My Week #3

 

DATE:  June 14, 2025

WEATHER:  It's been lovely all week with lots of sun and a breeze. We've had the occasional shower and a couple of days were under an "elevated" warning of severe weather. But for me, it never showed up. It's getting hot now though, so summer is just about upon us.

READING:  Right now, I'm reading a quirky mystery called Kittyzen's Arrest by Addison Moore and Bellamy Bloom. It's the first of the series of  Country Cottage Mysterues and set in the area of Maine.

I've just started it so I don't have much of an opinion of it yet. The protagonist is a young lady who can read minds and who is always accompanied by her cat named Fish. I'll let you know how it goes.

WATCHING:  Lately I've been watching a YouTube channel called Donnie Laws. He has lived in the Smoky Mountains, around Cades Cove for his whole life and his videos are full of history, wildlife and stories of this area. I think Cades Cove, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It's been fun to learn all about it.

SO THANKFUL:  Yesterday's post pretty well sums up my biggest expression of gratitude. My daughter and son and law are back in the states from a 3-month stay in France. They are settling in nicely in New England, an area neither of them has lived before. They certainly love adventure and exploring. I think of the winters up there, so different from the Florida they have been used to. But then, they did live in Colorado at one time so snow and ice aren't completely foreign to them.

LOOKING AHEAD:  I'm finally going to get my Real ID this coming week. I've put it off until close to when my driver's license needs renewal. The deadline for this ID has been postponed for a couple of years but it's finally here. Otherwise, it's a quiet week, at least of right now.

FOR A GIGGLE:  

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

Mosey and Max - my grand dogs. 

They are excellent international travelers but I'm sure they glad to be back home.

A THOUGHT:

Courtesy of Pinterest

"I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."

John 10:11

PRAYING FOR: 

As I write this, Israel and Iran are at war. 

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you."

Psalm 122:6

 

Friday Fave Five - a bit late

 

I'm a bit late to the party this week. It's been cold, colder this year than I remember other Januarys. But in the midst of ice and cold, there is so much to be thankful for. Some weeks I have to think a bit to list my blessings here. This week, it's come easy. Thank you, Susanne at Living to Tell the Story 

 for giving us this spot each week. Come join us!

1.  A fall. . .not a blessing in itself but a blessing that I came out of it relatively unharmed. A slip or a trip, I can't remember which, but I fell heavily on some concrete. My only injury was a skinned knee and some abrasions on three of my fingers. I'm sore today - this being the third day afterwards but not at all what I thought I would feel. 

2.  Breakfast and kitties. . . Thursday, I took my daughter in law to the vet to drop off the girl kitties to be spayed. Thankfully, she's been able to find a non-profit that does this for a minimal cost. All four girls were dropped off and then we headed for breakfast. I always enjoy spending time with my daughter in law. She is a treasure and a blessing - and the one who helped me up off the street when I fell. The kitties came through the procedure doing well. 

3.  All Creatures Great and Small. . .  

photo courtesy of PBS website

I've read all of James Herriot's books and watched the 1970s TV series. This new adaptation is, to me, even better! Season 5 premiered last Sunday and I was very excited. The vets and Skeldale House are in the throes of World War 2, and it promises to be a great season. It can be found on PBS - for me Sunday's a 9 pm. Since I subscribe to PBS Passport, I can watch it any time.

4.  Upcoming trip to Florida. . . In less than a week, I'll be winging my way to Florida for a few days of family time. My extended weather forecast has it with possible rain and snow on the day I leave so I'll be glad to go south for some sunshine. With that said, Florida is having unseasonably cold weather as well. I'll just be thankful to be with my daughter and son in law before they head to France.

5.  Lunch with a friend. . .Barbara and I had a delightful lunch yesterday at Red Lobster. It was fun to catch up since Christmas and share laughs. I think it's amazing that some of my best friends I originally met on a blog. Barbara and I visited each other's blogs while I still lived in Florida and since she was living in the same area I was moving to; it was just natural to meet up that first time. What has continued is a wonderful friendship (and great lunches!)

My thoughts and prayers are with Southern California and the out of control wildfires. The winter storms this year have also been brutal for parts of our country. Sometimes it's hard to get online and find any good news. But it comes - like the cease-fire between Hamas and Israel and the soon release of the hostages. And every day, I hear of people donating campers to those living in tents in NC and that area.

It all reminds me . . . .

Have a good weekend! 

Friday Five Faves - October 18

 

It's the end of the week and time to share the blessings that have come my way. It's been in interesting week with answered prayer. Come join us at Living to Tell the Story each week to share your blessings. And thank you, Susanne for hosting this!

1. Heart rhythm problems: On Wednesday mid-morning, I suddenly felt very shaky and a bit faint. It came on suddenly and I sat down and took my pulse. It was rapid and very irregular. This has happened before, only lasting for seconds in duration. This time it continued for almost 3 hours. I had nobody who come take me to the doctor or ER right away and I didn't want to call an ambulance. I considered driving myself but decided that might be unwise. I called my youngest son who was working his route for his job and did all he could to wrap things up quickly to come get me. I was seen at 3 pm by my doctor and by then my heart had returned to normal rhythm. I'm wearing a monitor for a couple weeks to catch any episodes that might occur again. More of my blessings this week come from this incident. 

2. Family: I'm blessed to be near family during emergencies and for my youngest son who did everything he could to get me to the take me to the doctor. He was calm and reassuring and a blessing. I've found as I get older that it isn't the location where you live that is most important but who is around you. I am so thankful for family nearby.

3. Church prayer: During the episode of irregular heart rhythm, I was a bit scared. I called my church for prayer. They put me on speaker phone and those in the office prayed with me. God answered quickly and within 5 minutes, my heart converted back to normal rhythm. We have a prayer-answering God! Some may call the return to normal as coincidence. I believe differently.

4. Dulcimer concert:  Every year at this time, the Black Mountain Dulcimer Festival is held in Black Mountain, N.C. It's a week long happening with lots of jams and instructor.. This year, that whole area was devastated by Hurricane Helene and the Blue Ridge Assembly where it is held was severely damaged. On Wednesday, the instructors who would have been there, organized a benefit online concert to raise funds to help the area rebuilt and repair as well as provide food and other essentials. It was a 2 hour long wonderful concert with what I consider the "greats" of the mountain and hammered dulcimer world. It was wonderful - free of charge with suggested places to donate funds for recovery. The dulcimer community certainly takes care of its own when it comes to things like this!

5. Kitty eye injury: I've mentioned before that my son and daughter in law took in a feral pregnant cat, just weeks away from giving birth. Six sweet kittens were born, and they are now going on 10 weeks old. One of the females that they are keeping injured her eye and the 3rd eye lid was all swollen and red, probably from a scratch from one of the other siblings. It was better today but we took Spot in to see the vet to make sure there was no cornea scratch or anything to be concerned about. It turns out that all is fine, and the irritation and residual redness will clear up. Spot is a cutie - her name coming from one big spot on the back of her left back paw. We stopped at McDonald's on the way back to my home and brought breakfast back. (The appointment was for 8 am). Spot lay in her crate, falling asleep while we enjoyed our breakfast and a chat.  Apollo stayed in the bedroom under the quilt. Momma, who for a couple years supplied their neighborhood with kitten, has found her permanent home with my son and DIL. She has an appointment to be spayed in 2 weeks. 

We've been having chilly temps in the 30s at night, and I've had to turn the heat on. But it's finally fall and I'm very happy. I have a couple of "Pumpkin-something" recipes to try out and hope to maybe decorate the outside of my apartment next week. I hope everyone is looking forward to a great weekend! 

Friday Fave Five - September 27

 

I'm writing this about 11:30 am watching the wind. Today, we are supposed to be feeling the remnants of Hurricane (now Tropical Storm) Helene. So far, it's just raining and breezy. Latest update from the National Hurricane Center (11am) has it just crossing into Tennessee, but the worst of the weather seems to be east in North Carolina. My heart breaks for those in Florida. Being a former Floridian, I feel it acutely whenever things like this happens. My family and friends along the Gulf coast are all doing fine. I'm very thankful. 

But, enough of the weather report. I'm thankful to list the blessings that have come to me and am joining with others here to share the things that make life a blessing. Come join us at Living to Tell the Story. Thanks, Susanne for hosting this!

1.  Protection: This past week I had a blow out of one of my tires. It didn't happen while I was driving, thank goodness and it was a rear tire which is less dangerous, I was told.

My left driver's side now has a new tire and more will be coming!

2.  Family safe: As I mentioned earlier, my Florida family and friends are all safe from Hurricane Helene. No power outages or flooding in their immediate area. They all live along the Florida west coast (Venice, Sarasota, Tampa, and inland Citrus County) Very thankful for their safety but so sad to see the damage in places I know so well.

3.  A trip to the mountains: My son was off work this week and so we took a trip to the Smoky Mountain National Park on Tuesday. Fall colors are just barely making themselves known in the foothills but in higher elevations, ywe could see some pretty yellows and a bit of red. We stopped at the parking area at Newfound Gap where President Franklin Roosevelt gave his speech to open the Smoky Mountains National Park. Then it was up to the Clingman's Dome parking area where we ate our picnic lunch. For those who aren't familiar with Clingman's Dome, it is a half mile hike up a very steep incline to the top of an observation tower where you can see several states. Clingman's Dome, whose name has recently been changed to Kuwohi, its original Cherokee name, is a favorite of Great Smoky Mountain National Park visitors. My son and daughter-in-law have climbed to the top. But although the hiking path is paved, the incline is quite steep, so I didn't attempt. However so that I could say I hiked at least a bit of the trail, my son and I walked to this point....

I can't really tell you just how far that was but probably not quite a quarter of the way. I was huffing and puffing as it was! But at least I can get the t-shirt that says "I TRIED" ! 

We did see some beautiful sights though. 

The Smokies are beautiful! 

4. Working on fall decor: I've been wanting to get some more autumn decor, and I found this sign at Walmart.

I have yet to get the rest out from their plastic tote, but I think I will this weekend. I'd like to get a wreath for the door and some pumpkins. 

5.  Playing with kitties: Last Sunday, I spent the afternoon at my son and daughter-in-law's home playing with kittens. They are 7 weeks old now and Momma is much less vigilant with other people's attention of them. I think she's ready to let others watch them for a while. They are adorable and all over the place. They were a bit skittish with me but one of them has adopted my son as her own special person. Here are a couple of the cuties.

Photos taken by my daughter-in-law. 

BONUS: Wednesday my son and daughter-in-law celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Since this guy is my last born - I officially feel old! but God has blessed me with a very special daughter-in-love and friend.

Wishing everyone here a good weekend. And if you have been affected by Helene, you are in my prayers.

Friday Fave Five - September 13

 

Good morning, my friends! It's Friday and time to pause and reflect on all the blessings and lovely things that have come my way. Fall is slowly creepy toward east Tennessee. I see some color changes with the leaves and the temps are a bit cooler. I'm grateful. Come join us at Susanne's and tell us what's going on with you.

1. I can hear stuff!  On Wednesday, I picked up my new hearing aids and a whole new world has opened up! I hear things now like the click-click of the turning signal in my car and my microwave ding when the time is up. I don't think I realized just all I've been missing. I'm very thankful! And they are so small and discreet. And so comfortable, I forget I have them on.

2. We finally have a date! We've gotten the official notice of the season 5 premiere of All Creatures Great and Small here in the U.S. The UK gets to begin watching this month. We have to wait until January 22, 2025. But at least we have a date!

3. Visiting the kitties: I've been able to visit the kitten menagerie at my son and daughter-in-law's home. They are adorable and all over the living room. Most are eating kitten food now and they use the litter box like pros. Momma has her vet appointment on October 5th so this will her last brood of kittens. I have to commend my daughter-in-law who has spent sleepless nights and is so attentive to these little ones. It is such a blessing as the kittens have turned out to be 5 girls and 1 boy. Out in the wild, Momma would have unleashed 5 more kitty-making machines to populate the neighborhood. Now she has the "life of Riley.'

Sorry - more hand than kitten. I don't profess to be the best photographer!

4.  9/11: This past Wednesday was the 23rd anniversary of the day terrorists hit America. It was also the first wedding anniversary I shared alone after my husband's passing. We would have been married 44 years this past Wednesday. I am sad at the remembrance of the heinous attack on our country, but I've also reflected on the years that Alan and I had together and of the love we shared. I've taken time this week to look through our wedding album and all the photo memories that I have. I am thankful and grateful that we had those years together.

5.  Medical tests finished. My scan is done and results in. I do not have any gall bladder issues, but I do have fatty liver. I knew that already. It's from the diabetes or the diabetes is from the fatty liver. So, now it's a diet related thing. I've also been given information on milk thistle which is good for liver health. I've been watching my "white" carbs for the most part, but I'm also looking into a Mediterranean Diet type of thing. Have any of you done this? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

My thoughts and prayers to anyone caught in the path of Francine. We're at the height of hurricane season and I've got the National Hurricane Center on my bookmarks. I did this when I lived in Florida and with family and friends there, I still do it. 

I hope you all are looking forward to a lovely weekend.

Friday Fave Fives

 

I enjoy joining with others each Friday to share the lovely things I have enjoyed each week. Come join us over at Living to Tell the Story and share yours. And thank you, Susanne for giving us this place each week.

1. My granddaughter is home: My granddaughter has been in Europe for the past few months, volunteering at a youth hostel-type of facility in Austria. This has been a wonderful experience - run by Calvary Chapel and she has really enjoyed it. From there, she visited a friend in London for a few weeks and today she flew safely to JFK in New York. From there, she's flying to Nashville to visit with her sister and husband for a few days and then home. I'm so proud of her. 

2. All Creatures Great and Small:  One of my favorite PBS programs is the newest adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small, adapted from the books by James Herriot (Alf Wight). I enjoyed the earlier adaption in the 70s but I think I like this one even better. It will premiere in the UK in December but here across the pond, we'll have to wait until January. I'm excited!

3. Two week old kitties:  The little ones are now 2 weeks old, eyes open and are a squirmy bunch. Occasionally one will try to escape their momma's watchful eye. Momma has let my daughter in law pick up three of them but she's watching the whole time. Pretty soon the place will be swarming with kittens. The other cats in residence - Ziggy and Gus are not liked by Momma at the moment and so they stay clear.

4. A quiet week:  It's been a calm, quiet week. No appointments, no obligations. I've been able to relax with my coffee and breakfast, even in my night clothes. I've been very unproductive this week and it's felt wonderful. I do eventually get dressed and do the chores but I'm not in any hurry.

5. Cooler temps: It's been wonderful! It's even cool-feeling outside and I've enjoyed this so much. Next week we're supposed to have temps in the 90s again but hopefully that will end soon. We've had some nice rain as well. 

The next two weeks are filled with medical appointments, a hair cut and who knows what else. So, I have really enjoyed this week and the rest. I hope you all are having a great weekend!

Treasure the moment

 

My sweet cat, Apollo, is a bit different from other cats I’ve had. He is not particularly cuddly and if he makes an attempt, it’s on his own terms and when he wants it. One of his ways of showing affection is to press his forehead and top of his head against me – my hand but often my face. Often when I’m at my desk, staring at my laptop screen, he jumps up and proceeds to place himself between the screen and my eyes. Usually, it’s at the most inconvenient time.

That’s what happened this morning. As I was engrossed in an article, he jumped up and sat down right in front, making any reading impossible. Sometimes I welcome the attention. Other times I give him a pat or two and a gentle push so that I can get on with what I was doing. This morning, though, it was different. The article was interesting, and I was wanting to get on with reading it. But Apollo did his characteristic “forehead to face” posture and sat content. This time, I didn’t just give him a pat or two. I stroked his head and back, that place between the shoulder blades that cats can’t really reach to lick. I heard an occasional purr and for several minutes, we sat in this posture.

“Thank you, Father God, for moments like this.” I prayed silently. “Thank you for the trust this fur baby has with me, after years of ill treatment. Thank you for his friendship and affection, even in the inconvenient times.” As we sat there, him perfectly content and me beginning to ache from the crick in my neck, time seemed to stand still. The blessing wasn’t just the affection he was giving me, it was that for that moment, time stood still. The coffee in my mug was cooling but that was okay. It can be reheated. The article will still be on my computer screen. But we had this time.

In a few moments, he was done and off he jumped onto the floor. I sipped my lukewarm coffee and continued reading the article. But my mind wasn’t on the words. It was on those precious moments between pet and pet mama.

Next time he interrupts my computer time, I’ll think of it much differently. A gift from God and from him. Time is too short to let those moments rush by.

Friday Fave Five

 

It's been a wild week for some! A storm named Debby is wreaking havoc along the west coast of Florida and now working her way up the eastern seaboard. Flooding and tornados. Loss of lives and homes. I almost feeling guilty during times like this to talk about my blessings. But I tell myself that even, in the midst of tragedy and pain, storms and loss, it's even more important to remember all the blessings that come our way. And so, as I pray for those out there who have had their lives turned upside down, here is what's going on in my world.

1. My family safe: I have family and friends all up and down the west coast of Florida - Venice, Sarasota, Tampa, Crystal River. All are safe. My grandson's back yard was a lake for a while, but the water never reached the house. His wife couldn't make it to work one day because of flooding in the streets. Minor inconveniences and I'm thankful that there was no damage.  

2. A good doctor appointment: I was nervous about this one. I had several elevations in my blood work last time and this time, I had to confess to some abdominal pain which my retired-nurse-self diagnosed as gall bladder issues. You know how it is with nurses - they diagnose themselves and then go to the doctor for a second opinion! It seems this time, my doctor agreed with my diagnosis but we're going to do some tests just to make sure. My diabetic numbers are much better and other concerns seem to be better as well. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you begin eating in a healthy manner!

3. Kittens!: My sweet daughter in law is the Cat Whisperer. She feeds the feral cats in her neighborhood and they love her - even if only for the food she puts out. One such momma cat has come around for over a year. My daughter in law estimates that she's had a litter of kittens about every 3 to 4 months. Lately, she showed up again heavily pregnant and so Stephanie was able to sweet talk her into letting Steph bring her inside. The plan is after the kittens arrive, that they will be adopted out and Momma will be spayed and remain a loved member of the Cook household. Yesterday after 2 days of a lot of pacing and meowing and clawing everything she could to get out, 4 healthy kittens were born. I was over there yesterday to see them, but momma is keeping them in her nesting box under a chair and has not allowed visiting hours. My son stuck my phone under the chair to get a photo of the kittens and came away with this.

The expression says it all! "Back away, buster! We're not havin' it!"

Stephanie was able to get a quick shot though soon after the kittens were born. Here is her Instagram post.

Momma hit the mother lode when she found Mike and Stephanie!

4. Lunch with a friend: Tuesday, Barbara and I had our lunch at Cracker Barrel. Lots of talk and catching up. We probably outlast our welcome because we stay a long time, but no one has thrown us out of anywhere yet! Always a fun time. As a bonus, she gave me a sampling from her garden.

I've already eaten some of the yellow squash. Thanks, Barbara!

5. A couple great books!: I'm reading a couple great books at the moment. Both came to me at a time when I really needed to read them.

This is a re-read actually. The first time I read it, I enjoyed it. This time around, it has really impacted me.

I came out of a religious background that taught an unscriptural view of

the Holy Spirit. Costi, Hinn had a similar experience, and I really relate to what 

he has to say.

I may in the future do a book review, but I still have unpleasant memories of high school book reports. So, we'll see.

My prayers to any of you affected by the storms. Have a blessed rest of the week.

Friday's Fave Five (although it's Saturday) - May 13

 

I'm a day late here but here is my Friday's Fave 5. Such a blessing to have this opportunity each week to share my blessings with you all. Come join us, courtesy of Susanne of Living to Tell the Story.

1. Mother's Day: My mom spent the last years of her life living with me. Both she and her daughter can be stubborn and there were times when, let's just say, that conversations could get "intense". She was fiercely independent, feisty but always loving and I'm glad I was able to have her safe with me. She's been gone for just over 6 years and I've missed her. As I've aged, I miss her even more. I want to sit down this her and ask her questions about how she dealt with aging and limitations. I want to laugh with her and take her to Disney World once again. She's with her Savior now, who she called Yeshua (the Jewish name for Jesus) and is happy and healed. Her love for her children, the Jewish people and her Savior defined her life. I miss her so much. 

Tea time at the Grand Floridian - Walt Disney World

In front of Cinderella Castle - Magic Kingdom - Walt Disney World

2. Mother's Day gifts: I've already been blessed with Mother's Day gifts from my kids.

From my daughter. She sure wants her mother to knit!

A lovely smelling candle. Reminiscent of those old-time milk deliveries. My older son knows I love candles!

I'll be spending the day with my youngest son and daughter in law. She's making lasagna!!

3. Apollo: Every so often I have to sneak into my post a photo of my companion. Apollo is absolutely a cat with all the mannerisms and finicky bits. But he's such a sweet boy and I'm greeted with his mews as soon as I wake up. Let's play - find Apollo.

Can you find him?

4. Volunteer work: I volunteer at our local Humane Society in Tennessee. 

Although there is a Humane Society in Knoxville, our center is separate, located in Maryville, TN. In our center, we house kitties. Dogs, gerbils, rabbits etc are fostered in homes. I go in once a week and help as I can by washing food dishes and water bowls, sweeping a bit, and petting cats to my heart's content. If I could, I'd grab a few to bring home with me. However, Apollo certainly would get his nose out of joint if I did that. He considers himself an "only cat."

5. A new mouse pad: I decided that a new computer deserved a new mouse pad. This one has a message.

Happy Mother's Day to all you friends out there! I hope you are told just how special you all are!

My pet story

Some of you may remember me from before or know me from Face Book. So, you may remember my sweet Mandy, my silky terrier.

 She crossed Rainbow Bridge in October of 2020 from inflammation that had traveled to her brain. It broke my heart.

Then I adopted Baxter/

I adopted him from the Humane Society of East Tennessee in January of 2021. 

Baxter's back story is uncertain. He was apparently found as a stray by a lady who couldn't keep him, and he was surrendered to HSET. He was blind and probably had been for a good amount of time. It was felt that he had other issues as well such as thyroid problems. I had never dealt with a special needs animal, but Baxter was an easy one. He acclimated himself quickly to my home and was a cuddle bug. In November of 2021, he began staggering around and the vet said that he was unsure of the cause but suspected it was neurologic in nature. He quickly became worse and his prognosis was very, very poor. I had to let him cross Rainbow Bridge as well.

I'd sworn off pets by now but then along came Apollo. I volunteer for HSET and when I saw Apollo, I fell in love, His backstory was sad. He had been raised from kitten to adult by an elderly man who kept him in his bedroom. He had also been declawed. (Please, don't ever do that to a cat!) When the gentleman passed away, his wife wanted nothing to do with Apollo so he was surrendered to the center. He had a difficult time socializing with the other cats and was kept separate for his physical and emotional well being. He would be destined to be an 'only cat.'  I decided he needed some full time love and so I am fostering him. He is what is called a 'permanent foster." He'll never be taken away from me. 

Although I adored Apollo, he was very unsure about me and even nipped at me once at the center. But I took a chance and brought him home. 

I picked him up from the vet after his exam and shots. He was not a happy camper!

He immediately hid for the rest of the day and then later in the evening, came out from under the bed.

He was very wary of me!

The next day, he became a bit braver and jumped on the couch next to me.

It didn't take him long to find a snuggle place on the bed.

Surveying his kingdom!

Apollo has become a snuggle bug and can be very affectionate but as with most cats, only on his terms and his timing. It's been a joy to watch him come out of his shell and make this his home. He is an unusual cat. He doesn't care for treats and doesn't seem to understand how to play with toys. But we're working on that.

He's pretty sweet! I guess he likes me after all!