true story

My friend and I went to lunch at a local restaurant today and we chose a booth in the back.  She always tells me "whatever you're having is fine with me" so it's usually a speedy with cheese enchilada and cheese sauce.  We drank water and kind of looked around while waiting and I'll be damned if there wasn't some drama going on at the big table next to us.  Evidently it was payday for somebody's crew and the boss come up in there with new shirts for the crew.  All of them were drinking sweet tea and they sent back the pitcher of beer.  "It's paid for" said dude.  There were a couple of Latinos there who just kind of rolled their eyes at Mr. Wonderful making a big production of it.  

I asked if I could have a shirt and got an eyeroll from across the table. I had to ask again to get one, size large which I will sleep in and never wear in public.  I hate those kind of egocentric mofos. You know the type.  I think what bothered me the most was his treating these people, including the waiter, like they are inferior to his redneck Trump loving ass.  I could have started a brawl but that would be not appropriate for an old lady like me with another old lady in tow.  The Boss whisked on out after that and the guys were not far behind him.  Lerd.

It's thundering and whatnot around here which is nice.  Today's heat index was 115 and in the south that equals stay inside if at all possible.  Every little time a breeze blew through out at paradise I said thank you Lord. In case you didn't know this is tax free weekend for the great state of Tennessee.  Which is exactly why I'm glad to not be shopping for collar shirts in certain colors.  Reaves ain't there yet but it's coming.

My friends are bringing sweet corn tomorrow and it you play nice I'll share ^j^

six months later

I remember vividly watching the riot on January 6th live on a big screen TV.  It came out of nowhere after a bunch of Trumpsters decided to stop the electoral vote count.  Now we have a bi-partisan commission investigating that terrorist act and I sincerely hope that politics will stay out of it.  One of the Republicans "knows for a fact" that Pelosi knew about the threats in December and did not act.  I call bullshit.  This is not about who coulda' shoulda' woulda' but exactly how it played out as it did. I have watched a lot of footage of the officers who were involved in the insurrection and I cannot imagine what strength it took for them to quell that situation.  It took several hours and now all the idiots who wanted their moment of glory on TV are being hunted down and prosecuted.  I imagine there was a lot of meth induced adrenaline going on and it was obviously well planned.  That will come out in the end.  The wheels of justice move slowly.  There is no scapegoat here.  It's just another example of how unprepared we are as a country to deal with disasters. These people had the same intentions as the 9/11 planners only they are DOMESTIC terrorists which means they have no regard for their fellow countrymen. 

My mother used to love watching the Olympics but that was before it became what it is now.  I admire Simone Biles for bowing out because the pressure was too much.  Even without her the team got silver, probably because she was such an inspiration to her teammates.  

I'm still exploring options on the surgery thing.  I called #2 surgeon's office today to give them the number to fax the orders for the imaging and nobody ever called back.  That speaks volumes.  So, surgery is still a looong way off.  I'm looking at other options like ostomy care which is, of course, not available here but can be done in Jackson.  I want a nurse trained in that type of  specialty because this may be a lifetime deal.

Other than that it's hot as hades and gonna' get worse.  My electricity is billed daily and I topped six bucks yesterday for the first time.  Lord have mercy ^j^

 

plan c

Gigi took me to Baptist East today to see surgeon #2.  He was totally up front and honest about the risk of complications with this surgery.  He totally scared the shit out of me.  The bottom line is this:  a general surgeon who was on call and got me and saved my life.  According to #2, it is MUCH riskier to reconnect.  I would have died had they not did what they did in January 2020.  Now I'm faced with some hard decisions.  He ordered some imaging that he, at first, insisted I have in Memphis.  Said he didn't trust radiology at those "small hospitals."  After I told him that I had worked there for 40 plus years and totally trust Independent Radiology, he agreed to let me have them here.  So that's in the works.  After that, a colonoscopy.  Then we talk about what's left to work with.

I refuse to give up.  I could easily live with this bag for the rest of my life if it didn't burn and sting so much.  He told me to take Lomotil daily and not wait for the diarrhea for start.  Being proactive so to speak.  There is a possibility that I have a granuloma on the ostomy which is a quick fix outpatient thing.  At least I have more options now than before.  

Enough about that.  I was reminded today why I hate Memphis with a passion.  Especially when it's 95 with a heat index of 103.  My BP was "normal" which makes me quite wonky on a good day.  Maybe I don't really need that any more.  Who the hell knows.

Crank up the AC and fans.  It's gonna be a hot one ^j^

oscar gets his ride on

Lauren and Oscar have a special bond and he loves to go for rides with her.  She went to the store this morning for drinks and took him along.  The regulator on her left back window is going out and it takes an act of God to get the window up.  She forgot, and opened it so he could hang out the window.  Ooops!  There was another dog in the parking lot and she figured that would be when he jumped out but him was a good boy and stayed put.  Now she's waiting for another act of God to get the window back up.  It's his or miss.  I woke up this morning to Reaves standing next to my bed loving to see her Gaga at that moment.  She brought her Peppa pig people and crawled up in bed with me.  What a moment!

I'm headed to Baptist East tomorrow for a second opinion on the surgery.  My friend Gigi is driving Miss Poopie.  I should be able to make an informed decision after that.  I am spending this afternoon trying to get my shit together by cleaning out the desk drawer and putting all important papers together by category.  That's a major deal for an ADHD person like me but it has to be done.  I have cleared a path to the attic but it's an ordeal to slide that board to get up there. Plus, I bet it's about 110 degrees under that metal roof.  Y'all stay hydrated and praise God ^j^

unpublished

I wrote one of the best blog posts ever yesterday and somehow deleted it.  I couldn't re-create it if I tried so here we are on a new day with a blank slate.  I do remember that it was all about it being a small world.  I attended a funeral yesterday with my dear friend for one of her oldest friends who was also a good friend to all.  Her middle child who is my old time  buddy did the eulogy and  never choked up once .  There is no way I could have made it through a eulogy for my parents without doing the ugly cry.

After that we went to Coby Jo's for the best.burger.ever and visited with even more folks.  I ran into a former co-sitter and of all things, one of Mr. Council's sons came and sat with us.  Lots of memories there on Council Rd.  And history too!

The girls are coming for a sleepover so I'm going high on the hog and grilling steak and shrimp.  I got hot dogs for Reaves just in case.  Girl don't appreciate fine dining.  

Y'all be happy and blessed.  And keep the faith ^j^

 

therapy warning

For those of you who don't get into my whiny stuff, move along to videos of dogs doing funny things.  Today was free so I began moving things around in the one corner by the steps that is as Mama would say "a mess."  It's all those old photo albums and stuff that came from down here to up there and back down here again.  Lauren was in charge of cleaning out her Daddys apartment when he died and I have a packet of letters that I wrote to him when we were divorced.  A bunch.  I read one and that was enough for me.  They will go in Lauren's pile.  Maybe someday she will read them and realize how much I loved him even though we couldn't make it work.  My boundaries were getting stronger then thanks to therapy.  I read nothing but self help books for two years.  I was obsessed with healing my inner child.  

The year 2015 is the one that almost did me in.  There was death after death after loss until there was nobody left but us chickens.  In that one year two of my aunts died, my ex-husband. my father and my mother.  My sister cousin had died a few years before and I distinctly remember laying my head in my mother's lap and sobbing like a baby.  All that time I was working at the hospital.

All of that changed when I had a second rotator cuff surgery where they were unable to repair the tear.  The ends had atrophied after the tear and there wasn't enough to hook back up except by cadaver graft which the surgeon had never done.  Ummm...no.  I had a reasonable though painful range of motion but I knew that it wouldn't last much longer with two damaged shoulders.  I never went back after that last surgery because I was 62 and eligible for early retirement.  I don't regret that for one minute, even though times have been lean.  

Reaves was born when I was still working so I spent a lot of time in Jackson that year.  I will never forget walking into that labor room without a clue that it would take three days for her to get here.  When I got there Kimberlie was sittin' there looking all beautiful in the rocking chair.  I slept in that room for three nights.  I ate Subway and ChicFila until I didn't want it for a loooog time.  And Lauren failed to induce.  Finally after the long haul, they broke her water so it was show time.  The section was performed at 1030 PM on the eve of LP's birthday.  I was her coach and the first to hold dat baby.  All of her tribe came in once they were in a room and swooned over Elizabeth Reaves.  There were two more surgeries after that and it was pretty much a long fall.

There now.  I feel better!  Y'all look inward and let it go.  With that, comes peace ^j^

hold my beer and watch this

I bought a new car in December of 2020 and have yet to receive the title.  The lender said that it was sent to my old address and never came back to them because USPS did not deliver.  I called bullshit and asked to speak to my account manager.  Evidently I don't have one now since the vehicle was paid off quite quickly by an angel friend.  The best they could offer was a release of lien to which I said "bring it on" by email and snailmail.  

The smoke from the distant fires has made it to West TN from the west.  It looks like a bunch of haze.  I read today that the couple who did pyrotechnics at their reveal party have been charged in the death of a fire fighter.  What a stupid loss.  Stupid people don't get it.  At all.

I'm still reading Clyde, now on Where Trouble Sleeps.  Trouble is the dog that sits on the porch at one of those places in Listre NC.  I'll finish that one before the deadline and return all of them and renew the Rick Bragg.  I have several donations to read while I recover from surgery.  

I saw the cutest baby today at Headlines and she got passed around to all the stuff for snuggling.  Her skin was brown and smooth and she had a pacifier.  Little bitty thing not more than six months.  I don't care who you are, if you can't love moments like that you are dead inside.  I miss when Reaves was that age wanting to be held and rocked.  They grow up quick.

She is currently glued to a tablet with unicorn headphones that are seriously cute.  I'm hoping I can get her out of that mode and into some fun this weekend.  Cookie making perhaps?  Nah.  It's too hot for that.  It will be saved for Christmas.  I think I'll go outside and watch the sun set in a smoky haze.  And let the cat eat.  

Love ya.  Mean it ^j^

a joyful day

I had errands to run today and when I asked Joy if she wanted to ride shotgun she looked like I had give her the winning lottery ticket.  She really doesn't like being cooped up when it's pretty.  Pearl was mad at  her ( so she said ) for leaving but she got over it.  Plus I got gas, meds and paid my brother's water bill.  We read a lot these days but like to get out of the house as much as possible.  The weather on the deck was perfect for porch sittin' so that's how we ended the day.  

Sadie got two new dolla' store balls and we played fetch forever out front.  Bubba and I are both amazed at how fast she's grown and how fast she is. Oscar still won't play so we just let him watch the whole thing.  He lets me know when they're Wecoming.  There is a cooler breeze today in spite of the haze.  I see fall.  If anybody wants some free Halloween decorations see me in September.

My plans are to got to a funeral for one of mother's oldest friends with one of my oldest.  They have a shared history with the Cumberland Presbyterians of Dyersburg.  There ain't a dime's worth of difference between the Cumberlands and the Methodists.  Trespasses and whatnot.  It's all in the way we say the Lord's prayer together.  "Our father, who art in heaven...."

I watched Bezos and his crew go into space and it was interesting at the liftoff.  I'm really impressed with Wally.  She earned that ticket the hard way.  So the rich people get to auction offer outer space adventures for 28M.  Absurd.  Once again, that kind of money could feed and house a lot of homeless folks.

Namaste ~

a whole lot of ephesians

This morning's sermon included two different passages from Ephesians that Mary Beth expertly explained.  The bottom line was and is that we are all believers in one true God and though we come from different backgrounds and experiences, we are brought together as a vessel for God's will in our lives.  Power in numbers, so to speak.  It was good to be able to sit with my buddies Delores and Hubert again like in the old pre-pandemic days.  We even have bulletins again!  Praise be.  

I am going to a concert in Memphis next month and am already thinking that I will have a mask in my pocket in case I feel not socially distanced enough.  Even though I am fully vaccinated, there's all those people who are not.  Like about 50% in the state of Tennessee and Mississippi is a Delta variant hotspot.  Missouri is right behind it and Tennessee and Arkansas are also in the mix.  Does this surprise me?  Not at all.  We are all red states and this thing has become a political hot potato.  

The girls were here when I got home from church so we had some pizza and a short visit.  We are planning a sleepover next weekend so Reaves can sleep with Gaga which is what she wants.  Bring it on.  If there's one thing I've learned it is to make the little moments count.  We are not promised tomorrow.

An old friend stopped by unexpectedly yesterday with a toddler in tow who is a most beautiful little girl named Kennedy.  She was scared of Oscar so we left him in the house and she had a popsicle on the back porch with me and Del.  I just love kids.  

I am a peaceful loving soul until you abuse another of God's creatures and then it's on like donkey kong.  That includes kids and dogs and old people and disabled people and on and on and on.  That's when I can either blow a fuse, or make a difference.  

Keep the faith ^j^

janie's got a gun

Well of course I don't....I would shoot my eye out.  One of Lauren's old boyfriends used to sing that to me.  I am such a music trivia type gal that I play "guess that artist" from the opening bars of a radio song.  Rock 92.3 makes it easy to cheat because they show the name of the band on the car screen but I usually guess it before it shows up.  I remembered having a conversation with somebody the other day about the original members of the Eagles.  Randy Meisner was the one we forgot.  He played both guitar and bass and was replaced by Schmidt.  According to Wiki his feelings were terribly hurt when he was not included on the Hell Freezes Over tour and Schmidt personally recognized him on several occasions for his history with the band.  So now you know.  He was very involved with the band and left only because of the constant bickering and a desire to spend more time with his family after touring 11 months out of the year on the road in the Hotel California days.  He was also a member of Poco.  

As for Joe Walsh, I first remember him with the James Gang.  I never heard of Don Henley or Glenn Frey before the Eagles but man....what a combination they were.  I have tried unsuccessfully to find a video of Long Road out of Eden with those famous Walsh guitar riffs that sound like gunshots. Of course, it was about the Iraq war.  I had two copies of the CD at one time and lost them both.  

It's hot 'round here.  And humid as hell.  I'm longing for the days of a 2.50 per day electric bill like when I first moved here.  I now pay for water because there is no well.  The big challenge is going to be keeping this thing heated during the winter.  Since I moved in February I missed most of the really freezing weather and made 30% last until it warmed up. 

It's now two days after I started this post and I'm finally publishing it.  I have one particular reader who gets concerned when I go off the grid for very long!  It's good to know folks care.  Y'all be careful out there and tell mama'n'them Poopie said hey. 

ghosting

I just read the last post by The Blogess and she helped me put a finger on what's eating at me.  I used to be a faithful daily blogger, consistent is what Chuck Sigars called me.  Of late, I have become a slacker.  It's like I've run out of stories to tell because I don't know who I am.  I reckon that's either a growth spurt or depression.  Peaks and valleys as the Little General says.  I got a little teary this afternoon when Bubba called to ask if one of my old classmates is still alive.  And many of them are not.  The older you get the more loved ones you lose.  Your world shrinks and you go kind of inward looking for something to live for.  Sometimes I feel guilty about that because I have been so blessed.  I suppose that is is kind of a sad thing to think back over the blessings that God has bestowed on you because it makes you pretty humble.  I didn't deserve any of it.  I was just chosen.  Yet I whined and cried through a major portion of my life about how hard things are.  

I am missing precious time with Reaves and Lauren because although it's only an hour away, our schedules clash.  Reaves will soon be in kindergarten  and she's totally ready thanks to excellent pre-schooling and co-parenting with an emphasis on learning.   She and Lauren and I painted rocks yesterday and next time they are here we'll pick special spots in the flower beds.  We also played waterhose which makes us all squeal.  Thanks to a community, she and Lauren are thriving in spite of the odds.  Never.Give.Up.  Everybody falls short and messes up.  It's getting up and putting on the big girl panties that matters.  

skunk patrol

As I have mentioned before, there are several juvenile skunks stealing Al's food off the deck.  They show up randomly and my friend/yard guy called me when I was on the way home to tell me he saw four and one went under the deck.  Hmmm.  This is not something I expected.  So far nobody has been sprayed but it will happen if I don't get 'em out of here.  I love animals and all but....umm.  Just no.  My temporary fix was to move the cat's food onto the back porch.  That's what they were after.

We got a monsoon last night and the whole weekend looks like summer thunderstormy.  Whatever.  You sure can't change the weather. Or anything else for that matter.  Reading Walking Across Egypt again has reminded me of how important it is to reach out to "the least of these our brethren."  That means the ones who may not have lived the most pristine lives.  All it takes is one person to commit and get screwed a time or two.

I was at the chicken store today and a guy who hangs around the door all the time asked me if I had a cig to which I replied no.  After I got my propel I noticed him picking up butts on the parking lot and asked the cashier for the cheapest pack they had.  She asked what flavor and I said "I don't think he's too picky."  I slid them into his hand and told him to have a blessed day.  Random acts can make a world of difference.

I woke this morning to find the irrigation system watering the corn out back so I reckon the children got wet.  It amazes me to watch that for some reason.  I am so easily amused.  I am patiently waiting for my CBD cream to be delivered because my right arthritic hand is giving me fits since I quit Meloxicam.  Two weeks from today I will have some more answers about just what this surgery   all about.  I'm gonna' ask dude to draw me a picture!  Gigi is taking me because she knows Memphis like the back of her hand and I don't do well with the traffic.  Even though I lived there for two years I rarely used 240 choosing instead to travel Poplar from one side of town to the other.  That was around the time Elvis died.  

I haven't seen Reaves in two weeks so they're coming over today for some Gaga time.  I got all inspired to cook something different last night and created the viral Tik Tok pasta as seen on Kelly's show.  Trust me, it's to die for.  

So, Richard Branson beat Jeff Bezos into space.  Big whoop.  Think of how many people could be taken out of poverty with that kind of money.  But hey, it's theirs and they can get all the boy toys they want.  Is it just me or does that not bother you? 

Y'all blessed and remember from whence you came ^j^

baby steps

Welp, I'm one step closer to a re-connect plan with a referral to a GI surgeon.  Second opinion with a promise to have #1 on board if he takes the case.  Don't ever let it be said that I do things quickly without asking questions.  I want somebody to draw me a picture of what will happen with my gut so I can understand the options better and what the chances are.  

The skunks were smooth out of luck if they came up to the back porch looking for food.  Al is absent so there is none!  He's out cattin' or something.  I pulled my last batch of peaches and cream today with Oscar right on my heels in the rows.  I only saw one worm and somehow it ended up on my shirt.  

My neighbor was being nosy and rode over on his lawnmower to ask why the carport moved.  We just laughed about it when I explained what the reason was.  I don't care where the damn carport sits because I haven't had one in 32 years.  

When the sweet corn goes, I'm over summer.  Our heat index is hovering around 100 with humidity in the 70s.  I am out of ostomy supplies (again) and called today to see what was up with the order "waiting to be shipped" that was filled on 7/5.   They kindly offered me one time only to overnight by air.  Thanks y'all.

As you all know, I don't do heat well. I would literally die without AC and Propel.  Once the fireworks and corn are over, I'm looking for fall.  Thankful for the breeze when it comes, it's just the dog days.  And even the dog wants to stay inside.

Y'all remember who you are ^j^

smoke from a distant fire

That's what we've been seeing around the entire US as we sweat our way to another cold front.  I hope all you  pyros who fail to respect climate change will think twice before tossing a cig onto dry grass.  Especially in the woods.  That's what plastic water bottles are for, stupid.  God said it would be by fire but who knows it could be by water or plague or whatever.  I don't believe he is happy with us right now but that's just the Old Testament coming out in me.  

I went to church twice this week and was blessed both times.  I have really strong ties with the Cumberland Presbyterians because we have similar beliefs.  I ran into my old friend Annetta and a few others....Lord have mercy.  My friend John did the eulogy and did it well.  I would have totally cracked.  He is a bear of a man, complete with beard now.  My fondest memories are of when the FUMC choir and their choir did concerts together.  That was something my daddy and I shared.

It seems sad to me that it takes something like  somebody dying to get folks together.  I am familiar with funeral practice because one of my best friends is a director.  My parents were dead set on one provider and I had to let mama know that I couldn't bear it without my KK.  I ran by her office yesterday and had a nice Stella session.  She knows to sit on the bench with me and settle in.  

We went out to lunch today at a famous little diner.  It was there  that I saw my old friend and co-worker Kristy and the middle Riley brother.  He came right over and sat with us and we laughed and laughed.  Though it was fish day, we had cheeseburgers and fries to die for.  She saved the last little bite for Pearl. 

There was this woman in front of me who had a beautiful voice and she inspired me to sing my alto just a little bit louder.  It's been a long time since I have heard that many voices together.

Lord bless us all ^j^

connecting the dots

It's odd how you don't put things together unless you talk with others to find out the news and find out who's kin to whom.  Another amazing thing is how much elders pay out of pocket for health care co-pays.  I am osteoportic and get Prolia.  Even after insurance I owe 200 bucks for an injection.  What is wrong with this picture?

Bone density was the culprit at first.  "Almost osteoporosis."  Do this, take that so you don't break a hip.  I've been compliant so far but it's not in the budget.  I'll take my chances on not falling. Which I often do.  First and foremost is a second opinion on the anamastosis.  That will require a trip to Baptist East again.  Road trip Patty!

Sometimes I think I know too much for my own good.  Working 40 years in a hospital will show an old girl some things and much of it ain't pretty.  Yet I was there for the important things like Conner's birth and my parents' death.  Um..plus several other close relatives.  I watched the dynamics of the whole system and didn't know how to fix it.  You can't fix for profit healthcare.  There's only one other option.  I say this because the ACA under Trump dropped me in the dirt last year.  So did BC/BS TN.  It doesn't have to be this way.

Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to JT and JB.  The ticket was expensive but it's on my bucket list.

Keepthefaith^j^

the pope and me

Well, we now have something in common.  He is having surgery for a blockage caused by diverticulitis which is what I had in 2020.  I wish him well because it was rough stuff for me and he's 20 years older.  Diverticulitis is very common but the complications can be deadly.  My mother survived two hip surgeries only to be taken down by a ruptured diverticulum that would have required a third surgery which she would not have survived .  It was a fluke....a red herring, so to speak.  I had symptoms for a good six months prior to the emergency.  Bad move, Janie.  I did go to the ER about 10 days prior in the middle of the night and the doctor blew me off because my white count was normal.  If I had it to do over, I would have done a tap dance on that stretcher to get a CT.  Hindsight is 20/20.  I also could have sued them for negligence but I let that go.  I was too busy fighting with the Marketplace and insurance companies while I recovered.  

So, yeah.  I'm scared about having this next one.  But I will follow protocol, get a second opinion and go from there.  Lauren and Reaves are spending the 4th in Jackson at a friend's celebration complete with water slide.  I'll save the sparklers and roman candles until the next time they come.  My parents always watched the 4th at the Capitol on the teevee,  They loved watching the Olympics as well.  Speaking of which, that poor runner who got put out for using THC has been done wrong.  It is not a performance enhancing drug.  It's more for relaxation and anti-inflammatory purposes.  It kills me that so many employers include it on their pre-employment and random screens while it's A-okay if you have a script for any other drug.  Thank you big pharma.

THC is actually a miracle drug and has been used for centuries.  I have some oil that I rub on the sore joint of my right hand because Mobic was messing with my kidneys.  It's a plant y'all.  Of the earth. 

Anyway, long may she wave.  I don't have a flag up but I believe our country is great and headed in the right direction for the first time in a LONG time.  The Delta variant will be what it will be.  Nobody knows at this point  Not even Dr Fauci.  

Oh say can you see, by the dawn's early light ^j^ 

spontaneous

My KY cousin used to rag me because I never did things on the spur of the moment.  Mostly because I didn't drive to Kentucky to see her.  At the time I was working fulltime at the hospital and she was a housewife.  She hated Dyersburg with a passion.  Seemed to take solace in being close to KY lake.  I went twice I think...once to each of her homes with husbands 1 and 2.  

I went by to visit her younger sister today and see what all is up in her backyard.  I must say it's looking good.  Her SIL built a large box last year which is full of goodies.  She amazes me with her design talents.  She and Charlie made pickles last night and listened until all ten jar lids popped.  I am missing all that with Reaves and it kind of makes me sad on occasion.

So as for being spontaneous, I took off on several missions today and made all of them count.  Me and JT went to visit at "the cottage" and arrived about 10 minutes after the huge tree across the creek fell.  Ms. Carolyn told her it would go.  She spoke from the heavens like "I told you so."  There were a lot of Forked Deer electric people out there doing the job of cutting that mama jamma up.  Yet still, they have no power because it ripped all the stuff off of the house.  UCMTSU.  I went to visit the Johnson family reunion before that and arrived just in time for Walter's prayer over the feast.  It is good to be known and have history together.

It is so foreign to me this division of the races and hate crimes.  As expected, several friends disagreed about my take on Cosby.  I said it and I mean it.  I am sorry for the victims of what he did.  As for the technicality?  That's how the law works unfortunately.  We are not the judges or the prosecutors or defense.  We know what we know because of the media.  Rant over.

I'm still waiting for a referral to the other surgeon for this anastamosis.   Y'all all know how the world shuts down on a three day holiday weekend.  Out at the cottage, Forked Deer Electric did a fine job of clearing the tree off the creek.  The rest of it is complicated. 

I won't have any kids to shoot fireworks with so I reckon I'll burn 'em all at once and move onto the 5th of July.  Grace and peace ^j^

learning curve

Oscar's first introduction to Pearl turned into a barking and pissing match.  I was outside for the most part.  Once I saw her reaction I let him go explore the lake and pee on the trees.  There was all sorts of territory marking going on.  Pearl is a girl and normally goes in the yard but she hiked that leg and pissed all over the deck.  I washed it off.

,

So me too.  Fortunately I've never been drugged or raped or anything like that but I came mighty close.  Cosby is 83 years old.  Let it go.  What purpose does it do to incarcerate an old man for past mistakes.  Maybe those folks were all in the wrong places at the wrong times.  It takes two.

I'm more worried about the present and I intend to live it loud.  I get to see my kids again on Sunday.  In my book, that's all that matters.  I've gotten several solid pieces of advice about rehab from the surgery and it will probably be in Jackson so the girls can come wish me well.  Thanks Krista!  

Y'all be happy and well and very careful.  Me and Joy just missed a massive wreck on 51 bypass south on the Forked Deer river bridges.  By the time we scooped up Oscar and headed back to her house it was a hot mess over there in the southbound lane.  Sirens and cops and all sorts of first responders.  Thank you for your service.

Long may she wave ^j^ 

and then the rainbow showed up

We have been rain deprived around here but the heavens opened up last night and today and it's all a lot of muddy puddles.  I ventured out in the thick of it to pick up some books at the library and get gas.  Oh...and go the the 'gentral. My brother by another mother brought me some sweet corn yesterday.  He said I didn't need to be out there in the heat.  Thanks to this rain, we have a few pleasant days coming up.  

I am humble as all get out.  The referral for my surgery is in motion which makes me seriously believe that there is a god and He is good.  If I had to live with a bag the rest of my life, I could easily do that.  But what if?  Who the hell knows.  I may have to wear diapers after this.

I gots lotso' plans for the weekend.  LPT and PAP-T are here and I'll be headed down that way on Saturday.  The girls are coming sometime or another.  You know we all have to be flexible.  Let us pray that Oscar and Pearl like each other.  He stays outside most of the day and there's a fence so he's good.  The bark buddy is my friend!  He has an appointment next week at the vet to uhm, get checked out.  It will more than likely take eight of us to get him in the clinic unless I can trick him into following me.  He does that pretty well since he takes every step I do all day long.  Right on my heels, so to speak.  I think he was so traumatized that he recognizes me and Lauren as his rescue buddies.  

Y'all we are so independent it ain't even funny.  All we have to do is open our mouths and speak the truth.  And keep the faith ^j^