Well, the news is out. Daughter is pregnant. Am I happy about it? Not so much. Not right now at least. She's 38, overweight, and diabetic. It wasn't planned. Neither of them work. I think, when she told me, she thought I would explode. I didn't. I did let her know I wasn't happy about it and that I am worried for her health. I guess my grandson is happy knowing he will have a little sister or brother. He's been wanting that for a while. I'm sure I'll come to terms with this whole thing eventually because I know daughter is trying to be responsible. At the moment, however, frustration rules.

Have a good day and remember: Life is just one damned thing after another....Elber Hubbard

What a wonderful concert and light show I had last night! The storm was mostly south of my place so I got to watch the lightning and hear the thunder from my front porch. A few drops of rain fell but that's all. When I went to bed the show was still going on. Have to love it!
Must go down to the pond this morning to check the overflow pipe. I've been checking the pond level from my kitchen window and believe that it is higher than it should be soooooo....the boot will have to come off for that venture. I don't want to get it wet and muddy. I also want to see how much the water lilies have expanded regardless of the fact that I have hit them twice with lily killer. I think they liked it! Must find a way to get rid of them before they choke the pond. If you have any viable ideas, please let me know.
I did have this idea. Inflate an air mattress, fill the backpack with lily killer and float out to the center of the pond where most of the lilies are. It's almost impossible to get any killer on those 'cause the sprayer isn't that powerful. Of course the most likely thing to happen is that whoever is on that air mattress would probably tip it trying to prime the backpack and would drown. Guess I can scratch that idea.
Thought for the day: In view of the fact that God limited the intelligence of man, it seems unfair that he did not also limit his stupidity.....Konrad Adenauer
Have a great day!

I don't really have anything to say today except: what a long, strange trip it's been.

It's gonna be another hot one. We had a couple of nice thunderstorms last night so the plants got a good watering. My driveway is beginning to look like the Grand Canyon. Guess I'm going to have to call the guy who does the roads in our community to see if he can to anything. I'm sure he can, I just have to get him over here.
I'm guessing that K and family will be coming home tomorrow. Unless they decided to call it quits early. I checked the weather for that area and it showed thunderstorms. I can tell you from experience that it is hell trying to pack out in a rain storm. So hopefully the weather will hold for them.
I don't have any plans for this weekend. Perhaps get started on a sewing project. I do have to go grocery shopping....not my favorite activity... otherwise I'll be eating cereal for dinner.

Y'all have a most pleasant weekend.

Thought: Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held it's ground.

Well, I tried to see my daughter's concert but, for whatever reason, couldn't. The web space just showed something from the night before and said "off air" underneath. Granted I've heard the band perform on many an occasion but this was the first time the group was going to be podcast. Sigh.
And yesterday my ex son-in-law called me to let me know that daughter's phone had been cut off which meant so had his since she pays for his and he pays for her satellite TV. Yeah, complicated. I think he should get his own phone account and she should get her own satellite. I don't know if he thought I was going to do anything about it, but I'm not. At least not as far as he's concerned. I really don't think I want to get started on any of this here.
It's gonna be another hot one today. It's possible there may be a thunderstorm this afternoon. Hey, bring it on! I like a good storm. When I looked out the window this morning the small windmill I have in the garden was not moving.....at all. This is unusual. There is always a breeze, however slight, moving the blades. Soooooo, this means that if we do have a storm it's going to be a doozie.
That's all for today, folks. If you tried to watch the concert last night and couldn't I'm sorry. Don't know what the problem was.
Y'all have a quiet day and remember: when in doubt, drop back and punt.

It's Thursday again....already! Time actually DOES go faster the older you get. For those of you who read this I'm hoping you can watch my daughter's band perform tonight on www.Paganspace.net. Their concert is at 8 p.m. They are at Wisteria and the band's name is Spiral Rhythm. Because I haven't heard from Kyddryn I don't know how things are going up there. I've heard it's hotter than Satan's sweat socks and that there have been storms in the area. Hopefully all is right with everyone. I confess I'm glad I didn't go although I miss everyone there. The boot I'm wearing is not compatible with camping as I found out Memorial Day weekend when we were at Gryphon's Nest in Louisiana. And if, as K said, it's hotter that Satan's sweat socks, I would be absolutely miserable. It's bad enough here where I live. At least I can be inside with AC.
It being Thursday I need to get ready to go to the gallery. We have an after closing meeting tonight which may make me miss the concert. Although I've heard the band many times I still like to hear their concerts. So, in case I miss it and you are able to watch, let me know how it went.....please?

Have a cool day and remember: not all who wander are lost.

After all the rain we had this last winter I didn't think I would hope it would rain, but I do. It's been in the 90's every day now for the past 4-5 days and we need some relief. I heard thunder last evening and there were a few drops of rain....not near enough. Maybe we'll get a shower today. One can hope.
Haven't gotten anything done in the yard. Guess if I could drag my butt out of bed earlier while it's still cool I could get some weeding done. By the time it starts to cool down in the evening I am not in the mood and the mosquitoes are out. Glad there are bats in the neighborhood.

Y'all have a good "hump" day. Remember: Just because you think they are out to get you doesn't mean they aren't.

It's the summer solstice....the longest day of the year. Someday I hope to celebrate it at Stonehenge. No one really knows why Stonehenge exists but it has something to do with the sun. I imagine there a many spirits there watching the celebrants who are there this year. It's the only time of year, from what I understand, that people are allowed within the circle of stones. I may be wrong. But I can understand why it may be. People today think they need to take a souvenir of where they have been or put their name there. Geeesh. 'Course people throw trash out of their cars, too. I wouldn't be surprised if Mother Nature upped her signs of displeasure. Enjoy the sunshine today for there will be less of it tomorrow.

It is what it is......or is it?

Happy Father's day to all you dads out there. I wish you a blessed day today and on....

Good fathers make good sons. Blessed be.

For those of you who live in the South kudzu is a plant that looks like it's taking over everywhere. It takes on strange forms from whatever it covers. For me, most growths look like animals. There are any number of dinosaurs and elephants along the road. I have a book about kudzu which, surprisingly, has information about a number of uses for the plant. I thought I would share some of the info with you.
"In Japan the kudzu plant has traditionally been used as a medicine in two different forms: the white powder extracted from the root is used to prepare a number of creamy beverages, such as the popular Kudzu Cream; and small tan cubes of the pulpy, dried, unprocessed root are simmered alone or with other herbs to prepare medicinal infusions know as Kudzu Root Teas.

Through their strongly alkaline biochemical balance, kudzu powder and kudzu root work naturally to restore good health by alkalizing the bloodstream while combatting intestinal and digestive disorders and a host of other infirmities. In Japan they are sometimes used as nourishing health foods for invalids and the elderly. In Japanese hospitals the powder is often prescribed for patients on a liquid diet, since it is soothing, nutritious, and easy to digest."

From The Book of Kudzu....A Culinary and Healing Guide by William Shurtleff and Akiko Aoyagi

Now, I've had kudzu jelly (which is made from the flowers) and it's delicious. I'm not sure about the teas and root. I am sure that I feel very lucky not to have any of the stuff on my property. I've seen it "eat" a house in a very short time.

Y'all have a good day and remember....if you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

As I sit here looking out the window, expecting to see that huge leland cypress, I wonder what I might be able to plant in its place. Lelands grow quickly...one to one and a half feet a year. I could plant another I suppose or not. Something to think about.
Hope to get some weeding done today. Every time I go down the front stairs I'm confronted with a space where I had hoped to have sunflowers grow. But, alas, only one is growing and the rest of the space is weeds. It's now an ugly space and something needs to be done. If the weather is nice and it doesn't get up into the 90's I may just succeed. But first a visit to the chiropractor.
Y'all have a good Friday. Question...If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?

Thursday = gallery day so this is going to be short. I get to wear the boot another 4 weeks. Whoopee. The tendon is getting better, though, and I'd rather put up with the boot than the alternative.
Had to have a huge leland cypress cut down yesterday (sigh). I could tell it was dying from the brown interior on the branches. What a shame. It had become an apartment house for a number of birds. I don't know where they'll go now. It seems strange to look out the window and not see it there. Just a large stump. I planted that tree the year after I moved here and it had grown to well over 20 feet tall. I'm going to have to check the other three I planted to make sure they are okay. I would have let the one cut down die a natural death but was afraid the wind would put it across the driveway and then I would have had a real mess on my hands. Looks like we'll have another good fire this fall or winter (I had the guys pile all the branches, etc. on the leftover burn pile).
Y'all have a good day and remember: the less you know the more you believe.

Well, it's off to the Dr. this afternoon to see how well the boot has helped (or not). If I'm to continue wearing it I'm going to ask for another one so I can wash the one I have. This one is beginning to get just a little stinky (ewwww) and will only get worse if I can't wash it. Then I think I will keep the new one for night so I don't get the sheets on the bed dirty. I'm hoping that he decides to let me continue wearing it for a little while longer. I believe it's working but that it's going to take a long time for the tendon to heal. If the knife is the only answer then it'll have to wait 'til I get back from my trip in August/September.
On a happier note, we had rain last night and thunder and lightning. What a light show! One flash after another, strobe-like. The wind was fierce and, before it started raining, I stood out on the front porch breathing it in, watching the trees dance to Mother Nature's tune. It was awesome!
I wish everyone a wonderfilled day. Remember who you wanted to be.

Monday....the weekend flew by. Off to get the back adjusted then get the van serviced and a new set of tires for it. Seems like I'm always at the dealership (not really) and should own stock in it. No shade tree mechanics for me, thank you. Not nowadays. And I sometimes wonder about the dealership. But with all the mileage on both my vehicles I guess more things can go wrong or just plain wear out. With care I'll have them for a good while longer. They are both paid for and I'd just as soon not have to have a car payment any time soon.
It's been quite warm here....in the 90's. I finally had to turn the AC on downstairs. Looks like my power bill will be a bit more this month. Hope these temps aren't a sample of what to expect all summer. I'll never get any yard work done!
Y'all have a good Monday and......don't get even, get odd.

Had a good day yesterday. Actually finished a couple of pieces and helped a friend with her jewelry, earning money in so doing. Woo hoo! Going back today, but not until after noon so it won't be as long. The back is doing better. Will see chiro again in the morning. Can't wait for it to be all better so I can sit in the tub again to shave the walking sticks (you really didn't want to know that, did you). It's just that it's uncomfortable wearing the boot when there's hairiness (is so a word).
Y'all have a peaceful day. And just so you know.....I tried being reasonable once. I didn't like it.

It's Saturday yet I have to get a move on since I'll be going to the gallery today. It's open house and I need to show my jewelry making "skills". And smile, and be nice to people. Who probably won't buy anything anyway. Hmmmm....one can hope one sells something. The comraderie, though, is worth it. Being with other artisans and artists can infuse enthusiasm and it's always nice to have company while you're working. Having someone stare at you while you work can be disconcerting, however. Oh well, onward and upward.

You know....masquerading as a normal person day after day can be exhausting. Have a good day!

It's Friday! Woo hoo! Not that it makes much difference to me but for you working folks, I'm happy for you that you now have a weekend to relax (hopefully) or maybe get some of those chores done that couldn't get accomplished during the week. As for me, I'm off to the gallery today and the weekend. We are having an open house as part of an arts tour with lots of artists of various media demonstrating their skills. I'd like to sell some stuff but people aren't spending much these days and what we have could, I guess, be considered luxury items.
The weather is supposed to be lousy.....drat.
My back is still out.....ouch.
Y'all have a restful weekend and remember: Fight prime time.....read a book.

Dag nab it, my back is still giving me fits. Went to the chiropractor yesterday for an adjustment and it helped. Will go back again tomorrow. It's aggravating to say the least. And a pain....literally. There's swelling so I put ice on it last night. Have to go to the gallery today and the next three days (we're having an open house) so it means I won't be able to relax at home. Next week is a different story, hah! I'll get it in shape somehow (my back, that is). The inversion board I ordered came yesterday. I'll get it put together slowly but surely, then will use it to take the pressure off my lower spine. Meanwhile accupressure helps, especially when you know what spot to put the pressure on.
So, onward and upward to an industrious day (I hope). Y'all have a productive one and remember: If we don't change directions, we'll end up where we're going.

For whatever reason this site was unavailable on Monday. Maintenance perhaps? Yesterday was full of running errands with daughter so I didn't get a chance to get on the 'puter. You don't realize how much you miss something until you can't have it. I missed reading the blogs I follow. It somehow connects me with the other parts of the country. I'm glad I have a computer, but hate it at the same time. Does that make sense? We are so dependent on electronics nowadays. I feel lucky that I grew up in the time I did. Can you imagine those folks who grew up only with all the gadgets we have now. IF anything untoward were to happen and there were no more electronics do you think they would survive? I don't think so, especially those who live in the big cities. Us folk who were raised with woodstoves in the kitchen, etc. would. I know those in Appalachia would. And those who have chosen to live off the grid would, too. Preppers probably would also. My daughter and her Someone know that they can come up here and we would get along. Do you have somewhere to go if need be?

Have a thoughtful day and remember: Not all who wander are lost.

It's going to be a nice day, no matter what. I slept in this morning. No need to get up early when there is nothing going on until the afternoon. Spent the day at the gallery yesterday and actually finished a couple of things to give daughter to hopefully sell when she goes to Ohio in a couple of weeks. Did sell a pair of earrings yesterday...woo hoo! And had a good day with my friend Jaymi. She wants me to look at some of her porcelain pieces she's made and wants made into earrings and pendants to see if I'd be willing (and able) to do the silver work. Hey, don't see why not. 'Specially if she's willing to pay me to do it.
Going to go up to Young Harris this afternoon to pick up some supplies from my former instructors. It'll be good to visit with them...see how they are doing. Will see if they know anything more about the manufacture of the alloy I prefer to use (Argentium).
Y'all have a peaceful day and remember.....faith is a journey, not a guilt trip.

It's Saturday

So far the sun is shining, but the forecast is for thunderstorms this afternoon. I just wish it would dry up a little so my feet didn't get wet when I went outside. I can't do any yard work 'cause this stupid boot I have to wear will get wet and then (ick) start to be odiferous (is too such a word) and I'll have to take it off and wash it, thereby negating whatever good it might be doing my achilles tendon. Whew!
I'll be going to the gallery today to do some data entry and maybe make something. I need to get some stuff done to give daughter when she goes to Wisteria in a couple of weeks. Maybe something will sell there. (Wisteria is a privately owned campground in Ohio.) Daughter's band has a gig and she'll be there for a week.
Nothing really going on in my life right now that isn't boring so I'll quit for now before I bore you to death.
Y'all have a great day and remember: Buckle up. It makes it harder for the aliens to suck you out of your car.

Let's see....it's Thursday and gallery day. Thunderstorms predicted again for this afternoon. We had some yesterday. 'sposed to get more tomorrow. Will never get any outside work done. Back is still out...frustrating. Looks like a trip to the chiropractor is in order. Sigh.....

Question: Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?

Well, the trip was really good. The boot I have to wear hampered activity somewhat and I couldn't take advantage of the pool, but hey, didn't want to put on a bathing suit anyway. Daughter's concert went well and was enthusiastically received. I do believe the band will be asked to return. The camp site is a good one and I know it's going to be even better when the owner has more time to improve it. The only bad thing about the weekend was my good foot going into a hole. Luckily no broken bones but my back is protesting the sudden stop I made.
I've had to take off the boot, too, so I could wash it. The wet grass was not good for it and not being able to dry it out was not good for it either. It is now, as I write, in the dryer. I washed it last night and put it outside to dry, but that didn't work too well.
Going to go check on the sugar water I've made up for the hummers. Their feeders need to be refilled and they are letting me know it. Kyddryn and Cygnus have written more about our trip so if you can find them you can learn more if you care to.
Y'all have a groovy day.

"It doesn't require many words to speak the truth.".....Chief Joseph