A Country Scene

I always enjoy a trip to the country to Ms. M's place. It makes me so thankful to live in a small community where the country is just a few minutes away.  I get most distressed to even think of living in a large city (Metropolitan style).  I like the look of nature without a sea of concrete and steel.  I've said it before, and visiting Ms. M's only makes me say it again.  It's peaceful!

 I love the look of the barn.  I know it has recently been redone.  It looks like a very elegant barn, if a barn could ever be considered elegant.  It certainly is an upgrade from some barns I've seen.  I will admit that an old run down barn has 'character', but I do think this one is fine to look at.  Yes, it is used for real animals.

 On the drive to the house, Snappy couldn't resist these cute little critters.  Ms. M has quite a soft heart for critters, and they can be found in many forms.  I rolled down the car window for Snappy to get a picture, and it didn't seem to bother them at all.

As I drove away from the beauty of Ms. M's place, I drove very slowly.  Snappy was really in the mood to take some photographs, so I drove very slowly.  Yes, this is the road.  It doesn't look like New York City.  It is a little road across the creek.  When it rains, the water sometimes covers the road, and Ms. M has to drive across the pastures rather than use this super highway.  It had been raining a little the day before, so water was on the 'road', but it wasn't deep.  We were using it.

Continuing on the road, we stopped again for a lovely shot with many shades of green.  I would love to have gotten out and sat here for a long time.  Something Ms. M had said as I left made me a bit cautious. She mentioned that I might see the bobcat that was around.  I didn't think Snappy would like that at all, at least not up close and too personal.   Besides, this is a one lane road.  Someone else might want to use it.  I decided to stay in the car and enjoy the view from there.   I suppose the truth is, when thinking about bobcats, I really am a city girl... small city girl.  They would totally ruin my idea of peace in the country.

Cyber Waiting

I made up my mind this morning to do some yard work.  I don't really like yard work, but there are pesky weeds lurking between things, and someone needs to pull them.   I woke with a plan.  Today was weed pulling day.  

However, I first needed to check e-mail and have a little eye opening caffein loaded coffee.  I love that part of the day.  I'd do that first, then head to the yard.

I noticed in my e-mail that there were lots of ads coming through to my inbox that weren't addressed to me.  Not me at all... someone else's e-mail address.. not mine.   It's like a postman who drops letters for your neighbor off at your house.  Wrong house... not my mail.... wrong e-mail address... not my mail.

Now, is that difficult to understand?  I didn't think so.  However, I had noticed that yesterday as well and wondered if anyone out there in Cyberspace was noticing it.  Considering the amount I had this morning, I decided to tell someone.  Who?

I found a little 'Live Chat' button on my e-mail page, so clicked on that.  I was number 214 in queue. Not good... big number... I'd wait a little while and see.   I had a notice every little bit about how many minutes I had to wait.  It was never more than three.  After fifteen such notices, I thought I'd just hang in there and it wouldn't be much longer.  I had a total of thirty-three notices.

I guess, on the bright side, it gave me a little time to practice patience while I waited in line in cyberspace.  I kept wondering why I was really doing that.  I just sat there minute after minute waiting.  I couldn't give up.  It was a little frustrating.

Finally,  I thought I'd hit pay-dirt when typing appeared and I was welcomed to the Live Chat session.  I let them know what was going on.  Then I got the little notice that they didn't support sbcglobal.net customers.  What!!   I was instructed to go to att.  Lovely.  Bye.

Off to ATT.   I could go on their website, perhaps, and chat.  I opted to try for a real live genuine person.  It took awhile, but I got one.  Once again, more practice in patience.  Yep... One hour later I got off the phone.  Worn slick!  Slick! Slick!

What did I find out from all that waiting in line in cyberspace?  Well... it seems that all that mail probably had hidden addresses.  O-k-a-y?  So?  It looks like the mail is only for someone else.  BUT... my address might be there, although it is invisible to me.  Uh-huh.

I hung up.  Worn Slick!   I believe I said that.  I went to the yard, wondering why I hadn't gone there in the first place.  It certainly would be easier than all that support I got over e-mail.

I spent a little while in the yard, pulled a few weeds, got my sense of humor going again, and came in for a little lunch.  I sat down in my chair, put my feet up and went to sleep.  I think I needed it.  The yard will have to wait until tomorrow.  I'll not call anyone anymore about anything to do with e-mail.  I have that nice little mouse that I can use to simply click 'Delete'.  

Troubleshooting

I have to admit that my teeth have been grinding together a bit the last few days.  When e-mail would arrive it  was often addressed to my old name, not my new name.  I've managed name changing in many places, yet here came that pesky e-mail with the name I didn't want.

That's when I began troubleshooting.  I looked into about every file on my computer and could find nothing to fix the problem.

Now here is the spooky part.  I wrote a note to one of the tech support places for mail I receive and told them about the problem.  I pled with them to fix it... make it STOP.  I had a nice note back from them today telling me that they had my new name on everything and couldn't figure out why it came in with my older name. They suggested that if it happened again that I was to forward their mail back to them.

Well... There it was!  That old name right at the top of the page where it says TO:
So....  I decided to copy that whole thing and put it in mail right back to them.

Magic!  When I pasted it into the e-mail, my name changed.  More head scratching on my part.

Okay... the problem has to be me.  Like I said, I'd been through so many places trying to figure out what the heck was wrong... and I was getting frustrated... a little on the madly miffed side.  It was beating me, and I didn't like it.

I tried to remain calm and think.  Then it dawned on me!  I have a lovely little address book on my iMac and I hadn't changed my own contact information there.  I don't know why, but it puts me in there automatically with a cute little icon of me.  Strange, but that's what happens   I edited all the information there and 'presto' everything is right now.

I'm a very happy camper now as don't have to be irritated to death with mail addressed to the old me and not the new me.  I'm feeling fine.  It just takes some persistence once in awhile and a little focus on troubleshooting.  Tah Dah   Oh, if you don't understand a thing I've said... Sorry.  Really.  Not everyone gets so wrapped up in this kind of doings.

One Must-Know Website

A friend asked me if I had any suggestions about the best organization to contribute to for disaster relief.  My first thought was to refer to a little tool I've bookmarked and use when I want to give to any organization.   If I'm moved to donate my money to a cause, I want it to go to that cause as much as possible. There are charitable organizations everywhere.  While an organization may have good intentions, I also want it to be thrifty with my money.

Therefore, I'm going to share this little link with you and hope you bookmark it and use it yourself.  It uses tax filings from every organization and gives a detailed account of where every penny goes... and shows graphs to break down percentages spent in different areas...

My gift to you today...
 Click here, then bookmark this little jewel!   Charity Navigator

Scary Weather

I've been on and off Facebook, a place I visit on occasion only.  I've been searching for information on one of my friends who lives in Alabama.  Thankfully, she has posted that all her family are okay and all their houses standing.  She posted from her cell phone as their power is out.

I've also spent some time looking at the devastation being broadcast on the TV stations.  It is absolutely mind boggling to see it.  I'm sure we only see a little of the real deal.  Living in Tornado Alley can, at times, be a frightening thing.  It is a given that we will have severe weather with wind, hail, and the dreaded rotation associated with tornados.

With our advancing technology, we are made more aware of what is going on in every part of our state and country.  We are told days in advance what the potential might be.

I have to admit to being almost worn out at times with the stress of knowing what might be.  I'm probably like a lot of others who live a little on the emotional edge during this time of year when a change in temperature might well bring out the worst possible scenario.

I also have to talk to myself about not living in fear.  My faith tells me that we aren't suppose to go around all the time allowing fear into our lives.  So, I pray.  I pray a lot about storms and protection.  I think about the power of the Word and the fact that Jesus calmed the storm with his command to 'Be still'.   I think about that a lot and try to apply it to the storms we have now... both physical and emotional.

I'm always thankful when the storms have passed and I know that we are okay for awhile.  Thankfully, I've never been in a tornado, and I pray I'll never come near one.  I'm a chicken.  My mind has a hard time grasping the concept that there are some who actually get an adrenaline rush from going out and chasing these storms.  Right Back is one of those.

I can remember times when I was praying fervently that everyone would be protected and safely in from the storm.  Then I would talk with Right Back and he would be heading straight for the storm.  That was more in his day of working with emergency management.  He would always sound so delighted and pumped about heading for the storm.  I guess it takes all kinds, both chickens and crazies.  I know, that's an opinion only.

 I will report that Juju finally made it to her home after two nights in an airport motel and lots of hours in the airport.  I told her that I wanted a full report and warned her that anything she says might be copied to this blog.  I haven't heard much from her yet.  We will see.  Tah Dah!

Rain Is What's Happening

It's spring.  I was glad to see this happy sign of spring one day not long ago.  It was raining, and I was left to my own devices inside the house.  I happened to look out the back window and saw robins... ahhhh.  I've always thought they were a real sign of spring.  They were happy with a nice puddle of water that had collected by a back fence.  I grabbed Snappy and put on his longer lens.  I had to take this through my window screen, but Snappy was determined to take a picture that provided some hope for greener days.

That winter grass tells you that I didn't take this yesterday.  Now it is green, but the rain is still around.  Now we have storms, which I guess is another thing that must happen in the spring.  The weather reports seem more frequent and we have evening programming of weather maps.  Occasionally regular programming breaks out and we see something more entertaining.

Mind you, I'm not complaining.  No... just stating a fact.  Living in Tornado Alley is a fact of life.  That means you know what...  They are hard to ignore.  I hope that I never see one up too close and personal. I pray for those who have been in the path and suffered because of it.

Storms can also be a tad inconvenient for those who travel.  I was grateful for a break to take my cousin back to the airport this past Saturday.  I didn't want either of us to have to deal with bad weather.

As I write this, my friend, Juju, is sitting at an airport trying to get home after a visit over Easter weekend.  She was to fly home Monday evening, but ran into more than one cancelled flight.  I've called her and tried to give her a little pep talk.  She is doing well and still hopeful of someday arriving at her own abode again.  I laughed with her and told her that she needs to write her adventure for my blog.  We will see how convincing I can be.  I'd probably have to edit some of her tale.  That's her words, not mine.
I hope that by the time this is posted that she will be safely home.

I think we are promised a little sunshine soon.  I've told Snappy about that.  I think he will probably run to see about capturing a little of that for you.  In the meantime, remember that we are promised some sunshine after the rain.  I think the robins know that too.

Play Time

I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth again.   I've been having a good time with my company.  I have a wonderful cousin from Seattle who has been here since Tuesday.  We are seeing the sights and having a fabulous time.

We went to Nearby City on Wednesday and spent almost two hours in Hobby Lobby.  We looked at almost every item in the store.  I probably exaggerate on that one, but we did see a lot.  We thought up all kinds of little projects to do 'in the future'.   Those creative juices were flowing like crazy.  

After two hours, we exited the check-out with four items... all Cousin Pam's.   Me?  I have so much to do that I resisted until a future date.

Today we plan to head to downtown Big P.  We have lots of local shops to play in and practice our sales resistance.   It should be fun.   Tomorrow Cousin Pam heads back to her real life, so we will make the most of today and all that brings.

Happy Plates

Some time ago, Daughter I-Needa decided that her new needs included happy plates.  After many years of the same old thing, she was ready for change.

I can sympathize with her.  I'd used the same china for thirty-five years.  I realized one day that I wanted a little change in china.  I started casting glances at pottery pieces in places such as Dillards and Kohls.  I have to admit that I even went to some Home and Garden parties and parted with money for dishes.

I-Needa went through the same thing, only she didn't suffer for thirty-five years (not old enough yet) and decided to buy something happy.  It was her way of changing up and changing out at the time.

With some 'gift' money, I-Needa headed for the store to purchase happy Fiestaware.  She called me frequently to confess what she had done.  That's the way we handle spending.  We really are careful about what we buy... not to overdo, you know.  However, once in awhile, a girl just has to spend a little.  When that urgent need to spend strikes us, we call each other and confess what we are about to do, or what we have done.  We have our reasons at the ready, and the other is quick to confirm that it was really a good buy and yes, it was probably a good thing to do.

I am happy to report that I-Needa is completely happy with her new sets of Fiestaware.  Mix or match has become her thing.   Select a color by mood.  Give your guests their pick of an appealing color, even if it is on the bottom of the stack.  No problem.   Mugs are also available from the cabinet.  Help yourself, she says.

I think this was a fine way to add a little color to life.  If you are going to brighten up things, do something you will enjoy!   Tah Dah for I-Needa!!

My Thanks To Linda

Thank you to Linda for identifying the more proper name of the Awful Tree.  I love Linda for leaving comments.  Comments are encouraging!   Although I don't know what is so sweet about the Sweet Gum Tree, I will take Linda's word for it.  She should know... especially if she has five of them in her yard.   

I was feeling rather sorry for myself on yesterday's post.  I have two of the Awful Trees (Sweet Gum) and thought that was really really bad.  Then Linda announced that she has five of them.  FIVE of them!!  Now, that's AWFUL!  

I about fell off the computer chair when I read that they had hauled away three TRUCKLOADS of those spiny sticky things.  Now I feel extremely sorry for Linda..... or whomever she got to haul all that away.  I sure hope she has 'staff'.  

Staff is important.  I don't have any, but I think they would be important.  Sometimes I get son Right Back to serve as 'Staff'.  He does start outside tasks for me occasionally.  The problem is that he leaves at some point and says that he will be right back.  I do believe I've mentioned that before.

I don't think I'm going to get any 'staff' for this task of picking up the sticky spiky things.  Perhaps I need to ask Linda how she got that job done.  She might be more of a treasure trove of information that I know.  

Hey, Linda....  Want to help pick up those lovely little Sweet Gum droppings???   Oh?  I thought not.  

And God Created All Things Good

I'd like to go with the thought that all things were created 'good', but I'm a little skeptical. I've been puzzling about this spiny spiky seed thing.  It, to me, may slip the good category and be better defined as a nuisance.  

I'm not questioning the fact that it is an inspired piece of work. I will even admit using a heaping collection of them to sprinkle with glitter and use as an art project back in the good old days of elementary school art.

The problem with this little hard ball of spiky things is the fact that it seems to lie in wait as I try to navigate across the lawn.  Try to walk gracefully across a yard filled with these little jewels underfoot.  It's almost an impossible task.  I'm glad I have good balance as they roll under the foot.   

 

Notice how like Easter eggs these lovely seeds lie nestled across the lawn.  They are far reaching and love clinging to the grass.   If you have one of these trees, you have TROUBLE.  What kind of tree?  I'll admit that I don't know.   I call it simply the Awful Tree.   

My assignment, whether I choose it or not, is to rake all these into a pile and bag them.  The lawn-mowing service isn't wanting to put up with these either.   Actually, Lawnmower Man didn't really say anything to me about them, but I felt obligated from the start to apologize for them.

I let him know right from the beginning that I'd do something about them.   So far, I've not been out to do any more than that one tiny pile you see in the upper left hand corner of the picture.

I've strongly considered the possibility of removing the pesky trees from the front lawn. Yes, chop them down.  Down, down, down.  The only thing saving them is the beautiful leaf colors of fall.  They are beautiful then.  Other than that... pesky, pesky, pesky.

I'm sincerely sorry that these spiky things aren't valuable in some way.   I'd like to put a sign in my yard offering them 'for free'.   That's the optimistic part of me.  It says, 'Go for it!'   The more realistic side says, 'Better get to raking.'   There is one more little voice that says, 'You can do it tomorrow!'   Do I want door number 1, 2, or 3?   Tah Dah

Changing Up and Changing Out

After a long long pause in posting (That's putting it mildly), I decided to try it again.  I can't explain exactly why I'm stepping back into the ritual of a self imposed writing schedule, so let's just say I've either come to my senses or lost my mind.

Since the last post, life has been all about change.  I'm not talking about little tiny changes.  I'm talking BIG changes.  I thought I'd been through the big changes, but I was wrong.  After fourteen months of daily doings and trying to get with the program of a new life, I woke up one day to the realization that nothing, absolutely nothing, seemed humorous any more.  I had a problem.  It was big and needed a solution.

After much prayer, some Godly counsel, meditation, and considering the importance of life, I decided to change up and change out.  The changing up meant stepping back into the life of the real me.  That's the happy one.  That's the confident one.  That's the one that sees the present and future as a happy place.  Unfortunately, the only way to get there was to change out.

Changing out meant cutting ties that were suppose to be strong, but weren't.  Changing out meant eliminating the weights that seemed to be dragging me down rather than lifting me up.  Changing out meant realizing that somewhere along the way I'd taken a path that was not my path.

The long and short of it is that I had to set Mr. free to do his thing so that I could do mine.  Some decisions in life are sad and difficult.  This was one of them for me.  However, I'm now in a far far better place than before.  The good times, even the green bean canning, will be remembered.  The more difficult times I'll let go.

I'm back, and I hope to stay awhile.  A blessed day to all!