“Torn between two worlds“ is my blog message published on June tenth. A genealogy “cousin” read the blog and asked for permission to publish it in the October issue of Mennonite Family History. I was (am) so honored; such an unexpected affirmation!! Yesterday I received an email link so I have a preview of the story. Next to my article is a picture (replication) of Martin Luther nailing his thesis on the door of the Catholic church in Wittenburg, Germany. This October marks the five-hundred years anniversary of the event (and appears in the October issue of MFH). I’m in excellent company; such an honor; I’m (almost) speechless.

This morning, the Houston TV meteorologist predicted “feels like”  temperature of 110 degrees this afternoon and evening. Essentially a carbon copy of yesterday. ~~ On the bright side: October is just around the corner.

Is there such a thing as “indoor sickness”?? If so, I have it!!

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While searching the Internet for information, I found this web link. It has nothing to do with my search but “ties” into my blog message. Texas highway 146 is the thoroughfare at the entrance to the CARE Center. The speed limit is seventy miles per hour (yes, 70 miles per hour). Every individual who pulls out on the highway is taking their life in their hands. Yes, we wait until no traffic in sight before we pull out. However, before we’ve accelerated–heading into Livingston–a vehicle has strangely appeared and riding our bumper. It’s a two-lane highway and very few places to safely pass. Believe me, it’s very scary every time I leave CARE.

I was searching the Livingston newspaper, the Enterprise, for details about an accident–on Sunday–in front of the CARE property. I’m told it was a two car head-on collision. A father and several children were severely injured. I wanted more details before publishing this blog and continued searching…. Here are the details regarding the accident. Just in case the “link” is removed, here is the newspaper article. I attempted to copy the first picture but every attempt failed. See the scene by clicking on details regarding the accident–and very graphic pictures.

This is a prayer request for the family–in the hospital–with multiple injuries and presumably huge medical expense.

Head On Collision on 146 Hospitalizes 4 (1 by helicopter to Houston), LIVINGSTON, August 5, 2017 – At approximately 1:10 pm on August 5, 2017, a red 2007 Chevy Sedan, driven by William Kendall Thompson, 29, of Livingston, was south-bound on US-146 (just south of Providence Road).  Thompson suddenly swerved right to avoid a head on collision with a north-bound 2006 Volvo S40, driven by Ashlyn Drew Strange, 18, of Romayor.  Strange (and another vehicle in front of her) was attempting to pass another north-bound vehicle.  When the vehicle in front of her moved back into the north-bound lane, she saw Thompson.  Both vehicles cut to the shoulder and collided head-on.   Both vehicles came to rest facing northward.  Americare, Allegiance, and Texan EMS Ambulance Services were dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Troopers Nick Hatton, Colton McQuilkin, and Corporal Ramey Bass with the Texas Highway Patrol.  Thompson had three children in the back seat.  Thompson and two of his children were transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries.  Thompson’s other child (small boy) was transported to Hermann Hospital in Houston by PHi Air Medical.  Strange was physically okay.  Traffic on 146  was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup.  This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol.  No citations have been issued at this time.  A rollback wrecker from Ken’s Towing recovered both vehicles and they’ll be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston.

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Another newspaper article about our local animal shelter. Reportedly, Polk County is the poorest county in Texas so fewer funds for worthy causes. ~~ I help in a very small way by collecting aluminum cans. The money from recycled cans goes to the Shelter. I’ve donated lots of items to their Thrift Shop (and I spend money in their Thrift Shop [lol]).

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Houston TV meteorologist’ say “feels like” temperature will be one-hundred-six degrees this afternoon.

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What’s the point of this message? (I heard your question.) I haven’t a teaspoon of energy for a blog message. The plants are neglected; the little tree went into “shock” and appears dead; scanning project at a standstill. 

This morning, my air-conditioner stopped working. I played with the controls; I muttered “Oh, no, please don’t quit on me.” (So miserably hot!! Eighty-eight degrees inside my trailer home.) With my phone in my hands, I was ready to call my handyman. Gratefully, before I pushed the button (he’s on speed dial), I thought “Check the breaker.”  Yes, the breaker had tripped–and I turned it on. Embarrassment averted!! I think of myself as “savvy” and capable of maintenance, etc., etc. I would have been so embarrassed if Jim checked the breaker box and toggled the breaker!!

My only accomplishment this morning: Another drink of water for “Bluejack” oak tree. Hot all night, and hot this morning so absolutely no work in the “yarden.”  I’m lethargic; no energy–but I’m not having a “pity party.” According to TV-weather reports, half the nation is experiencing extremely high temperatures. Medford, Oregon, broke a record, and many other California and Oregon communities. (I only mention Oregon and California because my “home states” but a dozen other states suffering too.) Heartfelt sympathy to friends and family suffering the heat!!

Temporary relief from the heat. For less than an hour, we’ve had a light sprinkle of rain. It was delightful walking home in the rain (after lunch in the CARE dining room). I was tempted to stand (or walk) in the rain and get soaking wet!!

One morning with cooler air YESTERDAY. Mentally, I’m geared toward improvement of the appearance of my yard. Wishful thinking: I anticipated another pleasant morning TODAY. It started cool but I was wringing wet with sweat by eleven o’clock. Mundane tasks like filling bird feeders, fresh water in the fountain; one-way conversation with Mr. Frog. ~~A phone call to my “handyman” because my air-conditioner was making funny noises–and not cooling. Well-l-l-l, the “cold front” that came through caused the A/C to “freeze up.” Temporarily, inside the trailer hotter than outdoors. A/C seems to be working fine at 2:40 PM. Ninety-three degrees outdoors, eighty-two degrees indoors (at 2:40). Extremely humid so we can add another ten degrees for “feels like” temperature. ~~ Nap time (too much exercise)?