Indeed, we were spoiled with a most beautiful Autumn. Yesterday, Winter let us know she is not far behind and I blanketed the horses to fend off the chill. She’s sprinkling flurries and whipping winds up on the hill as I type this.
The girls have a heat lamp in the coop, because I can’t stand the thought of their little combs and wattles frostbitten when the temps really dip. Not all chicken tenders (no pun intended!) believe this is necessary, but it makes me feel better.. so. Henrietta is very appreciative.
I’m supposed to be out shoveling sh*t right now, but I’m feeling under the weather today – a combination of stress over the election and it’s fallout, a cold – the first I’ve had in about 15 years, and perhaps a stomach bug last night just to kick it up a notch. Of course, fibromyalgia, not wanting to be left out, kicks it up another notch for good measure.
I keep trying to -reset- — Put the election results behind me and move on. My friends are still ranting and arguing on Facebook, even the “winners”, although we all lost in my opinion. I’m trying not to get into the fray, but it’s so damn hard when you feel so damn concerned about what all this means. I was hoping for some Presidential Behavior to arrive with the incoming President Elect, but no.. the 3 a.m. tweets continue. Doesn’t he have more important things to worry about now?? The whining continues ( Please Donald.. you reap what you sow, simple concept, google it) He’s taking liberties already with his children, with his business interests, The Draining of the Swamp didn’t happen, he’s picking from it. And I called this one months ago…. The First Lady isn’t moving into the White House…. for now. Yes I know she found a believable excuse but I don’t think for one minute she wants to live in the Big House. So another special exception will be made for his wife and one of his children. What that means for the Secret Service detail and other occupants of the Ivory Tower remains to be seen, but for sure, it’s “un-presidented”.
What’s a girl have to do to get out of her own way? Create. I’m starting a new painting, an oil of my horse underneath that glorious old pear tree (the giving tree) that still gives about 1,000 pears per season regardless of it’s almost completely hollowed out core. This is going to be tricky and will take a while, but I’m hoping it will soothe my soul. My “studio” is now my son’s bedroom – the one he vacated this past year to live with his GF. They’re doing remarkably well, by the way.. so proud of their accomplishments as they build on their education and career, and learn what living together responsibly and selflessly means. It’s a beautiful thing.
Are you getting ready for the big Thanksgiving Feast? Most years I have cooked the meal here and various family have been invited. This year my SIL is hosting and I will be bringing a few desserts.. I plan to make an apple pie and a maple cheesecake, which is new in my repertoire… because SOMEONE ELSE IS BRINGING A STORE BOUGHT PUMPKIN!! – WHAT?? GAH!!… The recipe can be found here if you’re interested. For the cheesecake, not the store bought.
An update on my father and his life at Apple Rehab- while there are things about him I will never understand or condone, I have to give him credit. He has adjusted well to nursing home living, something I didn’t think would happen. He’s made friends. He has a “coffee clutch” – I call them the rat pack, who hang out in the front hall and watch people come and go. They play cards, they order take out and have pizza delivered, they flirt with the nurses, they watch football and complain about the candidates. My dad is one of the “winners”… we don’t go there because in his previous life he was a racist and a womanizer. I can’t tolerate his fist pumping over this one and so he has learned if he doesn’t shut up I’ll walk out. Sounds harsh, right? But it is the reality.
The one area that is still a struggle is this – He is supposed to share his room with another. So far, he’s been through three room mates – He’s not very considerate, leaving the heat at greenhouse temps (uncomfortable for anyone but him) and never shutting off his TV, not even when he leaves the room for a while. His reason is he doesn’t like the inconvenience of having to turn it back on. They’ve tried talking to him about being considerate of his roommates, but ultimately they’ve had to separate them. The home has been very considerate up to this point, but there’s just so much shuffling they’re going to be willing to do. He lies to me about the reasons for the squabbles so I no longer ask. They gave me permission to -stay out of it- so that our visits can remain cordial. for this holiday I will pick him up and bring him to my SIL’s house, and bring him back home when he peters out. It’s not the ideal, but it’s what we’ve got.
Not the ideal, but it’s what we’ve got. Wash, Rinse, Repeat…
There is much to be Thankful for, tis true. I’ll be back with updates on Stella over at Once Upon a Tide soon enough.. Happy Thanksgiving! and Peace be with us all.