Smoke Signals and other news
Once again, we have been blessed with another year. What will you do with this new beginning? The world right now is a scary place. It is hard to feel safe, yet we cannot live our lives in fear. No matter what this year brings, God is in control. We should face each day knowing that. Be alert and always watch your surroundings but keep going and living your life. There are many times in my 73 years God protected me. One example from years ago is when a serial rapist was arrested in Memphis. His picture flashed on the TV, I was shocked to realize this man had donated flooring for the concession stand we were then using. I had met him alone in the building when he delivered it. I believe God protected me from harm that day as he has may other times. Think back and remember when God has done the same for you.
Winter will truly arrive this week if it hasn’t by the time you read this. I remember the days when I was required to travel sixteen miles to work no matter what the weather. Sometimes a friend with a four-wheel drive who worked at the same company would pick me up and sometimes I was the one who picked others up. There were incidents over the years that could have been deadly, yet we survived. I only missed two days in 40 years due to weather. Once a live power line was down on a tree branch that was bent to the ground on my driveway. Once I rode with a friend to a funeral in Illinois over the weekend and an unexpected storm hit shutting down roadways. That one was a bit hard to explain to my boss since it was sunny and dry at home.
The new liver medication arrived on Friday. The specialty pharmacy has called me twice to make sure I have all the support and information I need as I begin this new journey. Results are typically seen between three months and a year. Patience and consistency in taking the medication will be important. Side effects can be troublesome.
My goal to complete my house in 2024 remains incomplete, but the work continues and eventually this renovation will be over. New issues have been discovered as progress has been made resulting in additional work and costs. Floors in additional rooms must be replaced. Only two more bedrooms to check as work is completed in one area and furniture moved out of new areas to analyze those floors. I am pleased with my contractor and his crew. Of all the ones who had looked at the job, he is the only one who actually gave me a bid and has shown up when he said he would. Although many challenges have been placed in his path, he has never complained. He is always pleasant and often sings as he works. I also have a local handyman who has helped with many odd jobs related to this renovation. I, too, have taking up some painting of trim and repainting of some odd furniture pieces to accommodate the new colors. I have sold a few pieces of furniture that were nice, but I simply had too much furniture as Doug loved to buy furniture at yard sales and Goodwill even when I said please don’t come home with more furniture. The sale of each piece reminded me of when he purchased it. Each piece served us well, but it is time to make some room in this house.
I would love to report your news, activities, etc. Please share your news with me either at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901 246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.