The morning was spent on the computer–and a long-distance, long overdue, phone call. While on the computer and on the phone, I watched dozens of birds on my feeders. I especially love “my” Bluebirds!!

I went to the CARE Center to check my mail and learned there was an activity going on in the multi-purpose room. Personally, I thought the “art class“ warranted documentation!! Here are several pictures. (Me: I rely on clip art and my Canon camera. I couldn’t “charcoal,” draw, paint, or sculpt if my life depended upon it.)

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“Fantastic” because I’m alive and well!!

Today is cloudy and cool. Not a day to be working outdoors. Houston TV meteorologist said “Winter isn’t over yet.” ~~ An “indoor” project: Look back at this date in earlier years. Here is 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. Aah, let’s go back and look at 2011 and 2012. Stretching back to 2009, I read about my near-death experience with ozone poisoning. Here is a link to 19 February 2009 message posted to the world-wide web. Here’s the full story (but some of the links no long connect to the information), and subsequent documentation. ~~ In my humble opinion (so I don’t succumb to a “pity party”), it’s good to look back and recognize how my Heavenly Father has taken such good care of His daughter!!

Pre-planned, two CARE residents and a CARE volunteer drove to a huge H.E.B. market in Kingwood, Texas (an hour southwest of Livingston). This market sells prime cuts of meat, and lots of organics. This shopping experience was better than a trip to Disney World (imho). This location has bulk foods, “health food store” items, awesome bakery and deli. George is an accomplished cook and frequently serves dinner parties at his trailer home; he wanted quality meat. (Livingston’s H.E.B. is small.) ~~ A “perk” at CARE: A stylist comes every Thursday to cut and pamper “the old folks.” Before my “tremendous,” enjoyable outing, Joe cut and styled my hair.

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Seriously, I needed the hair cut, style, and outing (and groceries). Tomorrow: Back to shuffle of boxes.

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After a few minutes of deliberation, I decided to set up tables and display FREE items. The monster-size trash can is nearby but I hate to throw things away!! “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Hopefully, nearby RV Park* and CARE residents will find something they can/will use?! “One thumb’s up” idea?? ~~ Not yet… but I’ll add electronics, printers and other “stuff” as I process through the boxes.

*Many “permanent” residents on large “deeded” lots.

Incredibly beautiful day OUTDOORS but I’m working INDOORS. My confidence level is high because I’m almost finished with all the paperwork regarding a new Will, insurance beneficiaries, etc., etc. My always preference is projects in my “yarden.” However, the recent bump on my head left me conscience-stricken if I’m hospitalized (or dead)!!

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This morning, I completed the last of the paperwork requested by my lawyer (plus two phone calls and computer hours on-line). Such a relief!! One day soon, I’ll sign and initial the documents. I’ll be able to check this procrastinated project off my “To Do” list. ~~ Now I must get all the boxes out of the neighboring site storage building. (The “powers-that-be” informed me [this morning, by phone] to “get ‘er done.”)

Below is a message I sent (yesterday) to our “neighborhood” email communications. This morning, I organized the items neatly, on display, hoping I’d soon have interested individuals knocking on my door. Time will tell.

Some of you know me as “the plant lady.” I’ve really enjoyed my garden–and will continue to enjoy my garden. However, I have items I will not use and hope someone reading this message will say “Oh, that’s just what I need.”

Garden Tower, brand new, never used, with extra ring and very sturdy caster dolly. Come see mine all set up and well used. $375.00 ~~ There is a very valuable Facebook forum where we exchange very valuable information.

City (Patio) Pickers, two used but good condition, from Lowe’s. Two for $30.00.  PS: sold.

Bottle Tree, 12 branches, brand new, ready to set up. $50.00 (See picture below.)

Bottle Bush, 15 branches, brand new, ready to set up. $50.00 (See picture below.)

I have some extra bottles and will gladly share!!

Christmas tree stands (two), FREE. Create your own bottle tree or bottle bush??

Composter, double-chamber, used but in great condition. $75.00 (Over $100.00 at Tractor Supply.) ~~ (See picture below.)

Several CARE residents are interested in a “Garden Club.” Please let me know if you are interested in joining the group. The more the merrier!! Personally, I have a lot of garden information I’ll gladly loan. Also lots of bird information I’ll gladly loan.

Watch for another email message because I’m “downsizing” and will have other gardening items as weather allows me to concentrate on the project.

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“The old lady” worked in the garden all morning!! She didn’t think she had another ounce of energy left BUT (afternoon) tackled the boxes in the neighboring site storage building. A new resident will occupy that site very soon and may want 100% of their storage building?!

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“Yours truly” was anxious about the temperature and slept restlessly. The plants had not been covered; “would they suffer a freeze?”

Weatherman said should have been colder but “clouds saved us.”

Gratefully, my plants are safe!!

I worked at “downsizing”  for an hour. Found this poem and now I’m back on my second love, the computer.

I Planted a Garden

I planted a garden within my heart
And tended it with care,
And now so many happy thoughts
I find are blooming there.

First there’s a row of sunny smiles
And in between a kiss,
And in my garden row I find
There’s love and happiness.

A golden sunshine ever bright
Helps kindly deeds to grow,
And special seeds of friendliness
Are all the kind I sow.

The rain is only silver threads
And every smile’s a rose,
That never wilts and never dies.
But grows and grows and grows.

To keep the garden within my heart
A very special one,
I pluck the weeds of hate and scorn
And plant a row of fun

A seed of joy and a seed of love
And a kindly thought each day…
Always enough so that I might have
A part I can give away.

So that every flower I choose to pick
Will blossom from the start,
And make me proud of the things I grow
In the garden of my heart.

by Garrett Ann Schultz