pickin' and grinnin'

The dining room has got to be cleared out for art.  Period.  Thus, I have a tentative appointment with some pickers tomorrow morning for a private viewing.  I will be smudging the room for blessings.  

Today was one of those go here and go there days.  The life of an errand girl!  If it wasn't so damn hot things would be more pleasant.  I see a long range forecast of 70s and 50s on the horizon.  Bring it.

Pretty soon they'll be cutting beans up here.  They are just days away from being primo dry.  As for the state of our union, who the hell knows.  I'm just faithful enough to believe that it will all play out according to God's plan.  We may have to go back to Babylon for a minute.

I'm trying to focus here and doing a terrible job.  Squirrel!  I don't juggle well but I'm learning.  I'll not be taking Ritalin or that other stuff.  Bad Juju.  

Y'all prosper.  Plant some seeds and see what grows and I'm not talking strictly agriculture.  I realized today that in 16 years I will be 80.  I hope I'm still kicking ^j^

high cotton

Crockett County fields are pure white now as well many in the southern part of Dyer county.  I got a 5:30 alarm and wakeup reminder from Lauren to make sure I got to Jackson in time for her work.  I had forgotten how pitch black it is at 6AM so it took me a little longer since I can't see crap in the dark.  The sun was coming up when I got there.  Reaves was already awake and yelling "Gaga!" when I walked in.  Lauren was a few minutes late but her friend covered for her.  We played hard all day going from one room to another on her whim.  I tried twice to get her to take a nap and guess what.  No go.  Our friend TT came over to relieve me unexpectedly so I rolled out about 2.  It takes a village.

I got this free, kind of sorta', tablet with my last phone upgrade.  Reaves has inherited it and she is learning all kinds of kiddy stuff on there.  Lauren has to keep it hidden to keep her from staying on it all the time.  I had to find YouTube for her a few times, but after that she knew what to do.  She touches that screen like a pro.  She had this giant zipped up case of letters that punch out and put together like a puzzle. I noticed it hadn't been opened and we were bored with "cookin" so I opened that sucker up and lo and behold we had letter lessons.  She know A,B,O,R and P.  Also star and 123.  I'm pretty sure she's going to be a nuclear scientist or brain surgeon.  In all of her two year old beauty and sass, she has my heart and all the drama of getting her here seems long ago.  This is why I am against assault weapons.  Back in my day they weren't weapons of random mass murders.  

I missed church again today but there's always the live stream.  Jesus understands, I'm sure.  Y'all be nice and kind and tolerant.  Each of us have our battles and we're all in it together.

Peace~

what day is it anyway?

One of the coolest things about being retired is that you often forget what day of the week it is.  I have a Mary Englebreit calendar to help me with that thanks to the 'zon. I stayed up until midnight last night which is unheard of for me but I didn't get home 'til 6:30 so there ya' go.  Gotta wind down.

It's still hot, dammit.  I want me some 50s at night to cool things off.  We can't always get what we want.  I went Krogering today and got hit up by some boy scouts selling popcorn out front.  Kroger is good about that sort of thing..  They also let the Salvation Army bell ringers hang out.  These dudes were all over and when I rolled out they approached me again.  I pointed to the bag of caramel corn in the buggy.  Their leader was pleasant and had them working like pros.  

Inside the store I saw various friends and neighbors and knew exactly what I wanted.  It's pretty standard now:  spring mix, turkey, eggs, butter, Sara Lee artesan bread.  Oh, and hummus.  I know I could make my own but I don't have a food processor.  

My friend Lew Jetton played the BBQ on the river gig in Paducah last night.  He is one helluva player and blues singer and I put him in the top ten along with Joe Bonamassa.  That, my dear, is a sincere compliment.  

Onward!  

a full and happy life

I can honestly say that it took me a full year of living in a cave to begin baby steps toward a new life.  Every time I go to that hospital people hug my neck and look enviously at me when I say I have no regrets.  That first year I spent damn near in a coma sleeping 12-14 hours a night and not doing squat but staying on the computer.  Even though it was a good thing, it was a loss and it had to be grieved properly.

Since then I have begun to look for ways to have fun, give back and make a few bucks on the side, not necessarily in that order.  There is no giant schedule telling me when I have to be somewhere because I'm in charge of the calendar now and I'm picky.  As a co-dependent I have a tendency to overload myself.  Luckily I realize that and choose wisely.  

I have Reaves for 8 hours on Sunday so I'm sure that will be both a test of endurance and a chance to bond.  We don't see each other that much and not for long periods of time.  

Impeach away y'all if that's what is going to happen.  Don't drag that shit out until it becomes a "nothingburger".  Dave Hahn invented that word, BTW.  

Don't worry.  Be happy :)

icing on the cake

So much of what we hear from the Trump camp is not about how he can help the country but placing blame on others in the past.  Like, ummm.  Hillary and Obama.  Wake up y'all.  They're out of office and at this point using them as scapegoats to avoid current issues is an insult to our intelligence.  I do believe this whole thing is about to crack wide open and we will find out the extent of things we "really didn't want to hear."  

I was up early this morning to support a candidate with my signature on his petition.  Talk about last minute decisions!  He's a good guy and will work hard for the party.  Then I picked up my buddy Joy and we went running all over the place ending up at Coby Joe's for lunch.  This is the place to see EVERYBODY and their mama'n'them.  I got my strawberry cake to go.  We'll have another day in paradise tomorrow.

Finally we got rain, about an inch slow and steady.  The dust on the lane has settled for now.  In Washington, it's just getting stirred up.

Compromise ~

the dog house

I'm kind of being a surrogate Sanford for a few more days so I went to the kennel to visit Sparky today.  He was busy playing with some huge dude who scratched me and he got sad when his buddy got put in the cage.  Our first rain in a month started while I was driving around lost.  I finally found the dog statues!

I was glad to see the rain because my windshield was covered in gunk again because I park under a tree.  You know, shade and all.  It is now clean as a whistle but my house is a wreck.  As usual. One of these days.....

No political rant today.  I think the current state of our union speaks for itself.  I have learned so much about politics lately that it is astounding.  Everybody plays dirty even to the point of deceiving potential voters.  That's where digging down comes into play.  

I missed exercise because I forgot it was Wednesday, actually.  There's a couple of busy days coming up so there you go.  The Lord provides.  Be safe and happy.  And please don't drink the koolaid.  

why i am an indie

Unlike many people I don't vote along party lines.  Each vote that I cast is for someone whom I believe would be good at making change in government.  I identify with the core beliefs of the Democratic party and what they have done for the working class.  I am pro-choice.  I am anti-automatic weapons.  I know that global warming is real and that Greta is a hero.  Trump's administration just showed their asses big time yesterday at a time when he is particularly vulnerable.  Pass the  popcorn.  

Looking back, I think the beginning of the end was the exit of John Boehner.  While the rest of them are still fighting it out on the floor, he's growing pot.  Shrewd businessman.  Plus, you could feel that he saw the whole thing spinning out of control.  I certainly don't want this country in our fragile state to go through an impeachment but that is probably what's necessary to deal with somebody who makes his own rules and truths. The man is a poster boy for a number of mental health classifications.  

Here's the thing.  We all have daily opportunities to be kind and do good things.  It doesn't even slow you up a beat to smile and say hi when you pass a stranger.  I officially felt like my mother today having lunch with our crazy class reunion crew.  I was talking to somebody yesterday about her upcoming 50th and she said they were doing it up big because they knew it would be the last one. 

The DHS class of 1973 is scattered all over the country but I'm in touch with most of them, believe it or not.  The wonders of technology never cease to amaze me.

Hold 'em close and keep a poker face ^j^

snake bit

Around this time last year I got called for jury duty.  It was a civil malpractice kind of deal where a teenager had died of complications from a snake bite at her parents' lake house.  They are notorious for setting up a cascade of organ failures if you don't get the anti-venom.  I sat behind them in the holding cell for potential jurors and quickly took an exit because of my employment.  Thank you Judge Moore

I don't know how much money they got but it will never bring their daughter back.  Bad things happen all the time and what we do with them defines who we are.  I had a job interview today with a new client.  She is sweet as pie and old as the hills. I made a few new friends.  Life is good. ^j^

birthday edibles

The girls came and I had pizza from Alvino's and cupcakes and ice cream..well.  I did.  We went outside to play with Ellie in the house.  When we came back in the empty box was on the floor.  There went supper.  She also finished off Reaves' cupcake which was on the table but Lauren had put one in a box to go so there was that.  That is, until she left the box sitting on the back of the car while loading up and Ellie snagged the other one.  Bright pink box laying in the driveway.  Needless to say the dog enjoyed their birthdays.  Reaves is changing and growing and talking at warp speed now.  She loved it when we sang to her and she blew out candles.  But her favorite thing didn't cost a cent.  She got the last one of the vintage dolls that belonged to my aunt.  She dragged that baby all over the house.

Evidently there are a large number of people in this town who have a lot of "stuff" because everywhere I go there's a new mini-storage popping up.  I've never used one choosing to store my crap in the house, thus the chaos.  I called Lauren to wish her a happy birthday this morning and they were getting ready for Reaves' party number 2.  She doesn't know it yet but her Daddy got her a bright pink car to drive.  She will have a fit.  

Y'all have a seriously fun Sunday.  Love ya....mean it ^j^

hither and yon

I thought I had it all mapped out for my errands today but I suffer from ADHD and got kind of scattered.  Mainly on my mind was getting things together for the special dual birthday tomorrow.  Everything is in place except for one item and there's even cake.  And candles! And no, I didn't make it.  The Cupcakery did.

Someone asked me today why I'm chasing my tail over something that won't make money.  It's the art, plain and simple.  I can make enough to get by doing my usual odd jobs.  That is until the Camry gives out and then I'm screwed.  Happy thoughts kids!

Ellie chewed up an entire roll of toilet paper which is her usual fun thing to do.  I haven't swept it up yet but I'll get around to it.  Y'all hang in there and do good things.  

for a reason

This past few weeks things have started coming together for me in ways I never thought possible.  I have followed a crooked path from here there and yonder to seeing something that might be doable.  I have a coach who lectures me and I tell him he's mean.  The way we got thrown together is truly God's work.  Perhaps a test of some kind.

Happy birthday week to Reaves and Lauren in that order.  I'm looking forward to our joint birthday party however it unfolds.  You're only 2 and 35 and 64 once!

I'm giving politics a rest.  The world is mad and it's out of my control.  If there were a system for fair government we have failed to shape it.  There's too much money involved.  

I graduated to 2 lb weights at the gym and I can tell it.  Thank goodness for CBD topical.  Y'all be careful out there.  Tortuga!

lead from inside

I just watched Elizabeth Warren's interview with Colbert and I was amazed.  By telling the story of a factory fire in New York in 1911 she wove a tale of how sticking together for change as a community beats leading from the outside.  You have to join the cause, so to speak.  That's where leadership blooms.  

I went to exercise and enjoyed it as usual.  My clumsy self whacked my hand on the chair and had to go find a band aid.  Typical Janie.  After an errand or two I'm back at the crib with sleeping dogs and a laptop.  Lord what I would give for a nice desktop computer.  

I'm expecting one more Reaves gift which is an adorable lightweight coat with hood.  The shoes came yesterday and they are seriously cute just like her.  I miss them a lot but Lauren's work hours are crazy.  Hopefully that will change soon.  

I read today about a five year old being abducted from a New Jersey park with her mother 50 yards away.  This, freaks me out as a grandmother.  You gotta' watch 'em like a hawk in public places.  

That's all the wisdom I have for today which ain't much.  Blessings to all y'all and your mama'n'them.  And be nice ^j^

under his eye

I can't imagine being Jeff Bezos cheating all his brazillion employees like that.  It just goes to show you that greed breeds greed. Ironically I received two packages from Amazon this week which are birthday presents for Reaves.  When I saw the dude scanning the thing out at the mailbox I thought to myself "Oh hell, another registered letter."  Only I'm cool with the IRS and they're the only ones who do that.  

Lauren's cat is steady looking for things to get into.  Stalking, perhaps.  The dogs are just tired and hot and grateful for a cool house. On the other hand, she creeps up while I'm blogging wanting attention.  No biting though.  

One of several journeys today took me to a couple of  historic sites in downtown Dyersburg. Three actually. I love it when happens.  I was visiting with Gay when Larry and Ms Joy came in to join us.  We had a big old time with Huck the therapy dog.  I even got a puppy kiss.

Y'all hang in there.  I don't have any answers to what's wrong with the world.  It's in God's hands ^j^

open book

You know how sometimes people say "stop me if you've heard this"?  Sometimes I forget that I'm telling my story day by day and have a lot of readers. Many of these readers are real life friends so if I start a tale and they "know" it's because they've read it here.  They are always kind and complimentary even when I ramble.  

I have a house watching gig for several weeks.  Not sitting exactly but checking.  That will work well for me as I'm in and out all the time.  Yesterday I did three things which I hardly ever do and today I'm tired.  That's what getting old does for you!  Well, plus the heat.  It literally zaps me to get in and out of a hot car 5 times a day.  

So poor Purdue has filed for bankruptcy to protect them from that ginormous opiate judgement.  Typical corporate behavior.  Will oil prices go up or not?  We shall see.  With only 5% of our supply coming from the Saudis if it is handled correctly they should be stable.  Trump is "locked and loaded" which is his usual stance.  Nobody even pays attention anymore except to speculate on war and the markets.

Corn dust + ragweed equals major allergy symptoms.  The heat doesn't help.  Anywho, you can't change the weather unless you do it globally over several decades but I think we already did that one.  It's a real thing y'all.  

Happy Monday to you and yours!

the lord's day

It is about a week until the first day of fall and today's high was 100.  Honey please.  We were fanning in church this morning.  I sat with my family and got fed like I always do.  My client needed groceries so I worked that in before an arts council meeting.  I basically just went to check it out but was amazed when two other people were there for the very same reason as me.  I love it when that happens.  Strength in numbers.  

This particular venue is a museum of Dyer County History among other things.  As I was listening to business I glanced over and saw an old FFA jacket hanging on the wall.  I remembered that Mom had donated Daddy's so after the meeting I turned it around and there was his name.  Billy Stafford, President.  

Daddy had a rare opportunity to attend UT Martin school of agriculture on a scholarship arranged by Sam Reed, his teacher.  That's a big achievement for a sharecropper's son.  I swear if he were alive today he would "get" the science of hemp production.

All in all it's just another brick in the wall ^j^

the network

I am involved in a lot of different things right now and have to watch myself on over commitment.  The plate is full so to speak.  I haven't had a girls' fix in over a week except for FB pics.  We will be together all of next weekend for their birthdays.  Lauren will be 35 on the 22nd and Reaves will be the big 2 on the 21st.  I'm hoping the 'zon delivers before the party.  

This gives me a pause to remember both births.  My labor lasted 12 hours once I finally got up in there.  Lauren's went for THREE days ending with a late night emergency section.  I was there and was the first to hold Reaves.  I'll spare the details of the procedure, but it wasn't pretty.  She had a CRNA on one side and me on the other talking her through it and holding her down.  Seems the epidural didn't work.  I will never forget that experience.  

We are all born for a purpose.  Sometimes it takes half a lifetime to discover what that is.  I am easing into what I see as my own future with guidance from above.  If I hit a wall, I know to go in a different direction.  That's what happens if you live long enough.

Peace and Grace ~

random acts of sweetness

I went to my exercise class this morning in spite of my lazy ass turning the alarm off.  Hey, I was awake so use it or lose it.  There was a gentleman there that I've not seen in ages and we started chatting about a mutual friend.  "She's a democrat" he said.  "Yes I know.  I reckon God loves all of us no matter what party we affiliate with."  Dontcha' think.  I smiled that Jesus loves us southern belle grin and that was that.  

Though I'm not surprised, it kind of blew my mind to see the depths of hatred that were reached with that RNC ad during the Democratic debates.  That is pure stirring of the pot and capitalizing on dividing people.  As for the debate, I don't know who won or lost.  I saw a lot of turning upon each other instead of unity.  I expect this to change as time goes by.  

Since Lorna moved to FL, I have found that our best chance at a proper chat is when she's in the school line.  She said it's about 300 cars long so she normally gets spot 2 or 3 and we talk about life.  The universe has lined her up with exactly what she needs which is pretty cool.  She has the knowledge and experience to help a lot of people.  

Kroger....done.  DG...done.  Dog to vet.....not done.  That's okay though.  There's always tomorrow ^j^

going with the flow

I guess I'm getting rested up because I woke up before daylight this morning, laid there a bit and drifted off again.  There was a list of things I needed to get at the 'gentral so I went through the carwash and headed that way.  The trusty old Camry looks a lot less sticky from tree sap and rock dust.

Since I'm "almost a nurse" I am the go to girl for my brother about all things healthcare.  We chatted this morning before he went to work and I headed off for a ladies' lunch.  I was privileged to sit right next to a ten month old who was absolutely adorable.  She's learning to walk and let go.  Pretty soon, it will be on like Donkey Kong.

I don't know what's going on in Washington today but I don't care at this point.  I'll watch the debate or highlights of it.  On the other side it's the same old same old.   People who are brainwashed to support a candidate in spite of obvious dysfunction are not critical thinkers.  That goes for both parties.  

Note to self:  corn = change AC filter.  Y'all have a good one! 

remember when

There are certain moments in life that make a big enough impact personally that you remember exactly what you were doing when it went down.  When JFK was shot I was a student at Alice Thurmond Elementary and I remember hearing the news in the restroom.  At the time I didn't really know what it meant, like most of the country.  I stayed with my grandmother down the street after school and I arrived to watch it all on her black and white TV.  Though I cannot tell you what I was doing when I heard about Bobby or MLK , these assassinations also stuck with me.  Peacemakers, all of them.  Yet they were taken out because of their influence.  

On 9/11 I was at work ( as usual ) when Miss Anita came and got me with a panic stricken look oh her face.  "Miss Janie...come with me."  She and the Little General and I snuck into the doctor's lounge and watched as our worlds changed forever.  Sometimes I wonder how that could have ever happened to US!  But what was really amazing is that we all pulled together to realize, as a world leader, we had been attacked from enemies within who literally flew under the radar for five years.  Hmmmm.  

I remember as hours became days and months and still Ground Zero was not cleaned up.  There is a nice memorial there now but it is a stark reminder of a dark day.  I wrote a tribute for DC Roe's project some years later about one of  the victims.  He was a high roller in politics and the money world, just what the terrorists hated most.  As I researched his life, I paused to reflect that there were thousands just like him who lost their lives that day, a large number of them fire and emergency crews.  Their chaplain never gave up, ministering to these first responders as they lost their own lives to save other.  He was carried out but it was too late.  

That was the beginning of a huge crater forming in our country.  Muslims were the target of a lot of hate because the terrorists just happened to be Muslim.  That struck me as wrong, right off the bat.  Things have gone further and further down the road to the point that global warming is past real and mass shootings are the norm.  We are better than this.  If only we could come together as if this 9/11 were a remake with a chance to bring hope and peace to our citizens.  No more Twittering the government.  I'm sure he has some troll staying up all night to do that.  

Be nice.  Love thy neighbor as thyself.  Keep the faith ^j^

persona

I had an appointment at 1:30 so I left early and ran a couple of errands.  To my horror I realized that I would be getting my picture made and I looked a hot mess.  After running home to change shirts and slap on some makeup I' meandered around and found that Trish Warren's studio Beaver Creek was open so I stopped by to introduce myself.  We have been in conversation about some artsy things so I gave a quick lowdown to her students on what may be coming up on the local art scene.  I'm going back tomorrow to tell her other class.  That just came out of the blue like most things these days.

There is now a shooting range about two miles from my house and I can hear them.  It's easy to  differentiate from shots in the bottoms.  So far all I'm hearing is single shots.  You bet your sweet ass that if the repetitive action starts I'll raise some hell.  I also saw a newly redone building called Cedar  Creek on 51S.  It definitely looks like a destination place with a lot of brands.  

The southern entrance to our city is a disgrace.  It floods so often on south main that making a go of a business there is dicey.  There is NO grocery store outside of the magic Kroger Walmart perimeter.  Someone could make a freakin' killing by building one just south of the 'burg which would catch traffic going south as well.  There's not even any place out here to get a burger except gas stations.  I've even approached one person about it who owns property near my house.  It could be right by the airport.  See?  He said "no thanks!"  I'm such a dreamer it ain't even funny.  

Anywho, thanks for all the birthday wishes.  It made the day totally about me which I needed desperately.  Now if I could just afford a spa day!

Rock on ~

and found

After numerous trips around the yard and acceptance, I found my phone where I had left it on top of the microwave.  Duh.  I probably walked by it 20 times before I noticed it.  Praise Be! There is no wiggle room in my budget right now for something like that.  As I was cruising through town I got a call from Mo wishing me a happy birthday and I took the chance of getting caught and talked while driving.   Hey...it's my birthday!  

I had noticed when I left that they were starting to shell corn so I stopped by and visited with Wade and Mr. Neely on the way home.  It was break time so I climbed up into the cab to catch a shot of Wade.  Same for Mr Neely parked in the shade on the lane.  We talked about prices which he said are horrid because of the tariffs.  He estimated about 3.25 a bushel which is not sustainable for even a large farming operation.  He also said he has seen nothing of the aid they are promised.  I guess it went to fund the wall.

We have a full blown humanitarian crisis in the Bahamas and now the powers that be are refusing entry to these people.  Yes, they are a sovereign nation but compare and contrast with the aid to our own US territory Puerto Rico.  Pretty dang hard hearted in my opinion.  

Annnnnd now the arts budget is being cut yet again by this administration.  That brought to mind Mr. Holland's Opus which is much akin to my Uncle Jimbo.  He saw the size of the DHS marching band cut to the level that he left there after 30 years to go to Obion County Central.  When he died at an early age I remember there being standing room only in the church with OCHS all dressed in field uniform.  He was that kind of guy, like Mr. Holland. Lauren was about four years old as I held her little hand down to the family pew.  

I am blessed in so many ways.  With family and friends.  With a beautiful place to live.  With talents which I try to use wisely.  And most of all with freedom to choose and speak my mind.  Many many of those in the military have given their lives for that right.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart. As our freedoms are being chipped away, I refuse to go gently into that good night.

^j^

if it ain't one thing it's another

I was outside taking sunset pictures yesterday and wandered over to clean off my nasty windshield.  Somewhere along that route and back into the house I lost my phone.  It's dead so it goes straight to voice mail.  Alrighty then.  I've walked the yard about 20 times looking for it and there is no phone to be found.  Searched the car.  Walked the yard again.  It's so maddening to know that it's somewhere here and I can't find it.  I took comfort in a post that my daughter did today about acceptance.  It is what it is.  No phone.  Deal with it for a few days.  Maybe it will turn up.  If anyone has an old one I can use, help a girl out.  Buying a new one will cost me over the next 30 months and I will have to pay the bill in full and the sales tax on the device.  Definitely not in my budget.  

We went to the fairgrounds today to tear down our booth and left it in better shape than we found it, pulling out years old staples from the wall.  All in all it was a good week.  We registered some voters and got names and numbers of people who didn't know anything about our local party.  We were consistent in having somebody there even when traffic was slow.  We were present.  It takes a lot of volunteers to pull off something like the Dyer County Fair in general, then factor in the individual contributions of those who are furthering their cause.  

I slept through church....again.  My body is telling me I need the rest and I'm listening.  As for me and mine we will manifest the lost phone and hope for the best.  

^j^

mini pigs and history

I spent a few interesting hours at the fair today in the Dems booth.  Traffic was slow because  local industry had rented it for their employees for family day.  We managed to stay busy anyway and chatted with whomever came strolling by.  Most of them were looking for a relief from the heat!  I got to touch baby pig snouts and see lots of kids light up over a sucker.  And I got to give a history lesson.  

We had a TV set up behind us running constantly with footage of famous Democrats through the this century.  A kid, who looked about 8, stopped and stared at JFK like he was under hypnosis.  " Do you know who that is?" I asked.  He shuffled around  a bit and came back to say " I know but I can't remember."  Henceforth came a brief history of President Kennedy and how he died.  "Did somebody run over him?"  I replied no that someone shot him from window in Dallas.  "He was a good and honest man of much wealth who cared about the citizens of this country and took the office of president seriously."

He stared at me, and at MLK behind me on the screen following JFK and I swear I saw the light bulb go on.

 ^j^

riding the wave

I'm getting caught up on rest after that two weeks of interrupted sleep.  It still kinda' hurts but it doesn't wake me up in the night.  I played errand girl for a client today and I have to tell you I'm dang good at it.  Give me a specific list and I will deliver.  Plus change the bed and take out the trash.  Of course it's hotter than hell again so I'm glad not to be a parent at the fairgrounds on kids' day.  Just saying.

The year after my Daddy died the fair was dedicated to he and Jerry Jackson.  I told my brother I would show up and sit with Jerry's wife.  That afternoon I went into a complete meltdown over the thing and called the office to tell them I couldn't make it.  Too soon.  Y'all I was a hot mess.  Thankfully Joey was there and graciously accepted the award on behalf of our family.  He and his father Neely have been here for many MANY years.  

So, the farmer's daughter is working on something different that involves art.  I think that there is enough community in this little town to pull it off.  I'm looking at it through several different lenses and trying to create a picture of what would be aesthetically pleasing and profitable for all.  We've all heard the term "starving artist."

My friend Rachel and I are scheduled to meet about a story in the magazine she writes for.  And yes, the credits all go to my mother!  The library lady said "your momma would be proud of you."  

Stay cool.  I hear it's gonna' be 97 next week.  That's got to be a record in the making.  

^j^

Plan F

I have no idea what that is because I am not Medicare eligible but it will be gone by the time that I am able to get MC.  I am about to turn 64 which should be close enough but nada.  Of course I think everybody should have it.  That's not socialism y'all.  That's heading the chronic illnesses off at the pass by early detection and treatment.  Lifestyle modification.  So who is against this, you say.  Big Pharma.  Big Insurance.  Imagine how much of the US consumer's debt is because of corporate healthcare practice.  I am a living breathing survivor of what can happen when your employer gets greedy.

I'm not going back to the fair until Saturday but I'm enjoying everybody's pics.  Today was cooler for Senior Citizen day.   I had one mission today and got some quick down and dirty training on a process that I had never seen in action.  Since I'm not a "yuge" financial contributor I figure my service is good for a tithe.  

The earth is parched.  I can't remember the last rain but there's dust flying and pretty soon it will be corn dust.  I think it's embedded in my skin!  My sink and counter are covered with dirty dishes which must be attended to.  Laundry.  Etc.  

God is good.  Lauren is still driving a rental WITH air until the insurance company pays.  She's headed to a nearby town to check out one for sale.  Fingers crossed.

Faith ~

fair day

Lauren and Reaves rolled in a little after noon and we headed to the fair.  It was 94 degrees if that tells you anything.  We packed her into the stroller and headed toward the goats and pigs/  Lauren fell in love with this one little black one that kept licking her.  There was a llama and mini horse and chickens and bunnies.  Nothing else was open except for Fatty's and you don't eat loaded ribbon fries outside when it's that hot.  They sure are good though.  After wandering through the commercial building we headed to the air conditioned car and went to a cool place to drink water and eat a bite.  Since I didn't spend any money on admission or tickets, I could afford a nice lunch at Neil's. There was another try with a booster seat which ended when she learned how to roll it over and dump herself out.  Memories in the making. She was so timid with the animals that I doubt she would have gotten on a ride.  

I came home with artwork for the refrigerator and tonight's supper.  That's a win-win.  I have never seen so much freakin' John Deere in one place except at Jim Rice's.  These were all shiny and new, showcased for the ag crowd.  

Hope y'all pick a lucky duck out there on that midway!

something old and something new

We have a super nice library that I don't visit nearly enough.  I went by and the staff painstakingly took me through the process of finding old newspapers on microfiche.  We were successful in finding two of my mother's articles from The Dyersburg Mirror.  The lovely lady who helped me scroll was sitting in a room FULL of boxes containing fiche that is being computerized.  She said it would probably take her three years!  I also noticed a large art display which rotates monthly.  Hmmm, I said to myself.  I then picked out a Stephanie Plum novel and was on my merry way out into the heat.  Lawd have mercy.

My friend Adrian shared a recipe the other day for Snickerdoodle bread and I was intrigued.  I made it last night and OMG.  It is seriously to die for.  The recipe will be coming up soon in On the Back Burner.  

I've developed a thick skin when it comes to trolls.  Most friends respect me enough not to go on a full frontal rampage when I post something.  Now it's mostly passive aggressive kind of crap like "bless y'alls hearts.  I really don't need your pity.  The decision that I made early in life to work for a party that is of the people is one that I do not regret nor have to defend.  Compromise is the only answer to any situation.  I'm not a "flaming" liberal.  I refrain from name calling except for Mitch McConnell because, please.. Just go away.  I refuse to honor Trump by compromising MY standards to meet his.  The polarization is astounding which is how countries fall when they don't really know what the leadership is up to.  

If all goes well we'll be petting baby animals at the fair tomorrow.  The way our luck changes, you just never know.  Stay strong and close to your tribe.  Grow that tribe with trust and you will never be alone.  

Peace ~

investigative reporting

My friend and her children are safely tucked into a little cubby at a shelter in Sebastian, FL.  Mandatory evacuation and all that.  She said it's filling up fast as Dorian approaches the mainlanId after destroying the Bahamas.   It has already broken records.  Peace be still.

No labor for me today.  I slept in and went to the 'gentral.  That's it.  Not to be a whiny ass, but my body still isn't over the whatever the hell I had intestinally.  The pain is better but I feel like I've been hit by a truck.  Literally.  This too shall pass.

I visited with my friend Gigi today on the way to Four Points and since she is also retired, we've got nothing but time to talk.  She put Bella outside because she's so hyper and she barked the whole time I was there.  

As a society I think that we have become numb to things like natural disasters and mass shootings.  That happens to "somebody else".  Until you have experienced losing your home or a child shot on the streets, you don't deserve to have an opinion.  That's the whole theory behind support groups.  We hold each other up and celebrate successes.  

Just imagine.  Purely hypothetical.  What would happen if those legal gun owners turned in their AR style weapons to keep them from getting stolen and into the hands of crazy people.  Will you miss it?  Probably not.  There's not much use for it except for killing.  It has been been business as usual since the latest string of shootings with thoughts and prayers and NRA pandering.  Until we the people stand up and do the next right thing, it will always be thus and so.  

By the way I want a pistol for my birthday.  Janie's got a gun...ha.

god bless texas

And Florida.  And all the rest of us, for that matter.  By the numbers, there has been a huge surge of mass shootings, about one a day.  I just watched the governor of Texas deliver a speech and didn't have a clue he was the one who rolled in with a wheelchair.  Police spoke first.  The governor spoke from his heart making sure to cherish that 2nd amendment.  

Regardless of what you may think of us liberals we are pretty much happy with the right to bear arms.  You never know when some crazy guy will get in the car with you are the chicken store.  I am against automatic weapons for personal use.  Period.  Law enforcement and military only.  Just because you WANT one to play Big Ike with one, doesn't mean you get to do it.  Try not paying your taxes and see what happens.

I feel this on a personal level because one of the victims was a 17 month old little girl.  A bit younger than Reaves going along her merry way until a bullet hit her.  Seven people lost their lives including the officer who did the initial pull over.  Beto is fired up enough to be using the F word and get bleeped so I'm right behind him.  

We live in a country where we are so divided and so disrespected that sometimes I lose hope.  But just for a few minutes.  I always remember that one good deed at a time can change the world.  It's called paying it forward and doing something good just for the sake of it.  

Do the next right thing ~