The BEAUTITUDES (Christmas Edition)

Blessed are the poor in dollars: for theirs is a simpler and fuller life, with less time spent wrangling tape and wrapping paper.

Blessed are they that mourn for Christmas Past: for they shall be comforted with the knowledge that God knows every current stressful situation.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall not mind when possible tornadoes change popcorn popping plans.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after carrots and water along with fruitcake and Cranberry Sprite: for they shall be filled with balance.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall realize that not everyone looks forward with FOMO to the nonstop holiday social events.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see the love in the crudely-crafted handmade gift of a child.

Blessed are the old-fashioned candy makers: for they shall be called the Keepers of the Ancient Recipes.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for a secret's sake: for theirs is the reward of a true surprise gift!

Blessed are ye, when young children shall ask repeatedly "How many more days until Christmas?!" and when you shall persuade yourself to bake more things than you have bandwidth for, and yet you are able to reply with patience to your child and with grace for yourself, for Christmas's sake.

Merry Christmas to one and all! 

Thank you for reading my blog; we wish for you the best of life in 2023! 

Our love, Daniel, Sharon, Danielle, & Floki

Nebraska News Vol. 1 Issue 2

 

Nebraska News

11-14 Monday

It hovered happily in the 20’s for most of the day! We tidied up and Jill made thee most delicious Dutch babies ever with sourdough starter and blueberries in prep for Ro (Rosalyn) and kiddos coming over for coffee. We had the best time chatting and snacking over coffee around the fire. Max and Ken both filled their buck tags! Yay! The guys had been teasing Ken that we weren’t gonna make cheesecake until he got his buck! I made some raspberry topping for the cheesecake before Danielle and I went with Danl to North Loup on an errand and then truck hunted with him on the Schudel property overlooking the Loup River. So pretty watching the sun setting and the golden eagles flying while munching snacks from Trotters. No deer ever appeared, but it was good to get some quality family time in. And to cover more chapters in my book. Supper was a very satisfying affair! Grilled ribeyes, fluffy baked Yukon gold potatoes, oven-roasted carrots, and cheesecake with homemade blueberry and/or raspberry sauces.

11-15 Tuesday 

Happy 60th, Jan! (Jill’s sweet mama) The guys and Max headed out early for pheasant hunting in South Dakota. I enjoyed my morning coffee and another of Ro’s espresso-frosted cinnamon rolls even though we were going out for coffee at Ollie’s in a little town called Sargent. We dropped Mason and Danielle off at Grandma Virginia’s. (Jethro’s mom) Picked up Jan, Janelle, and Jenny after a quick tour of Hilltop Gardens. Got some cool cards! Then we stopped at the Secondhand Rose in Ord. Jill and I went there last year and I wanted to go again! I got a pretty Westernish belt and a dinosaur book for Danielle. After a scenic drive, we arrived at Ollie’s. No lunch on Tuesdays, so we all just got coffees and shopped the huge variety of stuff. I loved my PSL and the adorable soaps I got for Mason and Danielle. Back to Ord for a delicious lunch at The Something’s Brewing Cafe. I got the hamburger vegetable soup special with coleslaw and a breve. Definitely keeping up with my caffeine intake today! Dollar General for necessities which included more craft supplies for our busy creative kiddos. We all chilled and rested once we were back home. The guys were getting a hotel so no need to virtuously have supper ready! We relished nachos by the fire along with all sorts of other yummy eats. Tried to listen to the Conference lecture. Then bravely went out in the swirling wind with a few snowflakes to get into the swim spa! So pretty with the colored lights at night. Well worth the cold dash to and from it! Stayed up late just because we could for once. 

11-16 Wednesday

Grand Island Adventure Day! First we went to the Lambdins to do chores since they were gone to Conference. Their pet deer is such a fascination! I could get used to Bambi kisses! I drove since Jill needed to do some design work. First stop was Hobby Lobby. Goodness, it was like Black Friday in there! Annie (or Anna as she’s known here) and Becca were shopping as well! Freddy's for a fine lunch; then over to the trampoline park! All of us moms decided to jump too since we had the whole place to ourselves! I even climbed my first “rock” wall with much effort and exertion! Phew. I am SO out of shape! I mean I do have a shape, but it’s not a fit one! Hanging out with Kristen, Shawna, and Annie was so good. I think this moms/kids outing needs to be a yearly Nebraska thing! Next stop was Homegoods. Danielle got a speech that “asking for things” was indeed a form of begging. The “one thing” had already been purchased prior at Hobby Lobby! I’m realizing that I no longer shop with her in tow much now that she’s in school 5 days a week. Sonic drive-thru for hotdogs and tater tots; then Scooters for breves so we could brave the way home lol. Tried in vain to listen to the youth singing at Conference. Actually got a bit of the lecture once we were back in range of Wifi. The guys got home after 9:00, exhausted from fun and pheasants. 

11-17 Thursday

Started the day as usual with coffee and cuddles upstairs before moving down for more relaxation. Sourdough toast and lemon meringues for breakfast. I’m getting so relaxed and spoiled; how am I ever gonna settle back into normal life in Florida?! Jill decided to whip up homemade kolaches since “Eat a kolache” was on my long list of “Things I Want to Do in NE.” Bless her heart! I hadn’t known that these delicacies were such a part of Nebraska cuisine until Shirley Unruh told me that Annie had been making them! Speaking of Annie, Danielle and I went down the hill into town for our annual visit/playtime at their house around 2:30 in the afternoon. The girls did lots of girly things while giggling and shrieking about. Annie and I yakked and yakked like old times; Bailey (or Glendon as he’s mostly known here) came home right before I was going to leave, so of course my leaving was further delayed in order to finalize the catching up of bygone people and places. I left Danielle there to play for “just a little bit longer!” while I came home to load up with Jill and the boys to go see Jenny’s four story mansion in Greeley! Picked up Danielle, then soon Jenny was leading us about on the most delightful tour of her historic home! Another super fun item checked off my list lol. The kolaches were definitely a hit; the guys had put a major dent in the supply while we were gone. Jethro grilled burgers and baked cherry and apple pies on the grill while we were gone. Ken’s last supper during “Eating Season” as he famously calls it, since he rebooked his ticket to fly home in the morning.

11-18 Friday

I had an elderberry kolache and part of a caramel walnut roll for breakfast. Sat down by the fire until it was past time to dash about getting ready to run to North Loup and Ord. We dropped Max, Mason, and Danielle off at Grandma Virginia’s again since they are generally miserable little shoppers. First stop was Popcorn County USA for local red, blue, and white kernels for ourselves and for gifts. Then we stopped on a whim at Hey Honey Boutique and were so delighted with the fun “Pink Friday” sale going on! We popped pink balloons to find out what our individual discount was and partook of pink lemonade. She also had darling frosted sugar cookies up for grabs, so we took some home for the kids. Then we went to Anderson’s Pharmacy. I had so much fun picking out stocking stuffers for my family’s Christmas celebration. They were also celebrating Pink Friday, and had everyone choose an ornament off a tree with a hidden discount. Jill and I both scored 25% off! Next we popped over to the cafe, but since it was almost 2:00, we happily settled for sundaes instead of soup for lunch since they were no longer serving traditional lunch options. Both of us had breves as well. Grocery Kart and the feed store finished our shopping day. Took our daily downtime once we were home. Then I put pheasant gumbo in the instant pot. Rice, potato salad, cornbread made with freshly milled corn flour/cornmeal, and lettuce salad rounded out our “Southern” supper. Leftover pie and new tubs of ice cream by the fire for dessert ended a perfectly lovely day

11-19 Saturday

I’m gonna miss these easy mornings of vacation… A slice of cherry pie and coffee in my favorite “DonHeim” vintage mug for starters. Cleaned up the main areas and sat by the fire. It’s stayed nice and chilly, mostly in the 20s the whole time we’ve been here which has been FANTASTIC. Getting in on a bit of real winter just makes my heart happy. Fixed my “usual” for lunch at Jill’s Café.  Homemade sourdough turkey sandwich, fresh refrigerator pickles, a bowl of homemade thick Greek style yogurt topped with homemade granola and fresh fruit, with kombucha to drink! Now how’s that for a nutritious and delicious probiotic-happy meal?! The kids had pizza lunchables today. Annie brought Becca over to play for a couple hours. She, Danielle, Mason, and I got in the swim spa for a last blissful swim. Then I got more laundry done up, and started packing everything up. Daniel brought in some beautiful venison tomahawk steaks and put them in marinade to be grilled for supper. Jill made finger jello, and I cut up some carrot sticks to dip in ranch. We also had corn and leftover Yukon gold potatoes. More pie and ice cream for dessert. Such a good supper; everyone was in a jolly mood too. Ended up hanging out rather late, enjoying the fire and friendship.

11-20 Sunday

Happy Birthday, Kate Ryan! Sad to miss her party which was yesterday. I hope no more kids in our family end up with “Hunting Season” birthdays! My alarm rang at 5:00 to get up and packed up. We said our sad goodbyes and were on the road, watching the sunrise shortly after 6:00. Felt almost surreal to arrive at Justin and Tommi’s place around noon instead of to just share locations as we went SO closely right on by! So so good to be with them and their kiddos and eat lunch together! Tommi had made a feast! Delicious Chicken, mashed taters, green bean casserole, garlic knots, lettuce salad, apple Snickers salad, and pumpkin crumble with whipped cream! They guys went driving around, while the rest of us enjoyed hanging out at home. Danielle was so pumped with all of Ashley’s toys and the thick layer of ice on the pool! Reluctantly, we got on the road again around 3:30, but with another fun destination in the gps! Pulled into Drew’s after dark, and after hello hugs, we got right to eating just like old times! Pulled pork nachos, sliced apples, orange julius, and our famous Key lime pie! The years have passed, but some things never change! After lots of laughing and reminiscing, we crawled into bed, more than happy we were stopping to make more memories instead of doggedly driving straight through!

The Weakly Tribune Vol. 1 Issue 12

THE WEAKLY TRIBUNE

(It's time to post what was written, even though it's not "news" anymore! I didn't write at all this week; it was just too hard and full.)

Thursday 10/20

Waved goodbye to our too-big girl as she left on her first vacation without a parent with her nana! She was beyond excited to be on the way to the Great Wolf Lodge! I kept busy reclaiming the house, pittering, working at my desk with its never-ending duties, doing laundry, sundry cleaning, and mostly finishing up Danielle’s If You Give a Mouse an iPhone pumpkin entry for the Atmore Library Pumpkin Contest. She had done all the painting but with needing it to dry, we hadn’t gotten the gluing done. I walked a bit in the glorious weather. I truly love FALL best of ALL! Danl was working late welding on a dirt pan, so he and David had grabbed supper at Arby’s during a town run. I happily made myself a pan of super nachos. Later on in the evening, I went over to the barn to keep Danl company and take him a snack. He had built me a fire in the wood stove! Sweet! I tended the fire and read in the September issue of Real Simple. Hands down my favorite magazine! 

Monday 10-24

Kept Danielle home from school since she wasn’t 24 hours fever-free. She didn’t quite act herself all day either, so I was glad she was home. Reclaimed the house, walked outside on the driveway for 30 minutes, since Danielle didn’t feel up to coming along on Garrett Road. Set up the sprinkler in the backyard in order to settle the dust. Danielle decided a swimsuit was in order and proceeded to play under the sprinkler for a while, even making a “beach” with sand from her sandbox spread out on a pink plastic tablecloth. Later in the afternoon, we did a bank run, got my dairy milk from SH church frig, and picked up Danielle’s school work from school. She worked on that while I cooked supper, which was grilled wild hog sausage patties, Jill’s scalloped potatoes, and cheese green beans. The bottom of the new tub in our bathroom is so rough that it’s detrimental to our bottoms. Tried Danielle’s idea of using my yoga mat in it for her bath. #fail. It just floats up and gets in the way. I must order a soft tub liner or something ASAP! 

Tuesday 10-25

Happy Birthday, MomDenise! Due to the teacher and too many students being sick, 1st Grade was called off for the day! Danielle was feeling fine as frog’s hair, other than still coughing and having more snot than necessary. I decided to “dress for work,” even donning heels so as to “feel” like a secretary. I always get more done when I do this. I told Danielle she since was the boss’s daughter, it was part of my job to help her if she needed assistance. She informed me that SHE was my boss, lol! Had my hour sand timer going so Danielle could keep track of when my “breaks” were coming up. Flipped that timer twice. Dug out the cardboard Snoopy dog house from under Danielle’s bed that we’ve had since her first birthday party! (It lays completely flat when you take it apart, so there, Minimal Mom!) Danielle was more than delighted to add string lights and decor to the inside, also more color via marker to the outside. She pretended to be a dog herself, but also had her fave little stuffed dog Skippy in there with her with a small bowl of Reese Puffs for kibble. Too cute. We took a timed recess of 15 minutes for playing soccer. I lost. Also did a 15 minute story time. Frog and Toad stories are the best! Watching a skiff of rain drip down rates pretty high too. Pedaled 30 minutes on my indoor cycle thing while catching up on my phone. Lots of good phone downtime today. Chili from last week with fresh Navajo fry bread for supper. 

Wednesday 10-26

Baked oatmeal sounded good for breakfast. Worked at my MR. Daniel picked Danielle to go with him for the day since school had been called off entirely due to prevailing illness amongst the teaching staff and students! I commenced cleaning up my craft/sewing corner. It truly looked like that closet that exploded open in the Berenstain Bears Messy Room! Of course, it took me much longer than I expected to go through everything, but in the end, I was much pleased with the rainbow-ordered bins of felt and foam paper, along with everything else in baskets for easy retrieval. I wasn’t as pleased with the mending pile that totaled 24 items! I took a walk in October’s bright blue weather, picking up an overstuffed Walmart bag of litter along the way. Then since I wasn’t quite ready to go back inside, I spread my quilt under the tree for 10 minutes and relaxed; listening to the wind swaying the pines and the drone of planes overhead. Read another good article in the Sept. issue of Real Simple titled “How to Be Less Busy.” Finished cutting out the dress I had hoped to sew for Danielle for her Fall Party. Danl and Danielle came home, very pleased with their good day together. I fried the last pkg of venison backstrap for supper, made instant mashed taters and white gravy, and opened a can of Del Monte pears. Enjoyed my first soak in our new tub! 

Thursday 10-27

I planned to mostly sew, but as always, I want ALL THE THINGS done before I begin. Completed my MR and did some desk work. Played a game of Wild Kratts with Danielle at one “recess” and a game of Deer Tag at another. Deer Tag is a game Danielle made up that is like hide and seek but the person hiding has a set of antlers that you have to make visible when the It person calls out, “Deer!” Then once your hiding spot has been “blown,” it’s a mad dash for base! It’s actually pretty fun to play. We usually only play it in the fall/winter when the antlers are out for decor. After lunch, I cut out a camel brown dress for myself and sewed it halfway done. I meant to be one of those girls who whips out a new dress in an hour or so to wear for evening plans, but alas. I’m just not that girl. Dressed up my old faithful black T-shirt dress for our supper reservations at Gather at 6 with David and Tara and Mike and Lisa Murphy. They’ve been our biggest customers this year with their property in Molino which FLS is developing. We got to eat at the round table by the kitchen which has always been my dream! My plate of cherry-smoked duck breast with Gather mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, blueberry bbq, and goat cheese exceeded expectations. We lingered long, enjoying all the amazing food, dessert, coffee, and conversation until we needed to remove ourselves to make room for the next reservation at 8:00. 

Friday 10-28

Well, I guess it’s my turn to experience the current illness going around, Influenza A or RSV?! Who knows?! It’s not Covid though according to my home test. I spent most of the night quite miserable with fever, body aches, headache, sore throat, and congestion. Danl came back around 10 and took Danielle and her 4wheeler to the job with him. So I had a mostly quiet day to lay around and recuperate. I slowly did the MR which took most of the day. Read in Once Upon a River a lot. Diesel was feeling quite poorly too. His skin has really deteriorated; the pic I sent to the vet confirmed what we thought. The lymphoma is cutaneous now. The end is very near for both dogs actually. Leroy didn’t want to eat his food and was shaking which means he’s in a lot of pain. And it’s not fair for them to suffer much longer. They have loved and been loved. But it’s still hard. Danl had me call in a pizza and breadsticks for him and Danielle to pick up for supper. 

Saturday 10-29

Felt some better, but still fatigued. So sad  to miss Gwen’s baby shower at the Goetter’s. Put in a Walmart Pickup for Atmore Smallmart. I keep forgetting they now offer this service! So nice when you don’t want to get out and breathe on people, but you still need food! Put a new layer of that deep ceramic shine on the Audi at Waves. Then I did dash into Family Dollar and Pig since Walmart did not even attempt to substitute one very necessary item, and I forgot to add onions to the order, AND we needed some more presents to wrap for the dogs’ last Christmas. I tried to stay 6 ft away from everyone. I didn’t survive Covid without learning something! Ended up sobbing once I got home. It’s just so final now. We plan to put both dogs down on Tuesday. Pulled myself together and Danl and I proceeded to make crispy fried chicken thigh sandwiches with seasoned house mayo, on a bakery buns topped with provolone and pickles; home-fried tater chips on the side. Yum. Danielle and I had fun making things festive, wrapping presents, and hanging stockings stuffed with toys and treats. Diesel and Leroy were so excited that it was suddenly Christmas time! We all hung out in the living room, helped the pigs open their presents, ate microwave popcorn, then settled in to (try) to sleep. Good times, good memories. Oh, I did make dough too, since I had fed Susie earlier in the day.  

Sunday 10-29

I bailed on the party around 2:00 am, and slipped into our bed to finish out the night with some restful sleep instead of fitful dozing. It was overcast and rainy, definitely a good day to hunker down together. I was feeling even worse than I had on Saturday instead of better as I had hoped! Made a small pan of cinnamon rolls, one loaf of regular bread, and two small loaves of cinnamon pull-apart bread with the sourdough. Did a speed-rise on the cinnamon rolls and baked them for breakfast along with brown-and-serve sausage links. Danl prepped a chuck roast for the crockpot. I’m not sure what all we all did, but the day seemed to pass rather swiftly. I know I did a lot of nose-blowing. Attempted to make Gather-style mashed skin-on red potatoes, (I’ll have to keep trying) along with gravy to enjoy with the roast and fresh bread. We ate this meal later afternoon. Sad to miss the 5th Sunday Joint Hymn-Sing at WH. Danielle and I played many games of Fishdom, trying in vain to pass a hard level. Everyone helped tidy the house, which had rather gone to pot. In some ways it felt like a good weekend, and in others it felt weird and hard, knowing what is coming on Tuesday. Things will be so different with two members of our family missing. But life goes on, a cycle of death and birth! I’m sure we’ll welcome new puppies, sooner or later!

RIP Diesel & Leroy

 

And it's over. 

We are just back home from Atmore Animal Hospital where Daniel and I watched our boys peacefully take their last breaths, lying side by side just like they loved to be. 

Not long after the first of the year, Diesel was diagnosed with lymphoma. He had several tumors removed, and we thought the end would not be far off. But true to his warrior nature, he proved us so wrong and lived almost to his 13th birthday! 

Leroy was bounding along quite well we thought, until several months ago he started shaking a lot, and didn't want to eat his food or chew the tops of Diet Coke bottles, which was his greatest thrill. X-rays revealed his hips had disintegrated, which explained why he was in so much pain. He endured three different kids of pain medication, including twice weekly injections (which I had to learn how to administer) all to basically no avail. He got some relief, but not enough to have good quality of life. He would have turned 12 around the end of this month.

Last week it became apparent that the cancer had spread everywhere in poor Diesel's body; his skin especially was affected and was starting to scab off, leaving painful open sores. After hard conversations, we made the decision we knew was coming, yet somehow could never quite prepare for - to put them both down today, together. Daniel and I spent as much of the day today as we could just being with them, talking, and crying. Once Danielle was home from school, she joined us and said her last goodbyes. We dropped her off at Gene and Karma's on our way to the vet for our 4:00 appointment. Dr. Shirley met us outside and helped get Diesel in the side door; agreeing that he probably would not have even lasted another day. He was so tired and done; hardly able to even make his last walk on his own. They settled us all in the surgery room. Several of the employees came to say their goodbyes and give us their sympathies. First Dr. Shirley gave them each a sedative; he said Leroy's nervous system was so shot he could tell he didn't even flinch or feel the sting. Leroy soon laid his head down and they just peacefully slept on their favorite blanket while we continued to pet them. Diesel got his final injection first; it didn't take long at all before it was obvious that his big brave heart had beat its last beat. Dr. Shirley checked with his stethoscope and agreed that it was over. Then it was Leroy's turn, which went just as peacefully. Kelsey told me someone had left something for us up front and that she would bring it back to us. It was the most gorgeous bouquet from Karma, Tommi, and LeAnn! We picked Danielle up and headed back home to a quiet house. No one to greet us with excited eyes and stumpy wagging tails! These dogs have been part of our lives for so long; they kept me company when Daniel was gone overnights working, they welcomed Danielle home as a baby, they never failed in alerting us to anything that seemed off kilter in their surroundings. They never even tried to sample Danielle's chickens. So, like Jill penned in her drawing, "Somewhere between hello and goodbye, there was LOVE, so much LOVE."

The Weakly Tribune Vol. 1 Issue 11

THE WEAKLY TRIBUNE

Well, it has proved to be harder than I thought it would be to get back into the daily writing of our days! So here are bits and pieces of the last two weeks!

Monday 10/3

Time to “reclaim the house” again after the weekend! Made a trifle bowl full of banana pudding per Bill’s request for his birthday dessert. After school, Danielle and I met Karma and her kids at Gwen’s to belatedly celebrate Gwen’s bday. Crumble cookies, fresh fruit, salty snacks, and iced coffee hit the spot as we relaxed and visited while the kids wreaked havoc on the shop. Cleaned up there and then cleaned up more at our house before Pops and Nana arrived. Then I ran to get pizza and cheesesticks from the Hut for supper. Super enjoyable evening celebrating Pops’ birthday! The day for belated birthdays I guess! 

Tuesday 10/4

Happy Birthday, Karma Jill! Managed to mop the floors! I’m not on any sort of cleaning schedule these days other than “wait until things look dreadful, then attack!” Worked a bit at my piled-high desk. Melvin is here trying to get Tub Number 2 installed! This one isn’t chipped, but is obviously poorly poured from the factory!! So annoying. But would Tub Number 3 be any better?! He thinks he can make this one work! Met Tina, Anne, and Karma at The Coffee House for a lovely brunch. I got the Pick 3 for $13 brunch special! Conecuh sausage, fruit/granola parfait, and avocado toast along with the featured Cinnamon Dulce latte! Yummers. Then we bebopped along and shopped at Philanthropic Seed, Cotton & Co., Vintiques, Junky Pearl, WeCare, Primrose, and William’s Station Embroidery & Consignment. I netted a book, 2 egg baskets, and a tiny golden pitcher. Lainey came home from school with us to play for a couple hours. Did not love the gator burger tacos I made for supper. I shopped online for much needed clothing items for myself and Danielle with some measure of success! Fingers crossed everything will fit properly! I “went to bed hungry hoping to wake up skinny” (see quotes by Marilyn) but instead was too hungry to even sleep! So after tossing and turning for over an hour, I got up and fixed myself a cup of Jersey milk and a slice of sourdough bread, and read in Once Upon a River for a while before slipping into a satisfying sleep with a happy tummy. 

Friday 10/7

Happy Birthday, Tiffany Jill! Couldn’t seem to get my morning brain fog to fade very fast! My head ached from sinus congestion too. Our dry and dusty earth is becoming more parched by the day! It just feels like if the world would get washed, we could all breathe better again! Melvin came to continue working on the tub/shower project. Gathered up my stuff and headed for school to help put on Glow in the Dark Fall Party for Danielle’s class! Lots of black lights, glow sticks, and bright colors along with fun foods and crafts made for a glowy good time! Picked up Larisa for a scheduled weekend on our way home from school. Sat in the chair with my feet up for a bit, drinking Diet Coke and Wordling. Got fresh fall sweet corn from Steve’s Farm to go with our supper which was shrimp & grits, and artisan sourdough bread from Rhonda! 

10/13 Thursday 

Woke up to the beautiful sound of God watering the world! It didn’t last long, but at least the dust is settled! Made butter for the second time with the cream skimmed from the Jersey milk. Cooked a box of cook’n’serve Jello vanilla pudding for part of my breakfast, while enjoying a lengthy WhatsApp convo with Rhonda. Prioritized getting in a 30 minute walk to close my exercise ring for once! I mean I have closed it before, but it’s been awhile! Worked at my desk; THE SECOND DAY THAT I STILL CANNOT GET MY PRINTER TO PRINT. Truly, I consider myself a person not easily riled to anger, but techy issues that occur with seemingly no reason or solution are my triggers. Chatted with Aunt Sue while getting sourdough bread into pans. Ran to town for several things, the most important one being a sealed galvanized container from Truckers in order to move the chicken feed outside on the back porch instead of continuing to feed unwanted critters by leaving the bag open in the laundry nook. Picked up Danielle from school, baked the bread, ran bread, farm eggs, and fresh butter to Gwen for her Bake Day, and stopped by Erica Lynn’s for yard sale price stickers. Danl and David were out by the fuel tank when they noticed a pigmy rattler! His life ended shortly thereafter, but it was much too close to the asphalt pile where Danielle loves to play! And the disturbing thing is that pigmys don’t rattle a warning rattle! Danl mowed while I made supper which was simple but very tasty! Grilled London broil medium rare, sliced paper thin and eaten with horseradish, fresh bread, and sweet corn on the cob. I decided to try another option involving an ethernet cable to get the printer to connect to the new WiFi. But alas! The desk drawer that I knew it was in WOULD NOT OPEN. And I knew why; the last thing I had stuffed in it was a metal license plate that apparently had gotten STUCK and was not about to budge. I was beyond frustrated and ready to get the saw or the hatchet and go to work on dismantling my desk when God told me to calm down, surrender my bad attitude, and simply pray. So I did. And then the thought came to PUSH the drawer in instead of frantically trying to PULL it open. I did that, and it opened immediately with no struggle whatsoever. God really does care about every little thing in our lives!! I wish I would remember that it never pays to “kick against the pricks.”

Saturday 10/15

13th Annual Yard & Bake Sale! Loved the addition of the Craft Booth! Danielle made $54.30 selling toys! Took in the 2nd Annual Walnut Hill Heritage Festival. Got milk and salad stuff. Delicious rib supper at David’s. Made plans for being gone in November. Sat by the fire; perfect way to end the full day.

Sunday 10/16 

Listened to church while I baked Dad’s German Sweet Chocolate birthday cake. Baking a cake always makes me happy. Navajo taco lunch at folks. Loved getting in some family time again! The kids put on a small talent show outside. Volunteer service at church in the evening. Too many dog messes to clean up today. Growing old, dog or human, is not for the faint of heart.

The Weakly Tribune Vol. 1 Issue 10

THE WEAKLY TRIBUNE

 Monday 8.22.22

Such a thrill to type out a nice even numbered date! Left straight from school and headed for Crumbl for breakfast! I had heard if you go on Monday, there’s a good chance you can still get last week’s flavors in addition to the new ones! I had so badly wanted to try the French Silk Pie, Raspberry Cheesecake, and Lemon Poppy Seed from last week! So I got those and a regular Chocolate Chip for Danielle. Got my Target Drive-up, but they had not substituted one item I really needed. So I went in to get that plus other stuff that I had forgotten to add to the order! Looped around through Pace to get meds from Publix @ 5 Points. Hunkered down at my desk until 2:30. Pretty pleased with the amount of stuff I got itemized. Let’s just not think about how much I have yet to do. It was a rainy day like usual. I worked on my MR since it got skipped this AM! Got the Wordle in 2 tries! CRIME, then MERIT. Yippity Yay! Did a bank run while Danielle went with Danl to check a job. Made chicken Alfredo and canned spinach for supper. Our new neighbor stopped by to meet us. We really liked him! A young Escambia County deputy who works the Pensacola Beach area. I helped Danielle add fresh pine shavings in the chicken coop. 

Thankful for: Good neighbors! Excited to meet the rest of the family now! 

Tuesday 8.23.22

In keeping with my decision to Say No during school hours, I sadly did not stay for Morning Music at school. Hunkered down in my Hobbit Hole aka my Desk Nook again. Took a walk mid-morning to get some fresh soggy air. Tried to take particular notice of all the beauty a saturated world can produce! I noticed a wide variety of mushrooms and moss; even a tiny snail slugging its way along a green-covered tree trunk. Got the Weakly in the mail for the paper copy subscribers. Once I met my office goals, I even sat down to finish the dress I’ve been slowly seaming along on since June! But alas. It’s either too small or I’m too big. Took another walk with Danielle on her bike which she soon ended up parking along the wayside and playing in the mud, making dams and rivers. Made yellow cheese sauce and venison lazy tacos for supper. Felt good to be tucking Danielle into bed at 8:42! Hasn’t happened enough lately. 

Thankful for: Moss & Mushrooms!

Wednesday 8.24.22

An On-the-Go Day! Dropped Danielle at school, came back and sent in all the info for an liability insurance audit, which is a lovely thing where they go over your financial/payroll records to see if there’s any chance they can charge a bit MORE for insurance for the coming year! Yay! Yeah right. Took extra canning jars to folks for storage, then took Diesel to the vet at 11:00 for a Quality of Life Assessment. It was deduced that his lymphoma is sort of in regression! Dr. Shirley couldn’t believe how well he was doing and said he didn’t think the cancer had spread anywhere new! Wonder if it’s due the Ivermectin we’ve been adding to his medication plan?! We made a plan to put him out next week to have his teeth cleaned and to zap a few more spots. Dropped him at home, heated some leftovers to eat on the road, and headed to deliver some parts for Danl in Pace. Dashed into Dollar Tree. It flooded on the way back to pick Danielle up. We met Gwen and kiddos at Snobiz for snack. Where else other than Down South does the sno cone shack stay open year around but just add fall/winter flavors?! Can’t beat that! I had to try a new Fall Flavor - Salted Caramel Cheesecake! Definitely Recommend. Danielle had her usual Rainbow. Then we all went to WeCare. Danielle got a Moj Moj Toy Claw Machinefor $3.99 for her One Thing which actually works! We didn’t know it did until we got home and put 3 D cell batteries in it! It retails new for $229.99 on Amazon due to being collectable! Who knew?! I scored a stuffed elephant, a dress for Danielle, a dress pattern for her, and a couple tiny cute frames for the Li’bry. Oh and a unique woven fabric belt! Good times. Then to the bank and to Tractor Supply for laying feed for the chickens. The constant rain ruined my plans for grilled pizza for supper, but Danl actually agreed to a Breakfast Supper and helped me make Conecuh bacon, fried farm eggs, and crepes with caramel syrup! Yummers. 

Thankful for: the unexpected positive report on Diesel’s health. 

Thursday 8.25.22

After making some hotcakes fried in bacon grease for breakfast, I plunked myself out on the front porch on a towel to keep dry for my Morning Sit so I could listen to the rain steadily drumming down on the tin roof. I wonder if we’ll ever be able to properly cut our grass again. It’s starting to smell kind of rotten outside; like it just desperately needs a small chance to thoroughly dry out again for once! I tidied the house and then stayed really focused at my desk; working on old business and new business. I did have an afternoon cuppa Summer in London tea with Jersey cream and honey while reading my book. Danl ran to Pig for me and came home with much more food than the small list I had texted him lol. I love that he enjoys shopping for groceries now and then. He also picked Danielle up from school for me much to her delight. And got us each ice cream from Steve’s Farm! Erica messaged and wondered if we wanted to hang out at their place for the evening. Yes, of course! After much deliberation, it was finally decided to have a meal of comfort food from Popeyes for supper! I was most impressed to see the huge fairy ring of giant mushrooms in the grass near Popeyes. I wanted to stand inside the circle and make a wish that the sun would shine hot and heavy and long again! Erica also made green beans, red beans and rice, sweet tea, to go with the chicken and dry biscuits. (Church’s, we miss your biscuits!) Lemon crinkle cookies got baked later on! 

Thankful for: Friends that are like family. 

Friday 8.26.22

These days once Danielle is to school and Danl to work and everything is quiet except for the dogs snoring and the chickens squawking in the backyard feel like a gift. A glowing golden gift wrapped in emerald ribbon. And it’s up to me to open it promptly and use it productively until 2:35! It almost seemed a bit sunny so I decided to do a quick litter walk before sitting down at my desk. Our PLEASE DO NOT LITTER signs have been making a difference but I still picked up a large bag; some of it old trash that is visible now that the roadsides were mowed. Mr. Pete Coon arrived mid morning and FIXED MY OVEN! Let the hallelujahs ring! Supper was a fun feast at Jalisco’s with Warren, Em, and family, Ella Schneider was also along to give Naomi a bit of company. Em and I both tried the new weekend special tacos birria which was phenomenally delicious and felt very authentic! I even asked our waiter for the proper eating procedure; he was happy to explain even though Danl thought I should quit pestering him. 

Thankful for: New foods and old friends. 

Saturday 8.27.22

Even though I love our School Schedule Mornings, it felt blissful to Danielle and I to sleep in and lounge around again. Danl basically never sleeps in and for sure didn’t get to today. Nana arrived shortly before noon to spend the day with us. We headed to the Wearhouse for a delicious salad bar and soft serve ice cream lunch. We were surprised to see Tara walk in the door and we ended up talking so long we didn’t have time to get meat and cheese sliced. I had forgotten that they closed at 2:00 pm on Saturdays! Bummer. Then we stopped to walk through and check the progress on my folks new place. It’s looking good! I can’t wait to see the cabinets installed and the shower tiled. Once home, Mamalisa said she was gonna help me put together the storage cabinet that I ordered on Prime Day back in July! Yay! Just what I needed; someone to tell me that Now was the time to Just Do It. It took us awhile, but wow! Thhe corner of our bedroom was transformed from a frustrating storage heap into an organized pleasure. Danl grilled steaks so huge they were like individual roasts along with potatoes, mushrooms, and onions. I made the Tangy Raspberry Salad from the July issue of SL. 

Thankful for: Happy Endings

Sunday 8.28.22

Baked a red velvet sheet cake to take to David’s for lunch. LOVE being able to bake again! Due to my TPAD (time passage awareness disorder) we were late to church. Again. Taught Junior Sunday School for the last time. I’ll miss them, but I’m not sure they’ll miss my sermons lol. We had lots of good 2 sided conversations though too! Galen preached an encouraging sermon on the Promises of God. David and Tara had fixed a feast of cured wild hog ham, gourmet potatoes, Caesar salad, sourdough bread, and fluff which Tara was so grieved over due to the raw milk clashing with the Cool Whip which resulted in a rancid flavor. We sure didn’t go the least bit hungry though! Cake and coffee and the couch made for a great afternoon. Later on, some played softball/catch and some of us watched them while the mosquitoes sampled us. Tara made the leftover ham into amazingly tasty ham salad to eat with fresh oatmeal rolls. Yummers. 

Thankful for: Heart to heart conversations.

The Weakly Tribune Vol. 1 Issue 9

 

THE WEAKLY TRIBUNE

Monday 8.15.22

Danielle and I relished our last lazy weekday morning for the time being! Then we got up and moving and drove to Pace so Danielle could spend her last day of summer with her Nana! I shopped groceries and household supplies at Dollar General on my way home. Then ran clear up to Atmore to drop a check at Lamb’s Dozer for dirt at the McMurphy job. Finally to the Li’bry feeling panicky about how much finishing up we had yet to do before Orientation at 7:30! Hammered down and PTL, the “Hobbit Hole” was proclaimed Magical and Mysterious and Done Enough around 5:30 pm. Flew around getting a supper of white rice, brown gravy, and venison patties for my family. Marked Danielle’s name on all her school supplies. Why this hadn’t been done sooner, one will never know! The evening went well; the kids got settled in and I got elected to serve on School Food Committee, a 2 year term. Back home, I just needed to trim around the neck hole and add some jeweled brads to Danielle’s dress before hitting the hay. I thought. But instead I accidentally cut a hole in the dress and had to figure out a way to cover that boo-boo up. Waaaaaa. Stitchwitchery and extra buttons to the rescue! 

Magical Moment: Seeing the sparkle in the kids’ eyes when they took in the new Library decor. 

Tuesday 8.16.22

The First Day of School 2022! Danielle was more than eager to pop out of bed at 6:30! I got dressed and ready to go too so I could stay for Devotions. After they were over, a bunch of us moms stayed and chatted awhile, reluctant to get back to Real Life. I delayed the mess at my house further by giving blood at the Firehouse. Saving Lives is much more important than Sweeping Floors! And I hit my 4 gallon donation mark today! Dinked around on my phone and eating breakfast as if I had nothing important to accomplish, which could not be further from the truth. Finally got in gear after lunch and got things whipped back into shape before 2:30 arrived and it was time to go get Danielle. Decided on a whim to get snacks from Steve’s Farm and eat them at the Ruritan Park. The thunderheads were building rapidly though, so we didn’t stay long. It was flooding by the time we got home. Made a simple supper of Turkey and havarti paninis, lime jello, and Lays Baked Potato Chips. 

Magical Moment: Hearing Danielle pray, “And now I lay me down to sleep…”

Wednesday 8.17.22

Danielle was an Eager Beaver again today! Got her delivered to school, then stopped by my folks and enjoyed chatting with Dad awhile. Once I got home, I made myself French toast with Jersey cow cream and a yard egg! Talk about decadent. With Cool Whip and dark sweet cherries canned at the orchard in Bigfork, MT! Thanks, Mamalisa! Proceeded to procrastinate with Desk Work, but stayed very busy bustling about doing this and that. Procrastiworking as Gretchen Rubin would say. Floated a bit on the raft in the backyard pool after my tasty lunch of fried green tomato tacos. Sunshine is a rare commodity these days! Talked on the phone with Aunt Sue. Picked up Mason and Dillon along with Danielle and met Karma and Kins at The Wearhouse Market & Bakery for After School Snack of soft serve ice cream and hot soft pretzels. Yum. Fueled the Audi. $80. I miss the days of Trump. Made a rather gourmet supper of grilled medium rare venison steaks and sautéed onions and potatoes topped with a garlic butter lemon cream sauce with freshly snipped chives. Danl was impressed. It helps to have several low-bar meals leading up to a grand one. 

Magical Moment: Detecting a “hint of chill” in the air this morning! Or was it my imagination?!

Thursday 8.18.22

Thankful for the drive-thru canopy to drop Danielle off under this morning as the sky was crying right from the get go. I dashed in with my umbrella and dropped off the snacks I picked out at the Wearhouse yesterday for the Teacher’s Bake Day. I know I’m sorta copping out, but my oven is still on the blink! Happily devoured the lemon roll with candied pecans I had gotten yesterday at the Market. Completed parts of my Morning Routine before sitting down at my desk for a couple hours prior to Noah and Annabelle arriving to spend the rest of the day since Katie had a couple baby apts. They played and napped well, but were pleased when Danielle got home from school. She proceeded to start classes with them, and soon had Noah reciting 1+1=2! They left around 5, and I headed to town for milk and pizzas from the Hut. Had to choose a Deal, as my normal 30% off Online Orders coupon refused to work! We also sliced open the Last Watermelon of the Summer (Fall for me starts on Sept. 1 this year!) that I had purchased from Steve’s Farm on Tuesday. It was thoroughly chilled and SO GOOD. Thanks, Robyn, for picking it out for me! 

Magical Moment: Savoring the last days of Summer… It will still be sweltering for awhile, but Fall is a state of mind down South anyway!

Friday 8.19.22

Dropped Danielle off; then parked and went to the Li’bry to add the tiny bottle labeled  “Drink Me” to the Alice in Wonderland tea party table and label the cake with an “Eat Me” tag. Slowly but surely we will keep adding details that we just ran out of time to complete! Then I went straight to folks to drive Dad around on various errands. Once I was back home, I was hungry for French Toast again even though it was noon! This time I added some lemon extract to the dipping mixture! Definitely will be doing that again! Worked on tax stuff until Mr. Pete Coon arrived to investigate the oven. He quickly deduced that we were getting zero volts when it should have been reading 240! A new panel for around $150 should fix it! Decided that after this week until Sept. 15, I was hunkering down in my office during school hours and would be saying NO to everything and everyone until my TAXES at last are done! How’s that for a catchy little rhyme?! Tried last minute to go to Jalisco’s with Warren and Em, but they already had plans. Now I had a taste for tacos, so I just made them at home with leftover venison steak and some hamburger. Also tried making what I called Mexican Fried Rice with leftover white rice. Fried it with butter and olive oil with green cilantro salsa and lime juice sprinkled over it. Danl was getting the wild pig captured on Jace’s field ready to cook and somehow managed to severely smash his hand between the metal hook thing on the tailgate and the ice chest. I’m suspicious it’s broken. I quickly ran up to the Pig for some needed groceries, and to SH for ice. Danl was in a lot of pain and opted to sleep on the couch, so Danielle piled out in our bed with me.

Magical Moment: Seeing how spry Mr. Coon is for going on 84 years of age! His attitude is worth emulating. To quote, “People would be bored if things didn’t go wrong!” #goals for Growing Old Gracefully!

Saturday 8.20.22

Woke up for the first time shortly after 6. Daniel’s hand was still hurting badly, but he was eager to go start cooking the pig with David. Once he was gone, I snuggled back in bed with Danielle and we had a Glorious Sleep-in that ended around 8:30! I got taters and eggs going in the IP for Tater Salad, and proceeded to trash the kitchen making it and the Last Freezer of Homemade Ice Cream of the Summer. Can you tell I’m trying to consciously be doing small Ending Season Ceremonies?! Got to David’s a quarter past noon to feast upon the smoked wild hog, tater salad, baked beans, watermelon, and ice cream with Jace’s, Jacob, and Nina and Brina. Soon oozed out in chairs to relax and let our full bellies settle. It was a perfect day for hanging out! Tara baked sourdough bread later on, and its tantalizing smells drew people out of the nooks and crannies and corners of snoozing and sleeping to be devoured slice by slice, either plain or with butter and honey. David got some hams curing, and processed the rest of the pig. We nibbled and noshed, eating everything again, and it was all as good or better than the first time! 

Magical Moment: Realizing once again that every day is a Special Occasion meant to be shared and celebrated!

Sunday 8.21.22

Wonder of wonders, we got to church before the first song started! Somehow getting to church before 10:00 remains a hardship, even though we can easily get to school by 7:45ish. Makes no sense, I know. Getting to be in women’s Sunday School was good again after teaching 2x in a row. I sure will miss my Junior kids after this month ends though! They are a delightful bunch. Mr. B preached on Pardon, A Part of God. He doesn’t say we haven’t sinned, but He takes away the sentence. Danl had been helping Ken on their new property, so he wasn’t home for lunch. Danielle and I had leftover pizza. Danl dozed once he came home. Today was a record on the daily egg hunt! We found 5! 2 in the old dog house, 1 in the coop, 1 under the elephant ears, and 1 in the flower pot on the back porch! I finally looked all the way through the July issue of Southern Living, cleaned up the kitchen, tidied the house, put in a load of work clothes that I should have washed yesterday, wrote missed days of the Weakly, and watched it rain. “Praise the Lord the drought has ended!” as Danl likes to say! When it seemed to let up a bit, I went to get our Jersey milk since I had totally forgotten about it yesterday! Met Tara to give her their gallon, and ended up getting quite soaked as the floodgates had opened again! Changed into dry comfy clothes, lit a couple candles, and brewed myself a cup of Copper Kettle tea with a spoonful of honey. Danl oversaw the making of delicious sandwiches with leftover grilled pig on toasted buttered French bread, topped with caramelized onions and havarti cheese! Fed Susie the Sourdough Starter. Read in the Magic Treehouse #4 to Danielle. I’ve had to make a rule that she is supposed to check out at least 2 new books next time instead of getting again 4 books she has already read! This mama has limits. 

Magical Moment: Listening with closed eyes to the melodious harmony of acapella congregational singing. 

The Weakly Tribune Vol. 1 Issue 8

 

THE WEAKLY TRIBUNE

Monday 8.08.22

Felt more tired than I should feel it seemed! Little Debbie apple pie, cheese, and coffee made me feel more ready to slay the day! But even though I wanted to leave around 9, it was around 10 before Danielle and I headed to Pensacola! Argh. My life is like that saying, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get!” I need to redo the Jordan Page course and get back on track with Time Management! Our first stop was Teen Challenge Thrift Store where I scored a pair of white heels for my book club Diner en Blanc. Also a macrame belt (Do I really like macrame or do I just think I should like it?!) a peach T-shirt dress, and 3 more coffee mugs for the Teachers House! On to the Goodwill next door where I found a pretty bright white dress, black sandals, (which I’ve since decided I don’t love) a wooden owl and a tree votive for the library. Danielle got a free book, a stuffed wiener dog and a stuffed dinosaur, and a Dabble Lab marble engineering game! Fun finds. Tjmaxx for macarons and French butter cookies for the White Dinner. Then Chick-fil-A for a kids meal for Danielle and a peach milkshake and grilled chicken wrap with avocado dressing for me! Finally over the bridge and to the Beach Ball parking lot where Tommi and Karma picked us up! Absolutely surreal to see Tommi and her family after so many years! Headed down to the beach after a quick condo tour. It’s the most beautiful classy beach condo I’ve ever seen! Disappointingly, the surf was not at all beautiful. Nasty bits of seaweed everywhere in the water. We soon moved back up to the condo pool. Then later, back out to the beach! Catching up on quality girl time while seeing our kids happily playing together in the sand with the brooding thunderheads in the distance will be a treasured memory. Way too soon it was time for us to head back home. Danielle begged to stop at the Ice Cream Shoppe. I was asked if we were from England? In my dreams lol. Danielle got scoops of mint and birthday cake, while I settled for one small scoop of lemon sorbet since I had already had a peach milkshake! Danl had already made himself steak and eggs with the leftover steak from yesterday since it was after 7:00 by the time we got home. Danielle wasn’t hungry which wasn’t surprising! I made myself a bowl of Public Goods ramen. 

Tuesday 8.09.22

Scrambled to come up with Plan B since Plan A location for the White Dinner had fallen through! Scouted out a second location on the north side of the old hay barn on the Smith property, which actually seemed much better than the corner of our backyard anyway since we could be under the wing of the hay barn if it decided to rain. Danl did get our mower working then and got it all mowed up so nicely for me! He puts up with and helps me so much with all my far out ideas! Had to reminisce about him helping me chop up loads of parsley to make homemade tabbouleh for my last Book Club meal! Borrowed some items from folks, dropped Danielle at Mel’s, washed the car at Waves, shopped Walmart, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Piggly, and Family Dollar to finally get everything on my list! Cut out and spray painted a gold cardboard Eiffel Tower and wrapped it in fairy lights. Made chicken salad, got dressed all in white, loaded my picnic basket, and went to set up the Eiffel Tower and tiki torches before meeting at Nes’s place. Everyone looked amazing and so classy in their white outfits! We took two white vehicles, Danl’s truck and Stacia’s SUV, crossed the “River Seine,” aka the small runoff stream, and walked the short distance to the Le Diner en Blanc location, where we proceeded to set up our little tables and chairs for dining in high style! Real dishes, candles, white cloth tablecloths, and gourmet foods! It really did feel magical! We began with the iconic Napkin Wave and ended with the Sparkler Wave! We also sent up Chinese lanterns which had been done at the White Dinner in the book. Life is truly what you make it! And we definitely put forth the effort to make it magical and momentous this night! 

Wednesday 8.10.22

Started my day the French way, with leftover croissants, chocolate, havarti cheese, macarons, and butter cookies with my Eleanor Espresso. Had a very low gear morning, relishing the fact that I got to be home all day. Kicked it into high gear after lunch and did a thorough House Tidy Up, payroll, and loads of laundry. Started Thursday Cleaning since it had been rolled over from last week and I’ll be gone working at school tomorrow. Decided I had just enough chicken wings to have Larisa join us for them and loaded French fries. Finished vacuuming and mopping after supper. Danielle set up a drum set with little pots and pans and proceeded to make Beautiful Music. In her opinion. All of us except Danl downed some Blue Ribbon chocolate & vanilla ice cream. Prayed hard for Neil since Wade’s were taking him to the ER due to him being confused and vomiting profusely. 

Thursday 8.11.22

Woke up to the news that Neil had been diagnosed with a severe migraine. Took Danielle up to Mel’s for the day, then took myself to school. Met the new teachers, cut and painted both sides of the Hobbit Door, and brainstormed more decor with Tina and Gloria. Jalisco’s for amazing pineapple pork tacos, Dirt Cheap for a $.50 frog, Dollar Tree for more moss etc., and WeCare for adorable spectacles! Back at school, I hung one of the doors, took more mugs and a laundry hamper to the teachers house, and then it was time to go get Danielle. A crazy man with a big stick close to our house detained Danl for awhile, so I cut out Danielle’s sparkly unicorn First Day of School Dress. Since I had only been to Atmore 3 times, decided to go the 4th for pizza and cheese sticks. Can’t beat free cheese sticks redeemed with Hut Rewards, and a large thin ‘n crispy extra cheese for only $11.85 using code 8326. Jace’s stopped by for the evening on their way home from town. Felt great to catch up with them again! 

Friday 8.12.22

August is speeding by! Another breakfast of all the French stuff before making up a Borax solution to crystallize an old book for display in the Li’bry. Met Karma at Dixie Heart’s Merc; Danielle went home with her and I went to school to work in the library again. Tina and I made superb progress overall I thought! It’s starting to feel pretty magical in there! Danielle had had the best day playing with the Swarey kids and their new pets; two long-suffering parakeets and the softest little grey bunny! For supper, I browned a ham steak in butter, made a box of shells ‘n cheese, and fixed individual butter lettuce salads. Danl and I both went out to mow. It almost feels like it’s growing as you’re mowing! 

Saturday 8.13.22

I think I’ve had croissants, chocolate, and Havarti cheese with my coffee for breakfast every morning since Tuesday! Tidied up, then welcomed Justin, Tommi, & kiddos, and Tommi’s mom Leslie here for a quick visit shortly after 11:00. Once Danl got in from work, we all journeyed up to David’s Catfish where we met Gene’s for a delightful lunch. The guys headed off to drive around and we girls went to Karma’s house. Wedged a quick trip to Dirt Cheap in amidst visiting, looking after the kids, and snacking on fresh chocolate chip cookies. Danielle and I said our sad goodbyes and dashed into WeCare for another pair of spectacles for Li’bry decor. We had way too many ideal places for the only pair we had nabbed the other day! Lazed around for awhile; finally decided to get Chinese takeout for supper since I needed to get out and get our fresh dairy milk anyway. Stayed up too late sipping on hot chamomile tea with honey while reading Picnic in Provence. 

Sunday 8.14.22

Kept falling back asleep after I thought I really WAS awake! Still managed to walk into church on the first verse of the first song. Danielle was so excited to meet her new teacher, Miss Hailey Koehn from Macon, MS! Galen preached on Discipline, how it’s so needful but painful for us. Fried homemade tater chips and venison back-strap, and steamed some spinach for lunch. I sewed Danielle’s First Day of School dress, getting it all done except adding the brads, which me being late to the brad game, have never yet done. I don’t usually sew on Sunday, or at all for that matter lol, but it felt like my ox was in the well due to putting time in at the Li’bry of late. Danl tried unsuccessfully to nap, and Danielle worked on her “Gem by Number” art she got from Dirt Cheap yesterday. Fixed us fish tacos for supper and went to my folks “new” house to see the remodeling progress. It’s looking so good!