No Julia

Julia has run away from home. The last I saw of her, she was frolicking with two dogs, boys, no doubt. Even though I like her, I hope she doesn't come back. Maybe her first owner came for her and she is now happy to be home. But she was really happy here. She ate like a queen and I talked to her. I hope she has food and attention tonight. But not attention from those two boy dogs!

Kitten

I have found a kitten that I want. But it doesn't look like it will be mine. It is a little calico kitty, long hair and beautiful markings.Since Chloe died I miss having a lap cat. Sadie wants to sleep in the room with me but she isn't a lap cat. I can read much better cuddled with a cat. I haven't given up hope yet but it is dimming.

Mud Turtle

I noticed the cat creeping around the yard with her back bowed and her tail as big around as an eggplant. She had found a mud turtle. He must have been lost and looking for water. His shell, tail and legs were as dry as a bone. I'm only guessing it was a he. Olivia was here and he scared her to death, she cried and screamed if he moved, even if she was far away. I poked him with a rake which made him snap and jerk. He made his way under the picnic table and rested there for a while. The next thing I knew he was almost at the back door. We fed him dog food which he liked quite well. I soaked him with the water hose and he almost said thank you. The last we saw of him, he was making his way to the garden behind us. He is probably eating tomatoes and cabbage, happy to be finished with his adventure.

Emergency Room

I took Mama to the emergency room and laughed most of the time we were there. We waited for what seemed like an eternity, Mama fussing most of the time. "If they don't call us in 5 minutes, I'm leaving." I've forgotten why we came." "I'm sure you're awfully thrilled we're here." "I'm not staying any longer." "Why are all these people here, I wish they had all stayed home." "Let's go." "Well, I'm leaving." "I wish everybody else would go home." "They've forgotten us." "I bet they didn't tell them we are here." "I bet the doctor and nurses have gone to lunch." "I don't think they like us." "I'm not ever telling you my head hurts again." "I don't know why I don't just die." "I bet you wish I would." "I'm starving to death." "You better go eat something, you'll be sick and it will be my fault." (x50) "I'm going to the car." "Why do they keep calling other people." "I'm going out the door." "Well, where is the door?" Finally, it was our turn. Several times, we were asked her symptoms, which were pounding in and around her left ear and pain in her head. The doctor discovered both of her ears were completely blocked. The nurses irrigated both ears, soaked them, prodded them, poked at them and finally strange things came out of them. Now, several hours later, her head is still pounding and hurting. But it was worth the trip, we laughed and ate. So it was a good day all around

Julia

Do we have a dog? It appears we might. A few days ago we noticed a dog hanging around. I tried to run her off and JW tried really hard to send her on her way. But she wanted to stay. Finally, I gave in and fed her. I fed her at one o'clock in the morning. She was very grateful. She became quite confused. As I fed her JW was still trying to send her away. She wouldn't go. She just rolled over on the ground and put her feet in the air. I bought a bag of dog food. She eats it but would rather have real food. She likes cat food. She has hurt two of her feet, one of them badly. She is hobbling around on three feet, holding the injured foot close to her body. It doesn't keep her from following me all over the yard. She is such a gentle dog, sometimes she howls at the light in the flower bed, and she likes me. Her name is Julia, a most unlikely name for a beagle hound.

Black-eyed Susans

I planted a clump of Black-eyed Susans in the front yard. There were lots of small rocks in the hole I dug so I pulled them out and pieced them together around the base of the flowers. They seem to be taking hold, I hope they live.

School

The girls start a new week of school tomorrow. Elizabeth says 4th grade may be her best year of school. Kristin says her classes are going okay. They will soon be settled in and going strong. Leah and Olivia will both be in day care tomorrow. I wish they could all just stay at home.

School Girls

Kristin, Elizabeth and Leah started to school today. Kristin is in the 8th grade, Elizabeth in the 4th and Leah in day care. Susan also started a new year of teaching. I hate for them to have to go. I would rather they be carefree and play in the swimming pool.

Girls in the Mountains

We recently took all four girls on a trip to the mountains. Our first stop was Cumerland Falls. The mist from the falls sprayed on them as they looked over the railings.

At Cumberland Gap we took a trip up the mountain to Hensley Settlement. We all had fun walking around and going in the buildings.