Shalom

 

Late August

It’s hard to believe it is already late August but the ever changing calendar, and the crickets chirping day and night, assures us it is indeed. 

We were blessed with a short reprieve from the brutal heat so I took full advantage and spent most of my day sitting on the back porch.  That hasn’t been possible for months because of the strange weather we have had all this year.  First, it seemed as if it would rain forever then I woke up, one morning, and it was suddenly and without warning, one of the hottest months on record.  And it hasn’t let up until today.  It will be very short lived and will be extremely hot again all next week.  

But for a little while, I enjoyed sitting on the porch with a cup of tea and a book.  In an instant, I was transported to a place that not many know of.  A place of quiet, peace, and restfulness. A place filled with love and the scent of cinnamon and flowers. A place where one feels cozy and safe. For just a moment, I sat on the porch of a small, old cottage with my faithful, furry friend right beside me. Neither one of us had a care in the world. For a bit, I was home.  At my little fairytale home of Bramblewood.   

Oh, how wonderful it is to daydream!  Even at 63 years old!  I’ve struggled to let go enough to do it these past few months, though.  I’m happy for this little dream. 

Do you daydream?  Where do you go when you allow yourself to dream? 

Lawsy mercy, but it's hot.

 

B'day and Dog Days

Hello friends!

It's my birthday!  I've been stomping around for 63 years!  I don't think it's been that long but my siblings assure me it has (they are both approaching 60 and love to remind me how old I am and how much younger they are... 5 & 6 yrs younger).  Ha!

Just so happens it is also the last day of "Dog Days of Summer".  UNLESS you live in Oklahoma, Texas or Arkansas.  We have about three more months of living on the face of the sun, but I digress.  I thought it would be fun to share a bit about the Dog Days history.

The term “Dog Days” has been used for millennia to describe the hottest, most sweltering weeks of the Northern Hemisphere summer. Ancient peoples linked it with both astronomy and folklore, often viewing it as a time of drought, disease, or unrest.

Today, the phrase evokes images of lazy summer days—but its origins tell a story of stars, calendars, and centuries of observation.

This period of intense heat coincides with the heliacal rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. The Greeks believed its brilliance intensified the summer sun, and its name, “Sirius” (σείριος), even means “scorching.” The Dog Days span from July 3 to August 11(40 days), following the summer solstice. These are traditionally the hottest and most humid weeks of the year.

Roman poet Virgil wrote that Sirius “brings drought and plague to frail mortals” when it rises. Farmers would watch the skies and adjust planting and harvesting schedules based on this superstitious guidance.

Even today, old weather sayings reflect these beliefs, such as: “make hay while the Sun shines, for when old Sirius takes command of the weather, he is such an unsteady, crazy dog, there is no dependence upon him.

From Appalachia Lore:

Beware of swimming in natural bodies of water.

Beware of touching your bare feet to the morning dew.

Snakes are mean and blind.

Evil roams free and people are more liable to fight.

Woulds and injuries will not heal.

Being raised by a "hillbilly", I am sure there are many more so why not spend a lazy, dog day of summer googling to see what you can find.  Here is a recipe to sip on while you do.

***

Dog Days Iced Tea

Ingredients

7 bags black tea (English, Earl Grey, etc.)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 cup mint leaves and sprigs, divided

2 cups chilled orange juice

1 orange, sliced crosswise

1 lemon, sliced crosswise

ice cubes

Instructions

1. Brew a strong tea in about 10 cups of water. While still hot, add sugar and about a dozen mint leaves. Let cool.

2. Remove tea bags and mint; then add orange juice, fruit slices, and ice.

Serve over more ice, garnish with fresh mint sprigs, and add a fruit slice or two to each glass.

***

If you stuck around to the end, thank you!  Most of the information was taken from The Old Farmers Almanac.  There is much more on their site.

Not changing with the seasons anymore

Usually by this time I am dragging out Autumn decorations because my birthday in mid-August always says "it's almost Fall" to me.  I usually spend days cleaning and fluffing all the pretty colors.  I've always enjoyed changing out decor with the seasons but I've reached the age that I'm good with leaving things as they are.  Now I know there will probably be the obligatory vase of sunflowers, maybe a pumpkin or two, but nothing like I normally do.  I just don't see the point since I'm the only one that will see it...all that unpacking and repacking wears me out, too.  Mister wouldn't notice it at all.  I mean...he's a man!  Ha!  This year, I am simply going to add to what I already have going on.  

My living room will continue to be cozy and full of books, knick-knacks, baskets...Granny-fied, if you will.  I think they call it Granny-core these days.  Naturally, I will rearrange furniture and move this or that to another room.  That's just how I roll.

I had a little help from Ai with this picture but it is mostly my livingroom.  I wish I had that wallpaper but my walls are plain white *sad face*, and I don't have a rug because...well, dog hair!  My Mister would absolutely divorce me if I said we were hanging wallpaper!  HeHe!  I already have a list of too much stuff for us to do.  Maybe one day but in the meantime I'll imagine it just like this but if it never happen, it's good enough.  

As I've aged, I don't have the desire to follow all the wonderful content creators who change their decor all the time.  To spend tons of money and time to get that magazine cover look.  Oh, I've been that person but, at some point, I decided I am thankful for and happy with just living a cozy, unpretentious life.  Just my Mister, my furbabies and me.  Besides, I bet if you could get a look at the things they don't video or take pictures of, it doesn't look any better than yours and mine.  

So, I will not be OVER-decorating for Autumn and will only do enough for Christmas to make my Mister and the grands happy.  Other than that, not much will change.  Of course, I always look forward to finding a trinket or making something to put amongst the things I already have and I love dreaming of old fashioned wallpaper and "granny" stuff.  But if I never find another thing or get that wallpaper my home is safe, cozy and perfect just the way it is...and I thank God for it.

What!? August!!!???

How in the world are we already in the month of August!?  I tell you what, it blows my simple little mind how fast the years go by.  It doesn't help that this is my birthday month!  63 turns around the world in 10 days.  That is mind-blowing in itself!  Some days I feel it - other days I am sure I just turned 30 years old.  Ha!  

My Mister went to visit the Grandblessings for the weekend and I have taken advantage of it!  You know how it is.  You can't clean good when anyone else, but you, is in the house.  Maybe that's just me but I think it also has a lot to do with not having to be on a schedule to get the things done and have supper ready when he gets home.  After he is home, nothing gets done so many things get pushed to the side or I do just enough to keep it all somewhat tidy.  Anyhow, I took advantage of the long day.

I've been wanting to put up this knick-knack shelf for quite some time but I just never did.  For one thing, it is hard to find a stud in the proper place in this old house and I simply can't abide by off-centered wall decor.   I had those figurines on my bookshelf but the kitten, someone blessed us with, kept climbing on it and I was afraid she would knock them off.  Yeah...yeah...I know!  I am not a cat person and only want them if they are outside in the barn doing their job BUT that little thing was so tiny there is no way we could put her out there by herself.  Turns out she likes my husband better than me...I'm sure she thinks I'm the meanest human ever because of the spray bottle but she has to learn not to get on my table and cabinets or she will find herself outside.  Anyways, after last winter and the problem we had with mice, I'm willing to give her a chance.

It's August and you know what that means.  Time to start on the Grands quilts for Christmas.  I have three to make this year with the baby on the way.  Seems so strange to be talking about Christmas gifts and new babies.  

It has been so nice today.  A cool front came in last night and the north wind made it tolerable to sit out on the porch, this morning.  I haven't had many opportunities for that this year.  What with the monsoon season, we had from April through June, and the extreme heat and humidity since then, I am a sissy!  There I said it!  I'll own it.  I run out to take care of the animals twice a day and hardly stick my head out the rest of the time.  I thoroughly enjoyed my coffee out there this morning.  It will be very short lived though.  Triple digits and high humidity will return Monday.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope you enjoyed this little post.  Please come back soon!

Hot and SURPRISE!

My word!  I don't know how people wore all those clothes during the heat of summer!  I'd probably be doing more than hiking up my skirt tail!  Has it been hot where you are?  It has been brutal here.  We were 107* with 90% humidity and no wind, the other day.  We've been blessed with a bit of a reprieve, at 97* with 90% humidity, today, but the heat is building back in.  The weekend and all next week will be in the triple digits with high humidity.  Such is life in Oklahoma.

Anyone reading any good summer books?  Nothing heavy just good, clean, light-hearted reads?  I haven't read anything since "Theo of Golden", during the winter months, which was a great book but it was heavy...lots to ponder in that one.  I want something short, sweet and funny.  Any ideas?

My sweet granddaughter will be here for the weekend.  That means lots of antiquing and thrifting!  She definitely got my love for those things.  Y'all!  Did I tell you she is now 16 and a licensed driver?  I know some of you remember her from the small years.  Can you believe it?  I'm shaking my head for sure.  

Mentioning my granddaughter...her and my precious 10 year old grandson will soon have a baby brother.  I may or may not have told y'all this already!  Complete surprise but God knew!  Neither of those kiddos will admit to being excited about it but they are!  One is always wanting to buy stuff for the baby and the other wants to see all the updates from the doctor!  LoL.   All I care about is my daughter's health(she's 36 and high risk) and the health of the baby.  That's it!  

Well, I guess that is all.  I just wanted to come in and post something since it has been awhile...AGAIN!  I get to pottering around and time passes before I know it!  

Thanks for stopping in and tell me about the books you are reading or want to read!

Wishing you a...

 

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day.

Well...This happened.

 Well...this happened.

7ft big boy!  Yes, it's dead...deader than dead and I have no regrets!  Y'all keep your "it's a good snake" comments to yourself because every snake is considered a satanic cobra, around here, and will be dealt with accordingly.  

Oh but wait...there's more.

His little friend is dead too!  Again...not a regret to be had. I can only guess that it is mating season or there was about to be a battle of the demons...But more concerning...Can we talk about those clouds!?

That was a very serious hail core going over just north of us.  Big and destructive hail that left stripped trees and destroyed roofs, in it's wake.  

This is the leading edge of the cell that came over our place.  We did get hail but it was very small, however, there is more to come apparently.  Oh and the temperatures have dropped significantly.  Y'all...!

Back to the snake situation...These girls alerted my Mister and so wanted to get a big bite of snake sushi!  They get extra bedtime treats, tonight!  Good girls!

And another situation...

Sir Duke was none too sure about the Monsieur Roo situation happening right next to him.  He laid there stiff as a board and only moved his eyes to see what was happening.  As soon as the rooster wandered off, Duke jumped up and ran to the door!  Ferocious Pitt-y!

Well, there you go!  Glad you stopped by, aren't you?  LoL

Tuesday 4 - Hello May

 

Hello May!

Welcome friends!

This weeks Tuesday 4 in memory of our friend Toni Taddeo is from Mary who blogs at Visits With Mary. and it's all about the month of May.   Thanks Mary!

 Hello May

1. May’s First Glimpse — What is the very first thing you notice or feel when May arrives each year?

It's either tornadoes or heat that will make you question your existance.  It's one or the other here in Oklahoma.  So far neither have happened this year.

2. Simple May Joys — What small pleasures do you look forward to in May — flowers, breezes, routines, or traditions?

Being able to go outside without a sweater, however, this year...especially today...I definitely had to dress warmly.  What is up with this weather?  Other than that, I look forward to being able to sit on the porch and drink my coffee while watching the hummingbirds having their breakfast.

3. May Memories — Do you have a favorite May memory from childhood, family life, or recent years?

My baby sister was born in May.  She went to be with Jesus in 2020 so I don't get to send her cards or talk to her.  Other than that, May is just one of those months that slide into the next.

4. May Intentions — What gentle goals or hopes do you carry into this new month?

Not much.  Just want to protect my peace.  I would like to go see my Aunt who will turn 93 in June but the gas prices are making me cringe with the thought of a five hour drive down there.

Just stop...be done.

I have had to "Just be done".  Not that I wanted to but for my own peace and for the sake of what years I have left on this earth, I've had to.  For years, 18 years to be exact, I have been second best for my daughter.  Well maybe I'm rated that high but I doubt it.  And my son, just lets time get away from him (so he says).

Anyhow, I've had to let it go.  I can't continue living my life hoping my kids will call, stop by or just want to hang out for awhile.  My heart can't take the disappointment any longer.  I am not writing this for pity because I know there are lots of Mama's who are in the same boat.  I am here to tell you all... Just stop.  

Last week, while I was wallowing in my self-pity, I came across a video on Youtube.  I'm sure it is Ai generated but it spoke volumes.  If you are in the same place, I've found myself in, again and again, over the years, I hope you will watch this video.

I don't have a next door neighbor named May and I don't have a church down the road that has Thursday lunch for their Seniors so that part doesn't really help me... BUT... I have stopped calling.  I have stopped asking my kids when they were coming by.  I have stopped expecting them to do anything.  I stopped...

Does this make me sad?  Absolutely!  I won't lie about that.  Am I still sitting here day in and day out with just my dogs, to keep me company, until my husband gets home from work.  Yep.  The difference is...they don't live in my head and my broken heart anymore.  Of course I still love them, pray for them, and want them to be blessed.  And sure, I will be right there if something happens.  But I no longer let the heartache steal my peace.  

Dear one, if this sounds like you, know that I see you...I hear you!  Please leave a comment so I can pray for you.  

Grace & Peace,

Pam