surprise

Yesterday started out as a very good one.  SS and worship were amazing and I walked out feeling full of grace.  Lauren was supposed to pick me up and when I went out she wasn't there which was concerning.  She had my phone and I called from a friend's phone to check on her.  She answered me from the emergency room where she had been transported by ambulance from a wreck.  The staff was gracious and timely and after several scans we were told that she had a cracked kneecap on the same knee that had surgery a few years ago.  It could have been much much worse but for the grace of God.  The car was towed and we all know that these things take a hot minute to get resolved.  My friends took me to the ER and my cousin brought us home.  Brother picked me up this morning to go to the insurance agency and get the ball rolling.  It takes a village, ya' know.  

Three weeks ago the entire congregation sang happy birthday to Mr. Jack Todd online for his 100th.  Mr. Todd was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever had the privilege to call friend.  One of his daughters and I have been close friends since school days and my visits to their home were always fun and relaxed.  He passed away a few days ago after living a full and happy life.  I feel sure he and his BFF Dr Talley are enjoying their morning coffee together in heaven.

The weather is absolutely gorgeous here so I will be on the porch most of the day I imagine.  I miss that sweet doggie Bandit coming around but I' am glad he has a permanent home.  We did fatten him up quite a bit before he left.

Fill up your tanks before the tariffs hit.  Mexico is playing ball with Trump which is a good thing if even for a month.  I sincerely hope that Canada and China will decide to as well.

That's about all I've got for today.  Y'all be careful out there.  People are crazy!

you get what you vote for

The Trump administration has only just begun to purge and discriminate.  Huge tariffs will go into effect tomorrow meaning that the price of many many goods will skyrocket.  Oil. Food. Electonics.  You name it.  I have watched as gas prices inched up over the past 2 weeks and also the price of food.  I have no disposable income for electronics which is why I don't type too well with the laptop and phone due to failing vision.  If you are rich, these things do not concern you in the least.  If you are on a fixed income like myself, they definitely do.  As I understand it, his plan is to drill the hell out of Alaska to make up for the imports.  Like that is going to happen overnight?  Nada.  He is quick to abolish and slow to provide solutions.  Last I heard, RFK has not been confirmed yet, nor Gabbard.  I believe with all my heart that there are enough Republicans to stop some of the nonsense if they will just stand up and speak their minds.  Many are afraid of losing their jobs, but there are others where they can thrive and not be a part of the tearing apart of our country.

One suggestion that I have for them is to require welfare recipients to take the jobs that immigrants have been doing since they will be deported. At the very least, require community service at the soup kitchens and community resource facilities that support them.  Many of them are not able, and that's okay.  It's the ones that work the system that piss me off.  Get offa' your ass and do something productive.  I am 69 years old and still trying to work to make ends meet.  something ain't right there.

I am limited as to what jobs I can do because of my failing eyesight.  I have an ostomy which requires expensive supplies and insurance only pays 80%.  I am not having a pity party here.  I worked my ass off for over 40 years in the healthcare field and saw failure after failure to treat patients with compassion.  Most practitioners are overworked and underpaid but expected to be available 24/7.  

As for food, eating healthy is not in the budget for many.  I would love to be able to do that with an occasional splurge but it's either eat or pay the bills.  The state of Tennessee has passed a school voucher program which will effectively pay for home schooling and Christian education.  And all of us will pay them for that privilege even if our kids are in public school.

So, in today's news Hegseth has put media offices in at Pentagon on a "rotation" replacing NBC with three conservative news providers and HuffPost which is kind of puzzling.  Huff said they didn't even ask for it. Hmmm.  We shall see.

As always, keep the faith.  Speak your mind and stand behind your beliefs ^j^

 

blame

I listened to as much of Trump's rambling briefing on the mid-air collision as I could stand.  He immediate't evely started blaming everybody including Biden and Pete for this happening.  Oh, and DEI too. This man is a lunatic fixated on revenge.  He repeated himself many times about how it takes very special intelligent people to prevent these things.  Yet he and his buddies are cutting funds every which a way.  Are air traffic controllers considered federal civilian employees?  I cannot even keep up with the cast of characters at this point,  Niether can he.

Yesterday afternoon I was sunning like a turtle on the deck and today is monsoon season.  Like, you can't even see to drive.  My biggest fear is getting hit by some idiot with no headlights on in the dark and or rain.  They creep among us.  Speaking of traffic, we have three new businesses going in across from Kroger.  The traffic is already horrendous and I'm wondering how the city fathers will handle the flow to that busy intersection.  Just a thought as Belle would say.

Peace ^j^

wait and see

Being the "listen to all sides" kind of gal that I am, I adopted that attitude when Trump was elected.  I have watched intently to the executive orders issued since day 1 and I must say it is way more than I expected at this point.Not really surprised mine you, just kind of losing faith in this administration day by day.  I did not vote for this yet I have to accept it.  Avoiding the usual means of checks and balances is very dangerous to we the people.  I am particularly concerned about RFK being in charge of all things healthcare.  His cousin Caroline outlined many facts about him including excessive drug use.  Great.  He and Musk can have raves and dream up new ways to torment us.  

The freeze on federal funding came as a surprise even to those who are his supporters.  While he "figures out what's what."  Meanwhile non-profits that take care of the least of these will suffer from delays in continuity of care through community based services.  Musk is already calculating how much the debt will shrink with these cuts.  I am beyond disgusted with this blatant hit at people who cannot help themselves.  There are a few things I agree with.  I do believe that EBT recipients should have a work requirement.  There are way too many folks out there watching 
TV and eating off of our tax dollars.  Plus, EBT is often sold to fund a drug habit.  

LP has been laying like a corpse for almost a week now.  I'm pretty sure it's the flu so let's all hold hans an pray that this old gal doesn't get it.  Mamye staye with us for a few days an it was chaotic but fun.  Except for Lauren being deathly ill! I don't about y'all but I am as ready for spring as I have ever been.  Toay should be close to 60 ( faux spring ) and tomorrow is a total washout.  Two inches of rain.

I so grateful for the kindness that have been shared with me this past year or five.  I try to pay it forward by helping others however I can.  Some days it's as simple as holding the door open or saying thank you to a clerk.  When somebody drops a door in my face I consier it disrespectful.  A doctor did that one time at the hospital an I will never forget the look of self importance as he did it.  

So y'all be careful out there.  There is a local pandemic of flu/covid/rsv/mycoplasma etc.  The rapid tests aren't always accurate depending on what part of the disease you are in.  Tamiflu is probably hard to come by at this point.  I guess you could try ivermectin...lol

Love y'all like chicken.  Keep the faith ^j^

silence is golden

The attic crew finished up about 11 yesterday and all is quiet at the moment except for the whir of the dryer.  I am very impressed at how quickly they worked and their respect for the fact that two of us are living here while they made hella' noise.  They all spoke some English so that helped.  The bonus was me getting to snuggle with an English bulldog pup while the contractor did his business.  Aon't nothing like puppy breath to make a girl's day. There is a whole lot of cleaning to be done but, thankfully, David let us borrow his shop vac for just that purpose.  If you need renovation work done, let me know and I will hook you up with him.  Also, his daughter is starting a cleaning seen blessedrvice and I can put you in touch with her as well.

LP and I are still sharing a phone because hers died, which is a challenge.  We hope to recify that when the money gets right if ever. We have been blessed with financial help from friends and family which has made life not so stressful.  My vision is getting worse worse by the day so I am grateful to have my daughter here to help out. She is very patient with me and we have long talks about family and our history here on the farm; I have a plethora of doctor appointments to make for vision and gut issues and she will be driving Miss Janie for all of that.  The state of Tennesse has a program for the visually impaired and Samantha has visited twice to do assessments and order things that I need. I am whittling down the list of meds that I take because many are not necessary any more.  Added daily Vitamin D and quit Bp med because it runs low now. I have lost 30 pounds since the big fat surgery 5 years ago.  This time five years ago, I was in a nursing home.

If you are anywhere close to Covington TN, please check out Sean Dietrich's show at the Ruffin on February 7th.  Tell him Janie sent ya'!

As always, keep the faith ^j^

gracias

Currently there is a lot of Spanish being spoken with the three who are working in the attic.  They have played  music and sang while they worked and I love it.  I just wish I knew what they're saying!  We should probably be much warmer tonight because of today's activity but it ain't over yet.  Not by a long shot.

Bandit the neighbor dog that really just wanted to eat and run has been adopted, thank you sweet baby jeebus.  The neighbor knew I was feeding him and expecting him so he called yesterday to tell me he's got a home.  I just about cried..  He could have been an outside dawg here but he wouldn't come in out of the cold. We did fatten his cute self, though.  And got lots puppy kisses.  He was probably scared to come in because of Rosie...lol

The hits just keep on coming with people I love.  Sometimes I wonder about that but I feel like it's all in God's hands.  I can be sad and share that sadness with the people that I care for.  No prying, no judgement.  Just a companion in grief.  

Welp, the noise upstairs is brutal so I'm headed to the porch.  Keep the faith kids ^j^

the pretender

Welp, as we all know everybody on the interwebs is not who they claim to be.  I've had several horrible experiences caused by being too naive.  AI makes things that much more challenging.  I mentioned yesterday that I got a comment from someone pretending to be Sean Dietrich.  He is NOT on Facebook except with his business and blogs.  My first red flag was when I saw that this Sean impersonator had only one other friend...big clue.  The guy is followed and read by thousands.  And this dude actually used HIS personal photo to create a facebook page and try to dupe people.  He is blocked as well as the one who "accepted" my friend request that I didn't even send.  I am a seasoned old broad with experiences that include, but are not limited to, a short romance with a Nigerian prince and a whirl with sharks promising to fix my FB page for gift cards.  Lerd.

It is cold as a witch's you know what and getting colder by the minute.  Forecasts are for the snow going south....like WAY south which doesn't bother me at all.  The one we had was pretty but I'm ready for spring now.  The attic here is not insulated and I can actually see up into it when the sun is shining just right.  Insulation is in the planning stage as well as an attic door that I can maneuver.  

I live in a circa 1940is original log cabin that faces north.  All of the chinks are loose and air from that direction blows through the cracks.  Fortunately there is a fireplace in the living room to know that chill off a bit.  We are told that the only fix for that is to put siding outside on that wall.  The front and back logs were left exposed for aesthetic purposes.  Back?  No problem because it faces southwest.  I often sit out there on the screened in porch and watch the sun go down.   

I am trying to watch church online and there are some sort of technical difficulties.  I am such a cynic I blame other tech companies!  What the heck is a bad gateway??  I am not a TikTok person much so I won't miss it but I'll bet there are a lot of folks going through withdrawals right about now.  The sad thing is that so many small business people use that platform and they have lost their way to shine.  Trump was the one who originally proposed this long ago, but now he's changing his tune a bit.  And blaming it all on Biden.  Uncle Joe just said "Let him deal with it."  He is d.o.n.e.  I have a blue wave friend who actually got invited to some sort of inaugural and he went, just for shits and giggles.  ate some good food and took it all in.  And I don't blame him.  It was a rare opportunity to reach across the aisle, so to speak.

The two party system is the American way but not necessarily the best.  One is labeled as liberal and the other as conservative.  But within those two categories there is a wide range of extremism and refusal to meet in the middle.  The necessity of being right all the time without seeing the other point of view is the cause of a lot of political discourse.  I consider myself a conservative Democrat if that is such a thing.  I do not go far left.  My beliefs include anti-death penalty, pro choice, healthcare for all and many more issues that some consider radical.  They are not, by any means.  Healthcare is a human right and in this country it has been turned into a multi billion dollar business.  

Take specialty care, for instance.  Most GPs will see something or you tell them something and they will send you to several different specialists.  Part of this is to cover their asses, which I understand because malpractice premiums are sky high.  However, if you have seen said specialist for several years and are stable, there is no reason for a GP to not monitor the condition.  There is a paper, or portal, trail.

Back when I was working at the local hospital that was one of the things I thought I would never see.....connectivity between healthcare providers.  It took 30 years but by golly we have it now.  If the system ain't down.  Then you're all screwed.  One of the most trying experiences of my work life was being a front line installer during an LIS conversion following a sale.  Seven facilities in West Tennessee were purchased from Methodist Healthcare and to save money, the buyer drafted employees to do coding, etc for all of the facilities.  Each one had their own codes and there were procedure codes to be matched.  It was a nightmare.  When we went live for training at our facility, the installer told us that THEY usually did all the stuff that we did.  Hmmmm.

LP is in Jackson with Babygirl so me and Rosie are trying to stay warm up in here.  Facets are dripping already and will be until Wednesday.  Rosie slept with me last night in her usual spot up against my backside.  Later she crawled under the covers.  I hope that the neighborhood dog Bandit is not left out in the cold during this time.  We would take him in but he refuses to cross the threshold.  There is a crate on the front porch if he chooses to bed down there.  It's all we can do.

Keep those faucets dripping and cabinet doors open ^j^

you are not alone

A friend with the same last name as me has told me that several times and I believe it.  Sooo many folks care about me and my family.  Lauren has convinced me that if you don't seek help when you need it, that's your pride getting in the way.  And we all know that it goeth before a fall.  And I fall a lot these days both literally and figuratively.  

Winter is back but it does not look like it will stay long this time.  Maybe a few nights of dripping water.  I was shocked to get a kinda sorta message from a writer that I admire.  I shared Sean Dietrich's post about his Huntsville appearance in March and tagged my friend who lives there.  And he said I could DM him.  Sean gets hundreds of messages from people who would like their stories to be told.  His wife Jamie is a jewel and together with the blind dog Magnolia, they make a very happy family.  They have adopted Becca Butler as their niece and she has her own challenges which he has written about often.  Their trips and whatnot.  She now has her own page to share her story.  Pretty cool considering that she is blind.   Becca has her own therapy dog (a lab) and apps to help her read.  One of them is called "tell me what I see."  Amazing stuff that I will probably need in the future.

So yeah, readers matter.  A lot!  I have a ton of followers but most don't read unless I post on FB.  I began blogging when my friend Zubrovka and sister-in-law introduced me to the platform.  The first one was named Poop Happens and I actually won a website design from Tamara in Canada.  Another friend offered me free Wordpress that he never used but I'm used to Blogger and that's where my stories are.  All eight million of them.

There were a couple of spinoffs like From the Back Burner ( recipes ) and Pecan Lane Photography ( back when I had a good camera.)  They are still there and I should most definitely concentrate on the food one.  I love sharing recipes like my mother did.  Lauren and I were out of chocolate so we made my cousin's famous Fudge Pie last night and devoured it.  She read the ingredients to me as I measured and mixed.  If that ain't generational, I don't know what is.

Y'all stay warm and keep faith that there is a plan ^j^

 

abalama

No I did not spell it wrong.  It's what I call the state on the way to Gulf Shores and Florida.  Floribama sits right smack on the state line and got blown away in some hurricane or another, but it's still there.  We took LP in there once and I wasn't really ready for the fact that it was a package store and bar.  We scurried on out and had virgin drinks at the state park inn.  That place was awesome but it got blown away too.  So did the pier.  My last beach trip was across the bridge from Ft. Walton.  Very cool setup.  Okaloosa, I believe.  

That was 9 years ago and I so miss the ocean.  The place we stayed had permanent residents that played cards on the second floor above us every day.  I would too, ya' know?  Heather went shopping and I just enjoyed being out there.  The last day before we left, I sat on the patio and just listened to the sound of God in those waves.  There were birds and boats and all sorts of pretty things to look at.  An occasional "eat at mike's" flag flying behind a small plane.  She was almost pregnant with AJ at the time.  Later on the next year Reaves was born.  What a coincidence ;)

I am trying to dwell on the happy memories instead of stressing about what might happen next week.  One thing for sure is that nothing much will be on day one.  Or two.  You cannot executive order your way through Congress no matter who your buddies are.  It really amazes me that nobody is much worried about this scenario.  I don't lose sleep over it but sheeeessshhh.  Rather than say "I told you so" I just pray to survive it all.  I think that is the difference in reality for many of us.  I have several friends who have told me that my posts are stupid because they don't agree with my political beliefs.  I have never said that to anybody.  Not online or in person.  

Ready or not, here it comes on MLK day, no less.  Events will be held indoors because of the weather so there will prolly be a big traffic jam of limos lining up by the rotunda.  The crowd will look much bigger than that bunch on the plaza back in whatever year it was.  That was pitiful!  

If I turn out to be wrong about DJT, I will freely admit it.  If I am better off in 2 or 4 years, I will give his administration their due.  I don't see that happening, being the realist that I am.  Not pessimistic, just realistic.  When billionaires come together to run the country it turns into an oligarchy.  Google that, if you will.  

Freedom of speech will soon be a thing of the past because all the social media people are up Trump's ass.  I try not to rant on this but lawwwd.  Let's give peace a chance ^j^

one for the team

I am really pretty much a tough broad most of the time  I roll with the punches and smile through tears when times are hard.  Right now is not one of those times.  Over the past year there have been many losses in our lives.  I am grateful for all that I have, really.  These things too shall pass.  Lauren ard I are two strong women trying to survive in a world which ain't very kind.  We have adapted to the changes that have come our way and kept the faith.  And me?  I'm about to lose that faith.  Survival is a very strong instinct and that is what's happening right now.

It's not all financial, mind you.  I have lost several dear friends in the past year and the hits just keep on coming.  I never really cried over any of them bnt now the tears are about to bust out.  I think that it is only trusting in God that makes thing bearable.  He knows the plan and I'm just a player if I let go and allow the spirit to work  Sometimes I think the hard times are meant to humble us so that we get to that point.  

I'm not a glass half full or half empty kind of thinker  I see life as a series of challenges, some good and some bad.  But often we wonder "Am I not a good person?"  As we know bad things happen to good people.  That is a fact in everyone's life.  I do not see God as vengeful or "making" bad things happen.  I'm too much of a New Testament sort of gal.  I know that I'm a big fat sinner but that Jesus died on that cross so that I would be forgiven.  The God of the Old Testament was sending messages hot and heavy to all those folks to listen to Him.  And I do believe that is what is happening now.  

Climate change is real y'all  And yes, it was caused by our greed during the industrial age and beyond.  Consume more, be bigger and make money off of the common man.  I have never been considered wealthy.  Always lower middle class.  The one year that my husband and I brought in 80K is was because he worked his ass off at the rubber plant doing doubles and weekends when they were available.  Late 70s and 80s for sure.  Until the bottom fell out in '88.  That is when we sold our small house in town and started the adventure on Pecan Lane.   Our daughter was 4 years old and we thought it best to raise her in the country with her grandparents nearby.

Daddy and I worked on that old house for six months to make it liveable.  The rent was maybe 300?    It took 10 years to clean out the attic and basement from Mr. Council's 50 year tenure as the horse guy.And evidently rabbit guy too because there were empty feed bags everywhere!  The concrete basement had an old stove that didn't work so it was pretty cold down there.  Plus it leaked and flooded so there was a bit of mold.  Animals were born and died down there, most of them our pets.  When the cat population got too big, Gumbler took care of that with a "dairy barn" destination.  

Many of them are buried in that yard.  Pet cemetery, if you will.  We now have one forever *spayed* cat and a dog that wants to be ours but it's taking awhile.  We will more than likely get him vetted if possible, and let him live here, outside.  He was so skinny when he first showed up it was pitiful.  And now he's not.  He loves rubs and kisses and sits on command.  Bandit is still working on the 44 lb bag of high protein food that Cathy brought some weeks ago.  I refuse to let any animal or person suffer if I can help it.  Don't be surprised if you see a fundraiser for this dog....lol

I wandered outside to see the sunset and it did not disappoint.  That gave me a bit of faith.  And hope.  And love ^j^

 

pissing match

I have some very strong emotions regarding the current battle between Trump and the governor of California.  What many of us have believed for years is happening in full color.  The real estate market is taking advantage of an act of nature.  It's probably that way everywhere that disaster strikes.  Some folks just have no morals, ya' know?  I am blessed to have a reasonable rent but utilities are a stretch.  Especially propane!  My brother and I have a plan that will make everybody's life easier.  

Delivery can be risky business in the dark as LP found out yesterday.  I will spare the details except for the driver's side door gives us just enough room to scoot in and out.  Thanks be!  We are under your eye God.  The client was gracious enough to pay for a truck to get her out.  He even took pictures.  That's a great guy right there with a shitty landlord.  

I talk to Mamye daily, just like before.  She sounds exhausted but okay.  Steve's family have come together with her to honor him and his life.  My service will be similar to his with a visitation and cremains down where the Carter family ancestors live.  Lauren will want some to scatter over our lives here on the farm.  I'm not dying ( as far as I know ) but the plans are made.  KK has my back.

I know all about when the evil started in the Garden of Eden and whatnot.  That damn snake!  Anywho, there went sin as a go to.  People's opinions about what is a sin are varied depending on religious beliefs.  In SS last week we heard six out of the ten.  No adultery.  Honor your parents.  Do not lie.  Anybody could tell when I'm lying so I don't have to worry about that one.  I just tell the truth like it is in my world.  I do not judge yours.  Jesus loved everybody and their mama'n'them and cured the sickness away in miraculous ways.  

Daddy was raised in the SBC and Mom was a legacy DFUMC. The  church history is amazing and my mom's family was a huge part of it.  My great grandmother Ethe; Inez took her canaries on Easter at sunrise.  At least that's what Mama told me.  Daddy was always in the choir when we were kids and I sat with Mom while the boys slept through it all.  Many UMC congregations have been torn apart over the issues of gay marriage and gay clergy.  Ours was one of them.  Me and all the other lifers were pretty bummed out, to say the least.  The night of the vote the sanctuary was packed to the gills and I thought to myself where are you folks in the  life of this church?  There was serious tension in the room and in the end, the vote to leave did not pass.  There was a split and a lot of folks went there.

I am a liberal conservative if that makes sense at all.  Very conservative in a lot of ways, but not when it comes to human rights.  My faith in God tells me that being mean and a war monger is not the ultimate plan.  Oh yeah, there was a lot of bad stuff in the OT but the good news came later after the prophets foretold it.  Can you tell I'm cruising toward Lent?

My kinda' sorta' dog is on the porch eating.  I had to fill the pan back up because the stray Siamese looking boyfriend of Rosie is eating it.  I actually saw him last night and he is gorgeous.  Lives under the house and eats mice I reckon.  I have never had to go looking for a pet because they always just show up.  If you feed them they will come.  

Y'all take it easy.  Give it to God ^j^

fact checking

With all this talk about buying Greenland I had to resort to Google and see who actually owns !  Which is Denmark.  That should be an interesting negotiation for DJT.  The history spans back to the world wars and German war stuff.  I was today years old when I learned that.  

Snow is about gone and we get a break from the freezing cold for about a week.  My propane budget thanks the lort' for that one.  LP os dashing like a demon to keep us going plus she has another part time job.  Who loves their mama?  We are slowly but surely organizing the Stafford house.  Each of us has a ring that belonged to Mama.  Nothing real expensive, but they are special.  

Mom died on January 23rd of 2016 following hip surgery.  She sailed through two of them only to succumb to diverticulitis.  That's where I inherited that!  Plus the macular degeneration.  I was healthcare DPA for both of my parents.  Being a medical professional and seeing how things always play out, I advocated for them with the help of my friends at the hospital.  It was peaceful and a family event involving lots of friends and family coming to say goodbye.  Compared to "call the family in right now!"  I feel blessed. 

When I was still at Baptist East following my surgery in 2020 I woke up on January 23rd to the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen.  Being up high allowed me a clear view of what God had in store for me.  And you know what?  I had enough wits about me to realize that it was a message from both God AND Mama.  The circle of life, if you will.

Y'all hug somebody today.  Pay it forward.  Keep the faith.  Leave room for the spirit to work.  And always remember that, this too shall pass ^j^

thankful

This morning I received the sign of the cross with holy water on my forehead.  It was "remember your baptism" day at FUMC.  I was not baptized as an infant like some so I vaguely remember being sprinkled as an older child.  Probably around fifth grade.  The UMC honors all forms of baptism including the proverbial dunk which some prefer in the tradition of John the Baptist.  He and Jesus were distant cousins from what I gather about Mary and Elizabeth.  Mary Beth smiled at me as she placed the water on my forehead.  "Remember your baptism and be thankful."  And I am, for so many things.

The world is a crazy place right now.  Sometimes it scares me but not often because I have faith in God's plan for us.  It was my cousin Mo's birthday and I sat with she and her family..who are MY family as well.  She always cooks Sunday dinner for them so that will be her party.  Livvie has already looked at the calendar and found that HER birthday is on a Sunday as well.  I love that connection.  

One of my oldest friends passed away yesterday.  He and his wife have been a part of my life as long as I can remember.  They even got married in my yard on a windy March day when we could barely keep the cloths on the tables!  At that time my husband rarely worked weekends but got called in for Saturday duty so it was up to me to throw the wedding.  It was indeed a group effort.  They have been together for 47 years total.  Mamye is near and dear to me and Lauren in so many ways.  LP never really had an official godmother, but Mamye was the one who was always there.  

Continuing with the gratitude, I am about to use two large cans of Albacore tuna to make a salad.  It has been a long time since the cupboard was this empty but we make do.  Yesterday I used leftover cornbread to make crostini and it was delicious!  Topped it with melted butter and bagel seasoning.  I ate it cold for lunch today and savored every bite.  

The remnants of Friday's snow are hanging around on the north side waiting for the next round.  This weekend is the fifth anniversary of the creation of my stoma that is aptly named Poopie because that was my childhood nickname.  It seems appropriate, if you know what I mean.  Most ostomates name their stomas, in case you didn't realize.  Inquiring minds want to know.

Anywho, it's the beginning of another week for us.  Let us be glad and rejoice in it ^j^

hide and watch

Currently my eyes are on the spoiled rotten cat who is outside scoping the dog who eats on our porch.  Thanks to a generous benefactor, he is getting fatter and seems happier.  He only visits to eat and hang out for a bit.  At the same time I'm watching 80 for Brady because I need a good laugh and these women are hysterical.  I've been a Lily Tomlin fan since she was Little Edith on SNL.  It's a perfect ensemble movie about women's friendship and how we all got together!  I think we could write a screenplay about the Dyersburg Buddies and win an award.  Maybe a girls' trip to the beach.

Most of us went to school together at some point.  There's the young 'un Curlisha who just  loves our vibe.  Patsye was FFA queen back at DHS because....duh.  Finley!  The rest of us were queens too, just not chosen...lol.  Our 50th class reunion found us all together sitting tables apart.  I was with Mr. and Mrs. Benny Spain most of the time until I hit the dance floor with Mr, and Mrs. Joel Dickerson.  All I could manage was "Take a Walk on the Wildside."

I don't remember when we started with our lunches but we have been all over the place with a different cast of characters each time, yet there is a core group that never misses a rat killing.  we all have different tastes in food but Mexican seems to be everybody's meet in the middle kind of favorite.  Curlisha and I often do breakfast, usually at Mel's.  There are a bunch of regulars up in there and we are learning their names and who sith whom.  Melody Doe loves us all!

So thanks for the movie tip Pam and Cathy.  Love you too Mary Beth.  Let's all keep the faith together ^j^

serendipity

I distinctly remember the night that my friends Sally and Marti explained the meaning of those fireworks on the bridge to Arkansas.  It was a random moment of joy as we traveled to an aerobics workshop.  Marti was our instructor here in Dyersburg for dance aerobics which was always to upbeat music.  We taught the DSCC phys ed class for a bit and those teenagers were NOT excited with the musical selections!  Whatever.  You got your credit.

I have been known to stalk writers that I admire and Chuck Sigars was one of them.  His wife Julie is a Presbyterian minister and I happened upon her Wedneday mid-day devotional online.  It was a gift from my God because I started the day with a lot of anxiety and worry.  It's hard to put that stuff down without spiritual help. Lauren and I are establishing a morning routine of worship music and coffee which is nice.  We listened yesterday to a video that my friend Chuck * notSigars introduced me to several years ago.  God Only Knows spoke to me in a way many other praise songs do not. 

I haven't had the trauma that many experienced.  My family was middle class and not poor.  I have many memories here on the farm that still surround me.  I am ready for the snow because, what ya' gonna' do?  It is what it is.  There is something quite comforting about having no choice but to chill.  Watch it snow while you watch a movie.  So far the Roku stick plus Netflix keeps us amused.  Netflix is my one guilty pleasure.  Well, there are others too!

the birds around here are going nuts trying to figure out the weather.  I look to them for advice.  We have some snacks for them when the snow gets thick.  Old bread, crackers and whatnot.  If I feel froggy, we'll build a snowman.  Y'all should too!  At least make some snowcream ^j^

let it snow

It never fails that winter precipitation rolls around the first week that kids go back to school after Christmas break.  In my neck of the woods, that means total paralysis.  I did manage to snag some milk and bread at the 'gentral, so there's that is a check on my emergency preparedness list.  Reading about what's going on around LA, I feel fortunate to just be dealing with snow.  What they would give for that!  

Y'all just don't watch the news.  It's all bad because you know, if it bleeds it leads.  I read an interesting piece about how the Repulican trifecta is in force with comparison and contrast to others in the past.  Bottom line is, it can all change with midterms.  Today's hero, in my book, is Merrick Garland.  I don't know much, but I do not believe that presidential immunity applies if you are not president yet.  There is a flurry of activity to try and get 'er done before inauguration day.  

LP and I were talking about where we would move instead of Canada because it's cold there and we love the beach.  So Belize or Fiji it is.  Besides, Canada doesn't want our asses immigrating up there.  Things look mighty bleak which is why Trudeau is stepping down and looking for a replacement.  He has always been known as the "pretty boy" prime minister to this country.  He will have a rosy future in modeling and endorsements.  

I found it fascinating that two of the thirty something death row inmates pardoned by President Biden turned it down.  But I understand because they claim to be innocent and fear that it would stick them life in prison and no chance of appeal.  I bet their lawyers are happy.  It always puzzles me that the pro-life people don't consider this murder but believe that life begins at conception.  

I am so non-judgemental it ain't funny.  My mantra is live and let live as long as you're not hurting me in the process.  You don't believe in gay marriage?  Don't do it yourself but don't deprive others of that right.  On the flip side, it's way beyond sanity to sue the guy who won't make your wedding cake.  Find another bakery.  Walmart don't care!  ChickFila and Hobby Lobby might but just don't tell 'em.

Rosie is sitting on the fireplace being all cute and feline plus staying warm.  Those gas logs are amazing.  All the blinds are shut to keep that precious heat inside.  We have been using laundry pods which is a big adjustment for me from the liquid stuff because you have to catch it before it starts washing to add clothes.  Laundry is past the 2 loads a day routine and fairly caught up.  Dishes?  The same.  We feel so accomplished.  We have worked like trojans for two and a half months to make this house a home.

Get your boots out kid.  Fur lined, no less ^j^

 

  

anow day

Who doesn't love one?  In all my years of working at the hospital I just wanted to stay home and not worry about gettin' there.  Fortunately our fearless leader and her husband picked all of us up so we could save lives and whatnot.  We always did our best.  When I was trolling for retirement there was this chick that seriously wanted my job.  I don't really understand why because it was pretty stressful and didn't pay much.  I think she just liked to organize and that wasn't my strong suit.  

At the end when I was infected in my gut me and my friends watched my white count go up and down following several rounds of heavy duty antibiotics.  Last I saw was about 13 K.  My normal is about 8 with an tolerable amount of segs and lymphs. If you have bands, that ain't a good thing.  

Bubba came by a few minutes ago to get his checks and preach a bit.  His birthday is coming up on the 15th of January so y'all all gibe him a big hug.  He says it just another day but not me.  We each have a birthday that should be celebrated with friends and or family.  

Back to the ducks.  Gunshots abound in the early AM.  If anybody wants to give me some duck meat, I don't know how to cook it so save it for yourself.  I prefer to eat fresh chicken.  With no feathers ;)

Rosie found a mouse in the shower last night as I was stepping in and it was on.  She played with it a bit but didn't kill it.  Note to self:  Check shower before stepping in.  Rose is currently on my great Grandma's table.  Because it's warmer I reckon.  Who  knows!  She is a cat.

Y'all please stay warm and safe.  I have 30% propane to get through this winter.  An old log cabin with chinks is pretty dtrafty.  Gas logs are a big help ^j^

memories

I remember it well, that January 6th.  Me and Ms Joy were watching live TV when the news broke about the attack.  We sat there on the couch with Pearl watching in horror when a band of hoodlums attacked the US Capitol while the business of seating Joe Biden as POTUS was trying to take place.  They were a rowdy bunch on a mission.  My conspiracy theorist friends say that Soros bussed in all those rebels.  I think not.  They were hell bend on a mission to keep Trump in office.  Mike Pence got thrown under the bus while you know who watched from afar.  He never said "stop" or go back home.  These fools came from all over the country to try to disrupt an honest electoral confirmation.  They had guns and flags.  Lots of flags.  They placed them all around the outside of the building as they scaled walls and broke windows.  Most of Congress was moved to a safer place.  

It is snowing in DC today on the anniversary of this attack.  If only the weather had been like that on the fatal day.  I have seen this crap spun so many different ways it ain't funny.  what also ain't funny is what we are facing with a cabinet full of people who are not qualified for their jobs.  The latest IRS guy is a freaking auctioneer.  Alrighty then.

I don't care if the powers that be cut me off.  I will always have faith that I have done the next right thing for myself and others ^j^

monsoon again

Lerd y'all! If there was ever a nastier looking day than our current cold rain I can't tell ya'/  At least it's not ice.  In SS this morning we were reminded about how gratitude works cumulatively.  Sort of like when you are trying to figure out if you need an A or B to even things out.  I never got a D in my life until I took German at Memphis State and I just did not get it.  I was not a math person at all so the chemistry stuff was a struggle.  Organic and quant almost drove me to drink.  I did the usual fruit fly thing in genetics and was introduced to sociology as well.  At DSCC, psych was my favorite.  The human mind and the possibilities for social change are intertwined.

For some reason people don't seem to get that.  Sometimes we want to judge and place blame because of life choices.  Some groups seek to put limits on what is right and wrong.  I have never been a follower, choosing for myself what I believe in.  God knows my heart and tells me what to do^j^  

social media

There are certain rules that I have set for myself while online.  I will express my political views but won't hate on the ones who don't agree with me.  We just don't talk about it.  Period.  Oh, maybe the occasional jab.  I've learned to just say "Uh huh." And I move on.  

Speaking of media, our local newspaper the Dyersburg State Gazette has cut to once a week publication.  A lot can happen in a week and the staff there has gone above and beyond to keep that ship afloat.  They are all talented and will be fine.  Meanwhile you newspaper acquision will tank because it's not Dyersburg stuff.  I have seen this happening over the years when my mother was a reporter and section editor.  She changed from bridal shower descriptions to recipes pretty quick!  That was her legacy to a lot of people who still have the cookbooks they published.   Even though she and daddy were in heaven when she was born, Reaves knows them through Lauren and I.   Same with her grandaddyPnoler.  They all died withing a few years of each other.  I ran over my daddy's foot when I was picking them up from Aunt Nancy's visitation.  I will never live that down.

Most writers are searching to tell their own stories in some sort of way, I believe.  It's that way for me, I know.  As far as reporting cold hard news?  Not my thing.  Think of me as the Steve Hartman of Pecan Lane.  

When I first got internet and was computing on an old desktop from DSCC  the people at AENEAS told me not to put all caps.  It's like screaming, they said.  I have always remembered that and use caps sparingly.  I give myself a B on punctuation.  Hey, I can't see the keyboard.  I see myself needing to learn the technology for voice.  I could still tell stories and not have to worry about the details.  A podcast, if you will.

Watch out y'all.  I'm dreaming again ^j^

pajama day

I rarely do it but it's such a treat to not have to change out of jammies. I have never darkened the door or a store in  last night's attire and today was not the day to start that.  See people of whatever  store you are in.  It's a particularly popular look at the chicken store.  And of course WalMart. I am currently working on the ergonomic/light situation at my desk.  I seriously need a gooseneck high intensity lamp.  The state will provide one when they get around to it.  Also a new phone if I get the paper work filled out.  Seeing the retina specialist next week and it needs a signature.  There are several other appointments on that day all within an hour.  I don't know how, but I'm gonna' try to make it happen.

My new uppers are killing me but I can't see a dentist for a couple of week.  Patti Jennings and I talk about the teeth ALL the time because she's about six months ahead of me.  I should be almost ready for a soft liner or whatever it's called.  Ms. Reba would know.  We discussed it in depth since she was a career hygienist.  

Who knows about the weather?  Everybody is going bat shit crazy over what might happen.  Could be anything from a cold hard rain to hazardous travel situation in West TN.  Thank the lort I have a carport now.  I read about a hack for windshield wipers today in winter.  Cover them with long socks! They will probably be stuck to the windshield when you go out...

It is such a blessing to me that LP is living here to watch over things.  Whe works her bum off and we are honest with each other when I wake up before sunrise and she's still snoring.  She was thinking to herself biatch go back to sleep!  No can do.  Once I'm up it's full speed ahead until dark.  When the sun goes down, I retreat to Janice's bedroom and crank up the heating pad. 

All of her plants are here now and that plus the white lights adds an ambience to the living room.  The dining room table is covered with Christmas stuff waiting to go into the attic.  That is a chore for another day with two people.  Or two strong people!  

I drug garbage to the curb yesterday and they are probably behind because of the holidays.  These Asher folks are amazing just like the previous Chad Ivy.  You don't have to buy their cans and they pick up stuff on the side.  Ivy told me some time ago that he was partnering with other Chad because of health issues related to active duty in Iraq.  Going to the dump every day didn't help.  Burn pits did it just like Agent Orange.  And you wonder why I hate war.

On the flip side, my other Iraq vet friend Joe got a couple of degrees and is now counseling.  Nobody knows trauma like a trauma survivor.  Folks often poo poo getting help with trauma or just everyday life.  My mother asked me when I began therapy "What did we do wrong?"  Nothing Mom.  Just my time to heal.  

Get your bread and milk while you can.  And keep the faith ^j^

god's plan

As previously mentioned, I started a job and had to quit on the same day because of my vision.  That led to an interview with LP for the same job and plans to start on Monday.  Ain't God good!  With that and door dash we should be able to get out of the hole sooner than later.  I will continue to look for something that doesn't require excellent eyesight such as sitting or remote work.  I can see well enough on my laptop up close to do something meaningful.  We shall see.  

Snow is out of our forecast for now but it will be cold as you know what.  I'm banking on the long range forecast of a mild winter here and praying that the propane lasts.  Right now the thermostat is on 69 and I'm wearing a coat.  Hey...you do what you gotta' do.  

I was visited by several friends on New Year's day which was a real treat because I didn't have a car.  There was no peas or cabbage or even cornbread.  Just a frozen pizza`!  Rosie slept with me last night snuggled up against my butt as usual.  When LP is here she sleeps "on" her.  We make do around here best as we can, ya know?

The anniversary of me almost dying is quickly approaching.  I believe it was January 11th in 2020 when I began the journey to become an ostomate.  I belong to a support group for people like me and it has been very valuable.  When I read posts from newbies about blowouts and whatnot, I can totally relate.  It has taken me five years to figure it out.  

The increase in crazy really alarms me.  There but for the grace of God go I.  Imagine being on Bourbon street celebrating New Year's Eve and being killed by an ISIS follower.  They are still alive and well and doing evil at every turn. Why do they hate our western ways so much? They do not believe in a loving God but only in oppression and hate.  What a miserable way to live.

As for the Tesla suicide mission in Vegas, all you did was blow yourself up.  Elon was quick to say that it wasn't the car's fault.  I reckon dude was making a statement to Trump et al.  

In spite of it all, I am grateful to be still alive.  I believe in one true God who loves all of us and wants us to be happy.  I count my blessings every day even when times are hard.  And always, I keep the faith ^j^