What’s a personal mantra or philosophy you live by?
There’s no doubt that I’ve said this many times before, but the guiding belief that has stuck with me since I first heard it is the Golden Rule, which is found in so many spiritual traditions.
Treat others how you would like to be treated.
Sure, someone could argue against this, but I’m sticking with it. It’s served me well through many adventures.
Ah, Queen butterflies. The blue mist flowers also serve well.
Things were pretty good today, and work went fine.
Even with doggie help, it was fine.
I did notice that my toes were still a bit sore from all that hill climbing last week. I took the nail polish from when I was in Florida and discovered why. I probably should have brought my hiking boots to New Mexico, even though space was limited in the car.
That’s bruising, in addition to other stuff.
Hiker’s toe, it’s called. It’s caused by repeatedly banging your toes into your shoes going downhill. All that ugliness will grow out. And I’m going to treat for fungus, too. But yuck, this is what I get for painting my toenails—I didn’t catch it soon enough.
I knew you were wondering about the other foot. Cutting the nail too short did not fix the problem.
As Kathleen was telling me today, things could be worse. So I’ll treat those feet and remember to bring my good boots next time I go hill walking. At least I CAN climb hills!
Not too many pictures today, since all we did was drive from Ruidoso to Cameron. Lee did a great job driving, and we lucked out and hardly hit any rain.
There were some good clouds, though.
I think we all had a good time on this trip. We got along quite well! I guess it helps that we’re old friends for the most part.
More clouds, somewhere in Texas
When we dropped Anita off at her house, we were surprised to be greeted by a very large fallen limb. It barely missed her car, which is a relief. I guess there was a pretty good storm in Cameron yesterday! No pics, because it was dark. We did get about an inch of rain, which is okay.
The dogs were very happy to see us, as were their fleas. Our pest control situation is messed up and needs to be fixed. Kathleen is on it!
Benito Burrito is too jumpy to photograph.
TW: bad ranch news. Catherine, go do something else.
While we were gone, Alfred got sick, wouldn’t eat, and barfed up green stuff. It turns out he was eating my dang goldfish. It’s really difficult to have nice things on a ranch with ranch animals. He seems better now, though Kathleen had to do a LOT of cleanup. Unpleasant cleanup. She said it smelled like a tropical island when she was done!
The next bit is worse. Somehow a fox family moved into our unused chicken roost, dug under, and ate/killed at three chickens. Kathleen valiantly tried to save them, and she had a big mess on her hands afterwards. There is one less fox.
I’m sad about it, but honestly, these guys lasted longer than most chickens I’ve tried to raise. The guys did a good job vermin-proofing the chicken area. And Kathleen reports that the turkeys seem pretty happy alone in their kingdom.
That’s enough bad news. The rain was good news, though it filled up the hole where the concrete is supposed to go for the rainwater collection tanks. I do wish that could have happened when it was dry for two months, but it didn’t work out.
Photo from Kathleen.
Now I’m wearing face and foot pampering things from Rebecca the nail person. She always sends this stuff, so I should use it, especially on my sunburned face from yesterday. That will prepare me for work!
I hadn’t planned to answer this, but seeing as it’s vital to me right now, I can share my seemingly endless supply of self care practices. Do I practice a lot of self care? Indeed I do. Do I feel bad about it? Nope. Right now it’s very important to care for our tender hearts. To balance the negativity around us with positive energy, we need to protect our energy so we can share some. Not all!
So, what do I do? Here is an incomplete list:
Every morning I sit with Lee on the porch drinking coffee and looking at birds. It’s a gentle start to a day.
I also do my Finch self-care birb app before I start working. I do deep breathing, list some positive thoughts, reach out to others and have gentle fun with friends on the app.
During work days I try to get out and walk at least twice, to get the mail, feed the fish, etc. Mail and fish both are fun and (usually) relaxing.
I limit exposure to the political news. I find positive news to read about.
I do my nails weird colors and patterns. It forces me to take a break and do something just for me every week. Like my knitting and crocheting, the process is more important for my self care than the product.
I make sure to spend time with friends and family. I have two online meetings per week with friends, plus my monthly tarot group. And I have lunch every Wednesday with a group of women who support each other and make me laugh. I often meet friends for breakfast or dinner, and I try to have good conversations with my local family as much as possible. They are positive and care for us.
The horses, dogs, and poultry are part of my self care. Sure, feeding and caring for animals can be a chore, but it makes me feel good to interact with them. And it gets me out of the house.
Blogging is also self care. I work things out in my mind when I write, and I enjoy the conversations with others than blog entries can start. It’s part of community building, and since my audience is small, I don’t have to deal with unkind comments. Thank you, readers.
Whew. That’s a lot. In today’s self care, my tarot group met tonight, and I got the most sad and negative bunch of cards ever. It just confirms that I’m going through a challenging phase. The good news is that it pointed to Lee as someone to help guide me past this and return to equilibrium. There’s always going to be positive and negative “stuff” floating around, after all.
Positive: I made my nails all sparkly.
And as for stuff, all our “stuff” is now flowing through new pipes as it heads toward the septic tank.
The pad will be centered around the window in the photo
Now that hurdle is passed, the prep for all our future concrete paths and the massive pad for the water tank can continue. It’s quite a project!
Penney found a used piece of pipe and really enjoyed it. Yuck!
I managed to get some sleep last night (sooo quiet in my little hotel room). I woke a little early, and since I didn’t want to drink coffee before a dental procedure, I spent some quality time in the hotel parking lot, which abuts an established neighborhood in Cedar Park, Texas. When I first moved to Texas, the property was a beautiful pecan orchard (now called Pecan Park). Some trees remain.
They did save some trees in the parking lot.
I had a great time listening to and viewing birds. I saw some interesting ones, including a pair of Yellow Warblers and a Redstart. The area along US 183 where the hotel is gets many fascinating migrating birds, not necessarily the same ones we see (but it’s the same flyway).
This crow puffed out with every loud caw.
Most of the plants I saw were non-natives, including some unpopular invasives. I did enjoy some pretty hackberry berries and cheerful drought-resistant plants.
Well, even though I dawdled talking to a lady walking her dog about the coyote population of this area (high), I had to go to the dentist to get fitted for my crown. This involved yet more drilling and poking around, so Dr. Pham put in lots and lots of anesthetic stuff. I did my best to breathe and get through it, but as soon as he was done, I felt shaky. Then, wham, my back started spasming again! Dang! It wasn’t as bad as last time, but still pretty awful.
I got through the drilling and getting an impression made. But the impression was bad, so they had to do it again. I lost my ability to joke around with Patty the technician. I was out of patience, sort of like I was on that rain delay on the plane recently. I was out of spoons, as they say. Then it took forever to fit the temporary crown. Bite down, tap tap, bite down, tap tap.
Afterward. Looks like I had a stroke. .
Geez. I was a crumpled mess, but I made it home, and when I talked to my friends online, I felt better after their organ recital (nearly everyone was suffering from something). And after my friend Barbara mentioned that her minister mentioned Supergirl in a sermon and agreed with me that the older ones looked better, I was able to smile. Thank goodness for friends!
Later between work meetings, I looked up what it means if you get back spasms after dental anesthesia. Here’s what it said.
In sum: it’s epinephrine and/or an adrenaline spike
Hooray, I’m not that weird, even if it’s never happened in over 20 years at my dental practice. It does make sense. The spasms didn’t start until that horrible tooth pulling episode. So, what to do? I can ask for the epinephrine to be removed. That makes the shots last less time. No thanks. Or I could take a muscle relaxer or tranquilizer. I’ll try that next time I need the needle. Lucky for me, my next two appointments are the fitting of the crown and a routine cleaning. If that man thinks I’ll get another crown anytime soon he’s deluded.
The heat got to me all day, but I got the chores done. I hugged Apache a lot. It’s his best talent, tolerating hugs.
He appreciated his dinner.
My family pampered me this evening. I really appreciate the Japanese noodle dinner from Lee and the cupcakes Kathleen brought back from her time in Temple. I wish spiders would leave her alone!
Good night from this flatulent fellow. We found out he’s two years old, by the way.
Yes, I can. Today a lot got done around the house, and some of it was by me! I can dig that. I managed to go to the #1 Cameron meeting place, the bakery, and not be late. That’s because I mis-remembered the meeting time. So I got to talk to all the employees and other friends while I waited for Mike and Martha. We discussed our upcoming trip to Ruidoso (for longer this time).
My view as I waited. There’s a kid quietly playing in the kid area. A nice change of pace.
I steeled myself to be cheerful and positive as I did all the errands I was too slothful to do last week. I paid more for gas today than I ever have in my life. For some reason that inspired me to give the random sad-looking person sitting outside the station the change from buying my soda. Maybe it balanced out my irritation at the gas prices.
The first cheerful sight today was three Great Egrets all at once. That’s unusual here.
On my way to Tractor Supply to get animal feed in Rockdale, I passed all my favorite political candidates and waved. I also noted yard signs and a billboard. Wow! That cheered me up enough to enjoy the folks at Tractor Supply even when I had to wait to get loading help (I have tweaked my back). I got a shirt that says “Positive Vibes” to commemorate my improved mood. ) I could dig that, too!
I’m a RAY OF SUNSHINE ☀️
Next I headed to the pharmacy, because I couldn’t drag myself over there to pick up a prescription before it expired. The bonus was my expensive prescription my insurance won’t pay was also ready. AND they had time to vaccinate me for flu and COVID, which we elders need. The new pharmacist is a very sweet young man who’s fun to talk to. He has a button earring. It’s so cute. I’m glad one of the new pharmacists is nice, since my favorite one finally escaped (I’m going into all this detail to show I made an effort to be a good influence in the world today.)
Oh look, another egret.
There was actual digging at the ranch today! The next phase of our water retention setup got into motion. It was great to see our ancient backhoe finally fixed and back at work! It’s more than a lawn ornament!
The dirt has to be dug away to build the foundation for the water tank next to the house, as well as pumps and filters. It was interesting to be reminded just how much dirt we brought in to create our foundation and get the drainage right. The black at the bottom of the reddish fill is the black land clay.
The white pipe is the sewer line that must move.
All went well with the digging except the sewer line out of our bathrooms got nicked. It was going to have to be moved anyway, it turns out. I’m relieved to report it’s fixed enough to work until the line gets moved into its new position.
The dogs love all the dirt.
There’s a lot of precise measurement required to do all the digging correctly, and I’m really impressed that the huge machine can be made to do such fine work. We’re lucky to have a resident tractor ballet expert at our house!He can dig it, very well!
Even sickly Harvey got down in the dirt
What did Lee and I do during all the digging? We’ve been watching Lee’s favorite YouTube channel, which is a guy in Canada who does bookbinding. (Find the videos under Four Keys Book Arts.) What a complex process that is! The guy has a very pleasant demeanor, so calm and relaxed that you almost miss his puns.
Three books the guy bound for the author Andy Weir. The video series was called Project Hail Andy.
My favorite parts are when he does paper marbling and leather tooling, but it’s all more interesting than you might expect. I do think it’s funny that we’ve turned into people who spend their weekends watching stuff like this, but it’s certainly less stressful than the news.
If your pet could talk, what would be the first thing it says?
Feed me. Now I need a nap.
SleepyAsleepWaiting to eat
I’m worried about various illnesses. Dogs have bad allergies (Penney got steroids). Black widows are on the prowl again. My mental health is slipping—I can’t make myself do things i know I need to do. I just want to read.
I itch.
I guess I couldn’t do much outside anyway, since they fertilized the field across the road and it smells like a very ripe diaper. I still have humor.
Today I rested, as a worker I supposed to do on Labor Day. You’re also supposed to protest, so once again I’ll complain about the irony of being a contractor and being told not to work, but also not get it as a paid holiday. Sheesh. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
I’m not paying attention, Suna. I’m just glad you’re home.
I’ll just answer the blog prompt, then. You can answer too, unless you don’t fly, of course.
Favorite airport? I have a few I like, especially any airport with clean terrazzo floors. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one I recently visited with great floors, interesting seating, and lots of light. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it looked.
Weird seats, shiny floors, lights. Myrtle Beach.
My other favorite airport is Hilton Head Island, also in South Carolina. It’s tiny, intimate, and oh-so-easy to get in and out of. I think they’re expanding it, which is sort of a bummer.
Runners-up include Greensboro/High Point, North Carolina, with just enough space for a friendly bar if you need one, and Portland, Oregon.
Some American hub
Least favorite airport? Just about any huge hub like Dallas, Houston, or Atlanta. I have PTSD about O’Hare thanks to being there on 9/11, so I’ll add it to the list.
Outside the US, I like Toronto and I really don’t like Heathrow. Thanks to marrying a non-flyer, I don’t get to go many places outside the US anymore.
Feel free to share your favorites!
I’m glad to be back to be with all the birds. I missed them. I restocked the feeders and sat in the birding hut a while, even though it’s still darned hot. The new shades that were put up for me help a lot. My garden spider companion didn’t mind me one bit!
Air can come through, but the sun is blockedWaiting for birdsMrs Spider
I’m also glad to be back with the family, too. Travel is fun but regular routine and being a hermit are also good.
I was really happy to have Penney take a nap on my lap this evening. She seems less anxious about Benito being around.
If you could erase one event from history, what would it be?
I think I’d rather stick with “the devil you know.” The possibility of preventing one atrocity that leads to a worse one makes me leery of even contemplating erasing an event. There always seems to be another evil lurking in the wings after one’s eliminated.
That’s also why I don’t wish anyone, even my least favorite human, would die earlier than nature intends. Just think about what may happen next. Or not. That leads to disregulation.
Breathe and think about birds, trees, or cute little dogs. I happen to have an example dog. This is a series of Benito playing.
He’s chewed the ear off this one. I love that thing his mouth doesWhy won’t the fleas die?Thinking about mischief I’m innocent Is that toy behind me?Found itGrrDive!Got itToss!Pounce!I’ll get it!Now to sit and chew a while
Who writes these prompts? I guess I can’t imagine anyone really wanting to erase an event. But maybe I read too much science fiction as a youth.
We have a better idea about what at least two of our dogs are made of, now that Carlton and Benito’s Embark tests have come back. There were mysteries solved and theories confirmed, too. My guess is that Penney’s swab didn’t take, because hers didn’t come back.
You don’t need DNA results for us. We are obviously American Stair Dogs. (They spend much of their days here. Penney is trained to move her front paws when I approach.)
I was pretty sure Benito was not the purebred Chihuahua that he was purchased as. People guessed he had Fox Terrier or Miniature Pinscher.
100% cute
I was right about our little fellow. At least one of his parents was a mutt.
My guess is that one grandparent was a total mutt. The Poodle surprised me, though.
I never had any good guesses about Carlton other than there must be some pit bull in there. And there had to be some breeds with the Merle gene.
We had a nice rest this evening. He’s my big lap dog.
It turns out Carlton is a big ole mix, as we knew, but there are some good surprises in there.
What???
He’s about as pitty as I expected but the Mountain Cur thing threw me for a loop. I didn’t know we had any of those here. We do have lots of cowdogs that they call curs, but I thought those were mostly Black Mouth Curs. Seeing the ACD in there makes me surmise one parent was a working dog with those breeds mixed in. Then the other parent was probably a small dog that looked like a lab. Carlton has carefully hidden his Chihuahuan heritage. That’s a hoot.
Who knew? (AI image)
Who knows how it works out? They are both quite the mixes! And I know enough to take these analyses with a grain of salt. I would have loved seeing what breeds contributed to Harvey, but there was no way he was gonna let me swab his saliva!
I didn’t pay the extra money to get their health analysis. Benito should be hardy now that his heart worms are treated. And I know Carlton has weird eyes. That’s enough.
Yeah, the last couple of days have been fairly low stress, with just a couple of bobbles. Also the blog prompts are so repetitive that I didn’t feel like answering the last few. Nonetheless, there have been highlights.
Harvey looking precious is a highlight.
Master Naturalist meeting was last night, and I even made the end of the Board meeting (but missed some ruffled feelings, thankfully). A highlight of the meeting was getting a photo with all our living Presidents as our current one received a commemorative Bald Eagle pin.
That was pretty cool!
The other highlight has been Stumpy’s growing popularity with its avian buddies. We now have little flocks of House Sparrows vying for stump space, as well as Cardinals seeking out their sunflower seeds. My patience has really paid off! Here are blurry phone photos to prove it. I’ll have to bring out the good camera now that there’s something to photograph.
Look at all the birds in the tree awaiting their turn. Popular Stumpy
I’ve felt good about work, because I’ve hit a few deadlines, but I’m glad the weekend is here. We had a pleasant dinner with my son and his partner at the new restaurant in town, which always is a pleasure. I do enjoy the little downtown area.
Barn Swallows
It rained somewhere near here this evening, but not here. We are back in crispy season, with extreme heat and brown plants. I’m glad to have water to look at here! Tomorrow I’m working with the water garden some more, too.
