pro bono

I just spent a couple of hours at my old stomping grounds showing somebody how to do what I did reporting wise in the transfusion service.  Which is  LOT to grasp because it's all on paper.  I promised to come home and write it all down for her before I forget what to do.  Because of the sale, their LIS will more than likely change anyway.  Along with everything else!

They were all happy to see me and we hugged and they begged me to come back and I stood firm.  My life is just too good right now to go backwards.  The past year has been a booger for transistions not only in the lab staff but also in my personal life with the birth of Reaves.  

As I passed the corner of Main and McGaughey I noticed folks covering  chicken wire on the cross with the magnolia leaves that serve as backdrop for all the flowers.  Ms Amelia was right out there amongst 'em.  My plans are to go with Wanda.  It'll be a first for her.  

I glanced at the little magazine at the gas station called A Page In Time and thought I recognized the picture on front of a band because I suspected it was the one my grandfather was in.  Indeed, listed in the membership were Harold Reaves and his brothers Marvin and Johnnie on trombone, clarinet and clarinet respectively.  It was called the Podyco Band under the direction of Bowde Poston.  Interesting stuff!

I hope that you all have a blessed Easter wherever or whomever you are with.  It is a time to rejoice the miracle of never ending life.  

^j^

gone viral

I look at the stats on the blog now and then when I sign in to do a new post. There have never been over 200 views and that's using FB as a way to reach the audience.  Imagine my shock when I found Spike's piece had been viewed over 1300 times so far.  That just goes to show you that we're all in this thing together.  He was a dear friend and easy to write about.  

My phone rang when I was in the chair having a tooth pulled yesterday and when I saw who it was, I knew what was up.  Of all the extractions I've had in the past year, this one was by far the easiest because there was only one root under the crown. It was decayed and about to fall off so we did the deed.  I now have zero teeth on the left side.  I'm sure I'll get TMJ again from chewing on the right!

I had THE BEST treatment ever with Gay today.  She's doing total body work to help with the problem spots and it's getting rid of the pain.  We snickered over scientists discovering a "new organ" they're calling interstitial something or other which is, plain and simple, fascia.  Somebody's behind on their learning curve.

The drape on the cross is now solid black and will remain that way until Sunday when it comes to life with flowers.  That tradition is one near and dear to my heart.  My house is a wreck and I have at least 10 projects I need to be working on but I have nothing but time now.  

Baby steps ^j^

tribute

I'm not sure when I met Spike but it was probably in middle school.  His family owns the east 2000 between Pecan Lane and 51 South.  There are cows there and llamas.  Long driveways up the hill to Ms Willa's homeplace. She used to get folks to drive her up and down Pecan Lane just to see the sights.  

His father was a doctor with whom I worked for many years. He never gave up on teaching the rest of us about public health.  But this is not about him.  It's about his son James, AKA Spike.  Dude was a serious high school football star who had a chance to walk on at UTK but never did.  That's a whole 'nother story.

I had a crush on him from about high school on.  At every reunion he was the one who got a kiss on the mouth and a picture to prove it.  His kindness knew no bounds.  I have no idea how he knew but the day after I had RTC surgery #1 he showed up with McDonald's and we ate breakfast on the porch.  

Every year I got a Christmas card which was probably Dana's doing but it kept me up with Tanner's growth.  He's in college now  and an avid duck hunter like his dad.  Spike always called Dana "his bride."  By trade he was an accountant but he never hesitated to answer a call from me no matter what and periodically rang me up just to chat. I will miss that a lot.

He was also a mountain climber back in the day, very active and adventurous.  As it turned out he traded in Wall Street for private practice.  Good move.  I started this post knowing that he had only days to live, and received word this morning that he has passed on to heaven.  

The Tim McGraw song "Humble and Kind" reminds me so much of Spike because that's exactly who he was.  He never wavered in loyalty to his friends, family and doing the next right thing.  There are a lot of folks grieving over his passing, including me.  Some souls are just special, and he was one of them.

Rest in Peace dear friend.  I will always love you dearly.

^j^

buy sell and trade

We all knew it wasn't a matter of if but of when the hospital would be sold.  It was made official yesterday that the remaining three of the West Tennesse seven will be owned by West Tennessee Healthcare.  I believe it is a good move for our community as the 4th owner transitions in.  Our county commission voted to sell Parkview to Methodist Health Systems against the wishes of the entire community including employees and physicians.  MHS offered 10 million over market value and the good old boys said "sell!".  

My years with Methodist were a mixed bag of emotions but it was mostly a positive experience.  The company used us as feeders for the Memphis hospitals and all was well until they became a transplant center.  Then the "vision" changed and they unloaded us to CHS.   In the process they threw a lot of people under the bus including my former administrator who was over the West Tennessee market.  I was told that they wanted to keep Dyersburg but CHS wouldn't do the deal without us.  Sold!

As we transitioned from one company to the next all processes were changed including software.  In the blood bank I went from a completely paperless system to a shitload of manual stuff.  I was not amused.  As a superuser for the new system I taught classes on how to access and use the menus.  It was a clusterfuck to say the least.  I got in really bad trouble with the powers that be when I got honest with the last joint commision surveyor over the safety of our paper trail.  "Other places manage, you can too" I was told.  There was a tearful write up and action plan which I completed.  And that wasn't my first write up.

The beginning of the end was when CHS merged with HMA and took on the entire state of Florida.  Supposedly the hedge fund manager who arranged the financing cashed in and disappeared leading to a Chinese billionaire buying up the stock.  It's at four bucks, BTW.  Which is how we got to where we are now.

The real irony of the whole thing is that there was an internal medicine group that HATED Methodist and went with WTHC to compete from the back lot.  Those physicians went to work for CHS and will now come full circle.  Riverside Surgery Center is another prime example of physicians hating Methodist.  From where I sit now, those days look like a walk in the park.  

I'm just glad to not have to experience another transition in healthcare because it's pretty rough.  Any time a new company takes over there are changes.  I believe with all my heart that those changes will be positive for our West Tennessee communities.  

^j^

wonky again

I remember now why I quit taking Benazapri as prescribed.  When my blood pressure drops to a supposedly "normal" level I feel like I'm about to pass out.  Kind of like walking through quick sand.  I'm gonna' keep trying to tinker with it so I don't feel so bad while maintaining a normal BP.  I stopped at my friend's shop in Friendship and his wife checked it for me.

I can tell that I'm trying to do too much by having something to do every single day.  Driving to Jackson and back wears me out but those girls are SO worth it.  The last few times I was there Reaves showed her tail and cried the whole time.  She never cried once when I was there today and we played til I left.  She is just this side of crawling and I actually saw her get up on all fours but she couldn't get mobile just yet.  Soon.  Very soon.  

I know that everybody thinks that their grandchild is the most special but I believe we have a stronger bond as grandma, mother and child because of what Lauren went through to get her here!  Lerd...that was a test of everybody's endurance.  I've been chatting with my brother as  he waits to board a plane from Florida back to VA.  Perfect weather in Ft Lauderdale he said.  

Per my friend Spike to me today through Bradshaw " Find somebody and hug 'em tight and tell them you love them."

busy day

I'm slowly coming out of the fog that was the past three months.  This morning I ran some errands before reporting in with my new FNP who is a doll.  We used to work together at the hospital eons ago.  My BP was dangerously high (because I've not been taking the meds) so I stopped by the pharmacy to pick up a BP cuff and ran home to take a pill.   Those portable cuffs can be wonky so I asked my neighbor who is a nurse to help me out with it.  It was all OVER the place so she pulled out her trusty stethoscope and manual cuff and did it the old school way.  Still very high.  My TSH was up so that pill goes back on the menu.  

I met with some internet type folks down at The Mill to discuss what our tech needs will be for the business model that is in the planning process.  We have all been overwhelmed with everyday life so it was a nice break to just sit and brainstorm.  And gossip!  On the way home I stopped at the chicken store and spotted my favorite couple that comes there every day.  They get to see the latest baby picture when I pass through.  I felt a tap on my back and it was my buddy with bad news.  We hugged in disbelief and marveled at how short life can be.  

Hold them close while you've got them ^j^

back to the future

I haven't been in the lab since the last day I worked in December except for one tearful visit when I realized that I couldn't do the job anymore.  I have an appointment with a new PCP/NP tomorrow so I went up today to get some labs run before I go.  This visit was different and I got lots of hugs and love from my peeps.  We compared grandchild stories and discussed life in general while the TSH ran ( which takes forever ) and it was good to be with them again.  Most of them are counting the days until they're out as well.  We are all old and tired and have done our time.  

Finally I got notification in the mail that the LTD has been approved so now I know what I have to work with for the next few years.  That's a relief that has been a long time coming.  That first check will be put aside for the beach.

As I drove through the 'burg I noticed that the cross on the lawn of FUMC is draped for Holy Week and has palm fronds on it.  Nice touch.  Next Sunday it will become alive with flowers as the tradition of the flowering cross.  People come from all over town to take Easter pictures in front of it!

It's cool still but it was so cold in January that this seems like summer.  I've got 'maters started in pots inside waiting for the day when they can safely go into the bales.  Those daffodils in the blue water are now edged with a blue tint.  Amazing stuff is usually quite simple.

As we go through this week let's not forget what kind of deceit and betrayal followed the triumphal entry.  Hosanna ^j^

raising hell

Kids will be kids until their reality turns into watching classmates get gunned down  at school.  Then they become adults way too soon.  The marches are going on all over the country including DC.  I'm right there with them in spirit.  There has been much ado about these protests being "politically motivated."  Bullshit.  It's about people with a passion and a cause that they believe in deeply.  AND it's mid-term election year.  Things should get interesting.  

I'm still waiting on an LTD decision and wrestling with getting health coverage.  Dental is a done deal.  The other is in limbo with healthcare.gov.  Sounds like I'll have to visit Brian again but this time I'll bring cake.  

Today is, as my brother the weather guy would say "blustery".  I've made my rounds through town and find myself here typing and watching the gray clouds roll.  I was planning a Jackson trip but Lauren had things to do so we rescheduled.  If we had to work around MY work too, we would never see each other.  Small blessings comes when least expected.

It took me a good three months to feel like a human again following the December surgery.  Winter went on forever and I sat here hurting like a mofo in between treatments with Gay.  MFR is not a quick fix by any means.  You can take an opiate for that, if you can get one.  Regular treatments are a huge part of healing the body.  Since the surgery, my knee went out and she has improved that as well plus showed me some self treatment options.  I sleep with my therapy ball every night.

Yesterday I had a childhood flashback and put some daffodils in a glass with blue colored water.  It's amazing to watch that color creep up into the yellow bit by bit.  The dishes and clothes are washed so I have time to piddle today and clear a path in the living room.  It's a dangerous place to navigate.  

Happy weekend to all y'all and your mama'n'them.  

old dogs and new tricks

Though I have upgraded equipment in several areas, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to getting the show on the road.  Therefore I will be showing up at The Mill next week with both laptops for some advice.  The new one is loading ridiculously slow which I attributed to the fact that I also have the old one online next to it to retrieve the information I need plus I'm the last customer on the line literally.  Lerd.  And of course you have to use the smartphone too.  I hooked up the redneck water hose yesterday and just let the bales get good and soaked.  There's rain coming I believe.  And it's still chilly but the sun is peeking out finally.

Lauren posted a picture of Reaves wide open at 4:15 this morning.  This child is a force to be reckoned with!  Her poor tired Mama just keeps chugging coffee and soldiers on.  Can't  wait to see them again.  She will be crawling soon because she's already up on her elbows and using those chunky monkey legs.  

I have a dresser in my bedroom that was my Daddy's forever.  I moved it here after I sold the way too big one.  Even after two years, I still catch a whiff of their house when I pass that piece of furniture.  It's comforting and sad, all at the same time.

I'll keep y'all posted on further technological adventures.  Oh, and the weather of course.

Keep the faith ^j^

good byes and good news

This will be one of my last blog posts from this machine because my grand new one with a girnomous hard drive was just delivered.  Considering the fact that it took me two months to get around to getting the smart TV going I'd say it may be a few days.  Right now the sun is begging me to come outside and play.

I met friends at Mexico for lunch and we all chatted while a couple of us lusted over a man in blue eating alone across from us.  My last stop before going there was to get a decent hose at Lowe's so as to douse these new bales.  My sleep patterns have normalized and I'm usually up by 8.  After a long wakeup with flavored fizzy water and the online news, I'm ready to carry on with the day.  And you know what?  It makes me happy to have the time to do whatever I want.  

Reaves has a tooth!  We knew it was coming with all that drooling and whatnot.  That babygirl is something else.  

Joy ~

upgrade

Well as it turns out even after Darneasha cleaned 2G off of my laptop the Windows 10 update ate up the free space so I have a laptop on order.  And no, I haven't won the lottery.  It's all a part of a grander plan for which I need the proper tools...thus camera too.  I am now officially a memeber of The Mill Workspace so you will be seeing me check in there like A LOT.  Plus Pennington's is right across the street for all my gardening needs.  I got two more straw bales today and my buddies loaded 'em up for me and called me dear.  

The county road department is out filling potholes on the lane which is nice.  That ice and snow did a number on it.  Yesterday I noticed a vehicle parked on the lane that then pulled into the drive so I went to check it out.  It was the property assessor who just happens to be a friend.  She and her husband bought one of the lamps from the Forked Deer River bridge that was at mom and dad's house.  Delores Jones bought the other.  And both still shine brightly.

Not sure when I'll see my girls again but they're okay and doing their own thing.  Reaves will probably be pushing up to sit by the next time I visit.  

Take care and don't stop believing.  

blog break

The time has come for me to take the ever crashing desktop to Darnisha to see if it can be saved.  I can blog on a phone and have done so but my eyesight doesn't much allow for that these days.  I need me some screen with bold and caps.  AND a real keyboard.  Today was very productive for me as I killed about four birds with one stone while dodging rain showers.  I kept looking for a rainbow but it never showed up.  

Brian guided me through the maze that is the marketplace and we got that done plus some dental through him.  I checked with the pharmacy to see what my maintenance meds ( only 3 ) cost for cash pay.  Two are cheap.  The inhaler is over three hundred bucks.  Thanks pharma bro.  I ran into an Agee cousin and we chatted about what's up in their world.  Small town pleasures with time to enjoy.  You can't beat that with a stick.

I got a filling this morning so there's that kind of pounding thing still going on in my head.  Good thing I've got some dental insurance lined up!  Still no LTD news.  They are slow as molasses.  

Many years ago I got tired of looking at the piano that I never played and dusting the top so I gave it to Nancy Hardin and our choir director Cooper tuned it so she could practice for Sunday evening service.  My only request to her was that when she died that it come back to my family.  I got a call from an unknown landline today and answered to hear her voice with an offer to give it back and she's not even dead!  I explained to her about the possible move and we remembered how hard it was for her family to get it out of this house and down the steps.  That's on the calendar for mid summer.  

My leg is better.  I don't know what single thing is helping but I suspect it's a mix.  I'm totally off of aspartame.  The brace is helping....and tomorrow is treatment day.  I thought I had lost my car keys at the strip mall ( in the rain ) for they were in my purse all along.  I should seriously keep up with shit better.

Hang on Northeast~

in the dirt

My buddies at Pennington's loaded up the two straw bales for me early on yesterday. They now have basil and mint, btw.  And a few 'maters if you're one on prepping indoors.  I think I'll try that.  Last year's bales have turned into compost which is a nice value added piece.  Those guys love me.  Well all except for the grumpy one.  They don't carry my kind of compost so off to Lowe's I went with straw hanging out the open trunk.  Hey...don't laugh.  I've done it before.  

Our plans for a stroll down to Jackson Walk Plaza got squished because it was cool and Reaves is sick.  She was happy to see Grammaw and we had some special time.  She will smooth roll off a couch now and even a bed!  She plays hard and fights hard not to miss a thing.  We finally got her to give it up and sleep right before I left to come home.  

412 is a boring drive but made more tolerable today by the patches of spring color.  Not much traffic on Sunday or between 9 and 3.  Lauren bought lunch and we ate like mothers do from something disposable while she fed Reaves sweet 'taters.  Just another day in paradise.  Soon she will have a car and our visits will be different.  We've been together for almost 2 years at this, and I have faith ^j^

the marketplace

I consider myself to be fairly computer literate and can navigate most websites but the ACA is not playing nice today.  I met with my agent armed with what I thought was a valid username and password and we couldn't get in.  Alright then.  Back home to try and rectify that.  And done.  Now that I'm ready to shop plans I'll go back in to see him next week.  While I was there Cheryl checked on dropping the Cadi insurance and it actually WENT DOWN. Lord, wonders never cease.  My camera came yesterday and I finally got the battery compartment open and it works.  I had to stop by Walgreens to get a memory card and the girl who waited on me for the 2nd day in a row actually asked if my knee stabilizer helped!  That's a good sales associate right there.  

I am heartbroken still over the backlash of the school walkouts.  Especially the statement that it was "nakedly political?"  Every gun rights activist in the country is making fun of these kids and accusing them of "being led" by liberals.  You mean kind of  like the GOP is led by the NRA?  There's a thread on a friend's page that I ducked out of that is in its' second day of arguing.  Life is too short.  I did get an apology from a troll there though.  That was sweet and a first.  Most of the time they just get off on telling you how stupid you are.

The brace does indeed help, but not much.  I'm doing the one foot one step at a time thing on these monstrous stairs.  The shoulder....meh.  It hurts all the time but that's my new normal.  Keeping on with the MFR and exploring holistic healing options are what I'm focusing on.  

Other than that, I've got nothing.  I'm planning to visit the girls on Sunday which will be fun.  We can bundle Reaves up and take her for a stroll!

Namaste ^j^

the conversation

Everywhere I look there is criticism of yesterday's school walkouts.  I am beyond disappointed that these brave kids are being categorized as liberal nutjobs who don't know what they're talking about.  Sure, some of them don't and they're just tagging along.  BUT.  Their point is being made and heard and that's what matters.  Speaking of "that bunch on the left" I'm really tired of being profiled as one of them.  In thread after thread there are trolls looking to pick a fight and win rather than have honest dialogue.  I don't get mad about it.  We are all looking for solutions and as with most issues we are polarized on what the real problem is.  I'm actually doing on the street interviews with folks to ask if they are gunowners and how they feel about assault weapons.  I'm curious as to why people are holding so fiercely to this one particular type of gun.

I drove around the farm this morning checking out the foundation work at the cabin and the floor guys at my soon to be neighbor's house.  Both will be gorgeous when done.  Had to break down and get a knee stabilizer so that meant a trip to Walgreens where I did not tarry.  

The funniest thing I read so far about Tillerson is his comment that "I hope Trump finds out he's impeached on Twitter!"  Oh to be a fly on the wall.

Carry on with hope ~

just call me snowflake

I watched live feeds of the student walkouts all over the country at 10am and I must say I'm impressed.  They are the generation who lives with the constant threat of gun violence in schools.  They are the ones who lost friends or were injured.  In spite of lots of chatter, they have organized themselves into a force that must be reckoned with.  I don't have the answers.  

I am the non-partisan voter who voted for an independent candidate in the presidential election.  I am, literally, a liberal Republican.  I believe in fiscal responsibility which includes working for benefits if possible.  I am pro-choice, recently pro death penalty if done swiftly with accurate evidence and believe in equality for all in spite of race, religion or sexual preference.   Truth be told, there are millions out there like me who don't want to be pegged as a follower of a particular party.  I watch them both and what they do.  I believe that Donald Trump has failed his party and this country miserably and if they could oust him they would.   Enough about politics.  I refuse to engage in name calling over that OR religion.  Speaking of fiscal responsibility, how about that parade and that wall?  How many folks could be fed or have health care coverage for what all that will cost?

I believe that gun safety should be mandatory training for any child, especially who lives in a home where guns are kept within reach of kids.  They need to realize how a gun works and its' safety features.  Their parents should assume responsibility for making sure that happens.  

It's a beautiful day in the hood and the 'gentral was calling my name this morning because.....cat food.  I can't keep the dogs out of it so it goes quick.  They hear it hit the plate, wait for Lily to abandon it and grub.  Such is life in our abode.  

I fought a battle with multiflora rose and lost miserably yesterday so there's plenty of scratches to prove it.  The cropduster is hard at it again buzzing my house every five or ten minutes.  Farmer Joey and his crew were out with trucks full of whatever yesterday.  It's plantin' time in Tennessee and per crop rotation I will be surrounded again by corn come July.  It's like living in a box.  

All y'all and your mama'n'them be safe and blessed ^j^

retail therapy

I have not shopped for myself in years except online or at the 'gentral.  The reason for that is because it involved either a precious day off or a trip somewhere after work.  My wardrobe consisted of scrubs and a couple of pairs of ratty jeans that looked like I was a tenant farmer.  I've always loved JCPenney because they have great sales so I hit them up today for about six shirts and three pairs of pants, all on sale.  As an afterthought I went to see what kind of black shoes they had and voila!  A pair of Clarks in my size on sale for 60.  The young lady at the register told me about a coupon for 15% off so we pulled that up on the phone and the shoes cost me 50 bucks.  

I visited Donna at Sunflower and got 10% off just for checking in on FB.  I came away with several oils, pink himalayan salt and a cute tshirt that pimps out her store.  As a customer, I believe in advertising on my back.  I stopped by the bank to pick up a statement for my attorney who is headed to the trustee with my "much less" income than when the judgement was handed down.  That is why I am getting what I need now because times will be lean, especially if the LTD screws me.  I've tried...HR has tried.  There ain't no hurrying these people up.  I don't want a decision right now because I just became eligible for benefits on March 6th and it will go retro.  I just need to know what my freakin' income will be.  

I just read the headline that Tillerson is out so I've got to go read all about that all slack jawed at the way this administration is crumbling. The idiot really thinks he will be elected in 2020.  O.M.G.  We'll be lucky to still be on the planet by then the way he's insulting world leaders.  

It's cold but warming up.  Maybe I can handle the chill enough to walk the yard.  My knee is still hurting, especially the calf but it's better with decent shoes, a shot and some good MFR treatments.  

Holla~

easter people

My Daddy used to joke about the people who only came to church on Easter and Christmas.  I was never one of those.  While I was attending I was there just about every Sunday with Lauren in tow.  She grew up there like I did, very Methodist.  She was an acolyte and was confirmed and joined in about the sixth grade I guess.  Neither of us go to church regularly anymore.  She quit going as a tween when the youth director left to go to seminary but I soldiered on as SS teacher to that age group.  They were a tough crowd to play, just saying.  More than one teacher quit or left in tears.  Said youth director is now long ordained and pastors his own church.  When I was in high school we got our first "official" youth director who was associate pastor.  He pulled the diehards together and we had a voice in things for what it was worth.  After high school, I never went back until Lauren was 2 years old and my daddy told me to "get that child in church."  Yes sir.  

Though I still know the doxology by heart, my spirituality is more out in the world these days.  I have heart to heart discussions with people about God and how He has worked in my life and the lives of others.  Now that I have some time, I will volunteer to help the least of these.  Opportunities abound every single day to do what Jesus would do.  But to do that, you have to be humble enough not to take credit for your service.  Those folks are the ones that make me wanna' slap somebody.  

Holy Week is right around the corner and I like the noon services that are held locally.  They rotate from church to church by the year and it's a totally community inspiring experience to walk that road together.  

Not to be whiny BUT....I still hurt.  I'm trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I'm 62 and that's part of it so suck it up buttercup.  Chronic pain management is a slippery slope amidst this "war on opiates."  The people who are dying in this epidemic are a far cry from this old gal who just counts on a micro dose to function.  I spent time in the yard yesterday picking up wandering to see the latest bloom.  I am determined to keep going THROUGH the pain until I get my body into better shape.  Three months as a sloth has given me the initiative to do things I can do for my health like walk the lane.  At one time I walked 2.5 miles a day.....up the golf course hill ad back.  I did dance aerobics in my 30s.  All of this has kept me relatively healthy but I've slacked and it's time to change that.  

I'm still going through boxes and totes of pictures and other odd things and purging.  Each family member now has a pile of pictures in a box with their name.  Tommy got the Brooks shoe box yesterday.  Work on the cabin is ongoing and tedious as foundation things will be.  I mean...it's an old house that's on concrete blocks.  The crawlspace is now wide open.  

I have never in my life been so sick of rain.  Hopefully it will be a good thing for the farmers when the waters recede.  My thermostat changes from heat to air day by day.  Tennessee weather.  Gotta' love it.  

Happy Daylight Saving Time.  Hope you weren't late for church ^j^

one life at a time

I had the distinct privilege of knowing Ms Barbara Eller for most of my life through church, work and school.  She was without a doubt one of the sweetest souls that ever lived.  Lauren had her as an elementary school teacher and she actually cried when I told her that my husband and I were divorcing.  She cared that much about her students, each and every one.   During the time that she fought her long battle with breast cancer, she always had a smile and hug for me whenever our paths crossed.  I guess the last time I saw her was at customer appreciation day at her son's pharmacy.  I was too late to get a Tshirt but got to hug her neck as she proudly sat out front with the grillers.  What a gracious lady.

It's a beautiful day and warm enough for a tshirt!  I passed the neighbor going to pick up his tiller to start work on garden 2018 at the end of the lane.  I had to run to the 'gentral ( of course ) and noticed a lot of boats and four wheelers at the gas station.  Everybody's itching to get outside and play!  I bought Reaves a cute outfit in the next size up because I'm a sucker like that.  Mostly she wears pajamas because...comfy.

Y'all all go plant something with faith that it will grow ^j^

self care day

I set my alarm for the wrong time so it's a good thing I got a text to wake me up with 30 minutes to get to the dentist.  The text was bad news....Rachel telling me that her granny passed away.  It was expected, and a welcome relief from watching her in such pain.  I've been in their shoes and know the way it plays out.  Ms Delores and Ms Kathy Cook were there for my Mama all.the.time after Daddy died.  The Cooks and Ms Reba are the only ones left from their old crowd of running buddies.  Well, Frank and Barbara too.I always remember Daddy calling Pop "ski baby" and I got told the history of that moniker at the funeral home, where else.  Better pull out my black pants.

I had a very good treatment by Gay the wonder therapist while Huck supervised.  He gets into the vibes of all that energy and comes out kind of dozified like me.  When I got home I was unloading the car and Mr. FedEx backed in with my freakin' bad ass Brooks running shoes.  Not that I'm gonna run or anything but boy do they feel like walking on air.  If I buy a good pair of Clarks for dress up and a few sale tops, I'm in business.  

My boss called yesterday to give me a heads up that the sick time is out as of today's pay and I have a week's vaPrtion after that.  Yet STILL SunFinancial is sitting on my request for LTD so I don't know what my numbers are to a) purchase insurance and b) petition the judge to lower my BK payment.  As of June I'm 3 years in with another 2 to go.  Always remember: predatory lending is the devil.

I saw my friend Mike at one of his stores today and he's about 20 pounds lighter and taking it easy for a bit to deal with health issues.  It was good to hug his neck and show pictures of Reaves and Lauren.  She was almost the night manager of the first store until she forgot to lock the door one night as she left. Ooops!  Mike wanted to keep her but brother said "no way."  

She's shopping as I type at the Bemis Wallyworld.  It's a treat for her just to get out of the apartment andother people besides the tribe and work peeps.  We're working toward an overnighter so she can get my new TV going.  Hey...I never claimed to be a tech genius.  

Grace and peace be with us ~

armed with knowledge

About 30 or more interested folks gathered at The Mill Workspace today for an informative session on the different platforms available on social media and the best way to reach target audiences with your small business.  I am sorely lacking in that area except for Facebook but I intend to get hooked up with a few of the others and learn how to use them in marketing whatever vision(s) come to me as a member of the co-work space.  The owner, Chris Donaldson, is a visionary in the fields of IT and small business development.  Lorna and I had breakfast at Dave's and walked on over for the big shindig.  Darnisha and Allen were there to greet folks and there were quite a few.  The guy with the food truck has a restaurant in Ridgely and there was a giant tech bus equipped with lots of computers, a drone and comfy seats.  The event drew a lot of interest to that end of town with more to come.  I got a chance to see our retiring fire chief who will be leaving office tomorrow for another career using his construction skills.  Good luck Tim!

It's a pretty day out there...one that makes up for the gray and snow spittin' of Wednesday. We still have a few more chilly days but I think the worst is over.  Hopefully.  Maybe.  Don't forget to spring forward this weekend.  The cropduster is at it again today so I'll stay away from the drift until tomorrow.  Friday is dentist and MFR day.  I see now why I never got anything done when I was working.  

Y'all remember who you are.  And always do the next right thing.  

the greatest love of all

I hate to drive, mainly because I have a crappy car. You can hear that Camry coming from a mile away, just saying.  My only motivation to hit the road is to visit my girls which is precisely what I did this morning.  I walked into a living room full of Baylee eating breakfast and Reaves chilling.  She had not had her morning nap and she fights sleep with a vengeance so Lauren had to do the butt whacking magic in the rocker to get her to give it up.  She then passed her to me and we rocked while she slept.  This grammaw was in heaven.

Besides getting to see Aunt Erica and Baylee I also got some big love from the very pregnant and glowing Kim.  She's true blue just like the rest of that tribe.  I also met the grounds keeper who is from Dyersburg.  Small world.  The girls all traipsed off to their pie party in Bemis and I headed home.

Still no word on my claim as the powers that be pick through the medical records and try to find a reason not to pay.  The official status is under "quality control" where it's been for a week.  My orthopedic group uses a medical records company that charges 15 bucks for each release form signed.  I've done several what with SS and the two LTD companies.  LTD has their own outsourced vendor for record retrieval and review.  It kind of gets lost in the shuffle, so to speak.  In a country where we can land crafts on the moon surely we can figure out how to get all this into one seamless medical record throughout facilities.  I mean really????  The inventor of an interface like that would be an instant billionaire.

My leg is better, but it's being babied big time.  I stretch and have some supportive shoes en route so there's that.  Arnica, comfrey and curcumin,  Instead of masking the symptoms, I'm trying to heal naturally.

Happy hump day kids.  Do it like you mean it!

at last!

Thank you sweet baby Jesus it's quit raining and the sun is shining brightly on Pecan Lane.  It's fairly warm so I didn't realize that the central unit was blowing cool air which means uh....out of propane again.  I've been through 600 bucks worth since I've been off and more is on the way thanks to propane guy.  I never thought to check because the weather has moderated.  It got me through the freezing spell so there's that to be thankful for.

Still waiting on the LTD people to let me know something.  The medical records transfer takes "a while " says the case manager.  The process is six weeks behind because I was filed with the wrong company to begin with.  They took their time to tell me OOPS we didn't cover you on your date of disability....the other company did.  

There is so much I want to do outside and it frustrates me to have the physical limitations right now.  It will pass and I will soldier on like a big girl.  I ordered a visitor's guide from St. George Island which is where Lorna and I are planning a vacay this summer.  Plan is the key word because we're both broke!  We need beach, period.  Hopefully her entire family will come and go during the time we're there, according to their schedules.  

Bubba sent me a picture of an honest to goodness Indian spearhead that the guys found under the log cabin.  Amazing to think about them camping under that old cottonwood that is long gone.  There were also a lot of snakes and a couple of skunks.  They are history.

Meanwhile the mayor of Nashvegas has resigned following an affair with her bodyguard and questionable use of funds.  Nobody is immune to the call of the siren, ya know?  I'm thrilled to see that Phil Bredesen is running for Corker's Senate seat.  I've always been a huge fan of his.  Even though TennCare got raped by pharmacies and the Ford family, it is a good solid model for healthcare delivery.  

So propane guy just flew and we got to visit while the truck pumped.  This guy lives in Gates and services several counties.  Next stop is Miston.  He's a good old boy who has cut me a LOT of slack over the years.

I'm going to Jackson tomorrow to see my girls.  Reaves is sitting up in one of those bump seats like she's all grown and stuff.  She's eating up a storm and had her first popsicle the other day.  nom nom.

like the rain

Okay then.  More rain.  Yesterday was so gorgeous and now back to dripdripdrip and pourpourpour.  I blame it on Trump!  I was back at my home away from home this morning with Leigh Ann and her crew.  On the way out I visited with some folks in the lab that I've worked with over the years and we gossiped like a bunch of old women.  I love having the time to stop and chat.  

I had intended to eat breakfast with Mamye this morning at Dave's but we were both kind of like...nah.  It's raining.  By the grace of Big Ernie I finally have my facebook accounts matching on phone and laptop.  I've missed having the shoot and share capability, if you know what I mean.  My LTD is still in limbo with an medical information company a week after I paid for it.  Too bad all those things aren't interfaced.  Baby steps and moving forward with faith ^j^

soft kitty bad kitty

Our cat Lily is a total diva.  Even if she has food out, she will prowl on surfaces just to knock things off for kicks.  I now have a spray bottle of water for when I can catch her in the act.  My crazy pills have disappeared so I'm thinking she shoved them off into the garbage can when I wasn't around.  She she's in a loving mood, you can't beat her sweetness but when she's throwing a tantrum I've been known to pitch her out the door.  She always lands on her feet.

I had zero food here so Krogering was a necessity this morning.  I saw several friends one of whom was a co-worker back in the day.  We did what folks do which is block the aisles with out carts while we gossiped.  Iris' late husband Bob was a part of the mens quartet that featured also my daddy, John Fisher and Steve Carmichael.  Steve is the only one left.  

I'm missing my girls and planning a Wednesday trip if the planets line up right.  Tomorrow I'll be visiting the NP for this knee thing and I will have another treatment this week.  I found a bruise on my heel which could explain the whole thing but I don't remember having a twist.  Could be these cheap shoes I'm wearing.  

That's all I've got.  Y'all be careful out there.

^j^

hurry up and wait

Time is running out for me to make some decisions about insurance, etc and I'm still in limbo with the LTD company.  Also a factor is my Chapter 13 BK which is currently being taken out of my check until I run out of time.  Then I'll have to send it in myself but it should be considerably less.  We shall see.  All of this is income based so I can't make a move until I know a dollar amount to work with.  Hopefully I'll get the word next week.  I now have a bum knee to go along with the bad shoulder.  Gettin' old is not for sissies.  

The water is up but I think the Forked Deer will begin to go down little by little from this point.  Until it rains again on Monday!  My friend Tom spent a large part of last year documenting the farm with his camera.  The farm owner was so impressed that he ordered a ton of the prints and gifted each of us Stafford kids with two large nicely framed pictures from our past.  The to die for vew of South Pecan Lane now hangs in my office and the cabin is in the bedroom.  

So now AR15 lovers are gonna' boycott Dick's and Walmart because of their good sense move to remove them from the sheves and raise the purchase age.  News flash kids....they'll never miss you and in fact will gain business for this savvy move.  I quit shopping Walmart years ago but will reconsider now that they have done this and started treating their workers better.  

It's a beautiful day in the hood with plenty of sunshine and lots of flowers.  In one week daylight savings time will begin so I might stay up past six.  Pretty soon Mayberry will be back at it out here in the yard(s) and asparagus will start peeking through.  That's my favorite time.  

Grace and peace ~

a new attitude

So far today I have avoided going anywhere which is a good thing.  The army flew over yesterday, about six of them and one more today.  They're watching the river situation which is what meterologists call "a potential disaster."  Just kidding.  Besides I live on a hill.

Bubba came by today with some gifts from a friend and I was absolutely amazed at the beauty and detail.  Dude will def get a thank you note, even if by email.  Mama would be so proud...and Daddy too.  Hat tip to the photographer who spent close to a year documenting the place.  There will be new beginnings with fewer pine trees!

Time to walk the yard or plant something. Big hugs to all ya'll and your mama'n'them.

reprieve

We were in between deluges this morning when I ran by the cabin for a window count and daffodil check.  The minis are usually the first to come up but they're not ready.  However, a whole bunch of others are!  My yard is full of 'em too, plus forsythia.  By the time I got to Lowe's and home it was pouring again on those poor foundation guys.

Next was a PRIMO treatment by Gay and a random visit with Larry and Ms. Joy.  We all got puppy kisses from Huck and Joy had a brand new hairdo which is absolutly beautiful.  It makes my heart melt to see her that happy.

Now for the rant.  If I understand correctly the local 911 board voted down funding for software needed for emergency response.  There is a whole bunch of politics going on up in that deal and I won't go into all of it.  Tim Ware and James Medling are good men who are getting thrown under the bus.  We will miss your leadership as of March 9th Tim.  Oddly enough, the ex police chief is the biggest pot stirrer.  The sheriff abstained.

So, other than the bum knee and shoulder life looks pretty good right now.  I saw sunshine today which was a merkle.  I hear there are other big announcements on the horizon so I've got my ears perked up.  I do so love a good story.

Blessed~