Showing posts with label dog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog. Show all posts

Monday, March 18, 2024

Monday Musings

 


Reality Check by Dave Whamond

I know, right?! My husband really struggles with those bags. 😡‍πŸ’« Bless his heart. Tomorrow is our day to forage for food but today Steve took an ailing neighbor to our local grocery store because he can't drive. He rides his bicycle nearly everywhere but the journey from Offerman to Blackshear, then back again on that busy Highway 84 is just too scary and lengthy for someone with dim vision. No way would we let him ride there when we can take an hour out of our day to help. Happy to do it. God always supplies what we all need when we need it. To Him be the glory. 

While Steve was performing said errand I noticed a HUGE limb had broke lose on the ancient Water Oak near the pump house. In my futile mind it was still dangling precariously when returned home. People get killed by those things every year! I informed him that I was going to get the old pickup with lots of rope to yank it down before it squished me or one of the dogs. He walked over and pulled on it one time ✨✨CRASH✨✨ went the limb! Nobody died but it did shake the ground a little bit. He kinda looked at me, like, "So, what's the problem?" πŸ˜ I laughed at my silliness because I am terrified of loose limbs or dead trees. Ok. Well, now that has to be chopped up and disposed of. 


Sunday after Church most of our Sunday School class met at El Vaquero's in Patterson for a noon repast. We had such a great time. What a lovely bunch of folks these are. ❣️ We've prayed together, cried together, rejoiced together, ate together, and learned together. Because of Jesus and His Holy Spirit I have come to love all these dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ more than anything. They are good for me and to me. I hope I am the same for them.

I finished "Breaking Free". Now I'm halfway through "All My Knotted Up Life" by Beth Moore. On page 2 when Ms. Moore says, "Several of these knots I've kept clenched in a sweaty fist all my life" I nearly dropped the book!! That's me! I was stuck on Age 10, cowering in the corner ready for any fight or defense from an abusive parent. I had realized this flaw in my character well over a year ago. God had revealed that. Thank you Lord! I was treating my dear Holy Father who truly loves me, like he was the earthly broken one I got stuck with. What an eye opener Ms. Moore's book is already proving to be. πŸ’•πŸ˜ I give Him permission to continue to reveal my flaws, sins, and errors that need correcting. May His will be done. 

The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have arrived! The males have started rolling in at our property yesterday. I'm so excited. Love it when they're in residence. That means that the Great-crested Flycatchers can't be far behind. One of the best things about Spring and Summer is all the birds that nest here. 


Well, I've got laundry to finish up, yardwork to do, limbs to cut up, flowers that should be watered, a house that needs attention and Maggie 🐢 is staring at me like I'm some oracle of wisdom. πŸ€” She must think I have food. Brat. That's life in the Country. 

Thanks for putting the kickstand down and staying awhile. Remember, Jesus loves you and wants you with Him forever. "Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey." Keep witnessing to this lost and dying world and looking up. He'll be comin' to get His Bride soon! πŸ’’

❣️ 🏍️ Ride Safe πŸ️ ❣️

Friday, January 26, 2024

Friday Fotos

πŸ“Έ Welcome to Friday Fotos. Not too many this week. Just a few from around the yard because the weather has been so odd for January:  hot, humid, and rainy. The unusual warmth is causing the wildflowers to pop open and the buds to set. Not a good thing as when we do get another freeze, and we will, the bud's will be nipped off and there will be fewer flowers by the time we have a real Spring. Anyway, this week we've mostly only run errands for groceries, met with our financial advisor (it's not as impressive as that seems), attended Church, etc. Nothing earth shattering. 

πŸ“Έ Enjoy the tour around our Estate. 

Heavy dew hanging off the Red Cedar branches.
I wish there was sound with this too as the birds are singing to beat the band. I'm wondering if they're already pairing up? Kinda early but it can happen.


Maggie.
My almost constant companion. Little darlin'.


Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Church & Cemetery
More rain approaching. This is where our bones will rest one day if the Rapture doesn't come by then or something else happen. Steve's Mom is already there.


Mushrooms are popping up from all the moisture.


Carolina Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
A native to Southeast Georgia. They usually only bloom starting in late February. Their flowers will dot the roadsides and the sweet aroma wafts through the air. This lovely wildflower is one of our harbingers of Spring.

πŸ“Έ  I'm doing laundry, cleaning house, straightening the homestead today. After lunch we may go into the Big City. I still haven't gone to Hobby Lobby to buy felt to make the pillow covers for the new sofa slip covers. I need a project that doesn't involve work or errands. 

πŸ“Έ  May y'all have a gloriously wonderful day. Stay safe. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Pining For A Pantry

It's been a hoopla of activity in our neck of the woods with yet another 'remodeling' project for our almost 24 year old home. (I blame the new hormones ... they're working splendidly, much to my husbands chagrin!) Next to the last thing to be changed was the pantry I've been pining for. OK, here's a brief history of the house for the newbies: this room started out as the laundry but because it leads into the carport, it migrated into a sort of impromptu front door for the neighbors. My fellow country friends will understand why. Anywho, now that the carport is looking so lovely, I just couldn't have folks weaving past dog smells and clutter before entering the house plus our kitchen is teeny tiny with very little cabinet space. Thus, the pantry idea.

BEFORE

First, we sold the coffin style deep freezer on Craigslist. You know, that thing sold in two hours!? I had no idea freezer's where so popular. It was taking up way too much real estate for just the two of us, and since it was still in excellent working order, we where able to obtain a top dollar resale price.

Next, purchased a smaller upright frost free freezer on sale (my favorite word!). Whilst at Lowe's purchased a single door white cabinet with lots of shelves and matching coat hooks. Moved all the dog items to the left hand side of the room (in the back). We are so organized now.

AFTER
Voila! Just add food.


Sam III was cool with the whole renovation thing, but his brother Jack was totally freaked out. Someone moved his cheese! I found him cowering in my office with a shattered look on his face. Poor little guy. Several dog cookies, a chew bone and hugs later he was much improved.

The, hopefully, last scheduled remodel is the guest bedroom or The Blue Room, as I call it. The new flooring is purchased, so, we're all set. All that remains is removing and disposing of the 23+ year old carpet. I think that should wait until after Thanksgiving. The older I get, the longer it takes to recover from all this 'fun'. *lol*

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Wordless Wednesday: Outside My Window

Tiger Swallowtail (male) on Butterfly Bush

Silver-Spot Skipper visiting Mexican Petunia

Not identified mushroom
(They're bright yellow if anyone knows what they are.)
Jackie Boy 'helped'.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Absent From Our Presence, Forever In Our Hearts


It's been two years. Two very long years since Maxie died. But don't worry, dear reader, every day is better and I promise not to dwell on this subject much. I only wanted to remember her for a few minutes before moving on.

Miss ya little angel puppy. Rest in peace.

Thank you folks for your indulgence. I do appreciate your kindness. Comments turned off.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

What Dreams May Come


It was in the ethereal world of sensations, ideals and memories when I dreamed about her last night.


I was back in the town where I grew up. In the succession of confused, smokey images, I was running from yard to yard yelling her name, “Maxie! Maaaaxxxxiiiiiiieeeee!” Then mumbling in my snarky way, “Where are you you stupid little dog!” Hunting everywhere for my little girl. Getting more and more frantic. A sudden, overpowering fear. Alas, she was nowhere to be found! I lost her. I awoke teary eyed with the realization that she is gone. Never to return to this Earthly plane.


It’s been almost two years since she succumbed to the ravages of Cushings Disease. Why dream about her now? Perhaps it’s because the family is in turmoil. Or because we daily learn that blameless babies are being chopped up and body parts sold with a sanction by the government. Could be the ear infection I have right now. Or how the food prices keep going up, and our tiny annuity keeps going down. It seems to never end. In my heart I must be searching for that little security blanket wrapped in grey fur that would sit in my lap, to make that caused discomfiture go away. That’s what Maxie did. She had that gift. Whenever I felt unhappy, unloved, frightened, or unsettled, she would make the bad evaporate. Her joyful innocence for life brought contentment that would always affect my countenance positively. She was a ray of sunshine on four legs. I really miss fuzzy britches.


Well, because I know that life is important, I must soldier on.  This is not a single human incident embedded in a sea of souls with perfect lives. Everyone has their sack of rocks to carry. It’s time to pick up the pieces, build new memories with The Boys, and strive to be happy.

And just trust God.

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD,
all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.”
Psalms 98:4

Monday, May 18, 2015

Pet Parade


How about a Jack Russell Terrierist up-date?


For those unfamiliar with the original story, The Boys are brothers and will be two years old by mid-July. Looking back in the photos, I had nearly forgotten how small they were on that first day we met.
Jack At The Breeder's

Sam The Third At The Breeder's


I had no idea what I was getting into.


At nearly 60 years old, I have owned numerous dogs through this journey called Life. All of them have had their own special personalities, endearments, quirks and problems. But nothing like these two! I don’t know if any of my readers have ever owned JRT’s, but that first 6 months I seriously considered killing them (not really) or giving them back (really). They have the energy level of a two year old on caffeine that’s had too much sleep.


Now that everything is relatively sane again, they’re really quite cute.
Jack looking thoughtful.


Jack is a bit neurotic. He’s standoffish but has a sweet nature, a moocher, growls lovingly at the foot of our bed in the morning, and waits to have a taste of Vaseline when I’m removing makeup.
Sammy in a rare moment when he's
not moving at 90 mph.


Sam The Third (or just Sammy, for short), is pure, unadulterated, unharnessed energy. He’s very alert. He loves these little orange hollow rubber balls I bought at Tractor Supply. The JRT's jaws are so strong I had to buy the ones that are Pit Bull proof. Honestly, the Jaws-Of-Life had to be modeled on a JRT’s jaw.


I still haven’t taught The Boys how to walk on a leash. It just hasn’t come up. Oh, I dread that task. I only hope my shoulders (and nerves) can take it.


At any rate, once we got past the rough patches, they are a treasure to own.

I guess we’ll keep ‘em.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Plume Grass And Such In Southeast Georgia

After a delightful evening repast of baked chicken thighs with 40 Garlic Gravy, well cooked Fordhook Limas lathered in Amish butter and a chilled glass of Sutter Home Zinfandel, we took a short jaunt in the neighborhood to capture some of the beauty of the season. The Fall colors are only starting here in Southeast Georgia. First the Plume Grass graces the countryside with their shimmering canes in the sunshine. We're anxiously awaiting the oranges and yellows will start in earnest. I'm sure there will be more photos to follow in the days to come.

Here's a preview:

I gathered up Jack (front) and Sam.
They "helped" us look for color in the countryside
from their safe position in the back seat.

Our first stop in the search for color where the
high power lines on Scenic Drive near our home.
After the neighbors cleared the planted pine,
the Plume Grass took over in Mill Creek.

Plume Grass
shimmering in the sunset.

I asked my husband to drive by the Aspinwall Cemetery
which was formerly called Old Mill Creek Church Cemetery.
I hadn't seen this old family burial site since the massive clearing.
Sadly it seems that this cemetery is going to disappear
from the lack of care.

Sometimes I almost forget how pretty it is here. The soft cool breezes, cloudless skies and tilted sun makes the days much more pleasant. I hope your day has been as good as ours.

Ride Safe,

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Precious Pets Linky


I learned from my good friend at Blackberry Lane this week, With A Grateful Prayer And A Thankful Heart, is hosting a linky party featuring our beloved pets. At first I thought I'd be too busy to participate (going through some minor home renovations) but now it seems I have the time to write at least a brief post.

I've had many cats and dogs through the years. My favorite companion is a dog.

When Maxie died, I felt like I'd died with her. I really didn't want any more pets for awhile. It hasn't even been a year, and I still miss her terribly. But, life goes on.

Newest to the menagerie is Sam and Jack. Or as we call them The Jack Russell Terrorists! I should have named them Destruct-o and Mauler as they are known to destroy any toy within their eye sight. *lol* Anyway, I think they're kinda cute, even if they don't have fuzzy schnauzer faces.

 Sam (left) and Jack destroying playing with a new toy.
"We're just two wild and crazy guys!"


Sam looks like he's saying, "Whatchya doin' Mommy?"

Lucy and Jack taking a nap.

Lucy, the 12 year old Boxer, was unsure of the new crew at first, but now she's warmed up to them and they are nearly inseparable. I think they bring her a lot of comfort in her old age. She's ailing a bit these days. Her hind legs are starting to atrophy terribly from her disability. Big dogs are such good fun but I think this will be our last one. It's going to really hurt when she's gone too.

Ride Safe,

Monday, June 9, 2014

Mushrooms Are Such Fungi's

I think I enjoy nature as much as I enjoy riding.

Today, I found a few Cracked Bolete's growing in our woodsy yard. They're sprouting up everywhere! It must be all the rain and high humidity.

"You'd be a little 'cracked' too if you
had to be out in this humidity all the time!"

Bolete's are an interesting breed of fungi. Instead of gills they have spongey undersides. These are described as tubes in some books but they contain the reproductive bodies of the mushroom.

As I walk the woods in June, I can find lots of multi-color boletes. There are those that are bi-color, those that are red, blue, green, brown, etc. -- fungus come in all colors and in all seasons.  Personally, I call them Leopard Mushrooms, but that's just my title because I can't pronouce "Bolete".

If you want to learn about mushrooms please join a mushroom club. I also suggest a good field guide but DO NOT EAT wild mushrooms unless you are a trained professional or are with one. I understand that in the northern region of Georgia there is the Georgia Mushroom Club. It meets regularly and takes wonderful nature hikes. There are special interest groups for growing mushrooms, using mushrooms to dye fabric and to eat mushrooms. You can find them at www.gamushroomclub.org/.

Then, further south, in Macon, Chris Matherley, at www.morelmushroomhunting.com/ takes folks on walks to find all kinds of mushrooms. Probably every state in the union has a mushroom club which is a great way to discover these delights of the woods, the lawn, and the trees.

"Whatchya doin' Mommy?"

Jack had to "help", of course. *cough*

After a quick trip into The Big City, I plan to be back outside tomorrow in the heat, enjoying the woods, fields, and wild lands of my front yard. Mushrooms are such "fun guys", aren't they?

Ride Safe,

Monday, May 19, 2014

Hydrangea Macrophylla And A Dog Day Morning

After years of fruitless growth, the Hydrangea macrophylla (commonly called Bigleaf hydrangea) next to my office is blooming!


I finally got serious about getting this plant to bloom and used the Hi-Yield Magnesium Sulfate available at our local Ace Hardware.


And Sam and Jack, aka The Jack Russell Terriorists (a well earned nickname!), where looking so deceptively cute whilst sunning themselves on the front stoop, I had to stop take a snap.


I hope this made you smile and everyone has a fun filled, sunny day!

Ride Safe,