Thursday, August 25, 2022

A Dizzy Dame




There's Liberace through the screen door under the banana bloom on a rainy evening. I know that rooster is doing his very best to try and figure out how best to protect his hens. I may feel sorrier for him than I do for the ladies. 


I took that picture a few nights ago when he and the girls were on the front porch. He is trying so hard. They've destroyed some of my plants and I don't even care. 
Right now I've coaxed him and two of the girls into the coop. They did not want to go but I gave them some biscuit crumbs and some avocado salad and some honeynut Cheerios and those three did come in. The two other chickens we have left would not. I was hoping that Liberace would make his tidbitting call to gather them but he didn't. He is being so super cautious. But whoever I can get penned tonight will be staying enclosed for at least a few days. 
Mr. Moon did indeed try a live chicken in the trap last night but she just spent the night not getting killed by the fox which is in itself, okay. The fox couldn't have gotten to her in the compartment where she was so he couldn't have hurt her but like I said, I know it must have been somewhat traumatic. 
Why the birds don't want to go into the coop or roost is beyond me. None of them were killed in there lately. They are safe in there. But perhaps the fox runs around the enclosure all night and frightens them. 
But this is where we are for right now. One rooster, four hens. 
Dottie has been taken. So she is gone, too. 



Rest in peace, you sweet old hen. 

Yesterday I had a few dizzy spells and figured that it had something to do with one of my ears which has felt stopped up for weeks. This morning when I woke up, I had another brief bout of dizziness and my ear was quite stopped up and I was very sniffly in the sinuses. August and Levon and Jessie all seem to have a little cold and I guess I have it too. Anyway, my ear has cleared as of now and I am not dizzy in the least. I felt good enough to go to town and I did. I needed a few things at Publix and Costco, of course, and decided that fuck it, I was going to enter the demon doors of Walmart too. It's in the same shopping area as Costco and I usually avoid it like the plague but hell- that's such an entitled thing to be able to do, isn't it? I wanted to look for some velcro to use on Maggie's doll dress and also, look for a cotton dress like one that Jessie bought earlier in the summer. It's not age-appropriate in the least for me but it's not like I'll be wearing it to tea with the queen. I found one and it's made of Tee-shirt cotton with a tiered shortish skirt, short sleeves, and POCKETS! Very fine pockets. So, I grabbed it. I also bought a bra-like garment like one that Jessie had given me when we were in NC. It's made out of something incredibly soft. And I bought the velcro and also some awesome mermaid buttons which I might use for ornament on the doll dress. The best part of the whole experience was the lady at check-out. She was tiny, perhaps Indian, and her name badge said, "Vanlily." At first I thought it said "Vanilla" but no, I checked and rechecked. Vanlily. And her smile was brilliant. It was a million watt smile. I gave her my best in return. 

When I was at Publix I got what we all call a "Pub Sub" which is, as you might expect, a sub sandwich made to order in their deli. It is not unlike Subway except that the ingredients are 
a. Real
b. Fresh
c. Of good quality

After I finished checking out I went through a car wash and I have to tell you that there are few things more pleasurable for me than sitting in a car going through a car wash, eating a good sandwich. Especially on a rainy day. It feels like I'm on a completely different planet, alone and safe in the confines of my vehicle while great bouts of water and soap and suds envelop the car, and giant brushes scrub the outside clean. It's sort of magical, actually. To me, anyway. The machinery whirs and shifts and the lights tell you when you are all done. 
GO! They say. 
And I do. 
It really does not take much to make me happy, does it? 

It sure would make me happy if those other two chickens roosted in the hen house. If they end up on the front porch tonight, we can grab them in their coma-sleep and carry them out there. 
I cannot imagine a life without chickens anymore. 

It's still raining, a nice strong drizzle, distant thunder rolling now and then to the south. I can hear birds chirping over the patter of the rain. 


Here's a leaf that the magnolia tree shed yesterday which got caught in the spider web I photographed a few days ago. It looks like a magic trick, doesn't it? And remember- a magnolia leaf is about eight inches long. At least. That's some strong web silk there, y'all. 

Thank you for coming here and sharing my days. It's so odd when I think about it but it's also an incredibly important part of my life. YOU are an important part of my life. 

Love...Ms. Moon

39 comments:

  1. And you are an important part of my life, now. I have my list of blogs I read every day and you are right up there. I love reading about your comings and goings and learning about life over there. It's been a long time since I went through a car wash but you have tickled my fancy and I will see if there is a good one around. Damn that fox.

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    1. Glad I could remind you of the joys of the car wash! And thank you for reading here and for your comments. They mean so much.

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  2. And you are important to us too. I think wearing what you want to, especially when it has pockets, is vital to a person's mental health. As are mermaid buttons. I'm looking forward to seeing them in action.

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    1. Yes. I was pondering the "age appropriate" thing and I decided that if something is comfortable, covers my nakedness and has pockets- it is appropriate!

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  3. yes, you are VERY important in my life....a cherished part of every day. I can't believe you found a t-shirt dress with pockets......at Walmart? I cannot find one to save my life. Glad dizzies over...... otherwise...might try flonase? for what that's worth (barely worth it)....... oh.....the car wash. My car is SO dirty (we live at the end of a 3 mile dirt road)......I hose it off periodically but it could use a car wash.....but carwashes trigger my vertigo unless I sit with eyes shut tight. Ugh. Life...... and car washes.....and missing (sigh) hens........ poor you and now Dottie too? really?
    Susan M

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    1. Yes, Dottie too. And that breaks my damn heart as does Violet's disappearance. We know that Dottie got eaten. We found the evidence, dammit.
      I know what you mean about the vertigo in the car wash. It is disconcerting, isn't it? And perhaps a tiny cheap thrill.

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  4. In the olden days, when I had to look put together for the suits I worked for, I wore underwires, 36DDD. I wore the same the whole time I worked for the township, too, but after that accident and two months of learning to live again, without wearing a bra, the first thing I did when I got home was find bras I could pull on over my head, then lean over and put the ladies at ease in their little place and get on with my day. To this day, to come home with me a bra must go on over my head and be made of soft cotton tee shirt material.

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    1. Amen on that type of bra! I haven't worn a hooking bra in forever and doubt I ever will again. The ladies are so much happier. Even still, as soon as I get home, off that garment comes and the ladies are ecstatic.

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  5. Car wash , oh yes. Love them and the colors and the splooshes and the smiley guy at the end who does the windows and I give him a tip and we wish each other a good day. It is a mini trip to another world- ladies day on
    Wednesday, five dollars! Sad about your lovely chickens, the three in a pot is just the best photo ! Keep the hungry buggers out- build a wall...
    you are brave to go to Walmart- the off gasses would kill me not to mention the walmartyness of it. Glad your dress dream came true.

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    1. This particular car wash does not have an attendant. It's all machine operated. It's the little things in life, am I right?
      The photo of the three in the pot is indeed a good shot, I think. Today I have to go repot a jade plant that the little buggers knocked over and busted trying to roost on it. Sigh.
      I did not stay in Walmart long and I have to say that the dress and the smile of Vanlily made it all worth it. I also bought some eucalyptus oil spray for the shower to make it a lovely spa time. So yes, it was worth it.

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  6. You're an incredible part of so many lives, Mary. I'm so grateful for your constancy. I am so privileged that I've actually never set foot in a Walmart's -- by design. I can admit that here and perhaps be gently called on it, but there.

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    1. My spouse and I likewise decry the walmartyness of it and do not feel tempted to enter its devil doors. Whew!!

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    2. Well, no one in this world is required to go to Walmart but I am afraid that it is almost a necessity for many, especially these days. Not for me- I admit that. My biggest problem with them is how they treat their employees. It's a sin.

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  7. I do hope you are able to get the last two hens into the coop and please tell Liberace I am proud of the protection work he is doing.
    I love car washes too, but skinflint hubby would never spend his beer money on cleaning the car so we only ever went through one if I paid. When the kids were big enough, we'd get them to do the job, with buckets of suds and a hose. What fun!
    Mermaid buttons sound perfect for the mermaid fabric dress.

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    1. All hens are cooped now. I am trying to take them regular treats. I know they must be so bored in there.
      My husband does not mind spending money on car washes at all. He is a bit obsessed with having nice-looking cars. It's just the way he is. And actually, it pleases him so much when I make the effort to go through a car wash. I really should do it more often.

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  8. I will admit the leaf photo had me mystified and I studied it for a while before scrolling...did you snap it while falling?...stuck to a window?...ahh spider web...it's a cool photo!
    Your chicken saga is a sad one indeed. I hate to think it might be the end of your tending and telling of chickens. I have enjoyed it more than I can say. Damn fox.
    I know I've said it before but coming here daily and reading your words is one of the most pleasing and gratifying parts of my day. It's a habit I don't ever want to lose. I am forever thankful to Hank for knowing his Mama so well and encouraging you to blog. I've had a few blessings in my life and finding your words was a true one.
    Angie D

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    1. Oh, Angie! Thank you. And it pleases me so to know that you remember that it was Hank who gently nudged me into blogging. He does know me so well. Hell, he and I practically raised each other!
      At this moment, we are discussing options for keeping the chickens enclosed in an area in the back yard. We need to do some more fencing for that to happen. We shall see. But I really do not want to give up chicken tending either. They are such a dear part of my life.

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  9. You are a lovely part of my life every morning while I eat my breakfast. As I scroll through the blogs that I read ,( you come just after Steve) I have a smile on my face as I click on your name, wondering what you have to say today! Will there be photos of those gorgeous boys? What have you bought? What have you cooked? Your life is so different to mine here in SE England it is always a pleasure to hear you talk. I know I shall never meet you ( unless you fancy a trip to UK?) but I feel as if I know you. I refer to you as my friend in Florida.

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    1. Ms. Moon....Just what Frances said EXACTLY! Anita from MN.

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    2. You know, I often tell my kids and my husband about other bloggers and always call them my "blog friends." Isn't it funny how we all come to know each other, come to think of each other as parts of our days? It is such a beautiful thing to me.

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  10. Whenever I'm in the car wash I'm forever trying to slam the brakes on as soon as the rollers start!!!

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  11. Thank you for sharing and having us in your life!

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  12. You are in my everyday, and I can't imagine not being able to click into a story and picture telling slice of life in Lloyd! Thank you for taking me with you on your walks, past the altars and Madonna, into your pantry, out into the laundry lines and vines and gardens spines! You are appreciated!

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    1. And I appreciate you and your words. Thank you.

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  13. You had a busy day but it sounds like you really enjoyed yourself.
    I check your blog everyday as you are part of my daily routine and I always enjoy what is going on in your life and your mind.
    I am off for a long drive today to see my oldest grandkids and their Dad who I haven't seen since April! Can't wait!
    Happy Friday, Mary Moon!

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    1. Thank you, Ellen. I did enjoy myself. And I so hope you had/are having fun with those grands and your son.

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  14. Like you, i adore the experience of going through a car wash! It occurs to me that raising chickens, for all its joys, can also be so heartbreaking. Nature is cruel sometimes.

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    1. Yes. Nature is cruel. But a good reminder that whenever there is life, a death will invariably follow at some point. Not something that's cheerful to ponder, but a truth.
      Car washes are much more fun than thinking about nature's cruelty, aren't they?

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  15. And YOU are an important part of all of our lives!

    I can't believe you're down to only five chickens. That blows my mind. I hope you're able to corral that fox but it sounds like it's pretty wily.

    Vanlily is a wonderful name.

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    1. I can't believe we're down to only five chickens either. We had, what? Fifteen not that long ago. Fat fox fucker. I have a feeling we may have an extended family of them here now.

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  16. I don't know if it would help but we had an electric mesh fence for our chickens it could be moved and enclosed a very large area. It was almost 40 feet on each of 4 sides and we never lost a bird , the foxes tried it out on the first few days and the shock deterred them.

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    1. this sounds like a good solution for the current *situation*.
      Susan M

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    2. That is a good idea. I'll throw that into the mix of possible solutions. Thank you, Jessica.

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  17. I read you every day, without fail. :)

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    1. I very much like knowing that. Thank you, Jim.

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