Smokey

Smoky - Author's Picture

Smokey's face looks quite offended. She didn't like that we were paying attention to a puppy rather than her. She's a tabby; maybe mixed with something else. Not my cat, but it is my picture.

Winter Weather

HPLHS Renewal

I've had enough dogs for the month and enough cold for the year. We did get the storm spoken of in my edit (below). We were without power for almost 24 hours, and it's not set in stone that the power won't go out again. In fact, it has blinked off a few times since it came back on this morning. Anything's possible in Texas. The area is completely shut down. We did get to make some coffee today. I'm so cold. My feet are freezing, and our bathrooms, especially the one on the north side of the house, are freezing. They're heated by electric heaters, and they haven't warmed the rooms up yet. I spent the powerless evening (yesterday) rewatching movies and some animated Star Wars episodes. I also rewatched a couple of Hellraiser movies, the second one and the third one, starring the younger Terry Farrell of Star Trek.

Read the remainder as though it were written previously, which it was:

A winter storm warning starts today. I hope we miss it, but the weather forecast is calling for it. I might be without power when or if it hits. In the meantime, I'm happy to have renewed my 2006 membership to the HPLHS, or H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society. I got a new stamp for my ID. Pretty cool.

About an hour ago, I set out my gas lamps and candles. I have about 10 gallons of water. I hope it'll be enough in case we do get a bad storm. We're overdue for one. At the moment, I'm hearing a fixed-wing aircraft flying over our house. I wonder why they're up in this weather. It has already started raining. Probably will change to freezing rain before long. Godspeed to all who have to be out in these conditions.

I still have the urge to head out into the woods and take pictures. I'm not sure when I'll get to do it. I don't really want to head out into the rain. But, I might have to.

Edit: We did get a winter storm last night. It's possible that we will get more freezing rain and snow. Now I'm sure about going outside. It's so very cold, too cold. Oh, and I have totally changed my mind about going out to take pictures, or even going out at all. I live in Texas for a reason, and cold is not one of those reasons.

And another edit: The power went out two brief times when I was writing this post.

Winter Weather Possibly Approaching

Goodbye Kisses

We're under a winter storm watch on Friday, along with a warning for some brutal cold weather, like single water freezing digits. I hope "they" are wrong, but the forecast hasn't changed. I hate it when the area basically shuts down when a winter storm hits. We'll see, I guess. We got a lot of rain last night. If the temperature does drop, I'd like to go out into the woods and walk the bank of a creek that lies on the south side of the property. I'll take a few pictures, and there's always the possibility of finding an antique bottle or two, and maybe even an old trash pile. I just hope we don't lose our electricity.

I've been working on blog material for 2027, which right now is a long way off. In the meantime, I'm working on various retellings of stories that relate to Washita in an attempt to promote the novella. My current focus is on the stories taking place in or around the fictional Dobbs County. At the moment, I'm also developing the character of Izzy Kent, who is becoming more prominent in the 3820 tale. She's a key player in the Dobbs Universe and has also appeared in a couple of standalone stories, and may become the most outstanding character 3820. I didn't decide to make it that way; she just took on a life of her own and ran with it. She has a few characteristics that I also have, personally. I want to say it's strange, but it may be predictable. The character may well have the interests of the author, even if their genders are not the same.

Today I spent from 2:30 PM to 5 PM at the vet's office. My daughter's Jack Russell has heartworms, which has led to heart failure. The bill was a shopping 762 dollars. I was so tired, mainly from sitting in the waiting room. They had hard wooden chairs and what seemed to be vintage pews to sit on. Very hard on the back, especially when you already have back trouble. The picture: I thought it was poignant. There actually were kisses in the container.

January 2026 Update

Medical Wrap Picture

"Go ahead, baby," I said (accidentally, I'm often guilty of saying this) to the 20-something that checked out in front of me at the store, but needed to exchange something that she'd bought. She was certainly young enough to be my daughter. She said, "Thank you, honey," like a server in a restaurant might say. I almost laughed because of our age difference. I think we were both tickled. She thought I was flirting with her (I wasn't; anyway, my wife was with me, so why would I get myself into trouble?). I was just amused because of her youth. The young woman finished her business, and I checked out when she got through.

A couple of days ago, I had to visit my doctor to get some bloodwork done. I have no idea why. I have another appointment near the end of next week. I guess I'll find out then. I remember when they used to apply Band-Aids to injection sites. Now you get 345656 wraps of material wrapped around your arm. It's aggravating. At least I got my flu shot and won't have more mummy-like bandages. Hopefully.

In the meantime, I have another appointment for next week with my doctor. This past week, I took my mom to her optometrist appointment. I'm taking her to another appointment next week. Mom is elderly now and having trouble getting around. She's above the age of 80. I'm going to spend as much time with her as I can.

Cat Nest

New in the House

I recently posted about my Ghost Secret Mission Unboxing. It came in a large box. As it happens, I found a use for the box as well. The cats claim it as a sleeping spot.

Well, the New Year has begun, and it's amazing how quickly Christmas 2025 came and left. I had a voice appointment with my VA doctor. Tomorrow I see my physician (I don't really know why; they said to be there, so I'll go). On Friday, I have to drive my mom to her annual eye exam. Above all that, I'm beginning to be worried about my wife's health, which consumed much of my thinking and worrying in 2025. I know better than anyone that it does no good to worry about anything. I do it anyway.

In the online world, or in matters related to the online world, I've been using AI to create monthly graphics to add to the blog, well, monthly. I've also started fleshing out the character of Izzy. I'll need to work on Tiffany Williamson before too long. It's fun creating a literary universe. It's falling together without really any effort.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

I don't make positive New Year's resolutions; however, the following concerns:

Things I Won't Do (Or Won't Do Again)

1. Climb a mountain, especially one that has a peak ascending into the "death zone," a place where no life is possible (without bottled oxygen, anyway).
2. Go to sea on a submarine.
3. Get on a submarine that's in the water. I've been on one, a museum ship, but it was safely on the ground.
4. In addition to the above, I shan't be getting on a submersible.
5. I'll never descend beneath the ocean to the point that implosion is possible.
6. Also, I'll never descend beneath the ocean at all.
7. I'll never fly again unless I'm hurt and unconscious on an air ambulance.
8. I'll never wade more than ankle deep in the ocean. By now, I've been oceanside quite a few times. I've never done anything more than walk along the edge of the beach.
9. I'll never hike in a national park. Too dangerous.
10. I'll never get on a boat or ship again that isn't an on-ground or dockside museum ship. Too dangerous.
11. I'll never head off into woods or forests that are unknown to me. Too many snakes.
12. Additionally, I won't go camping unless I'm in a recreational vehicle.
13. I'll never go to places like Hawaii or other cool sites, as this would break my previous rules.
14. I won't be going on a cruise, even if I had the money to do so.
15. I'll never personally test anything that I might create or discover. Too dangerous. Might hurt myself.
16. I'll never be a security guard or police officer. Probably too old for the latter.
17. I'll never attempt to fly an airplane or helicopter.

2025 Christmas Decorations

Christmas Decorations

12/30/2025: I'm preparing to renew my yearly membership with the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society. Anyway, I'll do it in the next week or two. Right now I have money in my billfold and it's on fire to go out and eat dinner one night. I'm thinking Tex-Mex. Not just thinking, but that's what it's going to be. The picture shows my 2025 decorations, taken with a gifted Vivitar camera. I'm still trying to figure out how to learn/operate the camera.

Another Christmas Present

Christmas Goodies

I got a few good presents for Christmas. My nephew gave me the above gift. In addition to the present, there were goodies to eat included in the sack.

Screwdriver and Bits

I guess I should say that all of my gifts were good. The picture shows a screwdriver set with bits and sockets. I've already used it.

Christmas Ham and Turkey

Christmas Ham and Turkey

I cooked the usual ham and turkey for the Christmas Day meal. I always cook the meat. The ham was just okay, because of the brand and being pre-sliced (too thin), and I only had one bite of the turkey. I don't care for turkey, so I don't eat much. We did have plenty of ham, and yesterday I put the rest of it into a freezer bag to store it. We cook it with pinto beans in the crockpot. I was busy and didn't have time to take pictures after I had cooked the meat. I did get a picture when I was getting ready to cook it.

A Christmas Present

Vivitar Digital Camera

We're in that time of year that I call the "lull," or transition point, counting down to the New Year. I don't like these few days. And I can't remember the last time we had a white Christmas. On Christmas day, it was in the low 80s (F). The picture is a camera I wanted. My wife gave it to me for Christmas. I also got $100 worth of Amazon cards from the kids, and my nephew gave me a screwdriver set that has a number of bits and sockets (metric and standard) included with it. I'm not sure if I'm going to like the camera. After snapping an (admittedly few) photos, it kind of seems like my iPhone camera is the superior camera. Still, it's nice to have.

December Journal Entry

Big Mama Sausage

Nothing much has been going on lately, and I'm happy about it. It is getting too cold for my taste, though. We've started doing our grocery shopping on Saturday, so we won't have to be out after dark. My eyes aren't what they used to be (never have been very good), and there are too many wild hogs and deer on the roadside during the night. We got our stocking stuffers bought, as well as a few presents. I hope to have an uneventful rest of the year and a prosperous 2026. Oh, the picture. I had a weird craving for an old-school pickled sausage, so I had to go to the dollar store and get one. That small item cost two dollars. So, two dollars for about 10 bites. I bought the non-spicy kind.

Holiday Season

Office Decorations

I took mom's groceries to her and then set about to do some errands. The temperature was in the 40s (F), so I dressed in my new hoodie and took off to town. I had to get some antacid, some creamed corn, and I was looking for some tea lights, as I cannot find mine. I know I have some, somewhere, stored away in the closet. Well, I couldn't find any, but I did find some battery-operated lights for a dollar a piece. The bad thing is that the batteries in them are not replaceable. I'll have to get some at Walmart or somewhere the next time we go. I got my Christmas decorations put up, or put up as good as they're going to get. I'm tired of trying to get them perfect. I made an effort, and that's about all I'll do for this year.

Journal, December 7

"During the war a church in Strasburg, Germany, was totally destroyed; but a statue of Christ which stood by the altar was almost unharmed. Only the hands of the statue were missing. When the church was rebuilt, a famous sculptor offered to make new hands; but, after considering the matter, the members decided to let it stand as it was—without hands. “For,” they said, “Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work on earth. If we don’t feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, entertain the stranger, visit the imprisoned, and clothe the naked, who will?” Christ is depending on us to do the very things which He did while upon earth. My friend, if the gospel we preach does not have a social application, if it will not work effectively in the work-a-day world, then it is not the Gospel of Christ."

From Day by Day with Billy Graham, © 1976 BGEA

Journal, November 28

I just heard that a former local pastor passed away. He was a good guy and a good friend to have. Nothing terrible happened to him or anything; he was very much an elderly person.

I got a couple of Star Wars action figures for my birthday a few months ago, but I haven't had the opportunity to open them yet. Soon, hopefully, I'll be able to do some (or some more)unboxing. I can't name them all right now, but I do know I received about seven packages.

The other day, I was surprised to see (in the small town where I was born) an ice cream truck! Talk about bringing back memories! We last had an ice cream when I was a little boy. I still remember that music and being ready to run out to the street.

Some time ago, my sister-in-law ended up spending several days at a hospital in Arlington, Texas. She wasn't sick, though she was recovering from a bad spider bite, but she was there because of a friend of a friend. He was in a bad highway accident, and last I heard, he wasn't doing well at all. Sad news, but I also just heard that he made it through surgery and might be released in a few days. So, I guess he was not as bad off as I had thought. I actually went to high school with his sister.

Happy Thanksgiving 2025!

Ham Ready To Go

I had this ham up and cooking yesterday before noon. It only took maybe a couple of hours before it was done. Same deal with the turkey. As usual, everyone enjoyed it. I didn't overcook it or dry it out, like I've sometimes done in the past. I thought the ham was exceptionally good.

The Time Approaches

Ham and Turkey

I laid out the turkey and the ham yesterday. In our house, I'm always the one who cooks the meat. We have other "traditional" dishes too, like dressing, but my wife cooks it. We have other side dishes, which my daughter prepares, and of course, we have random foods like cranberry sauce and rolls. This year, we've done away with "homemade" desserts. Instead, we have a couple of bought pies, pumpkin and pecan. I'm not sure whether Mom will come to the house for lunch. If not, I'll take her a plate. Or plates, probably.

The weather may be bad on Thanksgiving Day. I've seen reports of rain. I'm still annoyed by grocery shopping around Black Friday. I hope we can go late in the evening when the traffic is minimal. I've heard some people say (funny) that they get road rage in Walmart.

Christmas Decorations

Christmas Decorations

I got my office Christmas tree put up yesterday. It's half-completed in the picture. I worked on straightening out the branches a little later.

Here's a picture of all of my decorations. The ones on the left are a floral Santa boot, two toy soldiers, and a metal decorative Christmas tree. I bought most of those things at the Dollar Store's after-Christmas sale last year. However, I've had the boot for a long time. I've got some glitter-decorated pinecones that I'll add to the display later. Right now, I don't know where they are.

New Wreath and Christmas Activities

Wreath 2025

Well, we ended up going to Walmart this past Sunday. We got the kids some Christmas gifts. We'll have to do it one more time, at least. It'll probably take place after Black Friday. Nothing spectacular happened during our trip.

On that same morning, I cut the bottom out of a plastic barrel that will serve as a dog's house. It'll keep the rain off the dog whose current house is in disrepair. I had to use a drill to make a hole for the saw blade. Then, using a jigsaw, I cut the barrel according to the marks that had been drawn on the lid. It took about 30 minutes to do it.

The picture shows a newly updated wreath that my wife has at her office. It looks much nicer, she said, than the one that was previously there. The new wreath actually fell off of the door, but we found a wreath hanger today that will be installed tomorrow.

Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas in November!

It's been a long day, and it's not over. I got early (for me), and just after noon, I took my mom to her doctor's appointment. She had a checkup, then had to get labs, and finally had to have an X-ray and an ultrasound. This time, it only took about an hour and a half. The radiology clinic already had its Christmas tree on display (seen in the picture). I also noticed that they still have a Halloween decoration on the door.

I got home between 2 and 3 PM. Then, later, we went to Walmart for the weekly grocery run. We finally picked up a Turkey for Thanksgiving. We made it home around 7:30 PM. I dread next week, but not because of the Thanksgiving cooking. Mainly, I dread it because we'll need groceries again, and next Friday is "Black Friday." Maybe it won't be too crowded if we go late in the evening. We don't "do" Black Friday. Too crowded.

I think we may go do some Christmas shopping tomorrow. We need to find gifts for the kids. It has been a tough year, and we won't be able to buy very much. Fortunately, we are prepared for the Thanksgiving meal.

Rainy Day

Rainstorm Approaching

The rain started early this morning, accompanied by a loud clap of thunder that woke me up. Then the lights went out. They didn't stay off very long. It's raining again; it looks like another shower is approaching.

I set out to do nothing today, but instead I found myself busy. I changed the cat litter boxes. I washed dishes. I did the laundry. I got the coffee pot prepared to make coffee for my wife this evening. I haven't really been drinking coffee for the past two weeks. Instead, I've had tea both hot and cold.

Tomorrow I'll be busy with driving my mom to her doctor's appointment. I suppose we'll also buy groceries tomorrow evening unless we change our minds and if we have enough daylight. It's got to the point that I don't like to drive after dark because of the wild hogs and deer that come out in the dark.

Currently, I'm sitting at my desk drinking boba tea. Yesterday I worked on my short book 3820, recording notes and developing Dobbs City a bit more. A portion of it has been drawn on graph paper. I've also been able to get into the mind of Izzy Kent a bit more. She's a young, fascinating character. Her name is actually Elizabeth, Izzy for short.