I can only imagine

I had never heard that song from Mercy Me until my co-worker Jason propped himself up on the bench at work with his guitar.  It became one of my favorite videos of all time.  Michael W Smith became another favorite.  I was raised in a church where we only sang the usual Old Rugged Cross sort of stuff.  As I have aged, I embrace contemporary Christian music thanks to Jason Denman.  He was a medical technologist who figured out early on that there is no money in doing hospital work because the pay is pitiful for MTs.  We earned Bachelor Degrees the hard way at allied health facilities and well...nursing got all the big bucks.  I have no ill will about that because they are at the center of the universe when it comes to caring for patients.  

Nurses do not only work in the hospital or office setting.  Many of them do home health or hospice care.  A good home health team includes a nurse, a PT and lots of others.  Bath folks.  Sitters.  OT and PT and many others.  Mobile x-ray techs.  DME suppliers.  Spiritual advisers and neighbors.  When push comes to shove, we believe in making life easier for those who are in need.   This week of being homebound has been a challenge.  We all get impatient when we can't just get up and go.  But, it has been a healing time for me.  I have had everything I need thanks to friends and family.  

Anyway, it's just a thought as Belle would say,  Y'all don't stop believing ^j^

the methodist way

We are based on the legacy of pastors being moved often and that is the reality of being UMC.  It is the way we work according to the Wesleyan tradition.  In the early days circuit riders went from church to church spreading the gospel.  Now they go by car but the message is still the same.  My pastor at DFUMC is moving on to do good things at another church and I am pretty sad about that.  However, I know that she and her husband will always be my friends wherever they are.  She has guided out local congregation through some very tough times including COVID and a disaffiliation vote that failed.  During the pandemic we had parking lot church with she and the worship team delivering the message from a trailer.  That took a lot of effort and faith on their part.  Her leadership and commitment to our church has been strong as she urged our congregation to think outside of the box and listen to what Jesus would do.  Her take on the parables are my favorite thing about her sermons.  Mary Beth and her husband Jay came here six years ago and we have weathered a lot of storms since then.  

When I had the big ass surgery in 2020 that resulted in my colostomy she talked me off the ledge more than once.  As I woke up in ICU at Baptist East, I was surrounded by she and Dell King and a whole lot of friends in a prayer circle around me.  After I went to rehab in Dyersburg, she had to come check on me because I was wanting to leave AMA.  You don't forget things like that.

Y'all go check your retirement savings and keep the faith ^j^

let's make a deal

I don't have any money in the stock market and what is happening right now is the very reason that I don't.  Well, besides the fact that I don't have the extra income to buy in.  However, I feel the pain of so many Americans who are looking to retire and can't because of the turmoil caused by Trump's tariffs. From what I have seen at congressional hearings, everybody is upset.  There is a way for this to be normalized if Congress steps in and takes away his total power over trade decisions.  Will that happen?  I don't have a clue but I hope so.  Trump tells us all to "stay cool."  Those were his exact words.  Right, dude.  On top of ripping up the constitution in a matter of two months, he has managed to screw up the global economy.  Even Jamie Dimon says that a recession will happen.  The losers in all of this are the American consumers who are already beginning go pay more for goods and services.  Small businesses are about to go under.  Farmers will have no where to sell their crops.  Tourism will tank.  And we the little people will not be able to afford Trump's favorite word "groceries."  I already can't afford much because I am living on Social Security.  I am also not able to work my part time job because I am flooded in here on Samaria Bend Rd.  Time will tell when the rivers allow us here to get out and on with day to day business.  

The one upside to being trapped is that I have slept very well.  When you can't plan or go anywhere there is nothing much to do but rest and "go with the flow" literally.  The Forked Deer hit crest yesterday and is very slowly dropping but not enough for safe passage.  The rest depends on what the rivers upstream do, like the Ohio and Mississippi.  Around 40 people have been evacuated from this flood and some of them are staying at the Family Life Center at Dyersburg FUMC hosted by the Red Cross.  Bogota is under mandatory evacuation.  In past years I had friends that I could stay with when this happened.  Things have changed since then to where I don't feel comfortable imposing on them.

I am not a trade expert by any means but I feel that what is happening now is going to lead to disaster.  Trump sees it as a game like The Apprentice where he can control things. In addition to "You're fired!"  it is "I know what the hell I'm doing." Which is pretty questionable at this point.  Slowly but surely folks in Congress are seeing this and many are worried about mid terms.  What do they say to their constituents when it all goes to hell in a handbasket?  While it would be nice if they did the next right thing for moral reasons, I will embrace their fears of being primaried.  

Lauren has been sharing soothing music with me from her home base in Jackson to get me through the flood.  And she reassures me daily that we will be okay, in spite of it.  Keep the faith friends ^j^

come together

We are here on day 3 of the biggest flood since 2010 and the water won't be going anywhere soon.  The Forked Deer is at flood stage, expected to crest during tonight BUT the Mississippi is not cresting until the weekend so our water here can't go anywhere.  Same for the Obion.  This is a massive flood event and not just here, but also in other southern states.  I sincerely hope that FEMA still has some money.

Our stupid state legislature passed something that will urge kids to "get married and have kids."  OMG.  You cannot legislate that...it is a personal choice.  But they are trying here in good old red Tennessee.  

My neighbors have been great about helping out.  There is one guy who can get in and out.  He made a run for me yesterday.  Clara has a house down the road where here chickens are and she brought me some eggs.  We rally around each other and talk about past floods.  This is a big one for the record books.

I had to call in for work on Monday night and will probably not make it for my Thursday shift.  That ain't good for the bank account, ya' know?  As my brother says "It is what it is."  In the grand scheme of what's going on, it's not major.   Our economy is tanking and our freedoms are vanishing.  According to the powers that be we should just hang tight for six months to a year for the magic to happen.  Meanwhile, Trump is planning a multimillion dollar military parade for his birthday.  SMH and cry emogi.

Lauren is staying in Jackson until she can get back here.  We talked this morning about positivity and whatnot.  We are great cheerleaders for each other when times are hard.  And when things are good?  We are grateful.  Y'all do the same ^j^

 

the water is wide

Well, hell.  As I expected the Forked Deer has cross my road on the by-pass end.  Yesterday it was passable by truck but not today.  I watched as my neighbor went by with a boat to take his kids to school.  His father in law is bringing a tractor so that we can get out in an emergency.  I cannot tell you how many times we have lived this scenario.  The north fork of the Forked Deer river surrounds this farm and actually, the entire southern part of Dyersburg.  Hwy 51 business through South Dyersburg is underwater as well.  So is Hwy 210 from Fowlkes to 412.  From my house I can see the water glistening in the sun!  Deja vu.

This is my first flood at this house.  I lived about a mile away when the big one came in 2010 and that was a humdinger.  Water was halfway up the hill on the road to my house and stayed there for days.  I remember Lauren and I walking down to the dairy barn for a good look and it was massive.  The water eventually got so high that even a tractor could not get through.  We are used to it just like the residents of Southtown.  One of the problems is that the Forked Deer feeds into the Mississippi and it is rising as well.  We shall see.  

I have watched a lot of the protest videos and it gave me a little happy moment to see all those folks standing up.  Of course there were counter protestors saying ""Long live the king!" but that's part of it.  It was all peaceful from what I have heard and seen.  There is power in numbers and now is the time to stand up or go down with the ship.  Hopefully Congress will step up and do damage control.  You know, mid terms and getting primaried and all that good stuff.  

My trolls don't read this blog obviously or they would be all over it.  Most of them cut and past their own narrative or share memes rather than reading anything that resembles critical thinking.  They follow whatever he does and say hell to the yeah.  I am not a follower in that respect.  I read news from both sides of the aisle and it appears to me that Republicans are kind of worried about our state of affairs.  Yet not many of them have the balls to stand up.

So, here we are on a Marvelous Monday.  Y'all be safe and do the next right thing ^j^

  

a wee little man

Mary Beth's sermon today was about the little tax collector who climbed a tree in Jericho to see Jesus.  After that meeting he changed his ways.  I wonder how many folks in this day and time would do the same.  Certainly not the current administration.  As Belle would say, "It's just a thought."  She is strictly a news reporter on the state of our union.  Which ain't looking good, by the way.  As a chief tax collector the wee little man was not very popular. But he eventually got the meassage.

The storms are over for now and it has been a rough 5 days for the South.  Now we look at river levels to see where the floods are.  Hwy 210 from Fowlkes to  412 is closed from what I read.  That's because of that low spot down by the Forked Deer.  Get on 412 in town!  Next will be Southtown and the Mississippi bottoms.  That is more bad news for local farmers in addition to the tariff thing.  wWe shall see how many honest folks are in Congress.  Mr. Smith, where are you when we need ya'.

My faith tells me that all will be okay.  It's a day by day thing and I should probably watch less YouTube and get ready for spring planting.  Hostas are already up in addition to all the other transplants.  The expensive hydrangea didn't make it because I didn't dig a deep enough hole.  Note to self:  Dig deeper!I think we will see the sun tomorrow.  Maybe.  Hopefully.  I like the sound of thunder but really?  This has been a bit much.  

So.  What do we do if we think that our country is going in the wrong direction?  I say we stand back up and hit the streets.  Protest peacefully about what is happening.  Unless you are a gazillionaire life is about to go down the toilet here.  I was actually surprised to get my SS payment this month.  And blessed.  

Take off all your hats and speak proudly and loudly about unethical behavior.  Feed the poor.  Tax the rich.  Do the next right thing ^j^

hands off

Today is the appointed time to voice your umm....unhappiness over what this federal administration is doing to us.  Of course POTUS is playing golf again so he won't have to be bothered with it.  The closest rally to me was in Jackson and the weather is kinda' dicey so I am doing my part at home.  I've been trying to find a live feed of the Jackson march but it must have been censored.  Good news travels slowly ya' know.  In the middle of a 5 day long monsoon, I am sitting here in my Bernie Sanders hoodie protesting virtually.  That way I don't get sent to El Salavador.  I hope.  I would kill myself before being treated like that.  

The tariffs have rocked our world in so many ways and Trump says his actions are final.  We shall see.  With all the lost money for people who are looking forward to retirement, he may have to reconsider.  Even Repulicans say that it should go before Congress.  I have never been a big fan of Rand Paul, but he is standing up and being bi-partisan.  So is Mitch.  Slowly but surely, for whatever reason, representatives are attempting to work across the aisle to get us out of this mess.  Our democracy is not a game show except for the "You're fired!" part.  What really blows my mind is the way that so many folks still drink the koolaid.  Do they now know that this will affect them too? No.  because they think his highness will deliver them from the Democrats.  Pretty sad, in my opinion.  

There have been times in history.....many of them, where Dems and the GOP worked together for our country.  Now is not that time.  The Democratic party is at fault as well for not standing up and insisting that Biden be taken out of office sooner than six months before a major election. They threw Kamala under the train just like Frank Underwood did to his victims.  It happens on both sides.

I feel pretty grateful not to be involved with all of that.  I don't expect to live that much longer so I would love to be able to eat fresh food and enjoy life here on the farm in my golden years.  I am about 10 years younger than our POTUS and idk how many years older than his imported wife.  One of my trolls accused us dems of being sore "losers" . Honey please.  You are preaching at the wrong person.  He also accused me of being a part of everybody not getting along.  He mentioned something like hatred and whatnot.  Dude please!

It's all out of my control but I will stand back up when it counts.  You can be assured of that ^j^
looser 

there goes the 'gentral

Welp corporate America.  Y'all are officially screwed as of "Liberation Day."  These tariffs will cut short your profits on foreign goods made with slave labor.  We have not been raped and taken advantage of by these countries of which you speak, Donald.  Your cabinet is crumbling under your feet while you play Big Ike with the world.  I saw it coming, but I didn't know it would be this scary.  

I live in Nortwest Tennessee which is currently under a severe weather watch for the next three days.  Round two is about to cross the Big Muddy and on and on until who knows when.  Then it stalls and we get bigly rain that will produce flooding.  It is planting season for all areas affected so that will be a challenge to get the crop in.  Around here we get backwater from the tributaries of the Mighty Mississippi including the Forked Deer.  It has only been a month since South Dyersburg was flooded.  Oretty soon, goodbye Dodges.  

In 2010 we had the big one that trapped us on Council Road.  Bubba called me and said that the headwater was coming and to go get supplies.  Twenty minutes later we had to catch a ride in the back of Clara's work truck to get up the hill.  After that, nothing could pass through, even a tractor.  The water finally went away and we got back to real life.  That was a pretty magical time for me and LP.  All we had was each other and the neighbors.  James took Daddy up to the by-pass in a boat so he could go see the doctor that he later left because Mama got in a mood over a Medicare statement.  She was like that about things that mattered.

RFK is gonna let it "run the course" through the Avian flu deal so, umm.  That ain't good since he's all anti-vax.  I do believe that the Covid shots kept me from dying, but they also took a physical toll on my kidneys.   I figure that  plus Prolia did me in on that deal.  Sometimes you need to just stop treating and start living.  

Since I began this post two days ago, the stock market has crashed and Trump is gone for a long weekend of golf.  Also, the South has been hit with multiple waves of tornadic weather that is far from over.  The biggest threat when it's over is flooding of local rivers.  This farm is totally surrounded by the north fork of the Forked Deer which means we may get trapped again.  

All of this is in God's hands, so keep the faith ^j^

stand (back) up

I was raised in a Repulican family and voted that way many times in my life.  I can guarantee you my parents are rolling over in their graves concerning what is happening right now.  The shift to downsizing began when my father was still a USDA employee.  They closed the Dyersburg office and he was required to travel for several years before he could retire.  He went to inspect the Cuban boat people coming over to make sure there were no plants riding over with them. That was the year Lauren was born and he was in Florida on Thanksgiving.  We took a family pic of the three month old first grandchild posed with the rest of us.  There was California sometime during those days and other inconvenient places for a guy who just wanted to be at home with his cows.  He retired as early as he could at the age of 55  to much hoorah.  I don't remember when the dinner was, but I was there.  His years in the Air Force gave him enough time to be able to do that. He was still manager of the farm for many years.  Tim Bruce took his job and ended up doing airport duty in Memphis.

Daddy loved his job and his country.  Raised as a depression era kid, son of a tenant farmer, he survived growing up with three sisters out toward Roellen.  When he fell out of the barn loft and broke his arms, the sisters had to wipe his butt.  True story!  He was somewhere in the middle, age wise.  My favorite picture of his family is all of them gathered as young people.  Sister died first from colon cancer and was followed by Ginner and then Daddy.  Katherine Rose is the only surviving child of that brood.  And she is 90. We talk occasionally.  I will spare y'all the details of all the other deaths in the family.  They were numerous, just like with all families.

There are not many of us Staffords left.  Me, Bubba, Tommy, Susan and Pepper.  Plus LP and Reaves and Adam and Peyton.  Mama and Daddy were gifted with three grandchildren but never got to see Elizabeth Reaves.  They had been gone for several years when she was born.  Dat baby seriously loves being here on the farm.  I have moved since she was born from "the old house" to the "new old house."  We lived in Charlie's house for 34 years before it was remodel time.  Then I came back home to the cabin.  There is a spot over on the ancient handmade stairs where LP once sat with Bubba waiting for Thanksgiving dinner.  Precious stuff.  

I assume I will die while I am living here because where am I gonna go?  I cannot see to drive so my daughter takes me to where I need to go.  I still have to work because um...well you know.  My side job since retirement has been reporter/sitter/errand runner/you name it.  During the 80s I became very interested in palliative end of life care.  It's all about comfort and reviewing the life that is about to be gone.  My clients and I have talked a lot over the years about their memories.  During my three years of Joy I learned all about her life from East TN over here to West TN where she was a social worker at the local hospital.  That is actually how we met.  I was an employee there and both of my parents were volunteers.  Gaga helped to establish the gift shop that is no longer in operation.  

Sometimes I worry about what we are leaving for future generations.  But then, I know that God is in control and it will all be okay if I do the next right thing.  That is faith in action ^j^

oh karoline!

In my off time I tend to watch a lot of stuff on YouTube and caught a PBS clip today to the White House press secretary fielding questions from reporters about what's gonna' happen this week.  "Well, it's a beautiful Monday morning and we have a BIG week planned!"  I'm sure you do girlfriend.  Bossmen are steady grifting.

My lone peach tree has survived thus far.  Last year it was all bloomed out and the cold bit it.  No peaches here at Casa Poopie. We did have apples and those trees are beginning to bloom too.  My friend brought me some art supplies and I have dabbled but not really gotten serious yet.  Taking pics right now and thinking about it.  Mary Gwyn Bowen is an old and dear friend.  During the time of our 40th high school reunion, she took a lot of pictures to do her magic on the canvas.  It seriously is like a wildlife reserve out here.

Rosie the cat continues to bite and fight my bare feet in the early mornings when I get up.  It takes quite a few kicks to satisfy her so that she will go eat the food (that is already there.) I have taken to not putting my teeth in because they hurt which means it's time for an adjustment.  I will pencil that in along with a visit to the glasses guy.  I can't see shit.  

It's cold here.  Still spring I reckon, and Easter is coming ^j^

the money piece

I had no clue what that was when Nina and Chucky told me I had one at my last cut.  I am going gray slowly and have this Bonnie Raitt kind of thing going on up front.  Slowly moving away from color and embracing my old self, so to speak.  I'm proud to still have hair!  Today has been rainy and gloomy so I'm cleaning house and doing laundry.  LP is on the way to see Babygirl for the first time in about a month.  The weather has not been easy for travel plus there was a spring break cruise for Elizabeth and her family.  Mucho fun for all involved!

Mary Beth has been honing in on "the messy middle" that Jesus chose as his way of life.  Today she talked about the parable of the lost sheep and centered her sermon on how Jesus was criticized by the religious leaders for eating with sinners and tax collectors.  To which he replied that the shepherd would most likely go looking for the one lost sheep and carry it home to have a party.  Now, if I were the shepherd I would just take the lost one back to the flock and pray that the other 99 were still there.  But that is not our God.  He is with us when we are lost and lonely and will leave the rest to come get US!  

We have very "juicy" air around here right now with a week full of rain headed our way.  Lots of rain!  April showers, I suppose.  The tulips are already blooming and actually wide open because it's so warm.

My friend recently bought a used Tesla at a great price because, y'all know why.  I took a ride in it and was amazed at the quiet and simplicity with a bonus trunk up front.  We are of similar beliefs about the state of our union but dang.  A deal is a deal!  Plus it helps with the environment.  I think that the cybertrucks are the problem...lol.

Y'all be grateful and joyous and help others when you can.  It's what Jesus would do ^j^

censorship

You can call me a conspiracy theorist if you want.  It took me THREE tries to post a telling interview with Jeffrey Goldberg and his co-worker from the book festival in New Orleans.  Knowing that Zuck is on the "special list" at the White House, I have noticed that a lot of things that are  posted require a title and or multiple tries.  Kinda' like if you really want to do this, prove it.  On this particular piece I did.  What happened was a very sloppy mistake which they tried to blame on Goldberg who really did not like being in that situation.  They called him names and denied everything which led to his bombshell disclosure.  And the insults have continued.  

What strikes me most about this administration is their quick to judge stance.  "Everything wouldn't be like this if Biden had....xyz.  You cannot base a serious presidency on other people.  That is the coward's way out.  Just own up to mistakes and retain credibility.  Plus don't cut the safety net right out from under us.  That is all we are asking.  I have said before that I do believe the federal government's services contain some waste and abuse and I don't like that.  However, it takes time to sort out who's using who in this game and Musk has not done that.  Well, his team, I mean.  The one team " team member " we never hear about is that poor woman who got roped into being the official director.  Crickets from her.  And not her fault, bless her heart.  I wouldn't open my mouth either.  Had it been me, though?  I would have gone on my planned vacation to Mexico and talk to y'all when I get back.  The truth is, she was scared not to.  She needs her job, just like a lot of federal workers.  

Watching that student being kidnapped by the black cars and masks and whatnot gave me a chill.  Because it could happen to any of us if we say the wrong thing.  Political power at the local, state and federal level is a reality I have understood for years.  Corruption and greed are every day's business in the crony world. I campaigned hard for several candidates and watched over and over again as they took the loss and kept on trying.  My state is blood red so I am in the minority.  Not that I'm blue all the way, by any means.  I am more of a progressive.  Having voted for many Republicans, I chose to not vote on party lines but on the issues and the individual candidate.  But then I'm "woke" like that.

We had a crisis this morning as LP was talking to Reaves on the was to school and they accidentally ran over a cat.  I could hear the wailing on her mom's phone and it wasn't even on speaker.  It took both mamas and a long conversation to talk her through the trauma.  Life is hard to take when you are seven.  They chatted about all the cats and dogs we have had and what happened to them.  That is the basis of therapy, I believe.  Life is hard for all of us, actually.  Bad things happen and we are in deep pain.  My experience has been until we grieve a loss, it still haunts us.  One of my favorite songs of all time is Get Over It by The Eagles.  "I'd like to find your inner child and kick its' little ass!"  My one and only karaoke performance..lol.

I'm not sure how many days into Lent we are, but I see Easter coming ^j^

"everyone makes mistakes"

But then "everyone" isn't in charge of national security.  By now, "everyone" is aware of the leaked discussion about Yemen to the editor of The Atlantic.  This mistake has been downplayed by everyone at the White House, including the president himself.  Oopsie!  It is what it is.  One random observer noted that if they think Russia and China and our other adversaries are not able to listen in as well, they are delusional.  

One of the countless things that I think are ridiculous about this administration is their plan to sell corporate sponsorships for the annual Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn.  My friend made the remark that they will probably be having a yard sale there next.  Funny, and true.  It's all about the money to these people.  What really slays me is the down home people here in my little burg who defend any and everything that they do.  One said:" I am happy to see someone become a billionaire and better themselves."  Honey, please.  They will eat you for lunch before you even know it has happened.

Meanwhile, Musk is demanding an apology from the people at The View for making fun of his kid that he's put out there for ridicule himself.  I doubt he will get that apology.  The powers that be are investigating people who are vandalizing Teslas as "domestic terrorists" saying that they will be hunted and prosecuted.  Like we don't have other pressing matters to deal with!

It boggles my mind that the priorities are so centered on retribution and cutting the little people out of the loop.  Sure, there is a certain amount of fraud and abuse.  Take your time and figure out where it is rather than just shutting the whole thing down.  Trump promised not to do that yet his minions are actively pursuing.  Somebody stop the madness!  

I reckon it is what it is.  Let's all hold hands and sing Kumbaya ^j^

trolling

These past couple of days have been "call Janie stupid" on FB.  It never ceases to amaze me that folks have nothing better to do than fight on the internet.  Jesus don't like that.  Nor does he like fighting of any kind.  So many Christians in this country operate on exclusion and whatnot.  I don't really understand the trans thing but if they have the money for the life change, maybe it's a good thing.  At least they won't be trapped in their other selves like one of Elon's kids.  

I was chastised for posting political things on the FB platform for everybody to see.  Some of my "friends" might be offended or mad at me.  I was absolutely floored because I never thought of it that way.  My friends tend to be reasonable live and let live sort of folks who are across the political spectrum.  Many of them read this blog and enjoy it.  As far as the feed goes?  I should probably not throw out political memes and just focus on kitties and puppies.  The political stuff is where the trolling comes in and it can be brutal.  But?  Every single time I fight the good fight, so to speak, my true friends surround me with support.  It is pretty tiring and I don't have room in my life for people calling me stupid and an idiot.  Consider yourself blocked kids.

One of my favorite phrases is "If you are not a part of the solution, you are part of the problem."  The sad thing is that everybody has their own "solution" to things and if we don't agree, they get nasty.  It is the way of the world now.  I refuse to give up.  If I can plant a seed that might make some younger person think, REALLY think, about what is going on in our world, I will speak out.  I have that much of my mother in me.  That woman could raise hell, in spite of her genteel upbringing.

The weather looks nice so I'll hit the porch and enjoy the sun.  I was sitting out back yesterday doing chair yoga and thought about those people back in the day that had TB and got rolled out in wheelchairs at the sanitarium.   Just a thought, as Belle would say.

Remember who you are...and from whence you came ^j^

we the people

In case you haven't been paying attention, we are in a constitutional crisis of epic proportions.  My feed is flooded with trolls who have had a good dose of the koolaid and believe that Musk knows what he is doing.  We all know that Trump doesn't, even the Republicans.  His presidency was bought by Musk money with the condition that Vance would be his running mate.  If you dig deeper than the surface, that is evident.  And now this non-elected official DOGE person is meeting about a top secret anti China war deal.  Umm.  Dude has businesses all over the world, including China.  Wonder how long it will take him to leak that?

The tariffs are absurd and anybody who thinks that they will be immune to the consequences has their head in the sand.  Yes y'all....it will hit you too.  And when it does?  You can whine all you want, but you defended it.  Three people present at the committee meeting that I watched yesterday presented evidence of asking Musk to appear before them and "splain" what's going on.  He has declined to appear, choosing instead to grandstand and disrupt an Oval Office presser with one of his 13 kids who wiped boogers on the desk.  No wonder Trump is using the little one...lol.  Today's picture was of him surrounded by children at school desks as he announced the implosion of the education department.  "Give it to the states" he says.  Well, a little advance notice would be nice, ya' know?  I live in a very red state where Republicans rule.  

It really doesn't matter that the Democratic party is "disappointed".  They dropped the ball by letting Biden hang on until six months before the election.  Period.  He was obviously demented and throwing Kamala out there at the last minute was a desperate action that failed.  This is a prime example of how the two party system fails us.  

As for the judicial branch?  Y'all keep it between the lines because you are our only hope in a system where Congress is dysfunctional as hell.  There is no reaching across the aisle or by-partisanship anymore.  It's all one party against the other.  And we the people are the losers in this game ^j^

blessed

I have spent my day in my jammies and robe with Rosie on the suitcase nearby.  Spent a lot of time on the interwebs trolling news sites for updates on what the hell trump and musk have done today.  The education department ( headed by an ex wrestling executive's wife ) is officially busted up once the GOP congress does their deed.  One of the things I stumbled upon was a live Senate meeting.  Several of the senators gave proof that they have asked Musk to appear before the committee and explain the massive cuts.  Kind of a line by line thing, which is the American way. There were three of them I believe.  Could not tell their names if I had a gun to my head.  The letters were entered into evidence.  I think.  

I have considered writing to my senators and representative ( Blackburn, Hagerty and Kustoff) but I know that my words will be read by some office lackey who fields calls and emails.  That happened when I contacted Lamar Alexander.  And others.  As a teenager I was all about writing letters and most of the people that I sent them to wrote back.  Fats Everett was one of them.  That a lawmaker made the effort to respond to a curious teenager, made an impact on my young self.  I wrote letters to astronauts and Ed Jones and Queen Elizabeth.  Mama saved all the responses for me in a scrapbook.  Lord only knows where it is.

Today has been a turning point for me.  I felt old and pitiful and lacking in faith.  Then my BG came home and we had a bit of church online.  Spontaneous  and wonderful.  I need that in my life now more than ever.  I honestly believe that our country is headed for disaster but really?  Maybe it's God's will to wake everybody up and drag 'em out of their heads.  Mysterious ways, y'all.

Reaves is on some beach some where for spring break and has a sunburn.  The sun is different down south!  She is having a ball.  She wanted to tuck us into her suitcase for the trip but that didn't work out.  Hola baby ^j^

running scared

The only thing that keeps me sane these days is political comedy, or any kind of comedy really.  I read the news when I get up and think about it....dig a little deeper into what I learn there.  CNN is my preference but they try to make me pay to read.  Nada.  I will go for fair and balanced reporting that is not slanted too far in either direction.  Huffpost is too much for me now and Drudge?  Well.  Let's just say I've been there done that with both of them.

I choose to be a radical somewhat because of my sense of right and wrong. I learned that in church and from people in my life who taught me about faith.  The stories of Jesus healing and performing miracles prove that without faith, nothing much happens.  Of course there is always the mandatory works  come with faith thing.  Many people do their part by helping the least of these with social services and whatnot.  This mostly done outside of corporate America.  It's just people responding to the immediate need of others.  Like after a tornado or flood, but all the time.  I believe that our country is in deep trouble because we have an administration that has no regard for the judicial system, the most important branch of our government.  Well, to keep a dictator at bay.  So far he has ignored all that so we shall see.  Somebody PLEASE stop the madness.  

I tend to be in the messy middle with politics.  I realize that there is waste and fraud and shit but it's not in the federal workforce.  There is a fair amount of abuse by those who work the system, but it's not the 82 year old who got accidentally called dead and missed his payments for three months.  Oopsie!  Let's say that we believe that Trump's tariffs will encourage manufacturing in America.  That would not happen during his administration and would be handled by whomever comes next.  What if their priorities are different.  The two party system is a cesspool of this type of tit for tat legislation "Along party lines" is a pretty predictable type of outcome.  Come on y'all.  Can we not meet in the middle?????

We are currently listening to a story about neo-nazi hate groups that are building a new "training center" in Tellico Plains, TN.  the crazies are out there people.  Watch your back ^j^

the messy middle

Every year during Lent I learn something new about the story of Jesus and what he did before he died a horrible death.  For us to be forgiven of OUR sins.  Pretty big sacrifice dontcha' think?  What He and his followers did was pave the way for us to be kind to each other and meet in the middle.  I don't really see that happening in today's world per the news.  But in real life?  There are so many stories of people who go above and beyond to help the least of these.  

My home church is very inclusive.  Mary Beth and her crew do a great job with welcoming all to the table and we stick together.  I recently had to "resign" as a liturgist because I can't read the fine print.  I wear my distance glasses just to see the screen.  Today as I tried to read the bulletin, I realized that it's a waste of paper on me and my eyes.  In SS we talked about the importance of women in Jesus' ministry as well.  I was today years old when I knew that Jesus had siblings.  Yet none of them were at the cross.  Only the Marys and John.  He spoke gently to his mother and disciple and asked him to take care of her.  There has been spectulation over the years (Dan Brown) that Mary M was his girlfriend.  I think he loved her dearly and resisted.  Maybe not.  After all, he was human and yet divine. 

I do not judge anyone for their life  choices as long as they do ono harm.  And even then, I forgive.  If not I will wither away with hatred and resentment because of the way I have been treated.  People do the best they can with what they have and sometimes we don't meet in the middle.  But sometimes?  It all works out in God's time ^j^

the swear jar

I tend to cuss a lot using the usual handy ones like shit damn hell piss DONALD!  My dear friend taught me that phrase last year and we shared it often when things were looking bleak.  She didn't live to see the orange one elected, thank goodness.  She told me it would be this way.  Well, not exactly.  I think he and Elon have shocked just about everybody and their mama'n'them.Ordinary non rich people are paying attention and not at all happy about things.  There will be no avocados or any kind of fruit for you, says the food nazi.  Nobody can afford that!

I got called out by Meta for posting something about Musk that was "proven false."  I wasn't surprised because they are all in this thing together.  Another reason to get off social media.  When the government is watching what you say and do and censoring?  Not cool.  This is America dammit!  If I choose to speak my mind and not post pictures of dinner or my kids, the bots go after me.  Facebook  began as a social media platform way back when and was targeting college age people.  Before that was MySpace and Yahoo chat.  We have definitely come a long way, tech wise.  I seriously don't want people to know my business except for the ones who care.  Which is why I should shut the eff up about politics.

I read every single day about what is happening and I am alarmed but not so much that I don't trust God to lead us out of this madness.  We traded one demented president for another but Biden was benign yet he still gets blamed for everything that is going on right now.  Not true.  That is partisan blaming and and at this point, we need bipartisan action.  I don't blame Uncle Chuck for caving yesterday.  I truly believe that shutting down the government is not a good idea and would give the powers that be total control over us. I can just imagine how he basked in the glow of approval from POTUS.  Honey, please.  

I am a big Bernie Sanders fan simply because he is independent.  The two party system has failed us time and time again but it keeps on living because of big money donors.  Lobbyists and such.  Getting all up in the bed with corporations.  This infiltrates all of our lives through healthcare, education and a lot of other things.  But these cabinet picks?  Jesus take the wheel.  

It has only just begun and until ordinary folks like us stand up and fight, it will never end.  Vance is already posturing to be the next president.  I may not live to see another election but I pray to God that this nation will return to the constitution and what our founding fathers intended.  We fought hard to win independence from a king and settle America. 

That's all I've got.  Y'all just keep the faith ^j^

trumpcession

Realizing that I am being a disloyal Lenten person, I feel compelled to note a few things about what is going on in our country.  These are not "little" things as the president calls them but a major shakeup in our way of living.  Our freedoms, our democracy and our economy are at stake.  Nobody up there seems to care, following willy nilly along party lines worshiping their leaders.  We all know who they are and what they are doing.  I heard a pundit say today that the way to deal with this is not to jump at every little threat that they make.  The whole idea is to keep us confused about what is really going on so that we will be easier to manage.  People who are living the high life don't seem to understand that we are literally dying out here.  The chainsaw approach is scaring the bejesus out of everybody.  It is a wakeup call that many will not heed.  Or is it even too late??  The structure of the government is being torn apart and the evil ones have our personal information, including finances.  It's all been uploaded, believe me.  Our allies are gone and prices are about to go out the roof.  I just bought an old car and found out today that the AC doesn't work. I should have known better.  At least it runs from point A to point B.  

We are trimming the budget around here and Netflix is next to go.  I never watch it because I don't sit still that long.  My attention span is quite short unless I am writing or porch sitting.  This day is beautiful and the doors are propped open.  Daddy's buttercups are starting to bloom.  All is well.  

I had a heart to heart with my GP this morning about streamlining my care and he agreed to take my suggestions.  My mantra these days is to simplify life.  I'll be honest, if it comes time to raise chickens and make your own clothes, I'll be moving in with my baby brother in Virginia.  He is a survivalist and libertarian who believes in living simply off the land.  Both of my brothers have brought up, in the past, the money that my parents spent on my college education.  They took out a loan for my last year at UT Memphis which paid for tuition and books and gave me a small allowance per week.  They were so proud when I got that degree because that made all of us UT students!  Go Vols.

I remember Daddy driving us to UTM to see the Lady Vols play the Lady Skyhaws.  Lauren and Kimo were about 13.  I think there was ice cream after.  My ex and I returned when LP graduated with a BSW in 2009.  We left the next morning for a trip to Florida thanks to my parents.  On the beach, we met some Kelloggs people who had an inflatable Tony the Tiger and we drug his butt up to the condo as a souvenier.  There was the usual sunning and gunning and a bus to get to the beach.  I told some lady I was a blogger and she immediately pulled up in her official vehicle wanting to schmooze me.  I think the HOA sent her.  That didn't happen of course.  We were too busy chilling.  

Heather and Joe were there along with Gumbler who drove all the way from Texico.  It was the first time we met Joe D, an Iraq vet, and we all loved each other....and you're next!  Vick and Marisa slept upstairs and I was on the downstairs couch.  Not sure where the others were.  Me and LP and Noler and Liz and Allison and Melissa had been to Gulf Shores many many times but moving toward the bluer water that is somewhat clear was a real treat.  I hate to be sappy, but I want to one more time before I die.  Bucket List.  Think "Beaches"

We continue on through the season of Lent.  Forty days of contemplation and redemption in the desert.  Tomorrow is the anniversary of the day that John Kilzer committed suicide at Betty Ford clinic.  He was a rock star in his early days and later became a UMC pastor after having a "spiritual awakening" at 201 Poplar. 

Next to the Kentucky Fried Chicken, he said.  His work preceding his death were a very powerful tribute to the downtrodden.  What made him take his life?  I have no answers to why anybody does that.  When the guilt and shame and resentment get to be too much, nobody knows what they will do.  Don't worry, I'm not about to off myself, just let God do his work.  I don't believe that suicide sends you to hell, by any means.  God doesn't work that way.  

"We've all got a God sized hole in our heart" ~  Rev. D John Kilzer

who is my neighbor?

I had plans to go to church this morning but had an ostomy emergency that kept me home and watching online.  It is the Lenten season and a time in desert for many of us who believe in Jesus.  I gave up political discourse this year because I think it has become toxic to me and my world view.  Mary Beth continued her sermon by asking us who are the most despicable people that we have trouble loving. If you know me at all, you can pretty much guess who my go to folks are and they are not many.  I forgive, over and over again.  I do not hold a grudge for very long. I get over it and move on, and bless their hearts.  Loving to laugh and be peaceful are my major personality traits.  However, I am a rebel when it comes to human rights and whatnot.  Like a dog with a bone, if you will.

I watched a video this morning featuring the people who are in prison in the state of Oregon.  They have the opportunity, unlike in many states, to get paid for working inside of the facility to earn money or points for perks.  Many of them are putting their wages back for starting a new life after release.  It keeps them going and adds to the economy of our country by 1000%.  I also watched a piece about how Chintatowns all over America are dealing with the tariffs and how that affects their businesses and communities.  The same can be said for other countries hit by the extreme tariffs.  This will trickle down within a few weeks to we the people of the USA.  

As for me, I will doctor my stoma according to what seems to be a blockage in the works. Drink more water and keep changing bags.  Thankfully I have a new supply but only one belt that was soiled and is now drying on the box fan.  I will order more now that I have a bit of money.  I tried to do that with my usual supplier but was told that the shipment would be held up because of that "new" item.  Girl, please.  

I see my PCP in the morning and I have lots of questions.  Like "

why is my left ear hurting like a mofo?" What is my creatinine and GFR?  Last month they were stable but you never know.  What I want is a PCP who will monitor me and not send me out to 10 specialists with a 30 dollar co-pay.  I have canceled several because I didn't have the money.  I don't think these PCPs exist anymore because, well you know.  They don't want to take responsibility for something that can be construed as not covering their asses.  

My sin of the day is envy of those folks who can just hop in their car and go to their places and afford to eat out once a week.  But I am working on that during this season.  Sorry this has not been an inspirational post.  I'm not feeling it right now but there is always tomorrow.  I haven't seen Reaves in about five months.  Lauren is with her now and I'm glad but I sure could use a hug from dat' baby.  Just saying ^j^

rachel

She is a truly amazing woman.  I first met her when she was slinging food at the four points gas station and gave me half off on sausage and biscuits after 10am.  Our families are connected over decades through parents and grandparents.  She has always been a journalist and invited me in when she became general manager of the Dyersburg State Gazette.  There were zero reporters other than her when Brandon Hutcheson left and he was later replaced by William Northcutt.  My job was as a "stringer" meaning that I pitched stories to Rachel and then followed up with interviews that were eventually published as "spotlights. "  Some of those folks were Will Bird, Joe Wolfe, Athena Goodall Reed and Jimmy Hester.  With each interview I was introduced to the missions and goals of local people in our community.  I learned a lot from Rachel and the folks that I talked with and made lifelong friends.  As a contributor to SHE magazine I met some new BFFs including Dawn Gordon.  Our interview was at Green Frog which was not a good choice because the music plays all the time.  My interview with Casey Hipps took place here at the cabin though I had known she and her history from visiting her little take out place next to the gigantic yard sale close to Four Points.  Rachel and I were partners in a side venture that began as a pipe dream from a guy who hired us for three months to launch Pioneer Life.  We didn't make any money, but we tried our best.

Rachel is a very talented photographer who does private session for all sorts of events like weddings, graduations and anything in between.  That is called Pioneer also.  She did a photog session with me and Lauren and Reaves a few years ago when Reaves was, shall we say, a sassy young girl.  There were buttercups and iris all around while we posed and whatnot.  Great memories. My favorite is one of all us girls sitting on the front porch steps.  These are my girls.  

I have effectively taken myself out of the political arena into my own life.  Day by day, nobody knows what is up with the POTUS and his minions so I won't worry until a special ed teacher in Munford shoots himself before class.  Which was yesterday.  Trump et al can take a chainsaw to the budget and they will.  I have witnessed many "almost" government shutdowns in my life. The worst was when LP was attending UTM for a social work degree and the money for tuition was not there when she showed up for class.  Mind you, social work is a thankless job these days.  Things look bleak for the least of these.

Resist ^j^

c

(new to me) ride

Once again we have transportation and, by the grace of God it is a Toyota which is what I wanted.  Bubba and I bought it from a holiness preacher who sells cars on the side and preaches "only from the Bible."  No liturgy, old hymns and lotso' long sermons.  His somewhat younger wife was making spring flower arrangements for the church.  She had to show him where to sign just like the people at the bank did with me.  I have been without AREDS for a few weeks and I can tell it.  

A friend of mine has been unusually vocal about politics lately and said today that he is giving up the rant for Lent.  Me too Tony.  It does nothing but raise my BP when things are totally out of my control.  It changes every day so keeping informed is important but bitching about it is fruitless.  God is in control and I do not believe He is happy right now with the good old USA.  

I am so grateful right now to have Lauren here with me to help with things.  She can see and I cannot, very well.  She got me some new readers at the 'gentral because I lost my good ones but I think I need to revisit the eye doctor for something stronger.  

The Lenten season is a time for reflection on the things that keep us from God and our faith in Him.  I did the ashing with sage yesterday afternoon but didn't go anywhere.  That was just between me and Jesus.

Y'all stay happy and healthy and safe.  Please be kind ^j^

in like a lion

Whoa!  If you are driving a top heavy vehicle in the south right now, bless your heart.  Winds up to 40 mph woke all of us in the middle of the night.  When they come from the west, the whole house shakes.  Rosie came in and out all during the night and was as confused as we were.  They bAt some point she slept next to me.  And Lauren.  And visited the crazy Siamese that lives under the house.  That dude creeps me out.  One crossed eye and a very aggressive  cry that sounds like a crazy cat.  We have watched him come and go under the house and tried to invite him in only.  Dayum..that dude sprayed all over the Christmas tree.  I know, I should have had it in the attic by now.  I did the sign of the cross with sage ashes.  Can't see too well but ... It was not last year's palm branches but I think Jesus understands.  That's what I love about he and his tribe.

Lent these days always reminds me of Brother John Kilzer and brother John Fisher.  Well actually, all of the ministers that have been a part of my life.  The first ones I remember are Hank Russell and Reginald Mallet.   There were many others like Cecil and Dell and David and what's his name.  Dude died on the golf course.  Back in the day our youth minister decided to go into seminary.  He laid a very well thought out plan to the council of parents and then went on his way.  When the council convened, the plan was not available.  Nada.  Locked up.  

That was when Lauren's group began to wander through the desert.  They are a big class of about 30 and they made many a SS teacher walk out.  Not me.  We went to the cemetery one Easter Sunday and talked about life and death.  We parked the church van right by my family's plot and had a sit down.  One other time, I took an actual unit of blood from work just to teach about how it saves lives.  HIPPA forgive me. No kid was harmed by this event ;)  Hopefully some of them learned something.

Y'all keep the faith.  And walk against the wind ^j^

 

ponzi scheme?

I think not, Elon.  When you start meddling with SS you are asking for economic collapse.  We paid into SS and Medicare all of our working lives while you were out there doing whatever it is that you do.  The tariffs will do us in first and prices will rise to where nobody can afford to eat or buy gas.  Not to mention what it will do to farming in this country.  You bought your way into being Trump's BFF and we all know it.  He helped you and in turn you helped him and all of us are going to suffer.  What will you do with all of us when we become homeless in America?  Concentration camps are probably on the table as an option.  Or worse.  We will starve to death like those in Gaza.

Am I being paranoid?  Nope.  I pay attention to everything that is going on there is an underground movement to resist what you are doing.  I will not be watching the speech tonight because I cannot afford "real" TV.  I get my news second hand and after the fact.  I am really surprised that you did not make an appearance in the Oval office during the smackdown of Zelenskyy.  I guess you were busy with your chainsaw slashing federal spending.  Not to worry.  They managed to fracture our relationships with our allies without you.  I have never been so ashamed of being an American.  

Not much faith in the world today.  Sorry...you can't always look on the sunny side ^j^

let's make a deal

I have never ever seen anything like the bullying that went on in the oval office yesterday.  It's as if Trump is still a reality show host only he's playing against all of us.  "You're fired!"  Which is exactly what he told President Zelenskyy.  What was supposed to be a meeting concerning a mineral deal turned into a shouting match that, like a train wreck, you can't look away from.  I watched in horror while the leaders of our country treated an ally like a bad school boy.  He knew what he was walking into yet he kept his cool,  and when he managed to get a word in edgewise, spoke thoughtfully and respectfully.  He sat in a defensive posture position with arms crossed and, took the beating.  So much for the mineral deal, huh?  Plan WWIII will be for Putin to break the ceasefire and seize the bounty for himself.  If Trump thinks for a minute that he will share because they have "been through so much together"  he is stupider than I thought.  Putin will throw him under the bus in a heartbeat.  They are two of a kind.

The most pathetic thing, to me, is that all these Republicans are sitting back and letting he and Elon run the show.  Because they're scared.  Well, so are we y'all.  So are we.  I come from a middle class family that was usually GOP voters.  And I never really paid attention to politics until I watched Nixon's resignation at my high school.  Watergate and Vietnam.  Those changed my views.  I was only in elementary school when JFK was murdered but I knew it was a bad thing.  The rest is history.  One of my high school teachers was an expert on that killing in Texas.  He had a room full of evidence that Oswald was framed by his own government.  Zapruder film.  Google it.

I have rant days and I have days where I feel the grace of God.  Most of my spiritual beliefs are based on helping others who are less fortunate.  My home church is a haven for those who might not feel welcome because of their life choices.  That is exactly what Jesus would do.  Without the support of friends and family during this whole wreck ordeal, we would have been screwed.  And I will pay that forward.  And we still have no car!  It's a process, you know?  You have to (get your brother to) kick tires and do test drives.  He gives Lauren rides to work and brings me whatever I ask for.  We are currently researching Lyft and Uber in the area.  When LP was in Jackson they were everywhere.  

I pray that you are all blessed with enough.  That's all I have ever really asked for and the good Lord has provided.  Faithful here ^j^

patience

We all seem to lack that at some point.  I am as guilty as anybody wanting things right damn now.  When you have no way to get from point A to point B it can be frustrating.  Bubba and I test drove a nice car yesterday and took it to Les and his crew at Lake Road.  About the time we pulled up, it started making a strange noise.  The ride from Newbern to Dyersburg was flawless.  It drove well and was in great shape.  Dude offered 1K off the price to fix it only we don't know what that is other than "something" going out.  We passed.  A friend of his goes to auctions all the time and is actively looking for what we want, which is a Toyota.  Until I bought the cursed Ford, I had driven Camrys since the year Lauren was born in 1984.  My parents bought, and wrecked, several Toyotas.  They are reliable IMHO.  

Anywho, we have been blessed with friends and neighbors to get to where we need to be.  I have cancelled a lot of appointments because of lack of transportation so that is my number one goal after finding a vehicle.  Dentist, GP, nephrologist and cardiologist name a few.  

The stray Siamese somehow got into the house last night and sprayed (again) in the bathroom.  Doors shall remain closed now except to let Rosie in and out.  It was just so dang NICE yesterday!  I spent a lot of time on the porch which is where I am headed right now.  Y'all take advantage and enjoy.  And always keep the faith ^j^

doge me

Can y'all ever remember a time when things were so uncertain in this country?  Oh yeah.  There was that time we all moved to America as immigrants from Europe and whatnot.  My family is a blend of Stafford from England and Agee from France.  I know this because my parents did their homework and kept the history alive.  There are crumpled paper documents somewhere that prove it.  Daddy searched for his missing grandfather Joe Stafford until the day he died.  Joe just took off and run, as I understand it.

It's a HUGE basketball night in West TN and I am rooting for my favorite player Lizzie.   This young woman is amazing in more ways than one.  I have watched she and her brother Thomas grow up in our church.  Her entire family has served in one way or another as part of the ministry of DFUMC.  It's what Jesus would do.

What about this weather y'all?!  The doors are wide open here and the central unit is off.  It's warm enough to not wear a sweater and sit in the sun like a turtle on a log.  Enjoy because it will soon be hot as hades.

Love ya' like chicken ^j^

the puzzle

When you have no way to go, it can be frustrating.  You depend on others to get you to where you need to be.  We have been fortunate in that respect.  Friends and neighbors have helped with getting us from here to there.  I don't go much of anywhere but I did eat a shit ton of fried food at the CBG annual lunch.. I watched farmer after farmer fill their pans with mudpuppies and eat 'em like caviar.  As for our table, we ate fish and the trimmings.  We had a mixed table of Samaria Bend folks plus a couple of other crawfish eaters.  They save the pans ya know?

Great weather here!  The snow is gone and it's hovering in the 50s at night.   The birds are all happy when the crows aren't making noise.  So annoying.  They have picked the fields clean of every bit of last year and still at it.  In the morning though, those little wild birds wake me up and sing.  My great grandmother Ethel had parakeets and whatnot in her house on Pate.  When I was a kid I was amazed at how she managed to keep the wires clean.  Caged birds, if you will. She would take them to the Methodist church for the Easter sunrise service. Lent is a sacred time for me and mine.  I pray it is for you as well.

Tomorrow's  agemda includes a ride for grocery pickup and to get Lauren to and from work.  It will happen if it is meant to be. At this point, I don't even care.  It is what it is.

Y'all stay faithful and true ^j^ 

the bait

People who have a one sided view of our current situation will do anything to pick a fight.  I have several friends who are like that.  I never go trolling on what they post because I'm not made that way.  If that's what they believe I will never change their minds.  Yet they never cease to come back at me and my opinions calling me things like stupid and uninformed.  Several of my friends will get into the fray with these folks and they get insulted too.  One of them, a very cool younger dude, posted this the other day in the midst of a long thread attacking my beliefs.  "It makes my blood boil to see these people laughing at your good faith."  I usually brush the trolls off and rarely take the bait even if they come onto MY personal page attempting to make themselves feel better and more powerful.  That sad thing is that they really believe all this crap.  

Hey, I get it.  Often a new president will blame the past administration for the problems they inherited.  That's part of the job, ya' know?  It serves no purpose to mean tweet those from the past because we have big problems in the now.  That is a weakness in and of itself when looking for a way forward.  The past is the past.....let it go.  Focus on the problems at hand and don't insist that your way is the right way.  By executive order, no less.  Trump et al are going way too fast and having to backtrack a lot which is good.  But it's only because people are finally standing up to the bully tactic.  Federal employees who have, or will lose their jobs, are standing up.  People at town halls are angry with their elected representatives for throwing them under the bus.  It will take a bit of a revolution but I pray that the forces for good will prevail instead of us ending up hanging on the wall in Gilead.  We may all end up in Canada which will, never ever be the 51st state.  

The car thing is still up in the air.  If they don't show me some mercy I will have to turn the rental in tomorrow with no check and no vehicle.  My friends have offered us rides to where we need to go which is mostly work for Lauren.  She is driver in chief now because of my vision.  I refuse to do what my parents did and let pride get in the way of my safety.  "You are not alone" says Matthew.  And I feel it y'all, seriously.  Keep the faith ^j^

see you in court

And all of this is about transgender athletes.  If you are not up to date, check out the governor's conference where the governor of Maine, a "liberal state" refused to comply with an NCAA ban.  Umm, excuse me?  Do we not have bigger fish to fry.  Oh yes, then we gut the senior leadership at the department of defense.  That will give Putin a good chance to expand his agenda.  

The king of our country has achieved 34% of the Project 2025 agenda in just a month, thanks to a bunch of spineless GOP followers.  I do not believe that any of them will get it until it trickles down and affects them personally.  Which could happen sooner, rather than later.  I can't wrap my mind around what is happening and I am scared for us.  If you look beyond what is happening in the US it is creepy how Musk is trying to handle Europe and saluting.  He is using his influence in Germany and their political climate.  Who does he think he is?  

Oh yeah, the king's BFF.  I am almost 70 and can not remember a time in my life that I was so concerned about our rights and freedoms.  Us baby boomers have seen a lot in our lives, enough to know when something ain't right.  Yet we sit here waiting to be the next victim of a corrupt government.  Trolls don't actually read blogs so I think I'm safe in putting my beliefs out there.  At least until some nut job decides to kill me for them.

Not a great day for faith here.  No settlement from the wreck and rental goes back Monday.  We will need rides after that to get to where we need to go.  What I would give for a good horse right now!  Nah.  I'd break a hip.

We are all in this together for better or worse.  Be kind and don't screw your neighbor ^j^

tell it

Lauren and I share this living room space until it's time for me to go to bed.  She does her thing in one spot and I do mine in another.  We occasionally hear each others' phone calls and internet favorites and laugh our asses off.  It's a three way kind of social media deal.  We have formed a bond through comedy, true crime and all sorts of other things on TikTok which she uses.  And YouTube, which I use.  Often there are competing things going on at the same time.  UCMTSU.  Meanwhile, Rosie the cat travels here and there to snooze on one of us when she's not terrorizing the poor snow birds.  

I am in active mode on a car search with whatever I get from the cursed Ford Escape.  One of the saddest days of my life was schlepping through the rain at Lowery's lot to get our stuff out.  Which wasn't much and it's still in bags in the rental.  Gotta' turn that in on Monday so THAT will need to be cleaned out.  Plus gas added to get to a half a tank  Anything is possible at the point when you are living on the edge.

It is what we do around here, the Staffords.  We are a tough breed.  The snark is heavy and the intentions are always on the positive side.  I miss them dearly, but then there are so many others.  Like Patti.  I talked with her hub today and he sounds lost as a goose, bless his heart.  I would be too.  That's a lot of years together on the golf course or anywhere there is a shared passion.  

Bubba brought a yummy casserole last night which I sampled today.  Good job bro!  We share food all the time because we like to experinent with cooking.  I need to take a dish to our youth director's baby shower on Sunday.  Our congregation will provide, I'm sure.  My offering will be brownies :)

Y'all stay warm out there.  It's all about keeping the faith and moving forward ^j^

the birds

We woke up this morning to a bunch of birds on the back porch, two of whom got into the house.  Now, this has happened before, but not in 20 degree weather.  As it turns out, the solution is to shut all doors inside, turn the lights off and open the doors to the light.  One was a bright red cardinal and the other was some little bitty that went out first.  I truly believe the spiritual meaning of all that which is either *sign of imminent death* or good luck and blessings.  I choose number two because I am an optimist.

The  maga crowd trolls are out in full force on FB today telling me I am stupid and not listening to facts.  Um..hello.  I am listening and reading while the rest of you follow blindly.  Once again, I am a conservative liberal.  When it comes to money, I say spend less of our taxpayer dollars, but do it in a smart and legal way.  Appointing young adults to do your bidding when it comes to federal research is not a good idea unless you are one of Musk's cronies.  I mean, seriously.  And there goes DJT trying to entice us with some random return on what DOGE saves.  Honey, please.  If it were only the truth.

I received a random phone call yesterday from United Healthcare trying to offer me "free money."  We talked for a bit and I shared the fact that I am not comfortable with sharing my red white and blue card with anybody, including Musk.  Dude said "This has nothing to do with Musk!"  Yeah, right.  He already has my number as well as my SS account number, plus my age and health history.  Those kids are mining the federal database for info on anybody other than those who will receive a huge tax break from the administration's policies.  Tax breaks for the rich.  What a novel idea.

I did not vote for this, yet my vote didn't count.  There are so many other things in the mix like world peace and sucking up to powerful leaders like Putin and the other world leaders.  Got bless Zelensky for standing up for his people.  Putin will play hard ball until he gets what he wants which is shameful.  Remember the movie way back then about Russia?  So many movies like that.  Was that propoganda?

I am as confused as everybody else.  The playbook changes day by day and nothing that I see is anywhere remotely what Jesus would do. Or whomever your higher power is.  We are inclusive here.  

Hug somebody soon or you might miss out.  Use your brain to figure out what's up and for God's sake don't drink the Koolaid ^j^

repeat

Let us all hold hands and pray for those who are affected by an inconvenient early spring rain and snow event.  This farm out here is surrounded by the Forked Deer river which runs all around West tn from north to south. Then there's the lake up there close to the big muddy close to Reelfoot. 1812.  It's a real thing!  That lake is home to many fish houses and lotso wetland.  I would love to see the swampy part with a good guide.  

One of the signature things at Reelfoot is the cypress stumps.   The handrail to my attic is made of those, but from here.  I have never NOT called this cabin home.  Even when I ran away to college or moved up on the hill, this place is where we grew up.  And we live here now, once again.  My dear friend Patti died yesterday and I had the big ugly cry for quite some time.  We are sooo much alike.  

I had a kind of snippy experience with a practitioner yesterday where I started spilling my guts and cute ass girl told me on the way out "Everybody's got something."  I don't know what hers is but prayers are up.  I know dear.  You are young and traveling to work and whatnot.  So are the old folks.  I saw quite a few being brought in by caregivers.  LP sat in the car the whole time.  Much more comfy that the waiting room ;)  I was in and out within 2 hours and I will take that and praise God.  Life happens one miracle at a time.

My faith helps me to believe that there is something better than a state controlled media and whatnot.  But it happened before and it can happen again if everybody just says WTF and lays down.  I will not, by any means.  I know what's going on in the world right now from the few news agencies who are allowed to post.  Gulf of Mexico?  Hell yes. 

I can't really expect any sort of miracle at any time.  They happen in the most subtle of ways.  Sometimes you don't even realize it until way later....that something you saw as a tragedy can turn into something better.  At least that's my experience.  I almost died twice from abcessed diverticulitis.  Once was on a 2am run to the ER for what I knew was going on, only to be told by a doc there that I didn't have that because my WBC was normal.  When he failed to order a CT I should have pitched a fit in pain right then and there.  Only I was already getting septic and didn't know it.  "No scan for you!" said the ER nazi.  The rest is history.  Oh..and

the reason that I almost died that first time was driving over the hill like a bat out of hell on loose gravel. 

I could see the ditchbank facing me and said to myself "Oh Lord, this is it."  I wasn't really scared but instead grabbed that wheel and got us back on the road.  I don't remember the ride home.  I reckon God got me there.  Ten days later, it all got real.  But enough about that.   Today's top story is the weather.

We got some snow last night and it's pretty dang cold at the moment.  Thanks be to Baker Gas and Oil for keeping us warm out here at the cabin.  These guys deliver come rain or snow or shine and always take time to chat.  I don't think Adam will be chatting with us today but if he does, we will offer him something warm to drink.  One time Butch delivered to us on the hill on Christmas Eve.  In the snow!

These are the kind of people that you realize, much later on, are miracles in your life.  I owe everybody and their brother but I am making amends by going to them face to face to explain where I'm at on upcoming payments.  I broke down and cried with one of my creditors which is not like me.  I think I had just had enough of life at the moment and he was the lucky one to have me for a little cryfest.  What made it so special is that he never wavered and did not scold.  He heard me.

Car settlement process is slowly happening.  We still have a rental but ain't nobody going anywhere.  Maybe tomorrow.  When we receive the money, which will be a hot minute, we have to find another vehicle that is in the budget.  LP and I have had two cars donated to us in our lifetimes.  One was a snazzy old Caddy from my friend John Yarbro.  The other was one that Lauren inherited from a friend in Jackson.  Lots of love in both of those actions.  If you can't get around, you can't work.  I took Mama and Daddy to church many a time in old that old Caddy.  It's what Zubrovka wanted for them.

We have milk and bread and TP so we are more fortunate than many.  And I think that the backwater has stabilized.  Somebody is shooting at blackbirds out there right now which is fine with me.  It allows the pretty birds to feed without being hated on.  

ever''body got sompin'

If this blog reads sort of wonky it's because my eyes are still dilated from the exam with a retina specialist.  Minimal change but he had "the talk" with me about driving.  The very same one me and Bubba and the doctors and the  cops did with Mama and Daddy.  The very last wreck was a hit and run by Daddy at none other than the Samaria Bend Road crossing on Highway 51,  Speed limit 55.  LP got slammed there as a teenager riding with somebody else.  They fly!

Daddy was soooooo mad about those keys.  Bubba was in the woods somewhere with a timber guy so I got to be the bad kid.  He gave it up pretty. easily being the stubborn sort that he was.  As for me?  I am just grateful that I have family members who watch out for me and my safety.  Bubba's' favorite phrase is either "one of these days" when I don't answer in 3 rings , or "Don't break a hip on those steps."  Alrighty then.

I found that spending less time with the news this morning kind of gave me a bit more happiness.  I can't change it, only God can.  And not that fake golden idol one.  Everybody is an efficiency expert in their own mind.  As for me?  I'm about a C-.  Try as I may I can't just keep it up.

We shall see how kind people want to be right about now.  South Dyersburg is flooding and there is a winter storm warning.  Tye police have it shut off  all the way through the chicken store area.  I remember once upon a time when my favorite grocery story floated for the last time.  That was a pretty strong headwater from the Nashville area.  Small world...and big rivers.  We had 20 minutes to get to town and back home.  Then we left the car close to the bypass in a shop parking lot, only to get a call a bit later telling us it was about to be swalled up.  That was the "trusty" old Camry.  I shall not purchase another Ford.  Ever.  I'll stick with the imports.  That Camry got me through many a flood down at the end of Pecan Lane.  One morning I had to be at work before daylight and all I could see was water.  In the headlights!  I told her I wouldn't  be there until the light was better.  And I prolly got written up.

I am using this time of hibernation,  if it happens, to get my life in order somewhat.  My old ass doesn't deal well with complicated things like wrecks.  You are at the mercy of the insuring company which can be tricky.  In this case, both parties were insured by the same company.  Thus, I have been dealing with HIS adjustor.  Same claim number.  I've been jumping through hoops to get the documents to them regarding the new transmission.  

There are lots of people in my prayers today.  You are next ^j^