It was good, and yet....

 I don't feel we got much done.  As I mentioned yesterday, I went over to the youngest sons to help him clean house.  It took me three trash bags and a couple hours plus just to clean off the kitchen counter on either side of the stove.  No, I am not exaggerating.  I have never seen so many syrup bottles setting on a counter except at the grocery store!  Most had not been opened and expired early in 2024.  Yes, I got permission, and I disposed of those down the drain.  In fact, I got rid of about a dozen bottles because they had expired prior to December 2024.  I did not throw out the December ones.  Most were full.  Who in the world can drink that much syrup!  And for someone who claims they are 'healthy eaters'... all that sugar in them - cause I don't think any were sugar free!  Oh well, none of my business.  But I don't feel like I got much done.  My grandson tried to help by working on the island and my son was in that part too.  It still wasn't cleaned off when I left, but there was space.  I don't know if the son and grandson did anything after I left cause they were also watching the great-grandson overnight.   I have a feeling, nothing else was done.  They had worked on the garage earlier in the week.  And, yes, I did comment to my son about the thousands of dollars that were thrown in the trash because of the spouse's spending habits. No, it wasn't just syrup.  Other things that had expired in 2019 and you know they were not using them!  Again, none of my business.  My mama talk wanted to come out, and did sneak out some, but I did apologize for saying what was on my mind.  Sigh. It's his life, his choices, not mine.

I have my own struggles, and those that know me, and have read in here frequently, know what those are. Sigh.  I came home about 2:30PM I think it was.  Hubby was watching TV.  I had made garbage while over at my son's and left them a dish, but brought some home to hubby - and he quickly devoured every last bite of it.  And put the dish in the sink to 'soak'. Rolling my eyes here.  When I saw it, I just washed it and put it away.  I can't stand dishes sitting in the sink unless there is a valid reason they need to soak.  I put eggs on to boil for the HOA thing today.  I started working on a new diamond art project.   I was ok with hubby watching TV and I was focused on what I was doing.

Then hubby goes outside to sit, and I knew it was a matter of time.  Yep, sure enough, he comes in and tells me "You should come outside and sit, it's really nice out."  Now when you hear that, you may think it is just an invitation.  I hear it as "you will come outside and sit with me."  I didn't want to go out; I wanted to work on my diamond art project. I was content.  BUT, as I started to get up, my granddaughter called regarding some questions about the wedding for next Sunday.  After our discussion (during which hubby came back in and repeated his statement), I went outside and sat.  We didn't talk much; rather, I didn't. After about an hour he decided it was time we went in.  And one wonders why I feel like I live in a prison most days.  I wasn't hungry so didn't fix dinner.  I finished up the eggs so that all I need to do today is put them together. He fixed himself something to eat; don't remember what. I fixed half a ham and cheese sandwich (I even ate BREAD).  'We' watched the news and then the TV went off for awhile, then we watched a movie, and then it was read a bit before bed-time.  Such a life we have. So exciting and fulfilling, don't you think.  I'm dying of boredom when I can't work on things I enjoy. Does that make sense?

Today I have something to look forward to.  My oldest son is taking me out to breakfast!  Rather, I am meeting him there.  Hubby brings my coffee in this morning with the words "Where are you meeting Rxxxxx this morning?"  I tell him.  "What time?"  I tell him.  "Do you know where it is?"  Of course I do.  "Where?"  So I tell him.  I then commented sarcastically "Don't you remember where it is?" And he responds, "I do because I go there all the time, I wanted to be sure you knew where you were going."  Lord, please help me cause I'm losing my mind!!

But I am looking forward to spending time with my son, even though he did stop by the youngest's yesterday while I was there.  These are moments I treasure.  

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV):  And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we don't lose heart.

One can take that verse a couple different ways.  Doing good.  What does that mean, anyway?  I know what I think it means - but what do you think it means?  Let's see if we agree.  Doing good could mean helping others, right?  Like, I went over to my son's to help him clean house.  (and I had fun doing it).  I like helping others, doing things for others.  Is that 'doing good'?  I go visit Ms. Diane (yes, I actually got over there the other evening) and Ms. Vicky (will see her today at the HOA thing, and if not, will go visit). I guess that is 'doing good'?  But what about in our own homes?  What is 'doing good' in our own homes?

In my life right now... is 'doing good' keeping silent when things aren't the way I want?  Is my 'doing good' part of having to be in the same room where he knows where I am and what I'm doing?  Hae I just grown weary of 'doing good' and want to rebel?  All kinds of scenarios run through my mind.  And I'm just rambling through this today, I think.  In due season, what shall I reap?  

Whatever you do, do good for others, for it is what we are called to do.  Regardless of who they are. Regardless of whether we like them or not.  Regardless of the cost to us personally.  Regardless of their response.  We are called to 'do good'. Not for any reward, but because we do it for Jesus.  That's what the Bible says.  Whatever we do, do it as if doing unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV):  And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

And with that, I'm going to get off here.  Is that doing 'good' to you? Don't answer that. It's Saturday - and hopefully you aren't working.  Ask someone out to breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  You just might make their day.  Do your 'own good'.

Blessings!

It still feels like something is inside...

 At times it really does!  This morning, just sitting here, there is this one bump that tingles.  Really weird. Obviously I am keeping tabs on my leg and whatever is going on with it.  I wanted to give the antibiotics time to work - and this is day 4 for the cephalexin and day 3 for the dox-something.  The color has gone down but the spots are still there and like I said, I get this tingling and a pin prick ever so often in a couple of them.  One photo I took (yes, I have been taking pretty much daily photos of these spots) show that some of the bumps are getting a white tip on them.  I don't know. Perhaps I need to read up on scorpion bites and see if that is really what it is.  After all, the NP at urgent care voiced scorpion bites but wrote down 'insect bite'.  RME.  I'm trying to tell myself that all the twinges of pain and the tingling is healing and nothing else.   I really do not believe a scorpion can sting 10-12 times (yeah, found a couple more bumps) in such a short time - and let's not forget the 3 bites that broke the skin.  It's all really weird and I'd love answers to my questions on it.  I go back to the dermatologist on Monday.  If it keeps improving I'll wait until then, but he did instruct me that any problems go to ER and not to urgent care.  

I did tell hubby last night about the December 3rd surgery.  Yes, he got a bit hyper about it, but I kept assuring him it is just a precautionary thing, they will dig at the spot and check tissue and then will stitch it up and send me on my way when it is determined it is fine.  He was insisting at first he would stay the entire morning I have it done, but after talking with my daughter (she had something removed recently by this dermatologist) and she said that after the surgery we are taken to another room to wait until the tissue gets examined, I explained that to hubby and he agreed he would wait with me until I get it done then will leave until I call him to come pick me up.   Say prayers that all is well - much appreciated.

Finally got the dates we will be heading to New Mexico for Thanksgiving.  My daughter and I had a talk about it last night and I shared my feelings about going. And I'll leave that right here.  I would love to see the grandson and his wife.  I am just not looking forward to the trip.  My brother always says having guests are like fish; after three days they start smelling.  I realize it is a long trip but.... 12 hours one way is a long drive.  I will need to put in for my PTO today and get my boss to approve it.  One thing for sure; I'll either get a lot of crocheting done or a lot of reading - or both!

Galatians 6:9 (NLT):  So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.

As I sit here and think about that verse, I can see two sides of it.  Sometimes we keep doing and keep doing and keep doing for people and it seems like they just keep taking and taking and taking - and never changing, never stepping out to do for themselves.  All they want is the handout.  I think we all know those type of people.  They may - or may not - do for others, but they always have a hand out for themselves.  So does that mean that we need to quit helping them?  According to this scripture, if it is for good, we are not to quit helping them, for our own blessing will come in time. But, I also feel that we need to look at those we are contributing to.  Are they trying to do better, or get on their feet, or whatever.... or are they just letting you 'parent' them and take care of them?  There are people like that in this world, unfortunately.  We see it all the time on the news, don't we?  We know people who will not work to make their lives better; they want things handed to them. Usually from the government or charity places.  They become 'entitled'.  I think that is the word, isn't it?  We are not 'entitled' to anything.   

Don't get me wrong - if I hear of someone in need, I will be first in line to help however I can.  I can't always give financially, but I can help in other ways.  I've given sets of dishes and silverware, We've given furniture.  We help in other ways.  And I am sure that you do the same.  Sometimes money isn't what they need; they may just need someone to walk the journey with them.

Like my friend Melonie. Her husband passed a couple years ago unexpectedly.  She is still grieving and I try to meet up with her occasionally, not only because she is my friend, but because she also needs to know that someone cares.  I can only understand in part of what she is going through.  But I can listen, and I can hug, and I can love.  Sometimes that is all we are called to do.

It won't be long before the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are upon us.  This year has truly been flying by fast.  I'm trying to work past the 'work Thanksgiving/Christmas party' on November 7th. UGH I still don't want to go.  I don't want to drive downtown.   Thanksgiving out of town, and I'm also trying to figure out how we are going to do Christmas with the family.  I want to accommodate everyone, of course.  I think we are going to move the daughter and her family past Christmas as their family will be doing their own thing in different parts of the country.  They will be alone for Christmas, I think.  So many variables within the families this year.  Closer to time when they all know what they are doing, then I can figure out how we can work it all out.  It's not a problem. I just want it to be easy and fun for everyone.  Going to 'grandma's house for Christmas' has lost it's appeal over the years.  No one's fault; it is just the way life is.  It's just hard for me to let go, for I love my family so much and want to be in 'life' with them and make memories.  

And with that, I need to get off here and finish up my time alone and get the work computer up and going.  I have lots of things I need to get done today.  Hope you have a good day and are productive!

Blessings!