I guess it's time to post again.
I was up most of the night with a migraine headache, and Steve had to get me a tub to throw up in, or I would have not made it to the bathroom, and would have had to shampoo the bedroom carpet again.
I don't know where all these migraines are coming from, unless it's stress. Shannon thinks it's my exposure to something (she doesn't know what) in the house at Creekside. The air is changed many times a day there, with all the windows and doors open all day and people running in and out, so I don't think it's that. We also have begun to run a de-humidifier there, so there's little or no mold growing there. There's not even any running water except for in the bathroom, so I don't think it's anything to do with mold or mildew.
No one else seems to be bothered with anything like this. I guess I'm just dying with old age, like Bill Welch seems to be doing, especially today (wink wink).
Lynn has been really busy working missions, which is good work to be doing, but she's not taken the time to blog. It's a good thing she doesn't have a friend like Barbara Womack, or she'd get her ears full of yelling, like I have, because she doesn't mention her boring friends.
Chris Etters came by my house yesterday with the cute truck that's painted exciting colors from The Grainger Today, and Ann Casson was riding with him. He pulled up, cut the engine off, and called to me that he was picking up all the beautiful women, and asked if he could get me to join them. He wouldn't have asked Barbara, for sure.
I hadn't told her about that, as I was too tired to talk to her last night, but she will know in just a few minutes, because she avidly reads every word I print.
I'm so sore this morning that I actually bribed Steve to rub my back for me. I won't say here what I used for a come-on, but it worked.
My stomach is still sore from the sickness in the night.
Penny Bailey is working for us now, and she's working out really well. Her man is the son of a lady who is the sister of Agnes Fine, a lady from the Dante community where I grew up, and I remember her very fondly. Her property bordered ours across Brown Street when I was a small child, and she and her son, Buddy, moved next door into a mobile home on a lot which did not border us later, when Buddy made enough money to leave the old home. It was a rather small house, barely more than a shack, and I don't know how Agnes made it s seem like such a nice house for her and Buddy all those years. She must have been terribly poor, but it didn't seem like it. I remember it well, with a huge willow tree for shade in the side yard, white shingles on the walls, and tin on the roof. There was a small front porch, and a drive way with gravel, but she didn't drive. She had been widowed before I was born.
Kerry, Penny's man, is going to bring his mother to see me sometime, as she remembers a lot about the family, and I would love to talk with her about all of them.
Buddy committed suicide later in life, after Agnes died. I supose he had built his whole life around his mother, and just couldn't bear life without her. She was a really good neighbor.
I was glad to meet Kerry, as he seems like a really nice fellow, and he's good to Penny. He has some physical problems, but used to be a really good builder, who could do finish carpentry like nobody's business. He brought some pictures of his work, and I'd sure like to get him to do some work for me, if he could.
I don't know what he would cost, but I think his standards are pretty high.
Penny and I have been gradually pushing the yard further down the valley by clearing some of the stone and rubble further into the gully that is down at the far end of the property. If I can get Jeff Sikes to ever show up with some fill dirt, we'll enlarge the front lawn a lot. It will make the house look so much nicer.
We finally have the kitchen primed and ready for the wall paper and tile which will be behind the cabinets. It dramatically changes the way the kitchen looks. I painted the back door yesterday afternoon while Steve put the plugs in the wall, but I didn't use the paint I had in mind, and it was so thin that I'll have to give the door another coat. I have some better paint I'll use this time. Penny has the other door (which will go into the laundry room) cleaned, sanded, and the masking tape on the windows, so I'll paint it at the same time. They will be red, which looks dramatic in the kitchen. It really warms the room.
Honeysuckle smell is so thick in the air that it's choking in it's sweetness, and it's making everyone suffer with sinus problems.
The house at Creekside is much cleaner now that Penny's on the job. She FINDS work to do.
We sorted the tools and put them on a make-shift rack in the living room to keep things together where they won't be so hard to find. We would like to put them in the library, but it's not wired yet, so we put them where we won't have to move them so often.
I hope Steve can get the wiring finished this time while he's home.
It will be nice to have plugs in the kitchen. We've had to drag extension cords around to be able to do anything for so long.
Yesterday evening, Steve, Penny, and I took a little stroll down through the woods to a spring Annavee Phillips had told me about, and we carried along a bottle to try the water. It's really deep, and down in a small but tall cave. Steve squeezed (BARELY) through the opening, and got the bottle full. I was the brave soul who drank the water, and it was delicious!
I hope Mr. Cabbage, who owns the property, will allow me to put a small pump down there to get more water. I'd love to be able to drink water without all the bleach taste that is in the utility water in Rutledge. The water here is terribly expensive, as it comes all the way from Morristown. They draw it from Cherokee Lake about 50 yards downstream from where they dump the sewage. Not a very pleasant thought.
Steve will soon be through with his computer work, and he wants to take me somewhere in the truck, to keep me from working at Creekside, I suspect.
We are going to call his father to wish him a happy birthday.
I talked with Ed Boling yesterday and asked him to haul some cattle for me to the auction on Tuesday morning. He said he could, and I'm getting rid of my herd bull, two young bull calves, and at least one cow that has been jumping the fence. He's interested in the cow, and I'm going to offer him a good price on her, as he's a good neighbor.
He always hauls my cows for me, and it saves me a lot of trouble. I don't have to keep a trailer for hauling cattle.
Steve says I can keep the money from the cattle sale to fund the work on Creekside, and cattle are going high now.
I wish he'd do the taxes, and we'd have even more money for Creekside work.
He don't want me taking money out of the bank for Creekside, so I'm limited on what I can spend there.
I'll just have to do more of the work myself, and way more slowly.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011 PM
It seems that my mornings are so rushed that I wind up posting at night now.
I can stay up as late as I want to, but I have to get up and get out of the house early in the mornings.
I rely so heavily on S2 to get the house opened and start the day there. He's really been dependable, and Cherokee is spending a lot of time with us at the house, which is just a bonus.
Chris Daily is working out well. He's the nephew of Kenny Daily, who is an old friend from here in Rutledge. Kenny has done a lot for race relations here. He's a respectable black man with NO attitude, but lots of good humor.
I didn't do much today, because I felt tired and wanted to rest. I slept a lot. Debby Shofner and Cherokee came by, but I didn't even know they were here until Debby called me. I was in bed, so I didn't go out to see them.
Debby is a hard worker, and I like having her to help at Creekside. It seems like I'm hiring a lot of help, but I want that house done so badly.
I hope to go over to Morristown Hamblen tomorrow to see Cherokee. I think it will mean a lot to her to have me visit her. I want her to know that she means a lot to me.
Shawn helped Saturday at the house, and he's really good with plaster, like his dad. He's trying to earn a little extra, as he's getting billed personally for his recent hospitalization. He spent several days in intensive care, and has no insurance.
He can work for me anytime.
Barbara told me this afternoon that she noticed a lot of activity Friday morning at the house. I hope the work begins to show.
She was in Rutledge to get her hair done at Darla Daniel's salon.
Graduation at Grainger High was Friday night, and there was a LOT of street traffic. The Sheriff's Department sent an officer to control traffic in front of Creekside, because it's one laned now. The cars were lined up for quite a distance.
I plan to mow the lawn tomorrow after I get back from the hospital. It's going to look like it's been chewed off, I'm sure, but it has to be done. I hope I don't shake my guts out.
My incisions are still a little tender, and there's still some swelling, but I have to return to full duty. The grass at Creekside is about ready to be mowed again now.
I talked with Caroline Friday evening while she was doing some of her yard work. She works so hard. She told me that she was concerned for me one evening when I stayed so late working by myself. I left there at 9:30 one night, and after 10:00 one night. She said she was worried that something might have happened. I'm glad she cares.
Jaime Combs worte me a sweet e-mail to update mo on what all is happening with her. Xaivier has been discharged from the military because of depression. She's afraid he'll want to live with them, but she's determined that he will not.
It's been pretty warm lately, but today it was overcast and began to storm this evening. That will make the grass wetter tomorrow morning.
I think yesterday was the day for everyone to run out of gas. Debby's daughter run out up in front of Windy Hill Farm, and we had to take her some in a gas can that we use for the lawn mower. Then, later, Chris Daily and Kenny came down the road, and run out of gas in front of Creekside. I called to him to let the car coast into the yard, and we gave him enough gas to get him to the gas station. Kenny was so drunk that he couldn't get out of the car.
I don't know if these people can read their gas gauges or not.
Steve said this evening that he's thinking of getting the swimming pool opened when he's home this next time, which is Thursday. It's about time.
I bought some chemicals at a yard sale last fall, and we'll save a lot on them by me doing so.
I would have enjoyed a dip last night, as I was hot and sweaty when I got home late.
The cats are going to forget who I am.
I need to get to bed.
No rest for the weary.
I can stay up as late as I want to, but I have to get up and get out of the house early in the mornings.
I rely so heavily on S2 to get the house opened and start the day there. He's really been dependable, and Cherokee is spending a lot of time with us at the house, which is just a bonus.
Chris Daily is working out well. He's the nephew of Kenny Daily, who is an old friend from here in Rutledge. Kenny has done a lot for race relations here. He's a respectable black man with NO attitude, but lots of good humor.
I didn't do much today, because I felt tired and wanted to rest. I slept a lot. Debby Shofner and Cherokee came by, but I didn't even know they were here until Debby called me. I was in bed, so I didn't go out to see them.
Debby is a hard worker, and I like having her to help at Creekside. It seems like I'm hiring a lot of help, but I want that house done so badly.
I hope to go over to Morristown Hamblen tomorrow to see Cherokee. I think it will mean a lot to her to have me visit her. I want her to know that she means a lot to me.
Shawn helped Saturday at the house, and he's really good with plaster, like his dad. He's trying to earn a little extra, as he's getting billed personally for his recent hospitalization. He spent several days in intensive care, and has no insurance.
He can work for me anytime.
Barbara told me this afternoon that she noticed a lot of activity Friday morning at the house. I hope the work begins to show.
She was in Rutledge to get her hair done at Darla Daniel's salon.
Graduation at Grainger High was Friday night, and there was a LOT of street traffic. The Sheriff's Department sent an officer to control traffic in front of Creekside, because it's one laned now. The cars were lined up for quite a distance.
I plan to mow the lawn tomorrow after I get back from the hospital. It's going to look like it's been chewed off, I'm sure, but it has to be done. I hope I don't shake my guts out.
My incisions are still a little tender, and there's still some swelling, but I have to return to full duty. The grass at Creekside is about ready to be mowed again now.
I talked with Caroline Friday evening while she was doing some of her yard work. She works so hard. She told me that she was concerned for me one evening when I stayed so late working by myself. I left there at 9:30 one night, and after 10:00 one night. She said she was worried that something might have happened. I'm glad she cares.
Jaime Combs worte me a sweet e-mail to update mo on what all is happening with her. Xaivier has been discharged from the military because of depression. She's afraid he'll want to live with them, but she's determined that he will not.
It's been pretty warm lately, but today it was overcast and began to storm this evening. That will make the grass wetter tomorrow morning.
I think yesterday was the day for everyone to run out of gas. Debby's daughter run out up in front of Windy Hill Farm, and we had to take her some in a gas can that we use for the lawn mower. Then, later, Chris Daily and Kenny came down the road, and run out of gas in front of Creekside. I called to him to let the car coast into the yard, and we gave him enough gas to get him to the gas station. Kenny was so drunk that he couldn't get out of the car.
I don't know if these people can read their gas gauges or not.
Steve said this evening that he's thinking of getting the swimming pool opened when he's home this next time, which is Thursday. It's about time.
I bought some chemicals at a yard sale last fall, and we'll save a lot on them by me doing so.
I would have enjoyed a dip last night, as I was hot and sweaty when I got home late.
The cats are going to forget who I am.
I need to get to bed.
No rest for the weary.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011 PM
Barbara told me today that she's so upset that I haven't posted lately and mentioned her name, so I guess I'd better post.
Day before yesterday, I had a migraine all day, and stayed home in bed with terrible nausea. I threw up on the white carpet in the bedroom before I could make it to the bathroom. Steve and Cherokee called in the afternoon to see about me. We've became really close lately.
Cherokee went to Morristown Hamblen Hospital today to be pre-admitted for some heart procedure to be done on Monday. She didn't discuss it much with me, but any procedure done on her is serious. She's spending a lot of her time up at Creekside now, and she's so nice to have around. I make her laugh a lot, and it's good for her. S2 told me he likes to hear her laugh so much, and she's not so depressed when she's around me.
The kitchen is almost ready for the primer coat of paint, and I couldn't be more pleased. Carol came over this afternoon and walked through, and she's pleased that so much is getting done.
I worked out in the front yard today, clearing out the rubble from the old Rutledge High School that was dumped there back in the winter. I wore holes in the fingers of my gloves, pulling limbs and rocks out of the dirt. S2 had tried the tractor on it, but that tractor is almost useless.
Chris Etters came by the other day and complimented me on my work, and the wisdom of me buying a house with such good grounds. He operates Claiborne Hauling, and has made a fortune moving dirt and stone. He is from the family that grew up right behind my parents house in Dante long ago, and he remembers our family fondly. He's made a handsome man, and is very nice to boot.
Betty Pike e-mailed me yesterday evening to say that Fred Denton is very low with lung cancer. I expect to see a funeral announcement soon. He's up in years.
I haven't heard how Oak Tree, my buddy from Topix, is doing after her procedure. She has some problem with digestion, and I suspect that it's food alergies.
I can sympathise with her.
I worked in the yard until 9:30, then rushed home and got a quick bath.
I'm ready to lay down a while.
Day before yesterday, I had a migraine all day, and stayed home in bed with terrible nausea. I threw up on the white carpet in the bedroom before I could make it to the bathroom. Steve and Cherokee called in the afternoon to see about me. We've became really close lately.
Cherokee went to Morristown Hamblen Hospital today to be pre-admitted for some heart procedure to be done on Monday. She didn't discuss it much with me, but any procedure done on her is serious. She's spending a lot of her time up at Creekside now, and she's so nice to have around. I make her laugh a lot, and it's good for her. S2 told me he likes to hear her laugh so much, and she's not so depressed when she's around me.
The kitchen is almost ready for the primer coat of paint, and I couldn't be more pleased. Carol came over this afternoon and walked through, and she's pleased that so much is getting done.
I worked out in the front yard today, clearing out the rubble from the old Rutledge High School that was dumped there back in the winter. I wore holes in the fingers of my gloves, pulling limbs and rocks out of the dirt. S2 had tried the tractor on it, but that tractor is almost useless.
Chris Etters came by the other day and complimented me on my work, and the wisdom of me buying a house with such good grounds. He operates Claiborne Hauling, and has made a fortune moving dirt and stone. He is from the family that grew up right behind my parents house in Dante long ago, and he remembers our family fondly. He's made a handsome man, and is very nice to boot.
Betty Pike e-mailed me yesterday evening to say that Fred Denton is very low with lung cancer. I expect to see a funeral announcement soon. He's up in years.
I haven't heard how Oak Tree, my buddy from Topix, is doing after her procedure. She has some problem with digestion, and I suspect that it's food alergies.
I can sympathise with her.
I worked in the yard until 9:30, then rushed home and got a quick bath.
I'm ready to lay down a while.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011 AM
I'm having a hard time getting started this morning. I feel like I'm hung over, and my sinuses are stuffed up pretty badly, probably because I worked on fence repairs yesterday, and got into so much pollen and dust.
'Bull' has done quite a bit of damage to the fences over along by the Womack's property line, and it's about the farthest fence we use from the house. I sure don't enjoy carrying all the supplies and equipment out there to do the repairs, but we need to get the cows on good pasture again, and that's the place.
Danny Womack saw me out there working, and came over to chat a while. A little later, when I had worked my way down the hill a bit, I ran into a swarm of honey bees, and I called to one of his tenants to send him down to see where they were. I worry that someone or a pet might get into them, and be in trouble. There are a lot of swarms this year, it seems. I'm going to call Lulu at the Down Home and get her to have her friend come and get these, too. He came and got the swarm from under my Hut earlier this spring.
I'm really mad at Bull for damaging the fences and leading the cows into other fields, and it's not going to be too hard to see him go to the auction. He's been a really good bull, though, and has given us many good calves. He was always really gentle until this year, and he's got fairly mean, so he must go. There's too many cows around to keep one on my farm that causes trouble.
I got so hot and tired that I came to the house early to get ready to go to the open house that our sheriff had last night.
It was mostly a snore.
He didn't talk much, and I think he counted on the fact that not many would show up for the event. There were refreshments, but not many or much, which told me he knew people would not come.
I asked him some 'hard questions' about cell phones and tobacco being in the cells at the jail, and he told me they couldn't prevent them. I could.
He didn't know the difference in the types of street drugs. He should talk to a few of the local addicts.
He said that his department had brought dogs into the high school and sniffed for drugs once this year. I spoke up and said that this is May, and that he should have been in the schools way before now. He said that he has to have several other dogs from surrounding counties and their handlers to do a good raid, and I said that 'Part of something is better than nothing'.
I think he should take the dogs there for spot checks and find what he can when he can.
He's pretty fat, and, I think, fairly lazy.
When someone else asked him what to do about all the property being stolen, he suggested that we all buy better locks and write down our serial numbers.
He could go to the house, for my money.
One detective gave a pretty good speach, but was limited to about 15 minutes.
Ruth Wells was there, and came up and sat with me a few minutes to chat. She was so pretty, and I asked her if she's 'The Merry Widow' now.
Nadine Stansberry was there, but she's always been 'The Merry Widow'. A couple of times.
Some woman was there for the Grainger Today, and I'm sure she will write a more interesting review than Barbara would. She took lots of notes and had a camera.
I met Oak Tree's man, and he's a pretty nice man, I guess.
He wants to come up here to hunt coyotes, and I'd love for him to kill every one in the whole of Grainger County.
I'm so tired of the wildlife killing all my livestock. It seems that I can't have anything.
Maybe I should consider giving up the farm and moving to Creekside.
I'd have lots of visitors, but not enough room for all my nice things.
I would despair at the very thought of moving.
'Bull' has done quite a bit of damage to the fences over along by the Womack's property line, and it's about the farthest fence we use from the house. I sure don't enjoy carrying all the supplies and equipment out there to do the repairs, but we need to get the cows on good pasture again, and that's the place.
Danny Womack saw me out there working, and came over to chat a while. A little later, when I had worked my way down the hill a bit, I ran into a swarm of honey bees, and I called to one of his tenants to send him down to see where they were. I worry that someone or a pet might get into them, and be in trouble. There are a lot of swarms this year, it seems. I'm going to call Lulu at the Down Home and get her to have her friend come and get these, too. He came and got the swarm from under my Hut earlier this spring.
I'm really mad at Bull for damaging the fences and leading the cows into other fields, and it's not going to be too hard to see him go to the auction. He's been a really good bull, though, and has given us many good calves. He was always really gentle until this year, and he's got fairly mean, so he must go. There's too many cows around to keep one on my farm that causes trouble.
I got so hot and tired that I came to the house early to get ready to go to the open house that our sheriff had last night.
It was mostly a snore.
He didn't talk much, and I think he counted on the fact that not many would show up for the event. There were refreshments, but not many or much, which told me he knew people would not come.
I asked him some 'hard questions' about cell phones and tobacco being in the cells at the jail, and he told me they couldn't prevent them. I could.
He didn't know the difference in the types of street drugs. He should talk to a few of the local addicts.
He said that his department had brought dogs into the high school and sniffed for drugs once this year. I spoke up and said that this is May, and that he should have been in the schools way before now. He said that he has to have several other dogs from surrounding counties and their handlers to do a good raid, and I said that 'Part of something is better than nothing'.
I think he should take the dogs there for spot checks and find what he can when he can.
He's pretty fat, and, I think, fairly lazy.
When someone else asked him what to do about all the property being stolen, he suggested that we all buy better locks and write down our serial numbers.
He could go to the house, for my money.
One detective gave a pretty good speach, but was limited to about 15 minutes.
Ruth Wells was there, and came up and sat with me a few minutes to chat. She was so pretty, and I asked her if she's 'The Merry Widow' now.
Nadine Stansberry was there, but she's always been 'The Merry Widow'. A couple of times.
Some woman was there for the Grainger Today, and I'm sure she will write a more interesting review than Barbara would. She took lots of notes and had a camera.
I met Oak Tree's man, and he's a pretty nice man, I guess.
He wants to come up here to hunt coyotes, and I'd love for him to kill every one in the whole of Grainger County.
I'm so tired of the wildlife killing all my livestock. It seems that I can't have anything.
Maybe I should consider giving up the farm and moving to Creekside.
I'd have lots of visitors, but not enough room for all my nice things.
I would despair at the very thought of moving.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011 AM
It's been busy here lately.
Yesterday was Friday the 13th, and Cherokee felt it's icy grip.
She had volunteered Thursday, and had collected 2 bags of clothing items she wanted, and left them at the Goodwill to purchace on Friday. They were still there, but when she went to pay for them, Kelly charged her $50.00 for them. She was outraged, and left the Goodwill, stating that she was not going to work for them anymore if they were going to charge her that much for used clothing.
She came up to Creekside, and I could tell by the look on her face that she was angry. I had already decided that I had to make a trip over to Maryville to get a new riding lawnmower, and I asked her to ride along, to get her out of Rutledge and keep her away from the scene of her recent problem.
I called about the mower, and it had already been sold.
So, I asked S2 to come up to Clairemont and see if he could get the old Craftsman mower going that I've had for years.
I then asked Cherokee if she'd ride up to Rogersville with me to shop at Shepherd's Corner, a re-sale shop there. She went along, and we had a nice trip. We ate lunch at Joe's, and she loved it.
We shopped at Shepherd's Corner, then started back to Rutledge. I had found a couple of doll houses there, and two marble window sills for Creekside.
We stopped at a yard sale near Mary Douglas' house, and I bought a Rainbow vacuum cleaner to clean with at Creekside. They put the dirt and dust into a water basin, and are good for people with sinus problems. S2 and I both have terrible sinus alergies, and I felt like it would help.
We then came back down to Bean Station, and we stopped at a local store there that sells all kinds of stuff. I bought a new, 50-pint dehumidifier that is a cool-running model for the house. I got a good deal on it.
I plan to go back there to shop again. The man who runs it is a little, old, wren-like man who is a preacher for a small church. He invited me to attend.
We then went to another re-sale shop, and I bought some Hall's mentho-lyptus cough drops, which are good for my throat.
I'm still having the persistent hoarseness and soreness there. My allergies are driving me crazy this spring.
When we got back to Rutledge, the yard at Creekside was full of cars and trucks.
Gena was there, and some man who is chasing her around now, which was two of the cars. Kenny Daily was there, which was another car. Chris' wife was there to get him after work, and that was another one.
Our red truck was there, so that was another one, and, it seems like there was another one, but I've forgotten who it might have been.
It looked like we were having a family reunion.
Steve and Chris had got the mower running. Steve said that all it needed was a jump start with battery cables. They had mowed the lawn at Creekside, and it looks so nice now. It's a pretty big yard.
He offered to come to Clairemont and mow here today, but I told him that I would take care of this lawn. The cows have ruined my lily beds, grazing in the yard for the last week.
I'm so mad I could pop.
I'm staying home to get the fences repaired today, so that the cows can go back to their real pastures. They're happier when they're home. They had damaged the hinges on the gate at the driveway, and I think they were trying to get out of the yard. Mary, one of the younger cows, was in their old pasture, and I don't know how she got there.
I think the big bull has to go, as he's learned that he can push down fences and go anywhere he wants. I don't have the time to keep getting him back in the fields.
He should bring pretty good money, as he's so big...about 2200#'s.
I started telling S1 how embarrassed I am that other men have to help me mow my yard until I'm back to full service, and he said he didn't want to hear about it. That's usual. A man in the communications business.
I'm going to bring the mower home the first of next week, and start in on this lawn. S2 is doing something to the red truck (which hauls the mower) this week-end at Shawn's garage, so it's not going to be available until Monday.
Thursday, I had gone over to Habitat in Dandridge, and got some really nice windows that I plan to use in the bathrooms at Creekside. As is my usual way, they were fairly cheap, and I was glad to get them. I had gone that way to get some Baker's scaffolding, which S2 said we need for the plaster work inside the house, and which he is going to purchase from us after we're finished with it.
He monitored the kids who work at Creekside while I was gone, and he really worked them. The girl and her boyfriend were wanting to hold hands a lot, and he told them that I was paying for four hands, not two, and to let go of each other and get to work.
They hugged me when they left that evening, and I think they like me better as a boss.
They got a lot done, though, and I'm glad for that.
Joan came bay last evening, and she says she thinks we've got a lot done, but I feel; like we're taking a long time to make much of a showing. She was really impressed with the bargains that I had got from Jim Warwick. I have sold and given away a lot of the things, but there's still a lot of stuff left.
Lynn called me Thursday morning to ask if I had really meant it when I offered her some pavers, and I told her I did. I think they're going to be doing some work on their yard, and want some, but she doesn't know what kind she wants yet. I told her to bring a trailer or a truck with a very heavy suspension. Those rocks are heavy!
My head feels like it's full of chewing gum this morning. It won't be helped by working in the fields, but the work has to be done.
Yesterday was Friday the 13th, and Cherokee felt it's icy grip.
She had volunteered Thursday, and had collected 2 bags of clothing items she wanted, and left them at the Goodwill to purchace on Friday. They were still there, but when she went to pay for them, Kelly charged her $50.00 for them. She was outraged, and left the Goodwill, stating that she was not going to work for them anymore if they were going to charge her that much for used clothing.
She came up to Creekside, and I could tell by the look on her face that she was angry. I had already decided that I had to make a trip over to Maryville to get a new riding lawnmower, and I asked her to ride along, to get her out of Rutledge and keep her away from the scene of her recent problem.
I called about the mower, and it had already been sold.
So, I asked S2 to come up to Clairemont and see if he could get the old Craftsman mower going that I've had for years.
I then asked Cherokee if she'd ride up to Rogersville with me to shop at Shepherd's Corner, a re-sale shop there. She went along, and we had a nice trip. We ate lunch at Joe's, and she loved it.
We shopped at Shepherd's Corner, then started back to Rutledge. I had found a couple of doll houses there, and two marble window sills for Creekside.
We stopped at a yard sale near Mary Douglas' house, and I bought a Rainbow vacuum cleaner to clean with at Creekside. They put the dirt and dust into a water basin, and are good for people with sinus problems. S2 and I both have terrible sinus alergies, and I felt like it would help.
We then came back down to Bean Station, and we stopped at a local store there that sells all kinds of stuff. I bought a new, 50-pint dehumidifier that is a cool-running model for the house. I got a good deal on it.
I plan to go back there to shop again. The man who runs it is a little, old, wren-like man who is a preacher for a small church. He invited me to attend.
We then went to another re-sale shop, and I bought some Hall's mentho-lyptus cough drops, which are good for my throat.
I'm still having the persistent hoarseness and soreness there. My allergies are driving me crazy this spring.
When we got back to Rutledge, the yard at Creekside was full of cars and trucks.
Gena was there, and some man who is chasing her around now, which was two of the cars. Kenny Daily was there, which was another car. Chris' wife was there to get him after work, and that was another one.
Our red truck was there, so that was another one, and, it seems like there was another one, but I've forgotten who it might have been.
It looked like we were having a family reunion.
Steve and Chris had got the mower running. Steve said that all it needed was a jump start with battery cables. They had mowed the lawn at Creekside, and it looks so nice now. It's a pretty big yard.
He offered to come to Clairemont and mow here today, but I told him that I would take care of this lawn. The cows have ruined my lily beds, grazing in the yard for the last week.
I'm so mad I could pop.
I'm staying home to get the fences repaired today, so that the cows can go back to their real pastures. They're happier when they're home. They had damaged the hinges on the gate at the driveway, and I think they were trying to get out of the yard. Mary, one of the younger cows, was in their old pasture, and I don't know how she got there.
I think the big bull has to go, as he's learned that he can push down fences and go anywhere he wants. I don't have the time to keep getting him back in the fields.
He should bring pretty good money, as he's so big...about 2200#'s.
I started telling S1 how embarrassed I am that other men have to help me mow my yard until I'm back to full service, and he said he didn't want to hear about it. That's usual. A man in the communications business.
I'm going to bring the mower home the first of next week, and start in on this lawn. S2 is doing something to the red truck (which hauls the mower) this week-end at Shawn's garage, so it's not going to be available until Monday.
Thursday, I had gone over to Habitat in Dandridge, and got some really nice windows that I plan to use in the bathrooms at Creekside. As is my usual way, they were fairly cheap, and I was glad to get them. I had gone that way to get some Baker's scaffolding, which S2 said we need for the plaster work inside the house, and which he is going to purchase from us after we're finished with it.
He monitored the kids who work at Creekside while I was gone, and he really worked them. The girl and her boyfriend were wanting to hold hands a lot, and he told them that I was paying for four hands, not two, and to let go of each other and get to work.
They hugged me when they left that evening, and I think they like me better as a boss.
They got a lot done, though, and I'm glad for that.
Joan came bay last evening, and she says she thinks we've got a lot done, but I feel; like we're taking a long time to make much of a showing. She was really impressed with the bargains that I had got from Jim Warwick. I have sold and given away a lot of the things, but there's still a lot of stuff left.
Lynn called me Thursday morning to ask if I had really meant it when I offered her some pavers, and I told her I did. I think they're going to be doing some work on their yard, and want some, but she doesn't know what kind she wants yet. I told her to bring a trailer or a truck with a very heavy suspension. Those rocks are heavy!
My head feels like it's full of chewing gum this morning. It won't be helped by working in the fields, but the work has to be done.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011 AM
My usual computer is wacky again, and Steve has set up this new computer for me. I hate it.
He knows I don't like new gadgets, and yet he persists in doing these things to force me to comply with his ideas of living.
I worked at the house at Creekside yesterday. I love working there, but the dirt and dust really bother my sinuses.
Steve left for Cleveland yesterday afternoon, after we had a short lunch at the Down Home.
Orlando came by yesterday afternoon, and has a pinched nerve in his back, but said he wants to work today. He's such a good worker, and has such good manners, that I'm willing to take him even with his slight limits.
Chris was there yesterday, until some white woman came to pick him up. She acts like a street whore.
She had tried to give him her cell phone when she dropped him off yesterday morning.
The kids worked yesterday, and the new fellow was with them. I don't know how he will work out, because he seems more interested in patting and stroking on the girl than working.
Clint, the boy, was frustrated because some of his friends had caught him passed out and cut his hair. He told me he was passed out because he had smoked so much pot. He's 15 years old!
I think some people need lessons in parenting skills.
I also think some of the parents need a good spanking.
After everyone else was gone, I worked down by the burn pile, raking and burning the trash, and putting smaller rocks onto the retaining barrier.
Caroline came over, and we sat on the laen chairs while the fire burned down. She's always so pleasant, and I enjoy talking with her. She's alone, but such a good woman, and works hard to keep her home nice and her nose clean. I will surely miss her when we are through up there, and I'm back at Clairemont all the time.
I came home at 9:30. I was really tired, but I'm out of Ambien, and I didn't sleep much last night.
Tim, 'The Little Boy Who Sleeps Upstairs', has not returned or contacted us. I wonder about him. He always disapears on weekends, but this time he's stayed away longer.
I suspect heavy drug use. Drugs have ruined so many lives.
He knows I don't like new gadgets, and yet he persists in doing these things to force me to comply with his ideas of living.
I worked at the house at Creekside yesterday. I love working there, but the dirt and dust really bother my sinuses.
Steve left for Cleveland yesterday afternoon, after we had a short lunch at the Down Home.
Orlando came by yesterday afternoon, and has a pinched nerve in his back, but said he wants to work today. He's such a good worker, and has such good manners, that I'm willing to take him even with his slight limits.
Chris was there yesterday, until some white woman came to pick him up. She acts like a street whore.
She had tried to give him her cell phone when she dropped him off yesterday morning.
The kids worked yesterday, and the new fellow was with them. I don't know how he will work out, because he seems more interested in patting and stroking on the girl than working.
Clint, the boy, was frustrated because some of his friends had caught him passed out and cut his hair. He told me he was passed out because he had smoked so much pot. He's 15 years old!
I think some people need lessons in parenting skills.
I also think some of the parents need a good spanking.
After everyone else was gone, I worked down by the burn pile, raking and burning the trash, and putting smaller rocks onto the retaining barrier.
Caroline came over, and we sat on the laen chairs while the fire burned down. She's always so pleasant, and I enjoy talking with her. She's alone, but such a good woman, and works hard to keep her home nice and her nose clean. I will surely miss her when we are through up there, and I'm back at Clairemont all the time.
I came home at 9:30. I was really tired, but I'm out of Ambien, and I didn't sleep much last night.
Tim, 'The Little Boy Who Sleeps Upstairs', has not returned or contacted us. I wonder about him. He always disapears on weekends, but this time he's stayed away longer.
I suspect heavy drug use. Drugs have ruined so many lives.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 AM
This promises to be a short post, because of time restraints.
I had to re-boot this computer this morning again, as it's doing that strange thing where it workd but does nothing.
Steve looked at it a couple of days ago, but has done nothing to correct the problem, so it's still messed up.
I was hurting and up all night during night before last, and thus felt like I had the flu all day yesterday. My throat was hoarse, and I couldn't even hum along with the hymns on BBN.
The kids worked at Creekside, but S2 was the only adult who worked.
He begun the repairs on the areas that we had disturbed when we moved windows. There's one more window I'm going to install, and a couple that we're going to repair, but this is getting some repair done to the visible aspect of the house, and S1 wanted that.
The kids moved the sand pile that had been in front of the house, and cleaned the garage, and it makes a lot of difference in the appearance of the house from the road.
Shawn Richards, Cherokee's and S1's son, is home from the hospital, but is still having some trouble with his knee, and will out of work for a while, as it's painful and he can't walk far or be on his feet.
Cherokee is staying with him quite a bit.
We are grazing the cows on the lawn at Clairemont, as the grass is out of control and the pastures are not adequate for them to graze there, and the fences are still not repaired.
I'll be glad when I can return to full service, as things are not getting done as they should.
I only have so many hours in my days, and just so many days in a week. ...and I HATE being sore and limited from my recent surgery, though I'm doing a lot better than I or anyone else expected.
I need to get the riding lawn mower repaired, and a new battery for it, and then get to taking care of my yard like I've always done. I don't want to live in a hay field.
I'm reminded of that Roosevelt hag who grazed sheep on the lawn of the White House during some war. She was so buck-toothed that she could gut a pumpkin through a picket fence.
I slept fairly well last night, with the help of several medications, including Lyrica, and I'm hung over this morning.
But I'd better mention Barbara, or she'll be upset at being left out.
I sure think a lot of her sweet mother, Elizabeth.
The sun is fully on Clinch Mountain, and I need to get going on chores.
I had to re-boot this computer this morning again, as it's doing that strange thing where it workd but does nothing.
Steve looked at it a couple of days ago, but has done nothing to correct the problem, so it's still messed up.
I was hurting and up all night during night before last, and thus felt like I had the flu all day yesterday. My throat was hoarse, and I couldn't even hum along with the hymns on BBN.
The kids worked at Creekside, but S2 was the only adult who worked.
He begun the repairs on the areas that we had disturbed when we moved windows. There's one more window I'm going to install, and a couple that we're going to repair, but this is getting some repair done to the visible aspect of the house, and S1 wanted that.
The kids moved the sand pile that had been in front of the house, and cleaned the garage, and it makes a lot of difference in the appearance of the house from the road.
Shawn Richards, Cherokee's and S1's son, is home from the hospital, but is still having some trouble with his knee, and will out of work for a while, as it's painful and he can't walk far or be on his feet.
Cherokee is staying with him quite a bit.
We are grazing the cows on the lawn at Clairemont, as the grass is out of control and the pastures are not adequate for them to graze there, and the fences are still not repaired.
I'll be glad when I can return to full service, as things are not getting done as they should.
I only have so many hours in my days, and just so many days in a week. ...and I HATE being sore and limited from my recent surgery, though I'm doing a lot better than I or anyone else expected.
I need to get the riding lawn mower repaired, and a new battery for it, and then get to taking care of my yard like I've always done. I don't want to live in a hay field.
I'm reminded of that Roosevelt hag who grazed sheep on the lawn of the White House during some war. She was so buck-toothed that she could gut a pumpkin through a picket fence.
I slept fairly well last night, with the help of several medications, including Lyrica, and I'm hung over this morning.
But I'd better mention Barbara, or she'll be upset at being left out.
I sure think a lot of her sweet mother, Elizabeth.
The sun is fully on Clinch Mountain, and I need to get going on chores.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011 AM
It's a sunny morning, and I am hoping that today is full of light and sunshine.
I feel a sense of dread about today, though.
I don't know why.
I slept fairly well last night, and Steve said that when he got up at 2:30, I was laying on my back and not snoring. I didn't know he had gotten up, but his knees were hurting him, and he got up to take something for the pain. I think that someday he will have to have a knee replacement, but he vows that he never will. He's broken promises before, and I expect that this will be just another one.
He's now referring to Creekside as "The Money Pit", which offends me some. I love that old house, and I believe he does, too, and it hurts me that he says such harsh things about it. It's like giving money to the church or a charity and then complaining that God has not given you enough to get you through.
I saw an old friend yesterday when I took Cherokee to lunch, and her daughter, Chelsea, wants to come and look at the building materials I have, and buy some for a re-modeling job her and her husband are doing on an old house they've inherited. She has just graduated from Carson Newman with her B.S. in History and Religious Studies. I hope she's not just another student of religion who does not know God personally. She told me that Jesus must be happy with me, for making a future home for Elaine. I replied that Jesus might find a great deal to be unhappy about if He examined my character closely.
I hope I can help them with the costs of repairing their home.
I went to Jefferson Memorial Hospital yesterday to see Shawn, Cherokee's and Steve's son. He has a staph infection on his knee, which I had offered to lance last week. He refused my offer, and it had developed to the point that he can now no longer walk. He had drove himself to the hospital one day last week, and he's still there, in isolation. Cherokee and Steve are not observing the standards for isolation, though I tried to point it out to them that this would be better for everyone. They are taking turns staying with him at night, and both are staying a lot with him in the daytime, too, when Steve is not working. He's really depressed, and I tried to cheer him with some of my infamous humor. He laughed at me some. Laughter is sometimes the best medicine, but he will have a long haul with the staph.
He's such a handsome man, and he is turned a lot like his mother. She and I are good friends, and Shawn and I get along fairly well. He sometimes visits at Creekside, and he's always welcome. I like to joke with him some.
Cherokee had been trying to exist on some cheese crackers from a box, and I told her she needed a good lunch, so we went to Lisa's Barbeque Restaurant. She loved her meal, and we got a plate lunch to take back to Steve. He wolfed it down, and I suppose he was pretty hungry for real food, too.
Shawn is bored with TV (surprise!), and he has too much time to think about his troubles. He's still not out of the woods for the car wreck he had back in the winter when he killed his best friend and accumulated quite a bit of hospital expense for himself. I've talked with Dirk Daniel, to try to 'grease the skids' for getting him to defend Shawn if and when there is court action.
Steve (S2) saw Dirk and told him he was working for me, and Dirk told him that if he could suit me, he must be a pretty good man. I like to think that Dirk likes me. I sure think a great deal of the Daniel family, especially Muriel (Murrell) and Darla (Donna).
I went to a yard sale yesterday, too, and got some nice things for the house. A lady recognised me, and I had to ask her who she was. She's a member at Sunrise Babtist Church, and she remembered me from their auction and hay ride last fall, and from Barbara and I attending their Christmas program.
Steve (S1) and I worked up at Creekside pretty late last night, and we were both tired and needing a bath when we got home.
Clairemont is suffering from the neglect we're showing her during all the time we spend at Creekside. I'm going to have to take a day or so and stay here and work. I love my home, and I don't like to neglect it.
The grass still isn't mowed, and Steve says we'll have to get a new lawn mower battery. I guess I'll be left to mow, as Steve is leaving town tomorrow morning.
The work piles up, but I'd hate to have little or nothing to do. There's a dignity in hard work.
Faune Gerber recommended to me that I try Flonase for my sinus troubles, but I've already tried it, and it gives me migraines.
Steve was blowing black goo out of his nose this morning.
Dirt is everywhere.
Oh, I haven't mentioned Barbara too much, so it's time to mention her.
She's fat.
I feel a sense of dread about today, though.
I don't know why.
I slept fairly well last night, and Steve said that when he got up at 2:30, I was laying on my back and not snoring. I didn't know he had gotten up, but his knees were hurting him, and he got up to take something for the pain. I think that someday he will have to have a knee replacement, but he vows that he never will. He's broken promises before, and I expect that this will be just another one.
He's now referring to Creekside as "The Money Pit", which offends me some. I love that old house, and I believe he does, too, and it hurts me that he says such harsh things about it. It's like giving money to the church or a charity and then complaining that God has not given you enough to get you through.
I saw an old friend yesterday when I took Cherokee to lunch, and her daughter, Chelsea, wants to come and look at the building materials I have, and buy some for a re-modeling job her and her husband are doing on an old house they've inherited. She has just graduated from Carson Newman with her B.S. in History and Religious Studies. I hope she's not just another student of religion who does not know God personally. She told me that Jesus must be happy with me, for making a future home for Elaine. I replied that Jesus might find a great deal to be unhappy about if He examined my character closely.
I hope I can help them with the costs of repairing their home.
I went to Jefferson Memorial Hospital yesterday to see Shawn, Cherokee's and Steve's son. He has a staph infection on his knee, which I had offered to lance last week. He refused my offer, and it had developed to the point that he can now no longer walk. He had drove himself to the hospital one day last week, and he's still there, in isolation. Cherokee and Steve are not observing the standards for isolation, though I tried to point it out to them that this would be better for everyone. They are taking turns staying with him at night, and both are staying a lot with him in the daytime, too, when Steve is not working. He's really depressed, and I tried to cheer him with some of my infamous humor. He laughed at me some. Laughter is sometimes the best medicine, but he will have a long haul with the staph.
He's such a handsome man, and he is turned a lot like his mother. She and I are good friends, and Shawn and I get along fairly well. He sometimes visits at Creekside, and he's always welcome. I like to joke with him some.
Cherokee had been trying to exist on some cheese crackers from a box, and I told her she needed a good lunch, so we went to Lisa's Barbeque Restaurant. She loved her meal, and we got a plate lunch to take back to Steve. He wolfed it down, and I suppose he was pretty hungry for real food, too.
Shawn is bored with TV (surprise!), and he has too much time to think about his troubles. He's still not out of the woods for the car wreck he had back in the winter when he killed his best friend and accumulated quite a bit of hospital expense for himself. I've talked with Dirk Daniel, to try to 'grease the skids' for getting him to defend Shawn if and when there is court action.
Steve (S2) saw Dirk and told him he was working for me, and Dirk told him that if he could suit me, he must be a pretty good man. I like to think that Dirk likes me. I sure think a great deal of the Daniel family, especially Muriel (Murrell) and Darla (Donna).
I went to a yard sale yesterday, too, and got some nice things for the house. A lady recognised me, and I had to ask her who she was. She's a member at Sunrise Babtist Church, and she remembered me from their auction and hay ride last fall, and from Barbara and I attending their Christmas program.
Steve (S1) and I worked up at Creekside pretty late last night, and we were both tired and needing a bath when we got home.
Clairemont is suffering from the neglect we're showing her during all the time we spend at Creekside. I'm going to have to take a day or so and stay here and work. I love my home, and I don't like to neglect it.
The grass still isn't mowed, and Steve says we'll have to get a new lawn mower battery. I guess I'll be left to mow, as Steve is leaving town tomorrow morning.
The work piles up, but I'd hate to have little or nothing to do. There's a dignity in hard work.
Faune Gerber recommended to me that I try Flonase for my sinus troubles, but I've already tried it, and it gives me migraines.
Steve was blowing black goo out of his nose this morning.
Dirt is everywhere.
Oh, I haven't mentioned Barbara too much, so it's time to mention her.
She's fat.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011 AM
This is not going to be a good post.
I'm just a bit miffed, and I feel that most of yesterday was a total waste. Some days, it's just not worth chewing through the restraints. But I might yet do a bit of chewing, just not on the restraints.
S2 wanted me to take him to Knoxville to get some 'Baker's Scaffolding' (whatever that is) that he aledged he needed to do the plaster work in the stairwell. I suggested that we call Harbor Freight to see if they had any in stock, but he said that they always carried it.
We took off down to Knoxville to get a set, and we stopped at a couple of yard sales on the way. We found a great laser level set for $15.00, which Steve said he needed for his work, and I bought it, with the understanding that he will work out the $15.00.
When we got to Harbor Freight, we found out that they did not have the Baker's Scaffolding.
So that was at least 2 hours wasted.
When we got back up to Creekside, Tim met me on the front porch. I could tell that something was wrong right away, and there was. Orlando had left the work site, and only Tim and Chris, Orlando's nephew, were there. Nothing was getting done.
Tim told me that Steve (S1) had thrown one of his famous 'Hissy Fits', and thrown building materials around, yanked electrical boxes out of the walls, and yelled at everyone and no one in particular. Orlando had left because 'He don't have to be dealt with like that by a white man'.
He came back later, and told me that he would like to work with me any time, but he just couldn't work for Steve anymore. He said that he thought Steve might be unstable, and he didn't want to have to defend himself against a raving lunatic. He promised that he would come back when Steve leaves town.
I told them all that I would have 'Just a Little Talk With Jesus', and would have Steve present.
His short fuse and volatile temper are famous, but they can no longer be tolerated. I will not have half the population of Rutledge feeling sorry for me that I have to live with a raving lunatic.
He needs to be on medication, but he will not take it when our family doctor has prescribed it, but I think something will have to be done.
These episodes have become a part of the fabric of our lives, but the public sector does not have to deal with him, and they are making it aparent that they are unwilling to do so.
I think he needs to have a Sister Worker standing over him for about 2 months, and his temperment would modify. I wonder what Alma Bartlett is doing these days.
The peace is testy at home.
We came home last night to find all the cows in the yard. They could do a lot of good eating the waist-high grasses, but they do a lot of damage to flowers, shrubs, and trees.
We got them put back in their fences, but they have now learned that fences can be broached, and they are getting harder and harder to contain.
I think it's time to have Ed Bowling carry some of them to the auction. I could then use the money for work on the house.
I need to take a day and work on the boundary fences on the farm, but I seem to have so much to do at Creekside. I'm just way too busy.
I want to go over to Jefferson Memorial Hospital today to visit Shawn, Cherokee's and Steve's son. He's in there with a boil-type of infection on his knee, which has almost made him unable to walk. They can't seem to find what is causing it, and how to treat it. I could treat it with a kitchen knife and some animal medications. I told him weeks ago to start putting triple antibiotic ointment in his nostrils about three times a day, but he didn't, and now he's in trouble.
Mother knows these things.
I haven't mentioned Barbara today, and she will be horribly disappointed if I don't, so Barbara, don't weep and wail. I've mentioned you.
I need to spend some time alone, and the ride to Jefferson City will give me some time to reflect and think deep thoughts.
Barbara, ask the Queen Mother to pray that God will guide me.
Betty, if you're reading today, will you pray for me, also?
I'm just a bit miffed, and I feel that most of yesterday was a total waste. Some days, it's just not worth chewing through the restraints. But I might yet do a bit of chewing, just not on the restraints.
S2 wanted me to take him to Knoxville to get some 'Baker's Scaffolding' (whatever that is) that he aledged he needed to do the plaster work in the stairwell. I suggested that we call Harbor Freight to see if they had any in stock, but he said that they always carried it.
We took off down to Knoxville to get a set, and we stopped at a couple of yard sales on the way. We found a great laser level set for $15.00, which Steve said he needed for his work, and I bought it, with the understanding that he will work out the $15.00.
When we got to Harbor Freight, we found out that they did not have the Baker's Scaffolding.
So that was at least 2 hours wasted.
When we got back up to Creekside, Tim met me on the front porch. I could tell that something was wrong right away, and there was. Orlando had left the work site, and only Tim and Chris, Orlando's nephew, were there. Nothing was getting done.
Tim told me that Steve (S1) had thrown one of his famous 'Hissy Fits', and thrown building materials around, yanked electrical boxes out of the walls, and yelled at everyone and no one in particular. Orlando had left because 'He don't have to be dealt with like that by a white man'.
He came back later, and told me that he would like to work with me any time, but he just couldn't work for Steve anymore. He said that he thought Steve might be unstable, and he didn't want to have to defend himself against a raving lunatic. He promised that he would come back when Steve leaves town.
I told them all that I would have 'Just a Little Talk With Jesus', and would have Steve present.
His short fuse and volatile temper are famous, but they can no longer be tolerated. I will not have half the population of Rutledge feeling sorry for me that I have to live with a raving lunatic.
He needs to be on medication, but he will not take it when our family doctor has prescribed it, but I think something will have to be done.
These episodes have become a part of the fabric of our lives, but the public sector does not have to deal with him, and they are making it aparent that they are unwilling to do so.
I think he needs to have a Sister Worker standing over him for about 2 months, and his temperment would modify. I wonder what Alma Bartlett is doing these days.
The peace is testy at home.
We came home last night to find all the cows in the yard. They could do a lot of good eating the waist-high grasses, but they do a lot of damage to flowers, shrubs, and trees.
We got them put back in their fences, but they have now learned that fences can be broached, and they are getting harder and harder to contain.
I think it's time to have Ed Bowling carry some of them to the auction. I could then use the money for work on the house.
I need to take a day and work on the boundary fences on the farm, but I seem to have so much to do at Creekside. I'm just way too busy.
I want to go over to Jefferson Memorial Hospital today to visit Shawn, Cherokee's and Steve's son. He's in there with a boil-type of infection on his knee, which has almost made him unable to walk. They can't seem to find what is causing it, and how to treat it. I could treat it with a kitchen knife and some animal medications. I told him weeks ago to start putting triple antibiotic ointment in his nostrils about three times a day, but he didn't, and now he's in trouble.
Mother knows these things.
I haven't mentioned Barbara today, and she will be horribly disappointed if I don't, so Barbara, don't weep and wail. I've mentioned you.
I need to spend some time alone, and the ride to Jefferson City will give me some time to reflect and think deep thoughts.
Barbara, ask the Queen Mother to pray that God will guide me.
Betty, if you're reading today, will you pray for me, also?
Friday, May 6, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011 AM
It's way before daylight, but I couldn't sleep, and got up to catch up on writing.
I so enjoy the longer times at prayer on the mornings that I get up earlier. I seem to be so alone with God for a while, and it's a comforting feeling.
Steve and I went up to Creekside yesterday afternoon, though I really didn't feel like going anywhere but back to bed. Things do not go well when I'm not there. Children will play.
S2 had declared that the foam panels that Tim and I had cut and placed in the ceilings of the sun room upstairs were keeping him from putting up the sheetrock, so he had Tim tear them down.
That's double the money for the work, and I don't have the R-value that the foam offered. It's also a waste of a perfectly good product. I was not a bit happy about that action.
But, that's the type of thing that happens when there's not someone on the job to see that everything goes as planned.
Steve had gone up to the house earlier, and said that the men had not put sheetrock over the hole in the kitchen where the old chimney had gone through, and he had specifically asked them to do so the day before. He was frustrated, and told me I needed to get dressed and go up there to get things back on an even keel.
When we got there, the hole had been covered with a small sheet of sheet rock. That was one thing that had finally got done, but the workmen were angry, and you could feel the tension in the air. They pled sickness, and left very soon after we arrived.
Only Tim (poor soul) was left to deal with the pointed comments I had for the way things were going. I'll be there today, for sure.
Steve wants me to run Orlando off, because he takes the men to get beer in the afternoons, and that leads to trouble of all sorts. Tim acts totally differently when Orlando's not around.
Tim wanted to go to the grocery store, and we went to the Family Dollar. I hate the new arrangement they have now. I can't find anything. They're carrying a lot of new products, and it's working the laides to death to find places to put everything.
I think Tim wanted to be near Elaine for a few minutes. He's still pretty taken with her, but I don't have much hope that Elaine will ever return his interests.
Steve started putting wall plugs in another bed room, but he worked all afternoon and just cut one hole in one wall. At that pace, it will take untill late fall to get just the upstairs wired. I'm fit to be tied.
He disclosed to me yesterday that he's planning to either use PEX for the water supply for the upstairs bathroom, or tear up the floor to use PVC. PEX will require specialized tools, which means buying them or renting them (a trip) and I certainly don't want to create more work by tearing up floors---anywhere!
I don't (for the life of me) see why he couldn't just have put the water lines in the wall of the kitchen, which is directly under the bathroom, while we had the sheetrock off the walls.
His spirit of un-co-operation baffles and dismays me to no end. I get so frustrated with him.
There's so much plumbing work to get done, and he won't get even one bath plumbed. We can't go forward with much more work until the blumbing and wiring is completed, and he doesn't want anyone else to do anything about these two jobs. The toilet in the downstairs bath (the only one working) is STILL flushing hot water down the drain, and Steve keeps saying he'll fix it when he feels like it. I sometimes wonder if it would make him feel differently if I went up the side of his head with a 2X4.
At Clairemont, the grass still hasn't been mowed, and the pasture fences are still not repaired.
I have seen for sure that I cannot be ill again. Everything that needs to be done depends on me.
He has fed the cows, but they'd be much better off if they were on pasture.
He has fed my birds for me while I've had this virus (?), and I so appreciate that.
The biggest gripes I have is that he's taking so long to do the wiring and plumbing at Creekside, and he hasn't got the grass mowed at Clairemont. He knows how important these things are to me, and he seems to be taking his time with these jobs.
He joked yesterday afternoon that he was going to weed-eat me a path to the barn and to the bird houses, and just forget the rest of the yard. We were not amused.
It seems like I'm griping a lot, but my frustration level is really high. I've got to let it out, or I'll have a migraine. I don't have the time to be in bed for another day.
I guess I'll have to be hitting the pain pills pretty heavily today, so that I can keep going and get the work done that HAS to be done.
Mike's kids are doing pretty well with the jobs I've given them to do. They seem to get along fairly well, and they're strong. You only have to show them once how to do anything, and they catch on.
I'm glad to have them for the help they give me. They can do the menial tasks that have to be done, but I don't have the time to get to.
Renae brought them by yesterday, and we sat and talked for a while before she went off with Mike to do something somewhere else. She told me that she had bragged all over about the house and what we're doing with it. I'm glad someone can see some improvement. I just see it being a mess, and needing a lot of work.
We gossipped a little about her work at the Goodwill. Carzel has quit, due to not having a car regularly, and because of some family issues. She is getting a little forgetful, and I wonder if she's in the early stages of Alzhimers. She's such a sweet lady, and I'd hate to see her lose her capacities and capabilities. She worries a lot about her family, and she may just be distracted.
Renae told me that she misses me being there as a volunteer, and I assured her that I really miss it, too. She's a good manager, with great people skills, and I really enjoy working with her.
When she first came to Goodwill, I would have never thought she would become the efficient, detail-oriented manager she is. She seemed so shy and quiet way back then. Now she's bubbly and confident. I don't know if she's grown or if I just had the wrong first impression. Perhaps a little of both.
They had fried chicken at the Down Home last night, and Steve and I went there for supper. It was really good, and Dawn gave us such good service. She's another lady who is rather quiet, but works hard and is super-friendly. I have a real affection for her.
I've been 'venting' on this blog so long that daylight is creeping across the horizon, and the world is awakening. Soon, there will be the sounds of other people, and my 'gloaming' time will be gone.
I hope for good weather today. There's lots to get done.
I want to thank Faune Gerber for her sweet words of encouragement on my blog. She and Lynn are about the only ones who regularly comment. Lynn is family, and she's obligated, but Faune does what she does just from a heart of love. I like that.
I so enjoy the longer times at prayer on the mornings that I get up earlier. I seem to be so alone with God for a while, and it's a comforting feeling.
Steve and I went up to Creekside yesterday afternoon, though I really didn't feel like going anywhere but back to bed. Things do not go well when I'm not there. Children will play.
S2 had declared that the foam panels that Tim and I had cut and placed in the ceilings of the sun room upstairs were keeping him from putting up the sheetrock, so he had Tim tear them down.
That's double the money for the work, and I don't have the R-value that the foam offered. It's also a waste of a perfectly good product. I was not a bit happy about that action.
But, that's the type of thing that happens when there's not someone on the job to see that everything goes as planned.
Steve had gone up to the house earlier, and said that the men had not put sheetrock over the hole in the kitchen where the old chimney had gone through, and he had specifically asked them to do so the day before. He was frustrated, and told me I needed to get dressed and go up there to get things back on an even keel.
When we got there, the hole had been covered with a small sheet of sheet rock. That was one thing that had finally got done, but the workmen were angry, and you could feel the tension in the air. They pled sickness, and left very soon after we arrived.
Only Tim (poor soul) was left to deal with the pointed comments I had for the way things were going. I'll be there today, for sure.
Steve wants me to run Orlando off, because he takes the men to get beer in the afternoons, and that leads to trouble of all sorts. Tim acts totally differently when Orlando's not around.
Tim wanted to go to the grocery store, and we went to the Family Dollar. I hate the new arrangement they have now. I can't find anything. They're carrying a lot of new products, and it's working the laides to death to find places to put everything.
I think Tim wanted to be near Elaine for a few minutes. He's still pretty taken with her, but I don't have much hope that Elaine will ever return his interests.
Steve started putting wall plugs in another bed room, but he worked all afternoon and just cut one hole in one wall. At that pace, it will take untill late fall to get just the upstairs wired. I'm fit to be tied.
He disclosed to me yesterday that he's planning to either use PEX for the water supply for the upstairs bathroom, or tear up the floor to use PVC. PEX will require specialized tools, which means buying them or renting them (a trip) and I certainly don't want to create more work by tearing up floors---anywhere!
I don't (for the life of me) see why he couldn't just have put the water lines in the wall of the kitchen, which is directly under the bathroom, while we had the sheetrock off the walls.
His spirit of un-co-operation baffles and dismays me to no end. I get so frustrated with him.
There's so much plumbing work to get done, and he won't get even one bath plumbed. We can't go forward with much more work until the blumbing and wiring is completed, and he doesn't want anyone else to do anything about these two jobs. The toilet in the downstairs bath (the only one working) is STILL flushing hot water down the drain, and Steve keeps saying he'll fix it when he feels like it. I sometimes wonder if it would make him feel differently if I went up the side of his head with a 2X4.
At Clairemont, the grass still hasn't been mowed, and the pasture fences are still not repaired.
I have seen for sure that I cannot be ill again. Everything that needs to be done depends on me.
He has fed the cows, but they'd be much better off if they were on pasture.
He has fed my birds for me while I've had this virus (?), and I so appreciate that.
The biggest gripes I have is that he's taking so long to do the wiring and plumbing at Creekside, and he hasn't got the grass mowed at Clairemont. He knows how important these things are to me, and he seems to be taking his time with these jobs.
He joked yesterday afternoon that he was going to weed-eat me a path to the barn and to the bird houses, and just forget the rest of the yard. We were not amused.
It seems like I'm griping a lot, but my frustration level is really high. I've got to let it out, or I'll have a migraine. I don't have the time to be in bed for another day.
I guess I'll have to be hitting the pain pills pretty heavily today, so that I can keep going and get the work done that HAS to be done.
Mike's kids are doing pretty well with the jobs I've given them to do. They seem to get along fairly well, and they're strong. You only have to show them once how to do anything, and they catch on.
I'm glad to have them for the help they give me. They can do the menial tasks that have to be done, but I don't have the time to get to.
Renae brought them by yesterday, and we sat and talked for a while before she went off with Mike to do something somewhere else. She told me that she had bragged all over about the house and what we're doing with it. I'm glad someone can see some improvement. I just see it being a mess, and needing a lot of work.
We gossipped a little about her work at the Goodwill. Carzel has quit, due to not having a car regularly, and because of some family issues. She is getting a little forgetful, and I wonder if she's in the early stages of Alzhimers. She's such a sweet lady, and I'd hate to see her lose her capacities and capabilities. She worries a lot about her family, and she may just be distracted.
Renae told me that she misses me being there as a volunteer, and I assured her that I really miss it, too. She's a good manager, with great people skills, and I really enjoy working with her.
When she first came to Goodwill, I would have never thought she would become the efficient, detail-oriented manager she is. She seemed so shy and quiet way back then. Now she's bubbly and confident. I don't know if she's grown or if I just had the wrong first impression. Perhaps a little of both.
They had fried chicken at the Down Home last night, and Steve and I went there for supper. It was really good, and Dawn gave us such good service. She's another lady who is rather quiet, but works hard and is super-friendly. I have a real affection for her.
I've been 'venting' on this blog so long that daylight is creeping across the horizon, and the world is awakening. Soon, there will be the sounds of other people, and my 'gloaming' time will be gone.
I hope for good weather today. There's lots to get done.
I want to thank Faune Gerber for her sweet words of encouragement on my blog. She and Lynn are about the only ones who regularly comment. Lynn is family, and she's obligated, but Faune does what she does just from a heart of love. I like that.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday May 5, 2011 AM
This is probably not a good day for me to post, as I have been battling some disorder like a bad cold or the flu.
I was in bed all day yesterday, and I sould like a badly-tuned bullfrog when I talk.
I feel like someone has run me over with a Mack truck.
Steve says that I need to get out of the house for a while, and I think he is getting tired of seeing me lay around and act like a victim.
I don't know if I'd get very far with leaving, as the yard looks like we're letting it go to 'jungle'.
He says all the lawnmowers are on the blitz, and he's frustrated with trying to get them started and get the mowing done. I don't know what he expects me to do about it, but I think he's giving up on the job. I guess I'll just have it to tackle when I get a little farther along with getting over my surgery. That's the way things usually go around here.
Steve went up to Creekside yesterday, and said that all the men were gone and the front door was standing open. That's not a good sign, but 'when the cat's away, the mice will play'.
I need to get better and get back up there to keep control.
Jim put a good post on Lynn's blog, and I wrote what I hope is a good comment for it.
I don't have much to post, which will be a huge disapointment for Barbara, who hangs on my every word. She called me this morning to make the comment that I haven't posted enough lately, and hadn't mentioned her enough. So, Barbara, here's your mention.
I've been drinking tea all morning, which helps with my sore throat, and I put a chocolate mint candy cane in it, and it's so good. It makes me think of Christmas.
Steve said earlier that it's cold outside, but the sun is shining on Clinch mountain, and it looks like spring. The weather has been so odd this year, so far, and I wonder what's happening.
I need to get started on choring,even though I really don't feel like it. I told Mary Douglass to not come today, as I'm afraid that she would catch my disease.
I was in bed all day yesterday, and I sould like a badly-tuned bullfrog when I talk.
I feel like someone has run me over with a Mack truck.
Steve says that I need to get out of the house for a while, and I think he is getting tired of seeing me lay around and act like a victim.
I don't know if I'd get very far with leaving, as the yard looks like we're letting it go to 'jungle'.
He says all the lawnmowers are on the blitz, and he's frustrated with trying to get them started and get the mowing done. I don't know what he expects me to do about it, but I think he's giving up on the job. I guess I'll just have it to tackle when I get a little farther along with getting over my surgery. That's the way things usually go around here.
Steve went up to Creekside yesterday, and said that all the men were gone and the front door was standing open. That's not a good sign, but 'when the cat's away, the mice will play'.
I need to get better and get back up there to keep control.
Jim put a good post on Lynn's blog, and I wrote what I hope is a good comment for it.
I don't have much to post, which will be a huge disapointment for Barbara, who hangs on my every word. She called me this morning to make the comment that I haven't posted enough lately, and hadn't mentioned her enough. So, Barbara, here's your mention.
I've been drinking tea all morning, which helps with my sore throat, and I put a chocolate mint candy cane in it, and it's so good. It makes me think of Christmas.
Steve said earlier that it's cold outside, but the sun is shining on Clinch mountain, and it looks like spring. The weather has been so odd this year, so far, and I wonder what's happening.
I need to get started on choring,even though I really don't feel like it. I told Mary Douglass to not come today, as I'm afraid that she would catch my disease.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 AM
I don't know if I've posted already about my old friend, Jack Higgs, having a massive coronary.
He had trouble with his breathing the other morning, and told his wife, Marsha, that he needed to go sit on the porch to get some air. When she checked on him soon after, he was having serious respiratory distress, and she called 911. He was unresponsive when the ambulance got to their home, and he has not regained conciousness. His son, Jason, came by the house to tell me the news, and he came by yesterday afternoon to tell me that they were removing Jack from life support this morning. Jack had refinished many pieces of fine furniture for me through the years, and he had narrowed his list of clients to a very few, select people. I was grateful to be one of them. He could make a table top feel like satin. Jason told me that his father considered me one of his best friends, and I'm proud of that distinction.
He and his family are in our prayers.
Tim was at the house at Creekside yesterday morning. I got there about 9:15, and Steve and Cherokee were sitting on the porch, having coffee.
S2 told me that he had opened Tim's door and yelled at him to roll out and get ready to work. He said Tim mumbled something, and went right back to sleep. He slept most of the day.
I tried to keep doors closed and to keep things quiet, but Steve said he deserved to be disturbed, and went right on with his work without consideration for the noise.
People who have always had to work have little sympathy for those who want to loaf to rest after a long session of play. Orlando came around about noon, and Steve said he could use him. They work together very well, and I always like having Orlando around, as he's polite and conciencious.
He always tells me he's grateful for the work, and thanks me for using him.
Renae, from the Goodwill, brought by two young people who were wanting to work. They are Mike's children (I can't remember their names right now), and they didn't look like very good workers. I had to show them just what I wanted them to be doing, and they pitched in and worked really hard. I was surprised at their determination and willingness.
When Mike came to pick them up, he asked if they had been good workers, and if they had been respectful. He was pleased when I told him how they had worked and been co-operative.
I think they're nice kids, but their hair and piercings just don't fit in Rutledge. The girl was wearing pajamas, and told me she had worn them to school because she didn't feel like getting dressed for school that morning. She got hot, and rolled the legs up to look like shorts.
The boy told me his girlfriend is pregnant, and he's just 15. I'm appalled. I think their mother has more to do with their moral decline than Mike does. He's a really good father, from what I can tell.
Mike looked at our plumbing situation while he was there, and he's expecting it to take a LOT of work to get things going in the right direction. He says the kitchen wall will have to come back down to get plumbing up to the upstairs bathroom. I had asked S1 to get that work done before we put the sheetrock on the kitchen wall, but he insisted he could do the plumbing after the sheetrock was up. NOW we're in a pretty mess.
S1 stayed home yesterday to 'mow the grass'. When I got home last night, I found out that he had closed the gate over the driveway and turned the cows out in the yard. He had been playing with his new weedeater, though.
I dispair!
He says he's going to stay home today, too. I expect he'll be getting a lot of mowing done in front of his computer. Maybe we should get a computerized lawn mower.
I went by the Family Dollar last night on my way home, and found out that there's a conspiracy afloat. Angie Green, who used to be the manager there, has put in an application to come back, which would unseat Joan. Fern is trying to tangle up the paper work to assist in getting Joan fired, so that Angie will be able to just walk in and take over. Joan said that she would leave before she would let Angie have her position back, and Elaine said she would, too. Angie and Fern want Nina Owens to be working there, which would be a disaster. She's the wife of Rick Owens, who is one of the biggest pill sellers in Grainger County, and the Family Dollar would become the drug store of Rutledge.
I stated that if Family Dollar fires Joan, I would never do business there again, and I would broadcast to others that they should not, either. Joan has been a hard worker, and she deserves to be treated nicer than to just be cast aside.
I bought some clearance laundry detergent while I was there. It won't go bad, and it was at a really good price. I do so much laundry, and I want to be saving where I can.
It looks like it will be a nice day today. I need some up-beat thoughts. I think Steve said that there was rain coming, but the sun is shining on Clinch Mountain. I guess it could go either way.
I need to get hair done, get dressed, and get off to Creekside to keep things going along as well as possible.
Prayers for Jack Higgs.
He had trouble with his breathing the other morning, and told his wife, Marsha, that he needed to go sit on the porch to get some air. When she checked on him soon after, he was having serious respiratory distress, and she called 911. He was unresponsive when the ambulance got to their home, and he has not regained conciousness. His son, Jason, came by the house to tell me the news, and he came by yesterday afternoon to tell me that they were removing Jack from life support this morning. Jack had refinished many pieces of fine furniture for me through the years, and he had narrowed his list of clients to a very few, select people. I was grateful to be one of them. He could make a table top feel like satin. Jason told me that his father considered me one of his best friends, and I'm proud of that distinction.
He and his family are in our prayers.
Tim was at the house at Creekside yesterday morning. I got there about 9:15, and Steve and Cherokee were sitting on the porch, having coffee.
S2 told me that he had opened Tim's door and yelled at him to roll out and get ready to work. He said Tim mumbled something, and went right back to sleep. He slept most of the day.
I tried to keep doors closed and to keep things quiet, but Steve said he deserved to be disturbed, and went right on with his work without consideration for the noise.
People who have always had to work have little sympathy for those who want to loaf to rest after a long session of play. Orlando came around about noon, and Steve said he could use him. They work together very well, and I always like having Orlando around, as he's polite and conciencious.
He always tells me he's grateful for the work, and thanks me for using him.
Renae, from the Goodwill, brought by two young people who were wanting to work. They are Mike's children (I can't remember their names right now), and they didn't look like very good workers. I had to show them just what I wanted them to be doing, and they pitched in and worked really hard. I was surprised at their determination and willingness.
When Mike came to pick them up, he asked if they had been good workers, and if they had been respectful. He was pleased when I told him how they had worked and been co-operative.
I think they're nice kids, but their hair and piercings just don't fit in Rutledge. The girl was wearing pajamas, and told me she had worn them to school because she didn't feel like getting dressed for school that morning. She got hot, and rolled the legs up to look like shorts.
The boy told me his girlfriend is pregnant, and he's just 15. I'm appalled. I think their mother has more to do with their moral decline than Mike does. He's a really good father, from what I can tell.
Mike looked at our plumbing situation while he was there, and he's expecting it to take a LOT of work to get things going in the right direction. He says the kitchen wall will have to come back down to get plumbing up to the upstairs bathroom. I had asked S1 to get that work done before we put the sheetrock on the kitchen wall, but he insisted he could do the plumbing after the sheetrock was up. NOW we're in a pretty mess.
S1 stayed home yesterday to 'mow the grass'. When I got home last night, I found out that he had closed the gate over the driveway and turned the cows out in the yard. He had been playing with his new weedeater, though.
I dispair!
He says he's going to stay home today, too. I expect he'll be getting a lot of mowing done in front of his computer. Maybe we should get a computerized lawn mower.
I went by the Family Dollar last night on my way home, and found out that there's a conspiracy afloat. Angie Green, who used to be the manager there, has put in an application to come back, which would unseat Joan. Fern is trying to tangle up the paper work to assist in getting Joan fired, so that Angie will be able to just walk in and take over. Joan said that she would leave before she would let Angie have her position back, and Elaine said she would, too. Angie and Fern want Nina Owens to be working there, which would be a disaster. She's the wife of Rick Owens, who is one of the biggest pill sellers in Grainger County, and the Family Dollar would become the drug store of Rutledge.
I stated that if Family Dollar fires Joan, I would never do business there again, and I would broadcast to others that they should not, either. Joan has been a hard worker, and she deserves to be treated nicer than to just be cast aside.
I bought some clearance laundry detergent while I was there. It won't go bad, and it was at a really good price. I do so much laundry, and I want to be saving where I can.
It looks like it will be a nice day today. I need some up-beat thoughts. I think Steve said that there was rain coming, but the sun is shining on Clinch Mountain. I guess it could go either way.
I need to get hair done, get dressed, and get off to Creekside to keep things going along as well as possible.
Prayers for Jack Higgs.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011 AM
I can't believe how fast this year has gone. It seems like New Year's Day was a long time ago, but it's still WAY too early to be May.
I suppose it's because I'm so busy and distracted with all my projects.
Mary called the other morning, and we talked for about 30 minutes. She hates to talk on the phone. It was so good to hear from her. She was complaining about how weak and tired she feels, and about all the limits on her activities, but she IS almost 70. I feel the limitations of age, too, and so resent that I hurt and am tired all the time.
I've had more pain from my surgery the last few days than I did at first. I try to do less work and lifting, but the temptation is so strong.
Tim went off to see his family on Friday afternoon, and we haven't seen or heard from him sinse.
We don't know if he's coming back or not. His room was rather messy when Steve had to go through it to get to the attic entrance to do some wiring. It looked like he had been drinking or doing drugs, and had not had the ambition to clean his room. I hope it's just a temporary thing, as I have become fond of him, and I like having him at the house.
The workmen took the week-end off, and it was so quiet without all the loud talking and kidding.
Steve got a little done with the wiring, and I worked on cleaning up and some insulation work.
I've decided to store the salvaged trim pieces under the house, as we're running out of places to put things. That house badly needs a weather-tight garage or out-building, where we could store materials and supplies for the work we're doing.
Steve said something the other day about some comment that I had put in my blog, so I now know that he's reading it. He had said once that he would not read it, as I slandered him and tried to make him look bad. I think it was one of the times that I was frustrated with him and 'went off' that he's referring to.
Steve says he is going to stay at Clairemont today and mow the grass. He's planning to use a walk-behind bush hog that has not been started in a year, so I'm already wondering about his results. He's bought himself a new weed eater, and even he said that it was pretty expensive. He wouldn't even tell me what he paid for it, so I suppose it cost plenty.
I think it's supposed to rain today. Not a good day to plan to catch up on yard work.
We'll see what it looks like this afternoon.
Jason Higgs called me yesterday afternoon to say that Jack was un-responsive, and had major brain damage, and that he and Marsha are planning (at this time) to discontinue life-support on Tuesday. Jack was always a big talker, and I like having someone to talk to. He sure could work with wood.
I'd like to take the time today to go down to the hospital to see him one last time, more for Jason and Marsha than for Jack.
I have became way too busy. I don't have the time for quiet thoughts as much any more. I need those times.
Betty has invited me several times to come to Gospel Meetings, but it's so hard to break away from home and take the time from duties and chores.
I think I'm going to sell some cows soon, as I just don't have the time it takes to keep the fences repaired so well, and the pasture where they are with the swans is now depleted. I'm having to feed them ear corn and feeds that were bought.
Steve told me I could use all the money I get from selling them on the house. I like that idea.
The weasel has been back, and killed several chickens. I dispair of killing it. They are so trap-shy, and really hard to trap.
My sinus infection that I've had for several months still lingers. I don't know what else to do for it, so I'm just suffering along.
Barbara called last night, but I was tired and felt distracted, so we only talked for a few minutes.
I have some things to take her in the truck, but I haven't been down her way for a while. I'm just hauling them around. She loves to be mentioned in my blog, though she will call me and snear about it. That's the way we do things.
Elizabeth is doing well, and every time she hears that I might be coming, she brightens right up. She has been known to stay up past her usual bed time if she thinks I'm coming by. She's such a delight, I try to get there before she goes to bed in the evening.
This computer is acting ugly, and Steve says he's going to transfer me to a new one. I don't know how the transfer will work. I'm so used to this way of doing computer things. I don't like those things that eliminate a mouse.
Lynn has not posted on her blog lately, and I wonder if things are alright with her. I hope that her not posting is because she's able to be busy.
I should get off this device and get busy, myself.
I hope the overcast weather doesn't affect my mood too much. Damp weather makes my joints hurt.
I suppose it's because I'm so busy and distracted with all my projects.
Mary called the other morning, and we talked for about 30 minutes. She hates to talk on the phone. It was so good to hear from her. She was complaining about how weak and tired she feels, and about all the limits on her activities, but she IS almost 70. I feel the limitations of age, too, and so resent that I hurt and am tired all the time.
I've had more pain from my surgery the last few days than I did at first. I try to do less work and lifting, but the temptation is so strong.
Tim went off to see his family on Friday afternoon, and we haven't seen or heard from him sinse.
We don't know if he's coming back or not. His room was rather messy when Steve had to go through it to get to the attic entrance to do some wiring. It looked like he had been drinking or doing drugs, and had not had the ambition to clean his room. I hope it's just a temporary thing, as I have become fond of him, and I like having him at the house.
The workmen took the week-end off, and it was so quiet without all the loud talking and kidding.
Steve got a little done with the wiring, and I worked on cleaning up and some insulation work.
I've decided to store the salvaged trim pieces under the house, as we're running out of places to put things. That house badly needs a weather-tight garage or out-building, where we could store materials and supplies for the work we're doing.
Steve said something the other day about some comment that I had put in my blog, so I now know that he's reading it. He had said once that he would not read it, as I slandered him and tried to make him look bad. I think it was one of the times that I was frustrated with him and 'went off' that he's referring to.
Steve says he is going to stay at Clairemont today and mow the grass. He's planning to use a walk-behind bush hog that has not been started in a year, so I'm already wondering about his results. He's bought himself a new weed eater, and even he said that it was pretty expensive. He wouldn't even tell me what he paid for it, so I suppose it cost plenty.
I think it's supposed to rain today. Not a good day to plan to catch up on yard work.
We'll see what it looks like this afternoon.
Jason Higgs called me yesterday afternoon to say that Jack was un-responsive, and had major brain damage, and that he and Marsha are planning (at this time) to discontinue life-support on Tuesday. Jack was always a big talker, and I like having someone to talk to. He sure could work with wood.
I'd like to take the time today to go down to the hospital to see him one last time, more for Jason and Marsha than for Jack.
I have became way too busy. I don't have the time for quiet thoughts as much any more. I need those times.
Betty has invited me several times to come to Gospel Meetings, but it's so hard to break away from home and take the time from duties and chores.
I think I'm going to sell some cows soon, as I just don't have the time it takes to keep the fences repaired so well, and the pasture where they are with the swans is now depleted. I'm having to feed them ear corn and feeds that were bought.
Steve told me I could use all the money I get from selling them on the house. I like that idea.
The weasel has been back, and killed several chickens. I dispair of killing it. They are so trap-shy, and really hard to trap.
My sinus infection that I've had for several months still lingers. I don't know what else to do for it, so I'm just suffering along.
Barbara called last night, but I was tired and felt distracted, so we only talked for a few minutes.
I have some things to take her in the truck, but I haven't been down her way for a while. I'm just hauling them around. She loves to be mentioned in my blog, though she will call me and snear about it. That's the way we do things.
Elizabeth is doing well, and every time she hears that I might be coming, she brightens right up. She has been known to stay up past her usual bed time if she thinks I'm coming by. She's such a delight, I try to get there before she goes to bed in the evening.
This computer is acting ugly, and Steve says he's going to transfer me to a new one. I don't know how the transfer will work. I'm so used to this way of doing computer things. I don't like those things that eliminate a mouse.
Lynn has not posted on her blog lately, and I wonder if things are alright with her. I hope that her not posting is because she's able to be busy.
I should get off this device and get busy, myself.
I hope the overcast weather doesn't affect my mood too much. Damp weather makes my joints hurt.
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