Car(Van)Hospital

I  got up and at'um early and off to the garage this morning.  The oil was changed and they said I needed new front brakes.  I now have new, touchy brakes.  Also, I need to get some new tires one of these days; that is what I had been planning on doing in the fall, before winter.  I can't shovel out the money for tires right now.  Don't forget-the roof leaks, too!  And the home owners insurance is due and then auto insurance will be due next.  Well, what else can I do with my Social Security other than pass it from my hand to someone else's...LO L's!  Don't you know that we people of the entitlements are keeping the economy going?  Yes, we are!  That sounds like a good title for a book-"We People of the Entitlements!"

*

Old Man Of The River

-

The old man of the river

94 years old

Last of the local

River Rats

 Missing since mid-March

since the Ohio

ran high and swift.

Missing from his houseboat

missed by his 20 companion

dogs.

the dogs were rescued

the old man was not.

They said he was one of a kind

an independent character

of a bygone age.

Today they found the

Old Man of The River

beside his houseboat.

A man of the river
born of the river

returned to the river

embraced by the waters

the Old Man loved.

RIP: Ovan Stinson

*

At one time there were a lot of houseboats on Pigeon Creek which flows directly into the Ohio River from the Indiana side.  They were banned in the late forties for sanitation reasons.  There are still a few around on the Ohio River, but I seldom see them.  I see a lot of "camps" on the banks of the Ohio and most of them are cabins or houses up on stilts.  Sometimes they are not quite not quite high enough and are washed away.

*

DUST THOU ART

AND UNTO DUST

SHALT THOU

RETURN.

*

Gen. 3: part of vs. 19

-

END

GONE AGAIN

Yup, the chicken is gone again.  The butcher told me they sold out early this morning.  He said that people were buying the chicken by the case.  The store is supposed to get another shipment in on Friday and they are supposed to hold a case for me; 40 lb. of chicken.  While I didn't want 40 lbs. of chicken, I will take it and freeze most of it-that is if they hold it for me.  They promised, but you know how promises work out.

The engine light in the van has come on and I have to take it in for a computer scan early in the morning.  The scan will run $50 bucks and how much more- that they manage to find?  I found a coupon for $10 dollars off and I hope to use that tomorrow.  I have a coupon for an oil change, too.

You know you get charged for the "fluid disposal," but what they actually do with the old oil is store it, resell it, and then it gets reprocessed and eventually you buy back your own oil.   Every thing is a racket in some manner or another.  And don't believe Obama when he says we must become energy efficient.  This has been an other political ploy for the past 30 years, starting with Carter. Obama simply made another "feel good" speech.

I guess I will go to bed and set the clock to "early."

*

I RECOGONIZED

THAT THERE IS

NOTHING BETTER

THAN TO BE GLAD

AND TO DO WELL

DURING LIFE.

FOR EVERY MAN,

MOREOVER,

TO EAT AND DRINK

AND ENJOY THE

FRUIT OF ALL HIS
LABOR
IS A GIFT OF GOD.
*
Ecc. 3: 12-13
*
END

SOLD OUT

No chicken.  It was sold out.  At 39 cents a pound you can see why.  The good thing is...they will have a new shipment in tomorrow.  I did get some lunch meat at 99 cents per package.  I bought five packages and put four in the freezer.  I also found Cream Cheese for 79 cents a package, so I got two.  I brought two more bricks of sharp cheese for$1.89 apiece.  I have a lot of cheese in the frig.  The nice thing about cheese is that if kept cool and unopened, it stays good for a very long time.  I found Maxwell House Coffee for $4.99 per can with a limit of two while they last.  If there are any left tomorrow when I go back for the chicken, I'll try to get two more cans.  The other things I bought are two packages of Imperial Spread, two for a dollar....50 cents each.  I can use it for cooking.

From shopping, I went to the Golden Corral for a very late lunch-early supper.  I know the manager and she will save me some of the wide mouth gallon jugs they have use for such foods as salad dressings on the buffet bar.  The empty jugs are food grade and great for storing and or making pickles.  The containers are generally thrown out, but I know of one store that sells them for 50 cents apiece to their "friends."  Which means that the people in the deli of the store gets a little extra change to take home.  Of course, that makes more sense than sending them into the landfill.

The Long Winter:  It lingers like a bad toothache.  We are having a light rain that is to turn to a light sleet or snow overnight.  The good-nice-weather we were looking forward to will be more rain and not very warm.  It may warm up a little over the week-end, but we will probably have more rain.

The new carburetor for the tiller came today.  I hope I can put it on myself.  Right now it is too cold and damp or working in the yard.

*

THERE IS INDEED

A MINE FOR SILVER,

AND A PLACE FOR GOLD

WHICH MEN REFINE.

IRON IS TAKEN

FROM THE EARTH,

AND COPPER MELTED

OUT OF STONES...

THE EARTH, THOUGH

OUT OF IT COMES

FORTH BREAD

IS IN FIERY UPHEAVAL

UNDERNEATH.
click to make large

*

Job 28: 1-2-4-5

*

AS THE CRUCIBLE

TESTS SILVER

AND THE FURNACE

GOLD

SO A MAN IS TESTED

BY THE PRAISE

HE RECIEVES.

*

Provervbs 27:21

*

END

Ambitious-less

I don't know where my ambition went.  When I find it... I will gather it up and put it in my lock-box along with all my millions(not).  There should be plenty of space in that little box for a little ambition.  Actually, my giddy up and go left me with a naughty disk.  I can always tell when a disk is going out without me and leave me to mope around by myself.  It starts with a tickling sensation low in my right side and become a fully misbehaving disk in the lower lumbar.  I have had it off and on for many years: it is nothing new to me.  I just have to lounge around for a couple days or so until it just dissipates...and it will.  It just makes me non-productive...but I can eat real well!

No, I didn't get the spice cake done because I didn't want to spend much time on my feet.  The less time on my little tootsies the quicker I am to roll.  I hope to roll tomorrow.

The sale ads came today and they are on the poor to pitiful side.  The only thing I see that I may get is chicken legs and thighs for 39 cents a pound in 10 pound bags.  I want to get several bags, roast them and then freeze them...that is, if they look good.  How does 30 pounds in the freezer sound?  I want to get some apples that are on sale, but may have to make several trips: I don't know how much my delicate little self can carry.

So now you know everything I know and then some.



*

A MAN'S GOODNESS

GOD CHERISHES

LIKE A SIGNET RING,

A MAN'S VIRTUE

LIKE THE APPLE

OF HIS EYE.

*

Sirach 17:17

*

END

Books

I have finished off  two books and set one aside because I have read it before, but forgot that I had.  One was a pretty good little western and the other was a sort of transcendental kind of book.  I finished that, too, as it was really about the choices of salvation or not.  It was sort of odd, but I did read it all the way through because it was actually a book about Christ, in a wordy...play on big words and meanings.  It was about one man's journey through life.  If anyone would want to read the book it is entitled CHASM by Randy Alcorn.  The good little western was entitled WIND OF TIMES by Mary A. Benton.  They were both good book, each in their own way.

So, you see what I did with my time during this crazy weather: eat and read.

I did get up early this morning so I guess I will go to bed early.  I think tomorrow I will make a spice cake with raisins.  I do like spice cake!

*

PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU,

MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU;

DO NOT LET YOUR HEART

BE TROUBLED,

OR BE AFRAID.

*

John 14: 27

*

END



Another Friday

I must have got my sleep out because I woke up early this morning.  I didn't get up right away because I didn't need to.  I was nice and toasty in my bed.  After all, I am retired, right?  Finally, I did the right thing and got myself up and moving.  I'm glad that I didn't turn off the furnace for the season 'cause it was downright cold this past A. M.  We had a mixture of sleet, rain, and snow, but it didn't amount to anything.

After lunch I went out to Lowe's to buy a metal shelving unit.  I forgot to buy the shelving unit, but  I didn't come home empty handed.  I bought a package of eight-60 watt light bulbs and some gardening stuff for when and if, I ever get to plant the garden.  I bought the light bulbs because they will be taken off the market and you won't be able to buy them.  I do use fluorescent bulbs in my little house because  they are cheaper for lighting my little castle; I just don't want the government telling me what I can have or not have in my own home.  It's none of their business.

I looked wistfully at the new Troy tillers on display, but marched myself out the door.  I bought my tiller in 1982 so it is aging and beat up, but before a certain part went missing,  it ran fine and did a good job. 


The Doves have been eating the grass seed I spread out, but that 's OK.  I like Doves...so does the stray cat.  Speaking of Doves reminds me that when Darcy was a little boy he climbed to the top of the Tri- State bridge to catch pigeons.  It didn't faze him a bit, but it scared the "you know what" out of every one crossing the bridge and the PJ cops.  He climbed down on his own with a pocket full of pigeons.  I bet he does't even remember it.  It was over 55 years ago.  Life is a never ending adventure.

*

THEREFORE,

AS YOU HAVE RECEIVED

JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD

SO WALK IN HIM

*

Collossians 2: 6

*

END

Days like these

There are days when you just don't want to get up in the morning or feel like you haven't got your sleep out.  This was a day like that for me and I just wanted to sleep the day away.  I got up late and took a nap later in the afternoon, sleeping two more hours.  Maybe the very sudden temperature drop or the fact that the sun wasn't shinning or even because I had worked outside 'most every day this past week, made me very sleepy.  I never did like getting up and going  when it was cold outside. A combination of minor factors and I took "the day off."

I did call a company down in Tenn. and ordered a new carburetor for my Troy tiller.  The little Mantis tillers are for "Toy Gardens,"  They don't do that well in large, heavy, clay soil gardens.  To my mind they are OK for flower beds and light cultivating, but not for a serious gardener.  I hope that when the part comes I can put it on without additional expense or lost time.   I think I can...I think  I can...I think I can.  The cost of the carburetor is $129.00 which is cheaper than having to buy a new tiller at nearly $1,000 bucks.  I will need to find a gas connection hose and a few bolts to fit.  I Will Never, Ever.. trust Taylor Garden Center again.  Send my tiller for a tune-up and get it back with missing parts. No wonder they kept putting me off for four months.  #@*%@!!

It is supposed to rain tomorrow and the temperatures will be down in the 30's overnight.  I don't know if I will have Plums or not, and that Pear tree is just starting to blossom out.  When I got up this morning the bird bath was on the other side of the yard next to the fence.  I didn't hear the wind, but I guess we had up to 50 mile per. hour gusts.

Not much else going on here or of interest.

*

I CAN DO EVERYTHING

THROUGH HIM

WHO GIVES ME

 STRENGTH.

*

Phill. 4:13

*

END

Flirtatious Affair

Mother Nature and Old Man Winter are having a  3 way flirtatious affair with Miss April.  I think Miss  April will kiss them both goodbye and pollinate the world where and when she will, for she is a lusty young spring Miss.  Today is a prime example of... off again, on again... relationships with clouds and sunshine.  First it was little Miss Sunshine and than she was groped by Mr. Dark Man of the Skies.  In other words, the sun was vanquished by very dark skies, rumbles of thunder and the promise of copious rain.  Of course, you know how promises are kept.  We may have some of the dark magic of clouds and rain yet.  As indicated, the weather is a willful lover and you can't count on the signs and symptoms of what may or not be.

And that is why I didn't do much work outside.  So...I fiddled and piddled within.  I washed and dried two loads of cloths, put some books back in their proper abodes(bookcase)washed dishes, got a new coffee maker out of the van and cleaned it and made it ready for morning.  Oh, what an exciting day!

Here is an item of interest for ya.  It is supposed to drop 46 F.(degrees)overnight.  I went out to the van and retrived my jacket and sweater-might need it!

*

HAVING BEEN JUSTIFIED

THEREFORE BY FAITH,

LET US HAVE PEACE

WITH GOD

THROUGH OUR LORD

JESUS CHRIST.

*

Romans 5:1

*

END

P.S.

Easter Sunday is April 24th.  It seems to me(at least)when Easter is "late," spring is "late."

WORKING GIRL-ME

Yup, I've been outside working in the yard again.  I pulled out the mower and put it on the charger for a while, getting it ready for the green grass growing fast in Kentucky.  Now it is charged and I should clean it a little, but basically it is ready to power forth into summer, and summer comes quickly here in the Ky. state.  Yes, it started.  I just need to own a bank so I can afford to buy gas for it.  I also spread some Ky. Blue Grass seed  by hand in a few thatchy areas.  The wind was blowing the seed all over so I don't know where the seed landed for the most part.  I also laid out a few pavers in the utility/shed room where the dirt is.  I had done most of it before I hurt my arm and never quite finished the job.  They are heavy and now my arm is starting to stiffen up a little.  I should have laid in three more concrete pavers, but I quit.

I put everything back in the shed because it looks like rain is coming in this direction and I don't want to get wet or or have my mower get drenched.  I did run the mower a couple of passes before I retired it into a safe, dry place.

Today my jaw is a little sore, but not as bad as it has been in the past.  I guess I will recover.  I won't recover from the bill, 'though.  I just paid off the other bill, but....smile and the dentist smiles with you!

The past few days have been really nice and tomorrow is supposed to be a pretty day, too...in the 70's.  Then it will get a bit colder, again.  I put away one electric heater today and had hoped  to store another one away, also.  Well, it is still March, isn't it.  So blows the winds of March.

*

DEAL YOUR BREAD

TO THE HUNGRY;

AND BRING THE NEEDY

AND THE HARBOR LESS

INTO YOUR HOUSE.

WHEN YOU SEE ONE

NAKED, COVER HIM,

AND DO NOT DESPISE

YOUR OWN FLESH.

*

Is. 58: 7

*

END

PLUM TREE

Here is a picture of my Plum tree.  It is all blossomed out.  Each blossom should turn into a Plum...I hope.  If all the blossom do produce I will have a bumper crop.  You can still see a few plums that are clinging to the branches from last fall.  The Pear tree should blossom out next.  The Pear tree is supposed to be a dwarf fruit tree, but is a good 30 foot high and needs trimming back away from the wires.  I need to spray them both soon.  I used to have a Golden Delicious Apple tree, but a storm blew it over several years ago.  Down in the right corner you can see a brick building.  It is/was a log cabin that was bricked over years ago.  I think it had a "dog Trot" at one time.

Yesterday I worked out in the yard and burned off some garden and yard trash.  The house got a little smoke that drifted in, but not much.  It was kind of pleasant.  I hope to get more done tomorrow before it rains.

I didn't get much done today as I had to go to the dentist for what I thought was to be just a follow-up x-ray, but instead he finished up the root canal. That's done until another one goes bad, but I hope I can get this one paid off before that happens.

Saturday eve. I had all kinds of problems with my computer.  It was just doing odd things and giving odd messages,  I finally gave up on it and went to bed.

*

RESPLENDENT

AND UNFADING

IS WISDOM,

AND SHE IS READILY

PERCEIVED BY THOSE

WHO LOVE HER,

AND FOUND BY THOSE

WHO SEEK HER.

*

Wisdom 6: 12

*

END

Dandy Dandelions

Dandelion.  A simple green in every one's yard.  It's what I had with my fried potatoes, onion tops, beets
and Treet.  I sautead everything in a little bacon drippings and had a good supper.

I went out into the yard looking for Poke, but it isn't up yet.  Instead, I came in with a bag full of Dandelion greens.  You can coat and fry the buds before they open in a little butter, but there are not many buds yet.  You can do the same with the plant crowns-the part just  above the ground.  A lot of people dig up the roots, roast and them, grind them and use them as a coffee substitute. 
I am not so ambitious that I want to dig the roots up. The greens are also good in a fresh salad mix.  You can add the greens to young Polk leaves, onions and other edible foraged greens.  Just don't use Dandelions as they get bigger and start producing a milky sap because they get bitter.  You can't hardly go wrong with Dandelion greens.  Just don't pick them when they get too big...or then you will kind of spit them out...no harm done.

As it warmed up later in the afternoon, I raked off some more of the garden.  I want to burn some of
that stuff in the big smoker and use some of the ash in the garden.

Tomorrow, Sunday, it is supposed to be up in the 70's and it may rain a little.  The garden is just starting to dry out so I hope it doesn' rain too much.  So, tomorrow is a day of rest...or maybe not.

*

GOD BLESSED THE SEVENTH DAY

AND MADE IT HOLY

BECAUSE ON IT HE RESTED

FROM ALL HIS WORK

OF CREATION.

*

END

When Poke isn't a weed

I have been out in the yard looking for the first of the forage plants to appear.  I am waiting for the Poke to show itself.  You can't hardly miss Poke Weed because it fairly distinctive-just like the picture.  I have to admit that I had never heard of Poke until I moved here 40 years ago.  My neighbors in Reed, Ky. would go along the railroad tracks, gather the leaves, boil and freeze the leaves for later meals.  They were not "poor folks," but just enjoyed nature's bounty. 

When you forage for Poke gather the young, tender leaves and the "curly" leaves that are about to open.  Wash the leaves  well and put in a pot with a little water and bring to a boil just as you would Spinach.
Add some salt, pepper, drain and add a little bacon drippings or butter.  You can also add small slices of cooked bacon, if you wish.  DO NOT EAT THE BERRIES because they are poison.  It is better to cook the Poke unless you add the small, tender leaves to a mixed, green salad.  If you use the young leaves for salad, strip the leaves from the stem.  You can use Poke as it grows a little larger, but it gets tougher to eat and less flavorful.  In this neck of the woods people collect the very early leaves that have not uncurled, dip the in a batter and fry them.  Happy foraging, y'all!

Get a good book about edible plants from your library or buy one on Amazon.  Be safe, not sorry.

I got out and about and went to various stores to replenish some of the "stocking up" goods that I have used over the winter.  I also went to the habitat store where they sell leftover supplies and donations from the habitat homes that are built here.  I found a towel bar for $1.00.  It is what I wanted... to screw onto the Microwave cart.   I already have lots of screws left over from other projects.   I may get that done tomorrow.  I always have in mind what I will get done "Tomorrow."

My Plum Tree has gone from buds to small leaves.  Spring must be coming, after all.

*

BE YOU, THEREFORE,

IMITATORS OF GOD

AS VERY DEAR CHILDREN

AND WALK IN LOVE,

AS CHRIST ALSO LOVED US

AND DELIVERED HIMSELF UP

FOR US AS AN OFFERING

AND A SACRIFICE TO GOD

TO ASCEND IN FRAGRANT

ODOR.
*

EPHESIANS 5: 1-2

*

END

Purslane

This a picture of common Purslane.  To see it in better detail click on the picture.

Common Purslane grows in my garden.  I used to think it was a weed and would pull it up and toss it away until I discovered that it is an edible "weed" and started to harvest it instead of throwing it out.  It has been gathered and eaten in India  and is now found throughout the world.  It is a succulent plant and can be eaten raw, cooked, frozen or pickled.  Be sure to wash it well as it may be a little gritty.

Purslane is good in salad with other greens.  Most people boil them for about ten minutes and add salt, pepper and butter and use it for a vegetable.  Another good way to prepare Purslane is to cut bacon into small pieces and fry, then add the Purslane and cook for about 8 or ten minutes in the bacon drippings

I have written about natural wild plants before in my posts and will again.  My brother Harry once had a small book about foraging and it stated that no one in America should go hungry, if they just know what to look for.  If gas were not so high per. gallon I would be out driving in the country looking for wild Asparagus.

You can go to the library and get some good books on foraging for wild, edible plants.  You can also find pretty good information about wild plants for food, right on your computer...online.  The one plant...fungus... I don't forage for is wild mushrooms.  I don't know enough about them to be safe.

This day was a piddle day.  I went shopping and got a few things at the DG store in the $1.00 section.  I got a plastic shoe box for some storage and am going back for at least two more and maybe a couple other items. 

I am trying to upgrade my Microwave cart so that it is more utilitarian.  It' about 25 years old now so I won't feel bad about putting a few screws in it to make it serve me better.  I want to add a small towel bar to the side of it and some doors on the front of it so that it looks "neat."  I already have the doors and frame for it.  I just need the ambition.

It got up to 74 F. today, but was really windy.  That helps to dry the garden out, but...there is always a "but"...it is supposed to rain tomorrow. and get a little cooler.

*

BETTER A DISH OF HERBS

WHERE LOVE IS

THAN A FATTED OX

AND HATRED WITH IT.

*

Proverbs 15: 16

*

END

Speak and I Obey

Beverly told me to relax and take it easy...so I did.  Alice told me to use my hips and legs...did that, too.  I took the day off from "work" and used my hips and legs to take me out to the van, to the beauty shop for a hair cut, to the library to get more books, and off to the Golden Corral to let someone else cook and wash the dishes.  I did manage to take all the trash out for pick up. See...you speak and I obey!

Tomorrow I want to go to a couple stores and get some items.  I need eggs, but hate to pay $1.55 per doz.   I need some coffee creamer, too.  I am saving coffee grounds to put in a small area where I will plant a few radishes.  The Dandelions will be coming up soon, as well as Purslane, Pig weed, and Poke weed, and some onions are growing in the garden from last fall  I can have a green salad from the back yard!

The Plum tree is putting forth buds and there are small buds on the grape vines.  I need to trim the vines back a lot.  I didn't look at the seedless grape vines or the blueberries, yet.  I just planted them last year.  God's little creatures of the air get a whole lot more than I do, anyway.  I think I saw a widdle wabbit wiz across the yard, too.  I wonder if I could catch them and raise some.  Hmmm. 

Well, so much for this day; it's gone and won't come back and who likes living in the yesterdays, anyway.

*

IN THE LORD I

TAKE REFUGE;

HOW CAN YOU

SAY TO ME,

FLEE TO THE

MOUNTAINS

LIKE A BIRD

*

Psalms 10: 1

*

END

KITCHEN DUTY

OK, now my arm hurts.  And I worked up a sweat, too.  I did some re-appointing in the kitchen which was basically moving appliances around and cleaning around and under them.  I have wanted to do this for a long time, but kept putting it off because I didn't know if my arm would hold up.  Basically it was "guide and slide" job, but my arm is already getting stiff in the upper muscles.  However, where the is a will there is a way!

The hardest task was in in moving the Microwave.  It is big and it is heavy.  There is where the "guide and slide" maneuver came in.  I can't really lift much that is heavy with my right arm, but I have taught it to "obey" me.  I have a microwave cart that I rolled up to the counter and slid the microwave off from the counter and on to the cart.  Now the counter is clean and free for other things... that I have been moving about when I wanted to use them, such as the crock pot and a few other items.   I do have to find a spot for some odds 'n ends such as cook books.  I repositioned my coffee pot, as also.  Well done, I says to myself!

I would really like to move the washing machine and dryer and clean under them, but there is where I think I may have a problem.  I might figure that out, too.  I would like to "reappoint'  my entire kitchen and send it down the Ohio  River.  It was never meant to be a real working kitchen, but it is paid for and that is what counts.  Now...if I can just get someone up on the roof...sigh.

*

I WISH, THEN,

THAT MEN PRAY

EVERYWHERE,

LIFTING UP PURE HANDS,

WITHOUT WRATH

OR CONTENTION.

IN LIKE MANNER,

I WISH WOMAN

BE DECENTLY DRESSED,

ADORNING THEMSELVES

WITH MODESTY AND DIGNITY

NOT WITH BRAIDED HAIR,

OR GOLD OR PEARLS

OR EXPENSIVE CLOTHING.

*

Tim. 2: 8,9

*

END

I am starting to turn to mold from all the rain

This isn't a real good picture of the Ohio River.  I pulled it out of the paper.  It does show the race track and highway 41 North heading toward Evansville. 

There is a "boil" advisory up for Evansville and surrounding areas-over 100,000 people have to boil their water as contaminated water got into the drinking water.  Nothing has been said about boiling water on this side of the water.  Most of the water I drink is in the form of hot tea and I do have some bottled water on hand, as well.  I don't know if the horses have been taken out of the barns at the track, but I would imagine so.

I have another bucket of water that has leaked through the roof.  I need to get some one up on the roof if it ever stops raining.  It stops and then starts right up again: more rain for tomorrow.

Usually I turn the heat off by April 1st, but winter lingers on and on.  I think St. Louis got some snow, but didn't pay that much attention.

I have a new recipe that I want to try out before I put it up here.  It calls for tomato powder.  I have never heard of it or seen it at the store, but I will look for it.

The mail carrier delivered wet mail, so he was probably soaked , too.  Neither rain...or more rain...or even more rain will dissuade the carrier from his appointed rounds.

Other wise, it has been another monsoon, dreary day.  The rain has nowhere to go and lays in the yard.  Me need an Ark.

*

THEREFORE ALL THAT YOU

WISH MEN TO DO TO YOU,

EVEN SO YOU ALSO

DO TO THEM;

FOR THIS IS THE LAW

OF THE PROPHETS.

*

Matt. 7:12

*

END

Plotting the Garden Plot

I went out into the back yard this afternoon to check the garden plot.  It is still pretty wet and it is supposed to rain tomorrow.  It will not dry out soon.  I keep hoping for a week of sunshine.  I know that I want to get Sweet Potatoes-white potatoes, some turnips, beets, perhaps parsnips and some celeriac in soon.  I think I can get some radishes in fairly soon as I plan on putting them close in, near the back patio.  Also, some spineless Okra along with a row of salad greens-and TOMATOES!  Bush beans, too.

I think this is a prime year to put out a garden.  The price of veggies and produce keeps going up and it is hard on the pocket book.  I hope to get a good output so I can freeze and can good stuff.  Even if you put out a small garden it will help put food on the table.  Every little bit helps.   Even salad greens are well worth growing...and you will know who or what is "fertilizing" your fresh garden salad!

My last summer's garden was a dud due to the long drought.  I hope this coming summer will show a better yield.  It is hard work.  I don't want it to be for nothing or a poor yield of food.

Tomorrow, Sunday, I think I will go to the farm store, Rural King, maybe Lowe's or the local nursery and check out what they may have.  I need Cookies, too!

I brought some items in from my car: 10 cans of soup, 10 cans of Treet, sugar, flour, and corn meal.  I have a few boxes of cake mixes to bring in.  The flour, corn meal and cake mixes I will store in the freezer where they will "keep" for a long time and bugs or weevils can't get in them.  I still urge everyone to stock up as they can or as possible.

*

TAKE HEED NOT TO DO

YOUR GOOD BEFORE MEN

IN ORDER TO BE SEEN

BY THEM;

OTHERWISE YOU

SHALL HAVE NO REWARD

WITH YOUR FATHER

IN HEAVEN.

*

MATT. 6: 1

*

END

Tired tonight

I didn't go to bed until after 4 A. M. this morning as I stayed up watching the news as it came in about the Japanese earthquake.  So..I am a little tired and won't write much.

This area is on the New Madrid fault line so it makes you stop and think.  We are not anywhere near being prepared for a major quake as the Japanese were/are.  I have an emergency disaster bag...do you?

Th temperature only got up to 52 F. It really was not a very good day for a lot of outdoor work. I am really tired-sleepy-anyway.

*

IN THE MORNING

I WILL DIRECT

MY PRAYER TO THEE

AND LOOK UP.

*

Ps. 5:3

*

END

Caneteo Vally hairatage

Today isn't a day to do much or go anywhere.  It is a day of pervasive cold, damp and dreary.  Instead of doing much I have spent a couple hrs. dong some basic genealogy of my mother's lineage.  I once had a fair amount of information, but lost it all when my computer crashed about three years ago.

My mother's maiden name was Collins, a common Irish name.  Her mother's name...or perhaps it was her great-grandmother's name was Baker.  The Bakers and the Stevens man came up from places like Connecticut  and Goshen, NY, to settle the Canesteo Valley in upstate NY.  I am not sure of their mode of transportation until it is recorded that they polled a raft up the Canesteo River until they found a place that they settled and then sent for their wives.  There is a lot of history that is not recorded, but they were of the first into, and to settle the valley.

I know that the Bakers came from England and assume that the Steven's did as well.   There are two areas named after them: Baker's Gulch and Steven's Gulch.  Those were really wild and rough lands and remain so to this day 'though more populated than when I was a kid.  It was and is, rattlesnake country as my brother Pete can well attest to.  He killed a  46 inch rattlesnake with 7 "buttons" by running up behind it and hitting it in the head with a tire iron when he was about 12.  I saw the Rattler myself because we got into the car to go see it.  Pete was daring in those days.

Anyway, my Grandmother's name was Minnie Mable Collins and my Grandfather was Raymond Collins.  Somewhere in the mix is the name Beebe, but my memory fails me.  As you can guess, they were mostly English and Irish with possibly a small amount of Indian tossed into the mixing pot.  My aunt had a great aunt that was said to be part Indian and smoked a corncob pipe.  I remember seeing her when I was small and she looked the part.  I don't know if she was a direct ancestor or whether she married into the the stew.  It would be interesting to have a more complete knowledge.

Anna Baker, who may have been a Dean or a Stevens, was kidnapped by Indians in 1826.  She was rescued by her husband and she died at age 78.  Also, kidnapped by the Indians was a Mary Jameson who chose to stay with the Indians and live out her life.  It would be interesting to know more, but I don't.

There is a cemetery for the Bakers in Baker's Gulch with many unmarked or unreadable stones.  There is also a Cemetery for the Stevens' somewhere in Stevens' Gulch.  I don't remember seeing either one of them, but I was fairly young when we lived there.  What I remember best it that it was cold...cold...cold, in the winter.

At one time I had a few pictures and more information, but as I said, it went off into the cyber void, never to be retrieved.

I cooked some of that boneless chuck roast and potatoes in the pressure cooker and it turned out well.  I do love that little digital electric pressure cooker.

*

LET THEM THAT DWELL

ABOUT SION COME

AND REMEMBER

THE CAPTIVITY OF MY

SONS AND DAUGHTERS;

WHICH THE ETERNAL

HATH BROUGHT

UPON THEM.

*

BARUCH 4: 14

*

END

Not a drop to drink

The above picture is from the 1937 flood that killed more than 5.000 people up and down the Ohio Valley.  After that The levies were built.  You can look it up Online.

Usually this is open farm land.  You can see the highway in the distance.   There is a farm  and farm house just about midway.  When the water gets high they get to the farm by row boat that they tie up in the trees.  The water is high, but it has been higher with water lapping at the edges of the highway you see in the picture.  Midway you can see more farm buildings and granaries.

There is a "shortcut" into Evansville, but in spite of the high water signs people always push their luck.

 *

IN ALL THINGS

WE SUFFER TRIBULATION,

BUT WE ARE NOT DISTRESSED;

WE ARE SORE PRESSED,

BUT WE ARE NOT DESTITUTE.

*

2 Cor. 4: 8

*

END

Where the waters flow

This was on the Evansville, Indiana side.

This was taken in the back lot of the truck stop.

 I live on the far side of the Ohio-high and dry.



Over the river and through the woods...

You could put the Delaware, the Minisink and the Neversink into the Ohio on a regular day and have room for more water.  The Ohio is at flood stake stage, but does not crest until Friday.  You can see that the river will continue to rise and flood the low fields and houses that are built in the flatter farm lands.

I have a few more pictures that I may post in a day or so.  In the meantime we are getting lots of rain, and yes, my roof is leaking again.  Who took my ark?

FOR LAND CREATURES WERE CHANGED INTO WATER CREATURES, AND THOSE THAT SWAM WENT OVER UNTO THE LAND.   Wisdom 19: 19

My computer isn't doing as it should and will not center.  It may be the weather, but anyway this the END





"Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy"

Remember that song by John Denver, "Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy?"  It makes me happy even though more rain is coming this way.  At least today was a fairly nice day.

I went down to the Mighty Ohio to take some pictures of the high waters, and wouldn't you know it, I forgot to put the disk in the camera...darn.  Well, the Ohio will not crest until Friday...so I may yet get some photos.

I took DVDs back to the library and picked up another book to read as soon as I finish the book I am reading now.  I also stopped for milk and looked at the prices that are going up daily.  One single green pepper is now $1.39.  The two quart jug of milk was $2.69 and I will bet the cow didn't see any of the profits.

Out in the western states farmers/ranchers are giving away their horses because they can't afford to buy feed for them.  You will probably see farmers also culling their cattle and pigs for the same reason.  As that happens the price of meat, already at a premium rate, will become almost untouchable.  I am seeing many of the elderly walk away from the meat department, just shaking their heads.  People on fixed incomes are really being hit hard.  $729.00 does not quite make it in theses days of inflation.

I know why the boneless chuck roast I got the other day was on sale.  It is a bit on the tough side, but has good flavor, so I can use it in stews and stir fries, or sliced thinly, fry it for lunch, which is what I did today.

There is about 0 to write about and I considered not even bothering, but I made a personal pact with myself to write every day except on Sundays...thus...this poor blog.

*

TO KEEP THE LAW

IS A GREAT OBLIGATION,

AND HE WHO OBSERVES

THE COMMANDMENTS

SACRIFICES A PEACE

OFFERING.
*

Sirach 35: 1

*

END

A DAY-OR TWO WITH SUN SHINE



 I'm sleepy today.  I guess because we have had two days of constant rain and dark skies.  There isn't much you can do or many places you can go.  I try to watch TV and fall asleep, so I might as well go to bed early...well early for me, anyway.

What did you do to save money this week?  I went to the store and spent money.

 Ten cans of Campbell'sChicken Noodle

soup at $00.50 cents a can.

One Boneless Chuck Roast,

quartered and frozen.

Two packages of hamburger

at $1.98 a pound-waiting to be

divided and frozen. 

One package real Butter qtrs.

at $2.59.(I know-expensive).

Two packages of Kblr. Crackers

at $1.98 for packages of 8.

One roll of Brusnsweger at $2.75.

One container of Cole Slaw for $1.24.

I seldom buy Brunswager because it is made of organ meats which filters toxins and chemicals from the original host animal, but once in a while I get a craving for it as a snack.  The crackers I need to take with my medicine, so they were not on a bargain list, either.  The real butter I bought just because I wanted it and I just opened up my last package.  I spent $24.79.  I was going to go to a couple other stores, but I didn't want to get drenched.  When I went into the grocery store it was about 56 F.  When I came out I could see my breath.  The temperature had dropped that rapidly.  My back storm door is all frosted over now.

I have tried and tried to call big brother Harry to wish him a happy birthday, but he doesn't answer his phone.  I will try again tomorrow, Sunday.

HAPPY IS THE SOUL

 THAT FEARS THE LORD!

IN WHOM DOES HE TRUST,

AND WHO DOES HE SUPPORT?

THE EYES OF THE LORD

ARE ON THOSE WHO

LOVE HIM:

*

SIRACH 34:15,16

-

END

WATER WORLD

It has rained all of last night, most of today, and is supposed to be thunderous and brightly flashing-lit up...tonight.  I guess I will get my bucket out.  With the last storm, I think the leaky roof was from wind-driven rain...and we are supposed to get wind tonight.

I watched one DVD today and will start on the HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY tomorrow.  It looks pretty interesting.  I accidentally rented a "R" rated movie this afternoon.  I tried to cancel it, but it was too late.  I shut the TV off and let it run it's course.  I hate paying $7.00 for a movie I couldn't-wouldn't watch.

I am having cravings for food.  This evening I got a steak out and cooked it in butter.  It was so good!  I am tired of chicken-cluck-cluck.  I also have a craving for chocolate. I haven't given into that...yet.

*

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES,

DO GOOD TO THOSE

WHO HATE YOU,

BLESS THOSE WHO

CURSE YOU,

PRAY FOR THOSE

WHO MISTREAT YOU.

*

Luke 6:27,28

*

The Lord God took the man

and placed him in the garden

of Eden to till it and keep it.

*

GEN. 2:15

-

END

CATS ARE FUNNY

This was a good day to get out into the yard and do some spring cleanup.  I got most of all the trash, Styrofoam cups, candy wrappers, food wrappers, and plastic bags that have blown in from the two yards on either side of me, raked and bagged.  Plus, I picked up a lot of small twigs and branches from my own tree and from next door, as well.  Most of it is bagged for pick-up next week.  I do have some work to go.  I need to go over the yard with the fan rake and also rake off a small area in front of the old motor home.

A small cat came to help me, catching small bugs or grubs and eating them as I raked.  Then the small cat became bored and ran off to try to catch a squirrel.  No luck with that, even climbing the tree as high as he could go.  Cats just can't scamper along wires and very thin branches.  Finally the kitty gave up, came down the tree without any help, and went flying across the yard on the other side of the street.  It was fun just watching that little cat chase, try to ambush, and finally give it up as a bad idea  It is a good little mouser, too.  A few days ago it came across my driveway with a mouse it had caught.

Anyway, the rivers are all up.  The White River, the Wabash, and of course, the big 'ol Ohio are burbling along, singing a watery song..high..high..high...blurb...blurb...blurb.  I am happy to be up above flood stage.  It is supposed to rain buckets-about 1 1/2 inches Friday and into Saturday.  As I know that I won't be doing outside work tomorrow, I have no set idea of what I will do for the day.  Work?  Nah...!

I have had a craving for bread.  I haven't been eating much bread lately while I try to cut back and lose some weight.  While my weight loss fluctuates between seven and eight pounds, I am not in a rush to
lose pounds rapidly. So, I gave in to my cravings this evening. Peanut Butter and honey  on toast-twice.  So good.  Now I can get back to the busness of watching my diet.

*

AND I WILL SET UP

ONE SHEPHERD

OVER THEM,

AND HE SHALL

FEED THEM,

EVEN MY SERVANT

DAVID.

HE SHALL FEED THEM,

AND HE SHALL

BE THEIR SHEPHERD.

*

EZECHIEL 34: 23

*

END

I got a little gas today-$10.00 dollars worth, or just slightly over two gallons of petro-gold.  It got me to where I wanted to go which wasn't all that far.  I went to the library and to Captain D's.  The fish tasted better than the gas.

I got a couple DVR's and a book to read.  The DVR is number 1 of a series of THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY.  I believe it is one of six produced by the BBC.  The other DVR is about the shows of LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE, also produced by the BBC.  I have enjoyed a lot of British shows on PBS over the years.

Tomorrow is to be another nice day an my intention is to get out and rake the front yard and make it look half-way presentable in this high class neighborhood.  Then it will appear to be one of the better looking yards on this side of the street. HA!  For a day, anyway.  I noticed my neighbor's trash all over the back alley and some of it rolling down and away.  "Fences good neighbors make," the higher the better.

This evening I have been shredding junk mail.  It seems like I am forever shredding trash mail-stuff with my name on it.  No wonder that ID theft is so rampant. 

I have not listened to the news or watched it all day.  I just don't want to know how bad the world has become. 

*

GATHERING,  I WILL GATHER TOGETHER

ALL THINGS FROM OFF THE FACE

OF THE LAND, SAITH THE LORD.

I WILL GATHER MAN AND BEAST.

I WILL GATHER THE BIRDS OF THE AIR,

AND THE FISHES OF THE SEA;

AND THE UNGODLY WILL MEET

WITH RUIN:

AND I WILL DESTROY MAN

FROM THE FACE OF THE LAND,

SAITH THE LORD.

*

Sophonias 1: 2-3
 *
I heard a guy  on the radio predict that the "end" will be on May 21-hope I can can-and all of you, get my/your gardens in before that!

END

Another day, another dollar...or less.  For me, a lot less.  I got my prescriptions filled today for the sum of $170.78.  The Travitan eye qtts. cost $104.00 alone.  And you must buy the qtts. if you want to keep your eyesight.  At least it will last for a while, but the Alphagan, at $45.00, will last about 30 days.  Well, I enjoy reading and seeing where I am going...so I guess I will keep getting the stuff.

Chicken Noodle and Tomato Soup are on sale this week for 2/$1.00 so I guess I will get several cans.  My gas tank sits on empty and gas is $3.38 at the moment.  I don't have any crackers to take with my medicine and my cow ran off, so I need to buy milk.   Waaa!  How do families make it?  "Do not turn off your Television.  We control your Television," and your life and your bank account and your life blood.   According to some talk radio hosts, "THEY" even control the weather.  Hmm.

Harry has a birthday this week.  He thinks he's old, but he really isn't.  Aging is just a state of mind...his mind, not mine.  He will always be my big brother, and in my mind I will always see him as young, strong and with a full head of hair.  LOL!

I have some old 8 tack music carts and I was thinking of selling them as they are now collectible, but decided to keep them.  You can't get much for them, even if they becoming rare. I have a stereo that has an 8 track player in it...I'll bet these are becoming hard to find, too.

I watched the old TRUE GRIT  on TV tonight.  You can't redo a  classic.  You can't replace John Wayne.  The new remake of the movie may work for the younger generation, but it doesn't work for me. 

*

EACH MAN SHOULD GIVE

WHAT HE HAS DECIDED

IN HIS HEART TO GIVE...

FOR GOD LOVES

A CHEERFUL GIVER

*

2 Corinthians 9:7

END