tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64482465384914959082024-03-13T11:51:42.307-07:00Elegant BlessingsLiving a life of Grace on Honeysuckle HillAkanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.comBlogger1031125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-63716128690249252362024-02-08T14:33:00.000-08:002024-02-08T14:33:18.452-08:00Sledge hammers and litterboxes<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3E9SV4mCCCWp4Y1VleBod_tVWPP-1udCAMiC1HS1vCSRc75xLfPsXHhBKvrvQLwpMQvxRJCZbve_Ki5t7IkoJo1z3vtWP1AnyYO5OG3Lhg9eHRevP2bAjWmSqpIm8RttimMncNQgUynZy5maApjGe-z_pDN63AUJ6L_YSFTFmi7t849EnRap_rOam0m0/s700/facing_a_new_world_by_3mmi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3E9SV4mCCCWp4Y1VleBod_tVWPP-1udCAMiC1HS1vCSRc75xLfPsXHhBKvrvQLwpMQvxRJCZbve_Ki5t7IkoJo1z3vtWP1AnyYO5OG3Lhg9eHRevP2bAjWmSqpIm8RttimMncNQgUynZy5maApjGe-z_pDN63AUJ6L_YSFTFmi7t849EnRap_rOam0m0/w400-h400/facing_a_new_world_by_3mmi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> <b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">This has been a rollercoaster of a few months. I don't know where to start. I feel like I really need to get some things out of me and on paper, so I have chosen to blog about them, since this doesn't get read by many anyway. I take full responsibility for that, as I am such a hit and miss blogger the past few years. It is past midnight and I am beyond tired. This past summer one of my nephews died of a heroin overdose. A couple of years before that, HIS nephew died of a heroin overdose. My heart breaks for the brother that these belong to. It is brutal and senseless and so unnecessary. The one that died this summer lived with us for a while when he was in HS. His life has been nothing but grief to his family these last years and it was inevitable. I tried at one point to get him into a recovery program, hooked him up with a nice young man close to his age, but he didn't want any part of it. It's heartbreaking watching the havoc addiction wreaks on the lives of the addict and everyone who loves them. Then just before Thanksgiving, my husband was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. We kept the news to ourselves for a while, as he tried to process it all. Then we told family members. I had confided in a couple of very close friends, but he was keeping it bottled up. Finally he told a few people and then it was out. December was full of consults and dr appointmnets in St Louis and in the first full week of January, they started radiation treatments. We're blessed to have one the nations top cancer centers here. The medical care from the VA has been superb. My husband has a great attitude and managed to work half days through the treatments. After they were finished, the side effects began. He has missed the last week of work and is feeling really crappy. (</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">**it's weeks later now</span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">). He missed another week and a half of work before he could go back. He had a little down time before they started the chemo treatments, and on January 30th the first infusion was administered. The second one is coming up in 12 days. In between, he takes 2 weeks of chemo PILLS, one week off, then the next infusion. Total of 4 infusions. Then tests to see if they can do surgery yet to remove the tumor. He's had some strange side effects from the chemo, most are fleeting. He looks tired. He's worked 40 hours this week by the time he gets home. Last week he was able to work 20. This stuff is not for the faint of heart. Today is his 64th birthday. He doesn't want a celebration, but I'm making one of his favorite dinners of lemon chicken with rice and some vegetable. He's lost about 8 pounds since this started, his appetite is different than normal. I made some sugar free chocolate pudding with almond milk since he didn't want a cake. lol The chicken is marinating right now. I've been a householding fool today, and managed to get a lot of things done, (like laundry and scrubbing out litterboxes). I have a little birthday bag for him with an Irish flag and a Celtic symbol on a chain that he'll probably never wear. But I liked it. lol </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"> So, in between all this, I had a bad diverticulitis attack that landed me in the ER. They ran all kinds of stupid tests (as they are wont to do) and then ordered a post ER Ultrasound on my gall bladder. Seems I have developed gall stones. Sigh... not causing any real trouble yet, but they want to remove the thing before it does. Been a real clusterfork trying to get it scheduled because I need to do it around his treatment schedules and I want to do it half an hour from here instead of over an hour where they originally wanted to schedule it. It's all been frustrating. Oh, and did I mention that my brother also died rather unexpectedly in December, right before Xmas ? At the same hospital they wanted to send me to ? So...you can imagine my general state of mind. Top that with a new phone I got that will not work well...supposed to be "senior friendly" and I bought 2 and after much ado, am sending them both back and getting my $$ refunded. Dropping calls, not opening apps, lousy reception and speakers. Luckily I only set up the one to see how it worked. lol So we still have one halfway dependable phone. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"> All in all, it's a wonder I haven't run screaming through the streets. But so far, I've been okay. We have lots of love and support around us and I am so thankful for everyone that has offered and done little things to help us. My friend Mary comes to mind, who said once... "Life comes at us like a sledgehammer sometimes. No time to duck." Whew. </span></b></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-49686092759161840612023-05-03T12:51:00.003-07:002023-05-03T12:51:26.994-07:00I'm the worst blogger in the history of blogdom...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYlOKscAOw_gZys7uQVHEb5MZyhbDziisQG6iMuaggGZE5t6IRsGkJiR6LeVkZvyX_LFnaMkeC6IZt3eDGBeByv_N-7EyWdBICW1U-Tt4DeKo92kT87ne-kBeCnBQMxIH1SLogoCxpnWD6n4kKZCEEBRYjsG835oVmXLboerc3cU3Tq8cqQf6c-bP/s2048/marinara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYlOKscAOw_gZys7uQVHEb5MZyhbDziisQG6iMuaggGZE5t6IRsGkJiR6LeVkZvyX_LFnaMkeC6IZt3eDGBeByv_N-7EyWdBICW1U-Tt4DeKo92kT87ne-kBeCnBQMxIH1SLogoCxpnWD6n4kKZCEEBRYjsG835oVmXLboerc3cU3Tq8cqQf6c-bP/w640-h480/marinara.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>But, in my defense, it's been a crazy few months. lol Not that I haven't had tons of stuff to blog about, but getting the time, motivation and energy (all at the same time) to get on here has been the problem. Even now, I should be cleaning up this house. Instead I have sat on the front porch and read and waited while the fat lazy mailman stuffed a box that was too big into my mailbox, instead of driving up the driveway and putting it on the porch. Hell, I would have even walked out to his truck and gotten it. I couldn't get the damned thing out of the box and had to come back in the house (cursing his name) get a long flat edge screwdriver and pry it out of the mailbox. Luckily it was double boxed, so I didn't damage the dvds. I was furious. So far I have refrained from calling the PO and registering a complaint. He really is a huge lumpy limpy mess. This isn't the first time he's done this. But dammit, I am disabled too. Grrr... (bless them and change me...bless him and change me...)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> On a brighter note, it's beautiful out there today. Sunshine and blue skies. We have had the screwiest weather imaginable, all year. May is proving to be no exception to it either. It got to temps in the 80's, then crashed back down to the 30's. Lots of severe storms. Dust storms so bad (from freshly plowed fields- we live in corn country round these parts) on the interstate north of here that it caused a gigantic crash Monday morning of 30 commercial vehicles and about 42 cars...7 people dead and 30 injured. Explosions from gas tanks and big trucks created black smoke you could see for miles. 60 mph winds that were NOT tornadoes. They closed the road for 2 days trying to get vehicles cleared away, and then the next day the winds were bad again. Today though, it's barely breezy and the temps are in the mid to high 60's. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I'm getting ready to start a batch of marinara for supper tonight. All vegetables, salad and garlic naan, unless I run to the store right when he gets home. I was going to bake some garlic rolls, but like everything else I was going to do, I haven't. lol I've been hungry for some Sketti. I probably still have time to make the rolls...but I probably won't. I don't know what's wrong with me. I have 6 baby kittens that are about 4 1/2 weeks old and so cute I am paralyzed with adoration. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. lol They are starting to gallop down the hallway now and climb anything they can reach. Including our pantlegs. lol</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigWQyL2cY9ZN10mWVzRC1k0eBjZghVF9Tqoc6BoYMX48vAjsLEYSztLSKqyTknePrZMhvuk9FJvuklLL8wuPL8x5zoKSpKPRoQY7r4VWA5upAzIAfej0Gb2KtywoiLTdhOnw39PVKf71Dumeo_Gfeb7twmTZZ6_IYpPJAJLPs4Yb-K8sO-N_FTNVN/s4608/Cake%20and%20kitties%20002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigWQyL2cY9ZN10mWVzRC1k0eBjZghVF9Tqoc6BoYMX48vAjsLEYSztLSKqyTknePrZMhvuk9FJvuklLL8wuPL8x5zoKSpKPRoQY7r4VWA5upAzIAfej0Gb2KtywoiLTdhOnw39PVKf71Dumeo_Gfeb7twmTZZ6_IYpPJAJLPs4Yb-K8sO-N_FTNVN/w400-h300/Cake%20and%20kitties%20002.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b> So...all in all still alive and well. Life on Honeysuckle Hill moves on. Life continues to be a series of miracles. And that's about the gist of it.</b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-69446453968982336412022-12-27T14:41:00.000-08:002022-12-27T14:41:39.446-08:00So... this is how it feels....<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSlCew5Z3O12RBZFsqMB_CKT9SjBn7wb5O4xm-0h9Rlwtvrc6Ldm3OUwU24OP4_14NW70mAXiY7xMRQWorDMHsFhN8yE2dLpJxKbG3Xo_jBpsEq79V9nQ5XSJNKV6bR2f8xW56yNKiZfVY0fuiSkHgGpWBClc3tw6TFNwdjnkBNZpw5BqlUPBWwQO/s960/interpretive%20dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="745" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSlCew5Z3O12RBZFsqMB_CKT9SjBn7wb5O4xm-0h9Rlwtvrc6Ldm3OUwU24OP4_14NW70mAXiY7xMRQWorDMHsFhN8yE2dLpJxKbG3Xo_jBpsEq79V9nQ5XSJNKV6bR2f8xW56yNKiZfVY0fuiSkHgGpWBClc3tw6TFNwdjnkBNZpw5BqlUPBWwQO/w310-h400/interpretive%20dance.jpg" width="310" /></b></span></a></div><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b> We have been the proud parents of a severe winter event here in the midwest. All over the country, actually. The winter of '22 will go down in the history books as one with the most severe winter weather in centuries. Something called a bomb cyclone hit the Great Lakes regions and spread it's perverted cheer all over the country. Texas had zero and single digit temps for crying out loud. Here in Corntown, we had temps below zero with wind chill factors of 35 below. The wind blew for 3 days at about 25-35 mph non stop. It was scary. For the first time since we lived here (18 years now) the water pipes froze and as of today we have been without running water for 5 days. The temps are finally on the upswing and in the 30's today. Heading for the 50's by Thursday. Hopefully that will thaw things out so we can see where we stand as far as repairs, etc that may need to be made to the plumbing. It's really aggravating and makes everything so much harder and I am stomping my feet and having a hissy fit. lol And that has changed ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzeHXD-uQXxpP7u_uayPM3sDvn8xJU5dJCVwUO56aFM9h6gs8tqobSr-dGqjIuxqOCNl4DoKyYhKwP-RC0mGThSvdKdv7cFU0P3XOQ7XEZaBbh4UPKQN8Oy4Ax3b8YWYmRvB3mLTm7HcESQHsYOjL3QaqfHXDUA_jSXPlpGDzUoPN6O1FHZtK9P52/s722/Hissy%20Fit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzeHXD-uQXxpP7u_uayPM3sDvn8xJU5dJCVwUO56aFM9h6gs8tqobSr-dGqjIuxqOCNl4DoKyYhKwP-RC0mGThSvdKdv7cFU0P3XOQ7XEZaBbh4UPKQN8Oy4Ax3b8YWYmRvB3mLTm7HcESQHsYOjL3QaqfHXDUA_jSXPlpGDzUoPN6O1FHZtK9P52/s320/Hissy%20Fit.jpg" width="266" /></b></span></a></div><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b> I had a good cry last night. I don't know if it helped or not. I don't generally fall apart when SHTF -- I'm usually really good in emergency situations. But this time I am just tired. Seems like it's been one thing after another (it has) and I am not being my usually resilient self. Add the weather, the financial strains, the deaths of people I love, the illnesses (Covid is back in the house ! Not my house, but probably a matter of time). Being a one car family when we 're used to having two. The physical issues I am dealing with. Having all these ANNOYANCES going on in my life. And that might be the worst part. None of this is life shattering. None of this is anything, in the great cosmic scheme of things. And this isn't even the first time in my life for a lot of these things. But, for whatever reasons, it is all hitting me really hard. The house isn't warm enough. The windows are drafty. I can't come and go as I please. I'm tired of everything being os hard. Boo Hoo. Poor little me. lol</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b> I have spent more time this past month in a melancholy state than I maybe ever have in my life. Not completely depressed, I don't think. But certainly tinges of that. I'm not normally a depressive person. I tend to have a very Pollyanna-ish outlook on life. I am blessed to have not been raised in a religious family (although plenty of my siblings and cousins are now, it seems), so have spent my life picking and choosing what works for me in terms of a Creator or Higher Power or Spiritual life. No heaven or hell, no good or evil, necessarily. No sin. Waywardness, maybe. It gives me room to grow and learning to be the Annie that God dreamed me to be. Whoever God is. Connections. To the Earth, to God, to each other. Some spiritual guru said, When I hurt you, I hurt me. We are one. I like that. And it gives me pretty clear guidelines on how to live. Another guy said, Do unto others as ye would have others do unto you. Same thing. Be kind. Love others [as best you can]. Primum non nocere, latin for First, do no harm. Attributed to Hippocrates, but not part of the Hippocratic Oath. Part of the unspoken Annie Oath though. In 10 days I will celebrate 70 years on this planet. Whether I have been on other planets before this one, I'm not sure. But it wouldn't surprise me either. Not much surprises me anymore, with the exception of my own behavior sometimes. So I think sliding into 70, being home alone a lot more, and this shitshow of my life right now has me feeling a certain way. Whether it's depression or melancholia, doesn't much matter. What matters is...what do I do with it ?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b> So, for today, I am trusting that things will be okay in the end. If it is not okay...it is not the end. I don't have to skulk around pouting and hissy-ing. I don't have to say things that don't need saying. I don't have to do ANYTHING I don't want to. Because THAT, children, is the gift you get for living this long. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b> Later taters. I need to go stir that big pot of veggie soup I made for vegetarian supper. See you in the funny papers.</b></span></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-5027935055630774362022-12-14T11:14:00.003-08:002022-12-14T11:14:55.443-08:00Last day of November...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE6hUvRm1QNENTlDsZC_YQYmIalNTNU8OcHMIl3SEt-c5BLufzn6u7jC-g8r7JrPpqCDCvlghLuUDQL6McbiL4OcNNNb3k3T33yrc3SvxDBpkl2uGPKKV4q04VlXsV5D9xAICr1i886pyo0dfmm-_vc3JKYcBBKvRiBdQYHO0z933SMXGRZlLK0P_/s300/Goodbye%20November2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE6hUvRm1QNENTlDsZC_YQYmIalNTNU8OcHMIl3SEt-c5BLufzn6u7jC-g8r7JrPpqCDCvlghLuUDQL6McbiL4OcNNNb3k3T33yrc3SvxDBpkl2uGPKKV4q04VlXsV5D9xAICr1i886pyo0dfmm-_vc3JKYcBBKvRiBdQYHO0z933SMXGRZlLK0P_/w640-h358/Goodbye%20November2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"> And we slide into the end of the year. The weather this past month has been stupid warm or stupid cold, with not much in between. Yesterday was 60 and today is about 35 and feels like 29 because there's a healthy wind blowing out there. Tonight's low will be 19. My brain and my body can barely cope. But still, I soldier on. lol</span></b><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"> We had a nice Thanksgiving with himself's brother that drove down from the Twin Cities and a friend. My son stayed home because he was deathly sick. The other guest was having some troubles and cancelled. It was a nice meal, I cooked a small turkey and a small spiral sliced ham. All the trimmings. It was a good day all around. We had a nice visit with Mike, who left on Sunday to make the trek back. In the meantime, lots of people I know are suffering from an epidemic of flu and colds and upper respiratory viruses. One of those folks came by for a visit on Monday and then got really sick in the middle of the night. She called to tell me and I tried to reassure her not to worry, I would probably have been exposed somewhere, one way or another. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">***Taking a break here- need a shower and to get supper figured out. Wanted to start this***</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLC_-NfSsffMBqjhChDUKCjP7HmzlUt47Ui57k_Z3eas3mCaF9WmS-woNjKP3_dpx4iCAOO2kXZiRiALTRcQbUgE9QJWXx9fxF3rnQM1StxPpt1N043v-qyD8dgRf5LaLYNV7yFQyBkGQnzBVamxiLt-MEBSLTNsXP-mlTbgW0aDuYKltXRvED0_I/s1600/December-pictures-clip-art.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1600" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLC_-NfSsffMBqjhChDUKCjP7HmzlUt47Ui57k_Z3eas3mCaF9WmS-woNjKP3_dpx4iCAOO2kXZiRiALTRcQbUgE9QJWXx9fxF3rnQM1StxPpt1N043v-qyD8dgRf5LaLYNV7yFQyBkGQnzBVamxiLt-MEBSLTNsXP-mlTbgW0aDuYKltXRvED0_I/w400-h154/December-pictures-clip-art.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> <b> Jumpin' Jehosophat !! I thought I had started a new blog post, but when I looked on Dragon Woman's Kitchen, there wasn't one. So, I just figured-- my old pal senility has visited again. lol Then I go to start a post here and find the draft. Didn't get very far and never found my way back. </b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> It's the story of my life.</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> Just for the record, 2022 has NOT been my favorite year. Certainly not the worst in my life, but definitely down there in the lifetime rock 'n roll favorites. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> It's the middle of December now. less than two weeks til Xmas. I have one decoration up, but I might be inclined to get some out today. Maybe. It's rainy today, but about 55 degrees too, so there's that. The weather has yoyo'd up and down so much you never know what's going to happen. Cold winter Illinois temps are supposed to start moving in next week, so we'll see. I could do without those Arctic temps, but it is what it is. So far, our house is warm, the roof doesn't leak and we have enough food to eat for probably close to a year. If we are careful. The world over sees people and countries tightening their belts and trudging through life and sometimes falling flat but mostly not... dire predictions coming at us from all directions, amidst the head in the sand ostriches claiming that things have either never been better or aren't really SO bad. Things look scary out there though, to this little Pollyanna. I am (and have been) trying to keep my thoughts positive, my actions kind and my pantry full and that's about the best I can manage. Life here on Honeysuckle Hill has had it's ups and downs this year. 2 years ago I would have told you that THAT was maybe the worst scariest year ever. And it WAS interesting. Achilles tendon repair in February, which resulted in my being no weight bearing for 2 months and partial for another. Covid hitting like an atomic bomb, affecting everything in it's wake. Then August was open heart surgery, and being housebound for the next 6 months to keep me from being exposed to Covid which could have easily killed me then. Lots of time for introspection, surely, but mostly lots of time figuring out how to make it through. The next year was mostly occupied with learning how to live [gratefully] in my new normal and within my new limitations. Oh wait, did I forget to mention in February '21 I fell in the bathroom in the middle of the night and broke my ankle ? A very nice break, called a Trimalleolar fracture where 3 bones break down in the lowest part of the ankle, which required surgery and pins and plates and another 6 weeks of ABSOLUTELY no weight bearing. 3 days home from the hospital, sitting in my recliner , my sweet little JRT dog, Molly laid down beside my chair and took her last breath while we loved her across the Rainbow Bridge, breaking my heart into a million pieces. We knew it was coming. She was almost 18 years old, way past her time. Then a month later I lost one of my outside rescues-turned -lap cat that was hit by a car at the end of our driveway. We never quite made her an inside cat, as she was an adult when she adopted us. Then all this gimpy walking, etc caused pain in my knees (replaced in 2017), which caused pain in my back (more pain, as I'm already dealing with the chronic pain of an old industrial accident). And then my neck got involved and my shoulders and ... it goes on and on. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> So life goes on... and we with it.</b></span></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNJpaSG8cMCr_E4iCrZflh8l9HhOZrZk_zXY4NIN17yUkgQWK-34pm9QaheK7P_A-IyhVbFNrcnQNoEDwq1jCHL5_HejYmcFOWp6GBhj8gWVtXgMHNHR-wsuxooLcFaKEVHsw_5mg4SWscW0Uee23xP3ZsvjTGFvnB0gUkeC_waGnxiVLoopm4VCLl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="850" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNJpaSG8cMCr_E4iCrZflh8l9HhOZrZk_zXY4NIN17yUkgQWK-34pm9QaheK7P_A-IyhVbFNrcnQNoEDwq1jCHL5_HejYmcFOWp6GBhj8gWVtXgMHNHR-wsuxooLcFaKEVHsw_5mg4SWscW0Uee23xP3ZsvjTGFvnB0gUkeC_waGnxiVLoopm4VCLl=w640-h302" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> And now it's December again. A time of parties and gaiety and rich foods and gifts. My gifts this year have already been bought and paid for. A huge vet bill when we thought our Bella was dying, which she did not. Yet. And that is enough of a Xmas miracle for me. A dead truck and no immediate view of what to do excepts share the good vehicle we have. Which is mostly inconvenient for me and otherwise not a big deal. After 30+ years of cohabitation, we don't need to exchange gifts, we have plenty of food for a nice Xmas meal. We have lots of friends and family who love us. We have each other, still crazy after all these years. lol </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> It looks like it might be a tough winter. But the gifts of trying to live it all one day at a time help immensely. The kernels of faith carried in every human being in our soul, give us hope and some trust that everything will work out exactly the way it is supposed to for the good of all. In my world, 2 + 2 = 4 still. Love will win over hate. Kindness is always the best choice. And especially, this: </b></span></p><p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk-k_RRYQFwAQjrN9K_lEXTaz5nI0jcmTOJiXwkjumyrL45WOUO8unKQjwKdmox724Tk9EbJ5L8EWVbYYuVAEnScl6X9Oiv19P11eHDQlT3lNYD6R0TMpjLZdKdkLvXhMaekqaOTg7-2Ah23kzSX5_TD5D65EK-tMT7S0mRTQf_v09KrEN2BzuKFaq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk-k_RRYQFwAQjrN9K_lEXTaz5nI0jcmTOJiXwkjumyrL45WOUO8unKQjwKdmox724Tk9EbJ5L8EWVbYYuVAEnScl6X9Oiv19P11eHDQlT3lNYD6R0TMpjLZdKdkLvXhMaekqaOTg7-2Ah23kzSX5_TD5D65EK-tMT7S0mRTQf_v09KrEN2BzuKFaq=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-72956304776734112382022-08-18T10:38:00.002-07:002022-08-18T14:49:26.741-07:00Reverie...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodyKS0mUM6_GxPRna2JHfmDK0RwXUMz8QIM7GNFOVoEiv1MzFal_i6z1dw-yDKDelu-udUcNcn7z8pEdnp0tktxvlKOoAovbD0K8YDqhrdsP2sEEer7FecKkiosrQaGiL9-mB24CcAxBdoDilQPFKlvvAds1hdGnU4f8WjZEhKHQrWauuXJl1G6hm/s500/Peace%20baby.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="347" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodyKS0mUM6_GxPRna2JHfmDK0RwXUMz8QIM7GNFOVoEiv1MzFal_i6z1dw-yDKDelu-udUcNcn7z8pEdnp0tktxvlKOoAovbD0K8YDqhrdsP2sEEer7FecKkiosrQaGiL9-mB24CcAxBdoDilQPFKlvvAds1hdGnU4f8WjZEhKHQrWauuXJl1G6hm/w278-h400/Peace%20baby.jpg" width="278" /></span></b></a></div><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> It's a quiet Thursday here on Honeysuckle Hill. I love days like this... I was able to sit out on the front porch with my coffee first thing this morning, and be serenaded by the buzzing of the hummingbirds, the calls and whistles of all the wild birds both in the trees around me and at the feeder. I love living out here. It's certainly not a mansion, but I get to have space to breathe and be in wonderment a lot of the time at the beauty of the natural world. And other times it's inconvenient living so far away from towns and people and stores. (But not often enough to make me move.) lol And that's just life, isn't it ? You do the best you can (or want to) with what you've got and you take the good with the bad and the happy with the sad and in the end it all sorts itself out, one way or another. </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHULIvS8A9yXt1R9JESx5PBaTVKKH2Uc70qK7rYebxyM-xLiR4R4NTd_OrGqIEcgQuMJrAmBmVkjQfLhTViGtq-mOP-ngNi9cKHV681zc6w8Sppc6BVhtyNCbOjWI9ZJKqyygibaZ_rlLXbyIj1-IGzJw-XZrzXTiRCM6Ut5bsOqvmTza_bjqfOQBm/s4608/July%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHULIvS8A9yXt1R9JESx5PBaTVKKH2Uc70qK7rYebxyM-xLiR4R4NTd_OrGqIEcgQuMJrAmBmVkjQfLhTViGtq-mOP-ngNi9cKHV681zc6w8Sppc6BVhtyNCbOjWI9ZJKqyygibaZ_rlLXbyIj1-IGzJw-XZrzXTiRCM6Ut5bsOqvmTza_bjqfOQBm/w400-h300/July%20006.JPG" width="400" /></span></b></a></div><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> My front yard on Honeysuckle Hill.<br /></span></b><p><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> I'm listening to cassette tapes the past few days. Yep, you heard it-- cassette tapes. Those buggers are practically indestructible and last a lifetime. The problem is finding some way to still play them, when even cd's are becoming obsolete. Like me. I feel like I am obsolete a lot of the time. It used to bother me. Now that I'm sliding into my 7th decade of life, I don't care so much. Still obsolete, but don't care. lol But listening to all this old music has made me a little melancholy, or thoughtful, or <i>something</i>... Pulling up old memories out of the nethers of my mind. Yesterday I listened to John Denver. That really tugged at some heartstrings. The day before I listened to Paul Simon's Graceland. Today it's Peter, Paul and Mary. We disconnected from Direct TV this month and I used to always play the music channels, so I had to find a new option and remembered that I had an old stereo in a pretty little cabinet, so I dug it out and set it up. So far can't get the turntable to spin at the correct speeds and the cd player won't open. But the tape player and the radio work okay. It'll do for now. (Don't tell, but I also do have vinyl phonograph records. LOL) </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Life seems to be whizzing by. School has started again, so twice a day the school bus rumbles down our country road. Autumn is on it's way and the summer is winding down. I'm getting some free produce from some kind people who are sharing their bounty either because they're really sick of the vegetables and all that goes with that OR they're sweethearts. lol Probably a little bit of both. At any rate, I'm grateful as the tomatoes and cucumbers are just enough for me to eat. And we all know, there is NOTHING like home grown tomatoes. And I adore those little pickling cukes, just wash and eat. YUM.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> I broke my ankle about 3 days after my last post on here. Took a dive in the bathroom in the middle of the night, fell over the little trash can. Trimalleolar fracture. Least common, doc says (naturally). 3 bones broke down in my ankle, so surgery, pins, plates and 6 weeks of no weight bearing. Almost drove me mad. I'm not good at that kind of stuff. But all over now and am back on my feet with just little twinges of pain from time to time. I think I've had about enough. lol I don't like being in a wheelchair. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Guess I'll stop rambling. I felt like writing this morning, maybe I'll work on my story that I'm trying to turn into a book. (Not trying that hard, but it crosses my mind from time to time...) So much going on in the world that it's easy to be distracted. And I'm teetering on senile, so there's that.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Hasta la Vista, kids.</span></b></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-2771734959065315142022-02-15T23:22:00.000-08:002022-02-15T23:22:11.973-08:00On Death and Dying.<p> <b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> I'm preparing myself to sit Shiva for my JRT. She's dying, and she's taking her sweet time about it. This behavior is not unusual for her, as anyone who's been owned by a Jack Russell Terrorist will attest. The entire world is at HER beck and call. My husband (who is the primary property of this girl) cannot bring himself to believe that she is ready. I spend at least 15 hours a day with her, he spends about 4. When he pulls out the leash, she suddenly comes to life and hobbles out the door with him. All the rest of the time, she is sleeping or staring aimlessly into space, or doing what she is right now- alternately laying under my feet, trying to walk down the hall, stumbling, or looking like she doesn't know where she is. It's breaking my heart...the thought of having to have her put to sleep by our vet. I would really like for her to go in her sleep, as I think that would be easier on all of us. Tonight I was telling her to "just let go. We will be alright. It will be alright." and through my tears I started laughing, because that damn dog NEVER lets go. Of anything. She came to us at about 4 months old. She is almost 17 now, which is past the best by date of a JRT. If you'd known her as a pup, she never stopped running. It was like she was charged up to the max and had more energy than she could hold. When we brought her home, she immediately marked her territory, which included about a 17 mile radius of neighbors properties as well as our little place. And for a lot of years she ruled that territory with a vengeance. She started slowing down a couple of years ago, and due to some issues we had to start putting her on a lead anytime she went outside. She had an indomitable spirit, but it definitely changed her. We had to start giving her arthritis meds a few years ago. Now her back legs will go out from under her randomly and she stumbles and falls sometimes. She's taking a maximum dose and there's not much left to do. Vet says, she's old and it's amazing she lived this long.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIyDlX69tV4xaHIEfut1eClVgXTm-f55xUD932SqSAwIB_VMfO0ZKL5qr3Qz_D6uXa37p2HUWG22YJKGCS1YtMzjhcy3-AIKO-aSWAknvkcUvNYy6fgjCMFDo3yZ93xR9sZd3UeFU8QdJcZvYBwu9cdIbyVAn-TwUnPXPc9IUBvnC128bmLj1MU30j=s206" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIyDlX69tV4xaHIEfut1eClVgXTm-f55xUD932SqSAwIB_VMfO0ZKL5qr3Qz_D6uXa37p2HUWG22YJKGCS1YtMzjhcy3-AIKO-aSWAknvkcUvNYy6fgjCMFDo3yZ93xR9sZd3UeFU8QdJcZvYBwu9cdIbyVAn-TwUnPXPc9IUBvnC128bmLj1MU30j" width="206" /></span></b></a></div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgagbdbpUFNENJM7ig-PneRw3bMQ9F7qVn_hn9GESWsfIwWu-otpiOhuAB-cVkIhybBjII-PYhpHgL_fI7B_W3P2gdeyaAK2SYlB_UNXRWeDQYjboUdqUP5yCf0gTby35Cf7trHqK8330xaLHqlqEWnEFejbF12p7KC1bjDl1lVh6gjVGOWjZGj_mQU=s206" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgagbdbpUFNENJM7ig-PneRw3bMQ9F7qVn_hn9GESWsfIwWu-otpiOhuAB-cVkIhybBjII-PYhpHgL_fI7B_W3P2gdeyaAK2SYlB_UNXRWeDQYjboUdqUP5yCf0gTby35Cf7trHqK8330xaLHqlqEWnEFejbF12p7KC1bjDl1lVh6gjVGOWjZGj_mQU" width="206" /></span></b></a></div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> The other animals have been sticking closer to her the past day or so. I trust that they sense something humans cannot, and she is even sharing the dog bed with Sassypants, the special needs kitten. She has had it in for that kitten ever since she came here. We decided that she (dog) knew that something wasn't right with her (cat) and you know how brutal animals can be (in our eyes) with defective babies. Molly didn't want that kitten even breathing her air. Every time kitty crossed her path she would snarl and snap at her if she got too close. Kitty loved her anyway. lol When Molly would fall asleep, the kitten would sneak over and lick the pads on Molly's feet. It was hysterical. The past 6 months they have made friends. Now they share the dog bed that kitty took away from the dogs. This old girl has been loved fiercely by us and she has loved us the same. Her loss will leave a giant hole in our life and I am not looking forward to it. Over the past years together we have lost several animals that we have loved and every time I have said, No more, I can't take it again. And somehow I survive it and somehow life goes on and somehow, we have memories enough to keep us heartbroken for years to come. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Maybe tonight is the night. Maybe not. She wants to go outside now and howl at the moon. That's how I want to go too...</span></b></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-52254205218522640552021-11-15T13:58:00.000-08:002021-11-15T13:58:21.880-08:00<p> </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTVtDhjRPew1zGqt7y8OKwvK3woPGZ6dz2JX0qYocEnCuTlCeB48H71fd2Rlx00WBFcZ5-32QhPPyyyFz1MZkZP5HBOCGDPej_l8iHWwSsayKriVE_ipynyty5W9M0gkp0-5ZnNrzTGs/s420/Ms+Liberal+Tree+Hugger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTVtDhjRPew1zGqt7y8OKwvK3woPGZ6dz2JX0qYocEnCuTlCeB48H71fd2Rlx00WBFcZ5-32QhPPyyyFz1MZkZP5HBOCGDPej_l8iHWwSsayKriVE_ipynyty5W9M0gkp0-5ZnNrzTGs/s320/Ms+Liberal+Tree+Hugger.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p> <span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b> Ai ai yi... A million things to do and haven't started one. What IS it with me ? I feel so lazy some days. Yesterday I accomplished quite a lot and today-- zilch. I have a 5 gallon bucket of apples to process that are still setting there., I have dehydrated celery that needs put away. It's almost time to make supper and I haven't even thought about it. I was out and about in the world today for a minute. Then I came straight back home and that was it. Didn't even get a nap in ! Of course I didn't get up until almost 10, so there's that. It's a little warmer today than it has been. Still a tad chilly, but I turned off the heat for a bit, to give everything a rest. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b> Yesterday I used my electric roaster to cook a turkey I bought and didn't have room for in the freezer. It was yummy, we had turkey and stuffing last night for supper. Today is Meatless Monday and I am not sure what I'm fixing, but thinking about Peanut Butter Tofu with brown rice and steamed broccoli. That's always good. I made myself a Mushroom steak for lunch from the bag of 'shroom steaks (Hen of the Woods) my son brought over the other day. Boy, is it ever good !The 'shrooms this year have been amazing. I have quite a lot in my fridge that he's brought me and as soon as I empty the dehydrator, I'm going to dry some of them. Love those things, and they are humongous this year. Look at these he brought by last week--</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfuFQRPVK0AEAKEvA0QzQ4kklLAUQg77BYFN8T3LHIH8uloTa1euJHnqlX0tdQKC4VERXmauWJYeNOfwEqRRHlss25KIFSj5styce44Nli4o9lcbCQpeBCa_Gk5aGG0LhvVvnYJjQF0s/s2048/Sunday+with+mai+%255Bboy%255D+take+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfuFQRPVK0AEAKEvA0QzQ4kklLAUQg77BYFN8T3LHIH8uloTa1euJHnqlX0tdQKC4VERXmauWJYeNOfwEqRRHlss25KIFSj5styce44Nli4o9lcbCQpeBCa_Gk5aGG0LhvVvnYJjQF0s/s320/Sunday+with+mai+%255Bboy%255D+take+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><br /><b>So I'm feeling pretty good about the oncoming winter and whatever else is coming. Gas prices are high, food prices are high, shortages are showing up... but I have done what I can and my pantry is stocked with nutritious foods. I feel pretty confident that we can get through it all, no matter what. Being prepared brings a feeling of confidence that is extremely satisfying. Some one said to me the other day that they were trusting God to take care of them. All I could think was that God helps those who help themselves. Who knows really ? I know that my family won't starve. We have backup plans in place for lots of different scenarios... which include food, heat and water. Winters in Illinois can be fickle. I try to conserve and preserve what I can. Be thrifty. Be conscious of the world around me. And to come from a place of love in everything I do. </b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b> That should cover it. </b></span></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-55787149749182716142021-09-03T09:13:00.000-07:002021-09-03T09:13:57.176-07:00Duck, Goose, MACARENA !!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEaUYbvHhYEhYbF10K9evSm3Yr0S9I2jkO7CgKs9XaFv2aTu4fVCz5hVq7XLvVUJDlTWK0y5cpfpKJ0tHHkuwZ3HuI3y7rEeSszniGi_Lhcb2huDaRkY6v4PUpncPuaa13NhdzywMMO8/s959/darkness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="959" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEaUYbvHhYEhYbF10K9evSm3Yr0S9I2jkO7CgKs9XaFv2aTu4fVCz5hVq7XLvVUJDlTWK0y5cpfpKJ0tHHkuwZ3HuI3y7rEeSszniGi_Lhcb2huDaRkY6v4PUpncPuaa13NhdzywMMO8/w400-h400/darkness.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> Feels like the world has lost it's ever lovin' mind. AGAIN. I am torn between joining the madding crowd and fleeing to an isolated place of solitude. Hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, record high temperatures, floods, drought...end of war, more war. Too much of some things and not enough of others. I know lots of people feel as embattled as I do. I see it everywhere. Now the Covid Delta variant is spreading like crazy and the hospitals are full to bursting with unvaccinated people and those with run of the mill problems like heart attacks can't get a bed.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> When does it let up, for crying out loud ? We could really use a break. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> I have been trying to get my pantries restocked. It's time for a major re-organization in there. I've been spending more time out in the world these past couple of months (not necessarily a good thing) and things have gotten a little cray cray here in my abode. Plenty to do always. Not quite enough energy to get it done. Sigh... it's an old story. lol</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> Been canning some meats when I find them on sale. Going out in a bit to try to get some more chicken. 10 pound bags of leg&thigh quarters for .49 a lb. I cook them and then bone the chicken and can. All told, it's a protein source for meals that'</span></b><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">s VERY affordable and versatile, with chicken scraps to can into dog and cat food. Not that I've done that yet (have refrigerated and frozen, just not canned). That will come in handy since pet food supplies are getting hard to find, and I have 4 cats and 3 dogs. Buying up what dog and cat food I can find, but never hurts to have some backup. Because I keep stocks of rice and oats, I can mix any of those with chicken scraps for a filling and nutritious pet food. If I have to. And before anybody loses their shit over me feeding my dogs chicken bones, these have been simmered/roasted over a couple of days and are soft as all get out. And I do feed my dogs bones and they never have a problem. JS.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> I need some food in my gullet, to get dressed and to get back home. lol I can't believe I haven't posted here since June. Not sure what I've been doing, lol. Hope you are all staying well. I passed my 1 year post heart surgery anniversary. Seems like a hundred years ago, and sometimes like last week. lol Things are rolling merrily along, though a little slowly sometimes and with plenty of naps sprinkled in. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> Been cooking 3 vegetarian meals a week mostly. It's been fun trying different recipes from other countries, like Egypt, Thailand and India. We are doing almost 100% of our eating at home these days, so that keeps me busy. We've always eaten at home a lot... Maybe it just seems like more now. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> Alrighty-- time to get my big butt dressed and fed and out the door, before I decide to take a midmorning nap. lol The godawful heat seems to finally be done, and the temps have been a little cooler the past few days. We were having heat indexes around 107. It was so humid you had to swim through it. Have an exciting Friday, nippers. </span></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-49576180324682691992021-06-21T11:13:00.000-07:002021-06-21T11:13:54.195-07:00Om mani padme hum<p> </p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: url("../../../../../../../../themes/yowangdu/assets/icons/utility/quote.svg"); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 36px; border-left: 10px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin: calc(40px) 10px; max-width: 100%; padding: 47px 10px 0.5em; quotes: "“" "”" "‘" "’";"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; display: inline; font-size: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Thus the six syllables, om mani padme hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha</span>….</span></p></blockquote><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; margin: 20px 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">— His Holiness the Dalai Lama,</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #424242; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; margin: 20px 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #424242; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; margin: 20px 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVSfTaX6XLbsbUJE3Qs9G0JrbaOhqH4IjXht3Vlci-J86atCodcyzJ6_w3WVNTIq2T19wCGgr1b8i5DndFaofk1D75etDM0F8IyvzbuWqNfP0XuWQcBRl0U6cV8NqP3k_4cV5LW4ZA8U/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVSfTaX6XLbsbUJE3Qs9G0JrbaOhqH4IjXht3Vlci-J86atCodcyzJ6_w3WVNTIq2T19wCGgr1b8i5DndFaofk1D75etDM0F8IyvzbuWqNfP0XuWQcBRl0U6cV8NqP3k_4cV5LW4ZA8U/w467-h332/image.png" width="467" /></a></div><span style="color: #741b47;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Well... I certainly got the BODY part down. Now I just need to work on the mind and my foul mouth. LOL </b></span></span><p></p><div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b> It has been a crazy couple of weeks around Honeysuckle Hill. You know all about the water heater debacle. Next in the terror of 3's was the central air conditioning. The raccoons have gotten under the house and torn up everything, which includes the duct work for the air and heat. Little bahstahds. And of course, we here in the prairie state are having record hot temperatures that make it impossible to even go outside. The heat index a few days ago was 115. That's freaking Death Valley temps, people. Sheesh. After making numerous calls to assorted and various HVAC places (after my regular guy couldn't even give me a future appointment, he is so overbooked and bogged down), no one is available that lives in our area. I called one guy in the city 30 miles away and they said because we're way up here, it would be a $100.00 service fee and they couldn't get out here until the middle to end of July. Thanks but no thanks. My son went under the house and jury rigged a few spots and it helped a little. For a minute. Then the days that were so hot the AC couldn't keep up, so the condenser outside froze up. In 100 degree temps, people, it froze. OUTSIDE. We finally went to Lowe's and bought a second window unit to put in the open floor plan living room/kitchen. Short term solution. But it made it comfortable. I had gotten a memo from the cardiology team urging me to ..."exercise EXTREME caution in this heat and stay insode as much as possible." Also bought all new duct material to replace all the old stuff that was torn up. He got under there and found a busted sewer pipe and a giant mess, so he spent the biggest part of Sunday cleaning up, and replacing that. It was really disgusting, and I felt so bad for him. But he soldiered on and got it done. Thankfully we finally got a little rain and it cooled things down. And now today (and the next few days I guess) temps are in the low 70s. Bizarre.</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b> I have been chanting a lot these past few days. lol</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b> Last night we headed south to a short speaking engagement. Still not sure why they asked ME to speak on a topic of prayer and meditation and a conscious contact with God. I'm one of God's rodeo clowns. lol But it was good to see people I haven't seen in over a year and it wasn't a huge crowd, so that was good. I have strange relationship(s) with the gods of my understanding. I identify as a tree hugging, dirt worshiping, mutant Buddhist. I'm sure that tickles the shit out of God. The only reason I was able to stay in the recovery program that was full of God this and God that, was because they added a caveat: Why don't you choose your own concept of God ? 31 years ago (or 32, depending on how you do the math) I didn't have much belief in anything. And my spiritual journey began. A man told me not to worry when I said I didn't know if I would get it fast enough. He said "Ya gots to crawl befoe you walks." And maybe I have been crawling ever since. But it's okay. I have a deal with the god that I may or may not understand. I don't drink, one day at a time, and I try to be a little better on all counts than I was yesterday. I pray a little, I chant a little and I dance a little. And the god of my misunderstanding taps her foot and bobs in time. </b></span></div><div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b> I brought in the hummingbird feeders and cleaned and filled them and moved them around. One feeder is not getting hit at all, picky little turds. I may have found a solution. When I looked out the window a minute ago, there were about 10 hummers out there, fighting over 2 feeders. That's just what they do. lol I also filled the seed feeder and the suet cage and there is a massive amount of traffic out there. Cowbirds, Sparrows, Indigo Buntings, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Wrens, Titmouses (Titmice ? lol) . Catbirds, Chickadees, and a few others. I think the cooler weather has triggered there appetites. We always have a lot of traffic, but this seems like way more this morning. I did a lot of vacuuming and carpet shampooing and am paying for it today. My lower back, my left hip and leg hurt like the dickens. So I am going slowly into this good day and not planning to do much of anything beyond what I've done so far. Already you can barely tell I vacuumed...the dogs are shedding like it's a paying job. Sigh... oh well... Today is one of 2 or 3 meatless meal days that we have been doing for a while. Not sure what I'm going to fix, but it will probably be something simple. I will look through some recipes and figure something out. I keep tofu and several kinds of beans on hand all the time for protein sources. And eggs we eat. And lots of rice and quinoa and millet. And vegetables of course. Sometimes I sleep too long during my nap and wake up startled and run in and throw veggie burgers in a skillet. lol I don't think there are any left in the freezer though. I got some first world problems today, I'll tell you...</b></span></div>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-11072523571441964502021-05-23T13:50:00.000-07:002021-05-23T13:50:40.659-07:00The Plight of the Haggard Homeowner...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK8SJTsypB7vrWW7KzvL5zwFDTIlZ2VbVfZmkrECuZflFBaaiN1_nA80wdz9XOwFprATiCMmq1C8OJ6-IDQ68uQWJEOBdwvu7fmzuHWMNmbv-CQdB9mHhSWJNBtJSwwvZEQ8ONNApQbM/s2048/new+water+heater%255D+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK8SJTsypB7vrWW7KzvL5zwFDTIlZ2VbVfZmkrECuZflFBaaiN1_nA80wdz9XOwFprATiCMmq1C8OJ6-IDQ68uQWJEOBdwvu7fmzuHWMNmbv-CQdB9mHhSWJNBtJSwwvZEQ8ONNApQbM/s320/new+water+heater%255D+001.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> This is why there is mariticide. (</span></b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">Mariticide (from Latin maritus "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">husband</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">" + -cide, from caedere "to cut, to </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">kill</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">") literally means the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">killing</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"> of one's </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">husband</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"> or boyfriend. It can refer to the act itself ...)</span></span><b><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes someone just needs killing. Numerous trips back and forth for parts because things don't fit. Cut out part of the wall because this new water heater is bigger than the old one. (Don't ask). No hot water for 3 days now. It has been a home repair shit show extraordinaire. Then it was all piped and the glue dried and ready to turn on, only to find out there was an airleak in the pipe leading to the overflow bladder, which must have gotten damaged trying to get the old heater out. Of course, it's on the BACK SIDE of the copper pipe, so there was no seeing it ahead of time. He is at the end of his rope...my uber intelligent nice guy of a husband. He considered strangling the boy at the Rural King who had no idea what he was talking about, when he was looking for a coupler to fit the pipe he had to replace. He is not generally a violent man. But I suspect that home repairs can turn even Caspar Milquetoast into Charles Manson. He just came in and said everything is glued and in place and now we wait 2 hours for the stuff to dry. </span></span></b><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Update: It's leaking.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> Jesus. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Not one to ever know when to give up, he's back there, at it again. I am in the other end of the house, except when he needs me to do something useful, like google the difference between C PVC and regular PVC. And offer moral support. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> In the meantime I am working on the back bedroom, cleaning it up and getting ready for a house guest this next weekend. That poor room... everything with no home winds up in there. It IS the home for some things. The closet is a storage/pantry. There's a shelving unit that houses several small appliances, including 2 crockpots, a rice cooker, a dehydrator, an electric skillet, a waffle iron, a George Foreman grill, a large cone colander in a metal stand. Last Christmas's rolls of paper, bags of ribbons, gift bags and several assorted and sundry cardboard boxes were on the bed. Other things that I put in there, thinking--I'll get to those later (and don't). And of course, that also where, all along one wall, we store our 45 gallons of sprig water that we get from the springs and drink, There's a large dresser on another wall that houses linens and stuff. The top of said dresser is a train wreck. It will take me at least 2 days probably to get that room cleaned up. But git 'er done I shall. I've made a big dent in it today. Work a while, stop a while. Work a while again. It's my MO. lol</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> I found a fully cooked smallish (loaf pan sized) meatloaf in the freezer that is thawing for supper tonight. Trying to empty out enough of the freezer to be able to put ice cube trays in. lol It's 88 right now, and feels like 94. We've gone from winter to summer it appears. It's not horrible in here, AC and fans going, curtains drawn. Drinking lots of water. I'll heat the meatloaf in the airfryer, cook some potatoes with onions in the microwave and heat up some peas the same way. Not much added heat to the house that way. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> **New update: Apparently he forgot to glue that particular joint.. All the pieces had to be dry fit and then glued and he overlooked one. Bless his heart. He glued it and is now off to the park with a dog. He needs a break from this circus...lol</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> Well, I'm ready to get back at it. There are canning supplies in there that I need to figure out whether to put in the garage or ?? And I may vacuum and I may not. Might be a tomorrow job. We'll see. AT any rate, it looks like we may have the water heater installed. Again-- we'll see. Hats off to all of you people who manage to keep your homes and homesteads in working order without resorting to murder. Prayers for those of us who struggle. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> Happy last week of May.</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-81390025722227452722021-05-14T14:22:00.000-07:002021-05-14T14:22:48.981-07:00Living a life stark raving sober...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBJ7fWHyq6Zb-T_MVDkFgiZl7whuzB_-jPrZ3Z4OfWvnLTh2aCvFtNVoyHkzH9MEfFB-NtgLqYQnRltqPVAiV1SfIAamWxlQURjC0p4F-aFlPX3JxmKXPLVKIJW2AM7wHsKJSWO-cx3E/s480/Change+or+sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBJ7fWHyq6Zb-T_MVDkFgiZl7whuzB_-jPrZ3Z4OfWvnLTh2aCvFtNVoyHkzH9MEfFB-NtgLqYQnRltqPVAiV1SfIAamWxlQURjC0p4F-aFlPX3JxmKXPLVKIJW2AM7wHsKJSWO-cx3E/s320/Change+or+sleep.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Lots of people sleeping these days. Have had strange conversations with people who have their panties in a wad about not getting a vaccine. Being part of the more vulnerable population makes me take this bs a little personally. I don't care if you want to get the virus, but I sure as hell don't want it. It's the age old argument about where your rights (legally or morally) begin and mine end. I told someone this morning that if it were me and I carried (knowingly or unknowingly) this thing to someone and it killed them, I would not be able to live with myself. I guess I don't understand how everyone doesn't look at it like that.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I'm eating some dark chocolate--IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY. That's the kind of day it is. Some days, it just is what it is and other days I am in a fighting mode about all the stuff I live with daily. It's exhausting. Thank goodness I don't feel like this every day. The past 20 years have been a circus fun house of learning to live with permanent disabilities that are rarely pretty or fun to talk about. That are sometimes so frustrating I want to scream. Other times I'm a regular girl Buddha, smiling through the ride. I'll spare you the details. Suffice it to say that life has handed me lemons on occasion and I have thrown them angrily against the wall. Or made lemonade. You know, depending on how I feel on a particular day. I suspect this is the way most people live their own circus lives. Not insinuating that I am different than anyone else and certainly not unique. We're all doing the best we can and just walking each other home. Or, you know, making a shirt out of their skin.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Himself is walking the dogs. His OT shift today was shorter than usual by a couple of hours. He watched with amusement for a bit as I whirling dervished my way around the house. It got to be too much, so he had to find somewhere to go. Or he was afraid I'd ask him to run the vacuum. Either way, he's off to the park and reservoir to let dogs run. It's about a 3 hour endeavor generally, as he takes them one at a time. The Meemonster, </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-WgBWHt9YWtIGS7SG1KnHlf-Bul_VP2r67Esqxs1X-v9uETjilgf0DeIsbqHlJAOu_5H5ZQPeTxfDd-2r668ZxN-E-B8i36EEj3shIFvaAHCpEoI4HVASGkgpe4mZcTijJAnl-o9_yU/s2048/Myma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-WgBWHt9YWtIGS7SG1KnHlf-Bul_VP2r67Esqxs1X-v9uETjilgf0DeIsbqHlJAOu_5H5ZQPeTxfDd-2r668ZxN-E-B8i36EEj3shIFvaAHCpEoI4HVASGkgpe4mZcTijJAnl-o9_yU/s320/Myma.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />of course, cannot be allowed off the leash. She'd wind up in Alabama. But the 2 older dogs run to their hearts content and always keep the truck in sight in case this is the time he decides to abandon them. The first picture is Bella and the second is Miss Molly McGee, the Jack Russell Terrorist.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUv6yrnvzBy6maXS7GdLqixztgLZKcTxUZ5A5BH8dZK6pyei123astAFamFqSE964r0xYKWvCoPAisnElTnmdSMOBGThQW-2kYG3iN9ynMk6YFo63fjinQ-xpqr7s9MhQ738Ct2YsU754/s960/Bella+and+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUv6yrnvzBy6maXS7GdLqixztgLZKcTxUZ5A5BH8dZK6pyei123astAFamFqSE964r0xYKWvCoPAisnElTnmdSMOBGThQW-2kYG3iN9ynMk6YFo63fjinQ-xpqr7s9MhQ738Ct2YsU754/s320/Bella+and+books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypEnIDZxYkFu6THKWJZbxFJviGzBXXHJr6dYnDtzv2-BFNNixsgezkO7OyvF_21oFJarHFNhnh5DJ2St8joUEpjOjnN1zevZBo7ZLzuhnpHUuQjFi29aI7rejO0RAOVUTHCLrBZRE0Gs/s206/Molly+McGee...the+jack+Russell+Terrorist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypEnIDZxYkFu6THKWJZbxFJviGzBXXHJr6dYnDtzv2-BFNNixsgezkO7OyvF_21oFJarHFNhnh5DJ2St8joUEpjOjnN1zevZBo7ZLzuhnpHUuQjFi29aI7rejO0RAOVUTHCLrBZRE0Gs/s0/Molly+McGee...the+jack+Russell+Terrorist.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">He gets a walk in and they get their run in and they all live happily ever after. And I get a little extra time to finish up some things and get supper on the table. Win/Win.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">Alright. Enough for now. I haven't been able to write much since the big event last August, and in my mind I don't understand, since it seems like I'd have even more to say. Having a mild brush with death changes a person. No argument there...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"> Later, taters. I have cleaning and cooking to do. </b></div></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-6624659096671153592021-02-11T21:58:00.001-08:002021-02-11T21:59:36.260-08:00...and the sailor home from the sea...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFHPAcT530HMpRuog54pnqKYcIfekFEO5LD7IS_yI9tAEq9XMKFXepY5_gZIbUkH9Q_1YLG6TwlCntF6z_IPY0cjtlRptyXCyA4GK3qjEX00EmauxLQahJiO03I7vCwfDLF_ekE90VE4/s2048/Dad%2527s+80th+birthday+020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFHPAcT530HMpRuog54pnqKYcIfekFEO5LD7IS_yI9tAEq9XMKFXepY5_gZIbUkH9Q_1YLG6TwlCntF6z_IPY0cjtlRptyXCyA4GK3qjEX00EmauxLQahJiO03I7vCwfDLF_ekE90VE4/w444-h361/Dad%2527s+80th+birthday+020.JPG" width="444" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b> This is my favorite picture, taken at his 80th birthday party, in Altoona Wisconsin in October of 2016. Our little inside joke was that I was his "favorite daughter-in-law". Joke because I was his only daughter in law. That's how I would always sign our cards to him and when I talked to him on the phone, I'd say Hey Pops-- it's your favorite daughter in law ! And we would both laugh. I met Gordie Kelley about 8 or 9 years after my own father had died, so he was my dad's stand in for the rest of his life. They were a lot alike actually, in temperament and personality, so you can imagine I loved him from the beginning. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"> They will lay him to rest tomorrow, up in northern Wisconsin, next to his first wife, my husband's mother. He was blessed to have known love twice, his second wife died about 6 months ago. She is laid to rest next to HER first husband, in the same Catholic cemetery. Their children will gather to pay their final respects to a man that fiercely loved his family, was unwavering in his commitments to the Lions Club and the church choir, and was the craziest pontoon boat driver I've ever been on board with. He loved his little trailer up at the lake, and fishing and drinking beer. He served his country in the United States Navy and was an active veteran. A couple of years ago, he got to take part in the Freedom Honor Flight with his daughter (a retired navy person herself) by his side. </span><span style="background-color: #f8f9f9; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: #f8f9f9; font-family: "Open Sans";"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Freedom Honor Flight flies veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor. The day trip includes visits to the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Wall, Marine Corps War Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. With spring and fall flights, the organization coordinates the transportation and itinerary of more than 200 veterans annually. </span> </i><span style="color: #274e13;">It was probably one of the highlights of his life. He was a really nice man and I am so grateful to have had the chance to be part of his family. He totally and enthusiastically accepted me from the start -- no questions asked, no conditions. He was one of those rare people who loved with their whole heart.</span></span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #f8f9f9; font-family: "Open Sans";"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #f8f9f9; font-family: "Open Sans";"><b> So, it's been an emotional and relieved time for all. He was ready to go "home". He had been in a nursing home for over a year and it was hard for him to understand why no one was coming to visit (Covid) and when his son called him (usually a couple of times a week), he was more and more confused. His health had declined and his will to live was diminished. We are all so thankful that he didn't suffer too long and that most of his children were at his side when he made the decision to let go. It will be hard to learn to live without him, but he leaves behind a trail of smiles and family memories and Packers memorabilia and comfort in the knowledge that he lived a good full life. He lived to see his great grandchildren born. I think, maybe, it doesn't get much better than that.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #f8f9f9; font-family: "Open Sans";"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #f8f9f9; font-family: "Open Sans";"><b> Goodbye Pops. We'll see you on the other side.</b></span></span></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-1371717494028802862021-01-27T12:17:00.000-08:002021-01-27T12:17:25.591-08:00Hump Day, Babeeee.....<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrS9wS2gAxLVYb3GwkT2d1Jy7KQUScM87EhhXedo8TSn6LxORCmcT07yY8jQ_r5ZcFOOrKJaZSrPDGDgJousHUh5GEWIa8UxC2StaE6ZuZ-9juK0Z7ORqy75v6pasbrNb39swBtDAEn8/s2048/First+snow+2021+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrS9wS2gAxLVYb3GwkT2d1Jy7KQUScM87EhhXedo8TSn6LxORCmcT07yY8jQ_r5ZcFOOrKJaZSrPDGDgJousHUh5GEWIa8UxC2StaE6ZuZ-9juK0Z7ORqy75v6pasbrNb39swBtDAEn8/w320-h369/First+snow+2021+001.JPG" width="320" /></b></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Finally- snow. North of us has had snow, south of us has had snow, and finally today we have snow too. lol Not that it's my favorite thing, but it sure is beautiful and it blankets everything in a soft quiet kind of tranquility. It's much better retired of course... I don't have to go anywhere if I don't want to. I'm still in my pajamas right now, and might just stay in them. Getting dressed seems a little overrated on days like this.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> The pandemic has changed everything. My once hectic life has slowed down a lot, just in time for a heart attack and surgery which demanded slowing down. I had an icky Achilles tendon surgery in February of last year which had me housebound and in a wheelchair for a good amount of time. Got out of the worst of that just in time for the Corona Virus. So this has been a year of contemplation and quiet, of re-evaluating and reconsidering. Some of this, I'm sure, is my age. Some of this is the times. Weird times. People are losing their minds. I seem to be finding mine. lol</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> The critters are napping all over the house. The dogs have been out and back in a couple of times. The old girl doesn't like the cold, the baby keeps wanting to go out and check it out and then run back in. The outside cat comes and goes. She's been sleeping inside on the colder nights and will sometimes even stay inside during the day. She has a little basket high on a table to sleep in where those other horrid cats don't bother her so much. She's old and cranky and has no tolerance for their shenanigans. The twinlets are 2 years old and the Grey kitten is 1, and still very kitten-ish and playful.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I've got some stew meat in the microwave thawing to make a nice pot of beef stew for supper. Full of carrots, potatoes, onions and celery, it will be a nice with a loaf of fresh baked french bread. Himself works outside parts of the day, so he comes home hungry and cold and grumpy. A nice substantial supper puts him right. We usually eat around 6:30-7, depending on what time he rolls in. This weather might slow him down some, or some days he works late. Nice thing about a pot of stew is that it will be ready when he is. Our evenings are pretty quiet, and he is usually off to the shower and bed by 9:15 or so. He gets up around 4:45 AM and works 10 hour days M-TH, then [usually] an 8 hour OT day on Fridays. Makes for a long week, and I try to do everything I can to make it easier for him. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Found a recipe for a DIY oven cleaner made with some pretty innocuous ingredients, so I may try to clean my oven this afternoon. before I get the bread going. And then again... lol I have a hard time with commercial oven cleaners. Seems I react to something in them and wind up coughing and choking from the fumes. So, I'll try this and see if it works. My friend assures me that it does, but she doesn't cook like I do, and I'm pretty sure her oven never gets as trashed as mine. lol I'll let you know.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I've been cooking and canning up a storm. Hit a grand meat sale, and bought about 75 pounds of 80% lean ground beef, pork loin and bottom round roast for around $150.oo. I froze 2 batches of pork loin chops, several packages of ground beef and a couple of bags of stew meat (plus cooked a roast for supper one of those canning days) and canned all the rest of it. My pantry is stocked. I've been buying some extras of basic staples like flour and sugar and oats and oil and rice. Should be able to go without grocery shopping for a while. I have bought a few extras now and again of things like laundry supplies, dish soap and paper products. My first aid kits are all stocked. Pet foods are stocked (mostly) . Playing with the idea of canning some dog food, but that may or may not happen. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> That's about it from here on the Hill. Hanging out, staying in and trying to not be too worried about how crazy people are getting. I have high hopes again about the state of our nation with a new president, I pray that everything will work out without too much strife. There does seem to be a faction of folks that don't want to anything but cause strife. It is worrisome... Be well everyone</b></span></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-68233322383954931192021-01-11T23:40:00.001-08:002021-01-11T23:42:28.324-08:00It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad Mad Mad Mad World...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Sfz-_JkACCXAVElJgJFeKyuBcJw0uBhBtBdFp-MSJpLzj8eD_zuZswIc5gbpQLq62pzHIbU5WJ8I10K_mzBxn6gfDKaBzcCbs7OErHHs0GrXyujeAkvbVYpmIHDFCWGUnHoMPLnqmcM/s722/inner+grumpy+goddess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Sfz-_JkACCXAVElJgJFeKyuBcJw0uBhBtBdFp-MSJpLzj8eD_zuZswIc5gbpQLq62pzHIbU5WJ8I10K_mzBxn6gfDKaBzcCbs7OErHHs0GrXyujeAkvbVYpmIHDFCWGUnHoMPLnqmcM/s320/inner+grumpy+goddess.jpg" /></span></b></a></div><b><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b> This has been one crazy week. Crazy, scary, devastating. I have no words. On my birthday, Wednesday, Trump and his minions attempted to stage a coup to stop the certification of the election. It didn't work. Lots of property damage, people damage and 5 deaths. These idiots were filming themselves as they terrorized Congress and destroyed property. Now the FBI is asking for help identifying them FROM THEIR OWN PICTURES and rounding them up a few at a time and they are outraged. They brought weapons into the Capitol and threatened people, even threatened to hang Mike Pence because he was doing his job. And they are butthurt about being demonized and arrested now. If it wasn't such a travesty it would be funny. Unbelievable. Certainly a bd I will never forget.</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b> I have been staying home most of the time, going out now and then to do a curbside pickup of groceries. I had to take my new glasses back to the eye place today, because I can't see with them. I'm back to wearing my old ones, which frankly, are fine. The nice man at the office finally figured out what the problem was and they will have to re-grind my lenses and they should be ready to p/u by the end of the week. He also said the new prescription was not very different at all. I wish they had told me that before I spent 250 dollars on them. (And that was my share- after insurance.) While I was out, I stopped by a local discount grocery store and picked up a full case each of diced tomatoes and chickpeas. Then stopped to load up on pet food. I got all put away, and even found jars for 20 of the 40 pounds of flour that came the other day and has been sitting on my dining room table, lol. Today sesame seeds (2#) and wheat germ (1#) came, so I jarred that up for storage too. I use the wheat germ in my bread. I use the sesame seeds in lots of things. I've been cooking more Middle eastern and Mediterranean dishes, and many of those call for things like tamarind paste and fish sauce and sesame seeds. I keep this stuff stocked up. I love having the opportunity and ability to make and try lots of dishes from other cultures. Last week I made a Muslim style rice noodles with beef that was out of this world ! I keep a nice stock of pastas, including rice noodles, cellophane noodles, soba noodles and regular old egg noodles and macaronis. Also rice and quinoa and cous cous (which we don't eat very often, but it's nice to have). Being able to buy things in bulk from Amazon is nice, especially during these crazy quarantine times. My husband hates that I'm on a first name basis with about 5 delivery drivers. lol It's just a sign of the times. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I have been thinking about canning some dog and cat food items...things I could mix with oats or rice in the event that I couldn't get dog and cat food. I don't want to get crazy about the state of the world, but today the FBI is warning law enforcement across the US of possible armed protests at 50 state capitols starting Saturday through the inauguration on Jan. 20th. These people have lost their minds. As far as I can see, it wouldn't be a surprise for the chain of supply to be interfered with. I like to think we are prepared for anything that happens, but I don't know. I guess we can just do what we can do and trust that it will be enough. I've looked at my seed vault and thought about ordering some more garden seed, but I probably have enough. Again-- I don't want to get too crazy. </b></span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">There's enough of that in the world. </span></span></p><p><span><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p><span><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"> I have skills. We have survived some pretty scary things-- natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes)...a car accident 5 years ago that turned our world upside down for a while. Food shortages and rationing things, tho no one starved and it was minor compared to some places, it's not something we're used to dealing with in this country (or in this house). I have been convinced that it was necessary to keep a stocked pantry because 1) We live out in the country and if it snows a lot, we can't get out and 2) You never know what might happen. When himself was hurt in that accident and couldn't work for 3.5 months, we got a real exercise in what it could be like, just from having to pay bills and survive on my disability. And we did it. And it was scary and eventually satisfying to know we could do it. And there you go.</span></b></span></p><p><span><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p><span><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"> Alright, this old girl needs to hit the hay. I have plans for tomorrow...some things I really need to get done. Here's to democracy and level heads and crossing things off my list. It could turn out to be a very productive day.</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-64029867765917585632021-01-04T13:24:00.000-08:002021-01-04T13:24:18.034-08:00Monday Musings 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrdfgwWkmXCLGphIMBzxB8v_q-kEqsogiP-WnFe7enFJSLJuhGBRx2f8te2WxBgwj9AkwRCEvbBb5irmnKltZvlbMBuvUpgi_6rg75GbANcsFPik8WdejGHeCag23zEkPSN8oEq89ZAQ/s278/morning+coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="206" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrdfgwWkmXCLGphIMBzxB8v_q-kEqsogiP-WnFe7enFJSLJuhGBRx2f8te2WxBgwj9AkwRCEvbBb5irmnKltZvlbMBuvUpgi_6rg75GbANcsFPik8WdejGHeCag23zEkPSN8oEq89ZAQ/w296-h400/morning+coffee.jpg" width="296" /></b></span></a></div><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b> Here we are... the first Monday of January in 2021. It even feels like a sci-fi thriller. Covid is wreaking havoc with peoples lives, supply chains are slowly being disrupted, and people are generally grumpy AF. Someone was talking today about a Covid "syndrome" and my two cents was that we're just scared shitless of dying. Call that a syndrome if you want. I call it fear. And of course we are afraid. The numbers keep climbing, the vaccines aren't available like they should be, and we don't even really know that they will work. And the reality of the seriousness has finally sunk in, even to the people who called this a hoax and "just the flu" a year ago. With over 350K dead and a confirmed minimum of almost 21M cases in the US alone, even the die hards now know someone who has had it or died from it. Scary times around this world of ours. </b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b> I am eating a bowl of leftover stew for my breakfast/lunch. Life is going right along here on Honeysuckle Hill... made it through the Holidays and his 12 day vacation with no angst or bloodshed. lol He was starting to get a little restless, pacing and such, 12 days is a little much. He said last night he didn't want to go back to work, but I think secretly he did. lol </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b> Today I am doing a tiny bit of housekeeping, but I slept late and so kinda shot myself in the foot. I think that I am making a meatless Monday meal, maybe a pasta with putanesca sauce and some home made french bread. And salad. I'm hungry for a salad. Picked up a grocery order from Aldis yesterday and got most all of it separated into meal sized portions (the meat--chicken and ground beef). Thought it was all put away (he helped) but I just found 2 bags sitting on the pantry floor. If I get off my butt and put them away, I can still at least vacuum (and have supper ready) before he gets home at 6. lol Had a thought to doing laundry today, but it can wait til tomorrow. Trying to pace myself. lol He went for a hike yesterday, and pulled in the driveway 5 minutes after I had unloaded all the groceries from the car...7 bags and a box. I was plum tuckered out after that. lol The old grey mare just ain't what she used to be...</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b> So, as you can guess, I have been stocking and restocking my pantries. I am going to can some ground beef tomorrow or Wednesday. Freezer is full. And all of it needs re-arranging probably and inventorying. But the weather has been goofy and I have been lazy and it hasn't gotten done. I did inventory the pantries, and am pretty happy with that. I am waiting for pork loin to come up on sale again so I can CAN 10 or 12 jars to add to my meat stash. I have chicken, roast beef, and a couple of jars of pork left. I have store bought canned tuna and salmon. I have a case of shelf stable tofu, plus a couple of packages. All in all, I feel pretty ready for any worst case scenarios, food and supply wise. I still have a few things that I feel you can "never have too much of" that I will buy as I see them. One of those is chickpeas, or garbanzo beans. They are a great source of protein, and I have learned to make several Indian dishes with them for a base. AND-- I secretly eat them right out of the can, heated up with a little butter and black pepper. lol Usually when I find myself either not wanting to eat at all, or craving protein. I am awfully grateful that I have a broad palette and like most things, and that I love culinary adventures. I have made American (of course), Vietnamese, French, Thai, Indian, Mexican, Greek, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Moroccan, Native American, and heaven knows what else kinds of cooking. It helps that I have a man who is not too picky, and will try anything once, and loves to eat too. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b> That's pretty much it from the Hill. No more dr appts unless I have a problem. Keeping a casual eye on my vitals, and doing what I am supposed to be doing. We have both been healthy and are so thankful for that. The critters are all fat and sassy and make our lives better every day. Here's to 2021 -- may we all march to our drummers and keep our heads held high.</b></span></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-37445667171134769322020-12-04T21:08:00.000-08:002020-12-04T21:08:03.077-08:00Wait ?? What ??? Where did the last 3 months go ???<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcFBid_kMCb2Ih8TTvdRGZBIYp8cyiYUsjd4mZZf2vWvzzZwlWcCUggLRLjS0LisHTmho1GKgzQ2hDdTatuMgNT3BcSKzoZVbyvyZDcSHhhz3FK2QNWkHHb9vBVq8kvX4_CFI1kyKSC4/s250/December.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="250" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcFBid_kMCb2Ih8TTvdRGZBIYp8cyiYUsjd4mZZf2vWvzzZwlWcCUggLRLjS0LisHTmho1GKgzQ2hDdTatuMgNT3BcSKzoZVbyvyZDcSHhhz3FK2QNWkHHb9vBVq8kvX4_CFI1kyKSC4/w411-h375/December.jpg" width="411" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> Good grief. I haven't posted since September. I don't know where I've been or what I was doing, but it apparently wasn't here. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> Truth is I have been on the run a little again. Only to cardiac rehab, but still. 3 times a week, a one hour drive there and back. And all the stuff in between. But now I have abandoned the trip to that hospital 3x a week because the covid virus is spiking like crazy in that county and I am not willing to risk it, especially in a hospital setting where everyone, visitors and patients, employees and vendors are all coming in the same entrance, using the same elevators and restrooms. So now I haven't left the house in a bit, except for one trip to the grocery. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> Trying to make sure my food stocks are appropriate, and that I have all my ducks in a row for the coming winter. I've ordered a few Xmas gifts online for front porch delivery. We don't buy a lot anyway, so that was easy. My pantry and freezer is full. I will probably make a few curbside pickup orders from Aldis throughout, as my husband can easily get them on his way home from work. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> About ready to maybe put up some Xmas decos. I usually wait until the middle of the month and then leave them all up until after my birthday. Jan 6th is the Twelfth Day of Xmas. It will also be my 68th trip around the sun. 2020 has been what it's been, and I am not sorry to see it go. lol Anyway, I still have some lifting limitations, so the weekend has himself here to carry the totes in from the garage. Every year I put up less and less decorations. My husband used to say that it looked like Father Xmas had vomited all over our house. lol Now it's a tabletop tree and some of my Santa collection mostly. A few other things here and there. The less I put out the less I have to put away. There's that. lol I have a few pine and cinnamon candles to complete the ambiance. Good enough. But sometimes I still miss the old days...</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> The pandemic is still roaring around us. I stopped going to the cardiac rehab at the hospital because that county has a crazy level of infections. So I am walking every other day, doing a pedal exerciser and a cardio video... all at home. A friends parents have tested positive for covid and was at their house for Thanksgiving, so now everyone is quarantined. 2 other friends are still hospitalized with it. I have known about 8 people now who have died from it. We are all really becoming numbed to the whole thing. Some people are angry, some are depressed. Some try to act like nothing is happening and some are letting it make them crazy. Somehow we have to find the middle ground and do the right things and get through this. At my house we wear masks when we are out, keep masks, gloves AND hand sanitizer in both the cars, and use the hand sanitizer before getting out of the car and upon getting back in. And stay home as much as we possibly can. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> I have done a little canning this week and am picking up a bunch of sweet potatoes tomorrow, so hopefully will have plenty of those to can as well as some to bake. They're from a local grower and I'm not sure just how much she has available, but I'll get as much as I can. I canned roast beef this past week too when I found a good sale on it. Might pick up some more tomorrow and do another canner load, or maybe not. The pantry is looking pretty good in terms of veg/meat/grains ratios. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> So that catches you up from Honeysuckle Hill. Oh, and at the 3.5 month mark from my heart surgery it's all systems GO, all my numbers are good, and the cardiac surgeon team AND the cardiology team don't want to see me again for a year. Unless something comes up, and then I am to call them. So feeling pretty good all around. I do have one more appt next week with the wound care people and then I think they will be done with me. The wounds on my leg form the vein harvest are finally almost healed up. Grateful to be alive and feeling pretty darn healthy.</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> So, stay safe, wash your hands, stay home and let this bitch of a pandemic run it's course and git on outta here.</b></span></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-77391998547035302202020-09-20T20:32:00.001-07:002020-09-20T20:32:54.089-07:00Quiet Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkf-RGgLL4pMmKmJYSv5KjBdBId1oeM-UxBj5LfGB3LSSg7a5NUd9IXIM4Wdci8rBRZJDTuRwAymT3uGnCDQQ4VtnW2hL9Qot2VWx_5jIMC8RgQooIxDRcvDJVdY7SkppzLYxNpngf_Q/w331-h447/God+whispers+002.JPG" width="331" /></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> This hangs on the wall above my computer. Helps me to be reminded that quiet is good (not boring) and that if I don't shut up sometimes I can't hear. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> It's been a crazy few weeks and things are settling down now. I had 2 follow-up dr appointments yesterday with the cardiologist and the surgeon and everything is right on track. It was a long tiring day and I came home and fell into a nice sleep. lol I am still way more tired than normal [for me], but they assure me that open heart surgery will do that to a body. All my lab work and tests are in line. I am cleared to drive again (can't wait) and can start cardiac rehab and begin lifting 15 pounds instead of 8. lol It's the little things in life. I can even vacuum my own floors, as long as I take it easy and rest if I feel tired. (I do that anyway). Funny how the littlest things of normalcy feel like such a big deal. Having health issues like this throw me for a loop. Everything feels surreal and weird and I am way more of a creature of habit than I like to think I am.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> I have earned some really important lessons of late. Lessons about accepting help and lessons about who says they will and don't. One reason or another... all reminding me that my happiness CANNOT be contingent on anyone else's behavior. People will be how they are, and because I am in the recovery community, a lot of the people I know are not necessarily the most reliable or trustworthy. Old habits die hard. Bless them, and change me, as one of my friends says. My part is not having expectations of people. Their part is growth. I always say that we are all on a path... and most of us are at different places on that path. It's the trudging that counts. What is that saying ? Before Enlightenment--chop wood, carry water. After Enlightenment--chop wood, carry water. You still gotta chop and carry. lol I would say I am learning patience too, but that might be a lie. Some days, if anything, I am more impatient than ever. With myself AND with others. With my body. With healing. Sigh...</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> I am having some issues with my leg where they harvested the veins. The gouges don't want to heal right. So I went through a painful process of debriding last week and go again on Tuesday. In the meantime, I am packing the holes with an iodine soaked strip and changing it twice a day. It's gross. And it hurts now. My sleep is erratic. Some nights I simply cannot fall asleep. Some nights I doze off and on. Some nights I sleep like the dead for 7 hours or more. Something I will talk to them about on Tuesday. The cardiac rehab starts tomorrow and we'll see how that goes.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> All in all-- that's about it from the Hill. Husband and I went grocery shopping today and it about wore me out. Had meant to go all week, but decided I shouldn't do it alone just yet. He did all the heavy lifting of course and was very sweet about it all. We got home, I laid down a bit and we had some leftover Caribbean stew for supper and watched some tv. Masterpiece Theater for one. A police mystery set in Amsterdam. It was quite good. I have a 10:30 AM appointment in the morning, so I hope to be in bed and asleep at a reasonable hour. Am munching on a small bowl of green grapes and thinking about the weather change... I was freezing last night, so tonight I put a nice thick warm blanket on my side of the bed. I also got the little bathroom heater out when I took a shower this morning. Nights have been in the mid forties and today never hit 70. One of the meds is making me sick at my stomach, and I think it may be the antibiotic she gave me for my leg. I've been actively nauseous or queasy all day. Yuck.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"> I have a few dishes to do before I wind this night up. I've been trying to get this piece written for 4 days. lol Ah... finally.</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-4529788734112690472020-09-04T20:23:00.000-07:002020-09-04T20:23:41.459-07:00My humble, broken heart...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDi6iRd9wcTlzFjF7arIImGu67qSd3nEtjfRqDXUpL0TIEYrnaCLR-BVHuT9gBX4t9FeW0Lg_7cFPlMpkI8nczRnqZM6bolvlm1kQdbkezXP00OI3P7_titHp9sW9pdPxho8ENvEs6_0/s2048/PHI+pillow+001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDi6iRd9wcTlzFjF7arIImGu67qSd3nEtjfRqDXUpL0TIEYrnaCLR-BVHuT9gBX4t9FeW0Lg_7cFPlMpkI8nczRnqZM6bolvlm1kQdbkezXP00OI3P7_titHp9sW9pdPxho8ENvEs6_0/w500-h375/PHI+pillow+001.JPG" width="500" /></b></span></a></div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> On August 9th, 2020 I had a mild heart attack. I'd been having some minor issues for several days (weeks?) like tightness in my chest (ala acid reflux, I thought), some shortness of breath and unexplained random nausea. Himself took one look at me and said-- put your shoes on, we're going to the ER. I said, no, wait.... let me sit a minute and see if it passes. I've been to ERs 4 times over the last 15 years with this stuff and it was acid reflux every time (they said). I got really clammy and sweaty and hot and he practically threw me over his shoulder and carried me to the car. He asked if I wanted to go to Alton and I said NO--take me to Litchfield , which was about 5 minutes closer. We got there and my blood pressure was sky high, about 248/135. I had checked it at home and it read about the same, so I assumed my cuff wasn't working right. lol They did initial tests and said they were going to keep me overnight for observation and run the tests again in 5 hours. When they did, I was off the charts. They came in and told us they were making arrangements to send me to Springfield (our state capitol) to St John's and the Prairie Heart Institute. They said I had had a heart attack. I was baffled. I arrived up there sometime the next morning and was put in a bed on the Cardio Vascular Care Unit. That afternoon a cardiologist came in and filled me in. Said the troponin levels were trending back down, which was good news. He ordered some more tests and blood work and said that when he got those results, he would decide if I got a stress test or a heart cath the next morning. I told him I was pretty sure my heart was okay. He smiled and said-- we'll see. But..but.. I eat way too much brown rice and kale to be having a heart attack !! I don't smoke !! Never have. I don't drink ! I eat healthy ! He said he had looked at my family history of heart disease and sometimes genetics win. Came back in later that evening and told me that I was scheduled for a heart catheterization first thing in the morning.Gave me a bunch more information that I don't remember. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> The heart cath showed a 90% blockage in the big artery and 60 and 80% blockages in the other 3. He told me they call that big artery the widowmaker. Seemingly healthy people walking around and suddenly drop dead in the garden. So, I was scheduled for a Quadruple CABG first thing in the morning on August 13th. It was about a 7.5 hour surgery. Except for the vein harvest in my leg, it went off without a hitch. Luckily I came with all my own spare parts, but the guy had a helluva time getting that leg vein to cooperate. Said he NEVER had problems like that one. So my leg looks pretty gnarly (it's healing, but damn...). Seems the process for this surgery is pretty grotesque. They deflate your lungs to get them out of the way. They somehow dehydrate your body (for less messy cleanup, I'm assuming) lol. Then (as one nurse said when I was complaining about my back hurting)--"They lay you out like one of those flattened deboned chickens". After the fun is over, they wire your breastbone back together and glue and stitch you up. Start the process of RE-hydrating you. They must have pumped a million gallons of fluids back into me lol Then after you are out of the Cardiac ICU, they put you on lasix to get any extra fluids back out of you. It's dizzying. I had a terrible time coming out of the anesthesia. I have been clean and sober for over 30 years, and being bombarded with all the drugs sent me into a tailspin. I hallucinated for 3 days post op. I was so scared, I can't even tell you. I was afraid I had brain damage. Then they tell you you need rest, and proceed to wake you up about every 3 hours for blood tests and xrays and vitals checks. About 7 days later, if you're lucky, you get to go home. I was lucky. So, now I have been home a little over 2 weeks. Everyday I am a little stronger and mostly feel a little better. I am still tired a lot and nap a couple of times a day. I am pushing myself to try to do a little more every day. I am on a lot of medications (many of which I swore I would not take). But I promised himself that this time I would do everything they told me to do...so there's that. I am not a good patient. Ever.</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> I have a visiting nurse that comes twice a week to look at incisions and check me out. My friend came down from up north to stay with me these first 2 weeks at home to help, and I could not have done it without her. I can never repay her for her kindness and assistance. 💜 Thanks Angela 💜 The outpouring of love and cards and gifts and well wishes from hundreds of people in my little world has been overwhelming. I am beyond humbled by the kindnesses. I already know how traumatic events can change a person and this is no exception. In the midst of this pandemic the whole world is changing. My little corner of the Universe, and myself (as the Queen of Quite A Lot) has shifted once again. I am grateful to be alive. And to have had maybe some of the best nurses and doctors in the whole world. The surgical team was most amazing, the hospital experience was stellar, and the nursing care was some of the best I have ever seen. So many things could have happened so differently...</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> True to form, I was the life of the party at the hospital (esp before the surgery), lol I kept them laughing and acted like a complete Pollyanna thru the whole thing. After I came home, I broke down for a bit and cried myself to sleep almost every night. Tears of gratitude, fear and relief. Tears of getting way more love from people than I deserve. Tears of coming a little too close to dying. It's not so much that I'm afraid to die, as I told a nurse one night, it's just that you're dead for such a looooong time. lol</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> In the middle of my hospital stay, my mother-in-law died. My husband left Wednesday to go to Wisconsin to help his siblings deal with stuff. His dad is in a nursing home there and he needed to see him. Life goes on... it's messy and the timing is bad sometimes and the wheels just keep on turning. Somewhere in the future, we will find the time for things to get back to normal. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> Personally, I can't wait. </b></span></p>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-39399879443460352492020-08-02T10:35:00.002-07:002020-08-02T10:35:42.054-07:00The Audacity of Hope<b><font color="#741b47" size="5"> The title of this post is, of course, from the book of the same name by President Barack Obama.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKrH7EGjBGtpuxQ6V_F5TQwnD1pEb1oYu0i_tCmHpqehCbqSNKlnwEvsBdr3-pAWxHlNj8dnasknObx7ZmCYBQsTvxORgkZvnf7CEIs2Ic-tB-i324_qFWRiMX4xc-RhcNPXx3VOukuI/s1600/Barack+Obama+001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><font color="#741b47" size="5"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKrH7EGjBGtpuxQ6V_F5TQwnD1pEb1oYu0i_tCmHpqehCbqSNKlnwEvsBdr3-pAWxHlNj8dnasknObx7ZmCYBQsTvxORgkZvnf7CEIs2Ic-tB-i324_qFWRiMX4xc-RhcNPXx3VOukuI/s400/Barack+Obama+001.JPG" width="300" /></font></b></a></div>
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I'm writing this today from a country that used to be the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. A country where respect and common decency used to be the norm. Now it's a place where a militia type Federal police force made up of a gang of thugs (made up mostly of security forces from the border where they hate anyone who isn't white already) . I remember the shootings of students by National Guardsman at Kent State and how the entire nation was shocked to the core by the killings at a war protest. Now it's a country where people are being pulled off the streets and dragged into unmarked vans and whisked away. (Does any of this sound familiar ?) Now it's a place where a long respected heroic BLACK congressman dies and the POTUS refuses to attend the funeral. And then refuses to put the flags at half mast and then does for half a day (amid backlash) and then removes it again. Now it's a country where the Administration incites hate and racial unrest every time he opens his mouth. The latest is his stirring up shit among white suburbanites and publicly rescinding affordable housing acts put in place by the guy that wrote this book. </font></b><div><b><font color="#741b47" size="5"><br /></font></b></div><div><b><font color="#741b47" size="5"> How did we go from an educated, literate compassionate president to this monstrosity that is in the WH now ? This man whose gibberish is impossible to understand ? Who can't speak in full sentences ? A man who declares bankruptcy over and over, neglecting to pay his bills, lying and lying and lying some more. And then claims to be a successful businessman who is going to "help" this country get back on it's feet. (Which, btw, was not "off" it's feet until he took office and started screwing with International trade relations, screwing over American farmers, and the hundreds of other things he has done to line his own and his cronies pockets. </font></b></div><div><b><font color="#741b47" size="5"><br /></font></b></div><div><b><font color="#741b47" size="5"> There are no ethics, no integrity and no soul in our government anymore. We have turned into Hitler's Nazi Germany. This once great country of ours, forever a beacon of hope and good in the world, is now a sad laughingstock. And the ones that aren't laughing are shaking their heads in despair and fear.</font></b></div><div><b><font color="#741b47" size="5"><br /></font></b></div><div><b><font color="#741b47" size="5"> I can't decide if I am going to post this blog or not. I am so despondent over the state of things here. My inclination is one of 2 things: to completely withdraw from the world and stay here at home on Honeysuckle Hill doing what I can to prepare for the crash that is coming (or already here-- food shortages, outrageous unemployment, civil unrest) or get my old fat happy ass out on the streets and scream until something changes. I guess you know which one I'm choosing. I screamed about Nixon. I screamed about the Viet Nam war, I screamed about Reagan and I screamed about Bush (es). I have laryngitis of the soul from all the screaming I have done in the past. I am tired.</font></b></div><div><b><font color="#741b47" size="5"><br /></font></b></div><div><b><font color="#741b47" size="5"> But... today is a sunny Sunday and I am contemplating making some kind of dessert. And maybe a low country boil (because that's fun). I am considering the idea that meditation and prayer might be the only things I can do these days. Living with intention. I despair over the people I have known who think this is all great or funny or whatever the hell they think. The ones that harbor as much hatred and fear and racism as the man in charge of this country does. They probably really need my prayers, but I have a hard time not closing my heart to them. 5 years ago, if you asked me if those kind of people were actually in my life, I would have said, no--of course not. The people I am friends with are not like that. Turns out many of them are. And it breaks my heart.</font></b></div><div><b><font color="#741b47" size="5"><br /></font></b></div><div><b><font color="#741b47" size="5"> I am stopping here. Maybe I will post it, maybe I won't. But I feel better having gotten some of it off my chest. I think I'll work on straightening up my little living space and listen to some soothing music. My soul is tired...</font></b></div>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-15041722882511217912020-07-23T23:02:00.002-07:002020-07-23T23:02:48.609-07:00Pretty sure it's a sign of the impending apocalypse...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b> Is it just me ? Good grief. In all kinds of situations and circumstances, I am finding myself shaking my head in bafflement and bewilderment. I try to stay away from the news, except for a once daily update on important things. The people around me are acting like complete morons, while Covid numbers are rising all around. There have been 4 cases of it at my husbands job... and one guy has a newborn baby, and mama and baby have both tested positive. 2 of the guys were at a kegger together last week. One thought he was just feeling hung over. I went to a store this morning that has big signs saying, Face Coverings Required, yet 1/3 of the people in there did NOT have them on and no one said a word to them. I read that there were 4 dead and 26 hospitalized in Arizona after drinking hand sanitizer. WTH is wrong with these people ?? Today I was on a cooking site that I visit from time to time, and a woman asked if anyone knew any other way to cook broccoli besides IN THE OVEN , because it is too hot to run her oven for 45 MINUTES. WHAT ????? I have never in my almost 68 years on this planet heard of cooking BROCCOLI in the oven. And my God, certainly not for 45 minutes !!! People asking questions like, how do you cook noodles ?? WHAT ??? My head is about to explode.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b> It's been stupid hot here, with outrageous heat indexes tacked on. It's too hot to go outside and try to do anything, not much better in the house, where the poor central AC cannot keep up. My electric bill is thru the roof. I shut everything down at night, but it runs for 12 hours. We have been having days of intermittent storms and that cools it down to about 80 at midnight. Also waters the heck out of all the giant weeds growing in my front yard. They grow so fast you can't see where any weed whacking was done. The mower is still in the shop. I'm living in an overgrown meadow, for crying out loud. The trash pandas (raccoons) stripped my peach tree, so if I want peaches I'm going to have to buy them and they're running about 15 dollars for a half peck. Outrageous. But the prices of everything have gone up and even things on sale don't seem like sale prices now. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b> I am pretty stocked up. I have plenty of masks and gloves and hand sanitizer and wipes and toilet paper. I need to stock up some dog food and cat food, but it's been readily available so I haven't worried too much about it. My food storage is in pretty good shape. We won't starve for awhile. But I have to tell you... I'm more than a little concerned about people. Not having basic cooking skills is abhorrent to me. Thinking none of this is going to affect you, is unbelievable to me. The complete lack of consideration and the selfishness of not caring what happens to anyone else as long as you aren't inconvenienced is so alien to my way of thinking that I feel like I am drowning in despair. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b> I'm going to bed now, with high hopes that I will feel better in the morning and not so snarky and exhausted. Another hot one on the books, but I will do everything I can to stay cool. Got everything done today that needed doing, so, there's that. I even cancelled 2 appts, one medical, one opthamologist, because I don't know if we should be in quarantine or not. Neither appt was a life and death deal, so I rescheduled them both. Yay me. Really didn't feel like going to St Louis. Or seeing people. lol</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b> So, don't worry about me. I am the eternal optimist. Here's your smile for the day...</b></span><br />
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<br />Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-23544619978320625902020-07-19T23:26:00.000-07:002020-07-19T23:26:27.188-07:00Independence Days...Covid 2020 Edition ... <br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> Back in the good old days of 2011, I posted several times on the idea of keeping things stocked up and about a book I was reading by a woman named Sharon Astyk. The name of the book is INDEPENDENCE DAYS. As fortune would have it, I was able to take an online class she was holding about food storage and preservation. I am better than a lot of people about this kind of thing, and have been a long time. But she taught me invaluable things and gave me a new perspective about it all. Rereading my posts from when I was awash in gardens and chickens has made me almost melancholy tonight. But Sharon (with a little prodding from her fan base) has started up the Independence Days challenge again...at a time when many of us are fearful of what the future holds. Of course, some of us have been living this lifestyle all along, and others are looking to learn it. The "challenge" was to report every week on what you have.been able to do (or not do, in some cases)... </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Preserve something: Again, I find preserving is most productive if I try and do a little every day that there is anything, from the first dried raspberry leaves and jarred rhubarb to the last squashes at the end of the season. This category also covers preserving and protecting local resources, community resources, things that would otherwise be destroyed. So it counts when you make jam and counts when you work to keep your local drug counseling service in business despite budget cuts.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Waste not: Reducing food waste, composting everything or feeding it to animals, reducing your use of disposables and creation of garbage, reusing things that would otherwise go to waste, making sure your preserved and stored foods are kept in good shape – all of these count. Also dumpster diving, salvaging and repairing items.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Want Not: Adding to your food storage or stash of goods for emergencies, building up resources that will be useful in the long term. Making yourself more economically secure. Paying down debt, finding new sources of income, reducing expenditures and costs, increasing savings. Also reorganizing so that you waste less or use less or spend less.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Eating the food: It is a running joke among gardeners that it is harder to eat the food than it is to grow it sometimes. Making full and good use of what you have, making sure that you are getting everything you can from your food, trying new recipes and new cooking ideas, eating out of your storage! Also, using up food pantry bounty and other food you don't get to choose. Creative use of leftovers, and helping feed others - everything from little free pantries to sharing with neighbors. We all want to know what you are cooking this week.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Caregiving and enhancing community support systems and mutual aid. This can be formal organizations that already exist or working with your neighbors, or caring for your own family members. This includes fundraising, volunteer work, helping out your neighbors, advocacy for better supports and services, political activism, anything you do to make your community a better place. Whenever you step up to protect and care for those who can't do it for themselves, you are doing incredibly important work. Of course, this includes homeschool, helping out senior and disabled family members, helping out people with kids, etc...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Skill up: What did you learn this week that will help you in the future – could be as simple as fixing the faucet or as hard as building a barn, as simple as a new way of keeping records or as complicated as teaching calculus to your kids. Whatever you are learning, you get a merit badge for it – this is important stuff. It doesn't matter if you'll ever make money at it (although that's good too) if it helps you get along, grow, make our new reality better, you should be proud.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Winter is Coming: Finally, whatever you do to make your home and immediate surroundings better for a long and hard upcoming year or few years. What does your home or your life or your job need to make it viable? How are you going to continue to make your home and religious and cultural and family life worth living? What do you need to improve things for yourselves and your neighbors? What are you doing to get ready if things don't get better, but instead get worse? You don't have to believe we're all doomed to hedge your bets on this one.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Hope you'll join me! You are welcome to share, repost, whatever you like. This is one of those "more fun if more people do it" things.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>So, there it is. I have pulled my book out too (That's the cover photo here), to spend some time looking at what else I might need to do. I am going to try to shore up my food stocks, and not forget that I also have some 4 legged family that needs to eat. My garden areas are unusable right now but I vow to have them back in order by next year. In the meantime I can buy produce from other gardeners and farmers markets and at least spread my money around to people who can use it. I also have a healthy stock of canned goods and other items from grocery stores. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> In spite of what you might think, things have not begun to get rough. It can get much worse than anything we've seen in our lifetimes. Are you ready ???</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> A couple of years after I read this book and took this class, my husband and I were in a one car rollover accident. He is the breadwinner in our family and I was on SS. He broke a vertebrae in his back and couldn't work for three and a half months. No short term disability. The company he works for were great, they let him take his vacation and holiday pay for the year. But there was no other income besides my SS. Insurance paid for the car and much of the medical bills. It was Memorial Day weekend, so not even halfway through the year. I had already taken some measures (per the class) to cut back some of our expenses. I had food stores in place. I took a pad and pencil; and went through my freezers and my pantries and made lists of meals I could cook with what I had on hand. In the 3.5 months, I spent exactly $37.43 at the grocery store. For things like toilet paper and rice and olive oil. By the end of it, Old Mother Hubbard's pantry was pretty bare, but we did not go hungry or do without. And then I thought-- this. This is why I do this. Not because of the Zombie Apocalypse or because I'm a doomsday prepper. But because things happen. And we need to be prepared for that. And now we are in the middle of a global pandemic, which makes these things more important than ever. Am I as ready as I wish I was ? Maybe not. But I have tools and I have guidelines and I have support systems. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> I am luckier than some. </b></span></div>
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Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-29293120933020984742020-07-11T23:40:00.003-07:002020-07-11T23:40:52.396-07:00Rant time in the old town tonight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b> It's been a couple of days. I am outraged tonight at the stupidity of people about this Covid pandemic and wearing masks and social distancing. Selfish, inconsiderate fools. I blocked about 15 people tonight on my Facebook page because I have had it with this bs. I can't believe that I am letting it get to me like this, but it is. I should be in bed. I have to get up in about 7 hours, but I needed to get this out of me or I won't sleep anyway. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b> This pandemic has already killed 5 people that I know. The latest was my husbands barber, who had battled cancer last year and was immuno compromised. A lovely woman in her late 40's. We live in a fairly rural area of Illinois, a little over an hour south of the state capitol. The closest city to us is about 25 minutes north, a small city of around 8000 people. This happens to be the town where my husband works. A local church there has been having gatherings and services and after the 4th of July, 25 people there tested positive for this virus. One of those people works with my guy. Thankfully (we hope) my guy was on vacation from July 1 through July 11. However...this person came to work for several days after the 4th sick, -you know, just a little sick. Then a little sicker every day. Then couldn't make it to work. Then was rushed by ambulance to the hospital (from his home) because he couldn't breathe. 3 days this past week my husband worked with all the guys that worked with and were exposed to Covid by the sick guy. The health dept is involved and I guess they will have some meetings on Monday to decide what the next steps are. Test all the remaining employees. See if they have enough employees left to keep the plant open. In the meantime, all these men (and 2 women in the office) have potentially taken this virus home to their families. And that possibly includes my husband bringing it home to me. He's a pretty healthy 60 year old. I am a sort of healthy 67 year old. We wear masks and we social distance and we stay home a LOT. But now, none of that could matter. I am trying not to lose my shit over this...at least until we have the facts. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b> And this is why people are making me crazy tonight. I have given up believing that we are a nation of [mostly] rational common sense people. That has been apparent to me the past 3.5 years. But this is in my backyard now and I have no patience whatsoever for the bullshit. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b> I promise you that I am not a generally violent person. But I am ready to throat punch some people.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>And I hate feeling like this. I am not a drama queen. I am not a hysterical person. I mostly am able to live and let live. But this is really getting to be a deal. You do not have the right to ignore public health guidelines which endanger the people around you. You do not have the right to endanger others because it's inconvenient to you. If you are stupid enough to believe that this is a hoax perpetrated by ANYBODY, then you need to go right ahead and take yourself out of the gene pool. Please--do humanity a favor. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b> Guess I'm running out of words. And energy. And I stand by every word I wrote. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b> Maybe I can sleep...</b></span>Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-67860155942283770162020-06-28T22:56:00.000-07:002020-06-28T22:56:11.927-07:00This life of mine...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFUuir6yILoNHRzirRY6DOx0pDSWQDNfavA02Hokm0s-FoNvS0NtYsAnuhwFwGEiAN9C01PwRWiMS6z3dU4BQNuvDMrBtdjHcLDTlsfVOmJt-9m-dT1GGjJEVtflkPf5KPkwLeZEXuXU/s1600/Pretzels%252C+fried+rice+and+peach+pie+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFUuir6yILoNHRzirRY6DOx0pDSWQDNfavA02Hokm0s-FoNvS0NtYsAnuhwFwGEiAN9C01PwRWiMS6z3dU4BQNuvDMrBtdjHcLDTlsfVOmJt-9m-dT1GGjJEVtflkPf5KPkwLeZEXuXU/s400/Pretzels%252C+fried+rice+and+peach+pie+001.JPG" width="400" /></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b> I found these at Aldi's last week again finally. I first had them about a year ago and fell in love...and they never had them again. They are awesome pretzels. Oh so good. Not that I need to be snacking on anything. I have gained 13 pounds since the shut down started. And unfortunately I don't care. I am having all kinds of old people shit going on and as much as I wish I was 27 and 104 pounds, I am not. And never will be. So... I'll be a jolly fat person for as long as I live maybe. Or maybe not. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b> I have to be careful because I have been having some creeping up the scale blood sugar issues. I probably should be eating a low carb diet, but then what would I do with this ?? </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZU2etUtGsq38kUZqSi_4E4LZDtXlzeqdNeeWPI0KTXkZETyehtqy0_pEbCpK2rsDQe_4NIDrUV8owl6gMeM0O-aQ4MiV1c_S7DUdsYInLpWYN0xWXHlzvp5rAtHNZZ0Y9mU_YISupSU/s1600/Pretzels%252C+fried+rice+and+peach+pie+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZU2etUtGsq38kUZqSi_4E4LZDtXlzeqdNeeWPI0KTXkZETyehtqy0_pEbCpK2rsDQe_4NIDrUV8owl6gMeM0O-aQ4MiV1c_S7DUdsYInLpWYN0xWXHlzvp5rAtHNZZ0Y9mU_YISupSU/s320/Pretzels%252C+fried+rice+and+peach+pie+006.JPG" width="320" /></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b> Because it's peach season (at the grocery store. Mine are later). I did use minimal sweetening in it, so it's tastes like a pastry full of fresh peaches. But still...</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b> I had a pretty severe diverticulitis event last week and wound up at the Urgent Care for antibiotics. I was diagnosed with that little gem about a year and a half ago when I had a serious problem with pain and bleeding that put me in the ER. The big D is a goofy thing. All the things they used to think caused or exacerbated it, they have now debunked. They simply admit they don't know. But it is extremely painful and after the initial event, I only had a couple of mild ones that cleared up by themselves in days. Until last week. Blech. I was down for the count for about 5 days. It sucked.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b> Then I had some kind of a hissy fit one morning in the shower... came out and cut off 8 inches of my hair. Didn't just cut it off, like I usually do, but butchered it beyond repair. Tonight my personal groomer came over (lol) and did his best to shore it up and make it look presentable. Bless his heart. lol I have hair about 1 inch long now. And it could just be that I'm in shock, but it looks completely white now. I have several very thin spots on my scalp as a result of chemo back in the 80's. So it really looks like hell. When did I get so vain ??</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b> And then... All of my life my teeth have been bad. I got no dental care as a kid. I had one trip to the dentist that I remember because I had a permanent tooth come in behind a baby tooth. It was the bane of my existence most of my life. About 18 years ago, I had a ton of dental work done, including a bridge. Nothing could be done about that tooth... the bridge, that I wore for 15 years, caused all kinds of other problems in my mouth and as a result, some of my upper teeth are loose. I need dentures, but ... so anyway, that tooth came out the other day. The tooth itself is small, but it left a gaping hole in my mouth. I am extremely self conscious about it. That damned tooth, that drove me crazy all my life is gone, and now the feelings are worse. How crazy is that ?? </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b> So this is my rant against aging I guess. Isn't it funny ? I have never been a vain person (I didn't think) but now I am a short, fat, balding grey headed old lady with missing teeth that wants to hide under a rock. I need to get to bed as it's almost 1 AM and I have things to do in the morning before leaving to take a friend to a dr appt.. I don't sleep well anyway, and I promised her daughter I would bring chicken and dumplings to her when I pick up her mom at 10 AM. My husband , bless his heart, just says that he loves me no matter what. I think it might be the peach pie talking...</b></span><br />
<br />Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-89757337157722004262020-06-15T15:06:00.001-07:002020-06-15T15:06:43.130-07:00When I was young...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hvgwU8PCs0Uhl3A-zwkfC6vO8AR3qZIIYHjxaa0o_3aY50aVTtj3t5uAGJRNq6gSlGX0pySVVYnPFFDi2HSkXd6GFegtMnP7mQIapswxBOoPMuKlzWjncXT3VhvDZrQXRVDHKh44vOU/s1600/New+driveway+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hvgwU8PCs0Uhl3A-zwkfC6vO8AR3qZIIYHjxaa0o_3aY50aVTtj3t5uAGJRNq6gSlGX0pySVVYnPFFDi2HSkXd6GFegtMnP7mQIapswxBOoPMuKlzWjncXT3VhvDZrQXRVDHKh44vOU/s400/New+driveway+005.JPG" width="400" /></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b> I can't tell you how excited I got when my son brought about 8 tons of driveway rock to my house last weekend. They raked and shoveled and worked their butts off for about 5 hours to get it all spread. ( I have a big driveway). </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b> I got an extra parking space/ turnaround too. AND a little path up to my sidewalk. I was over the moon.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b> I haven't always been like this. Getting all excited about things like gravel. There was a time when only really outrageous things excited me. Like the time I got to drive a boyfriends Porsche 135 mph in the desert in the middle of the night. Or the time I flew to South America, and stayed there for 4 months, unbeknownst to any of my family. (They knew I was gone. I think. They just didn't know where). Or the time I picked up a guy in a bar because he told me he owned a sky-diving business and I wanted to do that. Always had wanted to. It was AMAZING, falling through the sky. Ahhh... when I was young. And fearless. And foolish. Bulletproof. Immortal.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b> Now I get excited about gravel. And jams and jellies that actually set up LIKE THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO !! Or getting 45 quarts of green beans out of my garden and canned. Or the number of hummingbirds that grace my feeders every year. Visits from friends. Word of cancers seemingly cured. Notes from old friends that I thought I had lost touch with. Surprise gifts in the mail. You know... those things. As I start the slide into the end of my 60's decade, I think about that girl... that silly foolish daredevil girl who didn't think twice about taking risks or expecting the biggest best things in life. I have traveled in my middle aged life and seen some pretty remarkable stuff. Been all over this country and visited a few more. Most of it was never as exciting as the first few times though, and I guess that's the way of it. I miss the adrenaline rushes and even the chaos. Today I have to choose which things I might try to get done instead of jumping into life with both feet. I'm tired. And I'm starting to feel old. I hate that most of all. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b> So... I am trying to learn to grow old gracefully and some days I fail miserably. I stomp and raise my fists at the sky and yell... because of the limitations I have to deal with daily. Other days I sit comfortably on the porch in a rocking chair with a new book and marvel that a) I survived my life, and b) that I am as comfortable as I am doing next to nothing. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b> It's an interesting thing, isn't it ? And now, having just celebrated our 28th anniversary, I am headed into the kitchen to cook another Monday night supper. I was musing the other day about how many meals I have cooked in 28 years, but it made me dizzy. lol Tonight I have pounded and marinated chicken breasts in Italian dressing. I will cook them on the little Foreman grill and accompany them with a quinoa salad and a steamed vegetable medley. I will take pictures of the food, with the idea that someday I might write a cookbook. And then I look at the calendar. But hey-- who knows ? I am proof that absolutely ANYTHING can happen, right ?</b></span><br />
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Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448246538491495908.post-6655433028285128132020-05-28T23:35:00.000-07:002020-05-28T23:35:24.840-07:00I am weary...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Khl3K2YGf3K2ugB18KE8A9GfaUbsdAE0uxaWUo8YhShJDK9GN7W3PHampYIV_nPrm4gBTADz5Scfr2TBq1WlOcR_00L240Q9i2yL3HdKSpMVoW5vwTghLWor1Zow5BlOMTnne2eqsfw/s1600/if+people+had+hearts+like+dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="931" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Khl3K2YGf3K2ugB18KE8A9GfaUbsdAE0uxaWUo8YhShJDK9GN7W3PHampYIV_nPrm4gBTADz5Scfr2TBq1WlOcR_00L240Q9i2yL3HdKSpMVoW5vwTghLWor1Zow5BlOMTnne2eqsfw/s400/if+people+had+hearts+like+dogs.jpg" width="400" /></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> I am tired. Physically and emotionally and spiritually. The world and it's people are breaking my heart and I feel like I can't take it one more minute. I have cried several times today. First it was the video of George Floyd being murdered by the police in Minnesota. Hearing him beg to get off him, that he "can't breathe" and the cop just leaning in harder. What kind of human being does that to another ? Police meant to protect and serve, murdering people every year, rogue cops getting away with it over and over. This particular officer has a long history of complaints of police brutality. And nothing was ever done to him about any of them. I cry for Mr. Floyd's family, and for every mother and father who live in fear of their black children going outside or walking down the street. I cry for a world so ugly and so full of fear. Then I learned of the death of my friends baby, less than 48 hours after birth. He had a heart defect and they were all ready to have him in surgery tomorrow morning, but he started having trouble breathing and then his little heart just couldn't keep him alive. This young family is grieving the tragedy of their loss in the midst of this crazy pandemic and the whole world is upside down. I cried through the entire tale of the birth and the beautiful baby boy and his untimely death. And I don't claim to understand the laws of the Universe or the will of God... but I see no purpose in either of these deaths. and it breaks my heart.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> I generally tend to keep a cloak of optimism around me. I wouldn't have survived life on this planet for this long without it. I want to believe that we can be better. That people can change. That love can prevail. And then I see the headlines of this administration destroying Native burial grounds to build a wall. Of a lying and conniving man in the highest post of this country who has used this presidency to line his pockets and those of anyone who may be useful to him. Who spreads hate and division on a scale never before seen in this country. And I cry for democracy. And I cry for the poor. And I cry for myself. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> And so, Thursday has been my Day of Grief. I feel like I am losing hope. I feel like I can't do enough to appease my activist heart. I feel like no one is doing enough. I feel like I have never seen so many people blinded by their fear and their ignorance and their hate. And I don't know who I am or where I live or what is going to happen. I try to keep my feet grounded in the day and not become so overwhelmed by it all that I am paralyzed. Or worse. I don't want to become so angry that I don't recognize myself anymore. Even so, on days like today, I feel myself slipping away. Where is that place people can go to insulate themselves as though it were none of their business or not their fault or giving up entirely the thought that they can do something to make a difference ? I cannot in good conscience escape this. I cannot turn a blind eye to children at the border in camps, separated from their parents. To immigrants being turned away because of the color of their skin. To people dying because they cannot afford health care or food or shelter, here, in this richest country in the world. I cannot ignore it. It hurts my heart daily. And my heart is old. It is tired.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> I am reminded of a poem written by Wendell Berry, which gives me the strength and grace to live another day...</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><em>The Peace of Wild Things</em><br />by<br />Wendell Berry</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>When despair for the world grows in me</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>and I wake in the night at the least sound</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>in fear of what my life and my children’s lives might be,</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>I go and lie down where the wood drake</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>I come into the peace of wild things</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>who do not tax their lives with forethought</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>of grief. I come into the presence of still water.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>And I feel above me the day-blind stars</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>waiting with their light. For a time<br />I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;"><span -webkit-text-stroke-width:="" 0px="" 12px="" 255="" 2="" background-color:="" display:="" droid="" float:="" font-size:="" font-style:="" font-variant-caps:="" font-variant-ligatures:="" font-weight:="" important="" inline="" letter-spacing:="" new="" none="" normal="" orphans:="" rgb="" roman="" serif="" start="" text-align:="" text-indent:="" text-transform:="" times="" white-space:="" widows:="" word-spacing:="">From </span><em -webkit-text-stroke-width:="" 0px="" 12px="" 255="" 2="" 77="" background-color:="" baseline="" color:="" droid="" font-size:="" font-style:="" font-variant-caps:="" font-variant-ligatures:="" font-weight:="" italic="" letter-spacing:="" margin:="" new="" none="" normal="" orphans:="" outline:="" padding:="" rgb="" roman="" serif="" start="" style="border: 0px;" text-align:="" text-indent:="" text-transform:="" times="" vertical-align:="" white-space:="" widows:="" word-spacing:="">The Selected Poems of Wendell Berry </em></span><span -webkit-text-stroke-width:="" 0px="" 12px="" 255="" 77="" background-color:="" baseline="" color:="" droid="" font-size:="" font-variant-caps:="" font-variant-ligatures:="" font-weight:="" letter-spacing:="" margin:="" new="" none="" normal="" outline:="" padding:="" rgb="" roman="" serif="" start="" style="border: 0px none;" text-align:="" text-indent:="" text-transform:="" times="" vertical-align:="" white-space:="" word-spacing:=""><span style="color: #741b47;">(Counterpoint, 1999),</span><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> So...I will have my one day of tears and heartbreak, and I will re-wrap myself in this cloak of hope and optimism, and chant and pray and dance for better days to come. And try to remember...</b></span><br />
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<br />Akanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.com5