Smoke Signals
Last Sunday afternoon I had a rare opportunity to have lunch in Oxford with my oldest daughter, Emily, and her entire family. We met for Mary Clarie’s birthday dinner as she was in a show on the weekend of her birthday. Not sure when this baby girl got to be 20 and a junior in college, but here we are. Her brother, a recent college graduate, now has a job as an engineer, a new car, and his own apartment. It is good to see them flourish in the world we live in today.
My week has been especially busy. I went to the warehouse in Memphis for Ellen twice. I was at the shop for four days to cover some things. The Town of Byhalia Board meeting was Tuesday night. We had the Chamber Coffee and Commerce on Wednesday and Book Club at the Library on Thursday. Oh, and I had to take a neighbor to court in Holly Springs on Monday as his ride did not show up and go pick him back up when he was finished (during the brief storm we had that day). Even with all of this, I managed a couple of naps!
The hummingbirds are going through approximately six cups of feed per day! One evening I forgot to fill their favorite feeder as they empty it daily. There were two other feeders that were not empty, but this one must remain filled. In the time it took me to place it on the hook, walk back up the ramp and sit in my chair, a hummer was on every feeding spot. There were two birds each on the other feeders and others waiting their turn. It is a busy time of year for them as they are storing energy for the long flight ahead of them. I’m upping my sugar order this week!
I have ignored the grass cutting entirely as it has just been too hot. It was not growing especially fast due to the slowing rain. Late Saturday since it was cooler, I decided to at least cut the part I did not finish when I ran out of gas. I did get an emergency alert on my phone but although it was cloudy, the skies did not appear threatening. As I cut, the sprinkling began lightly. As you know, the storm came suddenly with vengeance. I got my shower, got the mower to the shed and myself into the house. Fortunately, a gentleman who helps me with yardwork was at my house and ensured I got inside safely. He stayed until the storm passed. Damage at my house consisted of hundreds of small limbs scattered over my entire yard and a few things blown across the yard. I planned to attempt to pick them up Sunday afternoon as the grass cannot be cut until they are gathered. The same helper that was here during the storm showed up just as I was about to start and picked up limbs for a very long time. I was certainly grateful. Not everyone was so fortunate with the storm. So many had trees in yards, on power lines, on cars and on houses. Still, we had no loss of life, we were fortunate.
I would love to report your news. Call or text me at 901 246-8843, message me on Facebook at Clair Wagg, or email me at jchwagg@gmail.com.