Farewell 2025

 Dear 2025:

It’s been a long twelve months, but I am glad to see you go.  You brought so much pain, sickness, and grief to a lot of our friends and family.  On this last day of the year, we have one friend in the hospital in serious condition with pneumonia. We have another friend in the hospital recovering from a stroke. We have another friend who was told by her oncologist yesterday that it was time for her to call in Hospice. Three sisters that I grew up with lost both their mother and father this year. Another dear friend has a great-granddaughter that was born two days ago, 7 weeks early, and is in the hospital waiting to have surgery on her stomach.  I could go on with more friends and family that had a bad year but I will leave on a positive note – The Old Man is still here with me, and he is still happy and has a great attitude.

I'm optimistic to see what your follower 2026 will bring. 

Ohio Valley Weather Re-Cap For Sunday

 

Christmas Continues At The Compound

 Christmas isn't over yet here at The Compound.  My Favorite Husband and her Dear Husband are coming down from Indiana on Tuesday for their annual holiday visit.  I swept, mopped and vacuumed every floor in the house yesterday in preparation.  Actually, I was going to do that anyway, but I digress.  The Old Man requested that I make my famous pork carnitas while they are here, and my cousin's husband asked if I would make my also famous chili for dinner one night.  I'm only happy to oblige. 

Happy Boxing Day

 TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a very happy Boxing Day. The Old Man isn't feeling well, so he's crashed in his recliner, and I'm getting ready to clean the kitchen.  Not much else to report on the day after Christmas. 

Merry Christmas

 

Christmas Eve At The Compound

 It's not a very happy Christmas Eve here at the Compound.  The Old Man is in a major mood because of an ear issue he is having/  Of course he won't let me put ear drops in that his doctor gave him a few months ago.  All I know is he is grumpy.  And I'm praying for a drama-free Christmas Eve supper and night.  It is what it its.

Trying Again

 Out of five sets of numbers last night, I had one number drawn.  But I'm not giving up.  I have our tickets for tomorrow night's drawing.  And I have my wish list for what I would buy if I won.

Stay tuned. 

Wish Me Luck

 I've got my Powerball tickets for tonight's mega drawing.  Wish me luck.

Also, wish me luck as I attempt to make something for supper I've never made before : cornbread in Gram's old cast iron skillet.

Stay tuned. 

If At First You Don't Succeed Try It Again Again

 Nobody won last night's Powerball, so the pot will grow for tomorrow night's drawing.  I had two numbers in one of my games, but unfortunately that didn't win me anything.  I have to run an errand tomorrow morning and will get my tickets again,  

Stay tuned. 

If At First You Don't Succeed, Try It Again

 Lottery players here in the U.S. are in a frenzy over tonight's Powerball drawing where an extremely lucky person could win $1.5 billion.  I got my tickets on Thursday, so nothing to do now except wait for the drawing tonight.

Stay tuned. 

Ohio Valley Weather Update

We went from snow late last week, to a couple of days with the highs in the single digits.  Now it's warming up and headed to 60 today.  But the warm-up is not without a mess - rain is forecasted all day.  But I'll take it.  

Ohio Valley Weather Update

 When I got up this morning it was 30 degrees here at The Compound.  That's the warmest it has been in a week.  It's supposed to be 50 tomorrow and 60 on Thursday.  With a heat wave like that, I will be able to wear some of my new size-smaller Christmas t-shirts.  

Ohio Valley Weather Update

Yesterday morning, it was 8 degrees when I got up.  The high made it to a balmy 12 degrees.  Today, we've had a heat wave - it was 10 when I got up, the sun was shining and as I post this it is 20.  I see an end in sight.  Tomorrow is supposed to get to 40, Wednesday it is supposed to be 50 and Thursday it is supposed to be 60.  Which means Friday will be below zero.

Stay tuned. 

Craft Bazaar Report

 I'm sorry to say yesterday's craft bazaar was a bust.  There were barely a few shoppers that came. I talked to 8 of the 30 vendors there, and none of them sold enough to break even with the fee they paid for their booth.  I was happy to have sold enough ornaments to cover my booth fee and to come out $10 ahead. But it was a great day, in spite of the weather.  I'm already planning for that church's April bazaar.  Stay tuned, 

Snow Report From The Compound

 According to my Precip app, we got 8.8" of snow last night.  Phase 1 of snow removal is complete - I cleared off the front porch steps and sidewalk.  Phase 2 will be later this afternoon when I clear off the back porch ramp.  Our road is very clear, thanks to the snow plows that came through.  According to the morning local news, all main roads are clear.  I hope the snow doesn't deter shoppers from coming to the craft bazaar tomorrow.  I'm glad I loaded up everything in the van yesterday afternoon.

Safe And Sound

 I honestly can't remember when I have driven through heavy rain as I did this morning on the Watterson Expressway going to BSF.  It was Jesus take the wheel, and I made it there and back home in crazy traffic safe and sound.  For that I am thankful. 

Crafting Update

 I spent a good part of yesterday and today working on more bottle cap ornaments and pictures to get ready for Saturday's craft bazaar.  I'm on schedule as of now.  Tonight I will fire up the hot glue gun and make another picture and tomorrow after BSF I will glue antlers and tails onto fifteen wine cork reindeer.  So far, so good. 

Stay tuned. 

The Old Man Was Right

 The Old Man and his parents always said that snow waits around for another snow.  They were right.  We still had a little bit of snow hanging around, and this morning we woke to a heavy dusting of snow.  It didn't last long, but the old wive's tale was right.

Never Forget

 

Something You Don't See Every Day

 As I usually do on Saturdays, I went through the drive-thru at the corner liquor store to get my Powerball tickets.  Once again, something caught my eye in the big galvanized garbage can at the end of the store - today, it was an empty Little Debbie Christmas Tree cake box.  At least they had good taste and threw away their empty. 

Happy Wednesday

 For the past few days, I've been working up my courage and strength to go down to the basement, AKA the Dungeon.  I'd been wanting my trusty old Woolrich wool winter coat, and I knew it wouldn't come up the stairs on its own.  I haven't been able to wear that coat in over 20+ years, but with the weight I've lost I was sure it would fit.  So down I went this morning.  I'd been leary of going down to the basement, and even more leary of coming back up, with the couple of falls I've taken over the past couple of years.  But a few days ago, I went down a few steps and back up.  And I knew today was the day. I said a prayer for the Lord to keep His hand on me and keep me safe, and He sure did.  I got my coat and came back up, safe and sound.  I can't wait to go somewhere to wear it. 

Bring On The Snow

 As I post this, the weatherazzi is still getting worked up about snow late tonight into early Tuesday.  They've knocked down their forecast from 2-4" to now 1-2".  But here in the Ohio Valley, you don't know what to expect. Bring it on. 

Sunny Sunday

 The sun is finally out as I type this.  It's cold and windy, though.  And the weatherazzi has already started getting worked up about a possible 1-3 inches of snow tomorrow night into Tuesday morning.  Bring it, I say.  We have plenty of bread, milk, eggs and other provisions.  But for now, I'm just happy to see the sun. 

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

 I have almost all of my energy back from my sick spell this past week, so this morning I decorated our little Christmas tree and got out some more decorations for the family room and dining room.  I only had to make one trip to the store for an extension cord, thank goodness.  There's not much else we can do.  But it looks nice and festive.  And the Old Man is happy - that's all I can ask for. 

Flashback Friday

In case you have been living under a rock, today is Black Friday.  I remember the last time I went shopping on Black Friday.  It was at least 10 years ago.  I got up at 5:00 and quietly left the house, headed for Home Depot.  I was there when the store opened, and bought my Sweet Mother a little red wagon with wooden slats. I put it together and hid it in our little red barn until Christmas morning when I brought it into the house. She was speechless.  Until the day she fell and broke her hip, she used the wagon a lot.  I think of her every time I see it in our garage. 

Happy Thanksgiving

 TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a very Happy Thanksgiving.  Besides the Old Man, the one thing I am most thankful for is feeling better today and for having a little appetite back.  I probably won't eat as much turkey and dressing as I usually would, but I am sure going to eat a little. I am also thankful for last night being the best night's sleep I've had all week.

Thanksgiving Eve Update

 I spent most of yesterday in my recliner wrapped up in a blanket, but thankfully no more bowing to the porcelain god.  I continued to drink water and had a glass of Gatorade, but I still didn't have an appetite.  I did make myself drink the broth from a can of Progresso chicken noodle soup and had some very tasty oyster crackers.  Last night the Old Man and I both prayed for my appetite to come back by tomorrow afternoon.  Other than still feeling tired, I don't feel bad.

Shortly I am going to head out to Lowes and pick up our little tree, and then go to Paul's Fruit Market to pick our re-heat Thanksgiving dinner.  Then when I get back from errands, I plan to rest in my recliner again. 

Not What I Expected

I had to run a couple of errands yesterday and on my way home, I started to feel crappy.  As soon as I got home, I started bowing to the porcelain god, and continued bowing through most of the afternoon until about 8:00 last night.  In managed to fix supper for the Old Man, and after I ate one bite, the bowing continued.  In order to keep from getting dehydrated, I started drinking water. That accounted for three trips to the bathroom during the night.

I don't feel bad this morning - just very tired from yesterday's ordeal.  I dug out some cans of Progresso soup for supper, and all I plan to do today is rest in my recliner and take a  nap. 

Hard To Believe

 It's hard to believe that a month from tomorrow is Christmas.  This year has flown by.  The Old Man had me start decorating last week.  And instead of getting a very small live tree like we have for the past 6 or 7 years, I bought a pre-lit 3-foot tree at Lowes.  It's sure beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Something You Don't See Every Day

 As I usually do on Saturdays, I went through the drive-thru at the corner liquor store to get my Powerball tickets.  Once again, at the back of the store was something interesting in the garbage can. Yesterday, it was an old school coffee can. That is something you sure don't see every day in a liquor store garbage can.

I Need A Break

 It's been another crazy busy week, faithful readers. I need a break, and a peaceful long nap.  

Nuts

 

It took a minute, but I finally was able to find our old old nut bowl yesterday.  The Old Man said last week he wanted me to get some walnuts and pecans, which I was happy to get.  Then came the job of trying to find the nut bowl.  It took a minute, and also required a step stool to reach to the top of the hall closet but now he can crack nuts till his heart is content. 

Flashback Friday

 Today I am flashing back to my younger care-free days when I didn't have anything to do except have fun and behave.  I'm tired today from the past few days of errands and things to do.  I'm getting ready to get in my recliner now and rest and relax. 

P.T. Barnum Was Right

 P. T. Barnum was right - there IS a sucker born every minute.  For the past couple of weeks, they have been showing a commercial for rolls of uncirculated pennies for $19.99 each.  The commercial said that due to the popularity, there is a strict limit of two.  I guess people don't realize they can go get a roll of uncirculated pennies from their bank for 50 cents a roll.  

Brrrr

 Last week, the highs were in the 60s and even 70 for a day or two.  The cold front moved in on Sunday and it's been cold.  We even had a slight dusting of snow here yesterday, and enough snow in counties a couple of hours from here that caused them to cancel schools.  As I type this, it's 25 here at The Compound, and I just made our first fire in the good old Buck Stove fireplace insert.  And I am going to wear my new barn coat when I go to a women's group meeting at church this morning. 

Craft Bazaar Wrap-Up

My second craft fair was great.  Once again, the volunteers at the church and the vendors were so nice. Tht took until a good night's sleep last night to get rejuvenated. My back and knees were aching Saturday night and Sunday from sitting in the old school metal folding chair. I did have my seat cushion whiched helped a little more than the first bazaar when I didn't have it. 

The biggest sellers were the reindeer ornaments made out of wine cords and the yellow crazy daisy ornaments.  So now I know what to focus on making until the next bazaar in a month.   

Craft Bazaar Eve

 It's been a busy week finishing up ornaments for tomorrow's craft fair.  Yesterday I carefully packed up all of the ornaments and pictures and have everything loaded in the back of the van.  I am so thankful that during our barn art painting, I bought a folding wagon.  There's nothing to do now except wait until late afternoon when I can go get everything set up.  

A Sad Day In The Ville

 It's a sad and somber day here in the Ville.   Yesterday afternoon, a UPS cargo plane exploded, and the impact crashed into some businesses and homes.  As I type this, 9 people have been confirmed dead, and 11 injured are in hospitals, and 16 people are still unaccounted for.  There's not much else I can say. 

Update On The Old Man

 The Old Man had his annual visit with his cardiologist.  The report could not have been any better! His BP and EKG was great, and even better, his cardiologist said that based on how good he has been doing the past few years, he thinks his narrowed heart valve was not that narrow after all.  He and the Old Man had a great talk, and we went out of there feeling great.  Thank you Lord for the many prayers for the Old Man. 

Way To Go, Dodgers

 TWIT and I would like to congratulate the Dodgers on winning the World Series.  In case you don't remember, they won the World Series last year, too. 

As a kid, I didn't like the Dodgers because they were the big rival of my beloved Cincinnati Reds.  But when I found out that Mookie Betts is a first cousin of a coworker, I started pulling for them unless they were playing the Reds. 

Flashback Friday

 

Halloween Eve

The Old Man just told me "While you're out this morning getting my prescriptions, be sure to go to the store and get some Halloween candy in case we have any kids tomorrow night.  Keep in mind that we haven't had any trick-or-treaters in over a dozen years. But I digress. I will make sure I buy Reese Cups, since they are my favorite. 

Pre-Christmas Planning

Yesterday, I went to Amazon and eBay and bought 3 new Christmas t-shirts, all a size smaller, thankfully.  I am getting ready for Christmas.  And I just might buy a couple more Christmas shirts. Just because I can. 

Never Too Early For Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

I know last week I was complaining about a house in our area that already had their Christmas decorations up in their yard. While I think you will agree with me that's a bit too early, I think you will also agree that it's never too early for Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes.  

Flashback Friday

In my opinion, TV was the best back in the late 70's to the mid 80]s.  It was my favorite time of TV watching.  Wednesday night was the Bionic Woman and Charlie's Angels.  Thursday night was Knots Landing, and Friday night was the ultimate - the Dukes Of Hazzard followed by Dallas.  Now we have over 600 channels on cable, and the majority of the time there is nothing worth watching. When we don't have a rodeo to watch on the Cowboy Channel, we can always find the Andy Griffith Show. 

Brrrrr

The weatherazzi says we will have our first frost tonight, and will have our first free tomorrow night.  It's no secret I'm always hot natured, but I'm not ashamed to say I was cold today.  I forgot to get a light jacket this morning when I went to my Bible study, and I sure wished I'd had it.  

Something You Don't See Every Day

 Saturday morning I went to the corner liquor store to get my Powerball tickets, and once again I saw something you don't see every day - in the big garbage can at the end of the drive-thru were 2 empty Little Debbie boxes. Both of them were fall-themed Zebra cakes.  That sure is something you don't see every day. 

Thankful Thursday

 The Old Man and I are thankful and have been blessed over the years for having a lot of clothes in our closets. This week's project was to go through the closets and get rid of anything we didn't want or couldn't wear. As of tonight, we have three bags of clothes and coats that will going to a local ministry that helps the homeless.  It sure is a good feeling. 

Happy National Dessert Day

 TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a very happy National Dessert Day.   Since I am posting this early in the morning, you have plenty of time to buy or make dessert.  To celebrate, the Old Man and I are going to have Patti LaBelle's peach cobbler.

Update From The Compound

 It's been a busy week here at The Compound.  But I have some good news to report.  I was contacted by my church last week to ask if I could revise the church's security and safety manual.  Of course, I was thrilled to tell them yes.  I spent a few hours there on Thursday going over the current manual, and asking what they would like changed.  And I've been cranking out more bottle cap ornaments in preparation for the November 8 craft bazaar.  So I've been pretty busy.  But I like it that way.

A Day Of Rest

 The past week has been crazy busy and stressful.  I am enjoying a day of rest today.  I ran to the bank for the Old Man and then came home and painted more bottle caps.  When they dry in a couple of hours, I will give them another coat.  But in all of the crazy last week we've had here, the Old Man and I have kept up with our stepping.  We are keeping on keeping on. 

A Good Friday

 I won't go into details, but today has been a good Friday.  We had some big drama going on, but today it was all resolved.  I know the Old Man and I will sleep well tonight. 

Something You Don't See Every Day

 Once again, I went through the drive-thru at the corner liquor store to get my Powerball tickets, and once again, something in the garbage can at the end of the building caught my eye. This time, it was a big shoe box for rubber boots. That is definitely something you don't see every day. 

A Rough Week

 I've had a pretty rough week, faithful readers.  Tuesday was my Sweet Mother's birthday, and it hit me harder than I thought it would. Wednesday and Thursday, I had to take a friend to two doctors' appointments, both of which took longer than expected.  Yesterday, I went to the funeral home and paid my respects to the three daughters of an old family friend. Today, after I mop the kitchen floor, I'm going to decompress and just work on my crafts.

Ohio Valley Weather Update

 It took a while, but it looks like our drought in this area should be over.  We had heavy rain yesterday and again today, and the weatherazzi is calling for an inch or more tonight through tomorrow. 

For my faithful readers here in the 'Ville, stay dry. 

Crafting Update

 For the past two days, I went to 4 different Dollar Tree stores trying to find small boards attached to a wooden easel.  Luckily, I found some yesterday and bought 12 of them.  I told the clerk that none of the other stores had them in stock.  She asked if I needed more, and offered to send someone to the storage area of the store and see if there was another box.  I thanked her for the offer, and told her I would be good with these dozen.  Last night, I spent an hour bending bottle caps and shortly this morning I will start painting.

Stay tuned. 

I Never Get Tired Of Hearing This

 Every Wednesday morning, I go to my Bible Study Fellowship.  And every Wednesday, I lose count of all of my friends I've made there asking how the Old Man is.  I never get tired of hearing that.  That means they are concerned about him, and more importantly they are praying for him.  It is definitely music for my ears. 

Tuesday, Tuesday

 The black cloud over us is getting bigger. With more friends' prayer requests coming in, the Old Man and I will need to head to bed around 8:00 to get everyone in on our nightly prayers.  We have three dear friends dealing with cancer right now, and another that got an infection and had to have his leg amputated.  And another friend who's father is in ICU right now with pneumonia.  We don't feel helpless, though - we can always pray. 

Monday, Monday

 That black cloud is hanging over our friends once again.  Our dear pastor at church's mother passed away last night; my cousin's wife is dealing with another bought of bronchitis; another friend's favorite aunt is in Hospice care.  That's enough bad news to report right now.  All we can do is pray for these people and their families.  

Ohio Valley Weather Update

 We're getting some heavy rain this morning as I type this.  We were lucky for a couple of weeks of great pre-fall weather.  The Old Man and I both said that we were sleeping good until there was a loud clap of thunder. But this rain is much needed; most people's yards were browning up. 

Somber Thursday

 With the three murders in two days here in Louisville, and with our county's beloved country clerk Bobbie Holsclaw dying yesterday, and the senseless murder of Charlie Kirk, today is a somber day for me.  

Way Back Wednesday

 While at my weekly Bible Study Fellowship group meeting this morning, I heard some women in my group and the woman giving the weekly lecture use the phrase "way back in the day."  I found that interesting. I even said it myself a couple of times.  

I'm Richer

 This morning, before I went to fill up the Silver Bullet with gas, I collected my $4 Powerball winnings.  That's probably a lot more than a lot of people won.  Nuff said. 

I Tried

 I checked my Powerball tickets this morning, and won $4.  That's all I have to say about that. 

Something You Don't See Every Day

 I went to the corner liquor store yesterday afternoon to get my Powerball tickets for tonight's drawing, and as I was pulling out of the drive-thru, once again I noticed something odd in the garbage can at the end of the building - it was a black curly long wig.  That is definitely something you don't see every day. 

I'm Still Not A Billionaire

 Last night's Powerball drawing was $1.4 billion.  There were no new billionaires, including me.  The Old Man and I are going to try again.  Saturday's drawing is expected to be $1.7 billion.

Stay tuned. 

I'm Not A Billionaire

 I'm not a billionaire . . . yet.  Nobody won Powerball last night, and the drawing tomorrow night is expected to be over $1.3 billion.  I did have two numbers.  But I'm not giving up.  When I run an errand later, I will try again.

Stay tuned. 

Happy Labor Day

TWIT and I would like wish you, faithful readers a happy and restful Labor Day. As my sweet mother used to say, when you run a household, every day is labor day.  Nuff said. 

Crafting Update

 I got a text from a friend at church this afternoon, saying she'd like to buy 8 of my crazy daisy ornaments!  I was only too happy to tell her sure.  Luckily I have them leftover from my spring craft bazaar.  So that means I will need to step up production to replace them in my inventory!

If At First You Don't Succeed . . .

 If at first you don't succeed, or if you miscalculated, make a second trip to Lowes.

The Old Man and I had been brainstorming for a way to display my bottle cap ornaments at the craft bazaar in November.  I checked online and saw a display rack made out of PVC pipe, elbows, and T fittings.  I drew it out, and measured the ornaments, and came up with a pretty good plan.  I looked at the Lowes website, and found that they sold half-inch PVC pipe in two-foot pieces.  Perfect. I also found on their website that they will cut wood and pipe free of charge.  Even better.  

I took my plan along with how many fittings and cut pieces I would need.  I put the pipe in my cart, and then made my way down the aisle and got my fittings.  I took my time and made sure each fitting fit on the pipe.  Then I asked a store worker where I could get the pipe cut, and they got on their radio and called Good Ole Mike.  Believe me when I tell you it took me longer to find the fittings I needed than it did for him to cut the pipe. 

As soon as I got home, I put together a shorter display rack first.  I was pleased, and even more, the Old Man was pleased.  Then I started to put the taller display rack together, only to find I was one two-foot piece of pipe short. So back to Lowes I went. Luckily the store is about five minutes from home.  

Both racks are together, and instead of taking them apart to take to the craft bazaar, I'm just going to put them in the back of the Odyessy and carefully carry them back and forth. 

Flashback Friday

 Our old-time friends from up the road just got back from a six-week trip out to Yellowstone, the Badlands, etc.  I stopped by their house earlier this week to welcome them back, and they gave me some souvenirs they got me from the Crazy Horse monument. One of the things they got me was a post card from the Crazy Horse monument. We started talking about how post cards are pretty much non-existent these days.  Back in the ancient days, pretty much every drugstore, gas station and sit-down restaurant sold post cards. The Hallmark card store at the big local shopping center had not one but two racks of post cards.

If you were on a trip, you'd buy a post card to send back home.  Most of the places that sold post cards also had a small metal vending machine that sold stamps for your post card.  It was a treat to get a post card from someone, because that meant they were thinking of you. But I digress. On any out-of-state trip that the Rents and I would take, I would always buy post cards from places we visited to put in my scrapbook when we got home.  

Garden Update

 I am happy to report that the revitalized cucumber plant is still doing great.  The two cucumbers have doubled in size in the past couple of days - yesterday morning when I watered the plant, they were up to nickel size.  

Stay tuned. 

Ohio Valley Weather Update

 As I type this, the temperature this morning is 54 degrees.  Yep, 54 degrees.  And the high is only going to be 72 degrees. I could sure get used to this.  

Garden Update

 Unfortunately we didn't get a single tomato from the 6 plants we had.  But I'm happy that the plants sure grew tall and healthy - they just didn't produce.  But I am very happy to report that the Old Man's burpless cucumber plant has been revived.  This morning when I went out to water, there were two marble-sized cucumbers growing, and there were 6 blooms.  There is still hope. 

Fair Weather

 Even though I haven't been to the Kentucky state fair in six years, here's a list of my favorite things about the state fair.

1. Every building is air conditioned - Freedom Hall, Broadbent Arena, the West Wing, the East Wing  and the South Wing. 

2. The corn dog and lemon shake-up booth in front of Freedom Hall

3. The Kentucky Pork Producer's country ham biscuit. 

4. The South Wing's Pride of the Counties - there is a booth for every county in the state, showcasing         what each county is famous for. 

5. The big horse water trough filled with water, and a ramp where baby ducks walk up the ramp to get     feed, and then they slide down into the water, and get up and do it all over again. 

6. The booth selling a bizillion different dip mixes - just add the packet to a carton of sour cream and I would be happy. In case you couldn't decide on which mix to buy, they have samples of each dip for you to try with a little preztel stick.

7. The Kentucky Farm Bureau booth, always giving away little notepads. Perfect for your purse or to keep on in the car. 

8. Hodson's Fudge "Like Grandma Tried To Make. It was interesting to watch them make the fudge, plus they would give you samples. 

9.  The mule exhibit.  They were always in the big area underneath Broadbent Arena.  Me and the 'Rents always went there to look at the awesome, well-groomed mules. 

10. Last but not least, Freddy Farm Bureau, greeting people in front of Freedom Hall. 

Flashback Friday

 

The last trip to the state fair that Diva Stacy and I made back in 2019.

The highlight of the day was us sitting at a table with an older gentleman while we ate our most tender ribeye sandwiches and he ate his funnel cake. 

Ohio Valley Weather Update

 After almost two weeks of some of the hottest temps this summer, today we get some relief.  As I type this, it's a pleasant 74 degrees, and the high is expected to be only 82.  We sure will take it. 

Update From The Compound

 Things have been pretty busy here at The Compound the past couple of days, and I will stay busy for a while.  Last week, I signed up for a fall craft bazaar in November. I had great $ucce$$ at the bazaar in the spring, so I'm going to try it again.  The Old Man and I chose two Christmas ornaments I am going to make.  After three trips to Hobby Lobby this week, I have enough supplies to keep me busy for about a month.  Luckily I have a box of about 500 bottle caps I got from eBay in the spring.  

Stay tuned. 

Flashback Friday

 

That time my Sweet Mother won a ribbon at the Kentucky State Fair. 

Whatever Happened To . . .

Whatever happened to pagers, aka beepers?  Doctors and first responders probably haven't used them in years. They were the rage in the late 80s and early 90s.  Of course, I had one before cell phones came on the market. FYI - my pager was red.  

Something You Don't See Every Day

 I went through the drive-thru yesterday at the liquor store up the road to get my Powerball tickets, and as I was driving off, once again something in the garbage can caught my eye.  There on top of the heap of cans and bottles was a cardboard box - not just any cardboard box - this was an empty box that a Hamilton Beach blender came in,  

Monday, Monday

 I apologize to my faithful readers for not posting the past few days.  I just needed some time to decompress after the visit with the kinfolk.

Large Marge Memorial Garden Update - not much new to report.  After using some Miracle Gro last week, I did see some blooms on the cucumber plant and some blooms on one of the tomato plants.  I'm not giving up.  I water and fertilize faithfully.

Not much else to report here.  We are enjoying a nice afternoon here in the a/c reading.

Flashback Friday

 Jefferson County Public Schools started back yesterday.  Some school districts in southern Indiana started back last week.  And the majority got out for their summer break the first week of June.  So the kids only had two months off summer vacation.  

Back in the ancient days when I was in school, we got out usually the Friday before Memorial Day and started back after Labor Day.  That's what I call a summer vacation. 

Something You Don't See Every Day

 I ran up to the Dollar General to get some plain potato chips for the Old Man, and as I got out of the van I noticed an odd site on the ground.  There were about a dozen bandaid wrappers, along with a bunch of the little strips you peel off to expose the sticky part of the bandaids.   I can only imagine what kind of crime scene that could have been. 

Quasi Family Reunion, Days 2 and 3

 Day 2 of the quasi family reunion went great.  We spent a lot of time reminiscing and laughing as the Old Man told stories about his dad and grandpa.  For supper we had great fish from the legendary Mike Linning;s.

Day 3 went great, too.  My Favorite Cousin and her Dear Husband arrived in the afternoon.  I spent the morning making a big pot of chili, using my Grandma's recipe.  I made a batch a month or two ago, and the Old Man and I finally agreed that something wasn't quite the same.  It was good, but not the same as Grandma's. We figured out what it was - she used Mexene chili powder, while I had been using Bloemer's.  I went to Kroger and they were out of the Mexene, so I did the next best thing: bought it on Amazon and it was here Sunday morning.  I felt like a chef when everyone at the dinner table bragged about how good it was.  

Stay tuned. 

Quasi Family Reunion, Day 1

 Day 1 of our sorta family reunion was great.  The Alabama Cousin and his wife didn't leave until almost 11:00 last night.  We reminisced, we laughed, we cried and we had awesome pizza from our fave old place, Bonnie and Clyde's.  This morning, the Old Man said he thinks last night was the best visit we've ever had with them. I have to agree.  

Today's visit will include sitting out on the back porch visiting and enjoying the much cooler temperature.

Stay tuned.

Garden Update

 You can't imagine how thrilled I was when I picked one of my sweet peppers yesterday.  I carried it to the house as if I was holding a delicate vase.  And I noticed that my almost dead cucumber plant is now green with a few leaves on it.  

Stay tuned. 

Time To TCB

 The Cousins and their spouses are converging here at The Compound this weekend.  The Alabama Cousin and his wife will be here Saturday afternoon. Luckily, they always stay at the Comfort Inn up on Dixie Highway.  Then on Monday afternoon, my Favorite Cousin and her dear husband will arrive.  They will stay here until they head back up to Indiana on Wednesday.  So all of this means I need to bust a move and TCB today and tomorrow.  Today's agenda is cleaning the kitchen and the back bedroom.

Stay tuned. 

Garden Update

 We had one heck of a storm last night - we got over an inch of rain here at The Compound.  No damage here, thank goodness.  I'm just happy I didn't have to water the garden today.  

Stay tuned. 

Garden Update

 My Large Marge Memorial Garden is not doing as well as I thought it would.  Today, I have a few green cherry tomatoes, and about a ping pong ball sized green regular tomato.  The best plants doing well now are my mini bell peppers and my regular bell peppers.  I hope to pick some of the mini bell peppers tomorrow and have them with supper tomorrow night.  But I am still bummed about the cucumbers.  I'm not giving up, though.  The plants can still bounce back, I hope. 

Stay tuned. 

Happy Day After Life Day

 I went out earlier to water the plants in the Large Marge Memorial Garden, and I was so happy to see that the cucumber plant is thriving again.  I watered it, and also gave it some Mirace Gro a few days ago, so hopefully it will keep on keeping on. 

Happy Life Day

 Happy Life Day to me! It's hard to believe that it is my Life Day again - the year has flown by. For those that don't know about it, today is my Life Day - on this day in 1992, I was almost killed in a car wreck. But the Lord had other plans for me. So on this day every year, I celebrate my Life Day.

Every Life Day, I celebrate by doing something different or new, and this Life Day is no exception: I am going to make a peach cobbler.

Happy Life Day to me.

Flashback Friday

 

Last week, I posted about the tiny packets of Chicklets.  Here is a pick of the full-size Chicklets from back in the day.  

The fruit flavors like these were my favorite.  I would chew all of the other flavors and would save the green Chicklets for last because I didn't like the taste.  

Update From The Compound

 Yesterday, our neighbor across the road came over and patched up the back porch rail.  He said when he had the time later this week, he'd get more braces, etc and come back and reinforce more of the rails.  This morning, I took pictures and measured the pieces he used yesterday and went to Home Depot to get more supplies.  As I type this I have my heavy-duty Black and Decker battery powered drill getting charged up and later tonight or tomorrow I will attempt to reinforce the ramp posts myself. 

Stay tuned. 

Garden Update

 I had (key word) 3 good-sized cucumbers on the plant, until this weekend.  Yesterday I found one of them in the pen, half eaten, courtesy of a squirrel.  Then this morning, I found another half-eaten cucumber.  I'm just glad I picked one yesterday for the Old Man.

My project this week is to find/buy some chicken wire and make some cages to put around my plants. 

Stay tuned. 

Update From The Compound

 I haven't killed any other plants in the Large Marge Memorial Garden.  But we are still waiting for the cucumbers to green up so I can pick them for the Old Man. They are growing, and are far from the "mini" size they said they'd be.  I hope they green up soon to make the Old Man happy.  And we will be having some fried green tomatoes tonight from the garden!!

Stay tuned. 

A Sad Day At The Compound

 Today is a sad day here for me and the Old Man.  This morning, we had our last hair cut with the stylist that has cut my hair for over 40 years, Denise.  She is retiring and moving down to Rough River.  It was a bittersweet morning.  The Old Man and I got our usual great hair cuts, but it was a weepy moment when Denise hugged us both before we left.  There's not much else I can say right now, unless it's I hope our next stylist does at least half a good of a job as Denise has done.  

Monday, Monday

 I didn't sleep well last night - I was worrying about something that is silly, so I didn't have a good sleep. So this morning, I'm tired and still worrying. I definitely see a nap in my future. 

Garden Update

I'm sorry to report that one of my cucumber plants and a tomato plant didn't make it.  But on a positive note, my mini cucumber plant is really producing - I have 4 pretty good sized cucumbers on the vine, that just need to green up before I can pick them.  And yesterday I picked a pretty good sized green bell pepper.  Over all, I am still happy with my first attempt at farming.

Stay tuned. 

Flashback Friday

 

It's strange - back when I was a kid, I loved to chew gum.  For the past 40 years, I can't stand to chew gum.  And even more, I can't stand to listen to people around me chewing and popping their gum.  In fact, as I was in the dermatologist's waiting room this morning, half of the full waiting room was smacking and popping their gum. But I digress.

As a kid, I loved the tiny pack of Chiclets.  It was a contest to see if anyone could chew the whole pack at once.  

Update From The Compound

 My faith in my gardening skills has been restored.  This morning when I was watering the plants, I saw 3 mini cucumbers on the vine.  They sure will make the Old Man happy.  

Update From The Compound

 I just came from watering and praying over my garden pots in the Large Marge Memorial Garden.  The cherry tomato plant is thriving, and the bell pepper plant is also thriving.  That's about it.  I will see if the green pepper grows any more in the next couple of days and then pick it.  I am hoping the cherry tomatoes will start turning red.

Stay tuned. 

Update From The Compound

 I am sorry to say I don't have a happy update from The Compound.  The Old Man's burpless cucumber plant has withered away, as did a tomato plant.  It's not from lack of tending to them - I've watered and fertilized them.  It just is what it is.  

Stay tuned.  Still hoping for a little more success from the other plants. 

Peace At The Compound

 Last night was the first peaceful night's sleep that we've had here at The Compound since last Wednesday night.  The fireworks were going off Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.  Last night it was quiet.  For that we are thankful. 

Happy Fourth Of July

 

Happy Fourth of July from The Compound. 

Happy National Joke Day

 A traveling saleswoman is driving toward home in Arizona when she sees an old Indian woman hitchhiking. She stops the car and the Indian woman gets in. After a bit of small talk, the Indian woman notices a brown bag on the front seat. "What in bag?", she asks. "It's a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband".

The Indian woman is silent for a while, then nods and says "Good trade".

Welcome July

 It's July 1, and hard to believe that the first half of the year is gone.  With the crazy snow and ice we had in January and February, and the flooding we had in March and April, the first half of 2025 has sure been crazy here.  I am crossing my fingers for a more calm last half of 2025.

Stay tuned. 

Update From The Compound

A few days ago when we had our regularly scheduled afternoon monsoon, the Old Man noticed water dripping down from a corner of the gutter by the fireplace.  I texted Neighbor Nick and asked him if he could come check it out when the weather cleared up and when he had time.  He came over yesterday morning with his ladder and fixed a sagging part of the gutter. He also went around the whole house and cleared out all of the downspouts.  I will say this again - we have been blessed with great neighbors. 

Flashback Friday

 Way back in the day, Friday nights meant I could watch the Dukes of Hazzard and then Dallas. It was a highlight of the week.  It meant Saturday was the next day, and that meant watching Buggs Bunny et al cartoons for a couple of hours.

That's about all I got today. 

Garden Update

 This morning when I went out to water the Large Marge Memorial Garden, I counted 9 golf ball sized tomatoes on my biggest tomato plant.  You can't imagine how happy that makes me.

Stay tuned. 

Garden Update

 

I am beyond happy to share a picture of my first harvest from the Large Marge Memorial Garden.  Yesterday morning, I picked a mini cucumber. It was about four inches long, and as I was peeling it and slicing it for the Old Man's supper, I'm here to tell you it smelled wonderful.  I'm not a cucumber fan unless it is shredded in Benedictine or in dill pickle form, but the Old Man loves them and said it tasted great.

Stay tuned.

I'm Calling B.S.

 For the third time in a month and a half, I intended to stop at McDonalds for chocolate shakes for me and the Old Man for our noon-time treat.  And for three times, I had to go up a block to Burger King to get our shakes because McDonald's ice cream machine was "not working."  I've read a lot of reports over the past few years about McDonalds ice cream machine being down.  I'm calling B.S. on that.  If they took the time to clean it, or have corporate come and repair it, their customers would be happy with shakes, cones, and their much advertised McFlurry.  

Nuff said. 

Something You Don't See Everyday

 I went through the drive-thru at the corner liquor store yesterday to get my Powerball tickets, and as I drove off, something caught my eye.  At the end of the drive-thru at the back corner of the store is a big garbage can.  It's usually full of empty beer cans, liquor bottles and fast food bags.  Yesterday, the big garbage can had two empty Blue Bell half-gallon ice cream cartons.  There are no words. 

Flashback Friday

 

Back in the late 60s through the 70s, there was a very cool hamburger place here on Dixie Highway called the Red Barn.  Use your imagination and you will be able to see the reason for the name.  But I digress.  It was a typical fast food joint, with tables for dining in. It was my favorite burger place to go because they had something "new" - a toppings bar.  The toppings were nothing out of the ordinary - pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard and mayo.  But you could put as much on your burger as you wanted.  

Our neighbor Alice, aka Muggs, would take me there on Fridays.  Friday morning was her weekly trip to the beauty parlor and I would go with her. Afterward, we'd go about five minutes away to the Red Barn for lunch.  Good times. 

Cooking Update

 I am thrilled to report that my zucchini fritters and potato salad turned out great according to the Old Man.

The fritters were crispy and had a great taste; I even went out of my comfort zone and added some finely chopped green onions to them.  Martha Stewart knocked it out of the ball park with this recipe. My potato salad turned out just like I wanted.  The Old Man told me to be sure and put the leftovers in the fridge to have again tonight.

Stay Tuned

 I was surfing online at recipes while I was doing my stepping today on our Elipse electric stepper, and printed out half a dozen recipes I want to try.  A couple are out of my comfort zone, but I am going to try them.  A couple of weeks ago, I bought a small fryer from Amazon, and I am going to make some hushpuppies in them later this week.  Today, I am going to make Martha Stewart's zucchini fritters, and tomorrow I am going to try my hand at potato salad again. 

Stay tuned for reviews on the dishes I fix. 

Happy Day After Fathers Day

 I've said it before and I will say it again - I think everyday here in this house is Fathers Day. The Old Man agrees.  Nuff said. 

Happy Fathers Day

 TWIT and I would like to wish a happy Fathers Day to all of the fathers that are my faithful readers. 

The Old Man said he wanted cereal with a banana this morning for breakfast, and that's what he got.  He will be getting a glass of Moscato wine shortly, and then tonight he will have Impossible Zucchini Pie and beef tenderloin tips for supper, followed by vanilla ice cream with strawberries for dessert.

Enjoy - and celebrate and embrace your fathers.v

Fathers Day Eve

 Celebrating Fathers Day has already started.  I got the Old Man his favorite bakery's jelly donut for breakfast this morning.  And I got him his favorite Mexican place's quesadilla and awesome cheese dip for supper tonight.   And as I type this, he is rared back in his Lazy Boy sipping on some Scotch.  You can best bet we will continue the festivities tomorrow. 

A Better Wednesday

 Yesterday was better, and today is better than yesterday.  That's all I can ask for.  

I Hope Today Is Better

 Yesterday was truly one of the worst days I have had in years.  I can't get into it, but suffice to say I screwed up bigtime.  I felt conviction as soon as I did it, and I asked the Lord for forgiveness.  I even slept better last night than I have in a week or two.  Now it's up to someone else to forgive me.  

New To Me Product Review

 

Yesterday while buying our favorite coffee at GFS, on my way up to check out, my eye caught this black cherry berry tea on the shelf next to the coffee.  I had to buy it, being a big cherry fan.  I was sure not disappointed.  Earlier this afternoon, I made a cup of hot tea for the Old Man, and let my cup sit for a while and put ice in it. , and sweetened with local honey.  We both were impressed at the cherry flavor.  The Old Man said for me to always make sure we have a box on hand. And better yet, it is decaffeinated.  

Celestial Seasonings Black Cherry Berry Teat most definitely gets two thumbs up from TWIT. 

An Odd Day At The Compound

 I was outside today a few times, running errands and going out to check my garden.  Each time I went out, it still seemed odd not to see Tiny in the carport.  But I had a few texts today from my old boss, saying again and again how much they love Tiny.  That makes the oddity worth while.  

Happy National Donut Day

 TWIT and I would like to wish you,, faithful readers, a very happy National Donut Day.  We celebrated by getting donuts from one of our favorite donut shops, King Donuts.  We sure enjoyed our jelly donuts. 

Happy National Cheese Day

 TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a very happy National Cheese Day.  In few minutes, the Old Man and I will have some Brie, pepper jack, along with grapes and crackers to celebrate. Enjoy your cheese today. 

My Favorite Day Of The Year

 Ode To Billy Joe 

It was the third of June, another sleepy, dusty Delta day
I was out choppin' cotton and my brother was balin' hay
And at dinner time we stopped and we walked back to the house to eat
And mama hollered at the back door "y'all remember to wipe your feet"
And then she said she got some news this mornin' from Choctaw Ridge
Today Billie Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

Papa said to mama as he passed around the blackeyed peas
"Well, Billie Joe never had a lick of sense, pass the biscuits, please"
"There's five more acres in the lower forty I've got to plow"
Mama said it was shame about Billie Joe, anyhow
Seems like nothin' ever comes to no good up on Choctaw Ridge
And now Billie Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

And brother said he recollected when he and Tom and Billie Joe
Put a frog down my back at the Carroll County picture show
And wasn't I talkin' to him after church last Sunday night?
"I'll have another piece of apple pie, you know it just don't seem right"
"I saw him at the sawmill yesterday on Choctaw Ridge"
"And now you tell me Billie Joe's jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge"

Mama said to me "Child, what's happened to your appetite?"
"I've been cookin' all morning and you haven't touched a single bite"
"That nice young preacher, Brother Taylor, dropped by today"
"Said he'd be pleased to have dinner on Sunday, oh, by the way"
"He said he saw a girl that looked a lot like you up on Choctaw Ridge"
"And she and Billie Joe was throwing somethin' off the Tallahatchie Bridge"

A year has come 'n' gone since we heard the news 'bout Billie Joe
Brother married Becky Thompson, they bought a store in Tupelo
There was a virus going 'round, papa caught it and he died last Spring
And now mama doesn't seem to want to do much of anything
And me, I spend a lot of time pickin' flowers up on Choctaw Ridge

And drop them into the muddy water off the Tallahatchie Bridge