oscar boi

We have a long history with that little black and white terrier mix.  He was probably at least five when he came to live with us on the hill to escape the crazy neighbors who were torturing him.  Somebody abused him badly as in cuts on his back.  When I called animal control dude said he couldn't even feed his family much less a dog.  And so, he became ours along with Sammy D and Ellie and multiple cats.  That was about the time that some old guy passed out across the road while picking pecans and fought the EMTs even though he had pissed himself and gone down cold.  He drove through my yard and down the hill to get away and they followed him to the highway.

To love an animal is to do your best to care for them through thick and thin but it always turns out that they die like Betty White and break your heart.  His bed sits empty by the fireplace and he's probably somewhere lost and freaked out by duck hunters and or fireworks people.  It is NYE, after all.   I have taken in and lost two cats just in the one year that I've been here.   There are coyotes and hawks and giant vultures that scoop up the weak ones.  Nature can be cruel.  

Once upon a time Lauren hit a doe up by the dairy barn and she lay there for a few days with her buck keeping watch.  I have no doubt that the deer that still live here are of that family.  It's a no kill zone out here.

I pray that we have a more peaceful year and learn to build bridges and make peace rather than fight about what's right.  If you cannot understand from whence someone came, at least don't be mean.

Keep the faith ^j^

square one

My coach told me to start small.  As a seasoned blogger I thought I knew a lot about writing, so I submitted my piece about the farm to a local mag.  In retrospect, I think it was mostly a favor from a friend that made that happen.  Here's the thing with writing:  If you have advertisers you have to publish things that your audience is interested in and that piece was about agriculture.  I have another great story idea about the revitalization of South Mill Ave in Dyersburg.  That stretches all the way back to before Chris had moved his business down there and there was nothing but Penningtons. At the time I was in conversation with John Ruskey and Jim Stark who were planning an expedition on the Forked Deer river to show locals how bad the trash was.  Ruskey spent the night in a tent on my front yard with that big ass canoe and I fed him steak.  As I remember, he bought peaches at the Farmer's Market down by the river.  There was no room for me in the canoe since it was all filled with dignitaries and whatnot but I followed them to the end until they floated under the first of the double bridges.  Yeah, that was me hanging over the edge only I wasn't thinking about jumping.  Seriously.  Besides, it's not very tall.  

I will find my place eventually.  I found a stink bug on my desk this morning and of course had to Google the totem.  Mostly it was about becoming resilient and learning to watch out for your surroundings.  I know better than to squish one so I just flicked him off.  I went to the funeral home (again) and saw lots of old friends this morning.  Me and Joy had an outing today and I got all my trash hauled off.  She just loves the wide open spaces here.  And Oscar.  

Say it like you mean it and keep the faith ^j^

justice

Maxwell, on five out of six charges of sex trafficking.  As I watched the press mill around outside the courthouse and cops joking up by the front door, my thoughts were with all those young girls who will be forever scarred.  I imagine they were mostly lost and forgotten by their families and struggling for a better life.  And life with those two looked pretty ritzy.  I am proud that the legal system worked in this case.  

I actually like jury duty at the local level.  Once I was in a jury pool in Memphis Federal Court for the month of December.  By some miracle I never had to show up.  I think it was an icy month.  Locally, I have been called and only chosen as a prospective juror once.  After sitting in the courtroom all day I told the judge that I worked with several of the defendants.  I was dismissed by Your Honor.

I am a scientist and tend toward DNA type evidence in violent crimes where there is blood and body tissues involved.  If it's some crackhead who killed somebody to steal, string them up.  So much of our court system is based on lawyers winning and losing cases of this nature and very little attention is paid to the ones who are going down the rabbit hole because of addiction.  Offer more programming and resources for these people.  It costs less than housing them in jail.  

I got Nina to work on my raggedy nails today and enjoyed the luxury of it.  I told her to skip the top coat because Joy was ready to go and I can do that here.  About the time we left the bottom fell out so I got soaking wet but by golly her hair didn't.  

Y'all be blessed ^j^

win and lose

I got a notice from the government that I will get a 6% raise on SS which is "historic"  but Medicare Part B went from 143 to 170.  It's all funny money in my book.  The way I see it the great American lie is that if you give the government part of your paycheck for a 41 year career and you end up at 66 dealing with the consequences.  Which are : navigating the supplements every year and trying to understand it all.  If I were not of somewhat of sound mind, I'd never know and would need a healthcare advocate.  I don't think the government pays for that.

It's still very warm here and that saves on propane so there ya' go.  I have turned on the AC a couple of times just so I can breathe.  The tree is down and I'm over all the hustle and bustle.  When I get some money I'm going to go clearance shopping!

I have no resolutions, per se.  Happily oblivious to the real world, I am enjoying my golden years as best I can.  If I had any advice at all for boomers it would be retire now after careful planning.  You never know which day will be your last ^j^

the cardinals

Yesterday Reaves and I were painting unicorns and she spotted some red birds out in the driveway.  "Gaga...look!"  I explained to her that, to me, when cardinals showed up it was the spirit of somebody who was gone.  There were two males and a female which I promptly identified as my mama, my daddy and her grandfather.  I don't know if that one will stick, but I hope so.

If you are the praying sort, please keep my bestie Lorna and her family on your list.  She is facing a double mastectomy and is Mammy to her daughter's kids.  It's been like working a puzzle to get the whole plan in place because she's in Florida.  If you see me post a GoFundMe for her, you can bet she needs the help.  There will be extra expenses like mastectomy bras and other stuff.  

The tree is half lit and I don't even care.  I had good intentions of waiting until Epiphany but it's all in the way of where Reaves' tent will go.  I won't pack up the nativity until then ^j^

Merry Holidays to all y'all

And of course to mama'n'them and all the aunties.  I cooked cheese grits and scrambled eggs this morning and Bubba provided the meat.  Grilled stuff!   It was short and sweet but he came back by later and got a big Merry Christmas from the girls. We had Christmas part II here today and it was fun.  Lots of toys and memories.   I made the mistake of picking up a book that my Daddy had written for me....one of those tell me about yourself things.  He explained that he grew up poor and his family was not really able to give presents and such.  He spoke about how he and Mama did the best they could to make sure we got what we needed and sometimes, what we wanted.  They wished they could have given me more  That's when the tears started.  

Thanks to global warming I sat on the front porch for quite awhile, looking at the landscape and remembering every inch of this.  All of the barns and long gone houses and the families that lived in them.  There used to be horses at every barn and cattle too.  Daddy knew how to herd the cattle and wasn't scared at all.  My husband got smashed by one and said "no more."  

Reaves woke up at 4AM so by the time they got here she was past ready for round 2.  We opened and played and she ended up glued to Jillian and Addie as usual.  All the toys she got are interactive and aligned with fun and learning.  Girl is smart....just saying.  She has always been an artist at heart like her mother so she's ready with her own set of pastels/pencils and whatever.  I think there was a ruler too!

My boyfriends came by late afternoon for a little visit and we all just chilled.  On the front porch.  On Christmas.  What a blessing ^j^

the manger

I have been going to church since I was a kid and learned a lot in Bible School and whatnot.  Many of those stories I still remember!  It has only been during the past five years that I realize what a gift God gave to us freely.  His only begotten son.  I'm especially captivated by Elizabeth.  Me, Lauren and Reaves all have Elizabeth in our names.  When Mary arrived to help her out, lo and behold she was pregnant too!  And a virgin, no less.  But yet they came from near and far to worship the King.  

I was out running around all day playing Sandy Claws and visiting with folks.  I met six dogs at one house and two at another.  In between there was a drop by to wish Carney a happy birthday.  She's 89 but don't look it a bit.  I've been cooking in true Mama Stafford style.  Got those cheese grits ready to bake.  Bubba's gonna' grill the bacon so all I have to do is slap some biscuits in the oven.  BTW, it will be 76 tomorrow here in balmy West Tennessee.  At least the wind has died down!

Happy holidays ^j^

dumbass redemption

Of course, I got up early to find that my tire still had some air in it so I headed to somewhere to get the whole deal looked at.  It went flat about 500 yards from the by-pass.  I called Lake Road for a service call only to find that the spare was flat too.  I drove it really slow up to Mr. Smiths and he aired it up enough for me to get to the station where Cody proceeded to knock out the dent so that it holds air.  The whole deal cost 45 bucks.  I'll take it. Merry Christmas to Brian and all y'all who take care of loyal customers.  

The cake is ready for delivery and Bubba's deviled eggs are done.  The girls came by today and Reaves opened one present which was a makeup kit.  She now has sparkly eyelids.  I just went about my business with my chores and let them chill.  We had a baby Jesus lesson with the nativity and all the figures are covered in neon eye shadow.  Kind of glittery.

I spent time outside today working on my Vitamin D level.  The pecans are gone and now it's time to mulch.  Spring will be here before you know it!  Peace and grace ^j^

y

dumbass of the day

I made a quick stop on the way home after work and circled around to pull back onto the highway and ran over a curb.  The guy at the nail salon was outside smoking and saw it happen.  When I jumped out to see the damage I could hear air gushing out so I high tailed it to the nearest tire center and the guy found that my rim was bent.  Tire was okay.  I went on down to Lake Road Amoco and got them to check it out and it was only a half pound low.  She advised me to get the hell home and worry about finding a rim tomorrow.  By the time I got home all the salvage yards were closed so I'm expecting a flat tire in the morning.  Which is a problem because I have to go to work.  I'm reaching out to folks to help me get there and back and will start calling salvage yards in the morning to find a rim.   On Christmas eve eve.  Lerd.

Otherwise life is just rosy and you never know when the other shoe will drop.  When it does, soldier on ^j^

don't ask me

I am one of those people who will keep your secrets to my grave. Okay, I might have told it once or twice but always in a loving way.  Church was glorious today,  Choir was absent so I sat with one my friends and sang my heart out. Today's playlist was spot on. There were handbells across the rail and that always make me happy!  

Well, now it's Tuesday and in typical Poopie fashion I did not finish what I started.  Squirrel!  Since then Patty and I have wrapped up pecan picking 2021 and most are cracked.  I think between us we have picked close to 200 pounds just from the two trees in my yard.  We both have rollers but sometimes you just gotta' get down on all fours and do pecan yoga.  Neither one of us can walk by one without picking it up.  I guess it's like crack to us.

My friends and I went out to dinner this evening and I loved every minute of it.  I hardly ever go out after dark being the homebody that I am.  Plus there's that night vision thing.  We gathered together an extra tip for our waitress and she didn't even have time to open the card!  They were slammed.  That's why you go early to Moustos.  

 I am so proud of my old friend for being sworn in as judge today.  He is a good honest down to earth man which is what the justice system needs.  I'm loosely pulling together my next article about Brad Kellum and his rise from soap in the garage to custom wooden boards.  More later on that.  His website is not even live yet but will be in the spring.  These are to die for works of art for your culinary displays.

We are T-4 days until Santa comes so if you don't have your shopping done, sucks to be you.  Slowly but surely I'm pulling things together around here.  I have a couple of cakes to make and Christmas breakfast but I'm good on the rest.  I have no plans for Christmas Eve except to plant those bulbs I got on the cheap at Lowe's at my parents' grave.  The weather looks nice for outdoor play.

I pray that you have hope peace love and joy not just this month but all year long ^j^

the little things

I ended up in the waiting room of a tire place today and noticed a mama with a little girl who looked to be Reaves' age.  Her mom was on her phone and it was obvious that said kid was bored to death.  She proceeded to make a tent out of her mom's parka and hide until we left.  Mom passed her phone into the tent and all was well.  I tapped her head when I left and said Merry Christmas.  It made my day.  After that was a return books to the library stop.  I thought we had lost one but found it under Joy's bed today.  So thankful for no late fees!

I saw a stack of the magazines that my article will be included around January.  It's mostly huntin' and fishin' and whatnot.  But I did notice an ag story in the current issue.  I mean you gotta' diversify!  That is the way my friend Brad has grown his business.  He started out making soap in his garage and become the owner of a franchise called Buff City Soap.  He is now launching another brand featuring carved wooden boards.  And I will have one.  

So many people are on my heart these days.  Two of my friends are facing breast cancer.  All those poor folks who are suffering the effects of storms stay with me through every hour and day.  Death knows no holiday and another close friend's mother is about to pass over.  She called me today to tell me she's there for the duration.  I know the drill because I did it with both of my parents.  

I have a lot of pet peeves and most of them are traffic and vehicle related.  Like, turn on your lights when it's dark, foggy or raining idiot.  Use that turn signal like they taught you in driver's ed.   Stay off of my ass or pass.  Do not push an old lady on the brink.  And slow the eff down.  Life is not a race.

I refuse to even keep up with the political scene right now because it's all just a bunch of finger pointing on both sides.  That's not was governing should look like.  Aywho, y'all be merry and bright. ^j^

go fund me

I do a fundraiser online every year for something that means a lot to me.  The latest was Paws to Care.  If I see a friend that is raising money for a cause that is dear to their heart,  I pitch in.  Ten bucks ain't gonna' kill anybody and it's a nice tribute.

I am an active player in a family that is in recovery.  I do what I do and I don't get bitched at.  Reaves will grow up knowing that chill in moderation is a good thing.  We worry, about the genetic makeup that includes addiction on both sides.  I was married to an alcoholic/addict and he was a wonderful sweet caring man who did his best for the company and his family.  Lauren was a Daddy's girl, the one and only.  As for my mental health history there was a LOT of drama and tons of secrets.  Nobody ever told me a damn thing until I was older.  I just knew it was scary always having to put out the fires.  I didn't do that.  Mama and Daddy and Jim and Nancy did.

I was a new employee at Parkview Hospital when my uncle died from liver failure.  I called the fam and they were all scattered about living their lives in the fast lane.  I think I got Mama first.  

This was in about hmmmm....1980ish?  I believe he was in our first ICU unit with Della Campbell on board.  All I can remember is saying "what a waste of talent."  He was 36 years old.

His daughters were part of a band of girl cousins including me, Millette, Debbie, Sandy and Nancy.  Three of us are still alive.  Life is hectic for all of us.  I will never remember how bad I felt for not taking my parents to Mo's that night.  It was the last one besides Harborview.  Woulda, coulda shoulda.  I think most of reach a point where we're too tired to make the effort.  Bubba and Tommy were the only boys in that crew.

Boo and me picked up about a hundred pounds of pecans today because we love it.  But it does kick an old girl's ass in a hurry.  Ms Joy sat inside after lunch drinking water and reading Fannie Flagg.  Happy as a lark!

Love ya....mean it ^j^

you can't make this shit up

Today has been a lesson in humility for me, personally.  I went to church where I saw my warrior woman pastor crack a bit as she described the devastation on Friday night.  Two of our sister churches were destroyed in Dresden and Mayfield.  It reminded me of the story of Hannah Clem in Goshen Alabama on one random Palm Sunday.  God doesn't cause tragedy.  He helps us through it.

I went to lunch with a friend after that and there was a bunch of drama with my debit card getting stuck in the ATM.  Long story short is that after we went to get pliers to pull it out some kind soul found the ejected card and laid it on top of the ATM.  

I cried my way through the service this morning as the candle of Joy was lit.  Thank the Lord my friend understood the puffy eyes and let me vent.  I have two friends who are facing the same diagnosis and that scares the crap out of me, and them.  When I got home my pickin' buddy was soon to join me and we worked for two hours.  Bubba came by.  The usual Sunday afternoon.

I wish you enough ^j^

the morning after

Last night's storm was a doozie and we still don't know the extent of the damage.  There was heavy damage and two deaths in Lake County and it spread all the way up into Kentucky and Illinois where two factories collapsed trapping workers inside.  The death toll is expected to climb as search and rescue efforts continue.  I was sitting on the back porch at dusk when the tornado siren went off multiple times but we somehow dodged the bullet.  It went on all night and the rain and wind were so bad my ceilings were leaking.  Like over my bed!  I crawled up on the couch and Oscar was so freaked out he was shaking like a leaf and crawling all over me.  I had to give him half of a sedative to calm him down.  

Needless to say the pecans are EVERYWHERE.  There's probably a pound or two just on my deck. I knew it would be bad because it was 81 degrees in my house when I got home yesterday.  Had to turn on the air.  I'm not afraid of the weather but I have a healthy respect for Mother Nature, particularly with global warming in full force.  I roasted pecans during the storm and never lost power which is amazing.

Count your blessings.  You never know when life will be over ^j^

starting small

I am forever more a dreamer who is touched by many aspects of life and searches for little ways to make a difference.  I appreciate small things like people holding the door for me or being nice when they, in fact, hate their jobs.  

I saw a story today that really inspired me about a couple of professional musicians who recruited homeless folks to begin a choir. They were on America's Got Talent and all that.  This program is the ultimate to help people who are hopeless to have something to believe in.  Music is the universal language, or so they say.  It made me reflect on what I could have or can do to meet people where they are in life and be a mentor.  I've done it a thousand times not realizing that's what was happening but am so unorganized that it's a "one life at a time" thing.  Perhaps I should be content with that but I feel called to more.  

People do not become homeless or addicts because they choose to. Many times there are psychological issues that haven't been dealt with or even diagnosed.  You can't just tell somebody to put pull up their bootstraps when they have no boots.  I know there are people who can't help it and I totally understand that.  Others just need a helping hand to get out of the hole.  

I think it's what Jesus would do.   

easy come easy go

I am not very self confident when it comes to men.  I've always been everybody's buddy and nobody's somebody.  I went out on a limb and reached out to one prospect who told me he had a girlfriend who would cut him four ways to Jesus.  Lerd.  I don't need that kind of drama.  I've been single for so long I wouldn't know how to act anyway.  I consider it a win that I took the chance!  I may be old but I ain't dead yet.

The next two days will be devoted to pecan picking with my boo.  I ran that roller around for five minutes this afternoon and it works like a charm.  The wind has blown most of the leaves away so there ya' go.  A good time will be had by all including Oscar and Joy.  Y'all keep the faith with us ^j^

no news is good news

I have come to be of the mindset that if there is not a mass shooting, it's a good day.  If I'm alive and kicking, it ain't my time yet.  I attended a graveside service this morning that was simple and beautiful.  Taps and the flag folding always gets me in the gut.  

I woke up about 3:30 this morning down here in the flats with the wind full on from the west.  It was my first experience during my current tenure to be a witness to that.  I knew it was gonna' be big because it was so warm and foggy.  I could hear the pecans hitting the tin roof and the house was literally shaking.  I listened until the rain and thunder passed and went back to sleep. 

Lauren and Reaves are on the way to the Jackson Christmas parade.  At the age of 4, she is ripe for Santa Claus love and the joy of the season.  I can see it dancing in her little brown eyes.  We have focused on tradition as best we can but the poor nativity scene needs a new Joseph.  His head got broken off!  Baby Jesus, Mary and some of the others are intact.  If I can find the glue I'll work on Joseph's head.

Y'all be merry and bright.  'Tis the season ^j^

Elizabeth IV

My friend Cathy gave Reaves a baby doll complete with crib, high chair and all the fixings.  She and Lauren got here before I came home yesterday and she had already found the bounty.  After playing for awhile, I asked her what the baby's name is. "Elizabeth" she replied.  Just like her and her mom and me.  

All have Elizabeth in our names so the baby doll is 4th generation.  At church this morning I learned that the name Elizabeth, as in mother of John the Baptist means, "God is my oath."  I thought that was pretty cool.  The church was packed for a change because there is only one service now and I love it when the church is packed and a full choir on board.  It was glorious!  

Christmas is fast approaching and it's still warm and muggy...just right for a tornado or two.  I even had to turn on the AC Friday night and yesterday.  I'm craving fried chicken and the bird is thawing in the sink as I type.  I'll cook it Mama Stafford style, slow and crispy.  

Rejoice ^j^

dear diary

Today was busy busy and we covered a lot of miles.   It wears me out but I'm glad that I can actually get out the house which is where I sat for two years after retirement.  PTSD and all that.  I didn't know who I was outside of that hospital day in and day out.  Thank a nurse or an almost one when you get treated kindly.  You gotta' wanna' do that job with compassion.  Burnout is common.

I cried the last time I walked through to tell them I was done.  Martha said " Main Jane....did you not see this coming?"  My first RC surgery was pretty easy because it was just a snapped tendon from falling on ice.  Number 2 was the bad one where I had to choose between a replacement that would reduce my ROM or live with it.   Not too long after that my colon acted up and damn near killed me.  I'm pretty tough though, and obviously here for a reason.

One of my stops today was to get new surge protectors and I scored half price on bulbs at the garden center.  We're gonna' plant them at Mama and Daddy's grave before it freezes solid.  

I am not certain about anything because I know it' all in Big Ernie's hands.  I'm just a player doing what he intended for me when he counted all my toes and every hair on head.  

Believe ^j^

how niice

That's how we say it in the South.  It could mean anything from bless your heart to WTF kind of crazy are you!  I finally got some sleep and feel like a human again.  I did the hunt and gather thing today so now I have food and stuff to wash clothes with.  I had to make a second stop to get bleach wipes but they are a must.  Joy and I came out here to unload with me and found my friend Patty's butt plum up in the air picking pecans.  Like me, she thinks of them as God's giveback.  A blessing , so to speak. 

I did some insurance business this morning with three other friends and our local agent.  All of us switched after he explained the deal.  PLUS, if we are not satisfied in the first three months we can change back.  Healthcare should  not be this complicated.  That's why so many clinicians give it up.  There is so much technology involved within our delivery of healthcare services and that introduces a whole 'nother piece of work called liability and malpractice.  It costs a huge chunk for practitioners to insure themselves in defense of that kind of suit.  Sometimes they are justified, like a lot.  But it's because the system is broken.  

Pecans are beginning to fall and the next few days look nice.  It's now or never y'all ^j^

i'm that guy

You know the one, who tricks out your ride!  That's a sure ttersign of too much  Rock 92.3 the hog.  I need to get back to 100.1 for a spell.  I do so love John Boy and Billy.  The ads are annoying but all stations have them.  Bubba and I chatted at length with the first band member to arrive from Jackon MS.  He and two others in their fifties formed the band 27 years ago.  It's a pretty hard life for people with families.  

I stayed up very late and got up early so it's about time for me to give it up.  . nighty night^j^

creature of habit

I'm sittin' on a stool by the kitchen cabinet typing away because the outlet by my desk is dead as a doornail.  Hmm.  I have blogged in way stranger places!  Yesterday and today were spent with my brother getting ready for his big Funkmonster show.  And it was indeed a large crowd.  Since you can't both work and party and be good at both, I settled for some funky background music while selling tickets.  I got to see people that I don't normally run into and some that I see often like Carol and Anne Barrett and Candyland.  Oh and course Jim and Suzanne.  I knew a few more but I was amazed at how many I had never seen.  Or maybe I just didn't recognize them!

Anywho, I think a large time was had by all. I haven't been up this late in ages and I'm sure it will catch up with me but for now, my plans are to catch a mid morning breakfast and help finish up the mess over yonder.  I was looking forward to a decent pecan crop at this house but so far it's been slim pickings.  

I have never published something with my own byline.  Lord willing and bless Eddie and Rob, that will happen in January in Southern Living Outdoors.  Seems as if they are branching out from all hunting and fishing to agriculture and whatnot.  A solid move, in my opinion.  A lot of those hunters and fishermen are also farmers.

Y'all get those bells to ringing.  FYI, Salvation Army ringers will take checks!

rude awakening

l tried to sleep late this morning  and made it until 8.   The first thing I do everyday is hit the laptop to read emails and check my bank balance.   There was an email waiting to be read from Dakota so I dug in only to find that he is leaving our congregation in the spring.  Initially I was shocked, and then I cried.  I had to call another UMC clergy friend who would let me sob on her shoulder and Dell did just that.  They worked together for a year or so until she took an assignment in the Memphis area.  

This is the part of Methodism that hurts.  It's never permanent and changes every few years.  Due to a decrease in giving, our staff was reduced from two to one pastors.  When that line item was eliminated, Dakota stepped to the plate as associate/musical arts and everything else director.  I remember the first Lenten season when Will was rather new to us and I brought up John Kilzer of St. Johns.  His parents went to high school with him.  Small world.  John created a huge support group called The Way at St John's targeting addiction.  You see at one time he was a famous singer as in "Red Blue Jeans."  

Iv'e been led by a LOT of pastors over 66 years as a Methodist.  I remember when we became "united" because my Daddy explained it to me.  Since then, I have realized that nothing is permanent.  It's all just a gift from God for a period of time.  Like my Gaga told me: " We're all just loaned to each other."

Oscar got a Thanksgiving plate like all the rest of us except for Reaves.  She ate the cookies we made last week.  I channeled my mother to the max on this one.  Bless all our hearts.  I am thankful for you ^j^

shop small saturday

Dang it...and I don't get paid until Tuesday.  Oh well.  Most of my shopping is done except for a few gift cards and last minute surprises.  I'm leaving the tree lights off until after the feast but then it's on like donkey kong.  I didn't used to understand all that planning ahead but when you're on your own, you learn to at least have a loose agenda.  Not a five year plan but perhaps a five day.  Or five minutes!

I saw more old friends today and made jolly with the crew at Headlines.  They were crazy busy and I love being in that environment.  We all talked about Thanksgiving and recipes and family stuff.  I don't normally make desserts because nobody has room but I just mike make a pie.  I'll have to find Mama's cookbook for that.

Y'all be blessed ^j^

gawd' almighty

Has this been a Monday or what!  Cold. Wet. Full of drama. Thanks to our President gas has gone down a bit for which I am forever thankful.  Don't start with me y'all.  I will meet you in the middle but I won't be had.  I'm reading a Fannie Flagg book about Mrs. Earle Poole and her family down around Mobile.  This poor lady took all sorts of abuse from her adoptive mother who never told her what was up.  She could never be or do or say enough to please Lorene.  But then a letter came telling her that Lorene was not , in fact, her birth mother.  All legal and stuff.  Earl urges her to make contact with her mama and them and I believe it will happen.  

I am feeling very blessed after singing Christmas carols with Calvin as we put up the drape on the mirror.  And got that little tree in place.  It lives in the extra tub most of the year.  We have done this three years in a row.  I only hope he remembers me in his will.  Just one piece of depression glass, honey.

I'm cooking those peas as I type and may get the eggs boiled if my energy holds up.  Peace and love ^j^

thankful for enough

Today's service was about gratitude of course.  Mary Beth outlined in great detail how being grateful for what you have leads to peace of mind.  Wanting more and more leads to a spiritual rot that is not what Jesus taught us.  I have never lived luxuriously and there were times when I was younger when I really worked at getting more.  More stuff.  Things that money can buy.  Being retired and almost dying changed my way of thinking on that.  I'm a pay it forward kind of gal and have always believed that every good deed is known to God, especially those done anonymously.  Not to be noticed, mind you.  Just because it's the right thing to do.  Sometimes I fall short but it's no intentional.  Whatever I do I try to do 100%.

In addition to my regular gig I have a date to help a friend decorate his apartment for Christmas.  He only has one leg so it's not something he can do on his own.  I will put up his tree and hang the garland just so around the mirror with him telling me to move it this way or that and center those bows.  I've been there done that with him before. Thank goodness Lauren got MY tree up yesterday.

Get to gettin' on that Thanksgiving food y'all.  It's almost here!

samaria bend volunteer fire department

I have been known to light a fire when  it's not really safe, like today.  I had a ton of boxes and pecan limbs that have been laying there for weeks so I threw in some dryer lint and it was on!  Reaves and I were out in the yard playing and it quickly got out of hand with the nearby brush.  One time I ended up on the front page of the local paper for setting a bean field on fire.  This time I managed to put it out with a hundred foot hose from the side of the house.  I should listen closer to Smokey the Bear.

Reaves and LP and I had a day that involved cookie making, pecan picking and lots of outdoor play.  We planted flowers and magic rocks in the garden box.  And we discovered that talking in the carport when it's empty is like being on a microphone.  Little things I've never noticed is what she shows me.  

Lauren put the tree together but we won't decorate it until after the Thanksgiving feast.  It's kind of a mish mash up in here anyway and I enjoy the lts.  There are presents to wrap and whatnot but I'm way ahead of the game from where I normally am at this stage of the game.  I am an Advent person so there will be a wreath on the table and candles lit one by one during the season.  

Y'all be blessed ^j^

root cause analysis

Known as RCA in businesses, it is a series of meetings involving all parties who are part of a bad consumer or client outcome.  I have a story to tell about my one and only experience.

I was the transfusion service supervisor for CHS or MHS at the time and a patient died when the surgical crew all left and she was in post-op.  The nurse who was all up in the middle of it testified that she was alone at one time with this patient.  There was another surgery involved to try and correct what went wrong but it didn't work.

Surgery and anesthesia blamed our department for a delay in treatment because the lab techs requested a new sample to make sure it was right.  BTW, I was off that day.  The surgeon and all of his staff denied knowing about our emergency release policy, aka Red Tag,  Yet I had his signature on about 50 releases during the time he was practicing.  I had just had a fight with my daughter on the phone prior to this meeting and I was about tore up before we ever went before the firing squad. No pathologist present.  Just me and my boss.  And an administrator who demanded I be fired after I left the meeting in tears.  That did not happen.  

We were blessed with an abundant supply of blood and blood products from Jackson.  There were times when we got low but mostly we got what we ordered.  Enough to cover trauma and childbirth and anemic old folks.  I noticed a trend toward the end of my career of physician orders for not two but one unit.  Pump 'em up and get 'em out.  Type and screens are required for every transfusion and the record keeping is meticulous on who has what antibody.  Blood is kind of like a transplant where your body can reject it it things don't match up just right.  The more you are transfused, the more likely you are to produce antibodies against other blood groups.

This is a bonus post because I wasn't done yet after the rage.  I have a fiesta bowl in the oven from Los Portales staying warm for when I'm ready to eat.  Like most everyone else, I am weary.  Yet I am thankful to rediscover the things that I love like reading.  I celebrate me and enjoy whatever I'm doing at the time.  And that is what it's all about ^j^

dodging bullets

It seems like life is like that sometimes.  I was exposed to COVID and had to wait several days to be tested.  I felt fortunate that I was negative because now Thanksgiving is ON!  I told Bubba that positive or not I expected a smoked turkey to go with this freezer full of stuff.  The only thing I cheated on was mac and cheese Bob Evans style and that can be dressed up like we always did with buttered cracker crumbs.  Right?  I might be Martha Stewart on occasion.  I don't get off on the decor like my mother did but I can sure cook some good food.  And usually get the fake tree out of sight before March.

This is where I will lose a lot of you so just bear with me for a minute.  The whole Kyle Rittenhouse trial was a circuYos and that judge should retire.  Jurors from a tumbler?  Uh.  No.  My question is this to him.  You knew there was a protest and you intentionally picked up an automatic weapon and joined the violence.   Yeah, you were a teenager.  But you have that us against them mindset that is destroying society.  Somebody has to be the first one to step away from it and evaluate what the fight is all about.  To me, that means looking seriously at the availability of artillery type weapons to nutjobs.  It is a black market way beyond our reach and is being fueled by the NRA backed by the second amendment.  Y'all.  They had six shooters on horses back in the day.  Just ask John Dutton.  

I failed to see the lunar eclipse but I did see the frosty beaver moon rising and she was beautiful.  I always relate full moons to my parents because on the mornings of both of their deaths, I noticed it as I made my way to the hospital.  Prolly' a sign from Big Ernie, right Hoss?

The gifts are hidden because they're not wrapped yet but I am tickled to be done before December.  Unless the supply chain interruption pisses us all off :)  Happy Friday y'all!

no deli meat for you!

I have met the soup nazi at the local Kroger deli and on more than one occasion and she is, to say the least, rude.  This is why I order groceries online.  The manager is a surly woman who obviously does not like her job and has anger issues.  She has been reported to corporate.  I don't play when it comes to customer service.  My mama was that way too, instead she had to writer letters!   Lawd.

At some point, it you expect to keep your job you say "how can i help you" or thanks.  

I remember the one and only time that I got ill with a patient who was having blood drawn prior to admission.  I missed the first time and he made some smartass remark about my ability and I responded with "Well, I guess I don't know what I'm doing!"  I went and found him later and apologized.  The funny thing is, he had not even noticed it.  But I did.  I felt my inner bitch come out of nowhere due to stress and being a mama and wife and laboratory professional all the while trying to have a little fun.  

And I did.  The most fun I ever had was whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River.  Twice!  The whitewater Olympic event was held there at some point.  We all had to attend a safety class and suit up to be carried down that gorge dodging dangerous holes by trained guides.  It was teamwork at the  finest level.  We paddled the Spring in AR several times, always drunk.  It's a wonder we survived that!  

If I had a bucket list, doing the Ocoee would be at the top with meeting James Taylor a close second.  The river itself is dam controlled by the TVA so they share the water.  It's about 30 minutes from Cleveland in Polk County....southeast TN.  There is another not so wild one called the Nantahala in NC which also attracts a lot of paddlers and floaters.  I think I'm more of a tubing kind of gal now.  

I've got to go get my nose probed tomorrow so let's all pray for a good outcome.  I want me some Thanksgiving with my peeps.  And also a good time with the Funkymonsters.  

Hang in there kids.  It's all about the ride ^j^

every picture tells a story

As long as I can remember I've had a camera in my hand.  It went from three cheap Kodaks that work gave me as a present to  primo Leica that the count gifted to me.  It was a 1995 model that I had so much fun with I cannot describe.  I walked the woods across the lane and captured so much of nature.  Not many animals mind you.  Just beautiful scenery.  I rode through those bottoms on a four wheeler with a man who loved me and the lay of the land.  And our brown labs kept up with us every step of the way.  After Faith died, he brought me another one named Ellie.  She had to go away too so as not to get run over on Samaria Bend Road.  Last I heard she was in Illinois.  The transition was arranged by Paw to Care which is a devoted crew of folks who rehome animals.  My friends  are committed that cause.  

 I have honestly never paid for an animal they just all seemed to show up at the right time.  Gumbler brought us Faith and from there she begot a bunch of puppies from Chester.  She was eleven years old, never bred and developed pyometra after the birth.  We knew she was sick and I was still working so one of the phlebs who was a former pet tech drew her blood in the parking lot.  Her white count was out the roof.

I knew it was almost over so we babied her and let her sleep on the futon until one night *boom* she fell onto the floor dead.  John did the burial honors out in the pine grove and we all cried like babies.  Later on, her pup Ryder got hit and Bubba buried her.  Right after my surgery Sammy D passed on and precious Gerald buried him, in the rain.  I just watched from the kitchen window because I was freshly post-op.

Oscar is on the recliner behind me.  Who the hell knows where Al Franken is.  He slept with  me last night and is adjusting to the litter box routine.  I'll take it.

Merry and bright and thankful ^j^

  

cat on my back

Oscar disappeared for almost two weeks and showed back up none worse for the outing.  He slept with me for two nights and then went out cattin' again.  I don't get alarmed now because I know he will always come home sooner or later.  He is now perched behind my butt on the computer chair.  It is a challenge to get he and Oscar to share the house peacefully.  Oscar never sleeps with me so that's not a problem.  It's the food and the alpha male thing.  There are litter boxes everywhere and I trust that Al will adapt.  If not, he's banned.

The days are getting short and that really bums me out what with missing the sunsets.  Today's was glorious and I shared it with Bubba while he was shouting at Sadie and "killing time" until he was going to meet a sheetrock and paint guy.  Such is life.

I actually bought a new shirt today on sale at Old Navy.  It's a little snug for the bag so I'll be returning it for an XL.  While I'm there I may snatch up the other one I saw on half price if it's still there.  My friend naps while I run these errands.  We sat in line for fifteen minutes at the pharmacy today.  I reckon everybody was gone to lunch.

Be safe and be kind.  And remember who you are ^j^

we are the church

As you all know I'm a United Methodist only we're not so united any more at the general conference level.  Many churches have pulled out of the denomination because of the gay sex marriage issue.  I think this is pretty lame on their part and not particularly diverse.  It's been a huge deal for years at the biggie of conferences with people jumping over the rails and whatnot.  In my heart, I cannot see the problem.  One UMC preacher got kicked out for officiating his gay son's wedding.  Jesus don't like ugly.  I'm not saying go all out with rainbows and bridesmaids but to deny marriage to people who truly love each other is wrong.  We have lost several members over this very issue.  

One of my dearest friends is a nurse practitioner who tried being straight, had two boys and then married the love of his life.  They are successfully multi parenting with mom.  No actually, there was more than one friend like that.  

It is not up to me to be the judge.  I see our church members going other places because they don't believe in women preachers or diverse ideas.  They take their money with them.  Tithe as you will.  Tis stewardship season! It made me happy to see kids and their proud parents talking about what our church means to them today.  

The girls came today in a much safer car  and we did a bunch of stuff.  She has to watch Jillian and Addie every.dang.time.  We ventured into the attic which ain't easy to get to and pulled down the Christmas stuff.  That's all there is up there except for leftover materials from the remodel.  It's kind of risky going up those steps what with all of Mama's photo albums sitting on the landing.  Hey....I'm working on it.

I hope that you are well and at peace.  If not, ask for some ^j^

i knew it

Back when we got the glorious news that SS was going to rise 6%  my brother remarked "But you know they'll raise Medicare costs."  And if I'm lying I'm dying, it has come to pass.  This pissed me off on a very large level considering the fact that those taxes have been taken out of my earnings for all of my career in medical technology working for a hospital that sold not one but three times.  How's that for loyalty?  Nah, just familiarity.  My work family, though by all means not perfect, are still in my heart.  It's kind of funny because I find myself wondering what all those new BB machines are about.  There was this one time when I was supervising and an aneurysm came in the night.  At that time our blood was being shipped by bus from Memphis.  This wild ass thoracic surgeon decided he was gonna' save this guy's life by giving him group specific blood.  I believe he was Aneg  and the doctor insisted on Oneg whole blood.  Guess what happened?  Because we had switched types, it had to be Aneg all the way.  The lab staff stayed up all night and when I questioned what was going on with the type change I was told by the pathologist to do it.  I should have said hell to the no.  That night we used probably 50 or 60 units of precious donated blood because of vanity.  

Enough about my career as a clinician.  I'm headed in a whole lot of different directions these days.  If I'm lucky maybe it can be figured out before I go toes up. My Christmas tree works and I've made a space for it but not REALLY ready to do that yet.  First we need to be thankful for the bounty.  

don't judge me

If you were to walk in my house right now you would totally believe that a hurricane blew through.  I hunt and gather during the day and let it lay there until the spirit moves me.  I'm thinking tomorrow will be the day.  I bought a cheap Christmas tree and want to test it to see if the lights work.  So then, I'll just have to leave it up for Thanksgiving.  Speaking of which, three dishes are in the freezer with purple peas and turkey on the way.  The only thing left to do is deviled eggs which is a day before project.  

Today was a mish mash of cold, rain, wind and sunshine at the end.  I love it when that happens, even when sunset is close after I get home. I am adapting and refuse to go to bed at dark.  Been waking up early for some reason which is a miracle.  I get more done that way.  

Happy weekend to you and yours.  Love you like chicken ^j^

the cost of living

Seriously y'all.  This is insane!  I went looking for a pre-lit tree with multicolored lights around 6 feet and nobody had anything in my budget.  I went in and out of stores and even to Hobby Lobby for the first time.  What is UP with all the white lights????  I've got to crawl to the attic and find what I bought last year at the 'gentral and see if it's worthy.  Of course Bubba can always get me a Snoopy tree at Kroger, which they already have.  Wayyyyy too early.  

When I woke up this morning I realized that Frankie had died. We worked together at the hospital many years ago and I didn't know him well but he was one of those go-to nurses who would work with you and sort it all out.  A young man who was lost to COVID leaves behind a wife, family and lots of friends.  He suffered  a lot during the past four months. 

I've been tree shopping to no avail until I talked to Carol today and she told me she got a good one locally for 38 bucks.  That's on my pickup list for tomorrow along with other things.   I try to stay busy and shop wisely.

We had a Joyful time at the Veteran's Day parade today.  Just like I remember it from years ago when I marched with the girl 

scouts there was a lot of fanfare at the pocket park.  It was cool and windy but everybody was mesmerized.  Hometown USA, at it's finest.  

I heard the coyotes howling a bit ago and Oscar went nuts.  They always sound sooooo close.  I've about got the cat box thing figured out until I can get Al potty trained.  He slept with me last night but then pooped in the floor which I had to clean up.  My bad for not having a litter box for the cat I thought was long gone

Y'all be blessed ^j^

gimme a tag

I have had so many needle pokes in the past month I should have a rabies tag or something to identify that I'm safe from Covid, flu and pneumonia plus a big dose of Prolia for osteoporosis.  The first three were paid for by Medicare but that Prolia costs me out the ass in co-pays. I draw too much SS to qualify for state assistance.  How's that for a nice howdy do.  Stuck with 20% of Medicare Part B, I'm trying to figure out how the whole thing is beneficial except when you go to the hospital.  I mean really.  Plus THAT costs 173 a month.  Geez.  

They are still working away on the farm cutting beans and planting wheat.  Needless to say, the dust is thick. Since it got up in the 70s today I turned on the AC to clean out the air a bit.  Tennessee weather y'all.  

Some friends of friends reopened a restaurant that  they bought yesterday so I went for breakfast, on Mamye.  Then some other friends joined me for a visit on the deck and a good time was had by all.  The time change is messing with everybody's head and it will take a few weeks to get adjusted.  

Life goes on.  Every moment is precious and when I begin to feel sorry for myself I count my blessings ^j^

all my exes

None of them live in Texas as far as I know.  Ms. Annie does but she's not an ex.  I count on her weekly calls channeling my mother.

They were close in age and she's still kicking over in Austin.  Babysister lives in Memphis.  We talk occasionally as well.  Both of these women have described my mother as a child which gives me a lot of comfort.  There are very few left.

I find myself being identified as Bubba or Tommy's sister and Lauren's mom.   Eldest of the Billie and Janice Stafford clan.  Only girl with two bratty little brothers who were determined to make my life interesting.  Tommy could pick a lock in a heartbeat and was all up in my grill when I had a high school boyfriend who came to visit.  That was way after the Voice of the Mummy days with Claudia

I got the tulips planted today before company showed up.  After breakfast at a new and improved place, I hit up the 'gentral for what I needed and figured I could catch church onlin but alas...there was no sound.  If I think really hard I can remember the saints from 2021 but it's really about all of them.  Saying their names out loud and remembering who they were.  I distinctly remember sitting with Donna Locke on that day after her mother had passed.  She gazed up through the stained glass toward heaven and I was a believer.  Thanks dear.

Many of us will get there one way or another.  Being kind and humble is a start.  Putting self interests first is not a good ticket to the pearly gates.  This is the day!

starry starry night

It is still and clear here on the farm with only the faint drone of farm equipment harvesting.  They are done up close to my house so it isn't rattling the windows or anything.  The corn dust is thick and causing lotso' allergy problems.  The girls came and went with everyone on their devices and raiding the refrigerator.  Reaves got to ride with Uncle Bubba in the CanAm and loved every minute of it.  She later told us it was a "fun ride."  She sat in my lap as we crawled around the yard and then headed up to Pecan Lane.  A wonderful memory was made!

We talked about Thanksgiving plans and making Mama Staff's butter cookies.  She wanted to do it right NOW but we explained that it takes a minute to get the dough ready and just right for cutting.  You know, a floured surface and rolling pin.  Plus a lot of mixing and chilling before that.  At times like these I wish I had an island or some decent workspace to cook more easily.  And a good knife!

We don't want much for the holidays except to be together and that will happen Lord willing.  I have submitted my article a month ahead of deadline for the January issue complete with pictures.  It was pretty dismal to see what I worked on so hard for so long to be only one and a half pages in print.  I learned a lot of farm history in the process though.

I'm missing my friends and though we stay in touch we don't see each other often.  Everybody is busy as a cat covering shit.  Speaking of which, my cat AL has been gone for a week.  As toms will do he may be out chasing tail.  I found him in the pecan tree by the deck back in the spring.  Easy come easy go with stray cats, I reckon.

Y'all be thankful and blessed and always remember who you are ^j^

novemblah

It's cold and rainy most of this month in West Tennessee.  As  long as it ain't raining I'm good except for all those gray days.  I already have that thing where you get depressed when the days get shorter.  The good news is that they will get longer bit by bit beginning in December.  But then there are those cold and freezing months where you don't even want to be outside.  I miss that.

Harvest is in full swing here.  Corn first and then beans.  I saw three trucks in my side yard today when I got home, all headed to the place where corn goes.  Beans will be next or simultaneous.  I'm ready for winter wheat thankyouverymuch.  It's so green and beautiful!

This old girl is skipping toward Christmas.  I could give a rat's ass about a big Thanksgiving dinner.  Too much tryptophan and all that.  We made two pans of dressing and distributed accordingly.  I have discovered that liquid aminos do wonders for that dish.  Too much will put you into carb overload, just saying.

I would seriously like a honey baked ham.  It goes a long way and is available online from Jackson.  Note to self.....you have the money to order one.  Reaves is so visually artistic that her presents for Christmas gifts will all be chosen carefully.  Her mama is looking into options other than public school that focus on creativity and free play.  I love that with all my heart.  She pees in the potty now all the time and is full of life here on the farm.  Hopefully we will ride in a tractor soon.  Tis the season!

Happy whatever.  Love the one you're with ^j^

productivity

I can be such a slacker at times, but when I'm on a roll I go with it.  Today was one of those days.  I started out by waking up slowly, just laying there and adjusting to a new day.  After that I commenced to hunting and gathering. First there was a Kroger pickup and then an oil change with me sitting in the waiting room with not one but four Spanish speaking folks.  Needless to say they don't have to worry about me spreading what they said.  I took French.  After unloading Kroger I headed to Four Points 'gentral to get what Kroger didn't have.  I splurged there and got things that I really need plus some half off leggings for Reaves.  That store is about to undergo a remodel so the shelves are pretty bare.  I got tiny colored lights to hang around for Christmas.  And a couple of skillets.  Lawd, I do love to cook.

On the drive south I noticed a new sign proclaiming it Landon Parker Hughes memorial highway.   That, took my breath away.  He was killed on that road awhile back.  There were two big blue ribbons on the sign.  Way cool.

I am so not into Halloween that I have nary a decoration.  As I head to the kitchen to make my brother some dressing ( who's the best sister ever?) I will organize and sort through what I bought .  I'm trying to get my shit together here, seriously.

Y'all watch out for ghosts and goblins ^j^

give the gift of postage

Unbeknownst to me, a stamp went to 58 cents in August and is set to go up again next year.  Now, I'm not a big stamp user because I pay most things online but there are two who don't have that and I owe them so there ya' go.  I just saw a FB ad from the USPS offering 100 forever stamps for 45 bucks.  That, is a deal and would make a great gift. I enjoy getting things quick and so far they have beat out all the other companies on delivery options.  I feel the same way about them as I do small business owners.  Don't expect people to work hard to make your company look good when you're cuttin' corners DeJoy.  Go away.  There were a lot of consequences to your cutbacks in service around election time. 

I believe in the little guy and the power that can be generated in community with others.  I still stick up for he or she 'til do us part if you are a friend indeed and in need.   Fortunately I have plenty of those folks.  I hope you are blessed as well.  I'm anxiously awaiting the Virginia governor's election soon,  From what I hear it's neck and neck and I like a tight run, that is, unless they start demanding recounts.  Boo on you.  It didn't used to be this way.  High five to you  DJT.  

That's all my knowledge today.  Be well ^j^

dopesick

I have been watching that series and even though I totally knew it was that way, it still stuns me.  All those free lunches from vendors sweetens the deal.  Yes, the doctor will see you now and smooze a bit.  It's not just pharma that does it either.  It was always fun to see what Jim Rock brought because he put a LOT of thought into and appreciated what we do as laboratorians.  I'm glad that I worked in a rural hospital.  I don't think I would have ever hung in there if the patients were just a number.  The techs still did phlebotomy when I hired on and continued to over the years.  We boiled test tubes for chemistries and read them on a spectrophotometer.  I remember one of the new doctors at the time made me cry because creatinine wasn't a stat test.  As he watched what I had to do to get a result, he gave me props and promised to support a better way to do things.  And it happened.

One of the cool things about being in the lab was the anatomic pathology piece.  I remember watching my first autopsy and will never eat liver again.  Not that I did before.  I would starve if that's all I had.....liver and onions.  We watched as Sammy put poor dude's head on a block and proceeded to dissect him like the cats we had in high school.  Each organ was weighed and recorded as a part of the cause of death.  A more timid person would have cut and run away from the smell but I was intrigued.  We had our own histology tech who mounted the specimens on slides for the pathologist to review.  We had two Cubans in a row and them a whole bunch of others.  Dr. Inclan was my favorite.  

So many people think that everybody is a nurse or doctor yet that is not true.  The person who draws your blood for labs is usually a phlebotomist.  There is all kind of tech work going on that you never think about.  Housekeeping.  Meals.  When my parents were dying I remember a housekeeper named Crystal who used to check in on us every day.  She never smiled but she was caring and that mattered a lot.  I was fortunate to still be an employee there and able to keep tabs on what was going on during breaks.  Did I ever look up their lab results?  I'll never tell.

Daddy went first after complications from three surgeries in a row and developing atelectasis.  I remember distinctly Dr. A and John Lanier telling me it was time to let go.  He was on oxygen only and struggling to breath until the morphine kicked in.  Of course it was rotated with something else but for the most part he was peaceful at the end.  Ms. Anita called me from morning rounds to let me know he was gone.  It was around 5AM.  I think I went in and did the deed with the funeral home.  Curry's is always so compassionate.  

Mama's deal was kind of the same deal.  She had multiple surgeries from osteoporosis and by chance survived that to die of a ruptured diverticulum.  After days of hard antibiotics and a rising white count we had to make the decision to go BACK to surgery which she probably would not survive.  Here comes hospice again.

Many people are not aware that when hospice becomes involved you continue comfort measures but do not monitor closely.  One set of vitals per shift.  Minimal intervention and lots of pain relief for a peaceful passing over.  They don't starve or die of thirst.  It is a gradual shutting down of the body when there is no quality of life.  And family members have to make that call.  It's tough but was easy for us when we saw how they were suffering.  

There are two women in charge of my healthcare DPA, both of whom love me and each other.  It's in my wallet and goes everywhere I do except I have to change a phone number.  This is what you do if you want your wishes to be respected.  I don't want to go to a nursing home with a feeding tube.  My advocates know that.  I trust them to let me go when the time comes.

I know, morbid right! On the sunny side it's gonna' rain for two days and the crops will be delayed yet again.  Whoever heard of shelling corn in November!

Peace and grace ^j^

civil liberty

There seems to be a little tiff going on with our city council about allowing food trucks which are fully licensed and inspected to do business in Dyersburg.  These are small business type folks who have put their heart and soul into startups during a very tough year.  Why would a thriving city not want that?  The answer is clear to me:  politics.  You think they're an eyesore?  Don't go there.  You want good food at a reasonable price?  By all means support them.  One of my mentors is a man who had a vision way beyond his time and created The Mill Workspace.  Since Bill Haslam was governor, Chris has done everything in his power to develop the love of creating your own business and having a co-working space suitable for meetings or small offices.  

He has helped to develop the lower end of Mill Street by introducing Buff City Soap, next to Pennington Seed and Supply.  There is a small boutique on the corner and an upscale thrift store across the street.   There is a restaurant and a lot of legal offices on the square with another boutique located across the court house.  This is what runs America, not Chinese imports.  The Farmer's Market and Forked Deer river trail are all easily accessible from  this intersection.  On the east side of the square there is a nutrition bar and an empty hardware store with a nice little sitting area in between.  That was built when there was a dream.  

One of the biggest draws in Dyer County was the Boss Hoss rally.  For some reason the powers that be decided that it was "too much trouble" so the owner packed his show up and moved to Paris.  Now they get the revenue.  I know a lot of this is motivated by supposedly well meaning people.  The Dyer County Community Cancer Fund still does their thing by the courthouse.  Politicians stand in line to be seen there and shake hands.  It's legacy.  My daddy and Joe Wood used to fry taters and onions for that thing every year,  Jeff Jones took their places ;)

Much of Dyer county is a food desert.  There are a few grocery stores out on the North highway but nothing between the downtown Burg to Halls.  Man, if I had the money I'd put one out about a mile past my house close to the airport.  A real store there would kick the 'gentral's ass.  If you would like that opportunity....call me.  I'll be the greeter.

I've gone around the Medicare world twice and decided to stick with what I have and find a sugardaddy to pay for ostomy supplies.  Drugs and co-pays are reasonable.  I haven't been in the hospital since Medicare kicked in but I'm assuming I'm responsible for the 20% that B doesn't cover.  What is wrong with this picture y'all?  I'm an old freakin' lady on a limited income.  

And don't EVEN get me started on the fact that insurance pays nothing on preventive therapy like MFR.  FSA will reimburse you if you happen to have one.  It's time for my mammo and pap smear so here's to Breast Cancer Awareness month.  It'll probably be December before I can get an appointment.

Y'all be blessed ^j^

middle city

If you don't know your way around Dyer county you won't notice this tiny community close to the tracks on the way to Finley.  It's kind of a sketchy place, if you know what I mean.  MC is just across the river from my house and they love to shoot guns around sunset.  I've called the law twice and they said sorry mam, we can't help you.  It's legal.  Oscar and I were chilling on the back porch when it started and he crawled up on me shaking.  He's still scared, all stuck up under my feet at the desk.  He was cold and scared.  I hate guns.  I would shoot my eye out.

I do agree that we should all have the right to concealed carry, properly trained and licensed but that ain't what's happening.  It's just this huge black market for repeating AR style weapons that pisses me off.  Go the gun show!  Don't show your ID or registration to carry this firearm.  Yet even people who are supposed to be credible do things like load a prop gun with live rounds.  But that's on the production company and it sounds like safety standards were not being followed.

I got a surprise Lauren visit today that warmed my heart and did a mama some good.  Reaves was due for a checkup today but shit happened and she went to school.  ABCDEFG!

Hope you are all safe and healthy.  Let's try to stay that way ^j^