first hummer

Lord have mercy ya'll...I've been one busy gal today.  I went to exercise class "virtually" with Amy and she still kicked my butt.  My plans were to swim after that but I tended to other errands like renewing my car registration and picking up flea and tick chews for my tribe.  Somewhere between there and there I lost my debit card so that required a quick trip to the bank to replace.  Oh, and while I was in the neighborhood I visited Kaykay and Janie.  Stella is due to begin duty in July.

Lorna and the kids came out to visit a bit which I always enjoy.  I plan to return the visit next week.  Ain't nothing like a trip to Lake County with a double mission.

Stay between the ditches kids ^j^

on a mission

I am steady checking things off the to do list like a pap smear this morning. In the pouring rain.  That is something that I am diligent about along with mammography.  Better safe than sorry.  Had I not been faithful with pap smears I would have probably developed cervical cancer by now due to a high risk strain of HPV.  One little procedure and two years later, I finally got a negative.  

While there I got to see some of my favorite peeps like Ann.  My NP examiner was an ER nurse back in the day when I was still at the hospital. I felt right at home.  Thanks to the ACA this preventive care does not cost me anything.  When I had commercial insurance there was a 40 buck co-pay.  And I worked there.  Sheesh.

We've had a monsoon this morning so my newly planted tomato got a good watering.  It's about to tie number 1 to the stake.  I am building the inventory of windows and cleaning them slowly.  I've got nothing but time.

Peace out ~

breakin' a sweat

I go to a class at the local YMCA called Silver Sneakers which a nice way of saying it's for older folks.  It's a good workout and the only thing I have trouble with is the unfixed shoulder sometimes when using weights and bands.  There are certain things I simply cannot do with that arm but I'm not giving up.  Use it or lose it.

I killed one of my 'maters so I went to see my personal shopper Stanley at Pennington's.  I'll wait until it cools down before I plant it.  After that I visited the cabin which was swarming with people since the owner is in town.  Several contractors were there meeting with him regarding plans for the next steps.  It was good to see him if only for a brief minute.  While I was there I picked up another couple of windows.  

I'm not sure where I'm headed, but I figure I'll get there eventually.  Y'all stay cool and "turn around, don't drown."

hold my beer and watch this

Out the blue today I got a phone call regarding an opportunity to not only make a little cash but contribute to a cause that I hold dear.  We will meet on Friday to discuss.  "The girls" plus Erin had lunch at The Bus Stop today.  It's a real funky little place.  Laid back and great service.  We lingered a bit longer than usual because nobody had to go to work.  

I'm still moving and shaking around here sparking joy.  Johnny and Billy hauled off my yard stuff and changed the smoke detector batteries.  No more *beep*.  

It never ceases to amaze me how God's plans unfold.  And you know what?  Observing that is what has given me the faith to let go of control.  It's not in my hands.  

I killed one of my tomato plants so that's on the list to get tomorrow.  Back to the crack store.  I haven't seen Mr Snake again but I know he's out there somewhere.  And all his buddies.  I know they're helpful and all but dang, they creep me out.

Have a terrific Tuesday ^j^

holiday mood

I was sitting on the throne this morning looking out the window when I spotted him.  It was Mr. Snake, all six feet of him stretched out in the sun.  I gawked for a minute and gasped "holy shit" and then he was gone in the grass.  For a minute I thought it was a hallucination but surely I'm not that crazy.  Yet.

My little friend at the rehab has been dying for some chicken noodle soup so I went to Chick Fil A and got her some.  She was ecstatic.  After that I swam a bit with my friend Vicki.  She lives by a golf course and I found a ball in the pool.  Her cat was all stretched out keeping us company on the concrete.  There was a nice breeze and an overcast spell so it wasn't real hot.  I didn't stay long because it was my first day in the sun and I don't need much of it.  I mostly just wanted the full body float with a couple of dips to the deep end.

I give thanks and honor to all those who gave their lives for our freedom.  So many have died serving our country.  My father served his time in the Air Force and was fortunate not to be involved in active duty.  He spent a lot of that time in Portugal.  

Hope your day is merry and bright!

continuity of care

One of the biggest faults of our healthcare delivery is that it lacks people who can sit back and assess the situation.  For many of the elderly folk and sometimes younger, they go from home or assisted living to the hospital and then to rehab.  And often back to the hospital.  Most social workers today are paper pushers who justify the patient's stay.  In the hospital setting, sometimes there is no social work piece.  Case management and all that.  It makes sense in a way.  Mostly hospital case managers work to get'em in and out in a timely fashion.  A rehab stay will not be paid for unless there's a three night stay, per Medicare.  See how it all fits together?

I know y'all are bored to tears with all this healthcare talk so I'll shift over to Iran or something.  China maybe.  Or maybe I'll just shut up and spark some joy.  

Grace ~  

adventures in caregiving

Today found me sitting with a client at a rehab facility.  I'll spare the details because of privacy but I've gotta tell you it takes a special breed to do that kind of work day in and day out.  As with all medical facilities it is fast paced, understaffed and you never know what's going to happen next.  Cheers to all y'all, especially Angie Hale.  

Yesterday while Lauren and I were trying to get screaming little Reaves to sleep I decided to try singing to her.  You know, calm the savage beast and all.  I started with You are my Sunshine, followed by Amazing Grace.  It worked for about three minutes but after that it was on like donkey kong again.  She loves music and loves to dance especially when you shake your bootie along with her. I remember my old friend Iris telling me that she recognized the same look in little Lauren's eyes that her son had.  And Reaves has that same look.  A mix between pure angelic joy and trouble waiting to happen.

I found it ironic to be sitting in a nursing home re-reading Ira Byock's book Dying Well.  This man was hospice before it was cool as in Missoula Demonstration Project.  He expertly shares cases of all the different issues involved in death with an emphasis on family support.  It's not just the dying patient who is suffering except in rare cases.  He focuses on dignity and honor.  Various ways to intertwine the philosophy through conversations where he gives people options are way cool.  The one guy I read about today was unable to eat without choking due to ALS.  Eating was an ordeal for him because he couldn't swallow without choking and that was his biggest fear.  Dr Byock asked him why he kept eating if it was an unpleasant experience which led to not eating as an option or tube feeding to prolong life. And then taking away fluids.

All of these are discussions that occur simultaneously when someone knows they are dying.  To me, the most important thing is to mend relationships and share the love before it's too late.  Assisted suicide aka euthanasia is available  in certain states that allow it and I respect that.  But still?  I think most of the regrets and joys should be tended to.  

Yes I am eat up with the hospice philosophy because I've been a healthcare provider for 40 plus years and people need help navigating the system.  My friend Risible Girl volunteered with a hospice group in her area and loved it.  People need the active support approaching the end but after as well.  That is what expressing grief and releasing anger does to free a wounded soul.

Peace out ~

hell on wheels

Reaves and I actually read a couple of books this morning and played.  There were people in and out all day so she didn't get down for her nap on time thus she turned into a drama queen refusing to lay down or take a bottle.  There had been older girls around and they just love playing chase with her which got her wired to the max.  By the time I got back to the 'burg, Lauren sent me a picture of her sleeping soundly.  I knew she would give it up once we all cleared out.  One brave neighbor pulled all the poison ivy out of the tree right in front of Lauren's door.  Thank you dear!

Traffic was light considering it's the beginning of a holiday weekend.  That had kinda' sorta' slipped my mind until yesterday.  Time flies!  No festivities planned here.  Just another day in paradise.  

I spoke yesterday about the tragedy that has affected many in our community.  Landon was killed in a car accident earlier in the week and it has hit a lot of us hard.  Both of his parents and his grandmother are former co-workers of mine and my heart bleeds for them.  It was a terrible freakish accident.  I cannot imagine the grief.

Of all things to lose, the latest is my hairbrush.  It's somewhere in this house unless Ellie scooped it up and ran with it.  Luckily I have a very low maintenance cut.  

Y'all grill to your heart's content and bring me a plate.

heartbreak

Once again our community has been hit with a terrible tragedy.  The child of two of my former co-workers was killed in a car accident.  His grandma is also a friend and we worked together for a long time.  There are no words to bring comfort to this family in their time of tragic loss.  Prayers are going up by the minute.  

ATT guy showed up and got me going again but there's going to have to be a whole new line laid in the near future.  As it turns out he is the son of my neighbors with the front yard cemetery where I will be buried.  Small world.  The road crew is busy busy busy and it's hot as hades.  I ventured out for a few errands and stopped by The Mill for some Roy Boy's BBQ.  Delicious!  I got the Piggyback which is a sandwich topped with bacon, cheese and sauce.  They will be at The Mill every Thursday.  Go check 'em out!

It makes me happy to see so many food trucks around because I like to support small businesses.  

Y'all try to stay cool.  It's a scorcher out there!

whoop!

I had a busy day, in a very good way.  I got some exercise, made a commitment to keep doing it and went to eat Mexicans for lunch.  I'll be missing Friday due to a date with my girls but there's always next week.  

I went out toward Roellen to Keith and Vicki's to borrow a sander and ended up spending porch time with both of them plus Paislee.  Lord, the tales we could tell on that porch, most of them on ourselves.  

I found a special delivery on my porch when I got home.  One of the dogs ate my first Rivergator poster after it fell out of the frame.  I asked John Ruskey of Quapaw Canoe to hook me up with another one so now I have both the north AND south versions.  Plus a very cool smaller one.  It was hard to believe that it's been ten years since I bought that original print.  

I just love river people, always have.  The ones I admire a lot are the ones who take the time to make a difference in the trash and debris.  Like tires.  Who the hell throws a tire in a river????

Due to rain, there was no activity with the big machines today but they're still parked out here raring to go.  We shall see.

Over and out from the lane ^j^

not meant to blog

Mysteriously overnight I lost my DSL connection so I had some quality time with tech support this morning.  Fine, I'll just hot spot.  I hit some wrong key that was striking through everything so I had to log out and back in to get rid of that.  Tech support said there is indeed a problem with my line.  It may or may not have something to do with all the road scraping going on.  They have doubled the size of the lane which is, as Martha would say "A good thing."  I'm assuming tar and chip will come next.  There has barely been room for two cars to pass each other much less a tractor rig.  

I'm behind on the news but sounds like Kelly Ripa is leaving the show which I hate because I really like she and Ryan together.  Not that I get to watch it anymore, but......

I still have piles but you can navigate now and it's somewhat in order.  I'm making piles for everybody in the family to share the joy.  They're gonna' hate me for that but I've had this stuff for a loooooong time.  I'll be having a sale and what doesn't go will be put on Etsy.  There is a mountain of clothes and shoes to be loaded into the Camry for transport to Aspell.  Really good stuff too!

There's a lot of rage going around about the abortion bans.  What I'm seeing is that instead of seeking solutions to prevent pregnancy, conservatives are getting hysterical about when life begins.  My challenge to you is to quit your judging and look for ways to be pro-active on the issue.  This is about a woman's right to make choices regarding her own body.  Not the government's choice but her own.  

Somehow I have missed PTT with Kristen today.  Either she's sick or broadcasting late.  Either way, we'll catch up.  Trae Crowder got off of GoT and back to politics which is what I like.  I've not watched one episode of the show so I don't get it.  I finished up season 2 of Handmaid's Tale yesterday in preparation for new stuff.  You forget how things end sometimes even though you've watched it.  

Make America peaceful again.  That's my mantra.  Pay it forward like that rich dude who paid off the student loans at Morehouse.  I'm still on the mailing list for my alma mater University of Tennessee HSC in Memphis.  I particularly loved the story about the IT guy who is graduating in the MLS class of 2019. Those dual talents will serve him and the community well.

Unlike many Dems, I'm not having a hissy fit to impeach Trump.  I'd rather see the state of New York lock him up and seize his assets.  That would be justice.

Happy a wonderful day and play nice even when others don't.  The next right thing is always what's up.

Peace ~

 

renewal

You know the old saying that you have to make a mess to clean one up?  Lorna and I worked hard ALL day going through my two front rooms and making order out of chaos.  She's a master at it and I needed to be pushed.  If it was broken, it got pitched.  There's a glass box and a pile to be burned sacredly.  We saged all the rooms got good measure.  That living room has the most beautiful view and it hasn't been usable for years.  Now I have a place to meditate.  There are still mountains of photo albums to go through but at least they're organized.  Baby steps.

The county road department showed up early this morning with a caravan to scrape the lane.  There were five vehicles at first count.  They've been at it all day and I'm assuming tar and chip will come next.  Johnny and Billy were all prepared to help me clear out the metal stuff in the yard but they couldn't get through.  

Lorna brought me a piece of quartz from her collection and a shell to burn sage in.  I'm going to sleep with the quartz by my bed for the full moon.  It was gorgeous last night.  

Stay happy, healthy and humble. Love ya....mean it ^j^

resting evil face

High five to Colin Jost for coining that term.  And also for his empowering hilarious interview with Leslie Jones.  I will seriously miss that show this summer but luckily there are many more seasons to revisit.  Plus Handmaid's Tale is coming.  I've watched Dead to Me twice.  It's a must see.

I went to Lowe's and spent the grocery money on a pint of chalk paint for the dressing table in a beautiful muted coral shade.  I look for colors now that make me happy.  Life is short.

No news here except more rain and the squash is up.  There are more than likely a lot of snakes out there so I step carefully.  I know they're nice and all but they creep me out.

Watch your step ~

the anti-troll

Well, changing abortion laws, particularly in southern states, are all the rage right now.  There is not an easy answer to this dilemma and it is distinctly personal.  That being said I believe that a woman has a right to terminate a pregnancy and that right was established by a SCOTUS ruling when I was a senior in high school.  I am pro-choice and witnessed a lot of horrendous situations prior to that ruling.  

Here's what I think.  If you are against abortion, don't get one.  It's as easy as that.  It is not your job to judge others for their choices. What is so totally ridiculous is that cuts to PP have resulted in less access to birth control which would go a long way toward preventing the whole mess.  I respect those who are against abortion and I am not about to try and change anybody's mind.  I do resent the government stepping in and slapping down laws that take away a woman's right to choose.  Take for instance the "except for rape and incest" clause.  It is well known that rape and incest are quite often not reported.  And even so, how do you prove it if it happens.  Women are required following a sexual assault to go to the hospital and have hospital personnel  and law enforcement do a "rape kit."  And it must be done pretty quickly during a period when the woman is freaked the eff out.  

It is about choice, not retribution or punishment.  I do not believe in late term abortions unless the mother's life is in danger.  If you've gone that far, go ahead and either raise the child or put it up for adoption.  Is there a fetal heartbeat at 8 weeks?  Maybe.  But that fertilized egg is not sustainable for many more months outside the mother's body.  And then there's the IVF issue.  Old dude in AL said that the frozen embryos "don't count" because they're not in a woman's body.  That, my friends, is bullshit.  

I am well aware that many do not take precautions to not get pregnant and use abortion as a form of birth control.  This is hogwash too.  Man or woman up and take responsibility for your sexual activity so that an unwanted pregnancy doesn't happen.   Birth control is cheap and easy and comes in a variety of methods.  Just pick one.

My friend in Alabama remarked yesterday that she feels like she's living in an episode of The Handmaid's Tale.  If you think about it, we are moving closer and closer to Gilead as a reality and I believe that far right conservatives would love nothing better.  These folks are all high and mighty and hell bent on Trump as the best president ever.  I won't get into that.

The guys from Damascus came out and picked up some furniture this morning so my living room is much more navigable.  As for me, I'll be sparking joy!

Come together ~

several pages in time

Everywhere high school seniors are being honored for making it through 12 years.  My home church honors them and there was a page with all their pictures in this week's newsletter.  I was shocked to find that I only know three of them, and only because I know their parents.  We are due for a new minister following AC.  Never a dull moment in the UMC, ya' know.  

I have seen my cousin Jonathan about a hundred times at Kroger in the past months.  It's something like third twice removed but still.  I got out with some bargains and only spent 45 bucks.  I'm becoming incredibly easy to feed.  Cooking = dirty dishes. With no dishwasher.  

Things are heating up out there and the 'maters are loving it.  No sign of squash yet so I got some at the store to fry with onion.  Every little treat counts!  Today's blessing was a long conversation with my friend Sue about life and stuff.  I miss her like a LOT.  Also the Little General. 

No mail for two days means no bills for two days.  I'm feeling blessed indeed ^j^

cut 'em loose

My friend Larry has been in the hospital for a week so I stopped by this morning just as he was packing up to go home!  Praise be.  He has been under the watchful eye of many different non-card playing nurses and doctors trying to figure out what's wrong.  He left and after running a few errands I joined him in the shady flower garden with his cat Lily.  She was beside herself for things to be normal again.  Mr. Parks and Peanut came over and joined us.  

I dropped off a couple of windows for a trade deal with window woman Laurie Ann.  I gave her one and she's gonna' paint the other one for a wedding gift.  I love a good trade.  I'm buying rubber totes as the budget allows and getting ready to for real tackle this house.  Some folks are picking up unused furniture on Saturday which will give me more room to work and create.  On the calendar in the next month are mammogram and PAP smear.  I'm taking it in baby steps but I'll get there.  

hot dog!

I've had a leisurely morning visiting on the porch with my brother and another friend,  enjoying the moderate sunny weather while it lasts.  After they left I headed up to The Mill Workspace where Chris has been hosting various food trucks.  Today it was The Hot Dog Hut and it's the best dog I've ever had.  Huge and pure beef Nathan's.  I ate half and saved the rest.

The cold is lingering but slowly getting better.  I sound like I have a bucket on my head and keep a roll of toilet paper nearby at all  times.  I can literally feel the energy of the transitioning that is going on in my life right now.  It kind of reminds me of when a snake sheds its' skin or a butterfly breaks out of the cocoon.  

My heart bleeds for farmers.  I think since I grew up around agriculture I am acutely aware of how they depend on that crop to keep the business going.  I remember more than once my mother telling me "not until after the crop is done."  That's where you found the money to trade in an ancient car on something a little better.  Same for farm equipment.  Lest you forget, our nation was formed as a result of unfair taxes and tariffs.  Let that sink in.

I have discovered quinoa and I love it.  Eating healthy is becoming more and more or a priority to keep my gut on track, so to speak.  Probiotics.  Colloidal silver.  Calms. Oregano oil. And the list goes on.  The way I see it treating myself naturally will help me NOT to need those (possibly poisoned) pharmaceuticals some day.  

Namaste~

yo' momma

Everyone who knew my mother loved her.  Raised in an upper middle class family she just oozed the social grace of a properly raised Southern young lady.  She was 21 years old when I was born.  One of her biggest regrets was not finishing college but Daddy had to get his finished and they had an infant so there you go.  In 1956 they moved our little family into that infamous red log cabin.  I led a charmed life as a child growing up on a farm.  As my personality took a detour during the early teen years,  she supported my decision not to join the local sorority even though she had been president.  Every little quirk that showed up she embraced.  Well, almost all of them.  I had a rebellious side that she could not grasp because women back in her day didn't think like that.  Decisions were made by men.  

Mama worked at several different places but the one I remember best is the newspaper.  She was society editor and columnist and I guarantee you every social event she covered was told in all its' thrilling detail.  She was so much help to me when Lauren was born and after.  She stayed with me for the first week because my husband was a 3rd shifter.  She had found her sweet spot which was being a grandmother.  I cried the first night I was alone with the baby.  I was scared and didn't really know what I had gotten into.  I was 29 at the time and most others had already hatched a few.  In fact, I was told a month before I became pregnant that I couldn't get that way.  Hmmm.  Things happen in God's time.

Every little thing was a special occasion to Mama.  We  celebrated every holiday, birthday and happening that came around.  I remember finding her sitting on the steps at the back of the church prior to my wedding and she didn't seem quite right.  Turns out she had taken an allergy med and was wonky as a goose.  Yet the show went on.  She kept Lauren like, a LOT giving me time to enjoy myself.  Most Friday nights were hers.  When Lauren was 2 we went on a week long trip to explore southeastern Tennessee and the rivers.  Dat baby got the chicken pox while we were gone and I've never heard anybody so relieved to hear I was headed home.  She was devoted to many including her long running bridge club.  One of my favorite things about her is how her faith and sense of service gave her the spirit to volunteer for many years post retirement. I'm trying to channel some of that right now.

She was a Republican but back then ain't what it is now.  I think when the whole Nixon thing went down she sort of softened up on that.  No longer "party loyal" as they say.  I was in high school by then and totally against the Vietnam war.  Neither one of my parents understood this.  Valor. Honor.  I just didn't see the point of invading another country and putting our own soldiers at risk because of the draft.  You want to sign up?  Go for it.  

Both of my parents volunteered with Lifeline Blood Services which is the blood supplier we used at the hospital.  That was a very unique and strong bond for us that remains.  Mama knew everybody or if she didn't, knew somebody who did.  My friend Kay the funeral director used to call her asking who was kin to who how.  She always had an answer.

Three days before Lauren was born I started having irregular contractions.  Called the hospital.  They said wait.  Mucous plug was gone and the contractions, though not regular, were excruciating.  I was over it and ready to get 'er done so I went in for a 12 hour labor with a baby girl who was in the early stages of distress....meconium staining.  We lived right down the street.  I distinctly remember when we left there two days later a cool front had come through.  Even a bit chilly.

The six weeks flew by with us spending hours on the front porch swing.  I will never forget that experience as long as I live.  The preacher came by with the rose that was on the pulpit in honor of her in spite of the fact that I had not attended in many years.  She was blessed to be raised in the church family even though she ended up being in one of the most hellacious  SS classes ever to hit FUMC.  Hey.  You know who you are!

I am grateful for the gifts my mother left with me like cooking, a love of writing and photography.  As I go through boxes of her way back family pics, I meet her once again...the child I never knew.  I am also incredibly proud of my own daughter for being such an awesome mother.  She is softer than I was and more in tune with herself unless she's on a cleaning binge.  Then you better watch out.

I love us ^j^

moving forward

I have the cold from hell but I will survive.  Today's errands were short and sweet with a visit in between to put Tracy's angel on Mama's grave.  I probably won't make it with flowers tomorrow.  Who knows?  Maybe after church when everybody and their mama'n'them visit the graveyard.  

Some jerk decided to dump a giant piece of metal on the side of the road yesterday.  I just assumed it was a piece off of some farm equipment that surfaced but I was wrong.  It's a river buoy that was hit by a barge.  We assume that it was taken to the shady scrapyard up the road and they wouldn't touch it.  Federal property and all that.

I have these friends who are in Turkey right now and I'm enjoying their eastern Europe tour vicariously.  If you can't join them at least enjoy the pictures!

I'm getting ramped up to spread joy.  Please join me.

not so sweet memories

In my forty years at the hospital I went through two conversions: one from paper to LIS and another from one LIS to another less user friendly product.  Seven hospitals were bought and converted.  The installer told me that normally they do the training and code building prior to go live.  For some unknown reason (money) they way it went for us was that superusers were selected from each hospital in selected areas.  I was one of them and we traveled to Jackson for three months to work prior to our go live.  To say it was a cluster is an understatement.  People from one area were building tests and attaching charge codes for another area where they had no experience.  The transfusion service module was rolled out three months later much to our dismay.  It was like going from a Cadillac to a junkyard car.

I visited my friend at the hospital today and noticed that things were moving kinda'slow.  That's because THEY just went live with a much better system which is still a headache.  Just remember if you get frustrated there may be something going on behind the scenes you never know about.  It's a learning curve people.  

I ran some errands today and now I'm back to the chaos that is home.  We shall fix that soon.  

Peace and Grace

trying again

I left for work in a freakin' monsoon this morning.  All was well until the windows started fogging up and I can't ever remember whether to turn it on cool or warm so I set it in the middle and drove down 78 wiping it off so I could see.  The lort' was with me and I made it safely.  The rain passed and didn't start again until I was on the way home.  I got to spend relaxing time with  my buddies listening to geese and watching people fish while the turtles did their thing.  Since there was little sun they mostly stayed in the water.

I started re-reading a book from the past by Ira Byock entitled "Dying Well".  My heart seems to be pulled toward hospice and palliative care more and more because I see how many opportunities are wasted to have quality time at the end of life.  Doing the grief work proactively makes the "end" so much more peaceful for the patient, family and caregivers.  Like the author, I've witnessed a lot of horrendous deaths simply because there was no advocate available.  Like Dr. Byock did with his father, I filled that role with  my parents.  And even with all I've seen over the years?  It still wasn't easy.

I'm looking forward to going to church again.  And also to figuring out what I'm gonna' be when I grow up.  Y'all keep the faith ^j^

bumper crop

 I have no idea what’s going on with blogger but it’s irritating.  I will get my buddy Rachel to show me what’s up.  We celebrated Mother’s day yesterday with lots of play and take out from Tulum.  The plan was to go out but Reaves had a meltdown over putting on shoes so there you go.  I took her a toy chest that Lorna donated and she immediately filled it with all the balls from her inflatable pit and then jumped in and kicked up a storm.  She called me Gaga again.  When she thought I was leaving she was like “nonononono.” 

My exercise today was a walk on the lane where I noticed that the pecan trees are loaded with tassels after two barren years.  I’ll be having to run off the thieves this fall.  People never cease to amaze me.

I’m going to stay away from all the hot topics like the royal baby, school shootings and what’s going on in Congress.  Instead I will focus on gratitude and forgiveness.  There were no “school shootings” back in my day or even in Lauren’s.  What worries me these days is the safety of my granddaughter.  She can get away from you in a heartbeat and there are evil people everywhere.  I can’t imagine how I would handle it, or how anyone does. 

I found a little ceramic angel that my mother’s nurse sent to her funeral and I plan to put it on her tombstone for Mother’s day.   Over the years I have realized that even if you are not a birth mother, every woman can be a bonus mama.  I did it with a lot of Lauren’s friends who couldn’t talk to their own.   We chatted yesterday about how our relationship is so different than mine was with my own mother.  I was determined at an early age to show her unconditional love and acceptance.  The boundaries, I didn’t do so great with but live and learn. 

Call your mother ^j^

a brand new day

Things change, that's for sure.  My friend Carol has invited me numerous times and today I checked it out.  Just my speed.  And I'll go back because this old body needs it.  Lauren told me about another binge worthy show which I'm hooked on. Dead to Me.  It's awesome.

I have done something to wonkify my laptop to where I have trouble typing because it keeps inserting stuff and highlighting without my direction.  Who the heck knows! Until that is resolved blogs will be short and sweet.  As in have a Marvelous Monday y'all

^j^

sometimes i think "well"

And sometimes I just don't know.  That was one of my favorite sayings from Coop.  She used to be married to Roger and lived in a tar paper shack somewhere in Crockett county.  By the time I met her we were both lab techs at Parkview Hospital and she was chemistry supervisor.   That was in 1977 I believe.  She had been in a terrible wreck driving a small speedster and ended up with one leg shorter than the other resulting in a perpetual limp.   We got into a lot of mischief together over the years.  

I have always been proud to be a resident of the great state of Tennessee and I remain one. However, there's some really nasty stuff that went on in the latest legislative session which concerns me greatly.  As for the voucher program?  Please refer back to the early days of TennCare when the Ford family raped and pillaged what was a workable plan for healthcare delivery, daycare and more.  The Fords took the daycare piece.  Pharma took the rest.  You can Google this shit and learn it all in a  heartbeat.  I lived it.  Healthcare is a basic human right.As for public education in our state, Bill Lee has crawled right up into Betsy's lap for a nice little stripping of public school funding.  Y'all be happy and blessed ^j^

creeper alert

For the 2nd day in a row there has been a silver car on our lane.  Today the person looped all the way around the circular driveway of a neighbor.  I got a text.  I reported it.  Creeper now has a paper trail with Dyer county dispatch.  Haven't seen patrol yet but let' hope they get right on it.  When I was coming and going from town I noticed the gate open so I knew whoever there was legit.  I stopped and visited with Wade and told him about yesterday's adventure.  He told me tales of what the hands find out in the field.  Like clothes and stuff.  We talked about the flooding crisis threatening crops all over the Midwest.  We are at risk here too until the Mighty Mississippi hits its' crest at 41.   

The tornado activity went north of me yesterday and scared the bejesus out of Lake County.  Just a week after a 3.6 quake!  Bless 'em.  Heck, bless us all.

As for me, I will be locking my doors and sleeping with the Navy seal knife.  And finishing an obligation before I begin the next chapter.  Peace and love ^j^

lust on the lane

I had an early appointment to get my car worked on so I met Lorna at the shop on East Court and she picked me up.  We came back out to my house to unload some stuff and were here maybe ten minutes before we headed back to town.  As we got closer to the dairy barn I spotted a car backed into the entrance to the locked gate.  As we got closer I could see that it was some old white guy going at it in the back seat.  Umm. We honked and screamed and otherwise raised hell.  Dude jumped out and opened his trunk and I was just SURE he was gonna' pull out a gun so we moseyed on down the road and waited for him to come out.  There's only one way.  He had pulled a tarp from his trunk down over his plate so we couldn't see it.  

We followed him even after he turned into a residential area where he dropped off this very large black woman and left her standing in the street.  I wonder if she got paid or not?  Anywho, thanks to the disorganization that is our law enforcement dispatch when I called 911 I was told to call the county instead.  Alrighty then.  Called them, they said an officer could be sent to the 'hood we were in or I could just come in, which I did.  Only all deputies were out on patrol.  Hurry up and wait.  I was greeted pretty soon by Officer Seaton who is an old friend of the family and I proceeded to tell him my story and request extra patrol, which was granted.  Lerd.  I bet old dude got up and popped up a Viagra early for this date.  It was only 9AM.  

Lorna and I continued on our merry way having breakfast at Daves and shopping Pennington's and Stanfields.  My plant selection is complete.  Of course I had to have Stanley pick out my two 'mater plants.  It's a tradition.  

By then the car was done and it's quiet as a cat now.  It's been YEARS since I've been able to hear over the manifold noise.  There is a phase 2 that will be done when money allows.  

Praise Be ^j^

the arsenal

I'm building it daily and today's purchase was aloe vera juice which is a PRE biotic.  I've pretty much figured out what brought all this on if it wasn't fungicide.  I began taking a pro-biotic about 8 days prior to the onset of symptoms. I immediately quit them but what was happenings was sort of like a mini detox of the colon.  Everybody knows detox from anything is a bitch.  I am off of diet drinks and will have an occasional real coke or sprite.  Mostly it's water....and lots of it.  I can't believe I used to drink 2 liters a day of that poison crap.  

I noticed the funeral of my church friend Sharon going on as I passed by the church and I sent up a random prayer for the gathering.  Another saint up there traipsing around with my parents.  She and I did aerobics together 30 years ago with Marti as instructor in the fellowship hall of the church.  

Gotta see a guy about a car tomorrow. Robert Weldon has a reputation for being very reliable and honest.  I visited him a couple of weeks back about my manifold situation and he was way behind and I was broke so we're set for tomorrow. Of course he won't know until he gets in there but it will probably involve cleaning the fuel injectors and repairing the manifold.  300 buck estimate.  And then?  You won't be able to hear me coming from half a mile away.  

It's gonna be a rainy few days so whatever.  I'm not ready for the 90s yet and could stand a few more low 80s with cool nights.  I live for this kind of weather except for that pesky pollen.  

These latest school shootings have really hit me hard because I finally realize that the NRA is so powerful there will never be even an attempt at a fix.  Semi automatic weapons are designed to kill.  Period.  I've heard all the nit picky discussions about what constitutes a semi automatic and how hunters need them.  Fine then.  But for God's sake don't put them in the hands of deranged people by oversight.  The laws are there.  Enforce them.

Keep the faith ^j^