Happy 4th of July 2025 !

Happy 4th of July!

If you click here, it should play 

"It's a grand old flag!"

I love this song from Yankee Doodle Dandy

with George Cohan

Lyrics here:

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

Wishing you all a happy safe 4th of July!

Hugs, (virtually),

Rian

 

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit! July 1, 2025

 

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

Good Morning! July1st 2025 is here already!

DH and I both hit the big 8-0 this month... 

(a little scary, but glad to be here)

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

Stories worth sharing...

Teddy, new adoptee

Had to tell you this story: 

My cousin in New Orleans recently lost her 16 year old kitty.  For a while she grieved over this loss. She lives alone and Kuchi was her companion for years. Well, when she decided to adopt another, she started thinking about an older cat... felt she was too old herself to take on a kitten. So she started checking out rescue centers. 

She had a few options available and sent me pictures and explained their ages and circumstances. I found one that seemed perfect... intelligent face and not too old. I believe he is 12. But the choice was hers and after getting it down to 2, decided on Teddy (which was my choice also). 

Anyway, he has been with her for about 2 weeks now (apparently fostering until a decision was made). But she just told me yesterday that she will be adopting him and getting all the paperwork, medical background, etc. this Saturday. So happy that it worked out. She says he is a wonderful sweet cat and loves having him there. Teddy deserves a loving home for the last years of his life... and her spoiling him with a new cat bed, cat tree, and his favorite food... as well as a loving lap to sleep on whenever she's around is great for both of them.

On another note:  

I can't remember if I mentioned this at an earlier time, but I don't think so. In some ways, it's a funny story... but also a bit sad (depends on how you look at it).

Our daughter lives on 8 acres in the hill country. Neighbors around her have acreage also. Many have animals, mostly horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. Well, a few years ago, one of her neighbors released all their rabbits... into the wild. Naturally they multiplied and many were visiting daughter's property (black, white, black&white, grey, and golden bunnies).

Loving animals and afraid for their welfare with predators, she began to catch them and keep them in her barn. But after several batches of baby bunnies (some of which she was able to find homes for), she decided to keep only the females penned in. I believe she had maybe 6 females... for about a year, maybe longer. No babies. But recently and I'm sure they were working on their tunnel for a long time, but recently the females tunneled out. 

Now that they have all been loose  again for several months... she just found baby bunnies in the hay in her tack room! 

 

... and so the battle continues.

Just thought I'd share those 2 stories with you - one with a happy ending and the other - a conundrum.

Don't you love that word "conundrum"? I recently found this list of really great words:

Aren't these great words? (Think my daughter may be discombobulated with these shananigans)

Hugs (virtual), 

Rian

Something about a Sunday...

I like Sundays... and I'm not quite sure why. Growing up it meant going to church and coming home to fried chicken and the aroma of dad's pipe or cigars in the house. It was a cozy loved feeling. 

DH and I continued the church attendance until our 3rd child. It got to be a hassle with 3 kids under 5 - and I'm not saying it was the only reason we stopped going... but it was one. As time went on, I began to feel that it wasn't necessary to attend church every Sunday. And for a while mama and I (when she lived with us here) would go in the mornings in the middle of the week. It seemed... more meaningful since we weren't going for the social aspect, but just because we wanted to. Later, that stopped too. But I no longer find that it matters spiritually. I've always believed that 'One on one' works best when it comes to matters of God.

Don't ask me where THAT came from. My monkey minds sometimes just goes off on a tangent. 

But perhaps the news about the U.S. bombing Iran has stirred up some weird stuff. I don't have any inklings as to whether this was right or wrong. To me anything that sparks war is wrong, but what do I know? All I do know is that it makes me feel afraid. What will be the aftermath of such an act? Do we still have Allies? Life has gotten a little unpredictable since January 20, 2025. 

Sometimes I feel so-oo full... like there's so much I want to say, but not sure 'how or if' I should say it. I think that inside each of us are so many thoughts and ideas and feelings that aren't easy to express. I guess this Blog gives us a chance to do this. I write things on here that I'd never put on Facebook. In fact, I deleted Facebook from my phone this morning as I really didn't want to read all the stuff that will be forth-coming since the bombing. However, I will miss seeing family pics posted from Louisiana...

I hate what places like Canada, the UK, Australia, and others must be thinking about us. I hope they realize that many many of us (hopefully more than the Trumper half) are not in agreement with what is going on here since the last election. We want to take America back! We want to make America "kind" again!  And we're trying... but perhaps we need help. How? I don't know. But we need our friends (Canada, the UK, Australia, etc.) to stand by those of us who want our country back.

I'm going to stop now. It's Sunday and I need to think about Sunday dinner... maybe Chicken Spaghetti ... and a salad. That sounds good. 

Here's a picture of me at 7 or 8 (when life was simpler) with our dog, Pal. 

and me in a high school show... (still simple)

That's me in the middle back... and my life-long friend since grammar school on my right

and now a few memes:

and how I feel sometimes in the morning...

Oh, and if you saw my last post with a pic of Shadow (one of our ferals). Here's a better pic of him:

Have a wonderful Sunday... and forgive me for sharing my rambling mind with you. Sometimes it just helps to write it all down and get it out of my head. 

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

a hodgepodge: random assortment of unrelated things

my home-grown red pepper

 My beautiful home-grown red pepper (on my cluttered kitchen shelf). I had to show you as most of our peppers will get ugly before they change from green to red (so we generally pick them while still green). So proud of that little baby. We do like to roast peppers and use them in a lot of dishes (or eat them just roasted!)

While on the subject of food, here is a picture I took when gathering my ingredients for a roast a few days ago. Not sure why I took the pic, but sometimes things just look picture worthy.

I also use bay leaves, parsley, and s & p as well as the onions and garlic in my roasts. Later I make the gravy separate and add to the existing juices (after I remove my portion since gravy is not gluten free).

Updates:

My Cardiologist appointment went well. Apparently my heart is in good shape for my age and I don't have to have another Echo or visit for a year. (Yay!)

Oncologist appointment is next week. Wish he would say the same, but doubt it since he is watching those 'things' in my lungs. This time no catscan though, just a chest x-ray (Yay! to that too).

No news from the Pulmonologist  -  he may still be waiting for the results of tests... and the home sleep test (which hasn't occurred yet) 

And now a pic of one of our feral cats that has been around since his birth. We call him Shadow... and he disappears for weeks on end, then returns and stays around for weeks. He's a kind soul and has no problems with the kittens, letting them eat from his plate, etc. The little black kitten has taken to him..

Shadow comes by the back door and sits and waits for us to feed him (and the kitten). We've often left the back door open, but he doesn't try to come inside. He's a very careful cat, stays off to himself, and although he isn't afraid of us, doesn't get too close either.

OK, going to close this with a few words regarding the "No Kings" protests. I think they went really well. I'm so proud that so many people showed up. I didn't go, but wasn't aware of any close by, but hopefully will next time. The next few memes are indicative of how I've been feeling lately. 

It's only Friday, but I do hope everyone has a peaceful safe healthy weekend!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

my week in review...

Walking into the bathroom one day this week, I was surprised to see a tiny frog sitting by the faucet. It's not unusual to occasionally find tiny geckos in the house, but this is the first time I've come across a frog. I scooped him up into a plastic container and was going to save him for our granddaughter who loves frogs. But then I realized she already had 2... and both of these were big enough to probably eat this little thing, so I just took a picture for her and released him into the back yard.

Also... we have security cameras in the back that we check daily. They show the ferals that come to the yard - usually the cats, kittens, possums, raccoons, and box turtles - but occasionally a coyote or bobcat come by. Yesterday to our surprise the camera showed a coyote chasing our little black kitten. Luckily he/she was smart enough to run up the tree that is close by the porch and escape. 

We do have a 6 ft fence... but apparently the coyotes can jump it. So now we're getting an estimate to see if we can raise it to 8 ft. 

Another fun (ha!) experience this week was my visit to the dentist. I was told that I had a small cavity underneath an old cap on one of my teeth - so the dentist needed to remove the cap, treat the decay, and take an impression for a new cap... and there was a 'possibility' of a root canal. Well, going to the dentist (even for cleaning) is difficult for me. I tell myself it's silly and to not be such a wuss, but my heart beats wildly and it's hard not to panic. But I tell myself, "JUST DO IT!" and did. It wasn't awful... just a nerve wracking 2 hours (and luckily the root canal wasn't necessary). And I will say that this dentist and his staff are very kind and extremely good at what they do.

On another note, I made a chicken enchilada pie today. It's my 'cheat' on the original chicken enchilada recipe made with either corn or flour tortillas. I use the same recipe, but instead of putting the filling into tortillas, I put it into a covered pie shell. It's faster and really good (and takes less time than filling 12 tortilla shells).

That's about it. We hope to go to Ham's Peach Orchard some time this week (will try to remember to take pics). They have wonderful fresh peaches, blueberries, strawberries, etc. as well as dozens of products made with peaches, baked goods, frozen goods, etc. And fresh peach and strawberry ice-cream! Also they now have peach pulled pork sandwiches (which are really good).

As for some of the crazy political stuff going on :

and for DH's Father's Day: 

And Happy Father's Day to all of the Dad's out there!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

lazy summer days... ha!

Yep! 

June has come in like a lion... not a slow moving lazy cat.  This week has been crazy busy... at least for me who likes to take things slow. I had to go to get my B-12 injection on Monday, 2 groceries on Tuesday, 2 Malls on Wednesday, a haircut and a long overdue visit to a friend on Thursday, and a watercolor class at the Senior Center on Friday.... and since school is out, youngest granddaughter was with us for most of this (actually love having her with us).

The watercolor class wasn't really a 'class' as I thought it might be. It was just a relaxing way to spend an hour... painting and talking. I had hoped I might learn something, but no instruction was given. It was fine, but I won't do another. 

I will show you what my granddaughter has been doing. She has been making 'cat masks'. Here is a pic of us wearing her cat masks and some of the others she made recently. I think they are adorable... and well made.

Update on the little kitten that hangs around. He/she sleeps almost every night on the back porch... either on the cat tree or one of the chairs. We have been talking to him/her a lot to get use to our voices and although he/she still runs, not running as far these days. 

And my cousin in New Orleans who lost her 16 year old cat a few months ago, just adopted a 12 year old rescue named Teddy. Just picked him up yesterday. Here is a pic:

I hope it works out for her. She lives alone and really misses Kuchi, her lost kitty. I think Teddy has a handsome intelligent face and at 12 could use a comfortable home and a kind lady to spend his days with.

That probably covers my week. I did get the ionizer in the mail yesterday and plugged it in our bedroom. Will see if it makes any difference (supposed to purify the air and remove dust mites, etc.)

We're getting together with old friends tomorrow evening for dinner and coffee, so I'd better start straightening up around here  - since I did absolutely no house cleaning last week.

Hope everyone has a relaxing weekend!

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

Pics of orchids in the mall:

June 1, 2025 Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

 

It's June 1st already!  Rabbit Rabbit! White Rabbit!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Sleep clinic experience... and a quick question

 I really should have taken a pic of myself once all wired up at the sleep clinic (it really is a sight!) They put wires everywhere... on your face, beside your eyes, on your cheeks, all over your head, under your jaw... even a weird thing inside your nose (kind of like those oxygen nose things - but no oxygen). They also have wires and bands on your chest, abdomen, and legs....and you're supposed to sleep with all that!

I'm not complaining, the place was nice, the people/technicians were nice... but really, there should be a better way to monitor sleep problems because this way really doesn't induce normal sleep. But... I guess it must work as they continue to do it. 

Anyway, I got there about 8:30 pm, wired up about 9, read until about 10:30 or 11 and did fall asleep until 3 am. Then I was awake, and don't think I slept again until the tech came by at 5am to remove the wires.

She was nice though... and young. Asked her how she liked what she did. I imagine it was 'interesting' work. She said that it wasn't her first choice. I asked what was, and she said, "working in the ER... and that this was a good job, juat a bit boring... watching people sleep".  I guess I can understand that... only for me research is much more interesting than the fast pace of an ER would be.

So, that was the sleep clinic adventure. Actually I'd done it before - a few years ago. The doctors suspect that I have a form of sleep apnea, and I agree... but last time they didn't diagnose it. Nothing has changed in the procedure... now it's just a matter of if anything has changed with me (besides being older and my smart phone telling me I have mild to moderate hypopnea  - shallow restricted breathing - every night).

It will take a few days to get the report. If it is a form of sleep apnea, then I think I have to go in for a conference. If not, the report goes to my doctor, and I go back in to see him for possibly more tests (yahoo!). So, we'll see... 

Not much else going on. But I did order an ionizer recently. I already forgot the name of it (think it was IonPure). Anyway, I thought since I cough, sneeze, and blow my nose so much in the house that perhaps I have some allergy to something in the air? Anyway, I saw this advertised and ordered - just one to try. They plug into the wall... and are supposed to eliminate airborne particles like dust mites, pet dander, and toxins from the air? 

My question:  Anyone out there use something like this? 

Ok, well that's all my news for this week. I will leave you with another favorite meme:

Hugs (virtually), 

Rian

(One of the little kittens has been coming by him/herself to eat and sleep on the cat tree every day. I so wish he/she would let us get near... has semi-long grey hair that could use a good brushing.)

Beautiful bell peppers, summer plans, and plants...

 

I had to show you these beautiful bell peppers. Bell peppers must be doing really well this year as they are all over the place... and just gorgeous! We bought these to roast with our brisket tonight, but they were so large we ended up using half of each and saving the other half to stuff later. We had brisket, roasted peppers, fresh asparagus, and mashed potatoes. All really good!

This week I've been working on de-cluttering. I went through 2 boxes of old photos, ancestry stuff, and some things saved without (any remembered) rhyme or reason.  I have to admit it's hard for me to throw out things... but I'm working on it. 

I'm almost finished my 2nd round of antibiotics. Hopefully I won't have to do anymore. But still waiting on results from Pulmonologist's test... and have to go to a sleep clinic soon to be tested for sleep apnea (again). But we did go to the Senior Center on Friday so we did get some walking in.

Last day of school is at the end of this week. We will probably have our granddaughter spending part of the summer with us. So I'm making plans for our days together. She is 12 and we need to find things to do that don't involve her cell phone 24/7. But luckily she loves to walk... and we both enjoy hunting for bugs, frogs (she now has 2: Suki and Rospos), etc. Also thinking we may explore cooking and art a bit more ... 

And possibly re-establish books into her agenda also - something she used to love before the infamous cell phone took over. Lately reading has occupied most of my time over art... not sure why... but sometimes that's just how it goes.

 And of course my plants are slowly taking over my front room (just bought another grow light!). 

this area has 2 windows so they do pretty good

These last 2 pics show the 2 grow lights we have on these... as not sure if the one window is enough light. Time will tell.

And just a pic or two to celebrate my dad's birthday, May 25th. 

He was born in London, England in 1907 and died in New Orleans when he was 75. He was the general manager of a stone company that built churches and other buildings around New Orleans and the surrounding boyous. Some of my childhood memories are driving around with him visiting the various churches to check on the stone. Still miss him...

Going to close this now before this gets too long. Just wanted to say that the feral cats and kittens are doing fine. Kittens coming up to the back porch on their own now. More box turtles coming up too. And yesterday I had to chase a coyote out when I saw him through my kitchen window while cooking. Our fence is 6 foot and since it's been fixed, don't know how he gets in... unless he jumps it? Crows still coming in front... and still fussing if DH is late putting the peanuts out.

Take care and enjoy the long weekend!

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

a few Sunday thoughts...

love this pic... exactly how I want my front porch to look

I've been wanting to add on to the small front porch we have for years. The thought of being able to sit out there in the morning or  evening  with a cup of coffee and watch the world go by is No. 1 on my non-existent bucket list. 

The porch is already covered, so all we need to do is extend the floor (cement or wood), add a fan and some hanging plants... and of course figure out how to landscape the area right in front (which is now covered in Nandina and holly bushes).

Just thinking about that this morning as I watch the crows and squirrels eat the peanuts we throw out for them each morning.

Oh, and we had the first box turtle eating with the kittens on the back porch this morning. The kittens were fascinated with him and followed him around for a while.

Next are 2  pics of a beautiful pink orchid and a Lego dinosaur that we came across while walking in the mall. 

They had about 2 dozen of these set in rows (all colors)... but I took a picture only of the pink one. So pretty!

I thought this Lego dinosaur was really pretty neat. Cost was $250.00 (but not that neat!).

Haven't felt too good this week, and on antibiotics again... waiting to hear from my PCP on some test... and from the Pulmonary doctor for the results of another test. And was supposed to go to a sleep clinic and be tested (again) for Sleep Apnea this past Wednesday, but had to reschedule that since I didn't feel well. Feel OK today, so hope the results come in this week with some answers.

And lastly:

Sky-diving and fly-fishing are things I've always wanted to try, but just never gotten the opportunity (certainly never wanted to be a ballerina as that pic shows... not the dancing type). But now I wonder if the time has passed for these things... 

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

(P.S: Thanks for reading. I appreciate you letting me share my thoughts with you.)