3820, my newest "long story" (actually a novella) has been put on hold, or at least slowed down, while I prepare other content. I am slowly working on Chapter 5. I will get back to work on it as soon as I can, but I'm also preparing 2026 content. I haven't decided how many chapters will be in the story. Its brief preface has already been published.
While feeding the dogs, I happened upon a snake slithering through the yard. It was not very long or very big around. It was a striped snake, not at all venomous. It was moving very rapidly away from me, probably scared. I don't know what kind it was.
Today, my back has been hurting a lot. I've had to take gabapentin and a muscle relaxer; I don't remember the exact name. I've also had to take Tylenol 3. I have had a near-constant need for the Tylenol. When I took my yearly drug test at the VA, it returned positive for that drug. I had already told my doctor, however, that I was taking the medicine. So, she knows. My back started hurting after I did some of my mowing with a push mower.
For the past two days, the Black Mouth Cur (and Bulldog mix) that happens to live on our property (long story) has gotten loose. We've chased the idiot for two days in a row. It's time to buy some hardware and fix an escape-proof area. We're also having trouble with the Jack Russell trying to get out of the kennel.
For the past three days, it's been laundry, laundry, and more laundry. We've even had to wash rugs and tennis shoes. I think I'm about done for the day. I washed a winter coat, and it's now in the dryer. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
We've had quite a lot of activity on our hummingbird feeders. They're being drained fairly quickly, and my wife bought a third feeder. We went through one gallon of food in a short amount of time. I had to make some more this morning. To make hummingbird "food," all you need is sugar and water. No red dyes or anything like that. Mix 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. For instance, pour 4 cups of water into a jar. Then add 1 cup of sugar. You're all set.
We get what people call "commodities" from a food bank. Today we got (among other things) grapes, tomatoes, and watermelons. We also got two bags of "Cheetos Flamin' Hot Dill Pickle Crunchy Cheese" chips. No one in the house likes them, but my wife called a couple of kids from next door and let them have the chips. She said the kids ate those chips like they were nothing, and like they had never had anything to eat before. Ever polite, the oldest child, aged 14, did profusely thank her.
It has been extremely hot in Texas, with bouts of rain. Half of the yard is mowed. The other half looks bad, but hey, it's Texas. I've never been opposed to pulling up stakes and leaving an area entirely. I've done it before. But I prefer to hang my hat in Texas, so here I shall remain.
Peace and love from the Lonestar House!
