Take My Advice

Good advice is useless unless it's taken, and I deplore waste.  After writing and rereading yesterday's bit, I answered my own question and decided I could make do with what I had for another day or two and delay the dreaded trip to town.  Remember the Procrastinator's Creed:  Never do today that which can be put off until tomorrow.  In response to Kit's comment:  Yes, waiting until the last minute makes a challenge out of a chore.

Most of Michael's walks are utilitarian, but he has added an outing strictly for pleasure.  At a certain time in the afternoon on a good day, he gives me the signal.  I grab his leash while he waits.  We go out the front door, but walk no farther than the end of the deck.  We have our assigned places to sit in the warmth of the sun, listen to the birds, watch clouds drift overhead.  When, and only when, he's satisfied, we come back into the house through the bedroom door.  Celeste, Michael's BFF, is always waiting just inside to welcome him back.  It's a nice routine.

Would that the end of the calendar year meant the real end of all that 2020 wreaked, but I fear there will be leftovers or hangovers for some time.  Take my advice and look for the good.  It might be minuscule, but there's some in every day.

Happy New Year!

Stay safe.  Be well.

Ask Yourself

In order to become a master procrastinator (that's fun to say), there are important questions to ask yourself, and I, procrastinator extraordinaire, am willing to share.  Obviously, I have thought about this for some time, some long time, before deciding to do this piece.  The following are in no particular order and not all will apply to every situation.  When you get around to it, feel free to pick and choose at will.

Can it wait?  (Top of the list, and is mandatory.)

Do I need it right now?

Will anyone or thing be hurt, deprived, or starve if I do it later?

Do I have to have/do it at all?

Is there a substitute that will save me?

Is the weather propitious?  Too hot, cold, wet, dry?

Is company coming?  (Applies to dusting only.)

Will it disturb sleeping cats?

Will one more day really matter?  (Can be asked several days in a row.)

This is the beginner's list.  Add to it as more and better questions occur.  I wouldn't want to overwhelm you all at once.

Obviously, I didn't go to town yesterday.  I'm out of excuses.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Not Cricket

Chirp, chirp, chirp...it goes on and on and, for the time being, there's nothing I can do about it.  I don't need to go on a cricket hunt because it's not a cricket.  The downstairs smoke detector is telling me it would like a new battery.  The detector is in the shop section, the room with an unfinished 10-foot ceiling.  If I had trouble with a two-step step stool in the kitchen, you can bet your bottom dollar I'm not going up on a ladder (the Kids' threats not withstanding).  Under the circumstances, it's not all bad.  Downstairs, behind closed doors, that repetitive chirp is low key, there, but not driving me to distraction.  No one goes down there anymore, so the chances of a fire are nil.  Living out here, I keep a supply of batteries of all shapes and sizes on hand.  And, best of all, Cameron is coming soon.  I know what will be numero uno on Helper Dude's list.

Yesterday was chill, but nothing Stove couldn't deal with.  However, the sky at sundown was a possible portent of what may come today.  Of course it will.  I have to go to town today.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Speechless

Other than walking with Michael, yesterday was pretty much a sit-stay day, leaving me with not much to say.  After a less than spectacular start, the Steelers won their game with the Colts, not by much, but enough.  That took a chunk of time.  Before, after, and well into the night, I was glued to the TV playing catch-up with a series, "Yellowstone," recommended by my daughter.  As it happens, the channel was playing all episodes from three seasons.  Having rather eclectic tastes, I have no problem going from "The Bishop's Wife" to a modern-day cowboy "Sopranos" on horseback, full of double-dealing, gun play, and family intrigue.  The cats were happy as they were seldom displaced from my lap.  Michael got his outings and I got some exercise and fresh air.  That was about it for the day.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Good Taste

 

Look into this face and tell me Michael is not a sentient being.  Intelligence just shines out of those eyes.  This is not a dog to whom one would talk baby talk.  Can you imagine his disdain if I were to ask him, "Does Babykins want nummies?"  I would slink away in shame at his response.

Michael is a dog of discriminating taste.  Carrots, no.  Yams, yes.  Green beans, no.  Spinach, yes.  Color has nothing to do with his likes and dislikes, and he does like veggies.  He is definite, but not effusive.  There is no bouncing up and down, no begging for food.  Even when eating from his bowl of kibble, there is great restraint.  If he had a napkin, he would carefully place it before beginning.  As it is, he lies down by his bowl and politely eats one piece at a time.

If Michael is lacking anything, it is a sense of humor.  He does not play.  There is a basket of toys that goes untouched.  We do not chase or tease.  I can only imagine the look I'd get if I were so inclined.  There is no other dog like Michael.

This last weather front has been a relatively warm one, but, of course, it is winter.  I was speaking with Tinka yesterday and I mentioned that I had not yet lit a fire so far, not wanting to deplete the woodpile and waste the Kids' work.  Tinka said, "Light a fire!  They did all that work because they wanted you to be warm.  They'll get you more wood."  Never let it be said that I won't take good advice.  I put Stove to work last night.  Ahhh.

Stay safe.  Be warm.

PS:  Did you notice that I got the picture and text to line up?!

That Was Different

"Normal" is a relative term, subject to interpretation and circumstance.  If yesterday was an example of the new normal, put me down as not very happy (or merry).  It wasn't a bad day...just blah.  I heard, via phone and texts, from family and friends, but it was far different this year.  No hugs, no laughing, no Dave with a bagful of silly games and toys for the now-grownup Kids.  (He loves/ed to play Santa!)  A bowl of Thai rice and veggies instead of the gallons of chili verde that was always Craig's favorite Christmas Day meal.  Whether through disappointment or frustration, I did something I rarely-to-never do...I grazed.  I didn't count how many times I drifted into the kitchen, opening cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer, looking for something, anything, to fill that empty spot.  The rain that came early in the day suited my mood perfectly, as did the endless machinations in reruns of "The Good Wife."

Any Christmas spirit I had was a gift from my daughter.  Her holiday tree and decorations put Macy's window displays to shame, and she shared via photos.

Enough of the boo-hoo-hoos.  There is much in my life for which to be thankful.  All my family and friends are well, as am I.  There is a January 20 on the calendar.  As I have said so many times in the past, the one thing you can count on is change.  I'm ready for that.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Country Style

As you can see, I'm still having trouble tweaking photos and photo placement, but I'm working on it.

Needs must, and I had to go to the store yesterday.  Michael was disappointed because Holiday is the one store to which he cannot go, but he accepts "I'll be back" quite well, sighs, and lies down.  The little cabin across the road had put up Christmas lights and I was enjoying them when I caught sight of my own decoration hanging on the barbed wire fence.  Not quite believing what I was seeing, I stopped and backed up to get a better look.  Yup, it was a skull.  Whether from a long-dead goat or deer, I do not know...could be either one, they are so similar.  Now the question was, how did it come to hang on my fence?  I'm guessing it was a coyote trying to jump over with a trophy, but who knows.  I'll settle for holiday decorations, country style.

Loving shopping as I do, as long as I was there, I went on a major spree, scooping up one-dish frozen meals and salads.  For a single person, they're just as economical as meals prepared at home and I'm not stuck with a week's worth of leftovers, a la the whatever it was the last time I made a big pot of something or other.

My nod to the holiday was watching the original "The Bishop's Wife" (1947, Cary Grant, David Niven, Loretta Young), such a great feel-good Christmas movie.

The new year is almost upon us.  Let's hope it's a better one.

Stay safe.  Be well.  Ho ho ho!

Record Setting

They just kept coming and coming!  Michael and I stepped out in the morning and a few turkeys were walking across the front yard.  We stopped out of courtesy to give them the right of way, and then more came.  And more.  It was a parade of thirty-four! and there were no stragglers.  These guys were in close-order march formation.  My jaw dropped.  I've never seen a flock (rafter) so large ever.  Where did they come from?  Where were they going?  What was the plan?  The 13 or so vultures present were pretty interested, too, and Michael stood stock-still.

It's Christmas Eve, and, like Scrooge, I am visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past.  I am happy to see this wraith because he will be my only visitor this year, this damnable year.  Waiting for the coffeemaker to do its thing this morning, I remembered holidays when the Kids were little and those more recent Christmases when we were all together.  I have a feeling these memories will rush in all day, and welcome they will be.

Coffee in a mug doesn't stay hot long in a frigid room.  The sun is just lighting the sky and it's time to get moving.  Merry Christmas, however it is for you this year.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Frustration!

OMG!  Save me from "updates"!!  That which had been so easy has become so blankety-blank hard since the unseen powers that be decided that easy was too easy and they did an update.  Inserting a photo used to take a click here or there and now takes multiple steps with left and right mouse buttons and I still can't edit as I used to.  Bear with me while I find my way (or try to) in this strange new world.  I gave up yesterday in utter frustration and decided I'd best quit while I had what was left of my patience and my mind, thus no entry at all.

The photo is of what I found an unusual sight.  Not the vultures, of course.  There are at least twenty of the big guys hanging out here daily on posts and wires.  However, finding pedestrian vultures is highly unusual.  What was up with that?  "My" vultures are so used to Michael and I walking the drive that they wait until we are within a few feet before takeoff.  Even the birds on foot weren't in any big hurry to leave.  Go figure.

I don't know what the blog will look like in the future.  Fingers crossed.

Stay well.  Be safe.

Bingeing

My DVR is put to good use, saving multiple episodes of some program or other to watch consecutively.  Last evening American Experience was the choice.  I always learn something about American history...not always fun, sometimes sad, but always interesting and educational.

The Dust Bowl in the 1930s was unbelievable, and the devastation to people and the land lasted for years.  The film of enough dust and dirt to black out the sun coming in rolling clouds was terrifying.  Imagine having to use a shovel to get it out of your house.

Does anyone remember or even know (I didn't) that it took sixty (60!) years of active participation by suffragettes to accomplish getting women the basic right to vote in 1920?  Women were ridiculed, beaten, and jailed for thinking they were equal and able.  Amazing.

The similarities between the influenza epidemic of 1918 and Covid-19 are eerily similar, except that the influenza killed people of all ages in a matter of hours instead of agonizing months.  People were a little smarter then and wore masks voluntarily.  Doctors and scientists didn't even know what a virus was and had no idea how to fight, cure, or prevent the invisible enemy.

The Chinese Exclusion was a dark period of history, one which unfortunately repeats itself with those who do not look like "us."  I do not and cannot understand the concept of white supremacy, nor do I want to.  I credit my parents for raising me to be racially and religiously tolerant.  Prejudice is taught.

I highly recommend American Experience.  It's on PBS, my go-to channel.  I think I'll watch "It's A Wonderful Life" tonight.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Boxed In

Not too long ago, a package was delivered.  As one does, I inspected the contents in the packing box and set the box aside.  I wasn't the only one gifted that day.  The empty box was the perfect size for one cat and Celeste immediately took possession and moved in.  Ralph tried his darndest to evict her, but she stood him off with hisses and claws.  He tried ambushing her, but had to wait until she got bored before he got his chance.  The box became the bone of contention for days...until by chance I received another delivery.  Dr. Seuss may have had a Cat In A Hat, I have a set of cats in boxes.  My living room looks like a trash bin, but Ralph and Celeste are happy.  Of course, each one thinks the other's cave is better, so every day is moving day.

The cats may be boxed in, but the dog is wrapped up.  I didn't light a fire last night, but that didn't mean I let Michael get cold.  When he gets all comfy like this, if I get up for some reason all he does is open one eye, hoping I don't need him for anything.  Heaven help me if I should disturb the dog.

With a little help this morning, I am finally able to post a photo.  It still needs a little tweaking, but at least I'm able to share.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Moving Parts

I need a major overhaul.  I need a jump start in the morning, every morning.  All moving parts could do with a good squirt of oil.  The main engine sputters in fits and starts as I try to remember the name of that long-time actor whose face is as familiar as my own.  Well, that's not exactly true.  My face is unfamiliar to me now, and a paint job wouldn't help.  There's not a body shop on earth that could smooth out all the wrinkles, bumps and kinks.  I'll say this...as long as I keep putting in fuel and don't take her out too often, the old gal keeps on truckin'.

That danged Missy is tormenting the inside cats again, leaping up to hang on the screens and scaring them silly.  Having led such a sheltered life, Ralph and Celeste are the original scaredy cats.  Missy sure isn't doing my screens any good, no matter how much fun she's having.

When Michael needs to go outside after dark, he knows we can only go as far as the circle of light from the porch.  I'm not risking another face plant.  Last night he stopped and stared intently at the front yard.  He never barks or makes a sound of alarm, so it wasn't until I heard the boink, boink, boink in the leaves that I knew he'd smelled a deer who didn't want to share our company.

On our afternoon walk, there was a cacophony of cawing from a multitude of crows in an oak in the north field.  I mean, it was loud!  The turkeys below took it as long as they could and then yelled as a group, "Shut up!"  And the crows did.

The coffee is gone and the sun is rising...time to get revved up and moving, albeit slowly at best.

Stay safe.  Be well.

The Place To Be

There was rather a stunned silence when I announced to my son that the UPS driver would probably be moving in with me.  When I quit laughing, I explained.  When Stan came up, he did not come empty handed.  He put a case of beer and a large bottle of high-end whiskey on the porch.  Not wanting to appear overeager, I left it there.  Since the weather has been nearly as cold as the inside of the refrigerator, I wasn't in any hurry to move it.  Yesterday when Michael and I went out for our afternoon walk, there, tucked by the beer and whiskey, was a large box of assorted candy from my niece.  In my mind, I could hear the deliveryman saying, "Man, these people know how to live!"  (All items are in the house now.)

Yesterday's rain had let up by morning and it was a lovely day.  That's the way to get rain...overnight and then dry.  Unless you work the night shift, there's no inconvenience and all of the benefits.

While the holidays are going to be quiet this year, I'm enjoying making and receiving phone calls from family and friends.  I'm not the only one missing being with loved ones.  I considered putting up a Christmas tree, but then Ralph raced by and I thought the better of it.  Who knows when I'd get around to taking it down again or, more likely, picking up the broken pieces.

Stay safe.  Be well.  Cheers!

Rewards

I really didn't want to go to town yesterday.  I mean, twice in one week?!  Needs must, however, so Michael loaded up and off we went.  Our timing was right and there was very little traffic on the road.  It's a pretty drive as long as someone isn't crawling up your tailpipe and I'm not looking for a safe place to pull over.

Crossing the parking lot at the bank, two older women, masks on, were just sort of standing there.  Michael, always the gardener, was headed for the shrubbery.  It's his self-imposed duty to water every plant planted.  The women commented on Michael, how handsome, etc., and I noticed that one woman was holding a teeny-tiny poodle.  She allowed as how her dog wouldn't even make an appetizer for Michael, and she was right, if Michael had been that sort of fellow.

We went on in to tend to business.  The line grew behind us, including the women and their dog.  With the two dogs in there, clients started chatting as they waited.  "What kind of dog is he?"  "What's his name?"  And, of course, there were comments about how handsome he is.  The poodle was anxious to play, and finally the woman, after asking, set the little thing down.  The dogs went nose to nose before adopting that elbows-on-the-floor stance that indicates playtime.  My transaction was concluded and so we had to leave Michael's new friend, but I think he really enjoyed this outing.

I stopped on the way home to pick up Chinese food for dinner.  After all, a lady needs a reward for doing double duty in a week.

A rainstorm blew in during the night.  Stove is going to earn his keep today.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Time Out

During the Vietnam War (can you believe now that they called it a 'conflict'?), newspapers published the names of the casualties daily, more and more each day.  As the mother of young sons, these unending lists tore my heart out.  Finally I couldn't take it anymore and quit.  I quit reading newspapers and quit watching news on TV.  There was nothing I could do about the war, so decided I would put all my energies into my family.

When the towers were hit on 9/11, I never left the television for two weeks solid, crying night and day for all the many affected.  And then I couldn't.  I didn't stop caring, but I did quit watching.

Between politics and Covid-19 this year, I was watching the news in mounting horror for four and five hours a day.  It wasn't healthy.  I knew it, and I knew how I was reacting.  I quit.  Sometimes, when faced with a situation over which there is no control, it's best to take a time out.

And that's where I am these days.  I walk with Michael.  We sit on the deck or porch in companionable silence.  We listen to the birds and watch leaves flutter in the breeze.  I laugh at Ralph as he runs zoomies through the house, and stroke Celeste as she claims her spot on my lap.  I catch a glimpse of local news only and watch old reruns.  Sometimes a time out is a good thing.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Lucky Day

The fog burned off here pretty early, and Stan found his way out of the grey, dismal valley by 10 a.m.  I'd given up any expectations, so it was a grand surprise when he drove up.  The porch in shade had all the appeal of an icebox, so we, including Michael, went out to the deck to sit in the sunshine and chat.  Michael, isolated here with a woman, makes it obvious that he really enjoys the company of men and went to lie by Stan.  Stan is the contact man for the family and caught me up on the news.  He has never had a harsh word to say about anyone and always brings good tidings.  Our conversation ranged far and wide.  Stan is a talker by nature, and after months in isolation I was so happy to have someone to talk with.  Michael just drowsed in the sun.

We packed a lot into the few hours before Stan had to head back.  It was my lucky day.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Disappointed

Stan, my brother-in-law, had said he'd be coming up this morning.  I don't think that's going to happen.  My world is shrouded in fog and I am told it's even worse down in the valley.  It's just not safe.

We caught a few breaks in the rain yesterday.  Michael took care of business and we hurried back inside.  Stove sends out a rush of warmth when I open the door..."Welcome home!"  A shared yam again for dinner.  Whoopi Goldberg might take on "The Color Purple" (1985 film, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey), but Michael and I will be the color orange before the yams run out.  Hot from the oven and buttery on a cold day, they never disappoint.

It's nice to know that Stan is planning a visit, even if it's not today.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Sleepyhead

"A birdie with a yellow bill, hopped up on my windowsill.  Cocked his shining eye and said, "Ain't you 'shamed, you sleepyhead?"  Another one of my mother's numerous ditties.  This one actually came from a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson.

If the sun was going to come out today, it would have beat me.  I have an excuse for my tardy rising, but it's not worth mentioning.  As it is, the day began without me, and it's rainy and cold.  Michael is wise to sleep in even later because it's pouring outside now and the wind is howling.  One thing about living on top of the hill, we get the brunt of whatever weather comes our way.

We lucked out yesterday.  The rain had stopped by our morning walk, drifted in and out throughout the day, and there was even a dab of sunshine in the afternoon.  Michael needed one more outing after dark, and it was eerie.  We were in the middle of a cloud and it was as if the world were wrapped in cotton batting...absolutely silent.  Michael felt it, too, and didn't dawdle so we could head back to the house and the welcome warmth of Stove.  I see another fire in our future today.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Mission Accomplished

AKA 'Mission Impossible,' (1966, 7 seasons, 1988, 2 seasons) TV series with Steven Hill, Barbara Bain, Peter Graves, Jon Voigt, Martin Landau, Leonard Nimoy, and Sam Elliott...how's that for early all-star casting?!

Yesterday did not have a propitious start.  Power outages, not once, but twice!  I'm developing a personal relationship with PG&E.  I called the first time at dawn's early light.  "Yes, there is an outage in your area affecting 500-and-something residences."  They got it fixed pretty fast (relatively speaking).  Not an hour later, boop!, it went out again.  I called again.  "Ma'am, power has been restored in that area."  "Umm, no."  She checked, came back on the line, "I'm so sorry...yes, it's out and affecting over 700 now."  I guess somebody remembered to put the plug in because we had electricity PDQ.

Shopping is a different experience now.  Back in the day (like last year), you went to the store and your only difficulty was making a selection among the many, many choices offered...twenty kinds of bread, every brand and kind of soup produced, all sizes of each product provided.  It was mind boggling.  Now, not s'much.  I got the last jar of mayonnaise on the shelf and it wasn't the brand I wanted.  (Don't let anybody tell you all mayonnaise is the same.)  I left without a couple of things I wanted.  Oh, they had them, but were on shelves above my reach and there were no tall people around to ask for help.  It really was Mission Impossible.

Mission accomplished, both Michael and I were glad to get home.  Me, just because, and Michael so he could get a drink of water...he'd peed on every bush in P'ville (Peeville!).

It had been chill and overcast all day and the house was freezing.  I broke down and lit a fire.  Gosh, it felt good.  The rain started just after dark...a nice, gentle rain.  All's well that ends well.

Stay safe.  Be well.

The Eyes Have It

Ever get that feeling you're being watched?  I should be used to it after all these years, but it's always a little unnerving when I feel eyes on me and glance up and see a turkey on the deck rail looking in at me.  It's the season, I guess.  This turk walked the rail, looking in all the windows like he was casing the joint.  I don't know about these things, but I'm thinking he was looking at his reflection and perhaps thinking there was a rival, because he paused in front of one window and started that "tok, tok, tok" sound of challenge.  Ralph and Celeste were riveted.  Challenge not met, turk finally walked away, feeling he was the winnah, I'm sure.  Such are the dramas of my day.

Do I really need that today?  Can it wait a little longer?  Can I put it off one more day?  These are my procrastination favorites when I think about going to town.  I love it when the answer is yes.  I guess I don't need to tell you I didn't go yesterday.  I fear today is the day of reckoning.  Sigh.

Stay safe.  Be well.

PS:  The neighs come from next door.

Take A Deep Breath

Alternate title:  'All's Well That Ends Well.'

Okay, panic time is over.  The auto shop called yesterday and said the problem was the alternator, fixable, and at a cost that wouldn't send me to the Poor House.  Truck is a 1998, so these things are to be expected.  He's a good old work horse.  Had the circumstances been different, I might not have pushed the panic button so hard, but I'm not ashamed to admit I was shaken to the core.  I'll get him back today.  Whew!  Thanks for all the good wishes and offers of help...very much appreciated.

Given that I had time to calm down, yesterday was a pretty good day.  It was a little cooler, and sitting out on the deck in the sunshine at Michael's request felt good.  Doing nothing felt good.  I binge watched episodes of NYPD Blue.  That series came out in 1993, and, boy, the changes that have been made.  All the telephones were on cords.  There might have been one computer in the department, but all reports were handwritten.  They used walkie-talkies to communicate when out in the field.  It's like watching a time capsule.

Michael and I weren't the only ones appreciating the weather.  Eighteen vultures were on posts lining the goat pen, wings spread in that wonderful heraldic pose.  There were youngsters with black heads and the elders whose heads had turned red.  Even ornithologists have trouble determining gender.  They are huge, magnificent birds.  Knowing that we are no threat, they will let us get within a few feet before taking off, only to move to another post.  They call Farview home.

Among the goodies that Deb and Craig brought up was a bag (a bag!) of yams.  I sure don't want them to go to waste, so have had a baked yam every day this week.  Michael, who doesn't care for carrots, likes yams also, and he gets a few bites of my dinner.  Who knew?

After imagining the worst, and I did, and after the terrifying events of the day before, it was good to take a deep breath and spend a day calming down.  It was a good day.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Lady In Waiting

Alternate title:  'It Could Have Been Worse.'

It was a beautiful day.  Michael, anticipating all those wonderful piddle spots in town, was eager to "Load up!"  I even got an early start, wow.  Down at the big road, a neighbor was about to take his trash across and I stopped to say hi.  I had a little trouble getting the passenger window to roll down...that was strange.  Conversation over, we went on our ways.  That's when Truck began to misbehave, with brief surges and then hesitation, not like good Old Reliable at all.  Coming to the Fair Play corner, I decided I'd best head toward the auto shop in Mt. Aukum instead of town, and headed in that direction.  Yeah, well.  I didn't get far.  Just after rounding the worst blind curve on that road, Truck died.  Died deader than a doornail.  I was terrified.  The first of yesterday's guardian angels, a young man working on a nearby house, appeared out of nowhere.  "Honk your horn!  Traffic is coming!"  Truck didn't have a beep left in him.  Aarrgh!  This gentleman pushed Truck over to the side of the road, not an easy task with no power steering, but he got it done, bless him, and while stuck, we were safe.  Then the second miracle, I had cellphone service, always iffy in these hills!

Still shaking badly and near tears, I called AAA.  "What city are you in?"  "There is no city."  "Ma'am, I need to know what city you're in."  "Listen carefully, there is NO city!  Mt. Aukum is a feed store and an auto shop.  Fair Play is a pub and a winery.  Somerset is a little store, the post office, and a defunct cafe.  I'm miles from all three...there is NO CITY!"  Ms. Helpful finally picked Somerset.  "I'm alone and I have my dog with me.  I'll need a ride."  "Ma'am, due to Covid, no passengers are allowed to ride in the tow trucks."  "What are you going to do with me?  I'm 80 years old and I have my dog.  Are you just going to leave us on the side of the road?  I have a mask!"  "Let me see if I can find a company that will allow you to ride along."  Long minutes later, she called me back, having found a company down below Amador that would accept a passenger, but it would be another couple of hours before they could get to me.  Turned out to be over three.  I took Michael on several walks, poor thing.  If I couldn't understand what was happening, he was really confused.

When the second angel finally appeared, he said, "Boy, you're really in a bad spot," like I didn't know that.  He figured out the logistics of getting Truck up on his slide bed, but it would take up all of the narrow road to do so.  When he'd decided how to get it done, I went to the curve to wave down traffic, and there was a line of cars going home by the time Truck was loaded.  Those people were not happy.  You'd laugh to see me struggling to climb up into his enormous vehicle and he had to lift Michael in, but we were safe.  We got to the auto shop within minutes of closing.  Whew!  Truck was safe.  Michael and I were safe, and Scott had his helper, the third angel of the day, drive us home.

It's not a day I'd want to repeat.  However, it could have been worse.  We weren't smashed into on that blind curve.  Angels appeared as needed.  The shop was still open.  We got home safe and sound.  Yep, given the circumstances it was, if not a good day, over at last.  It only took four hours.

Stay safe.  Be well.

The Gang's All Here

(Hail, Hail, The Gang's All Here, song from 1917,)

Like teenage boys, a gang of nine young-ish male turkeys has been cruising through the yard twice a day for some time now.  They don't bother anything or anyone.  We give and get respect, and leave each other space.  Lacking a corner to hang out on, they congregate under the oak by the woodpile in the afternoon, maybe hoping for some 'chicks' to pass by.  Yesterday, the original nine was joined by another nine recruits.  That's quite a group.  I wonder what the initiation process was like and if they're getting ready for the turkey wars.

That early morning wind came back about dawn yesterday, strong enough that it could have justified cutting the power (they didn't), and lasted all morning.  It blew all the leaves off the walkway and put them on the porch.  Oh goody.  At least I can see and avoid all the potholes on the way to the truck now.

A word of caution.  Before I could figure out a safe place to put the poinsettia, Ralph chomped on one of those beautiful red leaves.  He's okay because he immediately barfed it up.  Poinsettias are poisonous to cats!  The plant is out of reach now.

We have to go to town today.  Maybe someday I can get my meds coordinated so I can avoid some of these trips for refills.  This is me, who used to take maybe one aspirin a year.  Sigh.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Reprieve

The powers that be at PG&E (that's a joke, son) decided yesterday that they would not perform an outage today.  Yay!  They may have doubted that decision this morning because there's a pretty stiff wind blowing.  Falling dry leaves sound like rain pattering on the deck in the dark.  No...wait.  It suddenly seems to have died down.  Goody!  It would have been such a shame to lose electricity just after getting all that wonderful bright light in the kitchen.  The coffee got made and I've got the computer.  These hours before dawn go quickly when I'm occupied, but dr-a-ag in the dark, waiting for sunrise.  So far, so good.

I'm going to gain ten pounds after Deb and Craig's visit and delivery service.  Yakisoba the first day and chickpea masala yesterday.  I'd forgotten how wonderfully spicy and filling that Indian dish is, and it takes only a minute in the microwave.  That's one reason I had it yesterday, anticipating no power today.  It pays to plan ahead for these events.

Once is a habit with Michael (if it's something he likes or likes to do).  During the heat of summer, I stopped going out to sit on the end of the deck.  This fall weather has been so mild, that bench in the sunshine started looking good again, especially when the house gets so cold.  He wasn't too sure about it the first time, but now he asks to go out and heads right for the steps.  This isn't a potty run, it's sit or lie down, listen to the birds, and get warm time.  Hey, I'm for it.

Stay safe.  Be well.  And may the (power) force be with you.

My Cup Runneth Over

A couple of hours can make your whole day, and my day yesterday was better than great.  The Kids arrived midmorning and I think Michael was as excited as I to see their truck drive up.  The cats, of course, ducked into the bedroom, not to be seen again for the duration.  Deb and Craig, masked and gloved, started unloading supplies and this time brought them into the house.  They were coming in anyhow for light bulb duty.  Not only did they replace the burned-out bulbs, they changed others that were growing dim.  Holy cow!  What a difference.  Let there be light!  The new ones are LEDs and the kitchen is now so bright I could perform surgery in there.  It actually startled me the first time I flipped a switch.  As I told Deb, airplanes could use them as runway lights.  The rest of their too-short visit took place on the porch.  Craig, dear man that he is, filled the rack with wagon after wagonload of firewood.  I'm darned near set for the winter.

I'm greedy and wanted more of their company, but coming up took a big chunk of their weekend.  They both work and time is precious.  I'm just grateful for what they could spare.  No goodbye hugs, but lots of 'I love you's' as they drove away.

After they'd gone, I came in to see what all they'd brought.  Staples like toilet paper, yes, and canned goods, yes, but also a beautiful poinsettia for the holidays (my only decoration).  I'll have to find a place for it out of Ralph's reach.  Deb is such a traditionalist.  She'd included a box of See's candy "from Grandpa and me."  My dad has been dead for forty years, and never once has my daughter forgotten.  The virus wasn't going to change that.  I put the box in the cupboard and won't bring it out until Christmas.

That's the only self-control of which I was capable.  I'd thought to have the yakisoba for dinner, but knowing it was in the freezer was too much and it was lunchtime, after all.  Oh man, it hit the spot.  The Kids had included a carton of chickpea masala, also delicious, and I'll save that for another day.

I'm not looking forward to the power outage tomorrow.  I am glad for the warning as it gives me time to make sure all bowls and troughs are filled with water.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Just Ask

Didn't I say I needed a deadline?  Well, I got one.  Deb and Craig are coming up today!  What with the virus situation, all I'd normally have to do for company would be to sweep the porch.  I can't remember the last time anyone was in my house and Michael and the cats aren't judgemental when it comes to dust.  However, on this visit the Kids are going to replace all those burned-out light bulbs in the kitchen, the ones I'm about 2" too short to reach.  I got quite a bit done yesterday, but not everything.  Deb promised they wouldn't look at anything but the light bulbs.  They're pretty trustworthy, but still....

Yesterday, Friday, I got a deadline of another sort.  PG&E sent notice that, because of weather, they're going to shut down power on Monday through Tuesday!  Their weatherman must be a whole lot better than most to gauge the weather four days out.  The last few times, we've only gotten a puff of breeze, if that, instead of the predicted high winds.  Sigh.

Knowing that my personal shoppers were going to Costco, the one thing I did ask for was yakisoba.  The Kids got me hooked on the stuff and I've been craving it.  Deb said Craig had found it and they'd be bringing some.  I know what I'll be having for dinner!

Stay safe.  Be well.

Deadline

I have to find a way to put some structure back in my life.  Without some sort of deadline, everything has just gone higgledy-piggledy around here.  Lists of chores are fine, but pretty much 'when I get around to it.'  Every morning, Steve would start the day with, "What's the plan?"  I need a plan, not my usual 'Well, I should do this, or I could do that,' and end up not doing much of anything.  I don't know what I'd do without the animals.  They all get fed and Michael gets his walks.  I need them as much as or more than they need me.  Maybe I'll get a day-planner.  Or not.  (See what I mean?)  There was an old song we sang at Girl Scout camp..."Today is Monday.  Monday's wash day, Tuesday's ironing, etc."  Maybe I'll try that.  Not that I'll be doing any ironing.  When Linda was staying here, I couldn't even find the ironing board for her.  That's one of the benefits of wearing bibbies and tee-shirts.

Wish me luck.  The sun will be up soon, and that means my computer time is over...my one deadline for the day.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Odds And Ends

That red lentil and rice jambalaya I made?  It was really good the first day...and the second...and the third.  By yesterday, the sixth day, let me tell you I was glad to see the end of it!  Another example of there can be too much of a good thing.  That's what happens when you live alone and a recipe makes a lot and doesn't freeze well.  Some time back, George brought me a huge frozen bag of black bean soup, must be a gallon of it, and I'm afraid to thaw it out in case of a repeat of the jambalaya experience.  This 'no company' business is really getting old.

Michael and I had to make a couple of local stops yesterday.  I was having anxiety attacks because I'd let the gas get low in the truck.  Any kind of emergency and I'd be dead in the water here with no way out.  It really struck me at both Mt. Aukum and Gray's Corner that evidently grey hair is the only requirement for wearing a mask, all other faces were bare, smiling, but bare.  Only those of us with 'snow on the roof' were protecting ourselves and others.  I don't like wearing a mask, either, but it's only common sense to me.  I watch the news, I see the numbers, I hear the pleas, and listen to those weary, tearful, worn-out health-care workers begging people to take this small precaution.  Who cannot be affected by the sight of refrigerated semi trucks called 'temporary morgues' lined up at hospitals because too many are dying too fast.  I try to keep my soapbox in the closet, but this is so important, too important.  Wear the damned mask.  If you wait until you have grey hair, it may be too late.

Stay safe.  Be well.

Carded

No, I haven't started hanging out in bars, and if a bartender asked to see my ID at my age, I'd have to recommend he get his eyes checked, but I was carded yesterday.  I got a Christmas card!  I hope Cousin Sandy has stock in Hallmark.  Because of her, they stay in business.  (I got a card at Thanksgiving, too.)  I start smiling when I see her name on the envelope at the mailbox, and grin when I open the card at home.  It's like getting a long-distance hug.

Once upon a time, long, long ago, before texts, emails and IMs, Christmas cards announced the season and were a way to send greetings and love, sometimes to those we contacted only once a year.  I would buy a couple boxes of 50 each and start signing and addressing the day after Thanksgiving, usually adding a letter or note, too.  When I started this tradition, stamps were a whopping 4 cents.  Now they're up to 55 cents each and I don't send cards anymore.  Received cards have always been taped to the kitchen cupboard doors, giving a festive touch to a room that's difficult to decorate otherwise.  There were years when I'd run out of space, now...well, I fear Sandy's card may be pretty lonely.  As with so many things, that was then, this is now.

Christmas is coming early to Farview!  I got a text from Deb yesterday, saying that Craig was going shopping at Costco and did I need anything.  I did a quick inventory and decided there wasn't anything I couldn't do without, saving them over an hour's drive to get here.  "How about such-and-such?  Couldn't you use some of this or that?"  "Wel-l-l, maybe one or two of those."  I had an ulterior motive...I've only seen my dear ones for a half-hour this entire year.  Hey, they offered!  Regardless of the date, I'll celebrate Christmas this weekend, outside and at a distance.

Stay safe.  Be well.

It's Coming

I don't need to look at the calendar to know that winter is coming.  As with every season, Farview tells me; no surprises here.  With just that little dab of rain we had, there is a green blush to the pastures and fields already, not tall enough to do the goats much good yet, but soon enough.  I'm seeing more deer in the girls' pen.  It's always a little startling.  There's Sheila, there's Tessie...and who is that?!

The powers that be have declared some recent burn days and it looks very much like smoke signals are being sent across the hills.  I'm waiting for Cameron to come and set off my burn piles.  I hate to evict whatever birds have made homes there, but it really has to be done and it's not a job I'd ever take on on my own.  I don't move fast enough should an ember escape, and that's not a danger I'm ready to face.

The cats are prepping in their own way.  That swinging belly fat pad on both Ralph and Celeste is big enough now, bigger than I've ever seen, to hold a litter of kittens.  I know that Missy is scarfing down a full bowl of food every day, but I don't see her often enough to know if she's keeping pace.  These cats never miss a meal, but it looks like they're storing up, just in case.

I've been making do with the beanbag and jacket, but mornings are getting down to freezing and I can see putting Stove to work in the near future.  It's like some kind of challenge to see how long I can put off lighting a fire.  I know, I know...no comments from the peanut gallery, please.

Among the goodies in Cameron's contribution box, there was a packet of dry red-lentil and rice jambalaya.  I'll have to admit that after the sun goes down and the chill sets in, a hot bowl of something filling has tasted pretty darn good.

Speaking of boxes, my cats are in seventh heaven, or at least one is.  There is nothing my silly kids like better than an empty box.  Celeste, as Big Sister In Charge, immediately took possession, leaving Ralph to beg for a turn.  He gets to play house only when she comes out to go potty or get a snack.

December.  If Thanksgiving was bad, I don't even want to think about Christmas.  It will be a whole year since we were all together.  Nope, not gonna go there.

Yesterday was Pay Bills Day.  That was enough for one day...all other chores took the hindmost.

Gear up, it's coming.

Stay safe.  Be well.