the trouble with deep thought

Anybody who knows me realizes that I will analyze something to pieces rather than just accepting what is as is. Therefore, I am constantly reading well written pieces about politics and the economy particularly my personal hero Paul Krugman. He is a realist and can tell you how, why and when we got in the shape we're in and normally offers suggestions that, if taken, would jump start things and get the jobs (somewhat) back where they should be. His piece today took a turn toward the pessimistic yet quite realistic side with his statement about the last time our economy looked this way, WWII followed. Had the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan been based on the principles that America supported during WWII there would have been a quicker resolution to the whole deal and we wouldn't have broken the bank buying heavy military equipment to be LEFT BEHIND. What is that like a consolation for leaving after ten years??? I don't know the official number right now because it grows daily, but the loss in human life alone is atrocious not to mention the $$ spent and the struggle for American workers to survive in this JOBLESS (aka outsourced) economy. I just heard of another local industry shutting their doors and moving to Mexico. I hope they don't get caught up in one of those gunfights they have down there where everybody gets their heads whacked off afterward. Geez,man. Meanwhile the ones who don't get hired there get caught crossing the border because we all know it's secure and everybody wants to live in the land of plenty, the good old USA.

Only it's not that way anymore. It was once, a country where there was tolerance or at least some sort of equity for those who worked hard and believed in the American dream. That dream went by the wayside when everybody got some money in their hands during 60s and 70s and lost a chunk of it in the 80s. We were making, as a couple, close to 100K/yr but were ass deep in debt with two vehicles and a house payment. When BG hit the scene, it was a blessing but a big expense. We did not save, but spent money like it was going out of style steadily buying into easy credit. The entire house of cards ended up in BK court following a divorce and reconciliation and then there was another divorce. If I had one piece of advice for anybody in this world, it's don't marry your ex. Not that he/she may not be a totally wonderful person. If it didn't work the first time, it won't work again.

*sarcasm break*


It was a Monday all day long and not bad by Monday standards but I was grumpy to begin with and so the little black cloud followed me around all day.The plastic on the window has blown off again despite multiple layers of duct tape. That is because I insist on opening the one on my side of the car for some air. I know, I'm pitiful, but you love me anyway. BG is blue also not because it's Monday but just because life is hard and then you die. I didn't realize that until I was about 40 so she's way ahead of me on the learning curve.
No calls to put out fires at Casa Grands but it's early yet. Almost time for the 4PM bad news from Memphis!

Over and out from the lane ^j^

testing

My computer is so old and the shift key sticks on occasion so it's a real chore to edit and spell check my words because, well. You know all about autocorrect. We southerners like to throw abbreviations and contractions around like kids chasing each other into the dusk after fireflies.I'm currently chair dancing and doing a total stream of conscience thing to rival any of the masters. Because you know why? I don't give a shit who you are, you WILL NOT steal my joy. I have a few family members who remind me of that vow ever now and then. We had a great morning meal at (get ready for this) NOT the eggs and doughnut place. It was loud and the food was good and mama was happy. Then we cruised through the Dairy Queen for two weeks worth of Dilly bars.

The market in antiques around here is slim because everybody's busy out buying Halloween decorations I reckon. There is wheat and dust and soot covering every inch of everything in my yard and I'm ready for some rain to rinse it off. The Camry window had a blowout yesterday so it's on shaky ground and due for a new coat of plastic. I swear...you can't make this shit up. More later on the life of that engine. It's about to hit 100K. My friend Ro called from the nursing home yesterday where my friend Sandy stays and I got to hear her voice on the phone reminding her of what a wonderful grandweezel she is. She came from a tarpaper shack in Crockett county to D'burg and became my life long friend. Her daddy's name was Ski, I believe. There is a brother that I've never met and a bunch of kids who came claiming her when the money was flowing. Her spirit is one of lightness and joy...always ready to giggle over something stupid. When I first started at the sawmill I had been dumped by a long time b'friend and she took me in as her running buddy. This was AFTER she survived a terrible accident in an MG which made one leg shorter for life. She is also the one who sat on the edge of the Mississippi river bridge to Missouri and didn't let me jump. That's a real friend.

Meanwhile, I'm sifting through the shit stuff and plan to clean the floors before the invited pickers come in. I mean really? And it's been this way for months. Maybe I need to go on one of those hoarder shows???? Nah. I'll just keep the faith until the food stamps come^j^ I am determined that family members get something that was our history even if it's just a little dresser cloth. Or a dining room table. Help!

after burn

Lord have mercy ya'll I thought it was Armageddon or some such last night when the wheat got set afire! Wheat straw burns quickly crossing the field in a pattern that is constantly watched over by the farmers to keep it from spreading outside the perimeter. The ground is tilled on the periphery after harvest to create fire breaks. This morning the smell of smoke still lingers not only in the air but in my car which had a window cracked open. My bad! Farmer Joey said he hated to have to do it because he quit that practice eons ago opting for the no-till method. No choice this year for him or any of the others. Today they're turning the black ground over to plant soybeans.

There is a perpetual flea market going on at the end of the road leading to the highway and it was packed with folks selling everything from backpacks to Halloween decorations. I will join them at some point with whatever I can't sell through listings on the page that I frequent. It's a perpetual day to day existence around here. I did receive a love offering in the mail today and just about keeled over with joy and gratitude. And it wasn't even BF! Haven't heard from her lately so I'm assuming she's doing magic elsewhere.

Right past the flea market I saw a very dead mr snake on the side of the road and without pause moved over to avoid him. There is a pond there so I'm sure he crawled out from the swampy water to buy something only to get run over by a tractor or the heathern kid that drives 80 mph down the road. Mom and daddy have two functions to attend today and I took some cards to her finding her totally in tears over what? I don't know. Daddy said he didn't do it, she just woke up mad. Hmm. Exit, stage left. BG is the chauffeur today while I dig through the piles.

Not to let the GOP feel like they're being ignored I must bitch about Boehner blaming the jobs report on Obama. I mean really dude..you're supposed to be a team player, not focusing on 2016. We will all occupy you if you don't get off ya'lls asses and compromise.

^j^

on the fifth day of july my true love gave to me...

Another day at the sawmill but facing a weekend off. Scientists would call that "not a bad deal." When I went out this morning I noticed that the wheat fields down the hill had been burned off. There were embers here and there rising up as if to try to keep the flames going.Come dark they will burn the ones immediately adjacent to my house on all four sides. I have no renter's insurance so let's have a great big positive thought for good karma on the outcome. We're right next to the city golf course so I KNOW they won't let that burn! Airport traffic requires that the burnoffs be done at dusk. We have a very hard time keeping a viable place for air services. Mostly private planes and the occasional corporate jet in and out. Lots of helicopter traffic, usually at night. Every time I hear the huge choppers going over I wonder who's being brought home from the war and say thanks to Big Ernie.

Here's an unusual take on international politics but hear me out. I read a piece today by a guy who very intelligently outlined why Islamist extremists cannot govern a democracy. The biggest thing is that they are all ready to die for Allah so there's no continuity in leadership as one martyr after another takes innocents out with him just to get where all the virgins await. That in itself is incredibly offensive to me as a woman. The rudest men that I have ever met were of middle eastern lineage and as I've mentioned before they will drop a door on your face in a heartbeat. I also know some really cool Christians from that area. My late friend Sonja was from Egypt and her funeral was an electic mix of smoke and ritual with a Methodist background. The corner playground was constructed in her memory and the crape myrtles are huge, it's been that long.

One of KY cuz's boys is about to have the first baby girl on that side who will be absolutely totally spoiled rotten in a family full of typical boy stuff. I so wish that she could be here to see it. Gigi headed for an adventure following her sis's service and I'm glad she got away. It's the first vacay she and her son have had together and he even helped pay! Go Jimmy Go!!!

Being the procrastinating fool that I am furiture remains in the attic and basement and it must be slung matched with the appropriate buyer in all my spare time. The yard is about ankle high and mr. snake got dropped on the porch by Sophie the other day. Ewww and Ewww. My adopted daughter and her hub swung by last night to visit and take BG to watch fireworks. Joe just graduated from nursing school and is headed for CRNA. You go boy!

Ya'll follow the smoke and come see us ^j^

let freedom ring

Some sort of mystic sleuth of a worm has made everything bigger on the writing side of my online time which is not a bad thing but takes some getting used to. That's where the yellow keyboard is helpful also. Today has been full from the get go. Early on me and the neighbor picked some corn walking through the wet grass like champs. I did warn him that if mr snake showed up I was smooth outta' there. All went well with that and the shucking. I learned the hard way one summer not to sit in the grass to do that. I was infested with chiggers for a looooong time. Jordan came over while his mommy works so we sat on the porch and rocked forever. Then my friends from Florida came by for some chill time. BG picked up the meat while I watched the baby and we all gathered at the grands for lunch with mom having her heart SET on corn on the cob. Which I brought but it wasn't cooked. Yep...that kind of day!

Stargazer lilies are my favorite flower not only because they're beautiful but the smell is magnificent. My old buddy BLewis used to say they smell like a french whore house. I have two plants but only one is in bloom but she's a beauty. I always wanted to host a stargazer lily festival. It just sounds nice and southern, ya know? Anyway with my luck it would get rained out. Little black cloud, remember??? I made a desperate call to a very old friend the other day and he graciously reminded me that we are brother and sister. His wifey is about the only one I've ever met who could live with his ornery ass! He has a grandbaby named Oz (not after the doc, i'm assuming) about whom he is crazy nuts. Along with his faithful dog. I'm beginning to sound like a country song. Switch gears!

I've been out of the loop on news because it's mostly bad and not anything I can fix so I just post demolibtard stuff on FB and amuse myself. I do think that NC and KY are kinda getting out of hand and better be ready to progress or else. I say we ought to sic the mean church on them and see who comes out alive. My neighbors are not celebrating the 4th in the usual way this year because one of aunt Molly's grandsons died in the war at age 25. Remember that one that's still going on in Afghanistan? Yeah..that one. Bring these people home please. It's not worth the cost in human life.

Otherwise, there's a nice breeze to blow all that wheat straw around and keep me inside. And I will be early to bed because tomorrow is another early day. My thanks go out to all the members of our military service for their sacrifice so that we can keep freedom all up in the country. Unless the GOP filibusters it out, that is.

See ya'll on the flip side ^j^

survivor pecan lane

And the tiller client cometh back with more money for more stuff and we rejoiced and were thankful to Big Ernie. Every piece that I part with has a story, and most folks want to know the history of what they're buying. Ya'll all know I love to tell stories. Anyway, two major obstacles to yard mowing have been bought and hauled so I don't have to get the old carpal tunnel syndrome fired up over turning so much. I'm beginning to think I've found a new career picking. Dude also explained to me the technique of"rolled brass" which is what the bed is. My parents bought it in the 60's with two coats of paint on it and a neighbor stripped, sanded and oiled it.

I'm not sure what's up in the real world because I kinda' pulled a Snowden and hid out last night, sleeping in today for a full 12 hours. I can and probably will do it again. Needless to say the dogs love it. My sisters and their families will be laying their older sis to rest tomorrow and it will be a great relief for everyone I'm sure. She died happily with painted nails and that's all a girl can ask for. Dressed for work even!

All is quiet at Casa Grands for the moment but you never know when somebody might have an emergent need for a trip to the dollar store at Four Points. There are some guys at the dairy barn putting finishing touches on the new doors and it's beautiful even without paint. The washer and AC are running on high because that's what I do on a day off...laundry and floors.

That's what's up in my world..and yours?

furbabies and a living wage

It's kind of fun meeting and re-connecting with people while I pick and post through what I've accumulated over 25 years in a very old house. It still has the original paint job in the office and my bedroom which I would like to remedy but refuse to pay for since I don't own it. Looks like the owner would be all over an offer for free labor! The ceiling consists of 56 squares divided by strips of wood and is actually quite cool even though the paint is old. I wouldn't change a thing about it except the color so as to brighten things up. My bedroom has 12 blocks on the ceiling bordered with wood strips also. I can truly say that when KY cuz and I sprayed them all those years ago I knew what Michelangelo kinda sorta felt like. Kelley bought some windows from me and introduced me to true critter love via pet adoption and fostering. Fostering is all I've really ever done and I've loved every minute of it. They seem to like it too.

It's a very pleasant 75 or so degrees with a nice breeze for porch sitting. What a blessing to have this during the first week of July instead of sweat and humidity. The dogs don't even beat the door down to come inside and just loll around on the ground instead of my bed. As Martha would say "it's a GOOD thing!". I might even manage to clean up the junk pile in my driveway while I'm off. No promises, though.

We had more rain yesterday which is really good news for the farmers around here. Daddy got to see the irrigation system in action yesterday...what a landmark in his career! Farming practices today make the odds of success a whole lot better than depending on mother earth to care whether the corn gets rain or not. We are normally no till but the wheat was extremely tough around the edges so I've seen a few fires and the occasional till. There are GMOs there which I'm not crazy about because it means my little paradise is a cocoon of insecticides probably giving me some weird cancer or something. Hey..I read John Grisham, ya know.

I didn't have much time for news today so when I read about the entire unit of firefighters dying in AZ my heart sank much in the way it did when reading about the shooting of Gabby Giffords or 9/11. We think there will always be a tomorrow on an earth that we have totally trashed during the industrial to techno-wizard age. Keystone Pipeline will guarantee that. I am really outdone with Rick Perry (so,um,what's new?)and his arrogant attitude toward those other than conservative white men who go to churches that can't draw the line on separation with state. That includes my own. I remember when the thing came up at General conference about gay pastors and somebody jumped off the damn balcony to try and make a point. I have seen a very nice person shunned by our congregation precisely because he was gay. By the way, Jesus didn't like that.

Who am I to judge others? The bible says a whole lot about that and Jesus preached about not casting the first stone. I guarantee you that when he wept it wasn't over that hoorah in Austin last week. Keep on buddy and they're gonna ship you to see Guerillmo Gomez. The Dems have just found a new poster child and I'd be worried it I were ya'll. The more you threaten, the more people will turn on you. The female vote has never really been a force to be reckoned with but that's turning around slowly. I think poor Hillary is way too tired after the grilling she's had since Benghazi.

Well, the next rainstorm is moving over so the light is quite excellent and I have beer plus a few days off. Life is good, when you keep the faith.