June 12, 2020

Today was such a glorious day I just have to document it.  It's one of those that I want to store in my keepsakes to be cherished forever.  John and I took Michael and Sophia fishing at Mississinewa Reservoir.  As we were getting Bessie (what I call our pontoon) ready to launch, we saw a Scarlet Tanager in the trees.  It was the first time I had ever seen one and was excited to snap a picture.  Unfortunately, by the time I got the camera out and focused it was gone.  I still got to see it though and in fact, I saw another one flying as we were heading to our fishing spot.  The weather was perfect for an early morning jaunt.

As they were getting their poles ready we saw a hummingbird.  Of course  Hummingbirds aren't that uncommon here in Indiana this time of year, but the way it came and fluttered in each of our faces was so enchanting - almost like it was saying good morning to us!

During our first stop, Sophia landed the first fish of the day.  She is quite the fishergirl and it's fun to see her enjoy being out in Nature.  I could have sat in this location ALL day..... so peaceful and relaxing..... fishing and catching fish was just an added benefit to me (I had not even put a line in the water yet).  My joy came from listening to the sounds of Nature waking up.

A short time after the Hummingbird visit, this majestic bird flew in.  WOW!  Bald Eagles are reclaiming their territory in Indiana and it's becoming more common to see them around bodies of water year round.  We never tire of seeing them.  John said he was probably waiting for us to catch a fish and then he'd come and take it.  Heck, he could sit on the boat railing and I would hand feed him if he wanted me to.  But alas, he just sat up there and watched us, or allowed us to watch him is more like it. 

Here came another!

And then there were two.  Oh my..... Blessings over load!  John asked, "What are the chances of us being in this spot at the very time they chose to fly in?"  

My reply, "I don't believe in chances."  God has a plan for each and everyone of us.  His plan for me today was to be overwhelmed with His presence all around us and I was.

After I settled down from the excitement of all that I had seen and heard, I decided to get a line wet.  Sophia and I declared a contest with the guys to see who would catch the most fish.  I think she already had two or three in the live well.  Bang!  My first cast and I hooked one.  A short while later I landed another.  Girls are easily in the lead now.  John nor Michael had caught any yet.  The captain decided to move us on to fishier waters, and I decided to have a beer (yes, it was probably only 10 am, but hey!  I am retired).  I told Sophia that she was going to have to carry the "girl team" for a short.  That wouldn't have been a problem but on her first cast in what we have since named Catfish Cove, something took her line and immediately snapped it (she didn't have her drag set, doggone it).  Whatever it was, no doubt it was big.  Since she was going to have down time getting her pole rigged backed up I decided to fish AND drink beer.  :)  I couldn't let Team Girls slide you know.  A couple of casts and then HOLY COW!!!!  Fortunately John had my drag set!  I have never experienced anything like how this fish was fighting.  Not sure how long it fought but I know it was longer than two or three minutes.  He was a fighter and a pretty darn big fish.  I felt like I was in one of those fishing shows on TV!  He would run then I would reel and gain a little.  My pole was bent way over.  I had been fishing for Crappie and that is the pole and rigging that I had.  This WAS NOT a Crappie!   Oh it was fun.   HOLY COW!  I did get him in the boat finally.  Team Girls are definitely ahead of Team Guys.

We finished off the day with a picnic in a shady spot, where John caught a nice Bass and Drum.  Then it was time to call it a day.  I never want to get off the water but in the afternoon it gets really warm, the fish take a break from hitting, and we have animals to tend to at home.  It was time to go.  I declared Team Girls the winner and the guys agreed.  What a fun day.  I finished it out with an evening on my deck listening to the Bobwhite Quail that I raised and turned loose.  This is another thing I don't think I would ever tire of.... their precious BoB WHITE whistle.  Listen close:

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

UPDATE 5/18/2020

This is STILL CRAZY!
It has been two months since my last update.  Race tracks are just now opening up the backside to allow horses to train - there are still some restrictions but they are getting there.  Restaurants are starting to open but only at 50% capacity.  Hair salons and barbers are by appointment only, and unemployment is out of sight.  The Government has added a $600 per week supplement to the unemployment payments that states provide.  Some workers are making more pay by being unemployed than they did working.  The Government handed out stimulus checks to everyone as well - $1,200 for single, $2,400 for couples (add on $500 per dependent).

We have been pretty much "sheltering in place" for the last two months, only going out to get food or other essential items.  John and I both wear a face covering when we go.  There is a lot of hesitancy from some regarding the wearing of masks but I like the adage - my mask protects you from ME, your mask protects me from YOU.  Unfortunately some don't get it, or simply don't care.  I certainly would not want to be the reason someone had to suffer from this disease.  I will wear my face covering.

At first the critical item at the grocery stores was toilet paper and sanitizer items.  The rush on the TP has righted itself but now the supply chain is starting to see shortages in meat.  So many packing plants have been stricken with the virus and have closed down that the growers of hogs and cattle have no where to send them to be processed.  The price has really skyrocketed for what is available in the stores.  The stores did set up a special time early in the morning for seniors and people at risk to shop but the crowds are pretty large.  We found it better to go after this time and not have so many people around... easier to social distance yourself.  Most, if not all, check outs now have a plexiglass barrier between the clerk and the customer.  


We have not been to church service since mid-March.  The plan is to open the sanctuary on June 7th but I am not sure I will attend even then.  It is hard for people to Social Distance and that is what is needed.  We don't have a large congregation this time of year (many college students call our church home during the school year), but even so, the sanctuary is a small area.  Just not sure yet.

Life as we knew it before Covid 19 no longer exists and I am not sure it ever will again.  


UPDATE 3/19/2020

This is CRAZY!  
This past week has been unreal.  Hoosier Park and Indiana Grand both announced that they were closing their doors for a period of at least two weeks.  Bars and restaurants have been ordered to serve takeout only - no dining in.  The run on food at the grocery stores continues with some items being limited in quantity to purchase (if there is any available).  Grant County was place under a Yellow Travel Advisory and since then moved up to an Orange level, which limits travel on the roads to only essential travel necessary for work, food, medical.

The Kentucky Derby was postponed to Labor Day Weekend.  This has only happened one other time in the history of the race!  Cruise lines have shut their ships down for an undetermined about of time and one of them has offered ships to be used as a place for people to shelter during this time.  It is CRAZY.

John and I have pretty much been abiding by the President's request to STAY HOME.  I did have to go in to get feed and a few prescriptions along with doing Mom's pills early this week but other than that we have not left the property.  My good friend, Julie, lost her mother this week and unfortunately many of us will not be able to attend.  Funeral homes are restricting the number of visitors.

I really don't know what to think of this situation.  It seems like we have been hit with an atomic bomb or something.  There is a race to find a vaccine for the virus along with medicines that will help heal the damage.  I believe it attacks a persons lungs.  At first it was like,  "it is just a flu bug.  You will get it and then get over it".  But now it is something much bigger.  A part of me feels that it is a political effort to oust President Trump.  He just went through an impeachment inquiry that didn't prove out and now this.  Is the media running with it to hurt him or is it as bad as they claim?  Most of the media hates him because he calls them out on their lies.  I just wish we knew what to believe.  A part of me really hopes that they are over reacting because if not this is really serious.

It is CRAZY!



FIRST POST

Because I don't believe I have ever seen anything quite like this, I have decided to chronicle the events of what has become a mass-hysteria event.

We started hearing about COVID-19 early in February 2020.  COVID-19 is a novel virus (humans have never seen it before and there is no cure/vaccine for it yet) that causes respiratory illness.  And to make matters worse, the testing for it is new and not readily available.  Symptoms are said to be fever, cough, shortness of breath, and can lead into pneumonia.  Many people have died from it!  

It became a problem in China and other countries in the later part of 2019 but no cases had been reported in the United States yet.  Research says the first two US cases were reported on January 14, 2020.  Through the next thirty days there was one or two cases reported each day.  But.... beginning in mid-February the number being reported each day began to rise rapidly - five per day, fifty per day, seventy-five per day continuing through the first week of March.  As March 13, the US had 1,629 reported cases with 41 deaths.  

The media was talking about it.  In fact that is all you heard on the news.  John was tired of hearing about it, along with many others.  On March 8th, Italy was locked down because of COVID-19.  On Wednesday, March 11th the W.H.O declared it a pandemic.  John decided perhaps he had been wrong about the seriousness of it all (as did others on social media) along with the Stock Market and Commodities Market - ouch!.  The week of March 13th (yes it was a Friday) was one of much uncertainty.  

Indiana thrives on college and high school basketball.  March madness is a real thing here and I'm sure it will take on a new meaning this year as ALL of the high school and college tournaments have been canceled.  Two pro basketball teams were on the court in Texas and right at tip-off time the game was called because one of the players had fallen ill and did test positive for COVID-19.  The stadium was packed and the fans were told the game was being postponed and asked to leave in an orderly fashion.  Can you imagine what must have been going through their minds?!?!  After this, many of the other sports organizations followed suit.  The NBA, NSL NHL seasons, and MLB spring training all suspended.  MLB regular season delayed.  Indy Car and NASCAR racing suspended.  Cruise ships suspended voyages and travel bans were put in place for certain countries in Europe.  Talking about delaying the running of the 146th Kentucky Derby and some racetracks initialized spectator free racing.  The Masters golf tournament was postponed.  The amount of revenue lost will be massive.

March 13th, President Trump declared a National Emergency.  While this opened the door for funding of State and County governments it also made the public go into a buying spree that surpassed any "blizzard run" I have ever seen.  

For some reason the hot item was toilet paper.  The symptoms of this virus are more of a respiratory illness, so why TP?   Stores had to ration the number of items one person could purchase.  It is CRAZY.

Schools (including colleges and universities) extended their Spring Breaks by one or two weeks and some will only continue the year with eLearning.  The student never going back to the classroom this year.  It is CRAZY! 

Like I said before, I have never seen anything like this - unprecedented in my time.  The 911 attack on the United States was very bad and caused a lot of fear but nothing like this.  It is CRAZY!

Finding My Stride

I've been "retired" for over a month now and I feel like I'm finally finding my stride in this new life.  If I were to be totally honest, it has been just a little difficult.  Before you call me CRAZY let me explain......

When I was working I didn't feel bad about not having a place for everything and everything in its place.  After all, I worked hard - Monday through Friday.  I was up early and away from home nine to ten hours a day.  When I was home I took care of what HAD to be done but it didn't leave much time or energy for other FUN things.  Now that I am here all the time there should never be a time when we run out of clean underwear.  :)  During times of our Summer or Christmas shutdowns (usually ten days or so) I felt like I was just getting the MUST DOs done and could have time to play a little and then it would be time to go back to work.  For a long time I have felt like my value was based on the amount of work I did or the money that I brought home.  Being "retired" puts a different light on things for sure and I've had to remind myself that my value comes from the fact that Jesus died for me.  I am valuable in His eyes by living a life that is worthy of His sacrifice for me.

Now I find myself with that precious commodity - TIME.  At first I struggled with a routine, which is something I must have.  When I was working I was in Marion every day so I could take care of Mom's needs, grocery shop, get horse feed, etc. without much thought going into it. I was already there.  We don't live that far out but I try to make my trips to town count.  That was a struggle for me at first.

I've always been pretty selfish with my time at home.  I didn't feel like I ever had enough and when I got a chance to choose - GO or STAY - it was usually to STAY (unless the GO was to the race track :) ).  I've been able to lighten up in this regard much to John's liking I'm sure.  He likes to go different places and believe it or not, I think he likes it when I go with him.

I spent a great deal of time during the first few weeks trying to muddle my way through the Medicare Supplement maze.  I'm so afraid of making the wrong decision.  Both of our medicines are very expensive and the wrong move could wipe out all that we've saved!  I'd probably take my chances and not take the medicine if it came down to it.  Fortunately during my travels in the maze I came across a very helpful gentleman and believe that I am making an informed decision now.  

While a part of me doesn't feel like I should be retired for several reasons -

1.  I really don't know anything different than to work.
2.  I don't feel old enough (blessing in itself).
3.  I really liked the steady income.

every day seems like a vacation day now!  I've been home long enough that I have gotten a lot of the MUST DOs done and now I'm starting to work some PLAY into the routine.

A wise person (my daughter, Ashley) told me that even a good change takes a period of adjustment. This is quite true.  So... I'm out of the gates and settling into my run down the backstretch.  Hopefully it will be awhile before my final stretch run, but as I've said before - none of us know.  All I can pray and hope for is that it is a race well run.

Remember friends, every day is a gift.  Savor each one that you are blessed with.

Love to you all!

Sue

ahhh..... Retirement!

Tomorrow, May 1, 2019, will be my last day at General Cable.  I have gone to the same place for almost thirty-one years.  That, my friend, is a very long time.  I have seen a lot of good people come and go - some on their own, others not.  And only by the grace of God have I been able to complete my career here.  I do praise Him for that.  I think it was fifteen years or so ago that I was told, "obviously there is no place for you in the new Marion."  Not true!  The ones that told me that have been gone from General Cable for a very long time.  I'm still here!..... until tomorrow that is.

The stapler pictured has been on my desk since the very beginning.  Even though I have sat in fourteen different locations in the building, my desk and stapler followed me wherever I went.  I decided to leave the desk but not my stapler!  Yeah, I'm kind of a sentimental gal.....  and this is kind of bittersweet.  I've made a lot of friends working and even though we say we will stay in touch I know that we won't.  Some I have never even met, only having an email/phone relationship with them, but I still consider them my friend.

I'm excited about this new chapter in my life.  I started working when I was fourteen - car hopping at a Dog n' Suds, working all through high school at a Burger Chef, taking a couple of months off my senior year, then getting a job a week or so after graduation.  This was an office/secretarial job and from there I went to running Thoroughbred Race Horses in West Virginia - not too lucrative and a lot of hard work but pretty cool job for me (because I've always been that horse crazy lady).  After that I did some time as a dispatcher for the Marion Police Department - I liked this job too - good people protecting us.  Then I moved to Hawaii where I acquired a very good job working for the Navy.  When I left there I went to a sister command in Norfolk, Virginia.  Then back home to Marion, Indiana.  On June 18, 1988 I was hired at General Cable (actually Cablec at the time).  I've been there since that day.  During this time we also have raised, trained, and raced Thoroughbreds and as John would say, that is a full time job in itself - but a dream come true for me. 

John retired last October and he has settled into it just fine.  I think I will do fine as well.  We have a lot of things on the bucket list.... well, maybe not a lot of "things" but plan to spend a lot of "time" on several. And if I were honest, that is probably what I look forward to the most - having time.

• time to sit on the deck in the morning and read in my Bible or whatever other good story I'm reading.
• time to listen to the birds sing their praises.
• time to water my flowers in the cool of the morning instead of the heat of the afternoon when I am already tired and wondering why I planted so many.
• time to work with our dogs when we are fresh instead of dragging after a long day at work.
• time to work with the "orphan" that is four years old and knows NOTHING - it's okay, he's a horse.  He is fed and taken care of and he will learn.
• time to clean my barn and keep it clean.
• time to help John with the mowing and gardening.
• time to go fishing!  And not feel guilty about things that aren't getting done at home.
• and yes, time to blog and write more, and spend quality time with my cameras.

Don't get me wrong, I know none of us are guaranteed "time".  We don't know when we will be called Home.  I also believe that when that time comes for me, Heaven will be much more glorious than any of the things I have listed above - it's hard to believe, but I believe it to be true.


I'm thinking I will like this retirement gig just fine.  It's going to be great!  Stay tuned........

Roy the Wonder Dog

What a difference a couple of months have made!  This dog was knocking on death's door when I brought him home from Dad's farm.  He had very little hair (due to mange, fleas, and or ticks).  His skin just sagged on him, hanging from the bones of his structure.  He was such a sad soul and barely had the strength to walk.  

But today he is one happy, happy dog! He loves to play with the horses' Jolly Ball and if you open the bed of your truck he will be in it.  Open the door of your truck and he will be inside it!  He knows my truck and when he hears it drive in he starts barking and jumping in place - anxious to say hi - with a great big smile on his face!

Someone has spent a lot of time with "Roy" and I can't help but think he just wondered away and simply got lost.  He had to have been on his own for a very long time to be as emaciated as he was.  I envision a joyous reunion one of these days.  I can't wait for that day to come - both for him and for his people.  He is a good, good dog - fun loving and kind of a goof ball - just the way we like our dogs.  There is also no doubt in my mind that if he was out and someone tried to do me harm "Roy" would NOT tolerate it.  He thinks pretty highly of me.....  and I of him.  And I am going to keep trying to find his peeps for him.  😘

Flying Dog Kennel and Rescue

Looks like the "rescue" portion of Flying Dog Kennel is in full swing.  Several weeks ago I posted about Roy, the emaciated older dog that I found - by the way, he is doing great!  He has gained a lot of weight and his hair is growing back in.  Now we have rescued three puppies that were found on our country road early in the morning July 3rd.  

Perhaps they were spooked by fireworks the night before and bolted (that happens to a lot of dogs over the Fourth of July celebrations).  They were with a large pack of other older dogs when John spotted them on his way to work but the older ones ran off before I could get to them.  The pups were left behind and were they ever so frightened.  They were wet from the dew and being in a corn field.  When they heard and saw me walking toward them they got all wiggly and ran for me.... well, two of them did - the third one was still in the corn field.  I scooped the two up and walked them back to the barn and then went back to see if there were any more.  I heard her whimpering and crying, still in the corn field. With a little bit of coaxing and sweet talking her, she found her way out.  Boy was she happy to see me!  She snuggled in the crook of my neck as I walked her home.  

They are nice pups.  They have been fed well and are very friendly.  The search is on for their people but until we find them we will keep the little sweeties safe.  I wasn't really ready to start the rescue side of my kennel - thought I would wait until I retire - but I guess God had other plans for me.  At least it is July Shutdown for the plant and I can be home to take care of them.  

I never could say "NO" to puppies in need.....  :)

And 

And we have such good help!

Roy

i hate any critter to be neglected or abused.  I just can't fathom how some people can do the things they do to other living beings - person, dog, cat, rabbit, mouse, and I could go on and on.  But we see it every day.  And every time I do, my heart aches oh so much - not only for the abused but for the cruel and heartless that do such things - having no respect for God-given life.  I hate to hear about pets that were discarded, left at a shelter (which is much better than just being dumped on some road but still sad), or left for dead somewhere along the way.  i know from experience how my dogs look for us to return home at our usual time.  I've seen the anxiety when one of us is tardy and the joy when we finally arrive.  I know how they cling to me when they are afraid and how they depend on us for their comfort and how all they want to do is please us and be with us.

I certainly don't know this dog's story but I would like you to meet Roy.  He is in sad, sad shape.  Either he was neglected and got so far gone that his people decided to take him to the country and dump him, OR he has been lost and on his own for quite sometime.  I definitely will try to find his people for him (and them), but in the meantime I will share the journey.

Roy was found curled up under an apple tree in my father-in-law's orchard.  He let's the grass grow tall so that we can use the area to release birds and train Lucy. Mom and Dad came to visit Thursday evening and he mentioned that an old scraggly dog was up at the farm.  I wanted details but he couldn't give me much - other than that the dog was in pretty bad shape and barely able to walk.  Yes, I had to go.... and I did find him.  At first I didn't think about the possibility of him  being cross but as I got closer to him the thought did enter my mind. He wasn't at all.  He was hungry!  I had taken dog food with me and that was all it took to convince him that I was one of the good guys.  I slipped a leash looped around his neck similar to how I have seen other rescuers do and headed him to my truck.  He could barely walk but he jumped right in!  I do believe that animals have an instinct and know when we are trying to help them.  Once home I put him in our outdoor kennel, gave him food and water, named him Roy, and said a prayer for him.

I've never really rehabbed an animal, unless you count the orphans that I have raised.  But Roy is in bad shape.  He either has mange or fleas and ticks have caused him to lose much of his hair.  So in addition to being emaciated he has a terrible skin condition. I'm itching as I type........

His appetite is great and he is drinking water good.  He looks for me when he hears my voice..... Roy you are such a good dog!

My Vet recommended giving him a Flea/Tick pill that would rid him of those parasites.  She had one that has proven to be effective on mange as well, even though it is not listed, so that is what I gave him.  She said to wait a day or two and then give him a bath.

Day two, bath time!  I have a favorite shampoo that I used when I was training.  It is a good anti-fungal and it smells wonderful! Labeled:  Helps biting licking and scratching, soothes hot spots and dry skin, removes pet odor, won't burn or hurt irritated skin or open wounds, non-steroidal.  Got it covered right?  Well, it didn't go too bad and I think he felt much better afterwards.  He's wagging his tail and is so much more alert.  If I had not taken the extra effort to go get him and bring him home he probably would have died under that apple tree.  I think he was close to giving up and we had almost an inch of rain that night.  I do believe he will make it now and my heart is warmed knowing that I am doing right by Roy..... and I am hoping that God is smiling at me because Roy is one of His. Sometimes these might just be tests..... I think I am passing this one!  :)

            

Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Philippians 4:7 (ESV)

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; 

they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

Delight yourself in the Lord, 

and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Blessed Assurance (Fanny J. Crosby)

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!  O what a fore-taste of glory divine!  Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long;  This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long!

James 5:13 (ESV)

Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.  Is anyone cheerful?  Let him sing praise.

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (E.A Hoffman)

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms; What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning...... Leaning..... Safe and secure from all alarms, Leaning..... Leaning..... Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Proverbs 14:4 (ESV)

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

Proverbs 14:30 (ESV)

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Psalm 50:10-11 (ESV)

For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.  I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.

Psalm 19:14 (ESV)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight.  O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.