Thursday Thoughts

 ⛄ It's still colder than a witch's ... bra ... here for Southeast Georgia. It dropped down to 29*. Then the high was 45* which isn't too bad but still ... brrrr! Thankfully, none of the exposed pipes burst from the heavy freeze. Nothing urgent needed addressing at Red Bird Acres.  

⛄ So we little Country Mice decided to take a jaunt over to the Big City of Douglas to check out the new Publix. (Can you feel the excitement?!) 😁😅 It was really crowded at the store which forced us to park waaaaay out towards the road then walk to the building in the freezing wind. I'm happy for the store that it's already so popular. It's big, bright, and well stocked, like every other Publix I've ever been in. Very pretty but I was disappointed, because we couldn't find our special Keto Sola bread. Imagine our further disappointment after leaving when we learned that it was on Aisle 10 in the freezer section. Who knew?! Well, next time we'll know! It's hard for us to find Sola way out in the boonies and it is the only real Keto bread that doesn't spike my blood sugar. Many brands claim to be keto but don't deliver in that department. All the other brands I've tried still spike my sugar which defeats the whole purpose of eating this way. 

 ⛄ But first, since it was the lunch hour by the time we arrived in Douglas, we stopped at the Ellianos Coffee shop for a sugar-free Hazelnut Frozen Frappe before shopping. Since going full Keto I've been able to give up eating 6 times a day for low-blood sugar (take note dietitians: eating so frequently was actually working against me and causing all manner of health problems). I'm also able to fast now for the first time since forever. Today was a fasting day but I had the munchies by noon. Best to not shop when everything looks appetizing. 👀😅

⛄ After having fun at the Publix, we noticed that next door is a great big fancy schmancy PetSmart. I've been wanting to get a nicer bed for Jack because he's not been well. Jack is one of our 10 year old short-legged Jack Russell Terriers. His health has been wanting these days. Poor little guy. Our other JRT, his brother Sam, is in perfect health: lively, perky, lots of personality. But Jack always seems like he's zoned out or hurting. It's kinda worrying.

 

*Not Jack*

This is the new bed but Maggie claimed it. Little stinker.

This is Jack. He sleeps and throws up a lot these days. 

The Vet has pondered it but he is mystified as to the cause. 

⛄ Of the evenings Jack likes to lay between our two recliners. Jumping up on the sofa or our recliners has become difficult for his little legs. I think it must comfort him to be close to one of us so I had put an old grubby bed I found in the attic (I save everything) there to ease his aching bones. The new bed is super cushy with soft fur. Jack hesitated thus Maggie climbed right in and claimed it. Maybe Maggie will "let him" sleep there later on. 

⛄ Heading South we took the scenic route down GA Hwy 158 (East Baker Highway) to Waycross. The drive reminded me how pretty our area is. There are very few homes. It's mostly planted piney woods with old Water Oaks, tall Black Cherry and boggy bowls of standing water with stately Cypress. The South Georgia woods are full of Whitetails, possums, raccoons, snakes, birds and all manner of wildlife. These lovely sights make me sigh and sing in my heart to the Lord for letting us live here. When Steve's sister and family move up they might want to consider this route as a homesite. I'll have to check and see if internet is available yet. (There are still a lot of our areas that do not have fiber-to-the-curb yet. Those zones are dial-up or slow DSL.) By the time we arrived in Waycross we were both getting really hungry. It was time for the evening repast of fried shrimp at Captain Joe's Seafood. I'd been looking forward to that all day. After the meal I was so sleepy from the heavy bread coating that I felt like someone had put dope in the food. Steve said he felt it too. Just imagine, I used to slam my poor body with that garbage all the time! I think that is the last meal I will order fried shrimp. From now on it will be grilled. We had to hurry home to walk it off. 😕 Ugh! Exercising and drinking lots of water is a good way to get that mess out of one's body quickly. 

⛄ So that was our day. Today we're working around here. Might also head over to the butcher's later to stock up on meat. It's wonderful eating carnivore. It's cheaper than loading up on crap food and certainly healthier. 

⛄ Have a fantastic day my friends. Ride safe. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge: Questions

 

Original Hodgepodge questions here.

1. On January 18th we commemorate A.A. Milne's birthday. Milne is the author of the beloved classic Winnie the Pooh. In many ways Pooh represents innocence and simplicity. His optimism reminds us to appreciate the little things. What are three little things you're appreciating in mid-January?  There are so many blessings, but in no particular order: we're both well (enough) to get around, we have plenty of food, and live in a comfortable house. God is good. 

2. Piglet teaches us even the smallest of individuals can achieve big things with the proper amount of determination. How do your current responsibilities make you feel?  I'm good. Have just enough responsibilities to stay busy and out of trouble.

3. Tigger is known for his enthusiasm and energy, his boundless joy and love of life. What's something you're interested in learning more about in this new year? The Prophet Isaiah. I had no idea how filled with the Spirit he was. "Here am I!" [Isaiah 6:8] His wife was courageous for God too. 

4. Eeyore, while a melancholy character, teaches us the importance of resilience and perseverance. How do you stay motivated and persevere in difficult circumstances?  Prayer. Nothing like knee mail to set my worried heart right. 

5. What's the last thing you ate that was made with honey?  That was over 5 years ago. I can't remember. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

This goes under the heading of "You know you're boring when" ... there's a new Publix (grocery store) in neighboring Douglas and we can't wait to check it out. 👀😅 Yippee!  The plan is to drive over to check it out. Then maybe swing back through Waycross around suppertime to enjoy a plate of fried shrimp at Captain Joe's Seafood. That's the plan, anyway. Hopefully none of our pipes busted last night from the hard freeze or anything else happened that needs immediate attention. 

On that note, I pray everyone has a lovely day. Warm winter hugs from two Old Boring Folks. 😅 And remember to keep looking up because Jesus will be calling us to His Throne soon! "Oh glorious day!" 

Monday Musings

 

It's quiet today. Another made up holiday with no mail, banks are closed or school busses to contend with. There's way too many of these days off. Does the Government ever work anymore? Maybe that's a good thing. Someone once said every time the Government is closed our liberties are safe for another day. Just sayin' .. 

Yesterday was simply awful. I had another long, drawn out bout of IBS. The only fortunate thing is I think I've finally pin pointed what's causing these uncomfortable episodes: raw vegetables, especially leafy ones. When we ate the hot dogs Saturday I like to have coleslaw with mustard as the topping. Yep. The coleslaw is raw cabbage and a few other veg's. Turned me inside out, upside down and backwards. That was so painful. I even had to leave Church early yesterday. Only just made it home before I was really in a bad way. So, that's it. No more raw cabbage or lettuce for me. Too bad because I do enjoy them so. At least it's nothing life threating. C'est la vie.  😁

Then earlier I accidently dropped a heavy object on my left foot! Ouch. I guess I'm a little unstable from the above long-drawn episode. It left me feeling weak as a kitten. Like my step-mom always quipped, "If it's not one thing it's two others!" 😜😅 Myra was from the hills of Kentucky. She grew up during the first Great Depression. I miss her humour so much. Anyway, an ice pack on the afflicted toes soon set that right. I noticed if I do that right away there's very little swelling or bruising. 

Today is laundry, cooking venison sausages for breakfasts this week, and general housekeeping chores. In between, Steve has been texting back and to with the sister that lives in South Florida. She and family are the ones that want to move to our area in Southeast Georgia. They're getting their house ready to be on the market. She was sharing that they've already had offers from others to buy it! God is so good. May the doors of opportunity stay open for an easy move. She was sharing that it seems that by mid-Summer or so they'll be ready to hit the road north to our area. I'm glad they're being careful with the finances because they are elderly and have failing health too. As many of you already know it's too difficult to work once one is retired. The don't want to be in dire financial straits just because they're unhappy where they are and leave a safe situation to start with. That would be foolish. They're being very wise, in my opinion.

Well, I heard the dryer buzz. Time to get off my sore backside and do some work. 😏 Maybe it'll help this weak feeling disappear to move around. 

Have a beautiful day friends! Oh, and if you're not already a "follower", please click the "follow" button on the right? That brightens my day to see all those cute little avatars show up. And if you are already, sending a BIG THANK YOU! Ride safe. 

Sunday Stealing: From Pinterest

 

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. Cheers to all of us thieves. Original questions here. 

1. Your favorite part of the day. Any time that revolves around food or coffee. 😋😁 That said, though, most y'all know we've gone Keto and are now eating almost completely carnivore. Our health is so improved! It's amazing. Anyway, Steve bought a package of Private Selection Jumbo Premium All-beef Hot Dogs ($4.49 a package of 4) a few weeks ago in Kroger on a lark to see if they are any good. I can happily share that they are scrumptious. Plump, juicy, low in salt, and very tasty. Just like eating a good cut of steak. We made a special trip to Kroger Friday to buy several more packages to keep in the big freezer. I don't think I could ever go back to the other brands of hot dogs except in desperation after tasting these.  

2. Something you know a lot about. Genealogy, Medieval History and finding "lost" information or people. Everyone leaves a paper trail wherever they go, even criminals. With the right resources, a little persistence, enough time and some times plain dumb luck, the truth usually eventually comes to light. 

3. An important person in your life. My husband, of course! 

4. Your favorite recipe.  This one is courtesy of my dearly departed step-mother, Myra. She was a wonderful cook. Our Church family claim to love them and always ask us to bring a batch at all our outings. 

Keto Slap 'Yo Mama Deviled Eggs

Dry Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Sweet Onions (Vidalia are best), minced 

1 teaspoon Dill Weed                                           

1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder 

Salt and pepper to taste

Wet Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Sugar-free Pickle Relish

2 tablespoon real mayonnaise  

1 teaspoon mustard 

           

6 large eggs, soft boiled                                         

Paprika (Smoked is OK) 

Directions:

Grind one(1) complete egg with all the above dry ingredients. Mix well. Add wet ingredients. Sprinkle completed eggs lightly with paprika. Chill over night for best flavor. Serves 6. 

5. An event that turned out differently than planned. April 1978 when I went on a SCUBA diving trip and met the man that would be my future husband in a year. Didn't see that comin'! 💘💋

6. How do you procrastinate.  I'm not by nature a procrastinator. My husband, however, has made an art of it. 😆😅

7. The best type of surprise. I don't know that I'd classify it as a surprise but I would have to say that when Jesus allows me to see the result of prayers for someone I feel might be lost (unsaved). I'm not privy to anyone's spiritual status and try not to go there but usually one can tell by the "fruits of the Spirit". Anyway, it's encouraging for me as well to hear such wonderful news. The Angels sing when someone Believes and I want to sing too! 🎵

8. Music that helps you relax.  Soft tunes from the 1930's and 1940's that I stream to the TV that are on YouTube. Old hymns I know by heart can be relaxing too. 

9. A thing your life has in excess.  Blessings more than I deserve. They manifest themselves in Christian love, joy, and peace from God's Holy Throne, for sure. 

10. A book you want to read.  Can't think of any. 😕

11. A person you're always happy to see. After my husband, that would be my BFF Vicki. Truthfully, though, I'm usually pleased as punch to see most everyone. We're all important in God's eyes, you know. We are all "fearfully and wonderfully made" with something important to accomplish for Him. I try now to view all of us as our Lord sees us. He is always happy to hear from us. 😉 I learned that little gem when we attended First Baptist Church Blackshear. They were such a positive influence on me for which I am very grateful. 

12. What time do you go to sleep. We try to retire about 10. If I keep to a schedule I sleep sounder. 

13. A word to describe the past year.  I don't use that kind of language anymore. 😀🤣🤣

14.  Your favorite household chore. When it's done?  👀😂😂

15.  One thing you'd like to see. The Wisconsin Dells, the nature part, not the artificial entertainment part. I've heard they are lovely in the Summer. Or alternately the Finger Lakes area in New York. Steve traveled up that way in the 1970's to watch the racing. I would like to see all that.  

Deer Season is over for the year today but Steve doesn't hunt on Sunday's. Today is Church and relaxing. 🙏 We already have two nice sized deer in the freezer anyway. It's been a good season for us. Also, it's warmed up considerably with it raining off and on here in Southeast Georgia. The Weather Channel was predicting freezing temp's using the usual fear tactics of "we're all gonna die" tones. Even the Schools closed down this week. It was nothing burger. Again. I'm so tired of the "news" over exaggerating everything now. And they wanna be the Global Climate Change cheerleaders for their pagan temples ... they can't even accurately predict tomorrow's weather. 😒 They make me laugh. It's tiresome.

I hope everyone has a pleasant, easy, fulfilling day. Thanks for stopping.

God bless,

Even Muddled We Can Still Be Used By Him

Sometimes I can actually put two sentences together with barely an effort to sound lucid like I’ve benefited from all the proper schooling my parents invested in. It’s unfortunate that most times I only sit here with a blank stare in front of this screen stumbling around with how to begin a blog post coherently so that I not sound like I'm 10 years old. So often I’ll start out with what I believe would be a good thought or event to share. In my thoughts I weave reasoned profundities using proper sentence structure, grammar and punctuation that would make my parents and my 4th Grade teacher proud. But other times I sit in front of this blank screen and am thwarted by that clanging monkey side of my brain making my thoughts turn into an irrational permanent adolescence. That set me to pondering, did the Prophets and other great men and women of God suffer from serious problems or hindrances in sharing His message or doing His will too? They sure did! Let’s see pick out just a few of the Prophets situations in the Holy Scriptures:

As we investigate the numerous ways in which prophets were persecuted we shall find that they divide into (1) rejection of themselves and their message, and (2) physical violence to their persons.

They were persecuted through ridicule (2 Kings 2:23, Luke 22:64, Jer 20:7); by being told to be quiet (Amos 2:12, 7:13); by unpleasant looks (Jer 1:8,17, 5:3); through accusations and having their message reported back to the authorities (Jer 18:19, 37:13, Amos 7:10, Jer 20:10); by being debarred from attending God's house (Jer 36:5); and by having their prophetic words, both spoken and written, rejected (Isa 30:10, Micah 2:6, Amos 7:12,16, Jer 36:23).

Physical violence to their persons took various forms: they were placed in the stocks (Jer 20:2); they were kept in chains (Jer 40:1); they were slapped in the face (1 Kings 22:24); they were imprisoned in cells, dungeons and cisterns (Jer 37:15-16 & 38:6) in some cases just on bread and water (1 Kings 22:27); they were threatened with death (1 Kings 19:1) while others were actually put to death (2 Chron 24:21, Jer 26:20-23).

Others were killed whose names are not recorded. Jesus gives us reason to believe there were many who made the ultimate sacrifice (Luke 11:50-51).

Source:  https://prophecytoday.uk/study/teaching-articles/item/234-persecuted-prophets.html

So, there you are. Praise God at least I haven’t had to suffer anything that drastic! I’m only muddled because I allow myself to be distracted by all the bling around me. His Holy Prophets suffered from stuttering, depression, they were tortured, beheaded, cut in two, ignored, belittled, starved, and everything else that’s horrible one can think of that we humans in our sin do to one another. Also others who have sought to follow Him have suffered all these fates but they stayed focused and kept going. It’s God’s infinite mercy and grace that the whole human race hasn’t been given over to a debased mind to digress into extinction by our own hands isn't it?! Instead He sent a perfect Saviour His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, who paid for all our sins at Calvary. Free of cost for us, but, oh, what it cost Him. All we have to do is trust and believe.  

May your day be blessed with more coherent thoughts than mine. Keep looking up dear ones because Jesus will be taking all of us who trust and believe Him outta the way of the wrath to come soon!

Friday Foto

We've been feeding the deer sweet corn down on the gun range which also attracts lots of other hungry wildlife. Mostly birds. These are only a few of the one's that have shown up. Usually the migratory's come through but they're late this year. Perhaps they'll grace us with their presence for the next Friday Foto.

Enjoy the photo overload. 

Blue Jay

The blue jay is a passerine bird in the family Corvidae, native to eastern North America.

It lives in most of the eastern and central United States; some eastern populations

may be migratory. Resident populations are also in Newfoundland, Canada;

breeding populations are found across southern Canada.

Brown Thrasher (Georgia State Bird)

The brown thrasher, sometimes erroneously called the brown thrush or fox-coloured thrush, is a bird in the family Mimidae, which also includes the New World catbirds and mockingbirds. 

Northern Cardinal (we named our property after these beautities)

The northern cardinal, known colloquially as the redbird, common cardinal,

red cardinal, or just cardinal, is a bird in the genus Cardinalis.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

The red-bellied woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker of the family Picidae.

 It breeds mainly in the eastern United States, ranging as far south as Florida

and as far north as Canada. 

Eastern Grey Squirrel with Blue Jays

The eastern gray squirrel, also known, particularly outside of North America,

as simply the grey squirrel, is a tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus.

It is native to eastern North America, where it is the most prodigious

and ecologically essential natural forest regenerator.

Towhee

Pipilo is a genus of birds in the American sparrow family Passerellidae.

It is one of two genera containing birds with the common name towhee.

It is such a pleasure, an honor and a privilege to be surrounded by God's beautiful handiwork. I try to thank Him every day for allowing us to live here. Can I get an amen?! 

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning folks! Yesterday went from dull to interesting. We started out shopping. Dropped by a new business called Trackside Emporium on Central Avenue in Blackshear that sells antiques and odds and ends on consignment. Last week Steve had set up an account to sell some of his work. Below is the display the owner did for us. Nice huh? I hope they sell.

After stopping at Trackside we sped off to Waycross to keep an important doctor's appointment at the spine center. Steve's been experiencing sporadic debilitating back pain. Poor guy's been waiting since last week to go in to get help. Well, guess what?! The little receptionist lady in the office that made the appointment last week made it for the wrong office. What the ...!?! 😲 Apparently they have an office in Waycross and one in Baxley. She put us in Baxley! 😕 Bummer. Now he has to start all over again. 😡 Well at least Steve said he's feeling somewhat improved by now, which I'm very grateful for. Thank you Lord for answered prayer! For now he wants to wait to see if it starts ailing badly again before trying to return. Maybe they'll get it right next time. 😒 Medical care in America is so messed up since the man who calls himself 0bama slithered into Office. 

Funny thing happened at the doctors. When we walked into the spine center, Steve made a beeline for the check in center, which is only right since he's the patient. Since we live in a small community the first thing I do is scan all the faces in the waiting room to see who's around. 'Lo and behold two very dear Facebook friends were sitting right there in the corner whom we had never met face-to-face! What fun! That made the visit much more pleasant and we finally got to meet properly. We ended up staying just to pass the time with them. When they got called back we moved on to other errands since Steve's appointment was a mistake. Kinda worked out OK anyway. I guess you know you're getting old when your social life revolves almost exclusively around doctors offices!! 😅😂

Sam's excited ... can you tell? 😂😆

Must be the weather but I need a change. I've decided to get rid of the boring sofa and recliner covers and have something brighter. I ordered the one below last night. 

Can I have the dog too? No? 👀🐕

If my joint health was better I'd paint the walls or at least give them a good wash. My mind still thinks I'm 18 but every time I put my head back or lift my arms ... it's CRACK .. ouch! My body reminds me I'm almost 70. Then I have to run and get the heating pad to ease the ache. 😆 Aging is not for sissies. I'm so grateful I won't keep this body for eternity but am being renewed in my Spirit by Jesus Christ. What a blessing.  💖 

Hope y'all have a great day. Go create lots of happy memories, share the Gospel while we can, and make someone's day with a smile or kind word, as we wait on our Saviour to make His appearance to us that we may be with Him forever.  💙💚💛💜