with age comes stories

As most folks who know me can testify, I'm not a big risk taker.  I procrastinate and run around in an ADHD sort of fog hollering "squirrel" and stopping to admire it.  The ducks and geese out at paradise have been telling me, totem wise, to take a hold of the big opportunity coming my way.  Hmm.  Me and my buddy read today together and I finished mine which is always a bummer.  It dawned on me as I finished up Rick Bragg's latest that we write in similar ways, both of us with a southern slant toward tales of us.  So the new and improved me decided to take a chance and track him down for a good old brain pickin' on southern writing.  Clyde Edgerton is another one of my literary favorites.  Maybe I'll holla' at him next.  Meanwhile I got the voicemail of Bragg when I called and I explained very briefly what I wanted.  I also got an email address where he teaches.  He's probably got about 50 assistants who screen all that stuff but I gave it a shot.  I'm at the point that I got nothing to lose.  Thank you all for giving me encouragement during my blogging years.  That will never cease until I die and I'll probably figure out a way to do it when I get to heaven.  The blog, angel..so to speak.  

Bubba and I did all the swapping over on utilities this morning and he didn't even bitch at me when I left my phone in Halls and we had to go back.  Then we toured the old house and Johnny and Billy have obviously been hard at work.  The bathroom and all the kitchen cabinets were gutted.  There are little squares on that bathroom backsplash where I learned how to tile using leftovers from Yaya.  The old white sink sits all by itself. And my washer and dryer are coming tomorrow!  Lerd...I was dreading the laundromat.  

Oscar runs free range while I'm at work between the two houses but he eventually always finds himself here with me.  Oh, and that tabby tom is still hanging around with a calico on the road as we speak.  Plus my girls.  Always leave room for the spirit to work ^j^

jumping the gun

My take on the vaccine so far is that we have been guinea pigs for the emergency release brands Pfizer and Moderna.   So here comes J&J with a one shot miracle cure but it's not approved.  Word on the street is that Moderna has more side effects than Pfizer regarding immune response and discomfort.  I'm a Moderna patient waiting for #2 from the State of TN department of health.  There has been much concern about availability in TN, enough so that Gov Lee had a press conference about the circus in Memphis.  Of course they are boiling water too.  Sheesh.

I had another busy day but it was in a good way, if you know what I mean.  Somewhere in this living room there is a honey bee that crept in.  The stray tabby tom is still hanging around but he's outside.  I feed him out there to keep he and Oscar separate and avoid a killin'.  Yesterday at paradise I watched the ducks....about 15 of 'em..float and dive in the almost unfrozen lake.  Little things like that tickle me.  The birds are happy and singing most days and the peepers are doing their thing.  Spring is almost here.  Reaves and I planted tulips in the garden box up on the hill and I can't wait for us to see them come up.  That right there is the beginning of a lifetime gardener.

This weekend will be devoted to more sorting up there and making piles. Plus laundry since uh....no delivery.  I am literally living out of a suitcase and need my daddy's dresser up in here to organize my undies.  I think it will fit in the hatchback but i need help moving it.  There's another one coming one of these days that was my mother's.  That should be plenty of clothes storage for one person.  

I talked with my new neighbor this evening to see if this cat is hers and she said no.  Hmm.  We gotta' find a home for this old boy before Cali shows up.  Meanwhile I will foster him and let him hunt.  

One of these days we will adapt to the new normal.  I finally have a preop appointment with my surgeon in a couple of weeks so there's that.  I dread the whole ordeal but I'm sick to death of this ostomy bag.  If I knew I had no options I would learn to live with it but as long as there's a chance for reversal, I'm ready to take it.  

Be kind ^j^

sleep on it

I have no idea which way is up right now.  I'm living in two houses kinda' sorta.  One has a washer and dryer and a bunch of stuff to be cleaned out.  The other is scattered with stuff that I have brought with me.  I work and tend to details as best I can.  In the meantime there is every day drama to deal with which everybody has.  If it ain't one thing it's five.  

Lauren came today and we organized the kitchen after my adventure at Kroger.  I'll spare you the details but evidently the staff didn't know how to deal with what I had on my phone.  I paid for it by debit and hauled it on home after meeting Johnny at the other house to pass over the key.  Both are locked up tight now.  I have to go through the middle room and pick out the heirlooms, in my eyes , and get the rest outta' there.

It's a lot, but I'm a tough old broad with a lot of people in my tribe.  The book will eventually be written, perhaps by an editor who knows how to flesh out the characters of 15 years worth of short stories.  I remember when the dudes at Blogger commented " oh boy, it's her day off" meaning multiple posts.  Those were the early years of Poop Happens and the beginning of Pecan Lane.  They are archived with a license which may or may not be any good  Creative Commons, remember them?

I'm still reading Bragg tales and loving every minute of it.  When I'm done I will pass it on to my dear friend Jana is she doesn't already have it.  Book people are like that.  So are Jesus people.

The wilderness is a tempting place.  Just think about all that He went through fed only by angels.  The devil himself said "come on buddy....I got your back."  Yet He endured and went on to teach and do miracles.  As Jerry Clower would say "ain't that something!"  Now that I have a car with a working radio I enjoy Jack FM when I'm driving.  They are so all over the place with their music and I like that.  If it's something I don't care for I turn it off and the next thing I know there's Stevie Nicks.  My # 2 pick is 92.3 FM in Jackson.  I am a hard rock soft song whatever my mood is kind of girl.  Me and Ms Joy sang Life in the Fastlane today.  

Peace~Grace

taking a break

This old gal has a lot of balls in the air right now, thus the posts will be short and sweet and saved up for a day when the muse says to tell a story.  I am currently reading Rick Bragg's latest which is just that....a collection of short essays about life in deep south.  Bragg grew up in Alabama and has traveled the country as a journalist and reporter for years.  It was only after all that when he began to publish books.  

Story tellers draw from what they have lived as content.  "You should write a book!" they say.  My book has been written one day at a time for about sixteen years.  Any editorial advice would be appreciated.  

I'm warm and have water and a sleeping dog next to me.  I heard the peepers this afternoon and the sun was out all day.  Am I blessed?  You bet.  Keep the faith ^j^

from whom all blessings flow

It's been a rough year for everybody, for many reasons.  I remember hearing stories of the great depression from my Daddy and I think we're getting close to a rematch.  He was a sharecropper's son who grew up working the land the hard way. It was a tough life for those who had no choice but to depend on growth to get them through.  With COVID and the Snowpocalypse and all the inconveniences that entails, we see it trickle down through every sector of society.  Who can remember not wearing a mask?  Going out to eat or to the movie?  Hugging random strangers just because.  

I can hear the ice falling off the cabin as the thaw begins.  I acted all mighty woman and made tracks on top of the old tracks at the other house to get some more stuff.  I've learned to do the rocking thing pretty well.  And thank you sweet baby jeebus I have a reliable car.  That was a big turning point for me....like do or die time.  I have a new battery and patched tire so I should be good to go.  

I fully believe that we are all children of God regardless of race, sexual preference and whatever else there is. Oh, politics.  I had to snicker at Cruz getting caught in his jeans at the airport.  This kind of stuff doesn't make me happy but it is what it is.  Remember Christie on that Jersey beach?  It's not a partisan thing by any means.  Just public servants who get sidetracked by their own egos.  

I am vague at times because showcasing isn't my thing.  I try to use my writing for positive and uplifting things while reporting that life can be a bitch sometimes.  I haven't seen the girls in quite some time so maybe tomorrow. Reaves and I can play while Lauren organizes.  

For Yaya~Keep the Faith^^

the week the world stood still

Don't bet me started on the Green New Deal or oil prices right now.  What I see happening is price gouging during a true emergency.  Like we haven't already had a few in the past year!  I believe in the power of natural energy which must, of course, include gas to some degree.  I'm just ready to build an igloo and ride it out.  Wait, I already have one.  

I see more activity down here what with all the neighbors.  Searching for a change of address option I found that it costs 60 bucks to do that.  WTH?  Me and the guy at the car shop had a nice long discussion about socialism v communism.  He was born in Vietnam and his family left because his grandfather was executed for being a lawyer.  You seriously cannot make that shit up.  We discussed the war and how both of us believed that was a big wrong thing.  I brought up Iraq and the lives affected from that big one. Desert Storm.  I don't remember the year but one of my coworkers served there.  Being a soldier in those conditions is tough.  Sometimes it seems that evil will prevail.

But I have hope.  I know from what my Mama taught me and spring is right around the corner, complete with Easter ham and deviled eggs.  

Be safe ~ and blessed ^j^

winter storm warning

Well, they sure got this one right.  We got 4 or 5 more inches last night that covered all the ruts made yesterday.  Bubba came out and packed the driveway a bit and there's been a truck and a couple of four wheelers up and down the road.  I'm just grateful to have heat and water.  This time five years ago, the house was empty.  Mom had moved to assisted living and then onto rehab.  She died peacefully on January 23rd with my brother at her side.  And there was snow.  

I am arranging things a little at a time which is a good snow day activity.  I've cooked a meal and run the dishwasher and had two showers. I still have to figure out where I am when I wake up but it's coming along.  I was freaking yesterday when I couldn't find Oscar boy because he's my road dog now.  Every step I make he's right on my ass.  clickity click!

I bet Ellie is loving the snow up around Chicago where she lives now.  Cali should be arriving after the thaw and I'm glad to ease into it like that.   The birds are loving nutty oat bread and crackers.  

Y'all be happy to not be six feet under and remember those who are ^j^

old habits

Day three, or is it four?  I've lost track of time since I began living in two houses.  One of the things I meant to get yesterday but forgot was a hairbrush PLUS I couldn't find my glasses so here I go chugging up the hill again before the blizzard comes.  When I got home I let Oscar out to pee and he disappeared.  After imagining him stuck in a snow drift I went out looking and found him at the other house.  He's not used to all this yet and neither am I.  I'm grateful to be warm and stocked up.  His girlfriend Libby lives up there so I figure he'll have to make a visit now and then  .  I tried to get him in the car and he refused choosing, instead, to lead me back to here.  He's fast for an old guy!  I put his bed down by my feet and he's knocked out.  That's a good four mile run in freezing weather.  He gets the good food today.  I cooked a turkey breast in the crock pot we can share.  

I am pretty blown away by the kindness and generosity being sent my way.  People really are good at heart and want to do the next right thing.  When the hatred comes out, that's when I turn and run.  I've never hated anybody forever.  It comes, the letting go, with time and spiritual support.  I'm not one of those big prayer warriors who sends out requests on FB.  When I pray, it is for God's will to be done.  For peace to grieving starving people everywhere.  For abundance where there is nothing but poverty.  

I can't wait to see the look on Reaves' face when she sees Gaga new house.  Gotta get that ten put together some time or another.  I pray that during this season that we may find grace at every turn to the cross.  Because, that is what it's all about.  Not what you wear or how much  money you give.  The heart of a true servant is one who is willing to help another without judgement and without expecting anything in return ^j^

throwing beads

It's a new day here, bright and white.  Oscar ain't a bit afraid of it and just dives right in.  We slept together again under that warm comforter.  I woke up a good trolling and was kind of like uh....what?   It was immediately deleted and I moved on with the scrolling.  Tomorrow begins Lent which historically comes with giving something up.  The way I look at it, giving back and paying forward are just as valuable as signs of repentance .  I have been gifted with a lot of good friends and folks who have my back.  Not everybody can say that, and it is a blessing.  Everybody needs a ride or die team.  

My Lenten give up is a couple of grudges that I've held for some time.  I'll be traveling with these issues during the coming weeks and let the Lord take away that resentment.  Jesus doesn't like ugly.  Yaya said so.  We talk everyday, sometimes more than once.  We go so far back that we can trace anybody's family for at least two generations.  I had to bump the heat up a couple of degrees and I thought about all those folks without power in Texas.  It's mind boggling that we are hit with this on top of COVID.  

I'm pretty amazed at all the new shadows on the wood here.  The blinds are mostly down to preserve heat but one is open to gaze out of.  What I see is a high dollar irrigation system that keeps this farm going during dry times.  I watched them install it years ago.  

Like my mama'n'them always said:  "If you can't say something nice don't say it at all!"   Peace and love ^j^

memaw

Janice Ann Reaves Stafford passed away peacefully on 1//23/16.  She was receiving hospice care which we checked on faithfully. My youngest brother was here, during a blizzard, to be with her. He and Lauren both slept on the recliner for two days in a row.  I worked and got updated daily by her docs.  It was a perfect storm of too much intervention.  My surgeon told me straight up that she would not survive another procedure.  She had been on high dose antibiotics for a week and was still running a 40K WBC.  

Looking back, I kind of blame myself.  As her healthcare advocate, I chose the least invasive treatment for a broken hip which was a pin.  That came out while she was in rehab causing terrible pain.  And that resulted in a hip replacement and diverticulitis which is what almost killed me.   You just never know what life will bring.

She came to visit me last night .  I heard her spirit in every little sound of a different house.  I forgot the hairbrush but I figure I'm not going anywhere so that's that.  Eventually I will get all my shit down here and wash my clothes up there.  Don't even try to buy a washer/dyyer right now.  It's insane.  

Here's to Janice!  The one and only greatest cook in America, or maybe the world.  Reporterette supreme,  she could put out your engagement showers and more.  This society editor turned her interest toward From the Back Burner and Houdini in the House.

Let us all remember who she was to us and what she stood for.  Creativity is at the forefront.  I can deal with that^J^

winter wonderland

My first night here was restful but strange.  Oscar slept on top of the comforter for awhile while the flames flickered from the logs lulling me to sleep.  I woke up early to check out the weather because there was snow in the forecast and still some things I needed from the "other" house.  I made it there and back talking to myself the whole time "don't fall don't fall don't fall"  I need the microwave down here but um.....that can wait.  

Following a brief period of sleet, it is now pure whiteout conditions.  A real live Tennessee blizzard.  I know it lets the heat out but I have to open those blinds and watch.  With the wind and whatnot, it's drifting.  Maybe I'll make a snowman if I can find enough gear to get it done.  

Meanwhile I'm busy unpacking and organizing.  I changed sweats today after sleeping in yesterday's clothes.  Still no shower but that will come.  Dammit, I forgot soap!

I am hearing the voices of history down here. Bubba told me to expect Mama during the night.  She arrived in the form of snow.  I'm watching it blow across the big ass pecan tree in front.  Blowing and drifting.  I'm so ready to plant something I could kill.  I'll start with seeds this time in little cartons on the back porch.  From there, who knows.

Wrap up kids ^j^

the universe

Evidently it was meant for me to get my nest made at the cabin today because I woke up with frozen water in spite of dripping faucets and open cabinet doors.  I let Bubba know and proceeded to pack up a few things for what might be a long stay.  He met me down here and helped to deice the steps then headed on home.  I went back to the "old" house to get a few more things and then the freakin' car wouldn't start!  Back he comes to boost me off and we had to figure it out because Ford makes it extremely hard to get to the battery on an Escape.  Of course I didn't know that 'til now.  Once I got going, I didn't turn it off as I motored on up to AutoZone to get the battery checked.  She couldn't even get her tool up in that tiny spot to check it.  We were all cussin' Ford. Miraculously, it started again when i got to the cabin.  Lerd.  My valentine is definitely my brother.

My parents were married on this day in 1954 so I'm wishing them a heavenly happy anniversary from their home of 60 years.  I went to the 'gentral this morning to scoop up the last two jugs of deicer and totally forgot to get bird feed.  The way this day is going I reckon they'll have to eat bread crumbs.  

It is warm here now and there is running water.  I'm sure it will take a while for me to get settled in.  Oscar refused to come with me which is unusual for him to skip a car ride.  I think he senses the move and doesn't much like being away from Libby.  I left him in the house on the hill with food and water and will check in as needed.  If he drinks the water that's in the pan, I'll have to take some from here.  It's like working a puzzle.  

Y'all be safe.  It looks like a wicked week in Tennessee so if you're a snow lover, this is your time.  I've got to get to gettin' on my nest here.  Love ya' like chicken ^j^

on and on and on

So now there will be witnesses in the impeachment trial which will slow things down tremendously.  Witnesses will not change anybody's mind....just drag things out and delay COVID relief as an issue.  Typical cat and mouse games that mess with all of us.  People need that money NOW not in months.  

It snowed a little this morning which was kinda' cool to watch as it blew across the highway.  I went down to the cabin to scarf some ice from the maker and lo and behold.....the gas company had showed up.  Now I can go there and get some stuff done without having to leave the thermostat on 45.  That fireplace is calling my name.  There is no internet there so I will have to hotspot my laptop from my phone.  Plus the TV.  That's a lot of data! I don't know what my limit is but I've never exceeded it because all I do is talk , text and FB.  With an occasional Google.  

My injection site is sore today which I expected, but not horribly so.  I mean, I can still lift my arm!  I do feel tired, but then I was up at 6:30 tending to the bag which didn't work too well in the long run.  That thing fills up quick when you eat even normal portions of food.  I canceled a required preop appointment with the surgeon because I just can't deal with that right now.  Too many irons in the fire, so to speak.  It will happen when the time is right.  

Y'all stay warm and hopeful ^j^

snow day times two

It is officially okay to stay home post ice storm which I did.  I had intended to do some tidying at the cabin but the gas company so far has not delivered.  And no, it's not the famous propane guy from Gates.  I got mine within an hour and had the pleasure to meet the family member who is helping him out.  I'm sure I will run through that 300 bucks worth in the next week.  

Today I had to get out and do things and the roads were better.  Another day off for me so it was prime time for getting 'er done.  I did a 'gentral run, Kroger pickup, liquor store exchange and got my first Covid vaccine.  I was pretty impressed with how quickly things moved out there at the fairgrounds.  I got there 20 minutes early and there were already a string of cars ahead of me.  Everything is clearly marked and they even write on your windshield with erasable marker what time you can leave.  Yaya and I chatted while I was in the fifteen minute "good to go" line.  The workers were all extremely nice and helpful in spite of grueling weather conditions.  I had on a sweatshirt so ended up coming out of one sleeve to get to my arm.  Where there's a will there's a way.

I HAVE to have disinfectant wipes for the ostomy and of course they are few and far between.  I stopped by Lowe's and scored two of the Clorox brand.  I have two canisters of some knock off brand from the 'gentral and I can't even figure out how to get into them.  Soooo....I'm stocked up on food and beverage for the moment.  And I refuse to get back out except to go to the mailbox.

Y'all be blessed ^j^

iceland

The trees and grass are dripping with icicles which is pretty but the fog is like ummm....the Moors.  About 9:30 this morning I decided to get out and deice the car early.  Now normally I can walk on icy stuff but that wooden back porch and steps were like glass.  I knew from skating on the porch I would never make it down.  My friend Gay told me about using towels or sheets to lay over the ice and voila!  I was in that car in a heartbeat.  Of course it took it a minute to thaw out but at least there were no broken bones.  The roads were clear and oddly enough no ice on any concrete surfaces.  I knew I had some rock salt so I went on a scavenger hunt and finally found it.  Then I scraped the ice off the windshield as it thawed with a bamboo spatula.  Single country girls tend to get creative.  

Of course Kelly got pre-empted again so we watched my latest binge which is Firefly Lane.  Trust me.  It's wonderful!  I really do not understand to air the impeachment on every main network.  It messes with people's shows and folks can always watch it live on CNN if they're interested.  I am not.    

I got a call from the health department today about getting my first COVID vaccine which will be on Friday.  Much quicker than I anticipated.  I'm nervous about it, but not enough to skip my chance.  

Gotta go see what happened in DC today.  Ciao ^j^

the weekend

I didn't watch the Superbowl but I've read a lot about the halftime show which featured one of my favorites.  As for my weekend, I got a lot done regarding the move.  My crew of men 2 boys got the heavy lifting done in an hour and were on their respective ways to Sunday after shenanigans.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  The furniture is there  and a few pots and pans but no food and none of the essentials.  When I decide to spend the night, I can always run up here for provisions.  Big transition kids.  Yuge.  

We were pissed today because Trump's impeachment knocked Kelly off air which will probably be the same tomorrow.  Meanwhile, we've got nasty weather coming.  I freakin' hate ice.  Snow, I can manage unless it's two feet deep but ice is scary.  I've never been so happy to have a reliable vehicle than right damn now.  PS.  February is not the ideal time to move.  

My BP was up today and I'm piddling with things like timing of the meds and whatnot.  My level of inactivity probably has a lot to do with it.  I swear I'll walk when it gets above 40.  Surgery is tentatively mid-March with pre-cert by the Baptist East OR in the works.  It's case by case right now.  Maybe if I don't have my shot by then they'll give me one.  If there's one thing I've learned it's to take it one day at a time.  It will be what it will be.  

I hate winter.  I know it's a  necessary evil but it sure is hard to bear, and I live in the South.  A Polar express knows no location.  Y'all bundle up and stay warm and safe.  And get plenty of hugs ^j^

  

church 2021

We are still all masked up with no choir droplets spraying  We sing under our face coverings led by Dakota et al and it's better than not singing at all. Mary Beth continued with her Mark series , the first chapter where the initial miracles were performed.  There was that lady with the fever who got raised up and healed and then all of Capernum lined up for a good old fashioned fix me party.  Jesus then promptly began to pray over  his newfound superstardom.  

I have been a member of that church since I was born.  I saw it differently today as the sun moved to and fro around the stained glass windows.  I know with all of my heart that my home is there even when I am absent.  I felt my family there with me today.  

I am not a football fan so the superbowl is not on my radar.  I'll take an exciting March madness bracket over that any day.  We could all learn something about a three point dunk.

Be happy and healthy and grateful.  It's the way to peace ^j^

ignorance is bliss

God only knows how many years I ran on underinflated tires because I didn't have a handy dandy sensor to alert me.  Now I do and I've had to have air twice in a two week period.  Josh at Lake Road said that's to be expected until it warms up.  Air is two bucks for people who don't buy gas there but I do so he said it was free....even though I bought gas somewhere else this morning! So, the air was free and he got a tip.  

The heavy lifting starts tomorrow and my crew includes three men who love me to the moon and back.  My designer aka Cousin Mo will then come into the picture.  Piece by piece I am moving home.  It still doesn't really feel that way because it's always so dadgum cold when you go in.  But that will pass and I will shuttle back and forth until it actually IS home.  

I saw an old friend at the gas station and we wanted to hug but....you know.  This COVID thing is really doing a number on people not only physically but emotionally as well.  The isolation is depressing.  I miss human interaction.  If I have to wear a mask for the rest of my life so be it.  But I must have hugs.  

I'm going back to the church house tomorrow after a few weeks absence.  I can't wait to see the fire in Mary Beth's eyes and hear the Word.  This beach trip is a pipe dream that we are hanging onto to keep the faith.  It may turn out to be Hot Springs, who knows.

Y'all pull out the big coat.  It's a coming!

dear future me

Kelly's show today was all about the power of communication through letter writing and had stories on top of stories about the power of just writing a little thank you note.  The part of it that really caught my attention was about a teacher who got his sixth grade students to write letters to themselves to be opened when they were seniors.  I started a long time ago and, as you can imagine, some of them moved and didn't get their letters back until a few years later.  The teacher remained actively involved in all this to make sure those kids got their letters sooner or later.  I was stunned at that kind of compassion and impressed with his method.  

Basically it's something we all can do.  Where do I want to be in five years?  What are my goals and how to I manifest my future.  Writing that letter is part journaling, part career advancement and part what do I want to be when I grow up.  I'm grown up, but not dead yet, so I need a five year plan.  By then I will be 70 (omg) and ready to bloom after all these transitions.  My first visit with a therapist was one where I took colors and a blank paper and drew what I loved.  Water. Music. Christmas.  I later did that same thing with a gaggle of teenage girls around the kitchen table.   They loved it!

We had a birthday celebration for one of the most joyful ladies I know who turned 87.  She blew out those candles with one quick breath and giggled and smiled.  Everybody needs a party on their special day.  

Against all odds I am planning a beach trip for me and the girls.  We need the time together and Lord knows, we need some fun.  This pandemic and all the stress involved has everybody going bonkers.  Time to unwind.

Y'all be safe out there.  The polar express is full on ^j^

prayers upward

I tend to be not too anxious, but all I have to worry about is taking care of myself during these COVID times.  Others have multiple responsibilities like caring for children and working a couple or four jobs to make things work.  The sad thing is that the kids are the one who suffer most when things get dicey.  Everyone's world has been uprooted during the past year and life as we knew it is gone.  

I think about my daughter and grandgirl and what they are dealing with.  I want to help as much as I can but I'm a tired broke old lady trying to get my shit together to move.  I went down there a few minutes ago to try to make it my own but it's not there yet.  There is no internet which is not workable for me.  I'm on the list but it's about a month long.  I suppose I could hot spot for a few days but not forever.  This blog is my sanity, and also Netflix.

I hate coffee which is odd for an addict like me.  Discovering a new flavor of Gatorade that I adore has been a gift from Big Ernie.  It's a frosty cherry flavored thing and a real thirst quencher.    I ordered food online today and tried to cover all the bases because I plan on cooking ALOT.  

There are no answers here.  You just go with the flow and figure it out as you go.  With faith ^j^

more cowbell

For some odd reason I have been remembering my days at Midnight Rodeo.  I watched and took pictures of the whole thing going down.  My friends Megan and Meredith were bartenders and it was so well designed.  Formerly Century 21 and Night City, it was a huge space with a big dance floor and 80s lighting.  I did all the flyers and hung out with fantastic singers.  There was this one group from the Bluebird that blew me away.  I listened to that demo CD for a year and wish I had a new one.  I believe his name was Layne.  Y'all please excuse the rambling.  I am tired to the bone and not ready to lay down.  

I have realized that what I am doing now as a vocation is what I trained for all of my life as a  healthcare advocate.  I seem to be part social worker, part friend and glad to put my feet up on that deck in the sun out at paradise.  We both did it today!  Yay for Vitaman D.

Please be kind and do what J would do.  You just never know when one small act will make a difference in someone's life.  I promise, it's worth the struggle ^j^

extra patrol

Whew...what a busy day!  I tried to start on my income tax return this morning and all was well until I got to the LTD.  TurboTax wanted something from box 7 and that box was empty on the 1099 or whatever it is.  It's a long term disability payment that runs out next year.  My favorite accountant died a few years ago and I paid 100 bucks for somebody else to do it last year because it was "complicated."  Any free advice on what to do about box 7 would be greatly appreciated.  It's labeled SS tips.  WTH?  I will tackle this on another day when I get things a bit more organized.  

Me and my joyful buddy had a busy afternoon getting her hair done and my face waxed.  By the time we got home there was another appointment and then we ran by Larry's to pick up Mama's fake old drop leaf table.  He s aid I didn't know how to load furniture and he is correct.  We managed to get it in the back with only one seat laid down ( the other one is stubborn ) and I unloaded it by myself at the cabin.  Home again.  

On the way home I noticed the county cop parked right before the lane getting out to question a young black man in dreads with a bible and on his phone.  Oh...and a long walking stick.  The cop flashed his lights to let whomever called know he was there.   Never a dull moment out here.  Thank goodness I have neighbors who watch out for me.  The only problem I see with the move is Oscar terrorizing Smoochie but I think I've got it figured out.  

Y'all have a lovely evening >)

dumbass o'the'day

I ran down to the cabin this morning to drop off some things before I went to work.  I automatically scoop up a blue phone and think it's mine.  As I neared Kroger I started getting these weird noises like a honk and an old timey telephone ring.  Oblivious to the fact that I had someone else's phone on me, I assumed my car was making noises I had never heard before.  It was then that I discovered I had not one but TWO blue phones and the other one belonged to Johnny Keeling the carpenter.  I loaded up my buddy and we drove from paradise out to the cabin so dude could carry on his business.  He thinks I've lost it, and he might be right.  Just wait a few years son.  You'll be as scatter brained as me.  Billy just laughed and took up for me.  I brought home a mousetrap to catch that little mofo creeping around the kitchen.  Let's see who gets the cheese.

Am I grateful and humble?  You bet.  I got a call from the health department day checking to see where I am in line for the Covid vaccine.  I also had a long conversation with my advocate at BC/BS about my current health status and concerns.  There are so many folks out there working their asses off to see that we are cared for properly.

I'm still mad at a couple of people for dropping the ball and they shall remain nameless.  I simply intend to give up those ill feelings for Lent.  I reckon folks just do what they do and some care and some don't.  

Somebody send me a king cake please ^j^

the house is a mess

That is not at all unusual for me but it's getting worse as I sift through what goes to the cabin and what goes into the dumpster that will soon arrive.  Today was one for random miracles that snuck out at me in different ways.  We will have a cat named Cali down at the cabin thanks to my friend Mary Gwyn.  And of course Oscar.  I figure Cali will take care of mice and negotiate with my next forever cat.

Cats are pretty cool, especially when they're all buddies.  I went by to pick up my Christmas present to me from the fabulous Paige and all her kitties came to greet me.  I'm talking a posse of cats!  Thanks, you old hippie...I love my shirt!  And your cats....and your house!

The weather looks frightful, though normal for February.  It's my least favorite month along with August.  This girl seriously does not do extremes well.  I called propane guy with an SOS and 30 minutes later it was delivered.  That should get me through until moving time.  I was delighted to meet the son of a local Cumberland Pres minister.  We talked church on the porch for ages along with how's your mama'n'them.  Remind me to tell you the story of how his Mama answered to God and did a funeral for LPs daddy and my "ex companion."

I've made a lot of big moves this past month and I'm trying to absorb the sticker shock of a new vehicle and higher insurance.  I have exactly one year of LTD left and that is a big chunk of my income.  Thanl the lort I did not take the buyout.  Charlie Ozment did the math for me and said NO.  

I have learned over time that being faithful means taking chances.  Can I afford a car?  Probably not.  But without that reliable transportation I can't work and experience the joy of driving without worrying what's gonna' fall off next.  The tire sensor went off and I headed straight to Robert to get some gas and air.  Things look pretty good over there these days at Lake Road Amoco.

The 'gentral is going to make a fortune off me over this move.  I had to get new pillows and garbage can plus bags today.  I love going to Four Points because the people there are cheery and appreciate polite customers.  If the line gets too long, another register opens.  Every time I hit one of them up I get those dark chocolate Reece's things.  O.M.G.  Buy 3 get one free!

I am approaching Lent as a sinner, mostly of omission.  I have failed to take more of a role in social action for change.  My church has long been tainted by exclusion ot the LGBTQ community.  We almost split over it.  I believe that as disciples of Jesus all humans are created equally.  I don't care what you do in your private life.  I just love everybody and y'all are next ^j^