with Vickie Ellis
Good day to all! Today is Saturday, Jan. 29. It is 34 degrees, and the skies are blue. We have a lot of cardinals and chickadees visiting our feeder, and we have even seen a catbird. It is grey and is called this because of their wailing calls, which resembles a cat’s meowing. With some gentle persuasion, however, people can gain a catbird’s trust and develop a fun friendship.
COVID hit this house Monday, and it was QUICK! James had an appointment for a recheck with his doctor. He just had a slight, occasional cough and sinus drainage. His temperature and vitals were normal at noon, and by 3:30-4 p.m., he had a temperature of 100.8. I went and bought a quick test from the pharmacy, and it was positive. He did develop an increased heart rate and low oxygen. We did call the ambulance although he was not in distress, but I did not want to get there. They did evaluate him, and he decided to stay home. I used my phone alarm and checked him at 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Praise God he has been on the improvement side. He has used some cough medicine and over the counter pain reliever. He had a low grade temperature for three days, and he did begin aching. No loss of taste or smell. Probably Omicron. On Friday, I started with the sinus/cough, which is mild thus far, and had a low grade fever last night. We both had our vaccines but not our booster. Our son and his family had it, but we were not around them. This is a nasty virus. Very sneaky. Many have different symptoms. I did start out with a queasy stomach. We have been very proactive and have used our masks and hand sanitizer. I still believe in it and will continue to follow this until the numbers go down a lot. We do sleep in separate rooms during this illness. Just be vigilant with hand washing and social distancing. James did occasionally refrain from using his mask. Pray for an end to all this virus mess and the violence against others and our law enforcement.
The weather forecast for next week is encouraging. The high temperatures for Sunday-Wednesday are from 55-63 and the mid to upper 40s Thursday - Monday. The lows from 18-47 degrees. The colder nights are toward the end of next week. That is if Mother Nature stays on course for a change. Rain is also in the forecast Wednesday and Thursday.
For those who watch One American News, DTV is going to drop them as of April when their contract is up. Well, they will lose a lot of customers.
Happy birthday to Billy Joe Seaton, 2-3; Jessie Fisher, Kayla Barham and Katelynn Pratt, 2-4; and Mallory McKinney, 2-5.
Happy belated anniversary to Carroll and Gearldine Williams, 1-27.
Happy anniversary to Allison and Dalton Roe, 2-3, and Elaine and Paul Bozza, 2-4.
Please continue to remember these in prayer - Randy Baker, Sheila Berry, Robert and Joyce Brewer, J.T. and Jeanette Butler, Jackie Chambers, Maryann Lackie, Norris McCaskill, Sarah and Don McLemore, LaVelle Page, David Parchman, Pam Priddy, Jesse Pugh, Todd Rencher, Jake Richardson, Kyle Roach, Gina Robinson, Bro. Larry Rose, Kristi Taylor, David Tucker, Tony Tucker and Adam Wise. Also, please pray for our military, law enforcement, our country and its leaders, those affected by COVID and first responders. There are many sick and hurting. Please say a prayer; even if you do not know their name, God does. Prayer is not an obligation; it is the greatest privilege we have. Pray yourself through each day.
Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce: Red Velvet (Valentine’s Day is coming!) - You will need one tablespoon dark cocoa powder, 1/3 cup buttermilk, one 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, two tablespoons corn syrup, four tablespoons butter, two tablespoons cream cheese, two tablespoons or more red food coloring, 1/8 teaspoon salt dissolved in one tablespoon boiling water, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Whisk the cocoa and buttermilk together in a pan over medium heat. Continue to whisk until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and corn syrup. Bring to a simmer, stirring often. Add the butter and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly about five minutes. Remove from heat. Store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
“There’s no storm that God won’t carry you through. No bridge that God won’t help you cross. No battle that God won’t help you through. No heartache that God can’t help you let go of. He is so much bigger than anything you will ever face. Leave everything in His hands. Embrace each day confidently, knowing that He will take care of you.” - unknown
I pray you all have a wonderful week, and may it be filled with love, joy, peace and blessings. Remember: if you have news, please email me at mimmiepots@gmail.com. I would truly appreciate any news. People from here and those who have moved from our area but still want to keep in touch through the newspaper are hungry for news from home.
Until next week, Happy Trails to You.
