I can't sleep, so I thought I'd use some of my time by posting.
Steve can sleep through anything, it seems, and is seldom kept awake. I have always had trouble sleeping.
Things at the house are going a bit awkwardly. We hired a new man to help, and it seems that he doesn't know much about carpentry skills. He is a big strong fellow, and is really nice, but he seem to slow down the other fellows rather than help them along.
Steve Richards (S2) scared me to death the other day, sliding down the wall in the stairway, out of breath. He's having real respiratory problems, probably not helped by the fact that he chain smokes. I thought he might be having a heart attack. Cherokee told me he complains often of pain in his upper back, which is sometimes a sign of heart trouble. I'd be shocked if he didn't have some kind of heart trouble, the way he's always lived. He's a heavy smoker and a chronic alcoholic. He's worked all his life in plaster and concrete products, and sometimes he coughs so badly I think he's going to pass out.
Quite a bit of alcohol is being consumed by the fellows, though not on the property. I wouldn't allow that. Caroline Jones, the lady next door, told me that Orlando and Steve had taken to hanging out at the house with Tim at night, and Tim is fairly hung-over in the morning after these times.
They all wanted to be paid in cash yesterday afternoon, and Tim came back after a while and had been drinking. He reeked of it, and was 'mushy-talking', like some people get after only a few drinks. I'm going to have to speak to him about that. It dismays me that people who are substance-dependant seem to want to ruin their lives, no matter what help is offered.
They got the upstairs closet off one of the bedrooms 'rocked' yesterday, after an incredible amount of fussing, measuring, and mis-cuts. Steve (S1) commented to me that we could have done a much better job, and with less waste and cost in materials. I'm just not able to lift sheetrock right now. I'm wondering what the wide seams and awkward joints will look like after they dry and settle. I can tell that these men are NOT sheetrock men.
I just hope that Steve (S2) can use plaster and tape to cover the obvious bad job they did.
Steve suggested at supper last night that he and I might do the rest of the sheetrock work. I told him it would have to be some later, but I think, too, that we could do a better job of it.
Tim's wife and some strange man came to pick him up last night for a visit in Knoxville. His wife is very young and plump, and the man with her made me terribly uncomfortable. He was dirty and stared at my breasts the whole time we talked in the yard. I think he's a creep.
He told me he was a nurse, but I think he might have been wanting to nurse, rather than to be one.
I hope he doesn't come back when they bring Tim home.
I told Tim to try to stay out of trouble, but with that crowd......
Jason Higgs came by the house yesterday afternoon with the sad news that his father, Jack, had suffered a massive coronary yesterday morning, and was in ICU at St. Mary's in Knoxville.
He was distraught, and could hardly talk without crying. I tried to offer him some comfort, and told him that I would keep Jack in my thoughts and prayers.
They are rather dirty people, but Jack and Marsha have been really good friends to me, and I truely do care for Jack. I hope all is well with him. I think I may go down to Knoxville to see him while he's there, thought the time will cost me dearly.
Steve wants to get a new weed eater for the yard, but I think a bush hog would be more useful at this time. It looks like a jungle out there.
A man came and got a swarm of honey bees out of the floor of my Hut. He brought a vacuum cleaner designed just for that purpose. I thought he might be joking at first, but he says that's the way they do that sort of thing now. I learn something new each day.
Lulu, from the Down Home, had sent him after I called her to ask if she knew anyone that might be interested in taking them. I sure didn't want them.
Steve has been spending a lot of time with the re-wiring of the house. He had mentioned some time ago that some kind of animal had been leaving droppings in the attic, and he found a small colony of bats there yesterday. I went up to see them, and they're so small and cute. I would love to bring them here, but they'd probably just fly back up there the next night. The workmen were amazed that I would want them. They eat their weight in night-flying bugs every night, though, and it makes it a lot more pleasant to sit on your porch if you're not being bitten all the time. We've had small colonies in our barn off and on for years, but they don't use the bat houses I've put there for them. They just roost on the rafters.
The kitchen now has sheetrock everywhere but the hole in the ceiling that a chimney used to pass through, and I would LOVE to see it taped and plastered. The sheetrock there looks lots better than the upstairs closet.
I've painted a couple of bird houses to put in the front yard of Creekside, where Caroline had put some (too small) houses years before, which the birds had rejected. I hope my tastes suit her.
The Acuff's came by yesterday. He wanted to get some sand from my pile to use in a horse shoe toss area for the American Legion, and I was glad to let him have it. He hauled it in the back of his car, which I thought was a bad idea, but there was no disuading him. He's interested in some more of my building products, so I might re-coupe some of my money I've put into them.
He's particularly interested in some stepping stones, and I've sure got plenty of those.
It's clear that he doesn't know much about building from our conversation about his planned deck, but he thinks he's on the right path. His wife clammed up and said nothing about it. I think they might have discussed this before.
She loves the place at Creekside. She can see the vision I have for it, and it was good to talk with her about my future and present projects. She's a really sweet lady.
I'm thinking I might be sleepy, now that it's almost daylight outside. I'm all turned around.
I hope I can fulfill my duties today.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011 AM
I don't post so often anymore. I'm really busy, and sometimes I'm not too sure about my feelings or thoughts to post them.
Betty Pike says I don't tell enough about myself, but more about my duties.
I think that's because she loves me more than anything I can do. She really gets it. We should love people and use things, and not love things/actions and use people.
The recent storms have been the (almost) total topic of all conversations around here lately.
There were great preparations made for their coming, and almost constant updates during.
The worst weather went around Rutledge, but Richland's Creek is way out of it's banks this morning. It's so pretty down there, with all the water, but it's trecherous. All kinds of things float down the creek during flood stage.
I don't think we had any damage from the storms, but we did take the precaution of taking in the porch and yard furniture, sealing the crawl-space doors, and laying down any loose, tall objects.
Steve and I have been watching the agonizing and very slow process of our Smokey dying.
He has been the boss cat of our farm for 17 years, mostly because of our support and his incredibly strong personality. He has been the cat with the most personality and character. He came and sat, watching, while I leaf-blowed the porches. We could vacuum his hair. He was so smart, and he could get almost anyone to do almost anything.
He just lived so long, and he was worn out. I had planted a "Smoke Tree" several years ago out in the side yard, and it was to be his name-sake. I hate the chore of completing the process.
Steve is totally helpless with these kinds of chores. He truely loves our cats, and one of his favorite pastimes is to lay in the yard or on the porch, and let the cats come and 'pile on' him.
Smokey came to us through Beverly McMillan, who is a lovely Professing lady, and lives in Halls. She had seen Smokey in the middle of Halls Crossroads, and rolled down her window and called out to him that he shouldn't be there. He literally jumped through her window, as if asking her to rescue him. He was wearing a pink collar, so she presumed that he was someone's treasured pet. She advertised for his owners, but got no response, and her cat, Raisin, did not want another cat in the house. She asked her mother, Illa Brawdy, to call me and aske if we might take Smokey. It was love at first sight for all of us, and he has been a delight to us for many years. He could not be house-broken, because he would not use the litter box twice, so he was an outdoor cat. I think he wanted it that way. When he was small, we tried keeping him indoors. He played the piano by walking over the keys, he climbed the curtains, he sprang onto the waterbed and created 20 leaks at one time, and, in general, was a pain. But he was lovable, and he was loved. There will never be another cat like him.
S2 and Tim have been working on the area beside the kitchen and at the top of the cellar stairs at Creekside. They couldn't picture what I wanted, and I even had trouble 'seeing' how it would turn out, but it's really visually pleasing. I'm going to design a small 'pantry' area there, and the new double-insulated window makes the area so light and nice. It's considerably larger than the old, aluminum window that had been there.
There's only one wall left to sheetrock, and the kitchen will be ready for taping and plastering.
It's been a really tough job. We completely 'shelled it out', and it's been the hardest room of the house to do. It's coming together now, and it's going to be so nice.
S2 and Tim work hard at their jobs and at trying to get along.
Another man, Orlando, came by yesterday to ask for work. He usually has a good job that is full time and has benefits, but Obama has so ruined the economy of this country that skilled people are now looking for menial work. He's a really nice black gentleman, and he's strong, so his help will be much appreciated. He's been friends with S2 for some time, and I think he can get along with Tim. Tim has such a pleasant personality. He works at cleaning messes (and the house) long after his work hours are over. He also is a reassurance to me that he's there at night and keeps things from 'taking a walk'. He seems to be scrupelously honest.
There's a cute story about Tim I'll tell.
S2, Tim, and I were sitting on the front porch taking a short break, and something was said about the churches taking money/offerings during their meetings. Tim spoke up and said, "Yeah, got to get those tithes." I was intrigued that a man who does not attend church knew so much about the subject, and commented to him about that. He then disclosed to me that he had been raised a Methodist. I'm learning more about him all the time.
I'm also believing that Elaine might be missing out on a great guy. He's interested in her, and has asked me to speak to her on his behalf.
He humors me when I want to heavily insulate the house.
That house has a reputation of being really hard to heat, and I want to change it's image.
It's almost never too late for old habits to be changed.
S1 spent almost the entire day being surly and working alone in either the upstairs sunroom (which did not reflect on his mood) or, in the later afternoon, in the cellar (which certainly DID reflect on his mood). I so wish he could see the importance of wiring the bedrooms, the dining room, and the library, so that the plaster could be finished.
I don't nag or complain to him (well, not often), which may be a small part of the problem. Sometimes people have to be pushed in the right direction.
You can't polish your jewels without friction.
I have worked too hard and too soon after my sugery, and I'm swollen and terribly sore.
There's so much to do, and there's so much I'm seeing NOT done.
I don't know if the lawn at Clairemont can be rescued. It's past knee high, and I can't be on a lawn mower or be pushing one right now. I don't know if Steve doesn't see the situation or just doesn't care, but seeing the neglect of our home dismays me no end.
The food Barbara sent for my period of 'laying in' has been great, and it's so nice to have something good to eat after a long, hard day of work. Steve thanked her personally on the phone last night. She glowed from his praise.
I think she intended it for an invalid, but it's going for a working woman.
The bridge construction in front of the house at Creekside is going so slow. I think it's just a ploy to keep all the relatives of state supervisors employed. Those men move so slow you can see the dead lice falling off them. I thought I'd never see a man move slower than Darrel McFalls, but they have proven me wrong. David, the man I call Shingle, who runs the car detail shop across the raod, says they'll be gone before the end of this year, but they'll either leave an unfinished project behind or they'll have to get moving a lot faster. I've never seen so many useless, lazy people in one place at one time. I think they need a good dose of Sam McKraken or some old maid Sister Worker to supervise them for a while....if they could FIND them. They stay gone a lot.
Judy left me a message on my machine that she wants to talk to me about some of my things I got in a trade, but I'm not sure when would be a good time to call her. She was interested in some of the stone to put on her foundation, but I don't know if that's what interests her now.
I'm still pretty sore from my surgery, but I'm glad I had it done. The hernias were causing me some trouble, and I'll feel better with the mesh to help hold my insides in the right place. It's hard to not lift and carry things right now. There's several bags of corn in the back of the white truck that need to be carried up to the poultry houses, and they've been there for days. I can't carry them now. They weigh 50#'s each.
I need the corn for the birds. They can't eat out of the back of that truck.
Maybe someone around here needs a Sister Worker over them, too.
It's time to get ready for my other jobs.
Off and runnin'!
Betty Pike says I don't tell enough about myself, but more about my duties.
I think that's because she loves me more than anything I can do. She really gets it. We should love people and use things, and not love things/actions and use people.
The recent storms have been the (almost) total topic of all conversations around here lately.
There were great preparations made for their coming, and almost constant updates during.
The worst weather went around Rutledge, but Richland's Creek is way out of it's banks this morning. It's so pretty down there, with all the water, but it's trecherous. All kinds of things float down the creek during flood stage.
I don't think we had any damage from the storms, but we did take the precaution of taking in the porch and yard furniture, sealing the crawl-space doors, and laying down any loose, tall objects.
Steve and I have been watching the agonizing and very slow process of our Smokey dying.
He has been the boss cat of our farm for 17 years, mostly because of our support and his incredibly strong personality. He has been the cat with the most personality and character. He came and sat, watching, while I leaf-blowed the porches. We could vacuum his hair. He was so smart, and he could get almost anyone to do almost anything.
He just lived so long, and he was worn out. I had planted a "Smoke Tree" several years ago out in the side yard, and it was to be his name-sake. I hate the chore of completing the process.
Steve is totally helpless with these kinds of chores. He truely loves our cats, and one of his favorite pastimes is to lay in the yard or on the porch, and let the cats come and 'pile on' him.
Smokey came to us through Beverly McMillan, who is a lovely Professing lady, and lives in Halls. She had seen Smokey in the middle of Halls Crossroads, and rolled down her window and called out to him that he shouldn't be there. He literally jumped through her window, as if asking her to rescue him. He was wearing a pink collar, so she presumed that he was someone's treasured pet. She advertised for his owners, but got no response, and her cat, Raisin, did not want another cat in the house. She asked her mother, Illa Brawdy, to call me and aske if we might take Smokey. It was love at first sight for all of us, and he has been a delight to us for many years. He could not be house-broken, because he would not use the litter box twice, so he was an outdoor cat. I think he wanted it that way. When he was small, we tried keeping him indoors. He played the piano by walking over the keys, he climbed the curtains, he sprang onto the waterbed and created 20 leaks at one time, and, in general, was a pain. But he was lovable, and he was loved. There will never be another cat like him.
S2 and Tim have been working on the area beside the kitchen and at the top of the cellar stairs at Creekside. They couldn't picture what I wanted, and I even had trouble 'seeing' how it would turn out, but it's really visually pleasing. I'm going to design a small 'pantry' area there, and the new double-insulated window makes the area so light and nice. It's considerably larger than the old, aluminum window that had been there.
There's only one wall left to sheetrock, and the kitchen will be ready for taping and plastering.
It's been a really tough job. We completely 'shelled it out', and it's been the hardest room of the house to do. It's coming together now, and it's going to be so nice.
S2 and Tim work hard at their jobs and at trying to get along.
Another man, Orlando, came by yesterday to ask for work. He usually has a good job that is full time and has benefits, but Obama has so ruined the economy of this country that skilled people are now looking for menial work. He's a really nice black gentleman, and he's strong, so his help will be much appreciated. He's been friends with S2 for some time, and I think he can get along with Tim. Tim has such a pleasant personality. He works at cleaning messes (and the house) long after his work hours are over. He also is a reassurance to me that he's there at night and keeps things from 'taking a walk'. He seems to be scrupelously honest.
There's a cute story about Tim I'll tell.
S2, Tim, and I were sitting on the front porch taking a short break, and something was said about the churches taking money/offerings during their meetings. Tim spoke up and said, "Yeah, got to get those tithes." I was intrigued that a man who does not attend church knew so much about the subject, and commented to him about that. He then disclosed to me that he had been raised a Methodist. I'm learning more about him all the time.
I'm also believing that Elaine might be missing out on a great guy. He's interested in her, and has asked me to speak to her on his behalf.
He humors me when I want to heavily insulate the house.
That house has a reputation of being really hard to heat, and I want to change it's image.
It's almost never too late for old habits to be changed.
S1 spent almost the entire day being surly and working alone in either the upstairs sunroom (which did not reflect on his mood) or, in the later afternoon, in the cellar (which certainly DID reflect on his mood). I so wish he could see the importance of wiring the bedrooms, the dining room, and the library, so that the plaster could be finished.
I don't nag or complain to him (well, not often), which may be a small part of the problem. Sometimes people have to be pushed in the right direction.
You can't polish your jewels without friction.
I have worked too hard and too soon after my sugery, and I'm swollen and terribly sore.
There's so much to do, and there's so much I'm seeing NOT done.
I don't know if the lawn at Clairemont can be rescued. It's past knee high, and I can't be on a lawn mower or be pushing one right now. I don't know if Steve doesn't see the situation or just doesn't care, but seeing the neglect of our home dismays me no end.
The food Barbara sent for my period of 'laying in' has been great, and it's so nice to have something good to eat after a long, hard day of work. Steve thanked her personally on the phone last night. She glowed from his praise.
I think she intended it for an invalid, but it's going for a working woman.
The bridge construction in front of the house at Creekside is going so slow. I think it's just a ploy to keep all the relatives of state supervisors employed. Those men move so slow you can see the dead lice falling off them. I thought I'd never see a man move slower than Darrel McFalls, but they have proven me wrong. David, the man I call Shingle, who runs the car detail shop across the raod, says they'll be gone before the end of this year, but they'll either leave an unfinished project behind or they'll have to get moving a lot faster. I've never seen so many useless, lazy people in one place at one time. I think they need a good dose of Sam McKraken or some old maid Sister Worker to supervise them for a while....if they could FIND them. They stay gone a lot.
Judy left me a message on my machine that she wants to talk to me about some of my things I got in a trade, but I'm not sure when would be a good time to call her. She was interested in some of the stone to put on her foundation, but I don't know if that's what interests her now.
I'm still pretty sore from my surgery, but I'm glad I had it done. The hernias were causing me some trouble, and I'll feel better with the mesh to help hold my insides in the right place. It's hard to not lift and carry things right now. There's several bags of corn in the back of the white truck that need to be carried up to the poultry houses, and they've been there for days. I can't carry them now. They weigh 50#'s each.
I need the corn for the birds. They can't eat out of the back of that truck.
Maybe someone around here needs a Sister Worker over them, too.
It's time to get ready for my other jobs.
Off and runnin'!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011 Very Late PM
Steve is long ago in bed, and I have some time to myself, and can't sleep, so I'll blog.
I've been having a hard time sleeping the last little while. I think it may have to do with some depression, some from anxiety, and some from just being out-of-sorts.
The out-of-sorts part is the I can't seem to please Setve with anything I do or any interest I have.
When I wanted to go full steam ahead with my music, he shot me down.
Then I wanted to get more interested in my farm foul, and he decided he didn't like them.
I'm about to get out of them, and now he's decided he doesn't want me keeping cows, either.
He didn't like my sewing or chrocheting when I did those things. and he's all worn out with me collecting and displaying my snow houses.
I don't think he wants to work up at Creekside, because he grumbles and complains endlessly about that, too. He hates the way the wiring is done, but he doesn't want to do it with some wire we have. He doesn't like the way the walls are, but hates the messes it makes when we tear down the existing walls and build new walls.
He won't get the plumbing straingtened out, so we're still flushing hot water down the toilet.
We only have cold water in one sink, and hot water in the toilet. Something's wrong with this picture.
I asked him to hang a light fixture on the front porch this afternoon, and he just sat on a lawn chair and said,"No".
I don't know how we're supposed to get ahead with that kind of co-operation.
He's upset that a pile of sand is in the front yard, but a lot of it will be used with mortar to fill the gaps in the brick pavers I laid down for a patio outside the front steps. I thought that sinse the bricks and the sand were already there, it would be a good time to get something finished. I took some kiddie swimming pools down there to use to store the sand cleanly in, but I can't do shoveling and wheelbarrowing right now.
The only room in the entire house he's got wired yet is the kitchen, and he's not got plugs, switches, or receptacles in the boxes. That was finished today. There is no porch light, either.
We can't go ahead with the sheetrock plans for the other rooms until he wires them.
He took about two hours today to decide if he thought he should cap and tape an existing metal box where several wires terminated, or take the wire further along and make a plug from it.
I shrink from the decisions he will need help making with the plumbing.
I'm sure some other blond will come and take my place.
I'm finally getting sleepy, and I know I need my rest.
Another day of bliss tomorrow.
I've been having a hard time sleeping the last little while. I think it may have to do with some depression, some from anxiety, and some from just being out-of-sorts.
The out-of-sorts part is the I can't seem to please Setve with anything I do or any interest I have.
When I wanted to go full steam ahead with my music, he shot me down.
Then I wanted to get more interested in my farm foul, and he decided he didn't like them.
I'm about to get out of them, and now he's decided he doesn't want me keeping cows, either.
He didn't like my sewing or chrocheting when I did those things. and he's all worn out with me collecting and displaying my snow houses.
I don't think he wants to work up at Creekside, because he grumbles and complains endlessly about that, too. He hates the way the wiring is done, but he doesn't want to do it with some wire we have. He doesn't like the way the walls are, but hates the messes it makes when we tear down the existing walls and build new walls.
He won't get the plumbing straingtened out, so we're still flushing hot water down the toilet.
We only have cold water in one sink, and hot water in the toilet. Something's wrong with this picture.
I asked him to hang a light fixture on the front porch this afternoon, and he just sat on a lawn chair and said,"No".
I don't know how we're supposed to get ahead with that kind of co-operation.
He's upset that a pile of sand is in the front yard, but a lot of it will be used with mortar to fill the gaps in the brick pavers I laid down for a patio outside the front steps. I thought that sinse the bricks and the sand were already there, it would be a good time to get something finished. I took some kiddie swimming pools down there to use to store the sand cleanly in, but I can't do shoveling and wheelbarrowing right now.
The only room in the entire house he's got wired yet is the kitchen, and he's not got plugs, switches, or receptacles in the boxes. That was finished today. There is no porch light, either.
We can't go ahead with the sheetrock plans for the other rooms until he wires them.
He took about two hours today to decide if he thought he should cap and tape an existing metal box where several wires terminated, or take the wire further along and make a plug from it.
I shrink from the decisions he will need help making with the plumbing.
I'm sure some other blond will come and take my place.
I'm finally getting sleepy, and I know I need my rest.
Another day of bliss tomorrow.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011, AM (barely)
This computer narrowly missed a trip to the bottom of Righland's Creek. I think it's demon's-possessed, and needs some of Aunt Kitty's Holy Water thrown on it.
It would't to anything for me, so I was going to just go to bed. I got into the bedroom, and an empty glass was setting on my night stand, so I just threw it across the room. It hit a large lamp, and the resulting noise awoke 'the sleeping giant' who had absolutely no trouble getting to my blog.
You see, my computer hates me.
Today was painful for me, having just had bi-lateral hernia surgeries, but 'the work must go on;'
Those useless men would never get any work done without my guiding hand and quick wit.
Steve (1) had FINALLY got the kitchen wired (for the third time)., and it's ready for insulation and sheetrock. RAH! it will look again like a kitchen. Steve took out the large rear window of the old kitchen, and he doesn't want to put in the nice long, yellow window that I think would add so much accent to the new kitchen. He just doesn't see things the way I do.
Horror of Horrors! Angie Bullock came by. She is one of the pair (she and Chad Byrd) who are the biggest and most prolific thieves in Grainger County. They've conned and stole many people blind. She started wanting to look around the house and grounds, but I pinned her down to a yard chair pretty quickly, to keep her from seeing anything they might want to come and steal later.
I'm glad Tim is there are night. They could steal the paint off your car.
They said they'd quit going to Sunrise, and I'm sure it's a relief to the deacons there.
They're living in a small camper, and I see some poetic justice in that.
Tim and I went to the Family Dollar to get him a cell phone, and they said they were through with lots of shelves and fittings, which we could have. I went 'Dumpster Diving' like never before, and Joan told me we could come back tomorrow morning (which is later THIS morning),
I'm getting sleepy and making many mistakes, so I'd better go get in bed.
It would't to anything for me, so I was going to just go to bed. I got into the bedroom, and an empty glass was setting on my night stand, so I just threw it across the room. It hit a large lamp, and the resulting noise awoke 'the sleeping giant' who had absolutely no trouble getting to my blog.
You see, my computer hates me.
Today was painful for me, having just had bi-lateral hernia surgeries, but 'the work must go on;'
Those useless men would never get any work done without my guiding hand and quick wit.
Steve (1) had FINALLY got the kitchen wired (for the third time)., and it's ready for insulation and sheetrock. RAH! it will look again like a kitchen. Steve took out the large rear window of the old kitchen, and he doesn't want to put in the nice long, yellow window that I think would add so much accent to the new kitchen. He just doesn't see things the way I do.
Horror of Horrors! Angie Bullock came by. She is one of the pair (she and Chad Byrd) who are the biggest and most prolific thieves in Grainger County. They've conned and stole many people blind. She started wanting to look around the house and grounds, but I pinned her down to a yard chair pretty quickly, to keep her from seeing anything they might want to come and steal later.
I'm glad Tim is there are night. They could steal the paint off your car.
They said they'd quit going to Sunrise, and I'm sure it's a relief to the deacons there.
They're living in a small camper, and I see some poetic justice in that.
Tim and I went to the Family Dollar to get him a cell phone, and they said they were through with lots of shelves and fittings, which we could have. I went 'Dumpster Diving' like never before, and Joan told me we could come back tomorrow morning (which is later THIS morning),
I'm getting sleepy and making many mistakes, so I'd better go get in bed.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
April 24, 2011, AM
I slept poorly last night, and I'm so very sore this morning. I was supposed to take it easy for three weeks after my surgery, but I just HAD to get going yesterday. I went to the Family Dollar Store, the Goodwill, and up to Creekside, to work. Steve didn't let me do much, but I was there, and run some (many) errands. I cut and fitted the styrofoam panels to fit inside the kitchen walls, so the house will be easier for Elaine to heat and cool. I also did some general 'straigtening up' around the place, burning brush and garbage, putting 'like' things in areas together, and trying to find things to do that would not require stretching, lifting, and bending.
That's hard to do on a construction site.
I think the men who work for us thought I'd be down and out for a few days, because Steve didn't show up, and Tim slept all day. I suspect he's using, as this time came right after he had gone to Knoxville (to a drug-infested neighborhood) and he had always seemed active.
I know I couldn't sleep for 10-12 hours. I barely sleep for a few hours each night.
Steve was wiring the kitchen down below his room, and hammering nails into the wall, and it didn't seem to disturb him any at all.
Nothing got done yesterday except what Steve and I did.
I drove down to Babrabra's yesterday to get some food she had prepared for my period of confinement. She cooked up some mighty good vittles. Some cake she baked was superb. Perhaps, in the comment section, she will share her recipe.
Her ham and chicken dinner is always welcome.
But the highlight of my trip was getting to see The Queen Mother. She's always a true delight, and an inspiration to all who meet her. I always make a bee-line for her and get a sweet hug and a kiss. I'm glad she shared some of her beautiful artwork with me, so that I can enjoy her work after she's gone, if I'm still here.
Lynn called me while I was still groggy, but we got to talk a little. She can't believe how quickly I 'bounced back' from such a surgical proceedure.
Marsha Morgan helped with my care in the Recovery Room. She had to keep telling me to behave, so I suppose I was my usual 'cut-up' self.
The grass needs mowing badly, so we just locked the gate over the driveway and turned the cows out into the yard. I put out some granuales to keep them away from my favorite shrubs, but I don't know if they'll work. I'd rather give the cows the grass than bounce my insides out trying to mow.
I need to repair fences as soon as I'm able. This farm has gone to ruin, sinse Steve does little but set on his computer. I suppose I'll have to get the hired men to come up here and do some repairs. I'm thinking of selling 'Bully', as he's the one who keeps tearing down the fences.
I may sell some more, too, to raise money to have work done on Creekside.
I wish I knew how to put pictures on e-bay. I might sell Steve's '57 Chevrolet.
That's hard to do on a construction site.
I think the men who work for us thought I'd be down and out for a few days, because Steve didn't show up, and Tim slept all day. I suspect he's using, as this time came right after he had gone to Knoxville (to a drug-infested neighborhood) and he had always seemed active.
I know I couldn't sleep for 10-12 hours. I barely sleep for a few hours each night.
Steve was wiring the kitchen down below his room, and hammering nails into the wall, and it didn't seem to disturb him any at all.
Nothing got done yesterday except what Steve and I did.
I drove down to Babrabra's yesterday to get some food she had prepared for my period of confinement. She cooked up some mighty good vittles. Some cake she baked was superb. Perhaps, in the comment section, she will share her recipe.
Her ham and chicken dinner is always welcome.
But the highlight of my trip was getting to see The Queen Mother. She's always a true delight, and an inspiration to all who meet her. I always make a bee-line for her and get a sweet hug and a kiss. I'm glad she shared some of her beautiful artwork with me, so that I can enjoy her work after she's gone, if I'm still here.
Lynn called me while I was still groggy, but we got to talk a little. She can't believe how quickly I 'bounced back' from such a surgical proceedure.
Marsha Morgan helped with my care in the Recovery Room. She had to keep telling me to behave, so I suppose I was my usual 'cut-up' self.
The grass needs mowing badly, so we just locked the gate over the driveway and turned the cows out into the yard. I put out some granuales to keep them away from my favorite shrubs, but I don't know if they'll work. I'd rather give the cows the grass than bounce my insides out trying to mow.
I need to repair fences as soon as I'm able. This farm has gone to ruin, sinse Steve does little but set on his computer. I suppose I'll have to get the hired men to come up here and do some repairs. I'm thinking of selling 'Bully', as he's the one who keeps tearing down the fences.
I may sell some more, too, to raise money to have work done on Creekside.
I wish I knew how to put pictures on e-bay. I might sell Steve's '57 Chevrolet.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011 AM
I had my surgery yesterday. It seemed forever before they took me back to the OR, but it was over in just a few minutes. Dr. Crawford is a favorite with most of the nursing staff, and I can see why. He has a good sense of humor, does good surgical work, and makes an effort to get along with everyone.
All of the staff at Morristown General seem to be jovial and enjoy jokes.
I just suddenly woke up in recovery, and Marsha Morgan was working on a patient right beside my bed. She is a local lady who is a nurse there, and I had wanted her for my recovery room nurse. She told me that the nurse I had was totally capable of taking good care of me, so I had to be content with just watching Marsha from a slight distance.
I'm having some pain, but it's more like soreness. Barbara called last night to say that she had cooked us some food, and we could come and get it anytime.
We'll eat good.
I had a long list of people to call to tell them I was OK after surgery, Several people in the community here wanted to know the outcome.
Lynn cried on the phone when we talked. She was so relieved to know that I was OK.
Tim Ivey, the man who is living in Creekside, admonished me to take it easy, and promised that he would take good care of everything there.
I slept like a log last night, though I had to get up for the bathroom a couple of times. I think it might have been the combination of the pain meds and my Ambien.
I plan to go up to Creekside with Steve in a few minutes. He's going, and I don't want to miss all that's happening there. I'll have to take it easy, which I don't like, but I just HAVE to go.
Lynn says that Aunt Kitty wants to follow my blog, and she's very welcome.
I need her prayers and support.
More later.
All of the staff at Morristown General seem to be jovial and enjoy jokes.
I just suddenly woke up in recovery, and Marsha Morgan was working on a patient right beside my bed. She is a local lady who is a nurse there, and I had wanted her for my recovery room nurse. She told me that the nurse I had was totally capable of taking good care of me, so I had to be content with just watching Marsha from a slight distance.
I'm having some pain, but it's more like soreness. Barbara called last night to say that she had cooked us some food, and we could come and get it anytime.
We'll eat good.
I had a long list of people to call to tell them I was OK after surgery, Several people in the community here wanted to know the outcome.
Lynn cried on the phone when we talked. She was so relieved to know that I was OK.
Tim Ivey, the man who is living in Creekside, admonished me to take it easy, and promised that he would take good care of everything there.
I slept like a log last night, though I had to get up for the bathroom a couple of times. I think it might have been the combination of the pain meds and my Ambien.
I plan to go up to Creekside with Steve in a few minutes. He's going, and I don't want to miss all that's happening there. I'll have to take it easy, which I don't like, but I just HAVE to go.
Lynn says that Aunt Kitty wants to follow my blog, and she's very welcome.
I need her prayers and support.
More later.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
It's Good Friday, and I hope it is.
I'm having surgery for Abdominal Bi-lateral Hernias this morning, and I hope all goes well.
I hope, also, that a lot gets done at Creekside while I'm 'laid up'.
Lynn and I had a good talk last night about many things, and she's going to be thinking of me today, and praying for me.
It was nice of her to call and give me some reassurance of her support.
I also ask for the prayers of The Queen Mother, Elizabeth Womack, and from any others who are Godly-minded.
Thank you all for your support.
I'm having surgery for Abdominal Bi-lateral Hernias this morning, and I hope all goes well.
I hope, also, that a lot gets done at Creekside while I'm 'laid up'.
Lynn and I had a good talk last night about many things, and she's going to be thinking of me today, and praying for me.
It was nice of her to call and give me some reassurance of her support.
I also ask for the prayers of The Queen Mother, Elizabeth Womack, and from any others who are Godly-minded.
Thank you all for your support.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
It's been busy this last week.
We had another spring flood (they seem to be more often now).
It came during the night Thursday night. Friday morning, Judy called me to ask me to breakfast. I had already eaten some cereal, but I didn't want to miss seeing her, so I got ready and went right away. I had to drive through over a foot of water on Old Blue Springs Road, but I thought it was well worth it to get to see Judy.
I took her the knives by Vera that I had bought her for Christmas (we hadn't seen each other sinse before Christmas), and she was really pleased to get them. She had asked me to get her some last summer, and I had found some at a discounted price, and got her quite a collection of them.
She went with me to the new house on Cherry Street, and met Steve Richards (S2) there, and they talked about manufactured stone for her foundation. She's really interested in getting it done. She's so far from here, but Steve offered to stay in her pop-up camper, which would work out really well, being as his labor is so cheap and he does such nice work. He also knows that if he messes up, he'll have to answer to me.
Judy just finished her BSN degree, and was on the President's List all the time she was in school. She's now preparing to begin her MSN training. I'm so proud of her! She's lost a little weight, but I thought she looked well. She always looks beautiful to me. All of my neices seem to have done pretty well, and they all express love for me when we see each other, but Judy makes it a point to come and visit, and to invite Steve and me to her place for visits.
She took a liking to some lawn furniture I had bought from Jim Warwick, so I guess they will go to her house. I just can't tell her no about anything. I have lots of other lawn furniture, and I only have one Judy.
It's frustrating to have to try to work around the lack of work done on the electrical and plumbing at the new house. It slows down things that sorely need to be done.
We've torn off all the lathe and plaster in the kitchen, and found quite a few nests of squirrels, rats, mice, hornets, and mud-daubbers. The filth in the walls was incredible, and we could easily see how the house had been so hard to heat. There are so many holes in that lovely old home.
There won't be for long.
We finally got all the stuff hauled from the John Sevier warehouses, except for the floors of the carosel, which I think the men are planning to haul today. Two sections are to be used (end beside end) for the floor of the new laundry room at the house on Cherry Street. It's built from 2X6's that are tongue-and-grooved, so it will be a rather sturdy floor. It will also be pretty cheap, which I like a lot.
The white truck is still not repaired, as the men needed to take a day to get drunk.
They both wound up at Steve's house and piled up with Kenny Daily and some other toothless black fellow and got 'drunk as Cooty Brown'. When I went by there to get my cell phone, Tim said that he wanted to get home and lay down.
I took him by the IGA and got him some cottage cheeze, which he had asked for, and took him home to Creekside. He went upstairs to bed, and I didn't hear another peep from him.
I worked outside, mostly so I wouldn't bother him, and built the sidewalk/patio area in front of the entrance steps. It looked really good last night at 9:00 when I left for home. It's about half finished, but I need to get it finished before my surgery on Friday.
Betty Pike told me in an e-mail that I hadn't explained my surgery. It's for abdominal hernias, and they have been caused from weak inner lining of my abdominal cavity and from all the heavy lifting I have done all my life. Momma did the same kind of lifting and 'toting', and she also had numerous hernias. She had gone through surgery several times, but hers always came back. I've had surgery before, too, and mine came back, probably for the same reasons. They didn't have the teflon mesh at that time to keep the hernias healed, and mom just went back to lifting things she shouldn't.
I remember her wearing rubber girdles to hold her stomach in when I was younger, and she always looked pregnant. She (like myself) worked like a man, and it's little wonder she had some of the physical problems she did. She was quite a lady, though, and I often think of the work she could do when I'm frustrated with a project. I often wish she was still alive and well, so she could help me. When I lived on 4th Avenue, she had a key to my house, and I would often come home from work in the mornings and find out that she had been there and weeded my flowers or trimmed the yard. Cecil and Brenda helped me with that yard a LOT. Momma left a good example for her children...we all work.
There's so much I'd like to get done before I'm down with my surgery. Dr. Crawford says I'll be down for three weeks. Steve is betting I'll be up and about the next day. He just might be right this time. If I'm laying about in bed, it will just be so he won't yell at me so much about buying all that stuff from Jim. He needs to feel sorry for me, and not angry. I've got to play this one just right.
I need to get it all cleaned up and stored in some kind of order before he comes home so he won't 'go off' about all of it. He just doesn't understand my love of all my junk.
Elaine Ridenour has already bought a washer and dryer from me, and someone else has asked S2 about buying some of my stone. He might get some work out of that deal. I've got plenty of it, and it's certainly for sale.
There was a terrible accident at the new high school yesterday, and the news reporters from Channel 10 interviewed me in my yard about it. Two kids were riding in the back of a truck, and it was T-boned by a tractor-trailer rig, which jack-knifed trying to miss them. I spoke about the risks involved in riding in an open vehicle. I watched the segment last night, and I think I came across presentably. The reporters came back to the house later and told me that they had learned that it was not against the law to ride in the back of a truck, because it might be percieved to be discriminatory against illegal alien workers. Just how did this country get to this point???
We're allowing un-safe practices which are injuring and killing our children to accodomate the needs of people who are here illegally. I'd like to wring the necks of some of these politicians.
I learned yesterday, too, from BARBARA (now, there's your mention) that Breeding's Restaurant, a landmark in Blaine, is closing, and has been bought out by Weigel's, who has a beer permit. That should make that end of the county a lot more socially stable. Yeah, RIGHT!
I hope Vicky Vinyard gets busy with her lawsuit to revoke selling beer in Blaine. I saw her yesterday in traffic.
The weather was pleasant yesterday, but I think there's going to be some rain today.
I wanted to get the sidewalk done before more rain, because the gutters and down spouts leak above that area, and the water just pours off the roof, eroding that area. My lovely brick sidewalk will help to prevent that, I hope. It will be a nice spot for Elaine and her girls to have coffee and for Elaine to smoke, if she continues to. She always goes outside to smoke. That's just a part of her considerate nature.
I bought a stove and refrigerator from Beth yesterday for $40.00, which seems really cheap, but she owes me some money and a few favors, so it's not such a steal. The refrigerator/freezer is just a 21 cubic foot model, but it will be good for a back-up unit or for a double unit, where Elaine can use one in the kitchen and one in her (rather large) laundry room. She worries that the house is becomming so nice that I'll raise her rent. I won't. She's a truely good friend, and she needs someone to be good to her. All her family treat me like family, and I sure love that feeling.
Barbara told me last night that she's already cooking foods to send to us while I'm recovering from my surgery. I'd say there will be some of her cajun dishes, which she knows S1 loves.
I'm hopeing for her fabulous ham-wrapped chicken in the mushroom gravy, which is about my favorite dish that she cooks. She's actually a pretty good cook, and loves to putter in her kitchen, 'tweeking' recipes.
She so longs to read my posts, so I hope this one will start off her day with a smile.
I have asked her to tell 'The Queen Mother' that I covet her prayers for the time of my surgery.
Elizabeth is quite the prayer warrior, and quite a Lady.
My hair is dry now. I let it down to dry in the morning after I wash it the night before, and it dries while I'm on the computer. Then I put it up. I'm going to take a little more effort this morning, as I have to drive over to the hospital for my pre-admission work-up. I think Cherokee is going to ride over with me. Her company is always pleasant. She's already worried about me, and I'm glad to have such a caring person love me.
I hope I will have some time to repair the fences this afternoon. I hate keeping the cows confined. They need to roam.
I hope it's a pretty day.
We had another spring flood (they seem to be more often now).
It came during the night Thursday night. Friday morning, Judy called me to ask me to breakfast. I had already eaten some cereal, but I didn't want to miss seeing her, so I got ready and went right away. I had to drive through over a foot of water on Old Blue Springs Road, but I thought it was well worth it to get to see Judy.
I took her the knives by Vera that I had bought her for Christmas (we hadn't seen each other sinse before Christmas), and she was really pleased to get them. She had asked me to get her some last summer, and I had found some at a discounted price, and got her quite a collection of them.
She went with me to the new house on Cherry Street, and met Steve Richards (S2) there, and they talked about manufactured stone for her foundation. She's really interested in getting it done. She's so far from here, but Steve offered to stay in her pop-up camper, which would work out really well, being as his labor is so cheap and he does such nice work. He also knows that if he messes up, he'll have to answer to me.
Judy just finished her BSN degree, and was on the President's List all the time she was in school. She's now preparing to begin her MSN training. I'm so proud of her! She's lost a little weight, but I thought she looked well. She always looks beautiful to me. All of my neices seem to have done pretty well, and they all express love for me when we see each other, but Judy makes it a point to come and visit, and to invite Steve and me to her place for visits.
She took a liking to some lawn furniture I had bought from Jim Warwick, so I guess they will go to her house. I just can't tell her no about anything. I have lots of other lawn furniture, and I only have one Judy.
It's frustrating to have to try to work around the lack of work done on the electrical and plumbing at the new house. It slows down things that sorely need to be done.
We've torn off all the lathe and plaster in the kitchen, and found quite a few nests of squirrels, rats, mice, hornets, and mud-daubbers. The filth in the walls was incredible, and we could easily see how the house had been so hard to heat. There are so many holes in that lovely old home.
There won't be for long.
We finally got all the stuff hauled from the John Sevier warehouses, except for the floors of the carosel, which I think the men are planning to haul today. Two sections are to be used (end beside end) for the floor of the new laundry room at the house on Cherry Street. It's built from 2X6's that are tongue-and-grooved, so it will be a rather sturdy floor. It will also be pretty cheap, which I like a lot.
The white truck is still not repaired, as the men needed to take a day to get drunk.
They both wound up at Steve's house and piled up with Kenny Daily and some other toothless black fellow and got 'drunk as Cooty Brown'. When I went by there to get my cell phone, Tim said that he wanted to get home and lay down.
I took him by the IGA and got him some cottage cheeze, which he had asked for, and took him home to Creekside. He went upstairs to bed, and I didn't hear another peep from him.
I worked outside, mostly so I wouldn't bother him, and built the sidewalk/patio area in front of the entrance steps. It looked really good last night at 9:00 when I left for home. It's about half finished, but I need to get it finished before my surgery on Friday.
Betty Pike told me in an e-mail that I hadn't explained my surgery. It's for abdominal hernias, and they have been caused from weak inner lining of my abdominal cavity and from all the heavy lifting I have done all my life. Momma did the same kind of lifting and 'toting', and she also had numerous hernias. She had gone through surgery several times, but hers always came back. I've had surgery before, too, and mine came back, probably for the same reasons. They didn't have the teflon mesh at that time to keep the hernias healed, and mom just went back to lifting things she shouldn't.
I remember her wearing rubber girdles to hold her stomach in when I was younger, and she always looked pregnant. She (like myself) worked like a man, and it's little wonder she had some of the physical problems she did. She was quite a lady, though, and I often think of the work she could do when I'm frustrated with a project. I often wish she was still alive and well, so she could help me. When I lived on 4th Avenue, she had a key to my house, and I would often come home from work in the mornings and find out that she had been there and weeded my flowers or trimmed the yard. Cecil and Brenda helped me with that yard a LOT. Momma left a good example for her children...we all work.
There's so much I'd like to get done before I'm down with my surgery. Dr. Crawford says I'll be down for three weeks. Steve is betting I'll be up and about the next day. He just might be right this time. If I'm laying about in bed, it will just be so he won't yell at me so much about buying all that stuff from Jim. He needs to feel sorry for me, and not angry. I've got to play this one just right.
I need to get it all cleaned up and stored in some kind of order before he comes home so he won't 'go off' about all of it. He just doesn't understand my love of all my junk.
Elaine Ridenour has already bought a washer and dryer from me, and someone else has asked S2 about buying some of my stone. He might get some work out of that deal. I've got plenty of it, and it's certainly for sale.
There was a terrible accident at the new high school yesterday, and the news reporters from Channel 10 interviewed me in my yard about it. Two kids were riding in the back of a truck, and it was T-boned by a tractor-trailer rig, which jack-knifed trying to miss them. I spoke about the risks involved in riding in an open vehicle. I watched the segment last night, and I think I came across presentably. The reporters came back to the house later and told me that they had learned that it was not against the law to ride in the back of a truck, because it might be percieved to be discriminatory against illegal alien workers. Just how did this country get to this point???
We're allowing un-safe practices which are injuring and killing our children to accodomate the needs of people who are here illegally. I'd like to wring the necks of some of these politicians.
I learned yesterday, too, from BARBARA (now, there's your mention) that Breeding's Restaurant, a landmark in Blaine, is closing, and has been bought out by Weigel's, who has a beer permit. That should make that end of the county a lot more socially stable. Yeah, RIGHT!
I hope Vicky Vinyard gets busy with her lawsuit to revoke selling beer in Blaine. I saw her yesterday in traffic.
The weather was pleasant yesterday, but I think there's going to be some rain today.
I wanted to get the sidewalk done before more rain, because the gutters and down spouts leak above that area, and the water just pours off the roof, eroding that area. My lovely brick sidewalk will help to prevent that, I hope. It will be a nice spot for Elaine and her girls to have coffee and for Elaine to smoke, if she continues to. She always goes outside to smoke. That's just a part of her considerate nature.
I bought a stove and refrigerator from Beth yesterday for $40.00, which seems really cheap, but she owes me some money and a few favors, so it's not such a steal. The refrigerator/freezer is just a 21 cubic foot model, but it will be good for a back-up unit or for a double unit, where Elaine can use one in the kitchen and one in her (rather large) laundry room. She worries that the house is becomming so nice that I'll raise her rent. I won't. She's a truely good friend, and she needs someone to be good to her. All her family treat me like family, and I sure love that feeling.
Barbara told me last night that she's already cooking foods to send to us while I'm recovering from my surgery. I'd say there will be some of her cajun dishes, which she knows S1 loves.
I'm hopeing for her fabulous ham-wrapped chicken in the mushroom gravy, which is about my favorite dish that she cooks. She's actually a pretty good cook, and loves to putter in her kitchen, 'tweeking' recipes.
She so longs to read my posts, so I hope this one will start off her day with a smile.
I have asked her to tell 'The Queen Mother' that I covet her prayers for the time of my surgery.
Elizabeth is quite the prayer warrior, and quite a Lady.
My hair is dry now. I let it down to dry in the morning after I wash it the night before, and it dries while I'm on the computer. Then I put it up. I'm going to take a little more effort this morning, as I have to drive over to the hospital for my pre-admission work-up. I think Cherokee is going to ride over with me. Her company is always pleasant. She's already worried about me, and I'm glad to have such a caring person love me.
I hope I will have some time to repair the fences this afternoon. I hate keeping the cows confined. They need to roam.
I hope it's a pretty day.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011 AM
I don't want to start too early this morning with the 'real work' around here, so I'm hanging out on-line for a while until my juices start flowing better.
I forgot to mention that Renae mentioned my blog yesterday. She says that when she has another romance, she's not going to tell me, as I 'out' her on my blog. She loves my teasing. We have come to respect and love each other, and we enjoy the conversational sparring that's common with me and my friends.
I've been way too busy lately with so many other things that I've neglected my friendships, and I feel so guilty. Mary, my sister who lives in Halls, often scolds me for not coming to see her or call her, and I really do miss her. She's such a good woman, and I always enjoy our visits, but Halls seems like it's so far away when I'm driving down there. My time is so full of so many things, and I'm trying to get everything done so that when I'm down with my surgery, there won't be so much for Steve to do. He won't take care of details, but will loaf in front of his computer.
I miss Cecil, too. She's always been my favorite of all my siblings, but she's even farther away from me. I should call her, and she's asked me to call her every Sunday and up-date her on all that's going on in my life, but I forget.
I don't forget her. I'll remember her and her goodness to me with my dying breath.
I'd like to see Judy, too. I haven't even seen her to give her the Christmas presents I got her.
She's busy, too, though, and is always on the run, just as I am.
Lawrence says I don't love him anymore, because I don't call him, but I call him more than he calls me. He works crazy schedules, and I don't want to disturb him. He needs his rest as well as I need mine.
Some day all my brothers and sisters will be gone. I miss those who have already gone, though I didn't see them so often.
I miss Grandma the most. She was always so involved with us all, and outlived our parents. She was a woman on a mission. I hope she would be proud of me, but she set some pretty high standards.
I've been thinking of Bill Jr, lately. I don't know why. I've just had him on my mind. He was Aunt Dora's only son, and was so good to me when I lived with Aunt Dora and Uncle Bill in Illinois. He did the tile work in this house when we built, and it's so well-done. He was once the best tile-setter in the state of Illinois. I haven't heard from him in a long while.
I need to repair fences and get the cows back out on pasture again. The feeding of them while they're corralled is a lot more work. They can always find something to pick at when they're out on a field, but they seem to eat so much when they're put up.
I've got way too many irons in the fire.
Just a reminder: My surgery is scheduled for Good Friday at noon. Marsha Morgan is going to be my nurse in recovery. I told her I'm looking forward to seeing her lovely, smiling face when I awake. She's a good friend and neighbor, and an excellent nurse.
Cherokee said she'd like to go with me for my pre-admission work. I think she worries about me more than she says. We've become even more close in our friendship since Steve has been working for us. He's still doing really great. He says I'm the most amusing and giving boss he's ever had.
Elaine came for a visit at the house yesterday, and she's amazed at all the work we're doing. I think it's going painfully slow, but we've been moving all the stuff I bought from Jim Warwick, and it's taking all our time. The house is getting pretty full, and it will take a lot of time to get everything out of the way before we can do much more construction.
She took a washer and dryer that I had got in all that stuff from Jim, and she's going to try them out to see if they will work for her. She had been 'renting to own', and the payments were getting higher each month. I think the 'rent' was getting close to $80.00 each month, so buying a nice set (even used) is a better option for her. She has to watch her money, as the Family Dollar doesn't make their employees rich. She's LONGING to get in the house. I discussed with her a plan I have for cheaper water for the house, and she really 'on to' that idea. I'll publish it here if it works. You won't hear about it if it all blows up in my face. I have enough ignomineous defeats to tell about here.
Faune Gerber, from Nashville, often posts comments for me, and sometimes e-mails me, and her words are always sweet and comforting. She says she'd like to be here to help with all the chores, but she doesn't know how hard the work is. She would surely lose some weight.
There's a lot of 'heavy lifting'.
Well, my head is itching to get combed and put up, and chores are 'a-waiting' so I must get off this thing I both hate and love.
Lynn, it's time for a post from you.
I forgot to mention that Renae mentioned my blog yesterday. She says that when she has another romance, she's not going to tell me, as I 'out' her on my blog. She loves my teasing. We have come to respect and love each other, and we enjoy the conversational sparring that's common with me and my friends.
I've been way too busy lately with so many other things that I've neglected my friendships, and I feel so guilty. Mary, my sister who lives in Halls, often scolds me for not coming to see her or call her, and I really do miss her. She's such a good woman, and I always enjoy our visits, but Halls seems like it's so far away when I'm driving down there. My time is so full of so many things, and I'm trying to get everything done so that when I'm down with my surgery, there won't be so much for Steve to do. He won't take care of details, but will loaf in front of his computer.
I miss Cecil, too. She's always been my favorite of all my siblings, but she's even farther away from me. I should call her, and she's asked me to call her every Sunday and up-date her on all that's going on in my life, but I forget.
I don't forget her. I'll remember her and her goodness to me with my dying breath.
I'd like to see Judy, too. I haven't even seen her to give her the Christmas presents I got her.
She's busy, too, though, and is always on the run, just as I am.
Lawrence says I don't love him anymore, because I don't call him, but I call him more than he calls me. He works crazy schedules, and I don't want to disturb him. He needs his rest as well as I need mine.
Some day all my brothers and sisters will be gone. I miss those who have already gone, though I didn't see them so often.
I miss Grandma the most. She was always so involved with us all, and outlived our parents. She was a woman on a mission. I hope she would be proud of me, but she set some pretty high standards.
I've been thinking of Bill Jr, lately. I don't know why. I've just had him on my mind. He was Aunt Dora's only son, and was so good to me when I lived with Aunt Dora and Uncle Bill in Illinois. He did the tile work in this house when we built, and it's so well-done. He was once the best tile-setter in the state of Illinois. I haven't heard from him in a long while.
I need to repair fences and get the cows back out on pasture again. The feeding of them while they're corralled is a lot more work. They can always find something to pick at when they're out on a field, but they seem to eat so much when they're put up.
I've got way too many irons in the fire.
Just a reminder: My surgery is scheduled for Good Friday at noon. Marsha Morgan is going to be my nurse in recovery. I told her I'm looking forward to seeing her lovely, smiling face when I awake. She's a good friend and neighbor, and an excellent nurse.
Cherokee said she'd like to go with me for my pre-admission work. I think she worries about me more than she says. We've become even more close in our friendship since Steve has been working for us. He's still doing really great. He says I'm the most amusing and giving boss he's ever had.
Elaine came for a visit at the house yesterday, and she's amazed at all the work we're doing. I think it's going painfully slow, but we've been moving all the stuff I bought from Jim Warwick, and it's taking all our time. The house is getting pretty full, and it will take a lot of time to get everything out of the way before we can do much more construction.
She took a washer and dryer that I had got in all that stuff from Jim, and she's going to try them out to see if they will work for her. She had been 'renting to own', and the payments were getting higher each month. I think the 'rent' was getting close to $80.00 each month, so buying a nice set (even used) is a better option for her. She has to watch her money, as the Family Dollar doesn't make their employees rich. She's LONGING to get in the house. I discussed with her a plan I have for cheaper water for the house, and she really 'on to' that idea. I'll publish it here if it works. You won't hear about it if it all blows up in my face. I have enough ignomineous defeats to tell about here.
Faune Gerber, from Nashville, often posts comments for me, and sometimes e-mails me, and her words are always sweet and comforting. She says she'd like to be here to help with all the chores, but she doesn't know how hard the work is. She would surely lose some weight.
There's a lot of 'heavy lifting'.
Well, my head is itching to get combed and put up, and chores are 'a-waiting' so I must get off this thing I both hate and love.
Lynn, it's time for a post from you.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 PM
Carselle Owens told me today that she's reading my posts, so I don't want to disappoint her.
She loves all that's going on with me and my houses and farm animals.
She's so nice, one of the nicest volunteers we have at the Goodwill.
I've been giving them a lot of the left-over stuff from the tractor trailers full of stuff I bought from Jim Warwick. They're loveing it, and it's all selling pretty fast.
We hauled two truck loads, with trailers behind them today. A lot of it was lumber and larger furniture items. I got some good wood doors, and some kitchen cabinets. We also moved a trailer load of flourescent light fixtures. I sold 10 of them to Kenny Dailey for $5.00 each from the front yard before we got them off the truck.
There's still a LOT to haul up here. I'll be glad to get it all moved.
I'm really tired, but I would't want to ever disappoint Carzelle, so I posted.
My friends are very important to me.
She loves all that's going on with me and my houses and farm animals.
She's so nice, one of the nicest volunteers we have at the Goodwill.
I've been giving them a lot of the left-over stuff from the tractor trailers full of stuff I bought from Jim Warwick. They're loveing it, and it's all selling pretty fast.
We hauled two truck loads, with trailers behind them today. A lot of it was lumber and larger furniture items. I got some good wood doors, and some kitchen cabinets. We also moved a trailer load of flourescent light fixtures. I sold 10 of them to Kenny Dailey for $5.00 each from the front yard before we got them off the truck.
There's still a LOT to haul up here. I'll be glad to get it all moved.
I'm really tired, but I would't want to ever disappoint Carzelle, so I posted.
My friends are very important to me.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 PM
I haven't posted in a while, and Barbara is dying to hear from me, so this is it.
I've lost track of what has happened on which day, so I'll just up-date.
The cows broke the fence and got into the Womack's yard one day while I was gone. I can't be sure where they got out, so I've now got them all in the corral until I get to raise the fences.
Bull stayed out for several days. He's such a jerk, and he's likely to become jerky.
We closed on the new house today. Rather, I did, as Steve is out of town. They will overnight the papers to him, and he'll sign them there, before a notary, and have them returned.
The realtor said this was the fastest and easiest house sale she's ever had. We bought it before it went on the market, and we closed as soon as she could set up a date.
We are still working furiously on the new house. Steve Richards is a tremendous help to me. He's thoughtful and knows how to do almost anything.
I've now got another helper. He was working for this man I bought some things from, and he had been sleeping in another man's truck cab. I couldn't see anyone treated that way, so I offered him steady employement and a place to stay. He's sleeping on two mattresses from a camper in one of the upstairs rooms at Creekside, which will maybe help to keep the drug addicts out of the house at night. I supplied him with sheets, a comforter, a heater, a TV, some movies, groceries, and we turned on the water heater. I had him move a small dorm-style referigerator into his room. He's so pleased. I think he needed to be treated like a man and not an animal.
Patty came by to see me this morning, but I was gone to the signing of the papers on the house. I'm sorry I missed her.
The grass is needing mowing at both houses, but I don't know when I'll have the time to do it.
We still have several loads of stuff to get from the warehouses at Jim's lots on John Sevier.
There's a lot of building supplies, so it's all stuff that I need. I really need more time.
Steve, the new man, and I went down to Freeflow yesterday and tore up some old shipping crates that were built from 2X10's for the lumber. They were really nailed together, and it took a lot of work, but the lumber is good to have for the effort. We hope to go get more, if the crates last.
It's little wonder that I'm sore at night. And in the morning.
It rained during the night and some of today, and it's cold. I don't know what to think about this weather.
I'm tired. Barbara will just have to amuse herself some other way. She does have a rich fantacy life.
I've lost track of what has happened on which day, so I'll just up-date.
The cows broke the fence and got into the Womack's yard one day while I was gone. I can't be sure where they got out, so I've now got them all in the corral until I get to raise the fences.
Bull stayed out for several days. He's such a jerk, and he's likely to become jerky.
We closed on the new house today. Rather, I did, as Steve is out of town. They will overnight the papers to him, and he'll sign them there, before a notary, and have them returned.
The realtor said this was the fastest and easiest house sale she's ever had. We bought it before it went on the market, and we closed as soon as she could set up a date.
We are still working furiously on the new house. Steve Richards is a tremendous help to me. He's thoughtful and knows how to do almost anything.
I've now got another helper. He was working for this man I bought some things from, and he had been sleeping in another man's truck cab. I couldn't see anyone treated that way, so I offered him steady employement and a place to stay. He's sleeping on two mattresses from a camper in one of the upstairs rooms at Creekside, which will maybe help to keep the drug addicts out of the house at night. I supplied him with sheets, a comforter, a heater, a TV, some movies, groceries, and we turned on the water heater. I had him move a small dorm-style referigerator into his room. He's so pleased. I think he needed to be treated like a man and not an animal.
Patty came by to see me this morning, but I was gone to the signing of the papers on the house. I'm sorry I missed her.
The grass is needing mowing at both houses, but I don't know when I'll have the time to do it.
We still have several loads of stuff to get from the warehouses at Jim's lots on John Sevier.
There's a lot of building supplies, so it's all stuff that I need. I really need more time.
Steve, the new man, and I went down to Freeflow yesterday and tore up some old shipping crates that were built from 2X10's for the lumber. They were really nailed together, and it took a lot of work, but the lumber is good to have for the effort. We hope to go get more, if the crates last.
It's little wonder that I'm sore at night. And in the morning.
It rained during the night and some of today, and it's cold. I don't know what to think about this weather.
I'm tired. Barbara will just have to amuse herself some other way. She does have a rich fantacy life.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011 AM
I don't really have much time to post, but I feel that I need to record some activities of late.
I had some things to take to Barbara for her house the other night, and 'The Queen Mother', Miss Elizabeth, stayed up to see me. I was truely touched by her affection. She raved over the light mint green curtains I had found for Barbara's house.
She is quite a fine lady, and I'm glad to have her for a good, praying friend.
Steve (2) and I went up to Rogersville day before yesterday, and shopped for windows and doors at Shepherd's Corner, a re-sale store there. We didn't buy much, but went by and had lunch at Joe's Sweet Tooth Cafe. It's always nice to see Joe and her good staff, and have some good food.
We then went to a Salvage store down on Western Avenue in Knoxville, but their prices were just way too high for us to buy anything there.
We were heading back to Rutledge when I got a call on my cell phone from a fellow Steve knows, and he wanted to sell me some paving stones and facing manufactured stone. He's going out of the business, and promised me some really great prices.
We went there to look at the stone, and his prices were truely great, so I bought all his inventory.
Lynn had told me that she's interested in some of the paving stones, and Steve (1) was not so angry at me for buying so much when he learned that Lynn wanted some. He really loves his sister (and I can see why), and he is glad that she and I get along so well. We have a LOT in common.
Steve (2) and I and two other men loaded and hauled stone products and some other building products that the 'stone man' threw in all day yesterday. I'm storing the stones up in the field where the Whooper Swans are kept, so they will not add to the clutter down around the house.
That mollified Steve (1) some. He hates all my 'junk'.
I was really tired last night, and I'm sore all over today, but there's lots more stone and building products to haul. It's supposed to rain today, so it will be miserable work.
I'm not getting much done at Creekside, but I'm getting lots to work with for the time when Steve is home with me at the time of my surgery, which is scheduled for Good Friday. I won't be able to work then, so I feel the need to get things for the work others will be doing.
Faune has kept up with my blog, and prays for me daily. She's an old friend who means a lot to me.
I don't know if Betty Pike reads daily, but we keep in touch. Ruth Pike has a birthday soon, and I will have to remember to send her something. She will be 91. She's lived a good, long life for the Lord, and I think she deserves something nice for that great achievment.
Mr. Eddy saw me last night in the Down Home and commented that I was getting a lot done with the house at Creekside. He said that the old house needed someone to 'help and comfort' it. He's been good for Rutledge for a great many years. I cherish his good will.
I stopped by the Family Dollar for a short visit and to get a hug from Joan. I hope I didn't smell too badly, but I had been loading stuff on trucks all day in the sun. Steven (who works there) told me I looked a little red, so I guess I showed the sun on my skin. I felt a little dry last night, and put on a lot of lotion.
I talked with Barbara for longer last night than in a while. We had some catching up to do. She's going to call me today to see if I can meet her and Elizabeth for lunch, but my 'dance card' is pretty full. I have so much to do. I hope I can stay fairly well and full of hope, and do all I can.
Lynn has not posted lately, but we talked on the phone for about an hour the other day.
She needs to post soon. (hint, hint).
I had some things to take to Barbara for her house the other night, and 'The Queen Mother', Miss Elizabeth, stayed up to see me. I was truely touched by her affection. She raved over the light mint green curtains I had found for Barbara's house.
She is quite a fine lady, and I'm glad to have her for a good, praying friend.
Steve (2) and I went up to Rogersville day before yesterday, and shopped for windows and doors at Shepherd's Corner, a re-sale store there. We didn't buy much, but went by and had lunch at Joe's Sweet Tooth Cafe. It's always nice to see Joe and her good staff, and have some good food.
We then went to a Salvage store down on Western Avenue in Knoxville, but their prices were just way too high for us to buy anything there.
We were heading back to Rutledge when I got a call on my cell phone from a fellow Steve knows, and he wanted to sell me some paving stones and facing manufactured stone. He's going out of the business, and promised me some really great prices.
We went there to look at the stone, and his prices were truely great, so I bought all his inventory.
Lynn had told me that she's interested in some of the paving stones, and Steve (1) was not so angry at me for buying so much when he learned that Lynn wanted some. He really loves his sister (and I can see why), and he is glad that she and I get along so well. We have a LOT in common.
Steve (2) and I and two other men loaded and hauled stone products and some other building products that the 'stone man' threw in all day yesterday. I'm storing the stones up in the field where the Whooper Swans are kept, so they will not add to the clutter down around the house.
That mollified Steve (1) some. He hates all my 'junk'.
I was really tired last night, and I'm sore all over today, but there's lots more stone and building products to haul. It's supposed to rain today, so it will be miserable work.
I'm not getting much done at Creekside, but I'm getting lots to work with for the time when Steve is home with me at the time of my surgery, which is scheduled for Good Friday. I won't be able to work then, so I feel the need to get things for the work others will be doing.
Faune has kept up with my blog, and prays for me daily. She's an old friend who means a lot to me.
I don't know if Betty Pike reads daily, but we keep in touch. Ruth Pike has a birthday soon, and I will have to remember to send her something. She will be 91. She's lived a good, long life for the Lord, and I think she deserves something nice for that great achievment.
Mr. Eddy saw me last night in the Down Home and commented that I was getting a lot done with the house at Creekside. He said that the old house needed someone to 'help and comfort' it. He's been good for Rutledge for a great many years. I cherish his good will.
I stopped by the Family Dollar for a short visit and to get a hug from Joan. I hope I didn't smell too badly, but I had been loading stuff on trucks all day in the sun. Steven (who works there) told me I looked a little red, so I guess I showed the sun on my skin. I felt a little dry last night, and put on a lot of lotion.
I talked with Barbara for longer last night than in a while. We had some catching up to do. She's going to call me today to see if I can meet her and Elizabeth for lunch, but my 'dance card' is pretty full. I have so much to do. I hope I can stay fairly well and full of hope, and do all I can.
Lynn has not posted lately, but we talked on the phone for about an hour the other day.
She needs to post soon. (hint, hint).
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tuesday Evening
I'm not in a good mood. I was earlier, but after having my good surprises and plans shot down, I feel like dirt, so I'm going to bed.
Some days, you just have to wonder if it's worth chewing through the restraints.
Some days, you just have to wonder if it's worth chewing through the restraints.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday AM
Steve and I have been so busy at the Creekside property I don't even know where I am anymore.
I do know that I'm sore and tired all the time. Elaine came by yesterday with her mother, brother, and Rhonda, one of her daughters. Her mother knows a lot about what's going on with houses and how to keep them repaired. She loved some of the things we're doing with the house.
It was nice to talk with another knowledgeable person about what all we're doing.
We're supposed to close on the house today, but I haven't heard anything from the realtor, so I don't know what all to do to get there for the closing.
I just have to hope that everything works out.
I saw in the obituaries this morning that Cassie Winkler, a lady from Rutledge, has died. She was an Apostolic lady who was a fine Christian woman. I saw her often about town, but not lately. She had been in Ridgeview Terrace, a local nursing home.
I was in the Family Dollar Store yesterday to get some much-needed cat food, and saw Alex Watson, Wayne Watson's son. He has worked for me in the recent past, and I asked him if he'd be interested in working again. He said he'd come by to see me if he had any time. He's built small, like his father was, but he can work as well as any man.
Steve Richards and I have got a closet built for one of the upstairs bedrooms, which is a really large, walk-in style. We extended it into the sunroom area, because there's so much space there. I super-insulated it, so the heat and cooling bills for Elaine will be more affordable.
Steve Welch got the stairway wired while he was home this time. There had never been a switched light in the stairs, so he had to go up into the attic and do quite a bit of wiring. I helped him pull cords and wires, when he would let me.
I've got two fabulous brass-ball type chandeliers to go in the stairway, and they will look resplendant there, and give lots of light, as they both have lots of 'candles' in them.
He also got the dining room supplied with three-way light switches, which is nice. Before, you had to pull a chord hanging from the ceiling light fixture. He romoved that horrible ceiling fan from the bathroom ceiling, and there's lights in there now on switches. There had been no switches anywhere in the whole house before, except for the kitchen, which was old, and had to be replaced. It's now a three-way, also.
There's just so much to do.
We've now got so much material and supplies there that we have to move something to work on something else, which doubles the work load, but the things I've bought for the house will be needed, and I got them while they were cheaper and available. I wish I had a good, locking storage unit there.
It's supposed to be clear today, and it looks like it will be, so I hope we will get lots done.
S2 (Steve Richards) is looking ahead to repairing the soffit and facia on the roof-lines. That's going to be a real chore, and really high up. It's a tall house.
It's still fairly early, and I'm tired already, but there's lots of work to do today.
I do know that I'm sore and tired all the time. Elaine came by yesterday with her mother, brother, and Rhonda, one of her daughters. Her mother knows a lot about what's going on with houses and how to keep them repaired. She loved some of the things we're doing with the house.
It was nice to talk with another knowledgeable person about what all we're doing.
We're supposed to close on the house today, but I haven't heard anything from the realtor, so I don't know what all to do to get there for the closing.
I just have to hope that everything works out.
I saw in the obituaries this morning that Cassie Winkler, a lady from Rutledge, has died. She was an Apostolic lady who was a fine Christian woman. I saw her often about town, but not lately. She had been in Ridgeview Terrace, a local nursing home.
I was in the Family Dollar Store yesterday to get some much-needed cat food, and saw Alex Watson, Wayne Watson's son. He has worked for me in the recent past, and I asked him if he'd be interested in working again. He said he'd come by to see me if he had any time. He's built small, like his father was, but he can work as well as any man.
Steve Richards and I have got a closet built for one of the upstairs bedrooms, which is a really large, walk-in style. We extended it into the sunroom area, because there's so much space there. I super-insulated it, so the heat and cooling bills for Elaine will be more affordable.
Steve Welch got the stairway wired while he was home this time. There had never been a switched light in the stairs, so he had to go up into the attic and do quite a bit of wiring. I helped him pull cords and wires, when he would let me.
I've got two fabulous brass-ball type chandeliers to go in the stairway, and they will look resplendant there, and give lots of light, as they both have lots of 'candles' in them.
He also got the dining room supplied with three-way light switches, which is nice. Before, you had to pull a chord hanging from the ceiling light fixture. He romoved that horrible ceiling fan from the bathroom ceiling, and there's lights in there now on switches. There had been no switches anywhere in the whole house before, except for the kitchen, which was old, and had to be replaced. It's now a three-way, also.
There's just so much to do.
We've now got so much material and supplies there that we have to move something to work on something else, which doubles the work load, but the things I've bought for the house will be needed, and I got them while they were cheaper and available. I wish I had a good, locking storage unit there.
It's supposed to be clear today, and it looks like it will be, so I hope we will get lots done.
S2 (Steve Richards) is looking ahead to repairing the soffit and facia on the roof-lines. That's going to be a real chore, and really high up. It's a tall house.
It's still fairly early, and I'm tired already, but there's lots of work to do today.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
It's a crazy time for me to post, but Steve was up and on his computer, and I awoke without him there, and came in to find him. I decided to post, sinse I was up and in the library.
I've been really busy, as usual. The house on Cherry Street is taking lots more work than we thought it would when we began purchase plans. It's now cold again, so the work has to be done in miserable conditions. Half of the kitchen floor is taken up and the door to the cellar is off, so it's impossible to heat more than a little portion of the house where we're working on other things.
Steve is spending most of his break time on his computer and phone, and things are beginning to get out of hand with the work at Creekside. I can't be there all the time to make decisions and get all my work done, too. It's frantic most of the time, and my nerves are almost always frayed. People are saying that I look tired, and I guess I do. A lot of it is mental exhaustion, I know.
Steve Richards (S2) is keeping me busy with the jobs he's working on, and he seems to enjoy working with me around, though he's usually a loner.
He went to Habitat with me yesterday, and he LOVES the store. They're not selling lumber right now, and that was a disappointment, but we got two nice windows for the house. We also got another step ladder, some big-top nails, and some primer for the ceilings. I got quite a few electrical boxes for Steve to use, but I got the wrong kind. I had asked him to go with me, but he stayed home on his computer. I resent that so much. Then he was mad at me for failing him.
He came up and worked for only about half an hour day before yesterday, and only a couple of hours yesterday. There's just too much to do for me to get it all done, and Steve doesn't want me to hire any more help. My resentment and frustration is building.
S2 and I cut and fitted styrofoam insulation day before yesterday, and it was an almost overwhelming project. No two wall or ceiling cavities are the same size, and each piece of the styrofoam had to be cut in place. This was for a ceiling, so our arms, necks and shoulders were exhausted by the time we finished. The walls were not too bad, because they could be done from the floor, but the ceiling almost wiped us out.
My sinuses are giving me a fit, and it's dragging me down physically.
I'm scheduled for my abdominal hernia surgery for Good Friday, and I feel like I have to get so much done before then. I'm supposed to be out of commission for three weeks at that time.
Steve wants to do all the electrical wiring and plumbing, but he's only at the house for a couple of hours each day, and he sometimes takes several hours to do one wall plug, so the project is going very slowly. We can't seal up the walls and insulate until that work is done, and it seems like a game of 'hurry up and wait'.
S2 wants to get his plaster work done, but he can't, because we'll just have to cut holes in the walls to blow in the insulation, and he'll have to repair those openings, too. I think he's frustrated with the slow pace, too.
A weasel has killed almost all of my Silver Phoenix chickens, and almost all of my ducks. It killed all of my yellow pheasants last week. I'm very angry and frustrated at these developments.
They're almost impossible to trap, and they're voracious for blood.
I'm very disheartened about the loss of all those expensive bird pets.
Steve is disgusted with me, it seems, but I don't know how to fight an enemy that can slither through a key hole, strikes at night, and kills often at random.
Spring is usually a happy time for me, but it doesn't seem to be spring, and I'm not happy.
I should be getting some rest.
It's going to be another hectic, busy day tomorrow.
I've been really busy, as usual. The house on Cherry Street is taking lots more work than we thought it would when we began purchase plans. It's now cold again, so the work has to be done in miserable conditions. Half of the kitchen floor is taken up and the door to the cellar is off, so it's impossible to heat more than a little portion of the house where we're working on other things.
Steve is spending most of his break time on his computer and phone, and things are beginning to get out of hand with the work at Creekside. I can't be there all the time to make decisions and get all my work done, too. It's frantic most of the time, and my nerves are almost always frayed. People are saying that I look tired, and I guess I do. A lot of it is mental exhaustion, I know.
Steve Richards (S2) is keeping me busy with the jobs he's working on, and he seems to enjoy working with me around, though he's usually a loner.
He went to Habitat with me yesterday, and he LOVES the store. They're not selling lumber right now, and that was a disappointment, but we got two nice windows for the house. We also got another step ladder, some big-top nails, and some primer for the ceilings. I got quite a few electrical boxes for Steve to use, but I got the wrong kind. I had asked him to go with me, but he stayed home on his computer. I resent that so much. Then he was mad at me for failing him.
He came up and worked for only about half an hour day before yesterday, and only a couple of hours yesterday. There's just too much to do for me to get it all done, and Steve doesn't want me to hire any more help. My resentment and frustration is building.
S2 and I cut and fitted styrofoam insulation day before yesterday, and it was an almost overwhelming project. No two wall or ceiling cavities are the same size, and each piece of the styrofoam had to be cut in place. This was for a ceiling, so our arms, necks and shoulders were exhausted by the time we finished. The walls were not too bad, because they could be done from the floor, but the ceiling almost wiped us out.
My sinuses are giving me a fit, and it's dragging me down physically.
I'm scheduled for my abdominal hernia surgery for Good Friday, and I feel like I have to get so much done before then. I'm supposed to be out of commission for three weeks at that time.
Steve wants to do all the electrical wiring and plumbing, but he's only at the house for a couple of hours each day, and he sometimes takes several hours to do one wall plug, so the project is going very slowly. We can't seal up the walls and insulate until that work is done, and it seems like a game of 'hurry up and wait'.
S2 wants to get his plaster work done, but he can't, because we'll just have to cut holes in the walls to blow in the insulation, and he'll have to repair those openings, too. I think he's frustrated with the slow pace, too.
A weasel has killed almost all of my Silver Phoenix chickens, and almost all of my ducks. It killed all of my yellow pheasants last week. I'm very angry and frustrated at these developments.
They're almost impossible to trap, and they're voracious for blood.
I'm very disheartened about the loss of all those expensive bird pets.
Steve is disgusted with me, it seems, but I don't know how to fight an enemy that can slither through a key hole, strikes at night, and kills often at random.
Spring is usually a happy time for me, but it doesn't seem to be spring, and I'm not happy.
I should be getting some rest.
It's going to be another hectic, busy day tomorrow.
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