the gaga eyeroll

Now I'm here to tell you right now that I'm a big fan of A Star is Born and all.  Last night on Jimmy Fallon's show he point blank asked her about the "chemistry" between she and Bradley on that piano bench.  Her first response was to roll her eyes like DUH.  They are actors.  They make millions  because they are damn good at it.  Social media, which she referred to as the "toilet of the internet" jumped on this like white on rice trying to make them all in love.  I think it's hilarious.  Get a life people.

I have never been a Lamar Alexander fan.  I believe that he's a solid conservative who doesn't really listen to his constituents, one of which is me.  I have written to he and Corker numerous times about things like healthcare and marijuana reform.  I got stock answers from some intern so I just gave up.  However, Senator Alexander startled me into respect today as he pushed back against Trump.  That is so not like him.  Corker said his piece on the way out and got skewered as "little Bob" by the great one.  The worm turns.

In other news this looks like it will be another historic year for flooding in numerous areas.  But y'all keep on on burning that petrol.  We all know global warming is a hoax just like this Trump thing is a witch hunt.  Dude, you have not seen a coven of witches like the ones coming for you.  

I'm still kind of sad over what happened at General Conference but aware that things only happen in God's time and that we must stay faithful, vigilant and supportive in order to be inclusive.  Eventually the racists will die out.  They always do.  With clergy and half the membership of this gigantic denomination we can find a way.  

^j^

the real deal

Today, for the first time, Reaves held my finger in her tiny little fist and walked beside me.  Out to the car then all over the grass at the place we went to eat.  This was following two hours of her couch climbing while I watched the Republican asshats preach at Michael Cohen.  His 20 page testimony was published before the hearing yet it went on and on with people asking dumb questions and taking to the bully pulpit. He's a liar, they said.  No shit.  That's why he's going to jail.  But you know what?  When you throw people under the bus like Trump has done you get what you gave.  It was kind of comical seeing the split screen with Cohen on one half and Trump and Kim on the other.  Lerd, what a mess.

The water is still rising and it looks like a very long flood season.  I remember going to the riverfront in Paducah where the Mississipi and Ohio merge.  I have been to Hickman landing where the mudslide happened and also to WK Ford which stays underwater when it's like this.  Oh, and that one in Arkansas past Osceola.  And why did I go to all these places?  Because of Lewis and Clark's modern day version at Quapaw Canoe.  John Ruskey and Michael Clark took off on a recreation of the original journey on a big anniversary.  They chronicled their adventures in educational stage productions at schools near them.  Clark is a teacher in St. Louis.  Ruskey runs the Quapaw business in Clarksdale.  My poi*nt is this.  People with a purpose and a passion pass history on to others and the next generation.  I am thrilled to see all those young people in Congress and the possibility of term limits.  Out with the aging old codgers.  Not that I'm calling Mitch a codger or anything.

^j^

the people have spoken

I am a 4th generation Methodist who has seen the church go from a little Wesleyan circuit thing to the second largest denomination in the US.  Only the Southern Baptist Convention is bigger.  With big denominations come many committees and affirmations of faith.  Core beliefs, if you will.  This weekend's gathering of the General Conference in St. Louis was attended hugely and the vote was to keep the "traditional" stance on LGBT clergy and marriage.  Clergy were not allowed to vote but bound to attend.  The flock chose to divide a church that is based on warming the hearts of others wherever there are two or more.  Alrighty then.  Thanks for the memories. 

This not having my contacts is driving me nuts.  I think it's a sign to get a smarter phone.  Tomorrow is girls day in Jackson and I can't wait to practice my name again.  Lauren keeps calling me grammaw and confusing her.  So far the Forked Deer is holding steady so I won't have to drive to town to get on 412.  

The sun was glorious today but harsh on the eyes sort of like when you come out of a cave and get blinded.  It's been a long haul of dark days.  Prayers for moderation ^j^

forever friends

I have a lot of friends, many of them on Facebook.  Some I have never met in person.  Others I have spent a lifetime with at different points.  Forgiveness of past quarrels comes easily to me, others not so much.  I can honestly say that the people that I truly know to be of my tribe will forgive almost anything.  If not, they are not my friend.  I try hard to live mindfully and have respect for the boundaries of myself and others.  I respect privacy so I hear a lot of stories that have never been told.  Sometimes I remind myself of Lucy at the little place where the doctor is IN.  It's incredibly easy to get sucked into somebody's anger and pain so I always counter with love and kindness unless I have been disrespected.  Ain't got no time for that.

The water is up again, and 51S business will be covered by tomorrow at crest time.  The bigger picture includes what happens with the Mississippi between now and March 4th.  I have a contingency plan as long as the bridges don't collapse!  Everything is coming up in my yard like surprise lilies and whatnot.  It's almost time for March Madness.  This winter has flown by and my Daddy always told me it would get that way as I aged.  Time flies.  

I was gifted with some clothes from a friend and I had to buy new hangers at the 'gentral to enable them to spark joy.  I am all about sparking me some joy these days.  I'm looking for a piece to use as a makeup table/vanity with the new mirror.  It will come if I manifest!

Y'all watch your flood stages and "turn around, don't drown."  And always keep the faith ^j^

this is the day

That the Lord has made.  Let us be glad!  And it's not raining....yay and Amen!  The state of Tennessee is having landslides like you ain't seen in some time and I'm sure there's more to come.  Sinkholes too.  I'm telling y'all, this is some scary stuff.  Meanwhile, it's Oscar time and I have my favs plus my predictions.  I'll let you know how much I win in the office pool.

The investigation into Russia's influence into our 2016 election is almost complete and a lot of heads have already rolled.  Whether or not we the people actually get to know the results, Congress certainly should.  John Goodman, I mean AG Barr, is in charge of that.  If I were in his position I'd be asking what would Jesus do considering what's at stake here with global doom and gloom.  I don't hate Trump and never have.  He's a blithering idiot who got here by accident.  They used him and his base to crush Hillary.  As his term has progressed we have seen more and more unraveling of his sanity and thus our safety.  I reckon Vlad knew what he was doing after all.

I can't worry about it.  During a spiritual chat this morning we discussed about how those who worry all the time don't have the real faith that God intends us to have.  Like, hand it over girlfriend.  You ain't in charge.  This was while we watched Steve Gaines for the 3rd Sunday in a row preaching about what Coach Newby taught him on the DHS football team.  Small world.

I picked some buttercups when I got home and they're in one of mama's glasses.  It is the beginning of the end of winter and so far we've been lucky with the slick stuff.  I sure could use a boat, however.  

Y'all give everybody you see a big hug.  It's great therapy ^j^

coming down

The worst part of the dreaded sinus cocktail is the deflation on the next day when the stuff wears off.  What.a.bummer.  I worked and went through the motions but wasn't 100%  It takes time.  We watched it pour for four solid hours and listened to thunder while I wondered if I'd make it through the flood water to home.  And, i did.  God gave the trusty old Camry enough ooomph to get us through with me talking to myself the whole time."Don't stop.don'tstop.Don'tStop"  It reminded me of the little engine that could.

I feel sure that somewhere in the near future I'll be relocating to Casa Gigi for a bit once the backwater gets going.  Southtown will be closed again so it's bypass or nothing.  I know the drill.

So the Oscars are coming up and I've seen several of the films with nominations.  My favorites are Roma and A Star is Born in no particular order..nah.  Who am I kidding?  Bradley and Gaga had me from the get go.

Be mindful and safe.  Peaceful with a purpose, so to speak ^j^

sparking joy

I felt better today so I got out to make the rounds of my remaining errands before and after a visit with Lorna at The Mill.  She passed on some clothes and shoes from her daughter Amy and I'm not even halfway through the stuff but very grateful!  It's still raining by the way, with a chance of severe weather tomorrow.  I guess we may have to get in the bathtub.

Those shots yesterday really helped me perk up. I was afraid I might not sleep because of the steroids but I slept like a baby for 12 hours.  I have been considering buying a gun and still toying with the idea.  In the meantime I had two badass knives in the drawer in case the bad guys show up.  Beware.  My dogs will eat your ass up.

I hear that Trump is pitching a fit because he gets a participant award for the Nobel prize.  There are no words for that kind of stupidity.  I mean geez....he nominated himself.  My gut tells me that Mueller will move soon and we shall see how much of the truth the American people get to see what with all the redaction and whatnot.  Hopefully Congress, at least, will be able to get the full story.  

Teach your children well ^j^

hit me again

I finally broke down and went to the urgent care this morning after getting tested for flu, strep and CBC.  It makes it a lot easier when you bring your own stuff.  Cheaper too!  Brooke and I used to work together and she advised me to have a sinus cocktail plus Rocephin so I got one in each hip.  That should kick it in the butt.  

The road department was here this morning working on the crater at the end of the lane.  It now has rip rap and was dug out to improve drainage.  We shall see if the three upcoming days of rain force me out.  

I've been too sick to really notice what's going on in the real world so no comment.  Y'all all know what I think about the circus anyway.  So, this is short and sweet.  I lost all my phone contacts so call or message me so I can get you back on the call list!

Namaste ~

meandering

I could have slept in this morning but the dogs had me up by 8.  With time to kill until lunch with friends I started off on a mission.  Part of that was to pick up Avon from Yaya and the place has changed so much I couldn't find her.  We visited and shared grandbaby pics and talked about everybody and their mama'n'them.  My house is so dark I can't see to put on makeup so I found a lighted mirror at Walgreens that's just right.  I used to have one like it when I was a teenager!  At lunch I saw many old friends besides the ones at our table and even got a quote on a gun from one gal I know.  I told her what I wanted and she messaged me quick.  

I ran out of propane, or so I thought so Butch headed here with a load today.  Thank goodness I had Gigi's little heaters.  My new kicks were on the porch when I arrived and the phone is in transit, so to speak.  I don't worry about it....just take it as it comes.  

sick day

It was bound to happen what with all the sickness with my girls.  I woke up yesterday feeling like crap and by last night it was bad...sore throat and all.  I haven't been the urgent care but may have to if it persists.  We'll see what tomorrow brings.

The heavy rain is coming which is not a good thing for an already saturated area.  The county is supposed to take a peek at the gaping hole at the end of the lane before the whole road washes out.  Needs some rip rap up in there for a temporary fix.  

I made a quick trip into town and am now home on the lane for the day.  I'm hitting the oregano oil and colloidal silver plus Calm to try and fight the sickness off.  Y'all all know I'm a Bernie Bro and I was delighted to see he's going to make another run.  Now I can wear my Bernie hoodie wide pride during another campaign.  The dems are steady distancing themselves from him because of the tag "democratic socialist".  Whatever.   He is the front runner at this point in that huge pack.

I haven't checked the news yet but I'm sure it's more of the same.  Nothing much changes.  Same shit, different day.  

Peace be with you ^j^

downtime

There will be none of that until Wednesday for this old girl.  Following a trip to Jackson to spend time with the girls, I came home to try and get my shit together.  Dirty clothes and dishes etc etc.  Y'all know the drill.  Mamye and Steve stopped by and gave me a chance to rest a bit.  I was just settling down to blog when ATT guy showed up.  Either I wrote the day down wrong or he just knew I needed a miracle.  And that is where we are now.

Reaves and I had a lovely time this morning and she called me Gaga for  the first time.  I've been Grammaw so far but I threw that one out at her and it was simple to repeat.  We practiced a lot and showed off for Lauren when she got back from her interview.  My own grandmother's name was Gaga.  How fitting that her great granddaughter is named Reaves.  Her favorite show of the day was Kelly and Ryan which is also one of my dailies.  

We had lunch from Rock'n'Dough and it was, as usual, delicious.  Plus there were leftovers!  The augmentin is hitting her gut so there was that to deal with.  Twice.  She is so full of herself it ain't even funny.  Lauren and I talked about "The Strong Willed Child" today and she thought I had the book.  Nah.  Her preschool teacher let me borrow it because she thought I might benefit!

My road is caving in at the bottom from constant flooding and I called the county today not realizing it was a holiday.  Try again tomorrow I suppose.  Baby steps. 

Y'all keep it between the stripes and stay out of the ditches ^j^

downsizing

Forty years ago most hospitals were county owned and operated.  Each little town had one and everybody knew everybody.  Eventually our county decided they couldn't manage anymore so they sold to a non-profit corporation.  Anybody who knows me know how that story went.  That company had a plan to use us as a feeder for their Memphis hospital and bought six others at the same time, mostly county owned.  

There was a network of ERs covering West Tennessee where each small town had one and many had inpatient facilities that were busy also.  One by one the smaller facilities were either sold off or shut down.  The latest is the one in Ripley Tennessee which leaves Lauderdale county residents 20 minutes highway time to either Covington or Dyersburg.  You can die in less than 20 minutes without acute care.  

A lot of people blame this on the ACA which is totally not true.  I believe it is, in large part, due to the lack of expansion of Medicaid.  Several ( mostly red ) states have refused the federal dollars and on what point of contention I do not understand.  Now the big city hubs are not able to handle the patient load coming to THEM, so transfers from a rural setting can be tricky.  The hospital in Ducktown near the Ocoee River is gone now with patients having to travel to either Cleveland or Chattanooga.  Don't get hurt on the river.  They'll have to airlift you out of the raft!

I spent a quite entertaining day with the family of friends and their two dogs.  A change of activity is always good.  The water is going down and it's cold again.  That's all I know for sure at this point.  Keep the faith kids ^j^

anger issues

There are angry rednecks everywhere, not just in the south.  However, this one particular incident did happen in the South just today.  My friend was at a diner eating alone and minding her own business within easy hearing distance of a table full of good old boys.  The bad guy piped up declaring loudly that the way to deal with border control is to "kill all them kids in the cages and put their heads on a stick and wave 'em around as a warning to stay away."  About the time my friend began to cry the other guys all threw down their forks, pushed away plates and one of them told the one on the bully pulpit that he did not speak for him with his warped views.  My friend was still crying and the nice dude stuck with her until she could get her shit together enough to drive.  So did the waitress.  That was bad enough.

She arrived at a business to do some chores and the TV was tuned into Trump's speech or ramble or whatever the hell it was.  She couldn't find the remote to shut it off.  About this time some country gal came prancing in shouting "There's my man!  He's the bomb!!!"  Um, okay then.  That was about too much for one person to absorb without going postal.  Instead she just cried some more and we talked it through.  I have no clue what I would do but I'll probably find out before it's all over.  

This dude was just blowing smoke but think about what he suggested:  Killing innocent migrant children that WE put into cages and camps because CARAVAN! DRUGS! GANGS!  There was no teleprompter so he kind of stumbled through the whole thing not making much sense as usual.  Plus he sniffed a lot which is habitual.  I'm thinking he snorts something.  

I prayed during that speech.  For our country and all the division that has us hating instead of reaching out.  Prayers continued throughout the day.  For peace.  For it to be over.  My own church is more than likely about to split over the issue of same sex marriage.  Traditionally, we have not been kind to gay people and they just went away.  That was many years ago but I remember it well when the topic first came up at General conference and people were jumping off the bleachers in despair.  You know where I stand.  I'll answer to God on that one.

I refuse to let the bastards get me down.  I realize the strategy here now that Ann Coulter has flipped.  They're just doing damage control for 2020.  Can you imagine how 45 is going to read in his little piece of history?  And no dude.  You don't have executive privilege to control that one.  It is what it is.

If you can't be positive, at least shut the hell up.  That's an order.

  

red flag

I knew it was too good to be true that Trump agreed to sign the spending bill.  That's not how he rolls.  No, he will have his way or else by declaring a federal emergency.  So be it and good luck in the courts with that one dude.  I don't even know why I care anymore.  Our voices are not heard and our wishes are not taken into consideration.  Good old America.  

I got a valentine in spite of myself and it made my day.  When I showed up this morning I had forgotten it was the day of love but of course it was all over the teevee and FB.  It also happens to be what would have been my parents' 65th wedding anniversary.  They planned it just for cupid to be in on the nuptials.  

Looks like the water will stop before it covers my road which is, as Martha would say, "a good thing."  Those folks near the Mississippi and Obion are another story.  Lorna told me Bogota is flooded just like South Dyersburg.  It happens a lot at both places.  I don't even look down when I go over the 51S bridge because it freaks me out to see it that high.  There are so many potholes on that bridge that one bump could send you flying into Lake Forked Deer.  

Here's hoping that your sweetheart(s) remember you with love and undying devotion.  And if all else fails, just know you have that from me and the pack out here.

^j^

like the old days

Since I have taken a  year off from the real world it often catches me by surprise when I find myself chasing my own tail like today.  I went to Jackson to "the infirmary" where they are both sick only Lauren had not seen a doctor.   Since I was there I told her to go on and get 'er done so she can get well.  Reaves went down for 3 hours solid and woke up crying so I know she's miserable.  By the time Lauren got home she was in a better mood.  I left them with Lauren's old bride doll from Aunt Granny, quarters for laundry and some hand me down clothes.  

I hauled ass back to Dburg in record time and met with some charming ladies who had been waiting for about an hour to do a meet and greet for a piece I'm working on.  A friend took the picture for me since I was elsewhere.  I didn't HAVE to this time, but I stopped by and picked up some pay from writing.  I'm so busy now I have to consolidate errands within a schedule.  My evil twin sloth side just wants to roll over and pull the quilt up!

The Forked Deer is creeping across the roads here and has southtown blocked off.  Crest is tomorrow at noon so we may dodge the bullet this time around.  I just pray it doesn't rain anymore.

Y'all keep the faith and play nice.  I mean it too because Big Ernie is watching and knows your heart ^j^

plan b

As a veteran of North Fork Forked Deer flooding I watch the water like a hawk.  I've been trapped too many times up here on this hill.  Residential south Dyersburg is already blocked off and the Mississippi isn't forecast to crest until March 2nd.  Plus, after tomorrow there's more rain in the forecast.  I have a place to stay should I have to make a run for it.  I am an optimist by nature but also a realist when it comes to this sort of thing.  I'll keep you updated!

I switched days on work because I was afraid to drive through the water in the dark this morning.  I ventured out mid-morning and found it still standing but passable.  It's up to the edge of Samaria Bend and will sprawl I feel sure.  Been there, done that many times.  Once, our neighbor James Frank took Daddy by boat up to the bypass for a doctor's appointment. UCMTSU.  I would have just rescheduled but not him.  

Stay dry and warm.  And keep the faith ^j^

who'll stop the rain

It started yesterday slow and steady and has continued into today with forecast for more of the same tomorrow.  When I came home yesterday the road was already covered and I haven't been out today but I imagine it's tire deep.  This is why I have asked a neighbor to take me to work in the morning.  There is nothing scarier than driving through water like that in the trusty Camry under darkness.  I remember during one backwater I had to beg and cry for permission to be late at the sawmill.  Flooding is a fact on this farm because it is surrounded by the Forked Deer river which feeds into the Mighty Mississippi.  I hope the levees hold.

Congratulations to Lady Gaga, Brandi Carlisle, Kacey Musgraves and Lauren Daigle on their grammy awards.  I adore all of them.  And of course Alicia is the bomb.  

I just heard a corporate jet fly over.  Considering my proximity to the airport I'd say my most likely way to die is by something crashing into the house.  That would be best life insurance wise!  ADD and a policy with a two year hold on natural death is where I'm at.  If it happens, y'all help Lauren out.  Do a Go Fund Me page or something.....

I'm not dancing in the rain but holed up in the house ignoring it.  Maybe it'll go away ^j^

perception and opinion

Part of being on FB is the opportunity to exchange ideas with others on a variety of topics.  Most of my trolls have learned that I do not play that game and leave me alone.  I refrain from name calling especially in the area of politics and you know who.  I simply don't waste my time and energy on the negativity.  I shared a quite thoughtful piece today written by author and Christian pastor Jon Pavlovitz.  I was immediately told by a Trump supporter that I had offended her with the post which sort of compared his base to a cult.  I absolutely shook my head at the feelings on the sleeve mentality of so many.  Hey.  Opinions are like assholes....everybody has one.  We don't have to agree on everything to be friends.  I've learned a lot from these conversations about the current state of our union.  And it scares me at times.

I offended another person this week when I asked out of concern about a health issue.  I was shut down like a bar at closing time.  I have just enough medical knowledge to know what means what and I read between the lines of what I was told.  It's what friends do, right?  Now I understand privacy because HIPPA was my life.  That's totally different.  I'm so open with my thoughts and feelings that I tend to forget how private some folks are.  And that is their right.  I'll take that any day over somebody's facebook drama.  

It's been raining all day and will continue through the night and all day tomorrow.  I'd say I'm probably rained in until it stops because the road was already covered.  I had a snapchat messenger visit with the girls today and we had so much fun!  I can't wait to see them.

Chill out folks, and pick your battles wisely.  

sons of other mothers

A friend and I were just having a long conversation about true friends.  He considers me A#1.  There's a another younger guy whose life is harrowing at the moment who also comes to me for a chance to vent.  Both of these men and a lot of other folks look to me for support because I don't try to talk much and just listen to what they say.  If I'm on a rant, they're on the other end and act accordingly.  If there's a natural disaster of some sort, my tribe has my back.

I remember distinctly the day I had a kitchen table full of teenage girls doing art therapy like I did on my first session with Beverly.  The arts are healing, especially when personalized in that way.  Try coloring sometime.  Great meditation.  

Each of us was born with a purpose.  In our lifetime, we may not see the full extent of that.  The important thing is to leave a legacy of kindness and integrity that inspires the ones who are still on the caravan, so to speak.  Like our kids and grandkids.  Reaves has the flu and I haven't had a shot but she snotted all over me last Sunday so I imagine I'm officially "exposed."  Daycares are being closed due to the high rate of influenza.

Y'all look on the sunny side.  Over the rainbow.  Whatever makes you happy ^j^

janie's law

It's pretty much a corollary of Murphy's where everything that can go wrong will.  Usually when you least expect it.  After yesterday's drive through the water and fifty degree temperature drop I found myself with a central unit blowing cool air and it wouldn't even turn off.  Sooo...I covered all the vents, shut the bedroom door and wrapped up with quilts and dogs.  HVAC people don't make housecalls at night ya know.  Anywho, this morning I got the word that the igniter was out and the part couldn't be here until Monday.  Holy moly and it's going to be 22 again tonight.  I went on about my business which included chasing folks around for pictures and lunch with my friends.  Cathy works at the Lake Road Amoco and I left right behind she and Carol.  As I walked to my car I noticed that I had a flat so like a dumbass I drove it down to Cathy's work ( we got there the same time ) where it was discovered that the wall was blown and I had to have a new one.  Alrighty then.  They didn't have my size so dude had to go pick one up because obviously I couldn't drive somewhere else.  So....more quality time with Cathy!  Carol gave me some beautiful jewelry that she made herself and I will cherish it.  

On the way home I stopped by Gigi's to pick up some heaters to get me through the night and as if by magic Corey called to say they had the part and were on the way.  Can you say EXCITED!  The old me would be frettin' and worrying over every little thing that happens.  Somewhere along the road God gave me the faith to let Him handle it so that it's not my worry.  

What a gift ^j^

trudging through

When I left the house early morning it was 71 degrees and was starting to rain again.  Last night's thunder and lightning were a blur as we headed into an all day steady downpour.  The neighbor texted to tell me the electricity was out probably due to pecan limbs on a wire.  It was back on after I prayerfully drove through the biggest water I've seen on the lane in quite some time.  "Please don't stop....go girl."  I breathed a sigh of relief when I made it through that river.  My shoes were already soaked but I did NOT want to hike up the hill. Tonight's low will be 22.  There's an old saying about the weather in TN that goes something like "if you don't like it today, it will be different by tomorrow" which is totally true.  It's like we have manic depressive disorder in the skies around here.  The hatred continues for all things non GOP and I just don't get it.  I mean, sure we all need to work together on important things.  Building a wall is not one of those, in my honest opinion.  In Arizona on the border National Guard troops have been pulled and the citizens surrounded by razor wire are not real happy with the safety of that whole deal.  We have had some great and not so great leaders in my lifetime.  But I have never witnessed the disdain directed at our country like we have at present.  Once a highly respected world leader, we are a laughing stock.  MAGA my ass.  With Russia involved, we will never be great.

As if we don't have enough worries, some dimwits are taking offense to the Coke napkins to get a flight mate's phone number.  "Inappropriate" they say.  What?  It's cute and if you don't want to do it, just say no.  Seriously.  If we all got that excited about climate change we wouldn't be in this mess.  Yes people.  It is real.  Science doesn't lie.

Carry on with grace and dignity.  Love ya....mean it ^j^

color coded

Well y'all...I watched.  It was comical and sad and I think they medicated him to keep the rage down.  I noticed the GOP section all in red ties and dresses but the winners of the evening were the folks in white.  I caught up this morning by watching Stacey's rebuttal and Colbert's take on things with the CBS folks.  Speaker Pelosi was propped up ( in white ) over his shoulder sitting next to Pence.  Can you imagine how hard that was???  It's about to be game on with the whole deal so let's hold hands and sing Kumbaya.  Virtually, of course.

I stayed up late and got up at a decent enough hour to troll downtown for pictures.  I got one, with the others scheduled for Friday.  Joe Yates stood patiently as I got the lens unstuck on the sassy red camera.  All Yankee candles are on sale for 12.99 and I picked up a salty caramel just because.  It feels good to be able to splurge now and then.  

It was warm and humid enough that I actually have the AC on while the low for tomorrow night is forecast to be 22.  I also picked up the prints of some photographs for the Shoot Dyer County contest.  It helps that I can use older photos now because previously they had to be taken in the last calendar year.  It will cost me 55 bucks total but it's an investment.  

Peace and grace ^j^

into the mystic

There was very thick fog this morning on the way to work that hung around until about 9 before it drifted off. Then about two hours later it hit again harder than before.  By the time I left it was history except for in the lowlands like out here at the lane. I think the high was 70ish but that will soon be history.  The deep freeze is coming back to bite the buttercups.  

I finally have all my tax info together but haven't had the time to crunch numbers.  From what I've heard the new law isn't too kind to us little people.  Let's all pray about that one.  I'm beginning to see daylight and I sure don't need another hit.

So tonight Trump with be a sandwich filling in between two women Democratic senators which I think is pretty cool.  Whomever thought that one up is a genius!  I'll watch it all on the innerwebs when they're done.  No...surely somebody will live stream.  Technology....gotta love it.

Totally off point, I've seen all the ruckus caused by Liam coming out with his story because I think the conversation needs to be heard.  Not just with him but with all of us.  Racism is alive and real.  He had the courage to give us an inside interpretation of how it works.  

Y'all enjoy tonight.  The icing on the SOTU cake will be Colbert live.

lifeline

As previously mentioned I left my phone in Jackson yesterday and sent out an SOS for anybody heading from there to here.  Within fifteen minutes my friend Anne who works at the hospital let me know that she would be there until 7.  Lauren took her the phone and I retrieved it today.  We took the opportunity to catch up on gossip, family and whatnot.  She and I worked together for years before she took the job in Jackson.  Thanks girl.  Love ya...mean it!

I stopped by the Chamber to pick up applications for the Shoot Dyer County contest and got to visit with Mrs. Judy again for the 2nd time in a week.  More lovely conversation and memories.  I love it when that happens.  Since I didn't watch the Super Bowl I went to YouTube to see the music.  Gladys did a superb job.  Adam Levine?  Not so much.  Put your shirt on dude.  Remember from whence you came.

No politics in my brain today.  Just a day off free style.  And you know what?  I like it like that.  ^j^

scattered

It's a beautiful day in the hood and I headed over to Jackson to see the girls.  We had lunch at Los Portales and Reaves entertained everybody there.  The baby on my phone ( her ) got a big old salsa kiss right on the screen.  I am frantic without a phone which is sad, but true.  I got about halfway home and started scratching for it....almost ran off the road.  It was obviously not there.  Lerd.

I got home and messaged Lauren on FB to look for it and she found it in the bathroom.  I'm trying to find somebody who's going to Jackson today or tomorrow to pick it up.  Otherwise, I'm phoneless until she can overnight it to me.  I seriously need a keeper.  Since that is my alarm, I had to stop at the 'gentral and buy a cheap LED clock.  No Super Bowl here and not really because of the Saints.  Just because I don't like professional football.  

And then there was Lily's big adventure.  I left the door open yesterday to air out and bird got in.  It was going apeshit crazy so I just left it alone.  Early this morning I heard meowing of a strange sort and went to the bathroom to find feathers all over the floor.  Poor birdie.

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands.  

walking the yard

I have these friends who used to throw a "come on summer" party in February.  At the time I thought they were nuts but I totally get it now.  Things start popping up in February right on schedule with a couple of warm days.  There are actually buds on some of the buttercups.  The next polar vortex will kick their asses.  After work I wandered around in the sun piddling and picking up stray trash.  Ellie leaves a long trail.  

I'm going to Jackson tomorrow and I had this bright idea that I would take Reaves to the UMC up the street at Lambuth.  After sleeping on that idea I surmised that she would never sit still that long and probably would have to go to the nursery.  Um..no.  Too much trouble.  We'll have to wait until Lauren and I can double team her.  

A cardinal swooped in to say hello from my Daddy when I was at work.  I say hey to him every time that happens.  The way I see it I'm a real mosaic of two totally different parents.  From my mother I got the cooking and creating things.  And from daddy, well it's a love of nature.  I even watch animal shows now!  I saw a whole litter of skunks get released today on the teevee.  Them, I do not love.  Or snakes.

I will never forget the day I hit one on the way to the sawmill and went inside stinking to high heaven.  My co-workers checked me all day as I tried to get rid of the stank.  I got scrubs from surgery and carried on.  You could smell it in the car for a week.  

Y'all play nice and do kind things.  Progressive things.  Loving things.  It's what Jesus did.   

^j^

andy lives

This past week has been surreal for the Fisher family and our community.  As one faithful servant was being laid to rest another died right behind her.  I did an interview today with some folks and we remembered who owned what property back in the day.  That family's name kept coming up regarding downtown.  My daddy always referred to Ms. Charlene of the Blue Mountain Conservatory of Music.  She taught me piano in her house.  And became a teacher as did Big John. BG took swimming lessons from Mr. John. Both of their kids grew up to be pastors.  I have known the entire family including cousins most all of my life.

I worked with Andy at the hospital for many years when he was a paramedic.  He even began to teach EMT courses at DSCC.  If I called 911 today I probably wouldn't know the folks on it.  Hey...I've been gone for a year.  Dan and Joe I can count on, right?  It pays to have connections.  I feel sure there was a trail of EMS trucks in the procession.  I've been doing my own prep work on arrangements because I really don't want Lauren to be digging for pictures at the last minute.  I've even got a playlist, right Chucky?

I enjoyed the luxury of sitting and talking with peers today.  We know each other through community, family and networking and that combined history is the catalyst for something bigger than us.  All we can do is the next right thing.

^j^