank the lord for a corn free year up here on the hill.  

My brother is an ag man born and raised here on the farm.  He knows every inch of it and then some.  Our father and the other farmers around here have taught him many things about ag operation.  Fortunately several devoted partners with the money to spend have made major improvements to the landscape which is prone to flooding.  It is a legacy that I appreciate every day especially since plans are moving foward to preserve the history.

If I don't answer when you call assume that I'm on the potty with a book ~

under the bus

Lawd have mercy y'all I am so blessed.  Mamye and Steve grilled today and brought me some food for the last supper prior to colonoscopy.  That should go well with the mag citrate and dulcolax.  I usually manage to get a smile outta' Hippie in spite of himself.  We all go way back.

I'm off for a few days to get my colon checked out and go with BG to her first OB appointment.  I went to the gentral' for broth and popsicles on the way home after paying my 25 dollar fine for not wearing a seatbelt.  Good money for the court system.  The young lady who took my cash said that next time it would be 50 big ones.  The only thing more dangerous than not wearing one is trying to buckle up while you drive.  

Got a book and movie or two to get me through prep day so that's a given.  I see some serious pooping and resting going on tomorrow.  Caylor taunted me with "do a good prep."  The rest of the team told me I'd be getting the Michael Jackson drug for anesthesia.  I hope they don't double charge like they did with the shoulder surgery. 2400 for anesthesia alone.  I reckon they gave up on getting that money or maybe OT cut me a break.  

I work with some of the most amazing healthcare providers in the world but there is little team or vision except for diagnostics which is the money maker most especially in radiology.  Whe my daddy showed up in the ER at midnight with a hernia that turned out to be a clusterf**k I was there all night long as his advocate.  We waited four hours for a CT reading through the remote system.  The doctor told me early on that it was bad.  His name is Toby and he treated us right.  

Many of my friends at the sawmill are either already gone or leaving soon.  I suppose the corporate vision changes daily.  It's like a little ecosystem of growth for the big picture.  If it were me, I'd decide what we're gonna' be and do it right.  You can't have a regional hospital unless there are dedicated people.  I'm proud to know lots of them and most are underpaid and overworked.   It is what it is.  

Grilled meat.  It's what's for dinner :)

meh

If I had to describe how I feel today in one word, that would be it.  After feeling so good yesterday I was not amused at today's attitude.  When I'm like that I just kind of get quiet and shut out the hustle and bustle and go into my own little head.  There is no particular reason I suppose.  Just a cycle.  I'm dreading this colonoscopy and would cancel if I could but it's got to be done because I'm symptomatic.  All my life I've had irritable bowel syndrome which consists of bouts of constipation, diahrrea and bloating and often cramping and pain.  There is no one particular cause, but stress is a biggie.  During all those years before I let the little things go, I stayed in high stress mode 24/7, always waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Now when it does I just say "oh well."  

I had a long talk with an old friend yesterday which was nice and familiar.  We talk about twice a year and I had just sent him a "happy tax season" message when he called.  Gotta love it.  He is recovering from his own health scare but doing so at a desk.  Our mothers were lifelong friends and his family owns the property adjacent to this farm.  Miss Willa used to come cruising up the lane with or without a driver during her later years.  Many memories for her I feel sure.  One time when I was on a walk with the dog they ran right over him but he rolled and bounced back up!  This is how we learn.  

World news is beginning to sound like a bad spy novel what with fat bastard murdering his brother and Putin listening in on every single conversation and election.  It's kind of sad really that it's come to this...we have a POTUS who is not diplomatic enough to concern himself with the daily crises in our country choosing instead to reverse most of what was accomplished in the last 8 years.  My conscience is clear as I have stayed the course with my convictions.  That's all you can do when push comes to shove.

My friends Mitzi and Kim are in the midst of what I lived for five years with my parents as their healthcare advocate.  Same for Miss Anita and Marfy.  And a whole lot of others. Caregiving is a gift that takes a toll on the providers.  Much of the time you run on adrenaline going from one emergency to another without catching a breath.  I miss my parents terribly but I don't miss that.  

It's been rainy for a day or two which is kind of crappy following that glorious weekend of sun.  The bed'o'mud is still there and I'll probably snag a few more crowns before it gets filled.  When I bought the ones we planted, they were already three years old....Martha Washington.  Over 20 years they have multiplied like rabbits and got all tangled up in each other.  It was a project my husband and I did together and waited 3 years to see happen.  I remember looking out the window on a February day that first winter after planting and seeing the spears pop up.  It's no touch for the first year, and lightly pick the second.  After that it's on. I like the skinny ones which I learned are the females.  They have red berries.  

I'm about to have a seance with candles and sage.  Carry on!

stop me if you've heard this one

As we get older we tend to repeat ourselves more often than not.  Since I tell a lot of stories on this blog, I'm never sure who knows what or if they've heard a tale when I start in.  Mamye and I have a system where we hold up a few fingers to indicate how many times it's been told.  That shuts us up in a hurry! After all that muddy labor yesterday I expected to be sore and actually was not until just now.  I slept like a baby too.  I was a devoted walker and aerobics gal during my 30s and 40s.  That's probably why I've gotten away with the crap I do :)

Crawling around on that big mound of dirt untangling roots put me in a Scarlett O'Hara persona only not as pretty.  As God is my witness.......Farmer Joey said they'll close it back up after the rains and then we'll have a thinned out bed that will bear this year.  When I googled transplanting asparagus it described the process as "very difficult."  Ahem.  Lorna was in all her glory spreading straw and compost and waving the water hose while I took a break in the shade.  I'd already been digging for awhile before she came.  

I saw two figures in hot pink hoodies crossing the back of the field across my house yesterday morning.  There were what I thought were kids flashing in and out of the wheat.  An hour or so later all hell broke loose and it was on with the beagles and rabbits.  I have never heard such hollering.  According to my brother they got enough for a stew.  

The Russia thing is looking more and more worrisome as is North Korea and the whole damn rest of the world considering they all hate us * and trump * and know we're in trouble.  LIke big time.  This is where the real leaders step up and don't tweet but do no harm and strategize to stabilize our country.  Steve Cohen was selected to be on the House Ethics Committee and I can't think of a better choice.  This is the man who, in essence, created state funded educational opportunities through the lottery.  He is true and honest and, yes, a Democrat.  Deal with it.

I love playing with the water hose even if it is only 25 feet long.  A good hose is a must have for gardeners and yard folk.  I'm cleaning up around where the tree got cut down ( sorry Jim ) and considering flowers for the area.  The bricks from my homemade patio need to go.  They are a hazard for old klutzy people like me.  

Hope y'all have a marvelous monday ~

asparagus transplanting 101

There was a heavy fog this morning as I headed to the chicken store.  By 8am it was burned off real nice and I put on work clothes and headed to the mud pit to harvest asparagus crowns.  I figured out really quick that tennis shoes weren't good enough for the job and found some old Doc Martins that feel like lead.  The water hose turned out to be our best friend in washing off the mud and muck so they could be separated.  She's a wizard with organic gardening.  It didn't take long for both of us to work up a heavy sweat.  "Towanda!"

Lorna was on a mission as teacher and mentor to me.  I like to learn but tend to be on the lazy side unless I have hands on instruction.  Plus the back thing.  BG slept through all of it enjoying a day off with the furbabies.  She will be heading to Jackson later for some serious shopping with Nanny and Heather.  I'm so glad I know what a Boppie is!  I think we need one.  

I'm hoping and praying that SNL had a new episode last night so I can have some laughs on Trump.  I don't tweet so I never know when he's pissed off about something until they entertain me.  Lorna and I discussed the state of our world today and pretty much agree that unless folks wake up and learn how to grow food, there's going to be a major food shortage what with all the deportation.  These people come to our country undocumented and do the jobs that most Americans won't take because it's too hard.  Bullshit.  Let's see how many strawberries don't get picked this season.  Meanwhile, the robber barons have plenty, dipped in chocolate with champagne no less.  

Going free range ~

blogging for babies

It's been forever and a day since I've been to a baby shower.  Today was an exception for Heather and Joe and AJ.  They picked up BG and I caught up with them out in the boonies.  There was lots of food and woman talk with several generations swapping stories about this or that baby and their mama'n'them.  Mama Brock and cousin Cindy pulled it off in style and a good time was had by all.  Thank the lord for GPS or I would have missed the spot.  

On the way home we passed the site of where Heather's great grandmother lived until a huge tornado took out the house and killed she and her son.  There were probably 15 more people killed that night as the twister tore across that part of the county.  A Methodist church was destroyed along with a whole BUNCH of houses.  There is a new home going up in the exact spot where the Hickmans lived and as I glanced over the hills and ponds I shuddered.   Great grandma was at the shower after all.

There also happened to be a cousin who's about to pop and then BG right out the gate.  We had private girl conversations about what happens to your body and such.  Everything was sweet and I enjoyed every minute of that time with our families.  

Baby Daddy disappeared and stayed gone past curfew and still had BG's bag in the car so we were like "dude...where you at."  It was almost dark and I don't do curvy roads after sunset.  Just sayin'.   Heather used to live on Lenox Nauvoo where the gullies are lined with kudzu.  Scared the crap out of me.  

We had to laugh at Miss Jane fussing about George's stubborn side because he sounds just like Daddy was.  Ornery and always right.  Joan was looking good too.  She caught me up on Vicki's current treatment plan. It sounds promising.

This morning was warm enough to do some outside chores and just explore.  I found myself in the yard of the famous red log cabin enjoying flowers that my Daddy has planted over the years.  I know where all mine are mostly, but it's an adventure watching his stuff come alive and ready to transplant! Speaking of which tomorrow is separate crowns day for the asparagus so if you feel froggy come help and bring compost.  My old ass is too old to be digging in the barn.  

Enjoy the moment ~

falling from grace

I am a  pure klutz and will admit it any day of the week.  During my 62 years I've had numerous collisions with door facings because I wasn't paying attention.  I think that's what happened when I hit the floor last night landing flat on my back.  Thank god my head didn't smack and I lifted it up to find that my mid-back was hurting like BAD.  I crawled into bed with the dogs and heating pad and this morning it was even worse.  Like "hurts to breathe" worse.  I'm not an alarmist and since I was able to get up and about and make it to work I figured i'd save a thousand bucks on an ER visit and go see Tracy if it doesn't resolve.  RICE.  It feels better to keep  moving because I'm stretching out all that damaged fascia.  Right Gay???

I'm not at all sure what's going on with the Trump train but I did see a baby named after him on FB today.  The child was wayyyy more cute.  When your hand picked advisor tells you thanks but no thanks, it's time to get down to business.  Nobody is with you fool...nobody.  The ones who are think they'll get something out of it and most likely will.  When I saw the name Petraeus on the short list and remembered what happened up in there, I knew we were in trouble.  One day at a time kids.  You never know what Big Ernie has in mind for a grand finale.  

Time to get the pillow situated for more internet fun.  Hope your weekend is filled with happy things even if you're working.  It's just another day of the week to corporate.  

Grace ~

today's lesson

I just had a conversation with a young lady who works for DirecTV ( part of the ATT family, you know ) about early cancellation charges for my contract which still has one year.  I never watch it and am paying for DVR and a 2nd receiver.  I pay them ever so often and still don't watch but I know I have to ride out the contract.  I just want to make it basic.  She quoted me a figure plus the amount past due on the account BUT she suggested that I not take that route because the remainder of the contract not paid by the early termination fee would then go to collections.  WTF?   It's my bad that I got the contract to begin with.  At that time I had no Netflix and BG was still living here.  Shortly after that, everything changed.  

So, I still owe the court 25 bucks for not wearing my seat belt but that will have to wait until payday.  I'm straight with the IRS since they kept my refund.  Rent is current until March 1st.  Utilities paid.  Dentist and propane guy paid.  Baby steps to prosperity ya'll.  I do owe a couple or three medical providers but that's gonna' have to wait until the budget gets worked out.  I've been told that those don't have an effect on credit scores now, as if mine is anything but "poor."  You can't get more meager than being 2 years into bankruptcy.  

My phone rang today at the sawmill and it was some odd number so I didn't answer.  Usually there's no voicemail but this time there was.  When I listened it was some little kid telling me to call them because they call me ALL the time and I don't answer.  He sounded like maybe 3 or 4.  For some odd reason that made me smile.

It's pretty.  Time to play outside.  That is all ^j^

baby steps

I got off a few minutes early today so I took advantage of the sunshine and visited a couple of car lots.  I saw one that I liked but it requires like 1800 down which I totally don't have so there you go.  I'm about to decide that it might be better to put some serious money into the Camry and drive it 'til the wheels come off.  Note to self: Get estimates.  I cruised through downtown to pick up a new shovel and some bales of straw for the huge upcoming asparagus project.  It feels really strange to be planting something this early and I'm not real convinced it's going to bear this year but, it's worth a try.  It gives me something to focus on besides who's playing footsie with Putin today.  

It doesn't seem that far fetched to me really.  This dude lied about his contact with Russia PRIOR to the election that shocked everybody when Trump actually won, electorally so to speak.  At that point there was already speculation that Russia was involved in our political system in a way much more sinister than we believed.  And there sits poor little Snowden waiting to leave the country because he told the truth about his own.  How sad.

It's time for the man to put the showmanship aside and get down to business with the American people.  If not, step aside and let somebody else do it only not Pence.  Please not Pence.  I'd take a moderate conserative any day of the week and say thank you if we can just create a bit of order out of all this chaos.  Mitzi said it's end times.  

The lab baby Maverick came by for a visit with his Mom today and slept through the entire thing.  He's a big old boy but a good baby she says.  Even though he's #5, she would go for six, she said.  OMG.  What a woman.  I also ran into an old friend who was interpreting for a Hispanic couple having #9.  

It's still chilly and windy but the next few days look promising for outdoor play.  By the time I dig through that bed I'll be covered in mud and straw.  My partner in crime is none other than the most famous organic gardener in West Tennessee who was taught by her father the old school way.  RC Donaldson was his name.  Lake county gentleman.  I gave her my Daddy's old ag books and she lit a candle for him on top of them the night he died.  

Also, Sophie needs a vet visit.  Her nails are so long she can't walk well and even though I've wormed her she's showing bones.  The boys are both so old and such road dogs that they don't really fit into the budget although Oscar could sure use a bath.  It would take a shot of Dilaudid to get him calm enough to be groomed.  

I'm glad yesterday is over because there was really a lot of flowers up on Facebook that weren't for me.  It doesn't bother me it's just a reminder of how single I am!  Thanks to essential oils and all natural soap, my skin is getting better. I finally feel a surge of energy and some sense of direction.  That's the cool thing about being led by the universe.  You never know what's right around the corner. 

Faith ~

the cracked pot

My mother gave me a book many years ago with that name, a story of faith and hope in the form of a Chinese folk tale.  It spoke to me then and still to this day helps me to realize that love and trust make anything possible.  It's in a pile "somewhere" in the house like everything else waiting to be resurrected.  I have the dining room blocked off from the dogs to get them used to not hanging out in there for potty stuff and so far there have been no accidents anywhere else.  It will take some tough scrubbing and possibly baby gates but it's gonna happen.  

My friend Mitzi delivered a baby gift today for Atticus J Deak, a hand made creation by her daughter Abbey.  It is to die for cute!  Heather and BG will be rolling into town this weekend for a shower so there's that to look forward to.  He's gonna' be a big boy they say.  That means he'll fit in just fine with the big dogs!  I ordered myself some Epiphany soaps and white sage as my own Valentine's gift and the soap came today.  The sage is probably still in Texas.  

I had random pecan pickers yesterday....a friend of a friend with her hub and two little kids.  In February no less.   I'm not sure how they made out but they sure looked like they were having fun.  It's sometimes hard to find a spot where toddlers can just run wild.  I told her to watch out for tractors.  

Thanks to Farmer Joey and Wade the asparagus bed is turned and there will be much thinning and transplanting in the coming weeks.  The season begins in mid-April and runs for about a month.  That bed was so tight it was about to choke itself out.  There used to be a fence by it when there was a horse or two and my mother the jokester made me a pic one time of the stallion eating my asparagus, in early photoshop fashion.  She dearly loved the computer and was never the same after losing her sight and that window to the world of creativity.  

On this day of love, always remember that it doesn't stop because circumstances change.  It's all we need, according to the Beatles.  

 

spring fever

So far ( fingers crossed ) we've had a fairly mild winter for which I am eternally grateful.   I still look forward to spring, though.  Love love love the flowers!  The ones in my yard are about ready to put on a show when it warms up for a few days.  I picked the one daffodil that was blooming and a bit of quince, baby's breath and forsythia.  

I went down to visit our mayor Mozella and found her resting peacefully watching TV.  We chatted and she seems to be feeling quite well.  There's a patch of daffodils on a bank directly across from the end of my lane that is covered in sticker bushes and who knows what.  I always admire them and today stopped and tromped through the muck to pick a bunch.  The whole time I was telling myself to stay away from the sharp stuff and I managed to get the job done without falling on my ass.  No doubt someone's home once sat there and they were planted by the lady of the house. That is fascinating to me.  

Soon it will be time to start digging at Casa Grands.  Last year at this time I was still in a fog from all the deaths and whatnot so spring kind of slipped by me.  I already have the crimson peonies out back and will have to wait and see what comes up down there next.  The entire edge of the yard is lined with daffodils among pine trees.  It's a sight to behold when they're in full bloom.   Hopefully the trailer thief won't be hanging around to bother me.  That STILL pisses me off.

Tomorrow is of course V Day which means women everywhere will receive flowers from their sweethearts.  My friend Mamye is working today and tomorrow at a local florist to help with their biggest day of the year.  Mine will consist of a glass full of buttercups picked by hand,  It's all good.  

Namaste ~

day of thanksgiving

I'm trying really REALLY hard to be grateful for little things.  Today I said a quick prayer over Sondra's leftover burrito and carried on with the saving of lives which mostly just consisted of being available today.  That's okay....I'll take it.  I got time to visit with my friend Scotty who is soon to be living the dream on Hilton Head Island with his beautiful bride.  I am so happy for them!  She will be close to her family and THE BEACH!  Guess where I'm going next time I get a wild hair?

The sun is shining brightly with a breeze that's blowing the daffodils sideways.  I've seen a couple of buds but no blooms yet.  As much as I'd like to control things, it takes too much energy when you can just go with the flow and not try to anticipate every disaster.  A solid team will work together finding ways to get a job done.  That involves not only the workplace but in the community.  

Years ago generations of people lived in one house until they all died off.  The great American dream changed all that forever.  One old doc used to call it "the Chicago syndrome" when kids came from wherever at the last minute to try and run the show with elderly parents.  That was none other than Dr. J.R. Reynolds who also cried when my Uncle Jimbo died. 

Speaking of doctors, I've got an appointment with one to get the scope thingy done.  My friend Larry, on the other hand, is facing triple by-pass surgery the day before my little procedure.

To know him is to love him and we all need to give him a group hug.  Just saying.

I'm off tomorrow.  No plans or agenda which is nice.  My new self prefers to think of it as let's see what happens next.

And of course it will ^j^

snow moon

It was bright and beautiful as it rose yesterday evening, veiled in clouds that moved around and made designs.  It was shining brightly right over the field when I got in the car but there was a haze about it that predicts rain.  When I got home the temp in the house was 78 because I forgot to turn off the little oil heaters.  So...on with the AC.  It's THAT warm.  Work was busy and my back hurts.  Plus I'm tired....wah wah wah!

I heard the dogs barking yesterday evening and went to the door to find an officer of the law standing there. My first thought was I didn't call them.  Dude was delivering a paper to somebody who used to live here and it was a legal like thing so he asked to see my ID!  He figured out pretty quick I wasn't the lying type so I told him BG's address and he was on his way.  Oh...and I threw out the old "I know your co-worker Sam" thing which softened him up even more.  

I guess it's because of that big beautiful full moon that everything is kind of crazy right now.  If I could sleep for two days, I'd do it.  That's not depression...just fatigue.  I went to pick up the antibiotics which was only a buck fifty and my inhaler which was 184 freakin' dollars.  Fortunately I have an account there and they treat me right.  

Next up I have to make payment arrangements for the phone and internet so as to head toward positive cashflow.  The rent is paid in full early in the month which is a miracle in and of itself.  I'm taking baby steps to prosperity.  Reading Griftopia is like a flashback to all things 2007 from a distinct point of view by a writer who knows the way things work in politics and finance.  I would have never dreamed how much calculation goes into crowdsourcing.  Chapter One features none other than "I can see Russia from my house!" Palin among others.  It's a really interesting read 10 years later.  

We did manage to squeeze in our Saturday tradition of chips and salsa from El!Patio!!  Plus some famous white cheese dip and other goodies.  The place is always packed.  Got gas and beer.  Headed home. Remembered I didn't hit the ATM. Went back to the chicken stores.  I seriously need a keeper.  

Manifest your dreams ~

 

lunch with the girls

There's a group of us who get together now and again for a meal according to who's got what on their plate.  We met at Lupo's today for lunch and I was running  race with the clock which doesn't make for much relaxation but it was fun anyway.  I had to order ahead of everybody so I could get back to the sawmill.  It's been some time since I made an appearance and it felt good to be surrounded by friends and at ease.  I noticed a couple of elderly women a couple of tables over and they hugged just like we all did upon arrival.  We discussed everything from being grandma to early retirement and a whole lot more.

I know it's TGIF and all but when you gotta' work it's all the same.  Just another day in paradise.  My ear infection won't go away and it's a pretty strange bug this time so I visited my friendly FNP Wanda for some Bactrim.  Bless her heart, she was just trying to eat a steak with styrofoam and plastic untensils.  Their department has a ( not so) new director that I adore.  She's hard working and very smart like many of the other nurses I'm privileged to work with.  

The Jeff Sessions fan club trolled me the other day but it was all in fun I feel sure.  I will never evah forget the feeling of joy that came with blocking comments from a certain cousin judge's cousin who was constantly full of herself.  Thanks for the suggestion Mary N.  

and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make ~

walking away a winner

I was a Kathy Mattea fan for years and still love her spunk.  As an advocate for those in West Virginia who were at the mercy of mining companies she was not only a talented artist but a progressive politically.  There was a lot of chatter about how she got too big for her britches but that doesn't matter to me.  She's still a hero in my book right up there with Woody and Arlo and all them.  

I love music, period.  Over the years I've come to appreciate all kinds.  I was raised on classic rock and cheesy stuff like the Carpenters.  That AC/DC is still one of my favorites says a lot about me.  I guess you could say I'm multi-musical.  I love country when I'm in the mood.  Not Merle Haggard country mind you....progressive and crossover.  Acapella pieces send chills up my spine.  I was once part of an acapella chorus at a friend's wedding at the Church of Christ and was amazed at the energy that comes from blending voices with only a pitch pipe and a man to lead the song.  

Today is laundry and piddle day at Casa Poops.  I had planned on car shopping but it's too damn cold to be trolling the lot.  BG's first OB appointment is on the 27th so I've checked out the group and it seems like a good fit.  She will deliver at Jackson General which is the best place to be, just in case there's a need for NICU.  It's all close to where she lives and works and includes midwifery which I like.  I probably won't really wrap  my mind around it until that first visit.  

I was in labor for two days with her back in September 1984.  I had just turned 29 a couple of weeks before and had gained EIGHTY pounds yet I was still walking the halls of the hospital with a phlebotomy tray, swollen ankles and all.  The contractions were sporadic and I got sent home the first time only to return the next day on a mission to deliver.  I was induced and in the end it turned out that she was in distress and meconium stained a bit.  That involved a blood culture which my bossfriend collected.  Twelve hours after water breaking and induction, she was born and my life has never been the same.  My one and only child is a jewel and will be an excellent mom.  I only wish my parents were here to be a part of the next generation.

I have purposely separated myself from all the Trump drama not in an I give up way but to keep peace in my mind.  I'm not afraid, just disheartened and know that I have no power.  My tax refund did indeed land in the account minus what I owed them and what it cost to file which thankfully kept me out of the hole when the rent check went through.  Little miracles.  

I'll be skipping the gentral today because I'm hunkered down in the warmth of this old house.  The back door won't open which is kinda' scary but Bubba promises to get right on that plus get some smoke detectors up in here.  I suppose I could jump out a window if I have to!!

I heard there are snow monkeys all over the Northeast which makes me incredibly grateful not to live there.  The mayor of New York shut the whole school system down which is as Old Hoss would say "a good thing."  

We have this pneumatic tube system that delivers samples from the ER to our lab and I grab that thing a hundred times a day.  Yesterday I was retrieving one and another one came right behind it and smacked me on the arm bringing up a huge bruise overnight.  That's a first, I must say.  Occupational hazard.  Heh.

Ya'll stay warm and chill.  And keep the faith ^j^

road block

I was headed to work ahead of time but it's my nature to barrel down that hill if it's not pouring rain.  At the bottom I spotted a HUGE pecan limb stretched across the road and thank the lort my brakes worked or I would have either torn up the car or gone sailing into the field.  Or both.  Pecans are notorious for that and I remember watching in the rearview as half a tree dropped right after I passed under it.  Thank you sweetbabyjeebus.  

Me and the dogs ( minus lazy butt Sophie ) sat on the porch and watched last night's sunset listening to the frogs croak and contemplating nothing but chill.  I look forward to longer and brighter days but you can't beat a winter sunset.  Today it's cold and windy again.  

I'm beginning to car shop before it HAS to be done.  The shady looking lot at the end of the road had a couple but they looked rough inside.  I'm gonna go visit my brother's friend tomorrow so we'll see how that goes.  It doesn't cost a cent to look.  

If TurboTax is telling the truth my refund, however small, should be in the bank by Friday.  That's pretty quick, all things considered.  

Now for the rant.  How dare you people disrespect Elizabeth Warren????? She has more class and character in her little finger than most any other member of Congress and is a fearless fighter for the little guy.  Big Ernie will get you for that one.  

Over and out from the lane ~

spring tease

Today is what oe would expect around these parts in late March or April...hovering around 76.  There were thunderstorms during the night and this morning which gave way to sunshine after lunch.   And by Thursday it will be 40 again.  Temperate climate indeed.  Except when those freak March ice storms hit! 

Buttercups have been up for weeks and there's a bud here and there.  I finally got Office installed this morning on work's wifi which is much quicker.  Yesterday's challenge was to clean up some disk space for it which happened after two tries.  Thanks to Chris at Tencom I now have free CCleaner.  It has sped things up quite a bit.  DirecTV is blowing my phone up hoping to ge me to pay big to watch the television that I never turn on.  There's still a year on the contract so I'll have to tough it out but WHAT was I thinking?  Duh.  That was before my Netflix days.  

I visited with one of the last surviving men in my Daddy's bunch of running buddies today as he was being wheeled down the hall and had a flashback of seeing Daddy exactly like that....struggling to breathe.  Sometimes it doesn't seem real that they're gone.  Other times, there's the oddest feeling of being an orphan and elder all rolled into one.  It feels like loneliness with an urgency to fill my own remaining years with joy.  My friend Rose did a card reading for me because I'm so totally confused about all of it and her message was to "sit tight" and get ready for the transition of the next six months. As George would say " Oh boy. "

I had to scrap the plan for a trackhoe on the asparagus because it's pricey so it looks like me and a shovel.  All volunteers will be provided with food and beverage.  

Always remember who you are ~

damn computer

I bought a year's worth of Office and don't have enough disk space to install so I'm on a mission to get it cleaned up so I can do a resume.  One never knows what will be necessary in this day and time.  The load was light today so I had time to dig through papers and get them in order for the higher ups.  I got a letter from my attorney that she sent to the lienholder on the trusty Camry asking that they give up the title.  They missed the deadline for filing and will get zilch from the case.  Why not help a girl out?

So anyway there's all sorts of spells and card readings going on and I'm not really worried about any of it because I believe in karma.  Don't you?  I mean I take no great joy in thinking about the implosion of evil ones but somehow I believe that you get what you give in this life and that's faith in my eyes.  

My friend Larry is prolly pretty grumpy right now because he's had a heart cath with more surgery on the way.  That we met at the point in life we did is a miracle in and of itself.  He bought several pieces from mama and daddy's estate sale because dude LOVES to decorate.  

Carry on young people ~ Frances Yarbro

comedy as therapy

I have a dark sense of humor at times I suppose because I've spent so much time dealing with life and death as a vocation.  Having a best friend as a funeral director adds to the mix.  We work in tandem, me saving lives and she on the receiving end of that work.  She is a total professional at what she does and has saved me on numerous occasions over the past few years.  You have to laugh sometimes to keep from crying.

I've been an SNL fan from the first show way back in the day.  The talent there never ceases to amaze me.  The skit with Melissa McCarthy as Spicer was absolute genius and also the one with Bannon as death standing by as Baldwin made calls to piss off other countries.  

Every president in office since the show began has been a target of their humor.  Did any of them ever cry foul and tweet their anger?  Umm.  Nope.  I read an interesting piece about Trump quoting Howard Stern that he really likes him as a person, but not his politics.  Says it will be "bad for his mental health" because he wants so badly to be liked and so far he's batting zero.  

I ventured out to Sonic for Lil Grillers this morning and had one left in the car when I stopped by the mayor's house.  They are heavy with fatigue from lifting and caring for Mozella so soon after Ron's death.  Boy do I know THAT feeling.  They rarely eat because it's too much trouble but they make sure mama gets fed.  There is an entire village there to help and they are in and out.  Helen and I sat outside and smoked and she told me she had to go to ER herself for an injury with lifting that tiny little woman.  They become dead weight when they're that weak.  I found her propped on a doughnut in the den, already fed, and we visited a bit talking about this and that.  She always asks about Bubba.  And she misses mama and daddy a lot.  So do I.  

My neighbor Patrick took a picture of an honest to goodness beaver up by the pond at the end of the road  I could see where he had dammed up one corner when I passed today.  They can destroy a bunch of trees on a riverbank, just saying.  Been seeing a lot of road kill coyotes too.  Not sure what that totem is about!

I still have chores to do, but not as many.  The furniture parked in my living room now has all the pieces so that will go in place whenever there's help.  I'm looking for somebody with a backhoe to help with the asparagus bed so if you've got one, holla.  I'll share the asparagus!!

This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice!

weekend update

Of course we all know a day off calls for a visit to the gentral'.  As usual, Dianne met me with a smile and urged me to do the survey which I promised I would do.  And I did.  Those things matter in the corporate world, ya' know.  At my work you get "wow" cards for going above and beyond which means a ticket for free dessert.  I got one and promptly lost it.  I know, right? Get your shit together girl.

Laundry is done.  Sweeping is halfway done with a little vacuum action from mom's Electrolux.  Since there's no carpet it's just a lot of dust bunnies.  I'm on a mission to make a clean path through this house if it kills me.  If so, please see Curry Funeral for arrangements.  All the boxes of photo albums and plaques and whatnot that came from the cabin are up in here and not sorted through quite yet.  I mean, you know.  Spare time and all that.  It will happen.

Break time is over.  Must piddle!

i give

You can't really call me a sore loser because I didn't support either candidate in the recent election.  I suppose you could call me a "disillusioned American" in general.  In spite of fierce opposition by the public education sector, DeVos got her vote at 52-48 "along party lines."  So much for calling my senators.  At this point I don't care how tall the wall is or what the big banks do with a watered down Dodd Frank.  It's out of my control and I want peace of mind so I'll just pretend none of it is happening.  It does not now nor has it EVER mattered who is president.  Congress runs the show and they're on a mission.  A well respected AG in our state has "retired" because it's a presidential appointment and he's a Democrat.  How niiiice.  Our local paper did a piece about an undercover drug operation under Stanton's jurisdiction where mulitple suspects were arrested for selling coke and crack.  I guess that's his goodbye present to West Tennessee.

I'm so glad to have a weekend off I could shout from the rooftops.  I visited the mayor today and told her I loved her and planted a kiss on that sweet little face.  "Now chile..."  Her daughter Helen told her sister-in-law that I was the first white girl she ever spent the night with!  That was many years ago when you didn't see much of that sort of friendship but we were all raised together without regard to race.  I know in my heart that with Mozella's passing I will grieve for my parents all over again.  That will leave one elder on the place to answer questions and he can't hear too good.  Actually, he's been here longer than anybody.  

I was standing in line this morning at the chicken store behind some guy who thought he was a real gangsta' with his plaid covered ass showing above the baggy jeans.  An African American lady next to me made the remark that she was sure glad she raised her son not to do that.  Said she bought him one pair which he promptly wore to school and he called her after one hour asking for more pants because he couldn't carry books AND hold up baggy pants.  UCMTSU.  Dude was obviously quite impaired and trying to buy a quart of beer which is a no no before 8am for some strange reason.  He settled for some chicken and went for a ride while it cooked. 

As mentioned previously, my brother's very expensive trailer loaded with scrap from the cabin was stolen in broad daylight from Casa Grands.  *sigh*  I remember once Daddy's shop down the road got robbed and he put in a motion activated barking dog sound to keep out intruders.  We named him Rex.  

My mother the collector started BG on thimbles when she was just a tiny girl and I ran across a Valentine one....hand crafted, of course.  Mom was all about the arts and the holidays.  Feb 14th would have been their 63rd anniversary.  She always made her sugar cookie recipe in heart shapes and iced them in pink for us.  

I'm back on Bloodline again refreshing my memory to get ready for season 3.  It's the little things that make me happy.  

^j^ 

stranger things

It is, indeed, a strange series and one that has me hooked.  It's a really nice diversion from all the Trump hoorah.  I just called Senator Bob Corker's office to give my opinion on tomorrow's DeVos vote...just like a lot of other folks have.  We'll see if he listens to his constiuents.  Of the two, he is more likely to have a tiny bit of sense.  I don't bother with Lamar anymore since he's blown me off time and again on important matters.  The cast is constantly changing and I was horrified to read that the orange one actually took the National Day of Prayer to send one up for The Apprentice.  Gawd.  How narcissistic.  He's managed to piss off not only Mexico but Australia so far and hasn't even gotten started good.  Threatening folks is not good diplomacy.  

I had a nice conversation with the lady at Walgreens, pimper of Big Pharm, about how cannabis should be legal.  Our governor is considering a 7cent increase in the gas tax.  Imagine how much money could be made if cannabis was sold legally and taxed.  But, I digress.  We are smack in the middle of the bible belt. 

I am heartbroken over the situation at Standing Rock for many reasons, not the least of which is that the energy companies involved were heavy contributors to Trump's campaign.   Funny money, if you will.  These peaceful protestors   have been treated like crap just like the Occupy bunch was only the conditions in ND are a whole lot worse than they were in New York.  It could happen to you, no matter where you are. 

My friend Sondra is the world's biggest Garth fan and is headed to see him live tonight at FedEx.  She's supposed to send me a picture.  I haven't been to a concert in forever because it just seems like too much trouble to fight the crowds.  I might make an exception for JT even though I've seen him numerous times, including once in the pouring rain at Mud Island.  

The house is a wreck as usual.  I just can't find it in me to clean after working all day.  It takes a two day off stretch to get anything done around here even though it's just me and the critters.  Maybe this weekend......

Just say no, and say it loud ~

crime and punishment

I am against the death penalty not because I don't think that some people deserve it.  If there is genetic evidence that you raped a kid or murdered an old person you should just get outta' my world and into the next fresh hell.  HOWEVER. There is no swift trial available in our current criminal justice system so A. the death penalty is not close enough to sentencing to serve as a deterrent. and B. The DNA technology has just recently worked its' way into death row cases where innocents were tried and incarcerated unjustly for crimes they did not commit.  Swab the cheek and do whatever you gotta' do to deliver justice in a swift way.   

I saw our mayor Mozella today and she looked a little weak. Her daughter and daughter in law were with her and we're all neighbors so there you go.  "Chile..." she said.  How you doing? I guess theB12 shots aren't working very well.  I mean, she is 95.

Over and out from the lane.  I've got chores!