Friday night

Gary got a call from his dad tonight while some of the kids were with me shopping for the least one's birthday (which is Sunday).  My mother-in-law is in the hospital after complaining of a sore neck for a couple of days.  Went out of it at home, red-faced, eyes not focusing, incoherent, and her b/p went to zero then flew up to an upper number of 200.  We're in a wait-and-see mode.  They're up in Maryland, so have to wait to hear.  My father-in-law could use prayer too.  His health is good, but it's lots to deal with.  I'm thinking it sounds like meningitis, but that's just a guess on my part.  Flying by the seat of my pants, most days.

Husband participating in a crafts fair tomorrow near our church.  Praying for much success.  The homeowners offer their front yards for artists and crafts people to set up their wares.  He has a couple of game tables, bowls, spoons, mirrors, framed photographs and benches.  Lots of stuff.  And oldest daughter has earrings to sell as well, which are beautiful.  

Life is overfull.  Have to turn off my head.

Sat out with the chickens twice today.  After half an hour of holding a chicken, my b/p arrives at a sweet spot, I'm thinking.  Milk and Nora nestled in my lap, Nora snuggling under my chin.  Imagine.  A chicken.  Isn't that awesome?  And they're so soft.  I caught Madelyn later on and held her.  She tends to be wicked, following Nora around and trying to peck her feet.  A streak of meanness in her, that's for sure.  

Anyway, that's my weekend.  It's enough.

This and that...good old blurry phone shots

Three photos, and not sure what order they'll fall into once I load them.  They are.....part of the room where the memorial service was in yesterday, presently being renovated.  I want you to see the coffers (look up) Gary made and youngest son helped him install.  The wall on the right will have the bookcases he's working on this very minute. Supposedly they'll be ready to install on Monday....fingers crossed. :)  And yes, wine. Those Episcopalians/Anglicans must have their wine. Hard for this former Presbyterian to get a handle on. :)

And the sparrow the least one saved from the dog's water bowl outside this morning.  The bird is presently eating gruel in a cardboard box in the fort.

And Milk looking wicked.  That's what happens when the least one gets hold of my phone and takes photos at eye-level with a chicken.

Annnnnnd, btw, there's a laptop giveaway being offered at Sarah Mae's blog via Staples.  Go here!

{egg count now stands at 10 total}

Mid-week

Been cleaning.  The house has been a dusty mess since all the washer drama, along with the chicken coop finishing-upping.  And had to find places to put assorted bird necessities.

This chicken paraphernalia is a bit bulky.  Pine shavings in a big square (thankfully in plastic), and a bag of this stuff that's supposed to cut down on stinky poo smells, something chickens are known for.  You do get used to it, but this bag of stuff Gary got really does work beautifully.  It's made for horse stalls, and is along the same line as kitty litter, but you can't put regular litter in with chickens.  Their coop is all cozy-looking with the shavings/etc. on all flat surfaces.  We also froze a gallon milk jug full of water and put it in a bowl (for drips) to keep them cool when they're shut inside their little home.  Just lends a coolness to the air, even though the coop is ventilated really well.  When middle daughter let them out about an hour ago (had to pen them up so the big dogs could get some exercise), Nora was sitting along-side of it. Don't blame her one bit.  It's darn hot today.

Not much else cookin'.  Gary's bid got accepted (so thankful, but not surprising...we really like this Interior Designer he's got the job from...can't ever remember her having clients turn down his work), but more would be nice.  Living like the wandering Israelites again, and I get their angst.  Wouldn't mind food dropping down from the sky, though. Would save me a trip.

Need to rest now.  Take care.

Sunday night

My husband's workshop is experiencing a slow time.  A stop dead in the street slow time.  This occurs occasionally, and tends to either drop us more often to our knees, or as in my husband's case just now....makes him incredibly frustrated. I'm not sure all wives understand the depth of a man's despair when money's not coming in and he's not able to take care of his obligations.  It takes a man of very deep faith to not be affected by this sort of thing.  Or maybe a man who's super-human.  Not sure if it's even possible to not react when life pinches in this way.

Thankfully my husband is a strong Christian, but even so, this is hard for him to manage.  When he's done all he can possibly do and that doesn't generate income, it makes a person wonder.  Makes you look up at the Lord and ask why, or to question your motives or behavior.  To look at possible sin that might be standing in the way.  Well, this is where my head goes.  I come from a church past that was big on guilt, so I'm always ready and willing to take the guilt route and be to blame.  Glad to not be with that particular congregation anymore.  But Gary tells me it's not usually punishment that causes life to squeeze us so, sometimes the circumstances of the world we live in are a factor.  We know of many businesses related to what he does who've gone under.  A 75 year old Oriental rug company is closing...he did repair work for one of the owners the other day and got the story.  Furniture companies and Interior Designers are suffering as well.  And with Gary in the furniture build/repair line of work, it all ties together.

Anyway, I told Gary....look at this washing machine.  A perfect example of God's grace and mercy.  A gift that was over-the-top in meeting our needs that weren't even expressed.  Even as I type that I remember that I didn't tell our priest we couldn't afford a new machine, or that we couldn't repair it.  Just that I was washing the old-fashioned way.  Figured we'd manage somehow, just hadn't come up with how.  I never stated a specific need.

As I think about it, God's often answering our prayers even before we utter them.  Makes me shiver to think of it.  And if our priest is one of God's messengers, how cool to think of the Lord answering needed income prayers even now as I write this out.  End of the month...miracles are happening.  I'm going to be thankful beforehand.  Kind of exciting, once you think about it.  God Almighty caring about us, even how I wash the clothes.  Love that thought.

Sunday afternoon

~great mustache, eh?

Bills due again.  They just do that, don't they?  I see ads online where folks are tempted with things that would never be on an ordinary wish list.  Do people really have extra money to throw around on things they really don't need and just want?  That amazes me.

Even now, Gary's finished work on 2 vapors this weekend, in order to do that very thing.  Tempt the vaping public to buy his work.  Former smokers are notorious for spending money.  You figure, plain old cigarette smoking is plenty expensive, so those who vape now and don't smoke tobacco are more willing than you'd think to part with some cash. Here's praying they do very soon. Today would be nice.

Anyway, hope you have a restful evening.  I'm about to get up from my prone position on the bed and tidy up the house a bit.  It was clean on Thursday night, but something apparently happened.  And sweet Indian boyfriend will be over later, so a go over would be a good idea.

Roundandround we go.

Tuesday afternoon

Just checkin' in.

Feeling a bit of relief with some work that has come through the shop.  A big-name person here in town called Gary yesterday asking him to build a folding bar, like one he built a year and a half ago for this man's friend.  It's always interesting when folks who hold some sway call him.  Gary's one of the few people I know who's not affected by money or status.  He treats everyone the same, really, but for me it's amusing when the muckity-mucks come calling.  And a person in Denmark bought one of his wooden vapors this morning.  Doubly blessed.

We're two for two.  Would be delightful if more came through tomorrow as well. My purse has been a bit empty lately, and since we're behind on some bills, to feel a tiny bit flush would be a treat. We're aways from flush, but closer than we were last week.

And it's hard when the lean times come during December.  We always squeak through Christmas, and do fine, but it's tough.  I realize we're not alone in this, but most people don't talk about it, yet show a brave face and act like everything's fine.  Okay, so it's not fine, but I know God's in control.  I just need to surrender to that.  There's no shame in suffering, and I figure, we've all got something eating on us, right?

Take care and just do today.  That's the best advice I can offer.  :)

Gary's workshop stuff

My woodboy's been building a box for a client out in California---a box to hold his e-cigarette paraphernalia.  Just thought you might like to see.  What I always enjoy looking at in his workshop photos is seeing a beautiful new piece in the midst of all the disarray.  He amazes even me.  And for anyone who's interested in the woods---it's Spanish Cedar with African Rosewood veneers.  Smells wonderful!

Happy Labor Day

Fynn

Resting for a bit.  Got some groceries for a day or so, and have chicken poaching and yeast roll dough in its first rise.  Newly-graduated son is having his dinner tonight along with a few presents.  That'll be nice, especially since he's trying to decide whether to keep his current part-time job.

Two of the older boys work in the same restaurant, but this son is squirming a bit.  Doesn't really suit him and, while we've both given him our take on the situation (we'd both prefer he wait it out and try to maybe adjust his hours, if possible), the final decision is his whether he keeps the job or not.  The manager there is trying to convince him to stay, but unfortunately he's not an employer who keeps his word.  There's little incentive to continue on there, at least for this son who seems to need verbal encouragement more than the other boys.  Simply put...he's frustrated.

Well, we'll see.

Razor

But tonight's good.  Had a bit of thrill today when Gary sold his Fynn vapor.  It'll go up to Pennsylvania tomorrow.  And another person is taking Razor out for a test drive this week as well.  Funny what makes money, and Gary's tried lots of things to make money woodworking.

Just have to do today.  With most pressing bills paid, food for two dinners in the house along with toilet paper and milk, plus school starting tomorrow, I've got enough on my plate.  Not borrowing ANY trouble. :)

Fynn...it's called Fynn

Once again, here's some of Gary's work.  For anyone who is new here---among other things, Gary makes wooden vapors.  They're like a nicotine patch, but more fun (his words, not mine!).  Plus the user gets the perk of a water vapor that mimics the smoke a real smoker enjoys.  The positives? It's all positive and no cancer-causing chemicals.  Just nicotine for those who need/want the fix. This one is made of Spanish cedar, a purple heart inlay, along with a crushed turquoise inlay.  He amazes me with what he creates.  Marry an artist, and this is what you end up with. :)  One more thing...here's a link to the thread he runs at an e-cigarette site.

Here's the deal.  Gary smoked for YEARS, as have many folks who've moved on from traditional tobacco to e-cigs.  They're getting healthy, have stopped coughing and have an alternative to smoking.  Some would say---why don't you just quit smoking for good?  Here's where I'll say that it's easier said than done for many people.  I'm proud to have a husband who'll be here longer.  And I think that's enough.

A restful Sunday afternoon

Window's up.  Fan's blowing. It's warm, but not that warm. The breeze is cool and stirring my freshly dyed hair. :) Church was wonderful, as usual, but maybe more so since the spirit in the service was so sweet. Prayer for students and teachers, and a healing prayer at the end---that always makes me cry.  To see folks gathered at the altar and to see the priest say a prayer over them while anointing them with oil is amazing.  It's the tenderness of the sacrament that's so sweet.

I tend to think on services from my past and how 'sanitized' the Protestants have become.  This isn't a dig, but just an observation.  I've been in churches where even the topic of anointing with oil is approached with suspicion.  It can be looked on as outlandish and excessive, and can make folks squirm.  Maybe folks think it's too Catholic, and I'll tell you, I've had some adjusting to do myself.  But I truly do love it.

Oh, as a special thank-you to God for His provision, Gary sold 3 of his wood vapors just this weekend.  One was a buy one/get one and the other was a single sale.  The ones with bling were bought as a pair, and the one called 'scream' will go live somewhere else as well.  The scream one made me think of that painting by Edvard Munch, but Gary said it reminded him of that creepy movie of the same name.  My idea was classier by a long shot.

The really neat part of those sales is that we have a bill due on Tuesday.  He put the sale up last night, got contacted immediately by one buyer, and both sales (unconnected) went through this morning.  The bill will be taken care of.  God's timing always amazes me.

Anyway.  That's what's up here.  Must go rest.  There's pizza to whip up later on, oldest daughter bought us some ice cream for our traditional Sunday night dessert yummies and not much else going on.  Sounds like plenty.

About Gary

So, my husband is just such a darned unique person.  First off, he's an artist.  I noticed that the first time I went to his apartment before we married.  He'd taped off the walls and painted designs on it.  And he had canvases scattered here and there.  But when we'd gotten to know one another with long, long conversations previous to me seeing his place, he never mentioned that part of himself.  In looking back, I think that's sort of odd.  Unless it was such an ingrained part of his personality, that he didn't even think of it.

Anyway, fast-forward about 30 years and he's creating these wood vapors (for the nicotine and none of the harm).  He finished up the one pictured yesterday afternoon, posted it online, and kerPOW, it sold last night.    These recovering smokers are such suckers (forgive the pun) for these things.  Lots of folks are building them, but except for one guy who makes pipes for non-smokers, Gary seems to be one of the few, of not only, ones who are making actual sculptures.

Back to the art.  Those who are creative have to create.  'Nuf said.

(photo to right is a vapor in action...you're seeing water vapor, not actual cigarette smoke...it just mimics what a smoker is used to)

Later on Friday

Oh.  Me and my updates.  All is well.  Gary's relieved that the kids are so willing to help, and he's getting some positive response tonight on the vapes he makes.  And my tattoo makes its debut down toward the end of the page. :)  Now I'm a hand model! (for what a wood vapor/vape is, see comment at end of this post)

Trying to focus on this. very. minute.  I realized the Lord wouldn't have me all scrambled up inside.  Lots on my mind, this week, and it's nice to see a weekend up ahead of me.

One thing.  Fourth son has been going through the motions of applying for a job at the Veterans Hospital here...a medical assistant of sorts....more along the lines of a clerk/receptionist job.  He heard about it several months ago, began writing a resume, and then the job was on hold.  He heard this week that it was up for folks to apply, but it had to be done by tonight.  He's like his mom in that moving fast in any direction is extremely difficult.  Not in a physical sense, but in a mental one.  We felt a hesitation about it on our parts (Gary and I), had a talk with this son, and had some concerns about a person we know getting too involved in helping him (she works at the VA), and honestly, I could feel a spirit that just didn't belong when I got to thinking about it.

Turns out, last night he decided to not apply.  Excellent news.  He's going to settle in at the restaurant job, which is still new to him.  He's not really keen on it, but we tell him it's character-building.  For now, that's all good.

Now.  Time to chill.  You take care.

(vaping is what folks do who're trying to quit/have already quit smoking...it's like a nicotine patch in hand-held/battery operated form...and it's cool in that it produces a vapor that looks just like cig@rette smoke...harmless, but sorta neat...the user adds flavored liquids that contain the nicotine along with a mouthpiece which goes on the end...hope this makes sense)

Just before noon-time

Husband and fifth son have high-tailed it down to Oxford, MS for the day. They're delivering bed rails to a storage unit for a client.  The headboards are getting upholstered and will be following along directly.  Nice for the two of them to have a day away. They took fishing rods.  Male bonding, you know.  Besides, Oxford is such a cute town...lots of history there, and the prettiest houses.  I doubt they'll browse the town, though.  My husband has a trait I'm trying to change.  He's more into the 'get it done' mentality, and for him to slow down and actually enjoy a task is a rarity.  Left to his own devices, he'd run down there alone, leave the rails, and turn right around and come home.  Maybe I've made him overly domestic.  He does thrill to come into the door before dinner.  I do appreciate the enthusiasm for being home, but some adventure placed here and there is a plus.

For the morning, I was able to have some quiet with my tea, which always starts the day out well.  Quiet.  A dark living room to sit in and sleeping dogs. And early on, the air conditioning doesn't run non-stop.  Got sort of concerned with it yesterday since with the heat it wouldn't shut off.  It ran constantly.  Makes me jittery, which sadly enough, isn't hard to do.  Always on edge.

Now will go hang out the first load.  Needlework is in the plan with an Elizabeth Bowen book of short stories to finish.  Not sure what's for dinner, but will aim for simplicity.

Take care and drink your water.

(photo of rowan oak, william faulker's home)

Wednesday dinner-time

About to get things ready for dinner.  Just sandwiches and chips---easy food for a busy day. A few of my brood went with me to get groceries---ours and my mom's.  She's going to have company this weekend, and we got her some extra things she needed and will go over there tomorrow to whip her house into shape.  But honestly, for her being 83, you'd never know that she rarely has help with the housework.  She really keeps things nice, and puts my own housekeeping skills to shame.  No kidding.  'Course not to beat myself up too much---I do live with 9 other humans, plus four dogs and one bird, while she's alone.  There is a difference in mess-making, I guess.

And on Monday bought some more tea at the Middle Eastern grocery around the corner.  Got Ahmad's Imperial Blend, which is wonderful.  And at $6.99/pound of loose tea, a bargain for sure.  And a real comfort at certain times of day. I make a small pot of it in the morning and have a cup in the afternoon to make me sit down.  Usually when I do that Daisy the pug sits in my lap, giving me no excuses to stand up again.  Lap dogs are great for making a person rest. You just don't want to make them get up!

Looking forward to having some alone time when I leave the kids at Mom's tomorrow, though, and that'll be nice.  I need a dose of my own company.  And no talking.  I do love the silence so.

Oh, and wanted to put in an interview a sweet guy did on Gary regarding his new woodworking adventure.  You can find it here.

Good news

Work's coming in.  Gary sold one of his wood vapors---the one called 'Twisty' to a guy in Germany, and while we wait for the funds to come to our bank via PayPal, we package up this little treasure.  Gary's slipped in a hand-made scoop as well, to pad the deal.  The only fly in the ointment, so to speak, is soothing this customer, who's apparently never used PayPal like this, so that he knows we're for real.  He's anxious to get a tracking number, but we can't supply one until the money clears.  Anyone who's used eBay (not that we're selling there) knows this, but again....this guy seems to be a novice.  Everybody's in a hurry these days, aren't they?  And being suspicious is the norm.   I totally understand where this guy is coming from, but hope he can hang on.

AND (the ultimate happy dance), the woman who wanted the 3 beds built told Gary yesterday that, not only, does she want the beds, but actually wants 5 built, not 3---plus a bathroom cabinet and 2 end tables.  He gave her the bid late yesterday afternoon, and while she said it sounded fine to her, still needed to check with her husband.  Looks like after a wild ride at FedEx for the last 9 months, it's time to be serious woodworkers again.

Glad to have my woodboy back.

Wooden stuff

Source: vaporwoods.com via melissa on Pinterest

New stuff Gary's been making. With him going off of smoking (has almost quit entirely), he's gotten into e-cigarettes. You can find basic ones in drugstores, which look sort of like a writing pen, but are costly in the long-term at about ten bucks a pop. They only last a pack's worth as well---about twice the money a real pack of smokes would cost. Anyway, he's met some neat folks online who've also gone to the 'no-smoke, only nicotine' world and has found some very creatively made e-cigarettes. I realize this is new information for lots of folks and some of you are probably scratching your heads, wondering what the heck I'm talking about. Suffice it to say that a user can buy flavored juices, with nicotine (in different strengths) and stay away from the evil smoke. Water vapor copies the smoke from a regular tobacco cigarette, without the harm. It really is an amazing idea for folks who have a tough time quitting smoking.