Today Is Thursday, August 21, 2025: This Is What Happened

 

One thing I'm doing for this post is sharing some photos. I plug in my camera and took off some pictures.

Murphy had his surgery yesterday, and all went fine. Had a check up today, and that was also good.

With running Murphy around things got a little out of hand. It has been more crazy here. Got things caught up. The neighbor was having a sale. So I got recliner for $60. Looks brand new and it clean. I also got some queen sheets for $10.00

I been playing around with a little family history. The surname of McCalmant, for some reason the name Robert comes up. Mostly Robert went by Rob or Bob. I don't think they use that name much these days. Their a Robert the 3^rd would be my 3^rd great grandfather he came over from Ireland, a place called Delaware. He served in our American Revolutionary war. And got paid by a land warrant. The United States government gave him land.

Looks like before they came to the United States they lived Northern Ireland and Argyllshire Scottland.

Off to the senior center and here is photo of Robert McCalmant the 4^th. And his wife Catherine Pealer. They look like they lived such hard life. He lived to 84 years old.

Coffee is on.

Today Is Tuesday, August 19, 2025: This Is What Happened.

Thinking back on what gone in my life since I last blog. I'm so glad nothing all that much really happens. Or let say it won't get me into no trouble.

Yesterday, my friend Lola from a long ago. I knew since before I start school. Well like most of who I know got married. Cyprus. We went to our senior center. Had spaghetti. And after we went over to the community thrift store. She found some tops and some pants. I was looking for some T-shirts for the granddaughter to do crafts when they come hear. Plus a different suitcase, that zipper worked better. I struck out. She was impressed with prices at the thrift store.

She brought up some goodies. Sure I had a few and once they was gone. I toss them in the trash. For the last couple o months I been regulating the sugar intake. Mostly things like cookies, cake and such. Not saying I will give it up complete. That not reality for me. So I give myself a so called goody every 3 days. More than half of the time I hold to it.

Murphy and I went to the senior center for lunch and there food give away. They had fried chicken, a choice of dark or light meat. I took a thigh. Plus they had with the fried chicken was potatoes and gravy, carrots, roll which I didn't have. Also they serve some mix berries.

We got three bags of food. Only three of the food items had price still on them which comes to total of $21.00 and there was other items breads, fruit, veggies, and can goods. So I'll multiply the $21.00 by 3 and figure that how much we got worth of food. Which is $63 and they have it on Tuesday and Friday.

Doing chores and such around the place. Let see what I did today. Sweep the floor, wipe down the counters, did load of wash and still need to dry it. Made the bed and mowed the lawn.

Start to crochet a rug for the bathroom. The one we use now is getting thin.

I'm not trying to put to much thought into it. Trying to figure out how Murphy and I can go down to Medford Oregon, the last half of October. And buy a lap top. At this time with us paying what Medicare doesn't cover for our medical bills. I know there under $500 at this point. But $500 is 43%. Paid off part of the $500 and still there Murphy Cataract and my boob reduction. I'm thankful for the medicare. Murphy has his surgery tomorrow 1:30 in the afternoon. With the medical bills I won't be doing both going to Medford and getting a new laptop. I don't want that much on my credit card with the medical bill hanging over us.

Coffee is on.

Today Is Thursday, August 14, 2025: This Is What Happened.

Sure smokey. There plenty of fires burning around us. Although we don't see any flames which is good. Actually I like going outside. But with smoke it doesn't really allow me to go out and joy the mountain air. I understand rain is heading this way. Got my finger cross when rain comes that the lighting won't over power it.

I'm amaze how some people. Not sure if there actual people. I'm talking about the maga ones. Those Trump supporters. Some guy in the senior center thought Trump was for the working people. And that those tariffs was going help the majority of people. At this point the tariffs has put slight change on how we live. Then someone else said the demarcates just want to hand out free stuff. Statement time...Ones  needs to qualify.   Each of safety net program ones has guidelines. Opinion time...Most of them needs to be updated.  

This post was inspired by High Rise, and DRIVING. I understand young people isn't all that interested in driving. Driving is done by each state. When I was in high school back in the mid 70's it was offered after school, and it cost $20, that includes a learner permit. You had 15½. That was in the state of Washington. Although my friends which wasn't all that smart, and teenagers really don't make great choices. I had actually start driving around 13 years old. A few times I had to drive my dad home from the local drinking establishments. So after driving lesson I got my driving license when I was 16. And my driving test. I scored a 98% which was a the highest of that class. 

Now driver education is quite expensive now. In United States it will run between $400 and $800. Or one can wait til there 18 years old. And take that state written and driving test. With out driving-lesson your insurance will be at higher rate. Until your 25 years old. I'm thinking what my son had to pay for driving – lesson. I know it was under $400. Thinking it was between $200 and $250. Plus I understand cruising isn't a thing now days.

Took Murphy to the eye appointment for his pre-op for his cataract surgery on the 20th.

Coffee is on.

Today Is Tuesday, August 8, 2025: This Is What Happened.

 Thought I would get something posted. Before the heat arrives. Another hot day. This morning I ask Chat Gpt a simple question....What is the difference between a journal and writing prompt? 

A journal and a writing prompt aren’t the same thing, though they can work together.

Here’s the difference:

Journal	Writing Prompt
A place or practice for recording your thoughts, feelings, events, reflections, or creative writing over time.	A specific idea, question, or scenario given to spark or guide what you write about.
Ongoing and often personal — you decide what goes in it.	Temporary and focused — it’s like a creative nudge.
Can include freewriting, sketches, plans, lists, or even random musings.	Usually short and designed to get you started when you’re unsure what to write.
Example: You open your notebook every evening and write about your day.	Example: “Write about a time you felt completely lost — physically or emotionally.”

In short:
A journal is the container (physical or digital) and the habit; a writing prompt is fuel for that container when you need inspiration.

Now we know.

Had a grand time with granddaughters. But I need a day to recover. I did mange to get a little bit off exercise. Kind of move those joints around a bit. 

Coffee is on.  

Today Is Friday, August 8, 2025: This Is What Happened

 

I should of done better, and I'm to lazy to fix my flub up, on Chat Gpt. But I know all of my readers are smart. Yesterday I ask Chat Gpt to look at my friend grandchild art work. So today I had chat gpt look at a friend and my WORK.

Got up at a quarter til 7 this morning. Had my morning coffee I like my coffee usually black. Once in while I will add a little milk. Sugar ruins the taste of coffee. Well that's my opinion. Did some morning stretches, and had eggs and toast for breakfast.

Son Sawyer is on his way up with his girls. Our fair is going on. I should have a chance to take Maud and Bree to the fair.

Plus I hope we get chance to do some art and craft stuff as well.

I'm linking to today's FACE OFF. Hope you have time to check some the work out.

Coffee is on

Today Is Thursday, August 8, 2025: This Is What Happened.

 

Won't shove any of you down the rabbit hole. I couldn't tell you how many time I been down an rabbit hole. Mostly since the computers came out. Yesterday I attend my water color group. My friend brought her grandchildren a long. Took a photo of there work and went over to Chat Gpt and ask a few question about their WORK. So yesterday I watched a video on these two artist. Marc Chagall and Jean Dubufffet. I heard of Chagall. If it works out I will watch video on the other artist.

My friend Quenell took me out for lunch, we at Understand. We both had a cup of split pea soup and half sandwich. Before I meant Qunella I stop over at the hospital clinic and paid off one of my medical bills, and went to the library to set up appointment to have someone help me to design some flash cards. And drop off my water bill. So all the bills are paid for month of August.

This morning I walked down to end of the road. A little later on Murphy and I are going to take down an fence. Not sure if will get the entire fence down or not. If I had bet on it. I would bet not. No major project going on. Look like my son Sawyer and his daughter will be coming up this weekend. Hopefully we can take the girls to the fair.

Coffee is on.

Today Is Monday, August 4, 2025: This Is What Happened

 

Yesterday, the 3^rd of August. Murphy and I went for a drive up on Burton. It a mountain on the Selkirk range. West of us. The road was sure rough. A little sore from all the bumps. I had plan to take my sketch book. Like the majority of the time. I forget something. This time it was a pencil. I looked though the pick up to find one. No luck. So I thought I would share some photos on the adventure of Burton. I have wonder about things left over in a bond or campfire. Why would someone in middle of mountain put in a muffler to burn.

We're waiting for package to be drop off. Sawyer pick up broke down here last time he was up from Oregon. Well it's the transfer case. He planning to come back up in middle of this month. I will be glad to see him, as always.

Let see what are three things I did this morning. Took a shower, exercised, and took a shower. Now for three things I might do. Well in all odds I will do them. Take out kitchen garbage, read, and do some prep work before I mow the lawn tomorrow.

As for non chores. Like family history, creativity, and etc. I don't have routine and I don't do them on daily thing. I now don't blog daily. Yesterday I was on Chat Gpt, and wrote something and ask which Dark Shadow characters does this writing matches up with. Well I had two. But the one I like to share is QUENTIN COLLINS and Angelique Bouchard.

Writing Prompt: The Ghost in the Mirror – A Conversation with Quentin Collins

Prompt:
Your character walks through a strange house and finds someone waiting in a forgotten room — not quite alive, not quite dead. He introduces himself as Quentin Collins. He says he knows what it’s like to be haunted by your own past more than any curse.

Write the scene that follows.
What does your character confess?
What advice does Quentin offer them that no one else ever has?

Blurb for Your Blog (To Introduce or Link the Prompt)

Lately, I’ve been journaling through characters and archetypes — blending tarot, memory, and literary figures to better understand myself. One entry led me to imagine a quiet, powerful meeting between Dora (a version of myself) and Quentin Collins from Dark Shadows.

This prompt came out of that moment — a space for anyone else who feels like they’ve been “paying” for mistakes long past. Maybe you’ll meet Quentin too.

 

I really didn't know how to face the person in the mirror, and we all have our Quentin that just won't let us go. Maybe there some reason Quentin hangs around. Everyone that count for anything had forgave us. Those who refuse has pass and lives in spirit world. Those who walks among us who refuse to let go. Might have there reason. In my world I want to know why they can't let go or refuse to. Is it a form of control? Control the free will. So my question is why we are poses by our past. And who is blame for it. Let look at the birth of Jesus for a minute. Could they made up the story of him being born to an Virgin. Let look at this bible verse for second. Deuteronomy 23:2 (KJV)
"A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the Lord.", Wisdom of Solomon 3:16 (NRSVCE)

“But children of adulterers will not come to maturity, and the offspring of an unlawful union will perish.”

And Wisdom of Solomon 4:3–6 (NRSVCE)

“But the prolific brood of the ungodly will be of no use, and none of their illegitimate seedlings will strike a deep root or take firm hold.

If the story of being born to a virgin what would've actually happen if people knew the truth. It strong possible one of my great grandfather was born a bastard. For 4 generation we been told a cover up story. He took his old maid aunt name. 

 

If we don't understand past history we will repeat it. And refuse to look at it from all views. We're doom to repeat and it will like an leg iron with heavy weight we drag. But I honestly think we do have the key to our own free will. But where do we store our belongings. That we can meet them on our own terms. I have a storage area to place my possessions, a make believe safety deposit box. Even my possessions is place in my art journal. Not all possession one can hold in there hand.  I should open these on my term. But I don't. 

Coffee is on. 

 

Today Is Saturday, August 2, 2025: This Is What Happened.

 For a veggie tonight we had broccoli. No need to post the rest. Today I went into the library and got a book to read, BANKSY. I have wonder exact who Banksy. Does the secret of Banksy makes who he or she is. I'm starting to think there is a possibility more than one Banksy. Plus I put in request for a book from enter-library loan. I want to read, THE DIARY KEEPERS. After the library I went to our local fairground and a group of us did art. We worked on paper mache. Our community was having 3 on 3 basketball. 

Around the place I did some general chores and mop the bathroom floor. 

Coffee is on.

Today Is Thursday, July 31, 2025: This Is What Happened.

 Clouds are mighty in our sky. Look like a storm might be heading this way. If it lightening, sure hope there is plenty of rain. It quite dry here. No need for any fire. Doesn't matter the type. Look like the rest o the week it might get a little cooler. In the 70's. Most of this week it been in the 90's. 

My last post. I wrote about what going on with our MEDICAID, under Trump regime. One think I like to clear up is, that I'm not on Medicaid. I'm on regular MEDICARE. At this time I won't discuss this program. It was just to hot to make much for dinner. So fried up beef patty, pork and beans, with some cottage cheese.

Finely had chance to go to lap circle, at library. Most of the ladies was crocheting. I start anther quilt block to embroidery on.

Coffee is on. 

Today Is Monday, July 28, 2025: This Is What Happened

 

I like to share an local article in one of papers, ABOUT THE MEDCAID CUT HERE IN IDAHO.and here is my comment to the facebook page about Idaho Medcaid...There’s no doubt that our healthcare system needs improvement—but cutting people off Medicaid will only make things worse.

Here in Idaho, qualifying for Medicaid is extremely difficult. The income limits are tight:

A single person can’t earn more than $1,800/month.

A two-person household is limited to $2,433/month.

A family of three: $3,065/month.

And four people: $3,598/month.

These numbers alone show how many working families fall through the cracks. Even if you’re working full time, you may still earn just enough to not qualify—but not enough to afford private insurance. And that’s just the income side. There are resource limits too. Depending on the program, your home and assets might be counted, and when a person dies, the state can come after their estate to recoup costs paid by Medicaid. That’s a scary reality.

In most of my adult life, I’ve had no health insurance. When the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) passed, it was the first time I had some sense of medical security. It was a turning point. I’ve never understood why the U.S. doesn’t have some kind of single-payer system, where people can buy in by paying a percentage of their income. That way, we could share the responsibility—and people wouldn’t have to fear losing everything just because they got sick.

Maybe I’m being a little self-centered—I know I’m scared of losing what little we have. But I don’t think I’m alone in feeling that way. Kicking people off Medicaid doesn’t fix our system. It makes the gaps wider, and the safety net smaller. I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But I do know this: we can’t afford to let people slip through the cracks—especially in rural communities like ours.

I'm linking the BONNERS FERRY FACEOOK PAGE. Not sure if it will work or not. But by some of them comments. Some people think it funny that people is loosing there medical insurance.

I just need to learn to pace myself. Not sure if I over did and hurt my hip. The next day I felt fine. Plus I tried to cut back on my MELOXICAM. See the last time I saw my doctor. I told my doctor I didn't think the Meloxicam was all that effective. I still hurt. She suggest I go off of it for a few days. And see where my pain level was. By the third day my pain level was sitting at 8.5 to 9. A few time I was about ready to go to the emergency room. So I got back on the Meloxicam, and the worst my pain has been was 3.75. I can mange on that. Actual I have fairly high pain tolerance. Plus on my left side I have Osteoarthritis. Then there lack of muscle tone. If my muscle tone was tighter it would help my joints.

Clean the toilet, and start anther quilt block. Now for the embroidery blocks I have just passed over the half way point. On number 7 out of 12.

Today Is Sunday, July 27, 2025: This Is What Happened.

 

Not sure what happened. I was in horrible pain. My hip! I kept buckling as I walked, or it felt like my hip was so loose in the socket. It was dangling like broken puppet.

I got most what I want done today, it was light day. The only thing I still need to wrap up my weekly part of my bullet journal for August. So today I made the bed, made the print on my next quilt block, and choose some embroidery floss. This up coming one is a kitchen table scene. And mowed our back yard.

Looked at price of larger trash can. I was shocked. Seem like can't find any under $50.

I though PENGUIN. Sunday five had some great question, and I decided to visit all who left comments.

1: What blog made you laugh this week?  There a lot that make me smile. I don't know where she finds them but I like “SHE WHO SEEKS” She finds interesting meme.

2: What blog made you think this week?  MATHEIKAL. He write on many topics. To me they all make me think.

3: What have you read this week?  I will continue reading, The Enchanted April, by Elizabeth Von Arnim

4: What was the best thing you have eaten this week?  At the senior center, Spare ribs, Baked Potatoes-with cheese, sour cream, bacon. Biscuits, and fresh fruit.

5: What was most relaxing for you this week? When moon changes I take it easy. Or I slow my pace way down. I don't have servants so I need to pick up after my self, and make my bed.

Coffee is on.