Tuesday Tidbits

 

Good morning friends!

Today is starting out blustery and overcast. Southeast Georgia is bracing for a big cold front that's expected to pass through possibly by mid-day. Right now it's giving Alabama what-for. There's been such a brouhaha about the storm that the local Governments shut down all the Schools. Usually these things play out before they reach the Georgia coast. I'm getting tired of all the fuss over weather. It seems like every time the wind blows or it rains or some natural occurring weather event is anticipated, the news tries to ensue wide spread panic. Cheese and crackers people what a big fuss over something we have no control over. Good grief. Well, whatever happens, praying for a hedge of protection around all of us. At least our property is fairly well sheltered. When we were first clearing the acreage in 1993 I had them leave a majority of mature trees. I did it mostly for protection from sun but also from wind. The heavily forested areas encourage wildlife and offer us much welcome shade in the sweltering Summer heat. The temperatures do get brutal here from about July to mid-September. 

My heart is breaking today about losing another friend. Yesterday I learned that I lost a dear internet friend of almost 25 years last Thanksgiving and didn't even know it. I wondered why she hadn't wished me Merry Christmas nor Happy New Year. Like usual, I lost track of the time. Jan and I have been "pen pals" since the early days of internet in the late 90s. Even though we never met face-to-face we were still good friends. Jan was really sweet, intelligent, funny gal (note the T-shirt ... what a hoot!) who loved the Lord. Jan originally hailed from Texas. She was a true Southern Lady in every respect. Thanks to her kindness I learned a lot about website design back when all this computer stuff was still new. I felt so muddled all the time with the strange language these things spawned. 

When we first met Jan lived in Washington State. Sadly, her husband of many years became very ill and passed away in 2010. The winters and other factors became too much for her so she and her family sold everything and moved to a resort town in Barra de Navidad, Mexico. They lived on a sailboat! How exciting, right?! She's so brave. I could never do that as I get really sea sick. I'm a poor sailor. Give me flat, stable land anytime! 

I'll miss our on-line chats about web design, our faith, family and life in general. Jan was so much more clever about these things than I am. At least I know one day soon we'll all be rejoicing at the feet of Jesus together forever and will never have to say Goodbye again.  

Oh, Glorious Day.

In Loving Memory: Myra Cook Ackman

Myra (Cook) Ackman

Her memorial at FindAGrave

Twelve years ago today, I lost my precious step-mother of 36 years. She was a determining force for the better part of my life. Since her passing I have tried to hallow her memory with praise because of the endearing impression she's made on all who knew her. Many times I find myself reminiscing about some funny quip or some bit of advice that has helped me through the years.

She was blessed with a raiper wit that comes from growing up poor in the Kentucky mountains. Her humor was quick and merciless. Myra grew up in a coal mining community but she was "trained to virtue and grace, in faith and God's fear." An expert self-taught seamstress, she was rarely not at the old Singer sewing machine. Memory is sometimes muddled but with fondness I remember one joke in particular she would say when 'caught' sewing on a Sunday. Because Myra was of the die-hard Baptist faith, she would say she would have to remove all the stitches with her nose when in Heaven because she sewed on the Sabbath.

Her cooking was superb. A kind of cordon bleu but with a country flair. She could take an ordinary meal and make it special. We are still serving many of her delicious recipes, especially around the Holidays.

When I hear a Polka, her favorite music, it still brings a smile. Her favorite song, though, was Last Date by Floyd Cramer. She would crank that tune up and sway to the melodies that spilled out of that old cabinet record player. Last Date is one of my fav's now too.

In 2008, four years after her passing, her memory was still fresh, I wrote a brief story about how she came into my life.

Rest in peace dear lady. I'll bet you're sitting next to Floyd Cramer listening to him play for the heavenly bodies. I look forward to seeing you again in Heaven with our blessed LORD Jesus.

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.

FindAGrave Memorial

Miss ya little angel puppy. Rest in peace.

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

We All Love Lucy: Tribute To A Very Good Dog

(as my sprained wrists continue to heal, please excuse the 'cut and paste' memorial I've made for my sweet little lucy girl. thank you everyone for stopping by.)

Lucy

Lucy Was A "Smiler", Always Happy

Photo Taken Aug. 1, 2014

Breed: Boxer
Sire: Max Cason
Dam: Bell Cason
Birth: March 5, 2003, Hoboken, Brantley County, Georgia
Death: August 1, 2014, Waycross, Ware County, Georgia
Burial: FindAGrave Memorial 

It was a wet, stormy Tuesday evening here in southeastern Georgia when we brought Lucy home that April 8th. It rained so hard it was a real frog strangler. The young lady who bred the parents and raised her the first few weeks was very good to the puppies, I could tell. I think she'd been weaned only an hour before we bought her though! She had some wicked sharp teeth. The parent dogs were also well cared for with good personalities, something I was told to look for. Lucy stood out in the crowd of six puppies. I just had to have her. It was love at first sight for all of us. 

Lucy Was A Bottomless Pit

At Meal Time

Hubby gave her the moniker. I wanted to stick the handle "Boots" on her because of her white feet, but, no, hubby said she looks like a Lucy. So, Lucy it was.

Her Idea Of A "Pot Party"

She had a rocky start with Maxie but eventually they got along like old bud's. I'm so glad. Lucy was 6 weeks old on April 16, 2003 and already displayed LOTS of personality! She was so adorable and very intelligent with sweet searching eyes. She was an excellent companion, good watch dog, and quite sociable. It was a very happy day when we welcomed this little bundle into our family and hearts. 

The Orange "Thing" Was Her Favorite Toy

By July 21, 2008, Lucy had been limping rather badly for several days. So, we took her to the Vet to be examined. After X-rays, Vet told us she suffered from "ruptured cruciate ligament in the right stifle with arthritic changes in the left hip". Which meant it could not be fixed nor changed. She began taking a mild pain medication and glucosamine for the joints. This slowed down the degeneration a little and hopefully offered some relief. But I knew that Lucy was just handed a death sentence. Hip problems is how we lost our first big dog, Lady. 

Again, more sickness for the poor kid. On August 1st she was rushed to the Vet, again, and we received the devastating diagnosis that she had contracted stomach cancer. Also by now the leg problems completely overwhelmed her aging body. She was paralyzed and in excruciating pain. We made the agonizing decision to give her permanent rest. Poor thing had lost so much weight and fur she was almost unrecognizable. Her life had become one of misery. Lucy went peacefully to sleep with me petting her gently on Friday at 10:11 am. Do you know, she was still "smiling" like she always did?! What a sweetie she was. 

Lucy rests next to her best little buddy Maxie under the big oak trees in our personal pet cemetery. Everyone who knew her misses her very much. I know I do.

Ride Safe,

Rambling Thoughts

A very dear blogger friend shared her rambling thoughts today, so, I thought I’d jump in and share mine.

• Attended yet another funeral today for another friend in Brunswick: casual friend for me, former working buddy for Hubby. This is becoming all too common for us. It seems like so many of our friends / family are going to meet the Lord before us. It was a nice service but I feel really down for some reason.

Ok, I do know why.

• I had a bit of an epiphany sitting in that humble Presbyterian church. This could be me next. We’re all aging. Unfortunately, Hubby is 8 years older than me. I wish it was the other way around! He traded his good health for physical labor that we may have our daily bread. Now his poor body is showing signs of all this hard labor. He’s had two shoulder surgeries, knee surgeries, cortisone shots for pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and on and on. We talked about the finality of life recently and decided it would be wise to have Living Wills and Power Of Attorney’s made next year. There are already regular Wills, of course, but our Financial Guy had suggested the additional documents. Kinda brings it all home, doesn’t it? No one lives forever on this earth. Best to make plans so those left behind will not have too many agonizing decisions to ponder. Plus, Ok, I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of a control freak. [smile] I want my funeral my way (like, I’ll be here to enjoy it … lol).

• My mood didn’t improve when we returned from the funeral this afternoon for we saw that the Jack Russell Terrorists had partially tore up the dirt driveway leading into the carport! I think Sam was trying to dig to China. Before we left, Sam had gotten hold of Hubby’s leather cell phone carrier and was proceeding to dismantle it. [Those things aren’t cheap!] And just a few minutes ago, I had to take some of my Christmas decorations away from them that I had down by the gate. I had planned on leaving them up for when hubby’s sister and family get here on Wednesday so everything would look festive, but, needless to say, I’m putting away the decorations tomorrow. I will be so glad when The Boys get neutered next month!! They are such a pill right now. THEY’RE DRIVING ME BONKERS TODAY! [lol]

Aw well.

• I’m sitting here enjoying “Jane Eyre” (2006) playing on the Ovation Channel again. It’s a wonderful story. I finally read the book a few months ago, and this version is the closest to the book. It’s such a pity that Charlotte Bronte’ died so young. She must have been one of the best writers that’s ever lived and this story ranks at the top.

• I enjoy family genealogy. A LOT! I was a frequent contributor to FindAGrave. As of this past week, I left the site. In March 2010, FindAGrave created a way to “edit” other peoples contributions and ever since then, it’s brought out the trolls in droves. So many fellow contributors are now spiteful, unkind, violent and down right rude. 99% of them are women. Isn’t that sad?! What’s happened to us females?! We used to epitomize kindness, love, and a softness that is now lacking in our society. There’s a harsh, cruel edge to so many women now. I don’t go there with the being bossy crowd “just because I can” with the anonymity of the internet. So, I’m outta here with that site. Turned all my memorials over to a friend to care for if there's any further updates. That keeps my three mothers and all the family I’ve added in loving memory “safe” from predatory women. Maybe we should call them Internet Cougars, like those sick women that prey on children. Yuck. Anyway, I feel relieved to be away from the site. I was beginning to dread checking my e-mail of late because I took a risk that there would be some cruel comment on one of my loved ones memorials. Unkindness always gives me tummy aches.  I had enough of that from an abusive father.

Well that’s all that’s in my muddled head tonight. I’m going to enjoy some of my Hippie Tea (actually it's Tension Tamer Herbal Tea, makes one very relaxed) and an early night, I think. Tomorrow will bring a new day with a new beginning and hopefully, a better outlook.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Maxie's Tombstone Marker

We live way out in the country. There's very little commerce in our county except for pine tree harvesting, a grocery store or two and a pharmacy. So, Tuesday we drove 50 miles to The Big City of Brunswick to go to my favorite concrete statue store, Concrete Creations. I was looking for that special something that was 'just right' for Maxie's grave. Today, my sweet husband, painted the formerly all gray concrete marker in honor of our little puppy.

 

I know, I know. All this really is helping with the grieving process. And I am getting better. Really I am. I'm not crying as often and amazingly have started looking at different types of puppies on-line. The next dog will not be a miniature schnauzer. I do adore 'mini's' but they are way too much maintenance for an O.F. like me. [ha ha] I need something that doesn't require grooming and probably around 20-25 pounds. But a purchase of another dog is many months away, I'm sure. It's still too soon.

Anyway, didn't he do a splendid job!? Since there are other pet graves under our big oaks now (I can't believe we've been here over 20 years now!) he said he would also refurbish those.

He's such a wonderful man. I treasure him more every year.

Hope y'all are having a good week and looking forward to an equally happy weekend.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Bluer Than Blue

I just can't seem to shake it ... the overwhelming saddness I have felt since Maxie died.

It's been nearly a week.

I thought I would "feel better" by now. I think I've tried everything: cleaning the house, putting away or throwing out her things, talking to Sweetie about it, going for long walks, getting enough sleep, a B-12 shot, prayer, reading God's Word. We even had our good friends over (in whom's company I always enjoy) and watched our favorite funny movie "Young Frankenstein".

Nope. I'm still a dope.

I still see her in my mnd's eye. I can still feel her near me and I start crying all over again. I can't concentrate or feel happy about anything. I'm scared to death to ride. Case in point: I almost had a bad accident when I lost a dear friend to ovarian cancer in January 2007. We went for a ride on our respective metal steeds soon after Maggie went to Heaven and I almost ran mine off the road! Thank goodness the new rumble strips on the roadsides shook me out of the stupor and I put the bike back on the road without any further incident. Dang! One mustn't be distracted when riding. It's not like being on four wheels where mistakes are a little more forgiving.

This is so unlike me! I'm almost always so cheerful. I seem to be stuck in a perpetual Pity Party. [sigh] I gotta shake this thing.

Oh, well, maybe tomorrow will be better.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

In Loving Memory Of A Very Good Dog

Maxie

07 June 2005

In better days

I hope this doesn't seem like I'm trying to solicit more sympathy, this is not what this post all about. Those of you who have already been so kind as to e-mail me separately offering condolences and sympathy, feel free to pass this one by, if so desired. And Thank You again for all the kind words and prayers. But I'm of the mind it would be nice to share with all here why I'm so silent for awhile. Maybe it's a little therapy for me too. [grin]

My little dog Maxie of almost 15 years passed away Wednesday, September 4th. During her last days it was exceedingly rough on all of us. Due to aging, she had suffered from severe cataracts, was almost completely deaf. She'd lost her cute little squeaky bark and the Cushings Disease caused her limbs to be almost completely atrophied. It was pitiful to watch. During the last few hours of life she was going into renal failure. I had to do something. Quick! So, our kindly country Vet opened his office late in the evening for us. Hubby and I held her while he administered the drugs. She dozed off very peacefully while I stroked her head and spoke sweetly into her good ear. I told the Vet, I was sorry he had to be the one to do this (sometimes we tend to forget, doctors have feelings too). Thanked him. Then we drove her earthly remains home to rest next to our other little fur babies under the majestic oaks next to the cemetery next door. She is buried with her favorite bed and squeaky ball.

That little dog was very near and dear to my heart. I used to always proclaim "I won't go anywhere Maxie can't go!" and I meant that. Yesterday was beyond hard. I kept feeling her all around me. So, to ease the pain of separation, I set to cleaning the house. I stored or threw away items that remind of Maxie. It was amazingly therapeutic. I think things are better today. I'm only tearing up a little. [smile] Hubby misses her terribly too. I know it will take some time to heal. Truthfully, dealing with an aging pet was hard to begin with. I had to make special concessions for her, which I didn't mind, but that stress is gone now.

Anyway, for those of you don't already know, I made a memorial for her at one of my favorite websites: FindAGrave. If you're a member, please do leave a "flower" or comment here. I do appreciate everyone's kindness beyond measure. I plan to buy her a little doggie tombstone as soon as I find one that's appropriate. Nothing is too good for that little dog.

God bless you all.

What A Week

It's been a sad past few days, hasn't it. America heard of the passing of Davy Jones, Andrew Breitbart, the tornado victims in Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, etc. So much tragedy. So much need. We offer prayers and heartfelt sympathies for all involved.

And now yesterday we learned about losing a beloved cousin and good friend.

Around the first of the year his e-mails just stopped one day. He mostly conversed with my Hubby with everything from politics to family life to his new trucking business. Hubby thought, well, maybe he's busy with too much on his plate right now to send an e-mail. Time passed. Life got in the way and we temporarily forgot. Then the other day, Hubby said, "I haven't heard from 'Cousin'. I wonder if something's wrong?" He sent an e-mail. No response. He tried calling their home, then the cell phone, they'd all been disconnected!

Hmmm ... my amateur detective brain took over at that point. Something is afoot. So I 'googled' his name and bingo up popped his obituary! Oh. My. Goodness! Turns out 'Cousin' died suddenly last December. (I've left his name off to protect the family.) To put it mildly, we where shocked for a bit. Nobody had called or let us know. That kind of hurt but then we got to thinking, maybe I'm being selfish and there's a back story to their silence. I did a little more internet researching and found the newspaper article about finding his wrecked truck on the side of the road with a gun shot to his head. Uh huh!! Our dear friend and cousin chose his time of demise. I knew he worried (unduly, in my opinion) about the government and all the nefarious goings on. But that!? That is a pretty drastic measure. I didn't think he was that distraught but it goes to show ya, one never knows what demons one has to deal with. Cousin could write beautifully. He could hold a thought together and weave a story in a way that makes me totally jealous. He was so bright. Such a waste and it’s so sad. We're gonna miss him terribly.

All this tragedy did get me to thinking about something else. What if I 'suddenly disappeared' off the internet? No, I'm not suicidal, in fact, if anyone else says that's what happened it isn't true! Someone done the 'ol girl in if they say I did that. I'm too much of a Polly Anna. In spite of the crap one often gets handed, I like life. I’m a fighter. Nothing like a good scrap for my Scotish-Irish blood! And I'm a chicken and don't like pain but I do have a dodgey heart and I am a bit of a risk taker. Things happen. Poo occurs. But anyway, I personally don't believe many would lose any sleep over my disappearance. I'm not being grouchy, it's just a fact. Most of us go through our daily lives only touching someone for a moment, then they're gone. It's not selfishness on our parts, it’s just the way life is. The strong move on. But I know now I'm gonna make a list of people to be notified "just in case" to be given to a trusted family member. It hurts to learn someone you loved and felt close too, or just knew on the internet, is suddenly gone and one didn't get a chance to send respectful sympathies to the family.

Thought I'd share that thought ... you know ... just in case ...



PS: If y'all make a list too, please add me to it?! Hopefully, we'll never have this situation but life is what it is ...

Sitting Alone Digging Up Bones

Myra and Dad
Early 1990's
Bostic, Rutherford County, NC

I was thinking [and that's dangerous for me] last night, that seven years ago, I got the cellular call from Dad that my step-mom of 36 years, Myra, had died. Hubby and I were up in Atlanta, GA, at one of the annual International Motorcycle Shows. I remember it as clear as if it was just yesterday. Poor thing had been in a nursing home for several months prior to this. We were expecting it but not this soon. Dad had had to put her in the home because of the Alzheimer's, which is such a horrible, devastating disease, and while there she contracted pneumonia. Dad's health was failing too and he couldn't take care of her properly anymore. That must have been a very difficult decision, not one that I would relish making. I'm so glad that she didn't have to spend years in that depressing home. Jesus was extra merciful and took her home with Him quickly that she may be in Glory.

Among Myra's many talents of sewing, crafting, painting, and housekeeping, she was first and foremost a superior cook! Her meals where always to be desired. And it's funny too because that was her maiden name. She was related to the famous Cook's who came over on the Mayflower. I still have many of her recipes and use them frequently.

Here's one of my favorites. This is really good! One can also substitute ground beef for the turkey. It actually tastes like pizza with no crust. It yummy and no heavy carbo's. [drool]:

Myra's Pie Pan Turkey

2 cups chopped turkey
1 1/2 cups diced sweet onions
1 cup shredded mexican cheese ~ or swiss or provolone, any you prefer
4 1/2 ounces mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping:
1 1/2 cups skim milk or any milk preferred
3/4 cups Bisquick
2 eggs

Combine topping ingredients. Let sit.
Combine turkey or meat, onions, cheese, mushrooms and seasonings in large baking dish. Mix. Pour topping over turkey, etc.
Bake at 375 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.


If you're a member of Findagrave [it's free], won't you please take a moment to leave a virtual flower on her grave? The obituary I wrote for her is there also. I know she'd say Thanks and I do too.

Have a blessed day y'all.

Yesterday Is Dead And Gone

I'm sitting here, staring at the computer screen, wondering what to do next. I've got scads of housewifely chores and garden tasks to do, but I can't seem to get the lead outta my butt today. So, I thought it might help to pen these words. If this is too boring, don't feel like it must be read. I understand.

This week has been one for the Red Bird Acres history books.

Now, I don't consider myself a "good Christian" but with God's help, I try to do good things for other people, within financial and physical limitations, of course. Anything you say bad about me would be absolutely true and then some. Got lots of character flaws that God and I are working on together (I hate to tell Him but He has His work cut out for Him). I've done some things that no human will probably ever know about, for which I am deeply full of shame for and wish beyond measure I could go back and change it. I would. In my more recent history, I've angered unnecessarily two blogging associates which I wish I could take back. But that doesn't stop me from telling others about the love of Jesus Christ. HE is the One who is perfect. HE is the One deserving praise.

With that said ...

The neighbor I have discussed briefly here, Linda, died suddenly this week. I believe she passed either late Sunday evening or early Monday morning but I didn't find her body until yesterday around 3 PM. The Coroner has yet to determine time and cause of death. 'Course, "we all know" what the cause was: a prescription narcotic drug overdose from years of abuse.

Poor thing. Poor tortured soul. Why do people throw their lives away like it's yesterdays rubbish? I don't understand that way of thinking because I love life so much. I can't imagine wanting to end it or be so zonked all the time that I can't ride my motorcycle safey. I love Christ and look forward to being with him forever but do intend to fight to the end. Got lots to do, you know, lots to see ... lots of people to annoy. [wink]

I try witnessing for Christ more. I talked to Linda about being saved shortly after her husband, Doc, passed away on June 7th. She professed Christ verbally, so, I let it go at that with a "ask me if you have any questions" understanding. Oh, and I left her a Holy Bible for reference. I've been trying to be bolder for Christ.

Hubby and I and a few other neighbors have also gone the extra mile for Linda since Doc's passing. We've all taken turns mowing her enormous lawn, picking her up at the hospital after a bout with the drugs, carrying the mail up to the house, bought food for and cared for her six smelly hounds. We tried to help her get the financial side straightened out (my personal expertise, I'm good at putting out paper fires -- you accounting people know of what I speak) but she would not let me in to help. Linda kept complaining she was broke, but wouldn't let me go through her finances with her to assess the situation. I think I could have helped.

I'm not bragging just laying the groundwork for why I was being a nosy neighbor this week.

After three days of calling Linda and getting no response. I rode my little golf cart over to her property and checked on the dogs and mail situation. The mail box was brimming with mail (uh, oh, I thought) and the dogs had no food! Linda never neglected her dogs, even on her benders. The temperatures here have been consistently in the high 90's with 80 percent or more of humidity. The air has been really nasty. All her windows where open and one down stairs had the screen yanked out forcibly. The doors were locked, so I couldn't get in. "Crap" I thought. She must be on a tear this week from the drugs. I called, and hollered, and drove all over her property thinking that maybe she'd wandered out somewhere and collapsed. Not a creature was stirring, except those six smelly hounds.

I drove back to the house deep in thought and decided to call the Sheriff. I hate butting into people's lives but this might be important. I'm such a private person and would want others to respect my "I vant to be alone, dawlink'" if that ever happened. Turns out, the Sheriff, Richard, knew all about her and her little "problem". He dispatched a Deputy and nothing was found. They figured, well, Miss Linda is hiding in her house again (apparently this was a common event, I didn't know that).

Thursday morning I called again, "What's going on Richard? Have you found her?" Richard said, "Hmmm ... Ok, we'll bust in the house this time." And he asked if I would be there in case she gave them trouble. Our little county doesn't have female officers and a woman should be there for any arrests or whatever. I agree. No problem. Hopped in the golf cart again and met the two Deputies at Linda's house. After a moment's discussion, it was decided that one of the Deputies would shinny through the open downstairs window and let us in.

I walked in hollerin' "Linda! Sheriff's office is here. We're in your house. Come out of hiding dear ..." and proceeded to climb the stairs. The Deputy in front of me turned around and said, "I found her. She's at the top of the stairs .... dead. Call EMT's and the Coroner." I felt like someone had grabbed my throat and wouldn't let go. Deputy remarked I shouldn't come up because of the advanced decay, so, I turned around and stood in the living room on the brink of weeping. The other Deputy was also so kind, he kept asking if I was OK. "Yeah, I'm good." I've seen dead people before and I'm an avid hunter. I know what death looks like.

So, I did a good thing, right?

Therefore why am I'm feeling like a failure this morning?

I lay awake last night, sobbing gently, tossing and turning, aching all over, couldn't sleep again. I don't trust feelings because feelings will lie to us. Feelings get us into trouble 9 times out of 10. I try to rely more on facts. This event has me in a quandary. If I can put my finger on it I would say: I guess *I feel* bad that she laid over there for 3 or so days with no one to care or be with her. And *I feel* like we have unfinished business and she left without saying goodbye. We were going to help her, together we could fight this thing.

I need to let go of the *I feel* and go with the facts. Right?

Linda gave up a long time ago and we just came in on the tail end of the story. So sad.

Well, I hope I've learned some valuable personality lessons too, about myself and others. I hope I'll use this new knowledge to be a better Soldier for Christ and a better friend. To Him be the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Thanks for listening.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

It's One Of Those Days

Whatzit?
Did you ever have one of those days or weeks when you're not quite yourself?

I know, you're thinking, "Well, who are you then?" Ok, smartypants :o) I feel like our little multi-colored fellow here that appears half horse and half zebra: like I'm all upside down and backwards.

Oh, it's nothing serious ... I'm only extremely fatigued.

For some reason, I couldn't sleep last night. I had one of those evenings when I just could not power down, so, I ended up staying awake until 4 am. That's so unusual for me. Usually, I'm like a little kid and fall asleep in about 2 minutes and not wake up 'til morning (except for a bathroom break).

Boy, not last night.

So all day today my attitude has been grouchy and surly. Every little noise is driving me up the wall. Even the innocuous thing of hubby turning the pages in his new paperback book makes me want to slap a knot on his head. If I was a food, I wouldn't be fit for human consumption. [lol]

I'm so freaking tired.

And I guess I'm feeling a little bit of my own mortality this week. We lost yet another friend to mankinds age old enemy, death. That nasty dark fellow that follows all of us around waiting for that last breath. This recent loss is the 91 year old mother of a long time friend. I liked her mother, she was a really sweet Christian lady.

It's just getting tiresome, you know ... all these funerals. When we were young, we attended many a wedding and, for me, bridal shower. Those days are gone. Hubby and I have lost three friends in two months: Dr. Camberg, Kenneth Chancey and Mrs. Tison. Now, grant you, they were all elderly and infirm, but their loss is still felt all the same.

Our little world looks different ... and just a little sadder.

[sigh]

Recently the eye doctor bumped me up to tri-focals. My new eyeglasses are pretty (at least I think so) and corrected this way, I can see so much better.

So, that's a good thing.

But, today I'm feeling my age, and then some.

On a happier note, Hubby and I are "famous" this week too. He wrote an letter to Ride Texas Magazine and they printed it in this month's issue (Sept. 2009). We do so love riding in the Texas Hill Country.

We enjoyed the vacations out there so much that I've even been looking at land For Sale there. Who knows? We might get to move there one day. But, even if we don't, it's not a biggy. I do love our little slice of Georgia paradise. So I won't cry over split milk if it doesn't happen.

Well, supper's ready. We're having skinless, boneless chicken thighs, yellow saffron rice, and big green frozen peas. Yum, Yum! Maybe a good hearty meal will improve my spirits? It can't hurt, right?! [smile]

And I promise not to fuss at hubby too much. [giggle] He's such a sweet guy.

I hope your weekend is happy and fun. As we used to say on the C-B Radio, "Catchya on the flip-flop good buddy!"