And the thunder rolls ...

It's Random 5 Friday at Nancy's place.


1. What a day it's been. I started cutting grass before 9 AM. It was hard to breathe even at that time of morning. The humidity was high. It was hazy and, in spots, looked smoky.

2. I took a few breaks because I didn't want to dehydrate myself. Finally finished the grass at about 4:30. The wind blew grass and dirt all over me. That's not good when you're sweaty 'cause it sticks to the skin. I hosed myself off before I came inside and headed straight for the shower. By the time I got out of the shower, thunder was booming, wind blowing, Samson was a nervous wreck and the rain was pouring. Just in time. :-)

 

3.  I got an automated call from the power company. Tuesday the power will be out from 8 AM until 2 PM for maintenance. I've never received a call like that before but I'm appreciative they were considerate. I'll plan accordingly.

 

4.  Since I returned to Plum Hollow in 2004. I've wanted to get chickens and goats. Thus far, I have neither. My close friend of mine has chickens now. Silkies. Very pretty little fowl. I don't want Silkies but it's made me look more closely at getting chickens. Just a few ...

 

 

5. I'm participating in The Pink Scarf Project hosted by Vicki at 2 Bags Full. I haven't decided if I'm going to use some pink yarn I already have or use this great project as an excuse to purchase something new and beautiful and pink ... hmmm. Please take time to read my post below or click the link above to read about The Pink Scarf Project. I sincerely hope you will participate in making or purchasing a pink scarf for this worthy project.

 

Have a great weekend!



Pink Scarf Project

Whether you've been affected or not by breast cancer, I ask you to consider contributing a pink scarf, whether handmade or purchased to The Pink Scarf Project. Vicki at 2 Bags Full is hosting this endeavor and putting unimaginable effort and creativity into making this a beautiful and meaningful way to say "you're not alone". I know firsthand how one simple act of kindness can bring a lifetime of gratitude and appreciation and warm memories for years to come.

I've meant to do this for The Pink Scarf Project for quite a while but never took time to really look into it. Today, I did that and I want to pass on the information to you and ask that you take time to hand someone a smile and a gift that will last a lifetime. Recently, my cousin (9 girl cousins grew up in Plum Hollow, same as sisters) was diagnosed with breast cancer as her daddy (my momma's brother, a daddy to me too) lay in a hospital dying. It was difficult for us all. She caught it early, due to a series of events only God could orchestrate, and had a lumpectomy. Of course, we never know what tomorrow will bring but I am so grateful to God that she is well today.

If you don't want to take time to read through the post, here's the gist: purchase, crochet, weave, knit, whatever art you prefer to make a neck scarf for a breast cancer patient/survivor. The color is pink. Other colors are acceptable with it, but it should be predominantly a shade of pink. That, after all, is the color that symbolizes breast cancer. I've included below the mailing address for the scarves. I ask, at some point before you mail your scarf, that you read the entire post and view the beautiful photos that Vicki has painstakingly staged for this spectacular event.

A special address for these donations has been created:

"Pink Scarf Project"

311 West Main Street

Grayson, Ky 41143 

(Please note that this address is for scarf donations only.)

 

Thank you for joining in ...

 

 

 

 

 

Like a heat wave ...

No rain and 90-plus degrees until the weekend ... think I'm complaining? Nope ... I'm just enjoying it all ...

Sunday Stillness

 

I'm linking with Janice at He Cares for You for Sunday Stillness. Stop by and visit her blog. It's quite nice. Whether you know the Lord or not, we all need a little peace and love in life and He can provide that if we allow. We are created by God Almighty. I think of Him as I think of oxygen: I cannot actually see him, as I cannot see oxygen but I need him as desperately as I need oxygen.

 

Job 12:7-9 - But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you.  Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?

Random 5 Friday

It's Random 5 Friday at Nancy's Journal!

1. The Norfolk Southern coal train is passing by my house right now. This means that it will make its return trip at approximately 2 AM. I thought I'd never sleep through the train when I first moved back here. When I was growing up, it had stopped running. It started up again around 1979 but not on such a strict schedule as it does now. The coal mine a few miles from my home will be producing for decades to come, if allowed.

2. The low-hanging clouds proved the weather conditions yesterday. Steamy, hot and sweaty day.

3. I ran into an old friend while grocery shopping yesterday. We hadn't seen each other in about 18 years. We both stopped shopping, made our purchases and headed across the street for a Mexican lunch. The restaurant just happened to be a favorite of us both. We had such an enjoyable three hours. Now I have to finish shopping this evening. ha

4. Samson, my dog, was sick through the night. We had to get up several times for him to go out to eat some grass. He has acid reflux. I got online around 3 AM to search for remedies. I didn't see any "natural" remedies but I see that some people give their dogs Prilosec and similar prescription meds. Has anyone any experience with a dog having acid reflux? Any suggestions are appreciated.

5. I've not watched the news in about a week and have no idea what is going on in the world. That's a terrible thing to say even though it's true. Sometimes, I have to take a break from it all.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Hop on over to Nancy's Journal and join in on Random 5 Friday.

Hodgepodge

When a summer morning has low-hanging clouds like this, it's a sure sign that day will be a scorcher. I went outside near midnight and it was way too hot and humid for me.

 

These wildflowers grow along the highway rather heavily. They're a solid mass for miles. I remember the first season they began to grow along our roadsides. My granny and I were sitting on her front porch and she pointed them out, asking if I'd seen them before. That was spring 1982. I had not. She and I decided a bird had dropped us something new to enjoy while solving the problems of the world, while sitting in the swing of her front porch. It's a poor-quality photo. This bunch of flowers is probably 90-100 feet from where I was when I snapped the photo.

 

The rain stopped for a bit. The flowers were looking a little water-logged but have perked up in a few hours of sunshine. These are purple verbena. The striped and solid blooms are both from the same plant.

 



This little fellow was out with his family last evening eating some of that sweet clover.

 

Another storm came upon us last night. Severe winds. Heavy rains. It's been feast or famine here for the past year. Last summer was drought; this summer floods. I'm happy with whatever the day brings. Happy to live through it and see what the next day brings. I hope this day brings you joy. 

 

 



Monday, Monday ...

 

My African Violet is blooming. I love this flower. I don't love how tiny cat hairs and dust attaches to its leaves. I have an old small toothbrush that I sometimes give them a light brush. It's obvious I've not done that in a while. ha 

 



Bee balm. Reminds me of a raggedy rooster comb. I love the color. The yellow flower behind is one I don't know the name of. It's pretty and bright. I'll get a better photo and maybe someone can let me know. It's the only flower I've been so stumped on. One told me it was evening primrose but I know that is not correct. Its blooms open during the day.

I've been bombarded with hummingbirds this year. Seems like they particularly love the pink verbena. I have another that is purple and white but they're not quite so eager for it. Look at its little toes in this photo. They're so tiny. She hung out with me for a while.

I can't express the relief I felt when I looked at Weather Bug radar and saw no precipitation in the skies for this day. The sun is shining right now and is predicted to shine all day. Hallelujah! I'll be outside cleaning up what I can by picking up tree branches and debris that the rains and winds have scattered about. Then. Then I have massage therapy (not as chic as it sounds ... the kind I get is painful) and chiropractic adjustment. This weekly session keeps me moving. I've not been for a few weeks because I've had a UTI and I'm really feeling rough.

Wishing you a great Monday!