more fair

Things are ramping up at the Dyer County fairgrounds this weekend.  Entries in every category you can think of are being hauled out for judging.  There will be animals which I hope Reaves can interact with.  She's probably too little to ride but that's okay.  Several of us were sitting around our booth chatting when we spotted the other party working hard on their construction.  Always the rebel, I wandered over to have a chat with them.  I knew them all and even got a hug from one.  I'm not kidding when I say I believe in reaching across the aisle.

Looks like Lorna may be spared a direct hit by Dorian which is a blessing.  It will still be unsafe because of the King tide.  I listened to a 911 call today from a young lady who was running her paper route early morning and got stuck in floodwater in the dark.  She didn't see it coming until it was too late.  The dispatcher kept her on the line and questioned as to why she had driven into the water, yada yada.  The girl was frantic and knew she was dying slowly.  According to dispatch she was "legit freaking out."  Her car moved and she was found dead about an hour later.  It just so happened that this was the dispatcher's last shift at the end of a two week notice.  Girl.  If you're gonna' show up, do the job til the end.  People's lives are depending on you.

Lily has started biting me on the elbow when I'm on the computer because I'm ignoring her.  Right now her engine is running so I'm safe.   Dogs are asleep.  All is well in my world.

^j^ 

dinner with a two year old

The girls surprised me and showed up unannounced yesterday afternoon for an early birthday dinner at El Patio.  We are all September girls.  Reaves is one of those who is all about it until you get settled and then she gets restless.  She stayed in the booster seat approximately five minutes before she started going back and forth to me and Lauren in the booth.  She laid down and curled up.  She climbed the walls.  But we had her trapped between us!  We literally have not had a sit down meal together since she started walking.  At Lauren's place we usually eat standing over the stove.  Such is life.  She was thrilled to see Gaga and was smooth worn out with that glazed over look in her eyes.  

If we get to L on the hurricane name list, I suggest we name it Lorna because she is a tropical depression magnet.  She and the kids just got settled into a quaint little place called Sebastian Florida about two weeks ago and are now under mandatory evacuation orders because of Dorian.  They will be leaving as soon as the shelter opens.  She is no stranger to hurricanes having dealt with one on each of her last trips to Florida, one in Appalach and the other toward Miami.  This storm sounds particularly ominous because it is occurring at a time of the bi-annual high tides.  I pray for them and all those others in the path.  

I had to snicker at how Fox news became Fake news once they started calling out Trump.  Of course now he's tweeting that we need a "real" news outlet which, in his mind, would be one that agrees with what he's doing to our country.  A simple picture post of us working on a fair booth brought forth a tirade about Socialism that went on FOREVER.  I gently engaged but my friends got in there for me with gloves on.  I just don't have the energy to argue with somebody who doesn't have an open mind. 

I am proud to be a part of these movers and shakers in the Dyer County Democratic Party.  Every day I meet someone who is thrilled because they've been in the closet and didn't even know we HAD a local party.  Networking, my friends.  That is the key to unity.  I do not believe in every single little thing that our party does, but I do identify with the core standards which include a heavy emphasis on inclusion and access to healthcare.  I am also pro-choice.  And I hate automatic weapons.  I actually had a guy tell me the other day he should have one "because he wants it."  Lerd.

I'm slowly improving but I have to admit it's been teeny tiny baby steps.  I finished the antibiotics so that should make me feel 100% better.  They do their job but are hard on the body.  

It's the last official weekend of summer and a three day holiday for many.  Enjoy y'all.  I worked every other labor day my entire career which made it kind of a moot celebration.  I seek to honor those who work hard in spite of insurmountable obstacles both on the job and outside in the world.  It's a hot mess y'all.  Like others I'm praying for a well placed lightning strike.  

Onward.  

construction detail

I went to the fairgrounds today to witness the beginning of our booth.  Fortunately the leadership is there in the shape of Steve and Debbie to get the ball rolling.  It was odd being in that cavernous building in our little corner on a mission.  Some other girl came up asking for a nail and we didn't have any.  It was push pin city at our place.  I wandered around looking at the spots carefully marked for various businesses, churches and civic groups.  Some dude brought in a shitload of tractors!  

I noticed the carnival setting up as I was leaving.  You won't dare find me on a midway.  Just saying.  We have two each of gate and parking passes and a schedule that is pretty much filled out.  I haven't been to the fair in at least 20 years before now.  My work always had a booth but I was not one to spend time off the clock for the job.

I had a small job offer today and will pray about it.  A friend and I are cooking up some local art venue to give the talent in this area a chance to display and sell their works.  More later on that.  

Y'all be nice.  And kind.  Consider the least of these and act accordingly. ^j^

church jeans

Like my mother before me, I have always that one who believes that one should be dressed as finely as possible for worship.  Now, not so much.  If the kids can wear jeans I can too.  The ones I have are much more comfortable than being stylish.  I don't really think Jesus cares one way or another.  I had a much needed pastoral session this morning and cried through the whole.  It is in the re-telling of the story to those who have never heard it that release finally comes.  We prayed for closure and for blessings on our little tribe.

I was going to check out the seed bank at the library but headed on toward lunch with the secret society.  We go sit in the corner so we can hoot and holler as we please.  Plus it's next to the bathroom.  I've been through everything on the menu twice at least.  

As I made my way home I noticed the late summer trying to give it up.  The corn is parched and the beans are lush.  It's been a good bean year for those who got to plant.  I'm always glad when the corn is gone even if it's not planted up next to me. It's like driving around in a bad Halloween movie.  

So just to tease me Colbert has taken off yet another week.  I mean, since G7 aka G6 it's been pretty quiet except for the Amazon burning.  I passed the tipping point long ago but I was slack jawed at the out and out lies.  Who the eff is in charge here???   Oh yeah.  Mitch.

The Senate needs need blood of all sides of the fence.  When you've got a bunch of old white guys stonewalling the House, nobody wins.  That's where compromise goes out the window.  

Carry on with faith ~

nuts

To my surprise there actually ARE pecans up in some of those trees because they're dropping off and getting squished in the road leaving little black spots.  The dogs and I went for a walkabout today under that cavernous canopy of pecan trees.  The song of the cicadas followed us.  They love it when we walk together.  Presently they are all napping.

So Trump has acted predictably and the MSM is screaming about it.  We do need to know what's going on and that empty seat at G7 said a lot.  "Fake news" they say.  Uh, no.  Merkel and the Indian guy were at the table and he was not.  All you conspiracy theory folks could claim that he was photo shopped out of that picture!  These world leaders are trying in the best ways they know how to be allies to the United States and help save the earth.  Unfortunately they are dealing with one who is never open to compromise.  I wonder what would happen if we completely ignored him for a week?

I am better physically.  I cannot tell you how this has humbled me and it gives me a great appreciation of how people tolerate chronic pain every day of their lives.  I cannot imagine.  I kind of threw out that I was looking at getting a Masters when I figure out what I wanna be.  I have many talents but my heart is in patient advocacy.  Nobody knows how to navigate our fractured system of healthcare , especially the mental health piece.   Look at the number of fentanyl deaths in the past few years and you can clearly see that what you get is not what you expected.  Personally, I am moving away from pharmaceuticals and toward holistic medicines.  The best thing I take is Magnesium powder under the brand name Calm.  It's fizzy and fun!  Most folks at MG deficient, by the way.

There are no limits to dreams ~

in my head

I see resolution in my future and I'm almost there.  Diverticulitis usually runs its' course in two weeks.  I talked to my doc today and we agreed on a wait on CT.  Maybe it'll just go away!  And it will.  Next week it will be a bad dream with a lot of lessons learned.  

I had lunch with our usual pack today and it was good to have face time with them.  Also hugs.  We saw a video tour of Patsye's new bathroom.  Good times!  Me and Carol just kind of sat there being sick but enjoying the company.  The big room was open so we huddled around that 10 person table.  One of the checkers told me that she remembered me from Hamilton's Deli where she worked for years.  I was there every freaking day because they were the first to offer them steamed.  I miss that store and what it added to that little corner of the 'burg.  

It's nice to be remembered ^j^

daily regimen

My friend remarked after spinning down my blood the other day "that's the prettiest plasma!" It was so clear you could tell that the lipids were way low.  Overnight fast does that.  My diet has changed dramatically since retirement.  I ate a lot of fast food when I was working  and that's death to gut.  My favorite things are pasta, rice, hummus, purple hull peas and turkey.  Oh, and chocolate.  I'm not big on dairy except for cheese. I like spinach and romaine and poppyseed dressing.  Wait....that's what caused the diverticulitis...poppy seeds!

I wake up about the same time everyday with an alarm and sometimes without.  Exercise is either walking the lane or Silver Sneakers.  That's a cute name for "old people's class."   There are lunches and meetings and movies scattered around in there as well.  Visits at the not so round table in the kitchen.  All the usual things that make up a happy life.  

Why am I sharing all this mundane stuff with you?  Surprise...it's for me!  I find that writing on this blog and laying things out in words helps me to understand life a bit better.  I've been know to rig up all kinds of devices just to have the ability to do so.  

The message at church today was about Jesus being scolded for working on the Sabbath by curing the crippled woman.  The head guy there got all in his face.  His response was, as usual, rebellious and compassionate.  

This is the Jesus that I know.  The one who talks back and raises cain to the powers that be.  It's not about who's in charge but who can work miracles and fix people.  

But it takes faith in God ^j^

killing trees

This deforestation thing in the Amazon has me concerned, mainly because it is being performed under the authority of a ruthless leader who doesn't get the big picture.  Sound familiar?  What I read said that complete deforestation would have the worst effect in the Midwest region of the US which is where all the farming is.  Of course they're all screwed anyway so there you go.  

I don't understand the trade wars and the tariffs.  From what I have read it's kicking our economy on its' butt which is never a good thing.  I've been through a couple of recessions and don't want another one.  Why does everybody have to make it so complicated?  Because they're all kissing each others' asses for a buck.  Yes, I am jaded.

For the first time I can tell an improvement in my belly today.  I dropped one of the antibiotics because it was evil and nasty and very powerful.  My body don't need that.  I find it ironic that I now have the time to do whatever I want with my life and I don't know what that is.  It's taken me about a year and a half to let go of my identity as a medical technologist.  All those years I dreamed about being outta' there but it was still a loss to be reckoned with.  I had lost who I was because I was one who was super focused on work.  

Now what?  I'm single except for the critters.  I have lots of friends but very little family.  I'm finally down to the short and curlies on old pictures and I bet I've filled up five garbage bags of my mother's memorabilia.  If it is old family, I'm keeping so Reaves and Lauren can remember from whence they came.  I can guarantee that she won't inherit the volumes that I did!

The piles are there for everybody.  I've delivered some and keep on digging.  I'll get there one day.  Otherwise, my brothers and Lauren will be left with it.  I've slimmed it down pretty well.

Thank you Jesus it is finally cooler, almost fall like.  I know the 90s will come back but it won't be for long.  

Peace and grace ^j^

a day in the life

I had to run to my attorney's office to discuss the status of my BK which is looking "not bad".  The end is in sight, so to speak.  All secured debt is paid off and I'm at 14% on unsecured.  Supposedly the magic number is 22%.  They will attempt, once again, to get the title to the Camry which is held by a company that missed the deadline for filing a claim but refuses to release the title.  If it ain't one thing it's another.

While I was out I went by a local graphic design business to introduce myself and made a new friend.  I had forgotten that today is a Relay for Life fundraiser at the jail until Rachel called and I swung by there to get some pics and try to pimp them out.  There was this one trustee with long dreads that I've had contact with before and he tried to ease out of the picture.  I wasn't having that! 

The nighttime pain persists in spite of antibiotics and light eating.  It must be a real hot mess up in my gut.  It's a good thing I have a high tolerance to pain.  

This is a politics free day for the blog.  It does nothing but get me upset and I don't need that.  It is what it is and what with the Amazon fire it's gonna' get worse.  There are careless leaders all over the world.

Keep smiling...keep shining ^j^

workin' through it

I do solemnly swear that it this pain in my belly will just go away I will eat healthy for the rest of my life.  No fried green tomatoes or sweet corn.  I promise I'll be good.  I had lab work done today and it was all normal so that's a plus.  I'm trying to avoid a CT due to cost.  Broke girls can't afford that stuff.  I'm on day 2 of antibiotics so we'll see.  

The top to my pump house blew over into the beans the other day and I've been waiting for it to cool off to go drag it back up here and put a concrete block on it.  That relief should come soon with the passage of a line of thunderstorms.  I got to catch up with lab peeps today and one of the techs told me she'd heard all about me!  That could be good or that could be bad.  I figure it's mostly good now that I'm gone.  Ironically the official retirement of my license was in the mailbox when I got home.

Just as a side note, I'm tired of being told I'm stupid because of views on Trump.  Some of it is not outright name calling but a "bless her heart" kind of mentality.  Watch The Family, I beg you.  It's all crystal clear.  I stay away from the MSM except for a once a day peek.  All of the rhetoric makes me sick. I'm just going to sit here in my Pollyanna world and look for rainbows.

Namste~

 

enough

The pain from diverticulitis is much worse at night for me, waking me up several times.  Last night I woke up to some pain bad enough that I mulled over a visit to the ER just to get a morphine drip!  It passed and I went back to sleep but I headed to Ripley this morning to see my friend and GI doc.  He put me on two different antibiotics and warned me if it got worse to head to the ER because of the danger of  rupture.  I also got to visit with the rest of his staff whom I have not seen since he moved the practice to Ripley.  It's good to be among friends.

I got a random call today from someone who hired me to care for her mother one day.  The client was obviously disturbed that her daughter thought she needed a baby sitter.  Her daughter told me that since my visit she has turned herself all the way around as far as lifestyle.  I love it when that happens.

Still hot and I'm over it.  Like way past over it.  I think it's doing a number on everybody.  I noticed some dead leaves this morning in the yard so I guess it's beginning to be that time. September is birthday month for me and Lauren and Reaves.  The baby will be 2 and I can't wait to see her squeal with joy and blow out those candles.  I missed last year but she was so little she didn't have a clue what was going on.  

I am still looking for part time work, but it will be on my own terms.   The last lead would have required travel to Halls five days a week.  I could not commit to that and she found somebody who could.  Win.Win.  I'm not just looking to "sit" but to do something that keeps me active and engaged.

Ya'll be careful out there.  And keep the faith ^j^ 

more heat

We are under a heat advisory until at least tomorrow night.  This sucks big time for people who have to work in it and also for the rest of us who get in and out of hot cars and go into cold businesses.  That stuff messes with your head and body.

I have had several requests about what Gig the Goldfish is.  There are lots of pictures and stuff but what really is our mission?  To return integrity and decency to the Presidential office.  Period.  It is a political satire on Trump and his daily moves.  Personally, I see it as one small step toward keeping him from re-election.  Yes.  I dislike him and his policy that bad.

What do we need in this country now?  Hmm.  Affordable health care, the right to choose, incentives for shopping USA instead of China.  That's just the tip of the iceberg.  Mostly I think we need to regain our reputation as a world leader and ally with countries other than Russia and China.  We need a president with a solid administration who are dedicated to doing their respective jobs without fear of retaliation from the Orange one.  Truth be told?  I'm ready to march for equality, in solidarity with others who want peace and stability and a promising future for the coming generations.  

I know that many times I sound like a Pollyanna.  Peace and love and good karma right?  There is a side of me emerging that is a warrior woman determined to do whatever I can personally to fix what's wrong.  One situation at a time.  Don't mess with me in warrior mode.  Just saying.

^j^

sparking joy

I set out on a round of errands this morning that included three stops to give people some happies I had saved.  One was a firefighter who wanted the old UT tickets.  Yet another was some old pictures of Rachel's Pop along with a mini John Ruskey poster.  Lastly was visit with Stella for some therapy and some chat with Kay.  Stella was featured in SHE magazine and I had picked up a couple of extra copies for them.  Plus an old newspaper clipping of Danny Jeffries coming back to DHS for a football banquet.  Yes, I have one of everything and  multiples of some thanks to my mother. 

The yard guys were hard at it when I got home after helping out a client and getting a new debit card.  I showed up just in time to give them one more job with old flower beds and gave dude a beer.  It's insanely hot out there, still.  The Gig the Goldfish bus should be showing up out here this afternoon so stay tuned for pictures.  

Peace and love ^j^

i need a keeper part 3

I was in Jackson today for a visit and offered to go to the 'gentral for Lauren because she had been in and out of the heat 15 times already.  As I was walking toward the entrance some dude approached me wanting me to buy him some chips.  I said okay and he started to follow me.  No sir.  I'll bring them out to you.  I was clutching cards, phone and bags as I came out and gave him the chips.  Get this:  he wanted BBQ pork skins instead. The receipt was in the bag so I told him to have at it.  It wasn't until I got halfway home that I found my debit card missing.  This happens a lot with me so I let Lauren know to look for it over there and tried to call the store where nobody  answered after multiple calls.  It hasn't been used, thank God.  I'll just have to hang my head and go to the bank tomorrow for a new one. *sigh*

Also tomorrow I will be visiting the Gig mobile for some PR.  It's a sight to behold and will be at Parker  Plaza most of the day Monday.  Reaves and I didn't have much time except to color and her run around like a banshee with me in hot pursuit.   This is why we don't go OUT to eat!

Prayers for the heat to moderate ^j^

touchdown

My friend Larry is a rock star, no doubt.  He was flown to Colorado earlier this week in a private jet and will be returning today. My goal is to get a shot of that jet as it comes in for a landing behind my house bringing Larry back to real life.  He's a great buddy and friend.  We like to go to movies together and sit in his little oasis out back full of flowers.  We will talk about anybody and everybody.  He has a cat named Lily too that he sits with for some friends.  She was a "fat" cat until she went on insulin and I helped him learn how to give the shots.  

My plan is to go see the girls after church tomorrow as long as my belly behaves.  It's still coming and going in spite of pro-biotics and what not.  One thing I should probably avoid is the ice cream I inherited from Ms. Ruth's freezer.  I've gone through about 6 pints and I'm not used to dairy except for cheese.  It also has a lot to do with eating fresh veggies like sweet corn and fried green tomatoes.  All that stuff sure is good though.

.

Today is my dear friend Lorna's birthday. We had a long talk yesterday while she was in two different school lines picking up grandkids.  Gracie was on speaker with us so we had a big old time.  Tis the season for moth invasion and my house is full of them because I opened the back door in the dark and got stampeded.  I'm catching them one by one and throwing them out to freedom.  It's gonna' take awhile!

Under his eye ^j^

 

bellyache redux

I've had diverticulosis all my life.  Earlier this year I had an episode with diverticulitis that almost put me under.  It is very painful.  That passed and lo and behold I had another one yesterday.  Which carried on through the night and this morning.  I was supposed to go to a meeting in Ripley but had to be a no show because of this pesky flare up.  

I was headed up to the chicken store and noticed a truck parked on my road.  Another creeper.  I  pulled up and rolled down my window to see what was up ( one of these days i'll get shot doing that ) and old girl said they were good and the guy in the back was taking lunch.  Alrighty then.  I couldn't see him because of the tinted windows.  On the way back from the store, they were pulled over halfway in the ditch with the door open and the girl was getting back into the driver's seat.  There was nobody in the front and all I could see in the back was a guy with a  cap on.  I slowed down yet again and watched as they left the lane slowly.  We have creepers all the time and because it's a dead end road people like to slip off and do whatever shady thing they're gonna do on Pecan Lane.  This makes me very nervous.  My neighbor has been known to fire a shotgun as a warning to trespassers.  

So, I check the mailbox when I get home and notice something stuffed in the back which turned out to be a ladies shirt?  Wonder if old girl was hiding some evidence.  Lord only knows.  While I was at the chicken store ( in a marked spot ) some jerk parked right behind me.  I sat there for a few minutes waiting for them to come out and had to go back in the store asking who had a blue car.  The guy was eating lunch and jumped up right away.  I asked him to move so I could get out.  I've gotten to where I don't suffer fools lightly.

I'm home for the day still pondering the mystery of the shirt.  It's cute, and my size but I'd like to know where it came from!  Peace and grace to you and yours.  

hit and miss

I was up early this morning because my handy neighbor came by with a staple gun to finish up the back of my framed Rivergator poster.  We chatted and caught up on life.  He and his bride are going to see Queen and I'm jealous.  Their little Libby and Oscar are boyfriend and girlfriend.  She looks like a mini-Oscar.  

I had planned to visit a potential client today and called her to tell her I was on the way.  She told me she found somebody else who wanted full time.  I'm glad I called before I drove all the way to Halls!  Next was Kroger and a meeting to deliver an item for a friend.  All went smoothly.  In an odd moment of karma I looked up to see Reaves' daddy rapping on my car at the chicken store.  He was doing business on the phone so I waited for him to get off so we could have a short chat.  If you need roofing done, he's your go to guy.  His truck is posted on my FB page with number!  

I am proud to see the Democratic presidential candidates picking and choosing their priorities, like Stacey Abrams.  Sometimes you can do better work outside of being the President, ya know.  I think the herd will thin out as the party unifies and figures out that we need some Dems in the Senate.  I mean seriously.  Listen up Beto.

Once again, I must clarify that I lean toward the middle though on the left.  I am not an extremist on anything.  Right now the major goal seems to be establishing some balance in our governing bodies by including independents who can afford to run. , particularly at the state and local level.  It doesn't have to be all us vs them.  Rant over.

Be kind to one another.  It's what He would do ^j^

i need a keeper part 2

I had it drilled into my head that my diagnostic mammogram was Thursday morning.  I got home late yesterday, stayed up late and slept through exercise with the phone on mute.  To my surprise when I finally got up and on FB Shelly had messaged me to see if I was okay because I should have been there TODAY at 8.  I apologized and told her I would reschedule but she said nah....come on in.  I thought that was super customer friendly.  The news was good according to Dr. Thompson.  The lesion was scar tissue from a previous biopsy.  How's that for a a catch 22.  Anyway, I had errands to run and places to be.  

I met some friends for lunch who are of a common cause and as I walked by noticed my pastors and a church friend making plans for something or another.  A working lunch.  There was a lot of interaction between the tables there and it was a joy to be in the company of these smart women.  And one guy who got his tennis shoes stolen ;)

After that, more errands.  I'm literally meeting myself coming and going but that's okay.  I'm in training to take frequent self care breaks and quiet time.  That day doing nothing but gazing at the water yesterday did me a world of good. Very spiritual what with the wind chimes and glowing purple lights.  

The time is now to stand up for what you believe, whatever that may be.  I refuse to be a sheeple anymore.  If you don't like me or look down on me, I don't care.  At this point in life, I have nothing to lose.  I don't have to worry about losing my job for speaking out because I don't have one, so to speak.  I will not engage you with sensitive topics unless I know you well but I will also take no shit.  I guess that's the definition of a warrior.

Y'all be happy and healthy.  Today is the last Handmaid's Tale *sniff*.  Whatever shall I look forward to?   Oh yeah.  Trae and Stephen and Kristen and them.  Onward. 

whirlwind

Some friends and I gathered at the fairgrounds to take a look at the space  that will belong to our group.  We're right next to the Tupperware which is always a huge draw, said Larry.  He spent a lot of time with us going over the logistics of it since we're virgins at this.  Dude even drove up on a tractor to meet us!  That's pure Dyer county.  

I had an unexpected job today with one of my favorites who lives out in paradise.  Even though it was hot as hell I spent a lot of time on that deck surveying the wonder.  Plus, I got to watch Kelly and Ryan.  

Reaves visited the ENT since she's had strep SEVEN times this year.  The practitioner advised waiting and watching for six months before making a decision.  Wise move.  I have been told that dairy milk is one of the worst things you can consume for the immune system so my motherly self suggested to Lauren that she switch her to either organic or nut milk.  Doesn't hurt to try, ya know?

Things are about to get pretty interesting with this whole Epstein deal.  I love a good mystery.  Otherwise our generous POTUS moved the tariff date from September 1st to December 18th so as not to disrupt Christmas shopping.  Bah and humbug.  You have been put in the corner and trying to save face.  Lerd.  Why can the "greatest" country in the world make electronics that work?  We have the technology and know how for sure.  

I am normally an optimist but also a realist.  I believe that things will get worse before they get better and the rich will get richer.  That book I'm reading doesn't cut anybody slack and there's an Al Gore thread up in there that will knock your socks off.  There is corruption and money on both sides of the aisle.  

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.  Now onto Kristin Hampton's latest PTT.  As she would say, y'all be nice.

the thrill of the game

All that most of want is to live in peace and solidarity.  There are fringe groups everywhere who want to destroy that part of society for us.  That is actually evil in action, trying to divide people and fracture our fellowship with each other.  In my lifetime, I do not remember a POTUS who did that as well as the orange one.  Which is why we must fight our way out of the dysfunction.  

I was raised in a Republican household when it was a kinder and gentler sort of deal.  Many people voted for him because they hated Hillary.  I get that and it was a poor choice by the DNC running someone with baggage along with somebody nobody knew.  I didn't vote for either party choosing the independent route.  It was not a wasted vote no matter what you say.  I got out there and voted my conscience because it is my right.  That's how change happens.

No other news here.  I exercised my little butt off this morning and loved every minute of it, sweat and all.  I've had some glass cut for a custom made frame ( by Scotty Martin ) to showcase the art of John Ruskey's poster of the lower Mississippi.  Pictures will follow when hung.  I used said frame without glass for the previous upper Mississippi which didn't last because...do it right girl.  A masterpiece deserves to be treated with respect.  If I remember correctly the dog ate the original.  Now I have both.

Lord just bless us all and their mama'n'them ^j^

 

 

sigh of relief

West Tennesseans collectively are breathing a little easier now that murderer Curtis Watson has been taken into custody.  No details are out yet as to where he was found but that will be forthcoming.  I was looking at the massive corn fields on the way home from church and thinking what a good place that would be to hide.  Henning is covered with them.

I watched a very intriguing documentary yesterday called The Family which is about how the National Prayer Breakfast began many years ago.  Politics and religion at its' best in a conspiracy theory sort of way.  

I sure do miss SNL.  Time to bring it back kids!  Right now I depend on Colbert, Trae Crowder and Kristen Hampton for my laughs.  It's hot as heck again so I'm in for the day.  Y'all play nice even if they're mean.  Always take the high road ^j^

coward to the end

Jeffery Epstein knew his gig was up.  He was facing the rest of his life in federal prison and so he chose to end it.  I can't say that I'm sorry, but there is no closure for those victims who wanted justice.  He denied them that with his self absorbed action.  Heck for all we know Trump may have put out a hit on him before he started squealing.  Yeah, I am a real conspiracy theorist.  

We are all behind locked doors and armed around here since the murderer is still on the loose.   As an example of how quickly things can happen, I was at the chicken store today and some guy tried to get into my car.  Luckily that can't be done on the passenger side.  I shook my head no and he wandered off to another silver car.  And yes.  I had my knife in my pocket.  

Mamye treated me to a California bowl to go last night.  She's good about taking care of me and knows I don't cook much.  Yesterday I found myself in deep prayer with tears for all the blessings I have, large and small.  I prayed for the safety of my daughter and granddaughter and that's when I got to crying.  It's a crazy world.  They will never know the good old days that us baby boomers experienced.  How sad.

Y'all be careful out there and keep the faith ^j^

didi saves the day

I was washing dishes with the phone between ear and shoulder when I smooth dropped that sucker into the dish water.  Of course I went to the old bag of rice trick.  However, I couldn't get the charger in the port.  I went to the ATT store and she told me the port was damaged and there was no fix.  Alrighty then.  To get a new phone I had to pay sales tax plus the bill that was due yesterday.  No transactions if there's any sort of balance.  I had decided to bite the bullet and go into overdraft for the sales tax but I couldn't pay the bill today so meh.  One of my friends suggested that maybe rice got in the port.  Hmmm.  I took some tweezers and dug around in there until I got it out and BAM the charger went in.  I need a new phone but seriously now is not the time for one.  Thank you Didi and Sweet Baby Jesus.  I am lost without a phone plus how would I call 911 if the Henning killer showed up????

I fight little battles like this all the time so nothing much stresses me out anymore.  As long as everybody is happy and healthy life is good.  I had been mulling over a run for a political seat until I chatted with my friend and he told me 

how much it would take to run a campaign.  That shut it down pretty quick.  It's pretty sad that you must have money to run for an office.  That's why little people get left out.  

I made it to exercise again today which is a miracle because I didn't have an alarm what with the dead phone and all.  I reckon God knew I needed to get there.  I am set for a detailed mammogram and ultrasound due to a little spot found on the screening mammo.  Let's all pray and be specific on that one  I've been through the process before all the way through biopsy and it's expensive as heck for somebody with crummy insurance like me.  The screening was free, the other is not.

All in all it's just another brick in the wall ~

lock your doors

I received an emergency alert on my phone last night about an escapee from the high security prison facility in Henning which is in Lauderdale county, about 25 miles away.  I immediately locked my doors and pulled out the Navy seal knife.  Word on the street this morning is that he was spotted in the Lake Road area of Dyersburg.  Lerd.  You better watch your back.  He ain't got nothing to lose at this point.

Which brings me back to El Paso. The shooter's mother made an anonymous call to police expressing "concern" that a young man with his mental instability owned such a weapon.  Okay, here's what I would have done mom.  I would have handed over the AK to the cops because I'd be scared he was gonna shoot ME!  What is it with these people?  SMH.

I got some therapy from Stella this morning again.  I could sit with her in my lap all day long.  I'm now officially vetted to retire my state license thanks to Kay's help.  I had an inquiry about a possible job from an old friend so we'll see how that turns out.  You just never know.

Peace be with you.  And also with you ^j^

more stella

After exercise I swang by the FH to check with KayKay and Stella and Janie.  As usual when it's not busy me and Stella had extended snuggle time.  What I am attempting to is retire my license to practice laboratory medicine.  A whole lot happened during the year prior to my retirement and I may or may not have gotten the "official" document but it's all done through the state website now.  Here's the thing.  If you retire your credentials you can get them back just by paying the renewal fee.  If you don't pay for renewal you never get it back. Not that I plan on being a lab tech again but you never know when you might run across an opportunity that's too sweet to pass up.  Like working from home.

Partly because of this 40 plus years in healthcare makes me an advocate for patients who often don't know up from down.  Only that doesn't pay the bills.  What a conundrum!  There are thunderstorms rolling in as I type.  My dumb ass left a stack of very important papers on the hood of the trusty old Camry yesterday and it rained on them last night.  Duh.

Onward ~

the errand girl

Since retirement I have done a ton of odd jobs to make a little extra cash.  One of those is running errands for an old friend who is confined to a wheelchair.  He has a usual girl who comes by but she wasn't there yesterday so I was his go to.  Pickup at pharmacy, 3 things at the grocery store, the usual Commercial Appeal and change his bed.  I was careful to get the right kind of bread but didn't pay attention to the mayo that I grabbed.  Turns out it was mayo LIGHT which is pretty nasty.  So today I went to get him the real thing and another Commercial Appeal.  We take for granted our ability to get out and go when we want to.   He does not.

Lauren called me this morning with the news that not only does she have MRSA but somebody stole her rent money, most likely at work.  To whomever did this, a pox be upon you.  This young lady works hard for that money as a single mother in a low paying job.  Just watch out for karma.  It will bite you in the ass buddy.

More thoughts and prayers.  More condemnations of violence and blaming on mental illness.  Our Congress has the power to fix this situation yet they won't.  To me that just means they care more about the NRA money than we the people.  

I examined all the pecan trees on the way home and only found one with nuts.  I guess all those tassels fell off at the wrong time.  It's unusual to have two barren yearTs in a row.  Pecan crops are quite unpredictable.  There is a new one that is planted outside my bathroom window and I watched it thrive and host a red winged blackbird during spring and early summer.  And then the bird went away and the tree died.  I noticed today it's making a comeback of sorts.  

Please be kind and have empathy for others.  We are all in this together to find common ground and create a decent society.  ^j^

girl time

I literally melted into the bed last night.  This heat just kicks my old ass plus I've been super busy.  I found a tick in my head today and the dogs have been treated so I got Lily a collar because she's been outside a lot lately.  Let us pray said tick was non lyme infested.  

The reality of the whole mass shooting situation hit me hard today.  El Paso guy is a white nationalist who was obviously angry with the Hispanic community in which he lives.  This kind of hatred and racism is promoted by out POTUS.  Thoughts and prayers, my ass.  He rallies frenzied crowds with MAGA hats while destroying our relationships with every other country in the world.  It is time to impeach the orange one and get to the next chapter.  Oh...but that would take some balls by Republican senators.  Which seem to be lacking.  I heard that Mitch broke his collar bone and I'm sending thoughts and prayers his way.

Am I fired up?  Hell yes.  One of those precious kids at Sandy Hook could have been my granddaughter.  Dylan's mommy who used to work there conveniently had an arsenal in her house and found sport in shooting automatic weapons.  Like mother like son.  Crazy is as crazy does.

The mental health issue is trotted out every time something like this happens.  Yeah..there are crazy people out there.  Giving them automatic weapons is like pouring gas on a fire.  Of course this is all my opinion.

God bless America.  We need you now more than ever ^j^

once upon a time

I am famously known for not being spontaneous but I'm beginning to get out of that persona.  Letting go of control has given me a lot of opportunities to meet new people and have fun.  I met Carol to eat Mexicans and then we headed to the movie to watch Once Upon a Time in Hollywood with Debbie.  It was an excellent production by the entire cast including director Quentin Tarantino.  There was a dull period up in there and they almost lost me but I had to hang on until the end.  It was worth it.  

I need a calendar and they are hard to find in August.  Seriously.  I'm trying to keep up with events and shit in my mind and on Gig the Goldfish notepads and that just doesn't work.  Organize thyself girl.

You knew it was coming so if you don't want to read about banning assault weapons, move along.  How was is it that, among friends, we had to catch each other up on where the two mass shootings happened within 24 hours.  That makes me want to give up and go to the bunker.  But I won't.

Just keepin' the faith here ^j^

on seeing fall

My mother and I both loved fall and we shared the gift of being able to "see" it long before it actually arrives.  It's all in the difference of shadows as the sun shifts.  We would call each other yearly when we first spotted it which is usually late July.  I guess I've been so busy that I just saw it in passing and went on my way.  

It's been a marathon for me during the past few weeks.  Lauren had nobody to keep Reaves during her 3-11 shift last night so I spent the night with them.  We picked her up from daycare where she had JUST gone to sleep and she wouldn't resume when we got home so it was one hella' afternoon.  She wailed in despair as Lauren left for work and continued to be just downright unhappy which is unusual for her.  She was tired, sick, teething and missed her Mama.  She kept calling out for her way after she was gone which broke my heart.  

I made a chicken pot pie while she played and after a bath she was in bed by 6:30.  She woke up once and went right back out.  We expected her to be up at the butt crack of dawn but she slept through until 7 and so did we.  What a blessing.  We chilled a bit this morning and had cinnamon rolls while Lauren was going through a huge load of hand me downs for fall and winter.  Now Reaves' stuff will be passed onto Clara.  I love it when that happens.  She is beginning to potty train and tugged at her pullup letting me know it was time.  I sat on the side of the tub as she made a couple of plops and we waved bye bye to the poo.  Good stuff.

Speaking of which...my friend Mamye had some heart testing done yesterday and all is well.  Meds will be changed and lifestyles altered for a couple of days.  She was so scared.  She was in Jackson a long time before me yesterday.  You know how that goes.  Non critical cases get bumped by emergencies.  And there are plenty in a cardiac lab.  Hell, at the hospital in general.  

My father died four years ago from an infected 25 year old hernia repair where the mesh was left in.  That was common practice at that time.  It wasn't until he had an emergent new hernia on the opposite side that he called 911 himself!  He got morphine and it popped back in.  When he arrived in surgery for repair of the new lesion something looked suspicious.  The result was the biggest baddest case of infection ever caused by mesh, extending to the testicle.  There were three specimens obtained, including my daddy's right nut.  Talk about strange.

He made it through the procedure okay and was bitching about stuff when the nurse and surgeon came in to check the wound.  There was feces meaning that the colon had been ruptured by that gross rolled up wad of mesh.  Back to surgery to avoid peritonitis.  This was three anesthesia related events in a month for an 82 year old man.  He developed atelectasis and was in intensive care for a week.  

Several of my colleagues told me it was over and I should just let him die.  I respect those friends who gave me wise advice.  You never know until you're in the middle of something who your friends are.  Or who's for the patient and not corporate.  I would like to name personally Dr. Ategbole and John Lanier.  Plus Joseph McWhirt and James Caylor.  Mary Beth Peel.  Whomever picked Daddy up off the floor after surgery when he snuck out of bed.  Love y'all like chicken.

It's like my Mama told me : " Your daddy wasn't raised in a loving environment."  There were no truer words.  Here's to you Daddy.  I will pick some nekkid ladies tomorrow in your honor and have communion.

^j^

blue wave

I must be really tired because I slept for FOURTEEN hours last night..  That's okay because I can.  I had a late afternoon meeting to attend so that kept me from twiddling my thumbs waiting for time to go.  I brazenly wore my Gig the Goldfish shirt around town today and so far nobody has assaulted me.  I watched the second round of the debates and was not really impressed except for Castro and Harris.  I'm sorry y'all but Daddy Joe needs to go.  Just my humble opinion, and I have that right.  The constitution says so!

The Dyer County Democratic Party meets monthly at the library and that is where I headed after getting the scoop from Kelly on Daddy's adventures in Detroit.  I picked up some swag to further the cause at said meeting.  They loved it!  I'm learning a lot of how political things work from one end of the spectrum to the other.  On the Trump side I see nothing but hatred and inciting riots backed by white nationalists.  Dear people:  Inclusion is slowly overtaking racism.  Don't let anybody convince you otherwise.  Do your part no matter which side of the aisle you sit on.  And be nice.

^j^