Usually I start pecking at the keyboard for this column mid week or so. However, this past week has been different and I have been sort of laid up. There is an old saying that the young can’t seem to remember; that of “when you find a gate open leave it open and when you find a gate shut, leave it shut”. Every country child should have learned that early in life.
Two “always closed” gates were left open, inadvertently I’m sure, and three horses ended up galloping on Hwy 14 for quite a ways. A neighbor called to tell me about this and I hurriedly went to see what was going on, picked up some halters and ropes and headed up the highway. The three horses finally stopped to visit with other horses and soon were surrounded by people, making them even more nervous. One was finally haltered and I was holding the lead rope when movement in front of the horse caused it to side step, onto my foot. More movement caused the horse to knock me on my keister and then try to jump over me. Good thing I had rolled to my side as the front of his hoof got me on the side of the head. Big owies! The horses were caught and hauled back to their pasture. I was a bit lightheaded and bleeding profusely so they loaded me up to head to the ER for a head scan and foot x-ray.
More trauma! Have you ever had needles stuck in your toe, and then between your toes? I don’t recommend this. Of course, when the toenails were removed and stitches applied those needles didn’t seem like such a bad idea. No bones were broken but I have a whopper of a shiner and have spent the past few days keeping that foot elevated. My family members have chastised me for getting involved and have reminded me that this week I turn 78 years old and my reactions just aren’t what they used to be. My concern was for a vehicle/horse incident on Hwy 14 else I could have stayed home. One good reminder from all of this is that we sure do have some good neighbors on Dogwood Hill. Even some drivers stopped to help. My thanks goes out to all.
We didn’t get home from the ER until 2:30 in the morning. The dogs started begging for breakfast about 5:00 a.m. and I ignored them until 7:00 a.m. Tried to take naps during the day but between the door bell and the phone those naps were short lived. However, nice to know people care. Kim brought supper one evening, grilled chicken from KFC and it was delicious. Dana Wagner brought my mail in for me. I didn’t get to work on Friday and Fr. Paul printed out the bulletins for me.
Arlene drove me to church Sunday morning and I had my foot elevated a few times while there. Then, home for a two hour, much welcomed uninterrupted nap. Oh yes, Kim took a picture of the shiner and sent it on to Randy, and he was with a group of Boeddeker relatives up north and shared the picture. Someone said I shouldn’t put this in the column but “What the hey!” So many already know of this rodeo clown and her booboos….and this wasn’t my first rodeo….or my first booboo.
Kim brought her mother for a visit Sunday evening. “Little Bit” Witchey hadn’t been here since the house was rebuilt so I gave her a tour showing the few changes. Little Bit thought this house was much larger than the previous house but I assured her it is the same size and that I drew up the plans with “space” in mind.
My prayers go out for all and I ask you to pray for all, for our nation, for our military, for peace.
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church from the desk of Jamey Herd: We have been enjoying some beautiful fall weather with several activities going on in the community. Saturday night Pleasant Ridge had their Truck of Sweets and wiener roast with over 50 attending the festivities. This from Laveta Ray “We had around 50 children and adults show up for our Trunk of Sweets event at our church. A good time was had by all and thanks so much to everyone who helped out. Our church is so blessed to have such a wonderful sweet helpful church family.”
Pastor Carl brought the morning message from the book of Psalms 51: 1-13. “Have mercy on me O God according to your unfailing love, according to your great compassion, blot out my transgressions, wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sins”. Laveta and Susie had 10 children in children’s Church with Angie and Trevor also helping.
Paul and Wanda Dugan and I attended the singing at the Dogwood Nazarene Church on Saturday night. A group known as 4-Calvary was singing and we enjoyed it very much.
I still see loads of walnuts going by going to the huller. I think Billy Joe got his fill of picking up walnuts. He is back to splitting wood for wood sales. We had fire in our stove several days last week and looks like we will be doing so later this week. Enjoy the beautiful days and fall scenery while they last. I am not a winter person and I am not looking forward to the cold nasty weather.
Thanks to the ladies that cleaned the church this past week.
Get well wishes are sent out to Max Wood who is still in Cox South, Kenneth Lupton who had back surgery, Sammy Lawrence, Pam Cobb’s granddaughter and all others who need our prayers.
On November 13 the Church will be filling shoe boxes for Samaritans Purse. This is a project of Franklin Graham for the needy children all over the world to provide them with Christmas gifts. The members of the church are busy getting the items together for the shoe boxes. If anyone has extra, empty shoe boxes we could use they would be greatly appreciated.
Until next week, Psalms 51:1 5, O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
