Wednesday Musings

Facebook is still very political, so I search for funny things to post and don't take sides very often. It seems if I make a point, my sister gives me an argument. I have noticed others can say what they want, but not me. So I try to mind my manners and not get caught up in the political squables. I was hungry for biscuits this morning, so I made some. I don't have a flour bowl as some of the old timey southern women do. I used a biscuit mix today. I even used sweet milk since I was out of buttermilk. I really couldn't taste any difference. They were good. I just put the mix into a bown and poured what I thought was enough milk. There is not too much of a mess on the counter either. I have rolled them out between two sheets of waxed paper, but haven't had to do that in a while. I must say they hit the spot, and were actually quite good. I also made pumpkin muffins this morning. They were good as well. Since being in Myrtle Beach, I have read the Bible through once again, and have started through another time. What helps, I found Alexander Scourby on You Tube, who reads the Bible one book at a time. I have listened to him while making masks and lately making aprons. So far, I have made an apron for my grandson and my son to be given at Christmas time. Then I maded 3 for my younger daughter in WV, a granddaughter in WV, and a granddaughter here in Myrtle Beach. Those 5 aprons were in kits that my daughter Anita purchased. They were very nice, and had reversible patterns. That made them heavier. I also cut an apron from a pattern I had. I had some cute material of pictures of flip-flops. My grandson's wife came over and offered to buy it. haha I told her I wasn't selling any as I was getting ready for Christmas So guess what she is getting from me? I have enjoyed my days here. I grieve, but it is not debilitating. Thank the Lord for that. I am calling it a day. God bless.

I finally found my blog by accident. It has been a long time since I posted. A lot has happened. To catch up, my dad died Aug. 5, 2017. Bill was in the hospital on January 1, 2019. Somehow, I developed cellulitis in my left foot, and was almost ceptic when I went to the hospital a couple of days after hubby came home. I was in the hospital in my city and he went to the university hospital about 80 miles away. After we both got home, I was able to walk after 3 months, and drive the car. He had a TAVR in April and did well. At his week check up, the doctors said it was working perfectly. During those few weeks, I was able to take him for rides. We would drive to our river park, the historic section of town then home. He enjoyed our nightly rides. About a couple of weeks after, he fell while I had taken my daughter to the store. He would not go get checked out, and he had been through so much, I didn't have the heart to force him. He began having difficulty breathing. On May 29, 2019, he died in the bathroom. It was the most devasting day of my life. I miss him so much. His funeral was June 1, 2019, and my oldest daughter encouraged me to go to Myrtle Beach to stay with her. The first year, I had periods of deep depression. I panicked when I knew I was going to be alone. It took a year to finally say his name without breaking down. I have been able to listen to our CD. Hearing his voice comforts me. I always enjoyed hearing him sing. I finally can enjoy Myrtle Beach, and Covid-19 occurred. I spent all summer in quaranteen. I went to a beach house with my son for a couple of months. I enjoyed an ocean view. Two of my great-granddaughters stayed a couple of weeks. I went to the beach with them in April. I enjoyed my time at the ocean. On May 30, I came back to my daughter's house and began making masks. I made 127 of them. I have began playing piano at our church. The regular player had to take a medical leave. I feel as if I am in my element, but I won't mind when the regular player returns. I have been told it will be quite a while. So I think I have a few months of helping out. I am currently sewing aprons for Christmas presents. So I will be filling my days with sewing, and I listen to You Tube to learn Jazz rifts and styles. With visits from my great grandchildren, sewing, practicing music, my days will be full. For that I am grateful.

My Musings

Hearing political debates and interviews from various hopefuls gets me thinking. As I see in my generic big picture, the GOP would do away with Soc. Sec. That would be devasting to me and millions of those who rely totally on Soc. Sec. There would be deep cuts in entitlements that help the poor. Once again, corporations and the extremely wealthy would pay -0- taxes, while professing a huge tax percentage. On the other side, even the Pope admonished as a Biblical challenge, to help the poor and feed the hungry. While they may help the poor, their morality issues get an F-. Why should tax payers have to pay for abortions. Everyone has a choice, but I don't want to pay for your bad choices. In my estimation, sex should not be on a political forum. I don't give a hootif some man wants to be a woman, or a woman thinks she is a man. Don't flaunt it in my face, and expect me to give you any special preferences. Keep it in your own bedroom. What is this concept that we can speak of perversion openly, but we had better not mention Jesus. What has this world come to! I read about a time, in the not so distant past, that corporations shared huge profits with the employees. Not so today. The gap between the workers and the owner is great and getting greater. Employees work for minimum wage in a lot of places, while the corporation show huge, huge profits. That is the mentality of the country and corporations. I don't think of the American dream....I see the American greed. Maybe we need two presidents now. One to handle businees deals, and one to handle security. Or, perhaps our vice president should also be individually elected by the people for a job we want him to do, instead of being a runner up in a beauty pageant.

I believe in prayer. I just completed the Daniel Fast. I petitioned the Lord to free my children of their addictions. In earnest, I told the Lord to cleanse my home of all addictions. I prayed that he would cleanse me as well....I loathe usage of any form, but wanted a closer walk with the Lord. Sometime in that 21 days, I noticed I have not played my favorite Facebook game, Farmville, and my actual time on Facebook is about 5 or 6 minutes a couple of times a day.....not a couple of hours....Meanwhile, my children are still smoking....Back to my knees.

This morning it was -2 degrees with a windchill of -15....that's negative 15...Brrrrrr. At 3:00 pm., it is only 14. It has been a beautiful day. The sun is shining, and I believe the term is: fair. We have snow cover, so it is WINTER. So many of our friends and acquaintances have died over the past year. A old friend Esther Johnson died suddenly in the night. It is getting quite disconcerting; we are both 74 years old.A fried of mine died of cancer a couple of years ago. Since then, my best friend, maid of honor in my wedding died this fall. She had cancer, but many other health issues were the cause, as the cancer was not life threatening at the time. Currently, 7 friends and acquaintances have cancer. We are living only by God's grace. March 7, 2014, my daughters apartment caught fire. Since then, she and her 2 children have been living with us. Skylar is 16. I can't believe he will be 17 on Feb. 7th. Austin was 11 July 10th. His Pappaw's birthday is the 15th. We have a big party. August 30th, my oldest son came home. He will be 48 Feb. 11th, sso there will be another party. Some may think our parties are boring, but there will be plenty of food, non-alcoholic drinks and laughter. My family is my life. I will have to admit, having a full house again is sometimes challenging, with so many personalities. In spite of that, hubby and I have thoroughly enjoyed having them here.

Creative dinners - haha

This winter we have been staying at home more. Mostly due to old age aches and pains, as well as distancing ourselves from sick people - ha!, I find myself thinking of things to cook. I miss going out to eat, but weight wise, it has been good for us. Come to think of it, the pocket-book has prospered as well. Trying to beat boredom in the kitchen, I remembered a dish that my grandmother made when I was kid. Hubby's mom made it as well after we were married. They must have made it for the middle of the week blahs. Cook onions, only until they were soft, then added hamburger. When done, be sure to drain it. If I am going to stay at home, I am going to try to be half way healthy at least. While the hamburger is cooking, boil elbow macaroni. Drain when done. When the hamburger is done, combine with cooked (drained) macaroni. Add a large can of tomato juice and a little bit of sugar to cut the acid. (tomato juice gives hubby heartburn). You can also add a little water to make as juicy as you want. The sugar must have worked, because he did not get heartburn. You can season as you like, salt, pepper, basil, etc. Recently, I see the health benefits of tumeric being touted, so I put a little on everything. I think it adds a layer of taste, but not overpowering. Anyway, let all of this simmer for awhile for the flavors to marry. It was a huge success. If you don't want to cook any other dishes, a salad will do just fine. We had enough to serve the second day, and Bill says it was even better. Well, that took care of a couple of days for one week. Now, what to cook tomorrow.

Webcam installed to capture activities in Hays eagles' nest

Webcam installed to capture activities in Hays eagles' nest

I love FaceBook.  I can keep track of my kids, grandkids and many friends.  They leave many inspiring messages.   I am thinking of making some wreaths this spring.  You Tube is a wonderful school.  You can learn anything on you tube....even learn to play the banjo....hahaha.  I have been making very good new dishes and desserts.  My favorite recipe sites are: Sweet Tea and Cornbread; The Southern Lady Cooks; and, Just a Pinch.  I have been keeping busy with new dishes.  The family has enjoyed it.  My son is back from Myrtle Beach.  He is waiting on his job to open. 

Busy, busy, busy.

Since my last post, a lot has transpired in our lives.  My dad's dementia has progressed to a point that my sister has moved in with him.  He can no longer live alone, and wants to stay in his own home.  Bill and I go down to relieve her so she and her hubby can have much needed time away from the house.  We are looking to hire someone to relieve us both so we can get some things done in our own respective home fronts.

Musically, Bill plays bass each Thursday night at a local high rise.  He enjoys that so much.  It is a good night of entertainment for the old folks.

Hubby is a leather craftsman and has made several guitar straps and Bible covers.  They are beautifully hand tooled and the Bible covers are laced.  That's where I come in....I do help with the lacing.....lol...  He has been selling the guitar straps for $45, but a man who has a leather shop out West told him he is in the wrong area.  Those straps in his area would go for $150- $200.  Wow!  We need to move, I think...hahaha...I did search the internet, and found a company who makes similar hand tooled Bible covers for $225, and hubby has been charging $65....I am raising to $80....lol  I will have to add a picture.

Monk (Anita's hubby) was burned while working at the hospital, and is recovering nicely.  They have had to make some trips to the Augusta, Ga. burn center.  I believe he has one  more trip to make, then followup visits will be in Charleston, SC.  Since they live in Myrtle Beach, that will be a much shorter trip.  The Lord surely was with Monk.  He has been in a lot of pain, but the worst is over, thank goodness.  All is going well, there will be minimal scarring.  He had to have grafts to the top of his head and on one arm.  His eyes are good, he did not lose vision, and after his face peeled and healed, all of the ladies are jealous.  He has no more wrinkles....lol

I was happy that my son Billy decided to come home and spend some time with the old folks.  Except for my Dad's condition all has been well.

The quartet is getting together and singing at a benefit for the Camden Temple Church on November 5, 2011.  That will be the first time we have sung since Oct. 31, 2010. Its nice to get together once in a while...we enjoy the singing with no pressure.

Our weekly Friday jams have been wonderful....we have lots of garage pickers, and Friday evenings are very relaxing with good music and refreshments.  The old garage seems to burst at the seams.   Its a good life.

Social Security Checks

I am furious with the government's threats to stop our social security checks.  Should that happen, I will join every group that supports voting every current politian out of office.   It is ridiculous.

I am looking for information on Rev. Victor Le Doux, deceased. In 1961 he belonged or at least attended the Full Gospel Businessmens functions. At one time, he attended the Bethel Temple, pastor Arnie Vicks. I would appreciate any information you may have.

The Crownsmen finally have a van!

Our gospel quartet has finally accumulated enough cash to purchase a short bus for travel. It is a good looking pre-owned bus. Some folks would probably think it not worth driving, but that '89 Dodge is a Mercedes to us. It runs good, and the State trouper who owned it says it is dependable. That's all we needed to hear. Now we can all ride together as a group and carry the equipment with us. We are all so excited, this is a big week for us. We have formed a LLC, purchased a vehicle, found insurance; oh the office was just buzzing today. Bill and I were very busy. I felt as if I was in the work force again...haha. (Except, this busy day was very beneficial, and there was a lot of praising going on.) I will post a picture when we finally get the vehicle in our driveway.

We have needed transportation for a while now, and we are so thankful that the Lord has provided our needs so that we can further our ministry. Praise His name.

You can view the Crownsmen's web pages at: www.americangospel.com/crownsmen and www.myspace.com/thecrownsmen.

God bless you 'til the next time.

This book is a documentation of the healing ministry of my Father and Mother Elder and Mrs. Clair R. Ruble. The book tells how they met, and tells how they gave their life to Christ. My Dad had many miracles in his revivals, and there are also testimonies from some of the folks. This book is a faith builder. It can be purchased at Amazon and Publish America.

Mundane Monday

I feel as if I did nothing today. I went to art class where I have been working on a painting on a saw...a hand saw. My friend mentioned she would like to have her Dad's cabin on it, and I am attempting to do just that. My art teacher says it is looking good, but I am not conviced yet. I am my own worse critic.

It was drizzling rain off and on today, but the neighbors cut a large water elm tree down that was partially in our yard. I was excited to see where a squirrel may have hidden nuts, but the hole was not through the whole tree, just one low limb. I was told the tree was rotten, but it looked okay to me. I love trees and hated to see it go, even though it caused a lot of work in the Fall, and made it difficult to plant flowers due to the roots. I think I will plant a red maple, but find a better spot in the yard.

Since it was gloomy today, I cooked a Paula Deen entree after I came home from art class, and watched the activity in back yard for awhile. Cooking always cheers me up. I added tomatoes to my baked beans as she did yesterday on TV, and stewed a sirloin steak in a bed of onions and mushrooms. I thought it was good, but hubby sort of snarled his nose and asked me to quit making those TV recipes and cook my own. I am not sure if that was compliment or not. :-)

It is time to wind down tonight, time to rest, and get ready for tomorrow. Who knows what it will bring. Being retired, I will enjoy whatever it is.