tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431463925969917162024-02-12T13:37:58.499-08:00The Tennessee WalkersA family newsletter blog about life on the Walker "farm" here in the Tennessean Mountains.Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-68694631674463527362024-02-12T13:37:00.000-08:002024-02-12T13:37:19.037-08:002024 JANUARY & FEBRUARY WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
New Year has come and gone already, and we finally got some snow here on the
mountain. Now it is halfway through February and the temperature continues to
fluctuate up and down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed some of
my daffodils poking their heads out of the ground already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spring is coming- joys- but winter is not
finished yet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our
place has a new look. The local electric company came and cut down all the
birch trees on the one side of our driveway. The little two-foot twigs I had
planted years ago now were over 60 feet tall. A lot of huge branches were
falling and in danger of landing on the main electrical wire to our house. It
was quite the job and took most of the day. We want to cut down the birch trees
on the other side as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now,
there are huge logs and branches covering up my formal garden needing to be cut
up before spring gets here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
never a shortage of things needing to get done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Towards
the end of January, my granddaughter, Annette, her husband, Curtis, and my
great granddaughter, Ellie, came up to visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a joy to hold the little Miss again. She's growing, cooing, and
looking all around at her new world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
have kept busy keeping water in the duck and hen houses, breaking ice in the
buckets outside, making sure there is plenty of feed, and spreading more straw
to keep the animals warm and comfy during cold days. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dwight
has kept the woodstove going and stocking wood. We are grateful for the wood
fires on frigid days to warm our bones and keep the house cozy. I love baking
and making large pots of soup on cold winter days. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
unloaded the back closet and plan to get painting it this week. As usual I am
behind of where I'd like to be, but thankful for each day I can be up and get
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One week, my hip acted up and I
had to use a cane to get around. You would think I was an old lady, huh? The
cold temperatures are hard on Dwight's ankles and joints as well. One day when
we both were limping around, I said a body would think we were old folk in a
nursing home. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dwight
took me this week to the hematologist for my high iron. She did a bunch of
blood work, wants me to get an ultrasound of my liver, and other tests to try
and pinpoint exactly what is going on. I've got an appointment for a
rheumatologist as well. I tried to donate blood to the Red Cross when they were
in town but when my finger stick kept bleeding and they found out about
hemophilia, they wouldn't touch me. After all the tests come back and if
nothing else shows up, the hematologist wants me to come in and have them draw
off blood each month and see if my iron will get down to normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, I shall continue eating beans
which helps and work up a sweat as much as possible under Dwight’s watchful
eye. I am praying for a healing touch as I don’t want to have to go on another
medication. Won’t it be grand when we get a glorified body and don’t have to
worry about these earthly bodies acting up every time you turn around?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Keep
praying for my daughter, Dawn, and her family in the Philippines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have been battling sickness that is
going around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also due to the dry
weather their well has run dry so they are toting water and having to do the
wash by hand again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thank the Lord
for all the doors He has opened for them in spreading the gospel on their
island.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Take
care on your end!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-62657706785560710912023-11-21T11:14:00.000-08:002023-11-21T11:14:48.185-08:00OCTOBER and NOVEMBER WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanksgiving
is right around the corner, and I have lots to be thankful for.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
biggest thanks this year is for the safe delivery of my great granddaughter,
Ellen Joy, who was born by c-section on the 7th of this month weighing 8 lbs
and 8 oz, almost two weeks early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miss
Ellie was breech so the doctor decided to try and turn her only to discover
that her heart rate was off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the
c-section, was done, they discovered the cord wrapped around her tiny neck
three times! God certainly worked everything out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next week, Dwight and I are going down to
Nashville to see the little Miss. I can't wait.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another
thing I'm grateful for is the safe travels for Dawn and Katie during the two
days of flying back from the Philippines. It's hard to wrap my head around the
idea of my daughter, Dawn, being a grandmother. Meanwhile Randy- who a couple
weeks ago was in the hospital on antibiotic IVs for a problem that suddenly
flared up but is now doing OK- and William are holding down the fort doing all
the services back in the Philippines while Dawn and Katie are over here for two
weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've
never been one to worry about getting older, but this year in the beginning I
dreaded the thought turning 65 this month after Thanksgiving because that was
how old my mother was when she died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also, I would now be older than Dana, who died at 64- something I never
imagined happening as he was two years older than me- as well as being older
than my brother, who died a year ago at 64 too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then lo and behold, I was told the news of Annette expecting a couple
weeks before my birthday and suddenly, where the Bible talks about God turning
our mourning into joy, it became a reality for me. What is more joyful than a
newborn baby girl?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to get to be with
Dawn and Katie this Thanksgiving is icing on the cake. This birthday will
always be a reminder of how God works miracles in our lives- even through dark
times.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
last two months have been up and down physically for me again. I finished
sewing the beige summer chair covers in my living room the end of Sept,
harvested mint and raspberry leaves, collected flower seeds, and harvested all
the green tomatoes left on the vines before the temp dropped to freezing. I
also have worked on my shade gardens transplanting ferns and planting spring
bulbs. Between begin down with the cold/flu for a miserable couple of weeks, along
with some down days when my pain levels rose due to the cold weather, I
winterized the duck and henhouses with straw and leaves, put leaves in the duck
pen as well, filled buckets with sticks for kindling, mulched all my roses for
winter, and cleaned out the back end of the woodshed, which was quite the
project that had been needing done for a couple of years now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
still need to winterize the beehive and my garden plots yet before it gets too
cold to be working outside. For some reason work always manages to stick
around.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You
know me, and how my mind is always buzzing with ideas, well after Dawn and her
family went back to the Philippines, Katie was on my mind. I had hoped to get
her started with piano lessons when they were back here this summer, but it
didn’t work out. Every week, when I’d give piano lessons to my two girls, I
always thought of Katie, wishing I could sit her on my piano bench too. One
evening, when I was talking to Dawn (it’s her morning) and she was telling me
about Katie beginning her next school year, I got a brainstorm. Dawn doesn’t
have time or the patience to give Katie piano lessons- she had someone else
give piano lessons to Annette and William. Now that Katie is older, she is able
to do most of her home-school work by herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I thought, why not somehow mail piano lessons to Katie where she could
learn how to play the piano by herself too?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If Katie didn’t understand something in a lesson, Dawn could always
explain or show her on their keyboard. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So,
for a couple of months, I spent hours on my computer every week typing,
photocopying examples, and explaining piano lessons- the way I do with my piano
students in person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I wrote songs
to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put three lessons in one
envelope and sent out four batches by the end of Aug for a total of twelve
lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far six piano lessons have
made it to the Philippines. Say a prayer that the rest will make it too. Next,
I got a notebook and plastic sheet covers for the copied hymns out of the piano
course that I began with Dawn and always use. I punched holes in the first
twelve piano lessons so that Katie can put in the notebook too. Originally, I
was going to copy from the old piano course that I thought Dawn had given me
back, but instead had ended up somewhere with their things in storage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
told my two piano students how I was making and sending piano lessons to my
granddaughter in the Philippines and asked if they (my first girl is in the
second piano book and the second girl is in the first book) would be willing to
let me copy some of the songs out of their piano books. They both said “yes”
thrilled at the idea of copies of their piano songs going around the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, my youngest student’s
grandmother offered and copied off her granddaughter’s songs for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I took a picture of both of the girls at
the piano with their piano books and put it on the first page in the notebook
telling Katie about my two piano students and how they let me copy piano songs
for her. I got the notebook ready with the Christmas gifts to go in the box
that is to arrive in the Philippines for Dawn and her family in time for
Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way Katie can keep doing
piano lessons until they come back home next summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like they say, where there is a will, there
is a way, and this grandma wants to make sure that Katie has the chance to
learn to play the piano like her great grandma, grandma, mother, and older
sister does.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have
a wonderful Thanksgiving season on your end!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-1681265801129412702023-09-26T06:54:00.001-07:002023-09-26T06:54:18.680-07:00AUGUST & SEPTEMBER WALKER NEWSLETTER 2023<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another
month and a half have passed since I sent out the last newsletter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
ground is dry and dusty from the dog days of summer as we head into
autumn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are still picking a few green
beans, peppers, and tomatoes from the garden. Not only did the crazy hard
freezes from this spring kill the azalea, most of the lilacs, and wisteria
blooms this year, but it also killed the young grapes beginning to form on the
vines. For the first time that I can remember there are no grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, the last summer roses continue to
bloom as the autumn clematis perfumes the air.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
finished drying the rest of the apples that turned into quite a chore.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
traveled to Annette's baby shower in Nashville on a stormy day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rain pounded down so hard it was hard to
see. I was glad that Dwight was the one behind the wheel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twice we had to go into the other lane where
the road was flooded over to get through. Then as the baby shower was coming to
an end, everyone began getting alerts on their phones about a tornado heading
to Nashville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, everyone stayed later
than planned due to the bad storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Annette got a lot of lovely baby gifts, and we had a great time
together, but it is one baby shower that I don't think anyone will forget about
soon. The next day I went shopping with Dawn and Annette as she finished
getting the rest of the stuff on her list for the baby.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
was hard to say good-bye to Dawn and her family not knowing how long it will be
until we see them again. Dawn, Randy, William, and Katie flew out Tues from
Nashville and I was quite relieved when the news came that they had safely made
it to their Philippine Island Thursday morning. Thankfully, they have adjusted
a lot better with the complete change in time and days going back than they did
coming here. The folk were so excited to see Dawn and her family again and
their church and children attendance has increased. Meanwhile, Katie has begun
her school year of home-schooling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
I said last time, I was doing great and able to do things like before my shoulder
acted up when I fell the first of the year. Well don't you know it, the very
week Dawn left, I fell. I was carrying two potted plants out to my back yard as
we had turned the air conditioning on. I ended up tripping over some ivy that I
love growing along the ground and up some of the trees that unfortunately has
spread into the path. One minute I was on my feet and the next, before I could
catch my balance or flip my body, I was flying through the air landing on my
right shoulder and hip with the plants flying everywhere. Talk about a mess!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
ended up in the recliner again with ice packs on my hip and right shoulder, but
after two days my rotator cuff muscle- that I had previously damaged- was doing
OK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave a huge sigh of relief.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two
weeks later, one morning, I picked green beans- like I had been doing the
previous weeks- and weeded some areas really pushing myself in the heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything would have been OK, but the very
next day I went grocery shopping, and it was pouring rain. In my defense, it
had been three months since I was down with my right shoulder bleeding
internally, so I thought I was completely out of the woods. I held my umbrella
in my left hand while I loaded gallon jugs of milk, vinegar, etc. along with
bags of cans with my right hand into the trunk hurrying to get out of the rain
as quickly as possible. That night, my shoulder started hurting with the pain
intensifying unlike when the rotator cuff muscle hurts. I immediately got ice
packs, took pain meds, and settled myself back in the recliner. The next day
and the next it was no better- waking up a couple of times in the night due to
the pain. After eleven days my pain decreased enough where I cut back half on
the pain meds, and I was able to be up and around more with my sling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, wouldn’t you know it, my shoulder pain
shot up again after carrying gallon jugs of water for the animals until I woke
up in agony where nothing helped. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dwight
called the hemophilia clinic and he drove me down two-and-one-half hours the
next day to see the hematologist. To make the trip, I propped myself on
pillows, lying down in the back seat, dozing off and on from being up the night
before. At the clinic, blood was taken for more tests and x-rays done to make
sure that my rotator cuff wasn’t torn, my shoulder fractured, or a bone
chipped. The hematologist wanted me to come back the next week, but I stayed
home as my clotting time was up enough that I wouldn’t be given factor, and I
was already doing everything they recommended. Dwight agreed as traveling only
aggravates an internal bleed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
went the month of August. Meanwhile, dear Dwight has filled in the slack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He not only cooked, washed dishes, baked, cleaned,
hung up wash, folded clothes, went to town, paid bills, picked up
prescriptions, and braided my hair, but I had- before all this happened- bought
a bushel of tomatoes, ordered beans to can, and more tomatoes. Although Dwight
doesn’t even like tomato juice, he manfully chopped up what I needed and helped
me make and can tomato juice twice and along with green beans. I told him he
would definitely get an extra star in his crown for helping me with the tomato
juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dwight has though, I have to
confess, become quite bossy and particular about me using my right hand even in
a sling. Every time I turn around, Dwight is telling me no, I can’t do that-
acting like I am some decrepit person living in a nursing home. My pastor and
daughter both told me that I needed to listen to Dwight- nothing like everyone
ganging up on me. Dawn was so impressed with how well her brother was turning
out to be a housewife that she said instead of the “pioneer woman” line; Dwight
could start a “pioneer man” brand instead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thankfully,
to save my sanity and Dwight’s, the beginning of this month I was able to cut
my pain meds in half and finally could sleep through the night. What a
blessing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am trying to be good; I
promise. I am so tired of living in the recliner and popping pills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My fingers itch to get out in the garden and
into the dirt. Meanwhile, I am able to wash dishes and cook more. I have taken
walks in the woods to help regain strength and snuck out to the garden- don’t
tell Dwight- to collect and save flower seeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I enjoy rocking in my chair on the front porch, observing, and taking
care of the birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am blessed to have
such a wonderful son that helps and watches over me- even to the point of
spying on me when I am innocently rocking on the porch enjoying the hens and
ducks in the yard to make sure that I am not doing something I’m not supposed
to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I have turned into
quite the lazy person, but the year isn’t over yet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Until
next time~ Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-86017986564746347942022-11-19T06:10:00.002-08:002022-11-19T06:10:40.310-08:00NOVEMBER WALKER NEWSLETTER 2022<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Winter
has arrived here on the mountain with a few snow flurries and lots of cold
weather- some days barely getting out of the 30's and down in the low 20's at
night. For a couple of weeks we had some warm 70 degree weather days when
suddenly the temperature nosedived one afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now having 50 degrees would seem like a heat
wave. So, we are staying busy keeping our wood-stoves going. There is nothing
like a crackling fire to warm one's bones on frigid days. Outside the world
looks bleak with barren trees and the last of the hardy blooming flowers
gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes one very thankful to have
a warm cozy house.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
last few weeks, we raced around gathering buckets of branches for kindling and
helping to stack pickup loads of wood with Dwight under the carport. Every
sunny warm day found me with a paint brush or spray can of paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I painted the back step railing, bluebird
houses on the fence, and trellis seats Dana made years ago in the enclosed
garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sprayed pinecones for wreaths
and anything else I had forgotten that needed a touch of paint. I was hoping to
get the arches and inside fence painted in the enclosed garden but ran out of
time as I am much slower than I'd like.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've
also been collecting seeds from the garden to save for next year. There is always
something fascinating to me about saving seeds to store back. It's amazing how
one tiny seed can produce gorgeous flowers and veggies that in return make
oodles of other seeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also planted
more bulbs to come up in the spring- one never can have too many flowers- and
transplanted and divided other plants. I trimmed around the trees in the yard
for a finishing touch and put up chicken wire around the spots where I am
trying to get some shade gardens going where the trees are too close for Dwight
to mow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason the ducks and
chickens seem to think that the hostas, ferns, and other shade plants are a
ducky and chicky salad bar grown for them and just when my shade gardens begin
to take off they eat everything down to the ground. So, I am duck and chicken
proofing my shade gardens for next year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
also put out heating water bowls and buckets in the duck and henhouse and for
Tex. Dwight rigged up a heating pad in the doghouse for Tex as for some reason
he is allergic to straw like we always did before to keep him warm through the
winter. I've closed up the beehive for the winter as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the last warm days they were really
going through the sugar water to finish filling up the last of the frames with
honey to live on this winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Canadian
geese are arriving from up North for the winter and the birds that haven't
migrated South are keeping me busy filling up the bird feeders.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sending
lots of Thanksgiving wishes for a blessed Thanksgiving season from my house to
yours~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-67987030198355558862022-10-22T11:24:00.006-07:002022-10-22T11:24:39.497-07:00OCTOBER 2022 WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;">Autumn
is in full force here in the TN mountains </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">bringing
cold nights and frosty mornings with chilly days. The leaves have already
flaunted bright colors of red, orange, and yellow at their height of glory- now
slowly fading and dropping down to the earth to make a crunchy carpet
underfoot. Winds whip the treetops sending acorns falling to the earth like
mini pellets scattering everywhere. While the squirrels race around hiding nuts
for the winter, I am busy trying to finish outdoor chores before it gets too
cold to work outside. As usual, I am running behind on everything I'd like to
get done.</span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile
all kinds of daisies, purple asters, marigolds, zinnias, and mums are blooming
as the graceful yellow goldenrod stands tall among them. A few hardy roses
unfurl their last delicate petals for the year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
garden as well is finished for the year for me as I've not planted any fall
crops after harvesting the mini pumpkins I planted. I plan on mucking out the
duck and hen houses to put on my garden beds so I can lay new straw down for
the winter. I've already tacked down plastic over the windows to hold in warmth
for the ducks and hens at night and cleaned out all the cobwebs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Each
sunny warm day has found me busy painting the mailbox, wooden rocking chair in
the sun/mud room, plant stands, the back steps going down into my enclosed
garden and the workshop steps. I also painted the sun/mud room walls.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
did up a last batch of nineteen quarts of tomato juice and eight quarts of
tomatoes to finish filling up the pantry. I always love seeing full jars on the
shelves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before
Stacy and her family arrived, I picked up branches and burned a pile of briars
that I cleaned out along the hedgerow etc while indoors I did a major cleaning
throughout the house that was long overdue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The temperature dropped sharply so I ended up having to bring all my
hanging and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>house plants indoors too
that I had hoped to wait until later as it entailed washing windows and sills.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
was such a joy to see Stacy, Justin, and meet Theo and Mae for the first time.
What fun having small children once more in the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been years since I last saw Justin's
father, Jeff, who I was in school with, and Rachel. Theo and Mae were excited
to gather eggs, smash acorns, and play after another long day of traveling. All
too soon we had to say good-bye.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dwight
got the sink installed in the kitchen- what joy- and I was finally able to put
everything back underneath and clear off the dining room table in time to make
a meal for Stacy and her family. I feel so blessed to be able to cook and bake
in my new brighter/lighter kitchen especially as the days grow shorter each
week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Due
to the very wet summer we had, the beehive closest to the hedgerow along the
property that was in more shade, I was saddened to discover that moths had
taken over and all the bees had died. So I dismantled the beehive and cleaned off
all the boards storing it in the workshop until spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, thankfully, the other beehive is
going strong. I’ve been feeding them sugar water as the flowers die out and
there isn’t a large source of nectar for them to get. I plan in the spring to
use this beehive to start another brood for the empty one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">God
has been so good to help, watch over, guide, and take care of us in the year
since Dana died. It has been a big adjustment, but He has been there every step
of the way. I’m grateful each day for the strength He gives me and I have
Dwight to keep an eye on me to make sure that I behave and not go too wild.
There still is a lot to get done indoors that will keep me busy this winter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
until next month- take care on your end and stay warm!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-90404063093459046012022-09-17T05:38:00.000-07:002022-09-17T05:38:20.550-07:00AUGUST & SEPTEMBER WALKER NEWSLETTER<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two
months have already passed by again, but I am still alive and kicking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If
I don't get something out, I soon will have a book.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You
can feel autumn in the air with the cooler nights breaking up the humidity- a
welcome relief. Even though the leaves haven't turned yet, some are falling to
the ground. August and September are the months where not a lot of flowers are
blooming as the summer ones are all about gone and the fall ones are getting
ready to start. I'm still picking some green beans and tomatoes from the
garden. The raspberries, blackberries,
and grapes are over.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> I've canned 13 quarts of pickled beets, 28
quarts of green beans, 18 quarts of tomato juice, and froze 14 quarts of corn.
I made 7 pints of grape jelly, 3 pints of plum jelly, and 3 pints of three
berry (raspberry, blackberry, & grape) jelly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
July, I checked my beehives later in the day as I forgot to earlier due to when
we'd finally would have a sunny day, I'd be busy hanging out wash, harvesting
veggies in the garden, working outside etc. I got swarmed and some bees managed
to get under my hat & netting stinging me six times on my throat, which
immediately began swelling. I took
Benadryl and put ice on my throat. It
was quite the painful experience and part of the hazard of keeping bees. Thankfully, by the next day the swelling was
under control.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My
duck house large water barrel level kept going way down despite all the rain,
so checking things out, I realized the gutter to catch the water that Dana had
put up years ago was draining the other way. All it needed was a post put
underneath to raise the sloping side up.
A fifteen-minute job surely. I
found my wooden post, but it needed cut and was too long for me to handle so I
asked Dwight for help. That's when I had a hand on experience of how
differently guys and girls think. Instead of simply cutting the top off, Dwight
got the "brainstorm" of cutting it part way through so the gutter could rest on part of it- to stabilize it
was what I was told. No problem. I had carefully measured the correct height
with a tape measure, but of course Dwight didn't take my word for it. Instead, he made a mark on the wooden post. Lo and behold, the post with its nifty cut-
out spot ended up about three inches short. So, while Dwight worked on raising
the gutter and positioning the post, I scrambled around to find some large flat
rocks to put underneath the post. An hour and a half later the job was finally
done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">After
two years, Dwight was finally able to finish putting on the rest of the metal
roof. I am very thankful as now I don't have to worry about any leaks when it rains, and the dark blue metal looks so lovely with my yellow house. It really
took it out of Dwight- it was amazing that he was able to do it all by himself-
so he was down for some weeks afterwards as he really pushed it. So, my sink and
the rest of the countertop still need to get installed. Dwight plans on
working on it this next week. I got my lilac floral kitchen border up and
painted my kitchen stools a lovely purple to match. I even was debating on
painting the large black coffee machine- I’m a tea drinker- purple too when Dwight
got the “inspiration” of building a mini coffee station right inside the pantry
door wall.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I
finally finished trimming all my hedges and overgrown enclosed garden but keep
having a left hand/thumb bleeds off and on now for over two months now whenever
I use my hand much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
rode down to Nashville to the Hemophilia center with Dwight the other week, who
was having a knee bleed, and stayed with my granddaughter, Annette, while Dwight
was at his yearly comprehensive clinic. It was great getting to visit with her
and Curtis for part of a day. We also
took wrapped Christmas presents- nothing like trying to buy and wrap Christmas
presents in the middle of August- so that everything could get sent out by the
end of August in order to reach Dawn and Randy by Christmas. I packed some Christmas decorations- that I
scrounged around for up in the hot attic- as it’s hard to say what will even be
available over there in the Philippines. This grandma wants to make sure that
they can celebrate Christmas no matter how hot it is outside when the Christmas
season arrives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My
niece, Stacy, and her family, whose husband is in the Air Force and being
transferred from CA to NC, is coming by to visit us on their move East sometime
towards the end of the month. So, I’m
trying to get some projects accomplished before then. I’ve been painting the
hallway and hope to get all the trim painted and finished this week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Dawn
and her family have gotten moved and settled into their house by the ocean. Each Sunday they are going up to a mountain
village to hold services where there is no church. The people there had never heard the gospel
until Dawn and Randy found them. Recently, William’s finger got swollen and
infected and he had to go on antibiotics.
It didn’t get better so after a week he was put on double antibiotics
and had to go every day to the hospital to get it treated and wrapped. Finally, after two weeks, his finger is now getting back to normal again. Each Sunday evening, I call and usually am
able to talk with Dawn for about fifteen minutes. It helps so much hearing her voice and
catching up on how her life is going as the mail still hasn’t gotten through
that I have been sending for over two months now. At the rate things are going
the stuff we ship by boat will get their first.
Mail from my house can get to Manila within two to three weeks, but from
there until it gets flown down to the island and then makes its way down
further to their village, things slow way down as there is no regular postal
service. Dawn says that from week to week you never know what will be available
when you go to buy food and supplies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Next
week will make one year since Dana died. Although it is hard to fathom that a
year has passed already, God has been good to us. All the prayer support keeps
us going each day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
shall close for now on my end and get this out in the mail.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Until
next time~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Dorcas</span> </span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-27294906521077047102022-07-11T11:02:00.007-07:002022-07-11T11:02:37.570-07:00JUNE and JULY WALKER NEWSLETTER<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
hot and humid weather has arrived here in the TN Mountains with a vengeance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lightening bugs are blinking again like
mini flashlights all around in the evening dusk and darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember as kids we loved to catch them and
put them in mason jars, intrigued with seeing one of nature mysteries so close
up, only to discover the next day that they looked like brown ordinary bugs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
roses and lilies have been so gorgeous this year spreading their bright colors
and perfume all around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the peas
and lettuce have wilted and dried up in the summer heat while the green beans
are flourishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing so
tasty as fresh beans from the garden while waiting for the baby tomatoes to
grow bigger and ripen. I've also been picking raspberries and now the
blackberries are ready too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon canning
and freezing will begin in earnest to fill up the empty shelves in the pantry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I
had such an enjoyable visit with my sister, Lois, traveling with my
granddaughter, Annette, and her husband, Curtis up to PA.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The week simply flew by too fast. While
there, I got her herb garden- that Lois started- filled and organized, weeded
out her front shade beds, began a cutting flower garden, and planted the garden
spot. Lois isn't an outdoors person like me, so I was happy to whip her place
into shape.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I even got the fellows
working too. We also visited several greenhouses in the area. What joy!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I took a five-gallon bucket plant starts up
and brought back more flowers and herbs with me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Once
back home, I got the rest of my flower seeds planted and began working on
trimming my hedges. I do it all by hand so it is slow work that I do first
thing in the morning, so I don't get too over heated- one day I did and landed
in the recliner for the rest of the day. My left hand keeps wanting to swell up
and hurt (that I've had problems with bleeding in the past) so I wrap it up in
one of Dwight's old elastic bands to help support and protect my hand.. I
finished the long hedge in front of the woods and almost all of my front yard-
that spans the entire front of the property, but still have the smaller formal and
enclosed garden hedges to do. I love all my hedges, but they do take a lot of
work. Needless to say, I get plenty of exercise. Once trimmed they look so neat
and tidy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Then
in the afternoon, I've been painting in the kitchen thankful for air conditioning.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The headboard and all the top cabinets are
finished inside and out, and everything put back in place. It's amazing how
bright the kitchen looks. I was planning on finishing the bottom cabinets last
week, but a youth group of volunteers came and painted my enclosed garden fence
so I was busy trimming the huge overgrown bushes back so they could get to the
fence.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The white fence now looks lovely
and brand new.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A
couple weeks ago my pastor asked me if I would begin a youth class again at
church. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">It's been years since I did VBS, youth and
children's camps, and taught Sunday school. But now that I am free to get to
church each week, I agreed.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">So, this
grandma is entering back into the teen world and re-catching up on how the
youth think today. What fun! You might need to say a prayer for me and the
teens both. Years ago, we had the teens paint the youth room as a project. It
seems like home going back and teaching there again.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The folding metal chairs though hadn't aged
well over the years, so I got some spray paint and painted seven chairs last
week- an all-day project. One never knows what doors the Lord might open up, so
I always want to be willing to do and help wherever I can.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Shaping young lives is such an awesome and
important task, especially at this vital stage of life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I
kept planning on getting a newsletter out all during the month of June but would end up tired and exhausted by the end of the day trying to finish the
tasks I had set, that before I knew it the month had already passed. I’m not
complaining, as I’m very thankful and feel blessed to be able to accomplish the
things needing done- even if it takes me twice as long now-a-days. I hope when
in my 90’s that I will still be able to be outside working and puttering
around. Thanks for your patience waiting on me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
hope you have a wonderful summer. Stay cool on your end!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hugs~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-57533241163959101982022-05-23T11:21:00.002-07:002022-05-23T11:21:16.012-07:00MAY 2022 WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
weather has finally turned nice and warm after a cold spell and snow flurries
the week after Easter- the blackberry winter (what the old timers call the
seven cold spells during spring here in the mountains), which usually comes
before Good Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most try and have
their beans planted by Good Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since I was running late, I didn't feel too guilty when the temperature
dropped back down to freezing again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have since got my beans planted, cleaned out my raspberry and blackberry
patches, have transplanted some bushes, and flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Everything
is green once again here in the mountain with azaleas, wisteria- that didn't
get nipped by frost, money plants, lilacs, and iris are blooming. My crabapple
tree blossoms and half of my wisteria was killed by one of the cold
spells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The air is still perfumed by the
fragrant wisteria and lilacs making the bees and butterflies go crazy. The
hummingbirds are back- a sign warm weather is here to stay. Hanging out the
wash is such a delight surrounded by so much beauty and life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has created a wonderful world for us to
inhabit and enjoy here on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Inside
we have begun renovating the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All my dishes are out of the cupboards under a sheet on the dining room
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dwight sanded down the cabinets
for me as my hands weren't strong enough to hold the sander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After caulking all around, I got the ceiling
painted. I was quite exhausted by the time I was finished, but it looks brand
new. Now for the headboard and cabinets. Yesterday, I ordered the new countertops
and sink.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
Monday I am going to be traveling with my granddaughter, Annette, and Curtis up
to PA to stay with my sister for a week while they attend a wedding. I am so
excited to be able to spend some time with my sister after losing Dana, my BIL,
an uncle, and our brother so close together. It's been years since I was able
to go to PA. While there we plan to also go and visit my one aunt as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be a special time for my sister and
I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God's timing is always perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dawn
& her family are adjusting quite well to life in the Philippines. I love
all the pictures Dawn sends showcasing their world. We are excited at all the
doors God is opening for them to minister in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile,
Dwight keeps me and the place going here at home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have
a wonderful day~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-45375032777223483142022-05-23T11:19:00.004-07:002022-05-23T11:19:40.814-07:00MARCH & APRIL 2022 WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I can't believe that
two months have passed by already since I sent out a newsletter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life has been in one upheaval after
another, even more than usual. Hopefully smoother days are ahead. I'm so
thankful to have God to lean on when our world is turned up-side-down.
Meanwhile I know I can trust Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a
blessed assurance!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The week after I sent
out the February newsletter, I went to my local doctor to get some of my
prescriptions filled. A couple days later, Dwight had to take me back to the doctor
as I was sick. I realized it wasn't an ordinary head cold/flu when I started
having trouble breathing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My doctor
tested me for strep throat and influenza, which were negative, gave me two
shots & two prescriptions, told me to get a covid test, which also was
negative- so much for the accuracy of that-, and to watch my oxygen level as it
had dropped. I was quite sick for two weeks having to sleep elevated to help me
breathe. It took me another two weeks to regain my strength back, with
relapses, as I slowly got better. Dear Dwight took over taking care of the
animals, cooking, and cleaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told
him he was doing such a good job, I'd hire him as my housekeeper. For some
reason Dwight declined my proposal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While I was getting my
strength back, Dwight was hunting down a mid-size car for me to replace the
Durango, which drank gas like water, was way too big for what I now needed, and
wasn't in the greatest of shape. I'm very color oriented so while Dwight was
concerned about the motor under the hood and things like that, I was more
worried about the color. I turned down a black, white, and tomato red car
telling Dwight I needed something more me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He found a gold car and asked me if he brought it home if I felt up to
taking a ride to check it out. So, I bundled up and Dwight drove me down the
road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The car was just my style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a 2004 Buick Century, one owner that
didn't drink or eat in the car so it still looked like new, and got 30 mph to
the gallon. Best of all it was in the low price range of what I could afford.
Talk about a major answer to prayer! Dwight bought it, a fellow helped him get
it home, and that evening Dwight sold the Durango and it was gone- all without
me even lifting a finger. Three days later, I finally got to drive my car- with
Dwight sitting beside me, as he wasn't convinced I was up for driving yet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The beginning of March,
my sister and I found out that my brother, only a year older than me, was
terminal in stage four with a fast growing cancer. It was quite a shock. Every
six months or more, out on the road while driving truck long distance, my
brother would call me. I had tried to be in more contact with Nathan over the
years, but every time I called, he was usually too busy to talk. Sadly, after
Nathan graduated high school, my brother rebelled and left home. He married and
has an adult daughter still living at home. I called and prayed, but realized I
ultimately had to leave my brother in God's hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two weeks later we got the news that Nathan
had died. It was a lot to process realizing how quickly life can change and end
as we mourned the loss of our brother.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Halfway through March,
feeling stronger and more like myself, on a warm sunny spring day, I went
outside to paint my four Bluebird boxes. I was up and down the ladder doing
just fine, until walking over a dirt pile to reach one birdhouse- left over
from the other summer when Dwight was digging new line for the sewer- I tripped
over a root and fell flat on my face again. I couldn't believe it. By evening,
my shoulder was hurting me and my left hand had swelled back up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So back into the recliner with ice packs I
went again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
next week, Dawn and her family came by for a quick visit on their way up to IN,
to say good-bye as in two weeks they were heading to the Philippines. It was
thrilling to hear how the Lord had opened so many doors where they were able to
rent a one bedroom apartment over a store in a small town from a sister here in
the states- which gave me peace of mind knowing they would at least have running
water and electricity- and also another lady from the Philippines, who now
works in a bank helped guide them through the financial end of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All too quickly I was requesting prayer as
they flew out from Nashville on the 30<sup>th</sup> of March down to GA, and
then for fifteen hours to South Korea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From there they got another flight down to Manila arriving in the
Philippines 24 hours after they left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are thankful that their entire luggage arrived with them. I was so relieved to
hear Dawn’s voice calling me from the hotel to let me know that they were
there. This past Monday, they flew from Manila down to the island of Negros,
where their final journey was a two hour bus drive to the town of their
apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are still battling exhaustion
from the time change- our daytime is their night- and adjusting to the culture
shock of being in a foreign country. We know that God will continue to lead
them and open the right doors needed. Randy took Dana’s sermons and told me he
plans on preaching some of them while over in the Philippines. Randy will be
preaching and Dawn will be doing children’s work. It is so wonderful to see
another generation following us in the ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our granddaughter, Annette, who got married
this summer and is helping her husband pastor their home church, is taking care
of the finances for Dawn and Randy while they are overseas. She is now playing
the piano at church (fourth generation) and doing children’s work like I and used
to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up missing a month of church. It was
so good to get back this past Sunday and worship with my church family playing
the organ and singing. I still have to be careful with my shoulder and hand not
to overdo it, but at least I can use them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Meanwhile
here in the mountains, spring has definitely arrived despite some cold days and
snowstorms in the month of March. Birds are busy building nests; already I’ve
seen some butterflies, the round masses of froggy eggs in the pond are getting
larger- soon tiny tadpoles will pop out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This week I was out in my garden in the dirt planting potatoes, beets,
brussel sprouts, and sweet peas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
next warm sunny day I plan to plant peas, leaf lettuce, and spinach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The daffodils, crocus, forsythia, cherry, and
pear blossoms are mainly over while wild violets, pansies, phlox, and tulips
are beginning to bloom. I love the bright spring green of tiny leaves unfurling
as the grass greens up dotted with dandelions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, spring has sprung.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wishing
you a blessed Easter Season!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-56002288530469586972022-05-23T11:17:00.000-07:002022-05-23T11:17:07.296-07:00FEBRUARY 2022 WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Spring
is coming here on the mountain even though winter is trying to keep a tight
grip. Despite more snow and below freezing temperatures, my daffodils have
poked their heads out of the ground and the Eastern Bluebirds have come back to
begin building nests again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I
noticed a male goldfinch's color beginning to brighten back up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon he will be bright yellow ready to charm
all the girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile I have enjoyed
the vivid red of the cardinals, the bossy blue jays, and red-headed woodpeckers
among the other birds at my bird feeders. You always can tell when another snow
storm is coming by the amount of birds suddenly flocking to the feeders.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
had five people at my house (Dana's younger brother and family) the weekend of
Dale's (Dana's older brother that died right before Christmas) memorial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That Tuesday my Uncle up in PA passed away as
well. While the Walker clan was at Dale's memorial, I was able to see on my
computer, my Uncle's funeral and hear my sister play the piano. After midnight,
Richard, his wife, and granddaughter came back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They spend the day with us Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That evening their granddaughter began feeling sick and decided to sleep
on the couch instead of in my bed. Around 10 pm Lexy started throwing up. About
midnight she began having diarrhea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
ended up with her until 2 am. After they left around 9:30 am, I crashed back in
bed totally wiped out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A
day later, Dwight came down with the same intestinal flu that left him weak and
in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, I didn't get as bad
an episode as he and Lexy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to
say, life really slowed down while we regained our strength back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We're grateful though that with all the covid
virus and it's variants going around, we haven't had that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
next week, I canned 20 quarts of pinto and black beans that I had saved up.
There is nothing so cozy as canning in the kitchen while snow is blowing
outside. I wish I could do all my summer canning in the winter as all the heat
from the stove helps to warm up the house with the fires.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just
as I was speeding back up, I ended up with a left thumb/hand bleed, probably
from all the wood and gallons of water I carry each day to the animals. Feeding
and watering the animals, toting wood in (especially when Dwight's shoulder
flared up again and the bulk of bringing in all the wood fell to me) and
hauling ashes out takes a big part of each winter day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's
amazing to realize just how much one uses their other hand when one can't. My
pastor called and asked me to sing a special this past Sunday as several others
were sick. I didn't know if I could play the organ at all with my hand, but
figured I could sing and let his wife accompany me so I agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll never believe it (unless you know me-
then it will be no surprise), but early Sunday morning, my pastor called, his
wife was sick in bed and he really needed me to play the piano. So I ended up
at the piano- now wishing that I was at the organ as it can make a fuller sound
with lesser keys played- with an ice pack on my lap for my hand in between
songs, and for the first time ever played the piano using only the little
finger of my left hand for the bass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
least my right hand was working, although it took concentration. Even then, by
the time I got back home, my hand was hurting pretty bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went back to living with an ice pack day
and night to try and get it under control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am very thankful I can now use my left hand some as the pain has
subsided, although it still is swollen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
shall hush up- while I am still in one piece and Dwight can help bring in wood-
as I want to get this newsletter out in the mail.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Take
care and stay warm on your end~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-47337708090036007052022-01-26T07:03:00.000-08:002022-01-26T07:03:10.352-08:00JANUARY 2022 WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Winter
has definitely arrived here on the mountain with freezing temperatures and six
inches of snow, right now, laced with ice cycles. I'm so thankful for my warm
cozy house and electricity so far. Here in the mountains, on our dead end road
that doesn't get snowplowed, one always has to be prepared to get snowed in
until the snow begins to melt in order to get up the hill and out to the main
road or for the electricity to go out. Carrying in wood, taking out ashes,
toting water, and making sure the animals are fed and warm each day keeps my
protesting bones moving as I battle more RA pain during winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully I have two wood stoves- nothing
like a crackling hot wood fire to warm the bones along with the perfect place
to curl up and read a book on slow days. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before
each winter storm, I go crazy gathering dry sticks and branches in buckets for
kindling, and raking up leaves to add another layer in the duck and hen houses
for insulation, putting more manure on the gardens, and other last minute
outdoor chores.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
was able to paint all the window trim in the guest bedroom, living room, and
the master bedroom when I washed the windows and curtains, got the front door
painted, and both arches to the dining room before Thanksgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">December
I kept busy putting up all the Christmas decorations inside and out, which is
always a joy even though it is a lot of work. Ironically, the month of December
the weather was warm enough- in the high 60's- so I was able to hang out
clothes on the line about every week. In fact, Christmas morning, I couldn't
resist and hung out some clothes on the line. The weather reminded me so much
of when we'd go down and spend Christmas with my mother in FL.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Monday before Christmas, we got the shocking news that Dana's older brother,
who had attended Dana's funeral just three months before, suddenly without
warning died. It was quite a shock as we were already working through lots of
memories with the loss of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dana at
Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
ended up going to our church’s Christmas Eve candlelight service that is held
each year by myself as Dwight was still battling a bleed with his
shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year I sang, “O Holy
Night” in honor of Dana, who our kids grew up hearing their dad, sing every
Christmas with his talented voice. Our preacher’s wife accompanied me dropping
the music down within my voice range.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Christmas
time was short and sweet as everyone (including Annette and Curtis) arrived the
Monday after Christmas and headed back the next day. Once again the house walls
vibrated with lots of chatter and laughter as we tried to catch up with each
other within our limited time together. It was such a blessing having everyone
here again as more memories were made to cherish and savor. This year Dawn
organized everyone for a family picture- much to the fellow’s dismay. They
always groan when Dawn starts ordering them around and sets up her camera.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile
as usual I’ve kept my indoor Christmas decorations, tree, and lights up to
enjoy through the month of January’s short, bleak days. Instead of the twelve
days of Christmas, I believe in thirty! After the hustle and bustle of the
holidays, I now can relax each night by the warm fire and fully enjoy the
vibrant colors and twinkling lights.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stay
warm on your end~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhZfOwpZuniwiK-YpGk0A6vDZTALfuT3vFhcBy0Y0Ktx9GkyQxp6r_umVwWwccyoxtZJ_tiiJIruuPz7Y2N1F0xrXVqFWTrCBThS35e4KV5b8xA5cazzI7EYGr1VEhFP2csdQr-62mmY5oUeywoSdYEfzerM5qZ4iNUSR9jEo-IE8qoUefEuIa8NGH5g=s3579" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="3579" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhZfOwpZuniwiK-YpGk0A6vDZTALfuT3vFhcBy0Y0Ktx9GkyQxp6r_umVwWwccyoxtZJ_tiiJIruuPz7Y2N1F0xrXVqFWTrCBThS35e4KV5b8xA5cazzI7EYGr1VEhFP2csdQr-62mmY5oUeywoSdYEfzerM5qZ4iNUSR9jEo-IE8qoUefEuIa8NGH5g=w400-h270" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></span><p></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-55896402424262935732021-12-22T07:14:00.007-08:002021-12-22T07:14:48.703-08:002021 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS Walker Newsletter<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Christmas
is here once again to celebrate our Savior's birth.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Little did I, and my family, realize that our
last Christmas celebration would be the final time that Dana would be with us.
We are still in the process of adjusting to not having Dana around. His larger-than-life personality leaves a big hole in our family structure; the house is much
quieter now as forty-five years of memories flood our mind.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I'm so thankful though for the blessed hope-
that Dana preached about often for several years- that we now can cling to.
Christ's birth, crucifixion, and resurrection gives us the assurance that one
day we will be reunited again forever.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">What an awesome promise!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Meanwhile
we have been busy painting and organizing stuff around the house that I wasn't
able to get to before when taking care of Dana. With the stimulus checks we
received earlier this year; we were able to buy metal for our roof that needed
redone.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Dwight had to completely tear
out the back sun/mud room roof that had been leaking.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">It has been quite a project as Dwight can
only work for a bit at a time.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The
entire roof is thankfully three-fourths completed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dawn
and her family came for Thanksgiving. Lots of changes have happened this year
as Annette also got married the last of July, so she too was missing. Randy and
William brought their guitars, and with Dwight, we had quite the music fest in
the evenings between playing games in the dining room. During the day, the
fellows put in three insulated doors in the sun/mud room, which is such a blessing.
As usual our time together was too short.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One
week this month the temperature was up in the high 60's so I went crazy hanging
out wash, putting leaves in the duck and hen houses for insulation, spreading
manure on another garden plot, and transplanting strawberry plants on the bank
that have spread around Dwight's workshop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Since then, I've had to break ice in the outside water buckets for Tex, the ducks
& chickens, haul ashes and wood, and keep the wood stoves going. I'm so
grateful for my warm house here in the woods when the winter winds blow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Everyone,
including Annette & Curtis, is coming up to celebrate Christmas the Monday
& Tuesday after Christmas.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">So
needless to say, I am in a dither trying to get all the Christmas decorations
up, finish the Christmas shopping, and then wrap gifts, cook, and bake before
everyone comes- not to mention giving everything a good cleaning. Just where
does all the dirt and dust come from anyway?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After
Christmas I plan on remodeling my kitchen and some other major areas of the house.
I'm going to go room by room painting and upgrading things. I've got a list of
things needing a loving touch or rather a paintbrush. I'm so thankful for the
strength I have, even though each year I seem to slow down rather than speed up
like I'd prefer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Dawn
and Randy are still planning on going to the Philippines when the door opens.
Curtis and Annette are pastoring the Madison church in Nashville.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Dwight meanwhile stays busy designing and
making pocketknives between doing projects around the house.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
know that God will be faithful to take care of us and meet our needs as He has
in the past; so I can trust Him for the future. Although Dana is gone, his
legacy still lives in our children and grandchildren.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have
a Blessed Christmas Season!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-79357399704468840742021-12-22T07:13:00.001-08:002021-12-22T07:13:10.115-08:002021 NOVEMBER Walker Newsletter<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The
blaze of brightly colored autumn leaves have faded and fallen to the ground
leaving bare tree limbs here in the TN Mountains as cold winds bring freezing
temperatures.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I've had my wood stoves
going to keep the house warm.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Even the
hardiest of the fall flowers are fading away. Warm and sunny days are getting
fewer and farther apart as the earth tilts and the days grow shorter.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">As the squirrel's scurry around storing nuts,
I'm also scrambling to get much needed projects finished outdoors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
biggest project was and is our sun/mudroom that was leaking and went from bad
to worse. Dwight had to completely tear off the roof and replace it- stopping
finishing metaling the rest of the house roof like planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also put in new linoleum, which Dawn and
Randy helped to lay. You can't imagine the amount of stuff that was stacked and
stored in such a tiny room- not to mention all the plants that I over winter
there as well. I was dearly hoping to get it painted and everything back in
place for Thanksgiving, but like so many remodeling projects it is going slower
than planned so stuff is still sitting around the dining room to my dismay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Meanwhile
I've been busy brandishing a paint brush. I have totally repainted the back
bathroom, front door, the outside bird feeder, and clothesline so far. Between
painting, I've hauled two wagon loads of manure up to the garden and filled
six large garbage cans with leaves to help winterized the duck and hen houses.
On rainy days, I've been pulling out, sorting through, and organizing stuff
under the beds & closets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here
the other week I ran into one of my former piano students that I had given
lessons to when she was just a small girl. Now she is a mother of three
children and a nurse like her mother. She asked if I would be willing to give
her daughter piano lessons. So, out of the blue, I am now teaching a second
generation the joys of playing the piano- not that I am getting old (ha!). What
fun!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
first week in November I had a rough week over what would have been Dana's 65th
birthday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
kept waking up at night as memories flooded my mind and cried during the
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grief is a process that one must
work through as you adjust to the loss of your loved one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During that week I planted spring bulbs I had
bought telling myself that even though they looked dead right then, they would
come back to life again and beautify the earth with their flowers. I'm so glad
that the grave is not the end. As Christians we have hope of being reunited
again forever in a much more glorious place than anything here on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dawn
and her family are planning on coming up for Thanksgiving, which I am looking
forward to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be a time of making
new memories over the holidays while cherishing the past.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-34758479632289243062021-10-24T05:02:00.001-07:002021-10-24T05:02:15.471-07:00SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sorry
that I am running so late in getting a newsletter out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just getting ready to do the Sept
newsletter when my life completely turned up-side-down.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
last I said about Dana was that he was in the hospital and I had gotten to
visit him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did I realize that
would be the last time I would see Dana alive. I was getting ready to go down
and visit Dana again, when upon calling him, I found out he was being
transferred up here to Jamestown to the local nursing home for physical
therapy. I was happy that he was getting closer to home. The nursing home put
Dana in isolation for two weeks to make sure he didn't have covid so I couldn't
see him, but we talked every day on the phone. Dana was getting physical
therapy, was getting stronger, sitting up in his wheelchair, and going to the
bathroom on his own. The day before getting transferred to a regular room, Dana
suddenly tested positive for covid. I was shocked. How could he get covid while
in isolation? I called the kidney specialist and they wanted Dana taken to the
ER down to Cookeville to be able to keep a close eye on his kidney function.
Instead of being admitted like I thought he would be, lo and behold when I
called, Dana had been transferred back to the nursing home because he tested negative
for covid! When I finally ran my husband down- How do you lose a fellow in a
wheelchair?-, the nursing home had put Dana on the covid ward. I was totally
confused. Why was Dana on the covid ward if he didn't have covid? The nursing
home said because he tested positive they had to put Dana on the covid ward. I
was quite frustrated. Within a couple of days, Dana definitely had covid
whether he had it before or not. Then to my shock I discovered that they had
quit giving Dana any breathing treatments (he was getting three breathing
treatments a day) so they had put his ox level back up high to help him
breathe. Needless to say I was making all kinds of calls as by now Dana was too
weak to even talk to me on the phone and I had to depend on trying to reach the
staff to get any updates. After a week, I finally got it where I would be
updated at least once a day, when I got a call early on Sat morning that they
had rushed Dana to the Crossville ER as they couldn't keep his oxygen level
up. I got dressed and rushed down to the Crossville ER only to be kept waiting
in the overcrowded waiting room to talk to someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A nurse finally came out, but refused to let
me back to see Dana even though she was wearing the same type of mask as me,
told me that Dana was in serious condition, they were doing blood work, and she
would call me and let me know when the labs came back in couple of hours. I
waited in Crossville for a couple of hours and called to talk to the nurse, but
they would only let me leave a message. I went back home and for the rest of
the day and up into the night every three to four hours I would call, but still
couldn’t get anybody to talk to. Sun morning I called the hospital and was
informed that Dana had been transferred to the ICU. I then called the ICU and
talked to someone, who said all the nurses were busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They checked Dana’s lab work for me and said
that his kidney function was doing better and he was stable. I was relieved
feeling that Dana was out of the woods and would get better. Sunday afternoon I
got a call from Dana’s doctor, who to my shock, told me that he advised me to
change Dana’s full code to DNR as his kidneys, his heart, and his lungs weren’t
working except for medication. I couldn’t believe my ears and told the doctor
that the last I had heard Dana was stable and his kidney were doing better. He
was very kind, feeling bad that the ER doctor hadn’t updated me to Dana’s true
condition. It was then that the reality that Dana was actually dying hit me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On
Tuesday afternoon with Randy and Dawn beside him, after getting special
permission, Dana peacefully left this world. Thursday evening, after almost a
month had passed since last seeing Dana alive, I saw his lifeless earthly body.
It didn’t seem possible that Dana was really gone. Friday afternoon, at our
home church, we had Dana’s funeral with five preachers speaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our pastor preached from Dana’s favorite text
he had preached so often before: John 3:16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our grandchildren sang Dana’s favorite song in three part harmony:
Amazing Grace. It was very hard to say good-bye to Dana’s earthly body even
with knowing that he was so much better off not confined to a wheelchair or
roll aider to get around. Now Dana, with full lung capacity, is singing-
something he couldn’t do after his stroke- with his talented voice and
preaching strong as ever before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m
still trying to adjust to the fact that Dana is gone and doesn’t need me after
taking care of him for ten years and four months. Meanwhile my ducks and
chickens keep me going each day. There is plenty of work to do as I’ve not been
able to paint and do things inside that need a lot of work for the past several
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I am staying busy painting
inside and working outside as usual, which helps me sleep better at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so thankful for all the prayer support
that has kept me going through this major upheaval in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve also been blessed with lots of beautiful
cards arriving in my mailbox each day for the last couple of weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Next
month I will hopefully get more back on schedule and update you on everything
going on around the Walker farm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Until
then~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-7892288725359967932021-08-28T11:22:00.000-07:002021-08-28T11:22:22.721-07:00AUGUST 2021 Walker Newsletter<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">August
is hot- making a body sweat just going outside- with the heat index sometimes
reaching over 100 degrees. Last week we had a couple of good rainstorms to help
break the heat and humidity giving the ground a much needed watering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time of year is when you are between the
summer and autumn blooms so the few hardy plants blooming are much
appreciated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, things are
still green so far. I was heartbroken to discover after all my work- just as my
green beans were beginning to really produce- that either a deer or rabbits had
gone through and eaten up the leaves and beans leaving only the bare stalks. I
really miss having fresh green beans from the garden.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile
in the kitchen the putting up of garden produce is speeding up. I bought a bushel
of beans and red beets that I canned. The tomatoes are fast ripening in the
garden in the heat- what bliss- and right now I'm harvesting my dark Concord
grapes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Romeo,
the beautiful cream colored rooster died, I think from the heat when he got
stuck under the hen house one sizzling day. So I put fence wire and boards to
block the entrances off. I missed his crow. To my delight, Rufus, who is
looking like a Rhode Island rooster with his red feathers and black/teal tail
that glisten in the sunlight, is now beginning each day with a loud crow. The
little ducks are nearly grown and sometimes hard to tell apart from the
adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I definitely have one drake with
the brown ones, but not sure yet about the yellow ducks, whose feathers have
turned white with only a faint tint of yellow underneath showing through. I
still get a couple of white eggs each day and now lots of tiny brown eggs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
day finally arrived for Annette's wedding and Dwight and I headed out in the
morning. What a thrill seeing my beautiful granddaughter's face light up and
her excitement when she saw me in her gorgeous white wedding dress. The wedding
was beautiful with all of Dawn's creative touches and meaningful as Randy and
Curtis' grandfather preformed the ceremony. Their former talented pastor and
family did the music. The two flower girls and Bible bearer were such a
delight. It was lovely meeting Curtis' family and friends we hadn't seen for
years. All too quickly the day sped by and we said our good-byes at the
reception to head back home again with a heart full of memories to cherish.
I'll be forever grateful for Joe, the male nurse, who offered so kindly to come
and stay with Dana for the day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After
a honeymoon, Annette and Curtis have settled into the parsonage where they are
pastoring the home church. What a thrill for my granddaughter to be the fourth
generation minister's wife that my mother began years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dwight
began giving himself a new medicine almost a month ago where he only has to
stick himself every two weeks instead of three times a week. This will really
save his veins that have had a workout since he was born. It’s amazing what science
and research has come up with.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dawn
and Randy have been busy all summer going to churches and camps doing
missionary services. With their hectic schedule, Dawn didn’t do any VBS this
year. They are hoping the Philippines will be open for traveling this fall so
they can go.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve
been real concerned with Dana’s low ox levels, even on oxygen, for awhile now.
When I finally was able to talk with the lung specialist on the phone she
wasn’t real helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made an
appointment with the local doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
soon as Dr. Allred heard what was going on, he told me to take Dana to the
Cookeville ER. After doing all kinds of tests, they admitted Dana as they
discovered that his kidneys were only working 20%, which was causing him to
swell up with so much fluid and shortness of breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kidney doctor thought after a lasix IV
Dana could go home in a day, but a week later Dana is still in the hospital
with low ox levels as soon as he stands up. So far Dana has lost nine pounds
and thankfully his kidney function is getting closer to normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They aren’t letting Dana get up by himself-
yesterday he had a seizure- so Dana is getting quite weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked with one of the doctors, who said
they would get PT going.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Last
Friday when I went to go down to visit Dana, here didn’t the Durango begin to
cut out on me- thankfully when I was still at Jamestown. I called Dwight, who
said I could take his old truck, but he hadn’t driven it on the interstate so
didn’t know how it would do. I was able to get a hold of my pastor, who
insisted on coming and getting me where I was so I wouldn’t end up stranded,
and took me to the hospital to see Dana. Since then dear Dwight has worked on
the vehicle and has got it running a lot better.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Unfortunately,
all my traveling (for the wedding) and each time down to Cookeville sets off my
RA and puts me down for a couple of days while trying to get my high pain
levels back under control. It is quite frustrating as before when Dana was in
the hospital I’d be there every day sitting for hours by his side. Instead, I
am at home trying to keep my body going. I drive up the hill to get cell
service and call each day so at least we are in touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dana’s room is close to the nurse’s station
so I know they are keeping a close watch on him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
shall close before anything else major happens on my end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hope
you are staying cool~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-58136204513431873802021-07-27T10:55:00.000-07:002021-07-27T10:55:13.581-07:00JULY 2021 WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's
hard to believe that we are halfway through the month of July and summer
already.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thankfully
we got some rain as with the hot and humid weather the ground dries up quickly.
This year the roses, rainbow colored two-toned lilies, bee balm and daisies
have been blooming profusely. Now the tall phlox and rose of Sharon’s are
coming out making the bees go crazy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've
picked peas, green beans, and raspberries from the garden. Nothing tastes as
good as fresh veggies and fruits. Now the blackberries are ripe and I'm
impatiently waiting on my first tomato. I also dried peaches, made peach jam, and
did up 35 quarts of sauerkraut. Between trying to keep the weeds down in the
garden, I trimmed the boxwood formal garden, and mucked out the duck house
again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Speaking
of ducks, I landed flat on my back one evening in the duck pen (I had emptied
and refilled the water bucket) while trying to corral all the small ducks back
into the duck house. I felt and smelled like a farmer as I limped back to the
house. Thankfully after a couple of weeks of herding small bodies running in
all directions, they are now filing in with the big ducks each night. I let the
grown chicks out with the big hens each day. I'm still working on getting all
nine feathery bodies back inside as they tend to run under the chicken house
when it’s time to be put up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I get a
broom to shoo them out and around the pen we go. Who needs a gym when you can
chase little ducks and chicks around the yard each day? I am so excited that
two of my small chicks are roosters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have missed hearing a rooster crowing for a couple of years now. The biggest
one- white and cream- I'm calling Romeo. His crow is beginning to sound more
natural and not like a rooster with laryngitis. The other reddish/brown with
black tipped wings I've named, Rufus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
other month right during a hot spell- on a Saturday no less- my old frig went
out. Dwight tried to get it running again, but the compressor was gone. So
praying fervently, I went to a store to buy a frig as Dana's insulin and Dwight's
factor has to stay refrigerated. Thankfully I found a frig of the same brand
and height to fit under the kitchen cabinets. They didn't know if they could
deliver that day, but an hour later a couple guys brought the frig as another
job had fallen through. They told me that we were really lucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them it was answer to prayer. I'm so
glad we have a God who answers prayer in times of trouble!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I injured my eye and ended up with an internal
eye bleed, of all things. Since I've gotten older (who me???) I am having more
internal bleeds from injuries. A couple days later my eye felt funny, but still
looked normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then one morning when I
woke up my left eyebrow was an inch higher than the right and my eye was
swollen. So I went around with an ice pack on my eye- nothing like trying to
get things done with only one eye and hand. Don't you know it was the very week
that the GAP team came to work at our house. Nothing like making a first great
impression. I ran around with an ice pack over one eye showing them where the
water hose and the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tools they needed
were. They trimmed my long front hedge saving me a couple weeks of work, water
pressured, and painted the picket fence along the driveway making it look like
new again- after clearing out the front corners where two trees had been cut
down this spring.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By
the middle of the week, I was feeling pressure in my eye,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>having headaches, some blurry vision, and my
eye was watering so I landed in the recliner keeping my head up with an ice
pack day and night to try and get it under control. Dwight even called the
hemophilia center about my eye.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Over
forty years ago, I was tested and informed that I was a hemophilia carrier,
which I had already figured out from having bleeding problems growing up, but
back then the medical field didn't worry about the girls, just the guys who had
internal bleeds. Every year I took Dawn and Dwight to the hemophilia center to
be checked out and I handled my bleeding problems on my own. Now that I tend to
be getting internal bleeds as I get older, I need to get with the hemophilia
center as your clotting level fluctuates- something I said years ago that they
didn’t believe. The only problem is that I have no insurance. Here in the state
of TN unless I am pregnant, have children under eighteen, have cancer or kidney
disease, I don’t qualify.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a
grandma the last thing I want is to get pregnant, I’m glad my kids have grown
up, and I’m very thankful I don’t have cancer or a kidney disease. So Dwight
and another fellow are trying to see what can be done as I seem to fall in the
cracks. I’d appreciate prayer for this matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The two Gap ladies in charge of the team asked if they could pray for
me. They were such a blessing. We prayed out in the driveway and the Lord
touched my eye. By that night my headache was gone, my eye stopped watering,
and my vision cleared up. It took another week of keeping ice on my eye for the
swelling to go down as it’s amazing how much you look down every time you do
anything. That same week Dwight was having a neck bleed as well and Dana of
course can hardly get around. I told my pastor we were like the lame, the halt,
and the blind at our house that the Bible talked about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dana’s
oxygen levels have been staying low even with oxygen and despite physical
therapy he remains weak and slow to get around. One day Dana passed out on the
toilet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would take off his ox every
time he got up ignoring me telling him to keep it on. Then Dana had a seizure
in the bathroom and I had to call Dwight for help. When I checked his ox level
it was 74! I was afraid he was going to have a stroke. So I told the local doctor,
who told Dana in no uncertain terms (waving his finger in Dana’s face) that he
was to keep his ox on. Dana has been having pain in his right hip and needs
pain meds every time he lies down so they x-rayed his hip, which showed arthritis.
I took Dana to an orthopedist specialist last week, who gave Dana a shot in his
hip and has referred him to a neurologist. A male nurse from out church has
offered to come and stay with Dana when Dwight takes me out to Annette’s
wedding in a couple of weeks. It is a big relief to me as Dana isn’t able to
travel- he can barely get to the doctor’s office using his wheel chair- and
with all of Dana’s medical problems and meds he needs more care.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dwight,
when his body and the weather cooperates, is slowly putting metal on our roof
that the Lord worked out where we were able to buy as when it rains I have to
put bowls out in my sunroom and dining room to catch all the drips. Like our
bodies, after so long, our house needs some work and repairs done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whew!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I’ve gotten caught up on all the
news. Stay cool on your end!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-17262114709797364532021-06-11T11:31:00.005-07:002021-06-11T11:31:54.979-07:00JUNE WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Summer
has arrived with hot humid weather that makes one sweat just going outside.
Thing were really getting dry- my large water barrels that I use for the
animals and gardens attached to the gutters were low and I was carrying water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when a much needed rain came I was
thrilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After almost three weeks of
rain nearly every day, I am ready for sunshine as my water barrels are overflowing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
definitely is ducky weather. All the baby ducks ( I bought five more that are
going to be white as I only have two white ducks left) have grown so they are
now all out in the yard with the bigger ducks splashing in the puddles and
playing in the rain having a big time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their tiny feet really have to move to keep up with the bigger ducks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as the bigger ducks stop to hunt for
bugs all the eight babies plop their tiny bottoms on the ground to rest. They
are so adorable and growing fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sassy
stays busy bossing her three and the other five around babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The yellow ducks are as big as the three she
hatched out earlier.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
also bought some more honey bees so now have two hives buzzing away. Dwight
helped me relocated the old hive to another place where there is more light. I
bought another hive that I painted and Dwight set up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bees are doing much better in the new
location.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All
the rain and warm weather has made the planted seeds sprout and everything in
the garden grow quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The iris and
peonies have bloomed and died already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now the roses are blooming and so beautiful this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My day lilies are just beginning to bloom
along with daisies and other flowers. I love seeing the colorful butterflies
fluttering among the flowers and hear the bees buzzing when I am out in the
gardens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Last
week I picked cherries and more strawberries. Before long the raspberries and
blackberries will be ripe. Tiny clusters of grapes have appeared on all the
grapevines; lots of signs of life everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Early
morning of the day I went to pick Dana up from the nursing home last month, I
got to see tiny bluebirds fledge for the first time. I stood in my sun room
amazed as one after another fluttered tiny wings and flew for the first time
while their mother and father chirped encouragement and flew in circles around
the nest box. The last little bluebird was reluctant to fly perching on the
edge of the opening cheeping and looking around. It would flap its tiny wings
and hop around, but then sit back down. I could just imagine how scary the big
world looked to this tiny bird outside the safety of the nest box. I’ve felt
like that many times when life pushed me out of my comfort zone. The mother
bird kept chirping and I could hear smaller chirps from the others as they
fluttered around flying short distances and then resting. Finally, after thirty
minutes, the last baby bird got brave enough to fly the short distance to the
nearby bush. It was an awesome experience to witness this family of fledging
bluebirds outside my window.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
Friday Dana and I will celebrate our 45<sup>th</sup> anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t believe how quickly the years have
flown by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dana is still weak despite
having physical therapy twice a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
isn’t gaining back his strength like we had hoped. His ox levels often are down
even on oxygen every day. So taking care of Dana keeps me busy. I’m so glad I
have Dwight here at home to help.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
big news in our family is that Annette, Dawn’s oldest girl, got engaged in
April and is planning on getting married the end of July. It doesn’t seem like
that long ago I was racing around in wedding preparations for Dawn’s wedding
living with multiple lists for a year. I can never forget that wild and hectic
time of life and can’t imagine putting together a wedding in a couple of
months. Being the grandma is so nice to only have to show up, sit back, and
enjoy the celebration. Dana would like to go to the wedding, but at this point
there is no way he could handle the trip etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My wedding preparations will be making sure Dana is covered while I am
gone for a long day. While it would be lovely to stay longer and visit, all the
care Dana needs demands that I get back as quickly as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hope
you are enjoying summer on your end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Until
next time~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-31671539752111514632021-05-16T06:13:00.003-07:002021-05-16T06:13:36.927-07:00MAY WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
can hardly believe that a month has passed since I sent out the last
newsletter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
has been busy weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
ground finally got dry enough for me to begin the garden. What joy turning over
the dirt and planting tiny seeds in the earth. My peas, lettuce, spinach, red
beets, and onions are all up and my beans are sprouting. I cleared out around
my grapevines and raspberries that have berries already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also cleaned out the buckets at the
downspouts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
exciting news is that we have three baby duckies! Sassy (my dark brown duck)
faithfully sat on her nest of eggs each day. Unfortunately, her babies decided
to hatch on one of the cold mornings and I discovered three baby lifeless
babies out of the nest. Two were too far gone, but I was able to get one of
them breathing again. Nothing like trying to do CPR on something the size of a
tiny baby bird. The three baby ducks are doing great and growing. None of the
rest of her eggs hatched out though. Poor Princess (my lovely big white duck)
ended up breaking most of her eggs she was sitting on again. So none of them
hatched out for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then to my dismay
the drake, Donald, died on me one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The baby chicks have all grown enough that I put them in the main
henhouse and are doing well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Speaking
of babies, I can hear tiny chirps in the Bluebird box next to the back porch.
Their gorgeous father stays busy flying back and forth bringing food to them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lots
of other birds have arrived as well. I was thrilled to see the hummingbirds
come back again, although they were later this year. I keep plenty of food out
as we continue to have cold spells. This year most of my wisteria and lilacs
buds froze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The azaleas survived and
were so lovely. Now the iris are blooming.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
had a scary stressful adventure one morning when my brakes suddenly quit
working while I was driving to town to go and visit Dana at the nursing home.
Thankfully the Lord watched over me and I didn't wreck. Dwight came to my
rescue and traded out the Durango (that he got back to his workshop) for his
pickup that I had never driven before. I had to use both hands to get the
driver's door shut, but at least it had brakes, which made me feel a lot safer.
Dwight had to replace the entire brake line as it had broken. I don't know what
I would do without Dwight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
got Dana admitted to our local nursing home for physical therapy as he was
getting so weak and fell on me again. It took a month as they wouldn’t return
any of my calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to make two trips
to the nursing home myself. Turned out all the state insurance needed were more
medical records for coverage. Dana started having seizures again, which I
thought might be from the stress of getting adjusted to being in the nursing
home. After a month as they continued, were getting closer together, and becoming
worse, I was alarmed, made prayer requests, and began making calls. Instead of
getting stronger, Dana was weaker, falling more, and was in a wheelchair.
Finally after Dana had two seizures one morning and then a major one that
evening where he went unconscious, the doctor put his seizure med back up from
where it had been lowered a couple months before. Once the increased med was in
Dana’s system, he immediately quit having seizures and felt like himself
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dana quickly gained strength and
even tried to preach at the next nursing home church service totally overdoing
it, ended up with chest pains, and was sent to the ER by ambulance. Needless to
say the nursing home staff and I have been in continual communication with all
of Dana’s happenings these past two months. This Friday I am to bring Dana back
home again. Such a time just for physical therapy! Thankfully Dana is stronger
and doing much better.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh
yes, I forgot to mention my battle with a four foot long chicken snake one
morning- before any ducks hatched out- when I heard a commotion at the duck
house. When I went in to investigate this horrible snake was on Sassy’s nest
and had eaten one of her eggs. I was so mad; I grabbed the shovel, got it off
the nest, and tried to pin it down while hollering for Dwight. Dwight was in
his bedroom as he was having a knee bleed, but thankfully it was a warm day and
the windows were open. Tex, who was tied up as he tends to get after the
chickens when we let them loose, immediately began barking furiously as soon as
he heard me yelling. Dwight heard Tex, went out and told him to hush, and then
went back inside. Meanwhile me and Sassy were dancing around dodging the crazy
snake that kept coming at us while every chance I got I jumped to the door to
yell, then would and go at the snake again. Dear Tex started barking again.
Dwight went out, thumped Tex good to hush him up, and thankfully heard me yell.
He came to my rescue and killed the snake. Whew! I was quite worn out by then.
When I got back up to the house, I petted and praised Tex telling him what a
good dog he was.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well
I do need to hush up before anything else happens around here. I hope things
have warmed up where you are at. </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Until next time~ Dorcas<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-74088187310092580992021-04-07T05:13:00.001-07:002021-04-07T05:13:24.246-07:00APRIL WALKER NEWSLETTER<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He
is Risen; He is Risen Indeed!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Easter season is here as spring explodes on our mountain despite some stormy
weather that included high winds and hail. The white and pink of the peach and
pear trees are blooming with tulips & hyacinths flaunting their bold
flowers of red, yellow, purple, and bold pink. Bushes are sprouting tiny green
leaves and wild violets carpet the ground as birds flitter around building
nests.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Usually
by this time I have started planting my garden, but am still running late due
to all the rain this month leaving the ground soggy in spite of the lovely warm
temperatures we have been having. Each week I am hanging out wash on the line.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
big news is that I finally was able to get Dana admitted to our local nursing
home for more intensive physical therapy after a month of waiting due to the
admissions director not returning any of my calls and having to make two trips
to the nursing home. Then I was left waiting outside over half an hour with
Dana- after they knew we were there for admission and coming- before I finally
got help. Since they now no longer have phones in the rooms, I got my cell
phone to Dana where we can communicate more efficiently and keep in touch as
one day it took five calls until I was able to speak to Dana. Dana is quite
weak and unsteady so they aren't letting him walk around by himself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
first time I went to visit Dana (when I asked the nurse about visiting the day
Dana was admitted, she said just come and they would bring Dana to the front),
I was informed that I couldn't see Dana without an appointment. I hadn't been
given any paper stating rules for visitation.
I was told I could go and knock on Dana's window and talk to him that
way. All I knew was that Dana's room was
at the back of the nursing home, but didn't have a clue what window. Now can
you imagine me going around knocking on windows and peering inside trying to
find Dana? Someone would call the police for sure thinking a crazy lady was
trying to break in. I told them I wanted to speak to the person in charge. I
waited another half an hour until the director came out and we had quite the
chat as I informed her of the month long hassle with the admissions lady,
making us wait for over half an hour when I brought Dana to be admitted, the
frustrating process of even trying to get to speak with Dana, and now not even
being able to visit him. She was quite
appalled at all the inefficiency we had experienced, explained to me the
visitation rules, and gave me her number to call if there were any more
problems. Thankfully on Dana’s end he
has been getting good care so hopefully will soon get stronger and more
independent with all the therapy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
six baby chicks are rapidly growing in the brooder and covered with feathers
showing their true colors. Both a smaller female brown duck and white duck have
laid almost a dozen eggs in a nest and are starting to sit on them. Speaking of
ducks, I had quite an unusual experience the other day. I went out to my
mailbox to get the mail when I heard the next door neighbor fellow yelling at
me from his upstairs window something about a big white duck and small brown
duck. I asked if they had gotten into his yard thinking that maybe there was a
hole in the fence that I hadn’t noticed. He said “No, there’s a big white duck
and small brown duck in your yard.” I was completely confused as I know I have
big white ducks and small brown ducks in my yard. He signaled me to wait and
soon appeared. He was all upset saying he couldn’t stand to see anything or anybody
bullied and one of my big white ducks was beating the crap out of a small brown
one. He was ready to get his gun and shoot the big white duck. I told him to
please not shoot any of my ducks- they are on my land after all- and especially
not the big drake as I needed him so I could have baby ducks. I explained to
him that the drake was probably trying to mate with the smaller female as he
has been chasing them around sometimes.
My neighbor said that the white duck was going to kill the small brown
one if I didn’t do something. I promised to separate them right away. So with
the mail in my hand I went around the back of the house and herded the white
ducks (after making sure the brown duck were all okay, which they were) down to
the woods and closed the gate. Of course
the brown ducks followed behind and went under the gate into the woods too.
Such is life in the country!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have
a blessed Easter season as we celebrate our risen Lord and King!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sending
lots of spring hugs your way~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span> </span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-22616576258511992162021-03-20T11:35:00.000-07:002021-03-20T11:35:00.989-07:00MARCH WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Since
it is St. Patrick's Day today, the Irish is coming out in me, especially as
spring has arrived and the grass is turning green again. Crocuses have been
blooming while the daffodils and forsythia bushes are beginning to show off
their bright yellow colors. My cherry bushes and peach trees are ready to burst
out in pink too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is the flurry of
birds arriving each day to begin building nests adding new bird songs to the
ones t hat have wintered over. For two weeks in a row I was able to hang out
wash on warm sunny days. What bliss! Some years by this time I've already begun
planting in the garden, but the ground is staying too wet with all the spring
showers so far. That doesn't mean I've been twiddling my thumbs though.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">February
brought in snow and ice storms with frigid temperatures down in the teens so I
was kept busy twice a day toting water and breaking ice for the animals while
adding straw for warmth and keeping a good supply of food handy. One bad ice
storm knocked out our electric for three days so we were heating and cooking on
the wood-stove and using our oil lamps for light. Dwight and I took turns all
through the night to keep the fire burning and hauling in wood. We were
exhausted and very happy when the electric finally came back on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While some people like to rough it, I've
always preferred having modern conveniences myself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A
neighbor loaned us a small generator to keep Dana's air and tri-pap machine
going at night so he could stay home and wouldn't have to go to the overcrowded
hospital or to a place in town where generators were set up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards a family in our church generously
gave us a generator to have of our own. What a blessing, because we realized we
needed to get one as Dana went through two large tanks of oxygen during the day.
The ambulance crew brought us oxygen to tide us over as we couldn't get out- we
don't have any snowplows to clear our road. We were snowbound for two weeks. I
tried one Saturday three times to get up our steep hill, but couldn't make it.
Dawn & Randy brought us bread and milk when they came with their 4-wheel
vehicle the last weekend for missionary services. Through it all, God worked
everything out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are truly blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
is also the time of year when ducks get broody and hide eggs in the nest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put new straw down, rearranged the nesting
boxes in a more secluded spot, and have started letting the eggs sit in the
nest in hopes of getting some baby ducks. Last year Princess tried three times
to hatch out eggs in a too narrow box, that she was determined to be in, only
for her eggs to get broken. I moved the narrow box up in the smaller duck’s
section- where one of the females is now laying her eggs- to avoid that happening
this year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile
I have six tiny fur balls of chicks under the heat lamp in the brooder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are rapidly growing and small feathers are
appearing on their baby wings. Such delight to watch the little yellow chicks’
first totter around on spindly legs that can barely hold them up, to seeing
them gain confidence, flap their wings, and run around as they double in size
and get stronger.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
the beginning of the month, we were saddened to learn that Dana’s great Aunt
Audrey died up in Ohio. Every time I have to cross off a name from my list it
brings back memories of all the other special people that I have been
privileged to know, who have passed on as well. I’m so glad we have the hope of
being reunited forever one day with all the wonderful family and friends who
have gone on before us. Even though we miss them, their legacy lives on in the
hearts of those who knew them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
want to get this out in the mail so shall hush up for now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Enjoy
all the spring delights and beauty on your end~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-27952610375302112562021-02-10T06:43:00.003-08:002021-02-10T06:43:56.405-08:00<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello
and Happy New Year!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Winter
has arrived after a mild autumn season.
Freezing days find me getting plenty of exercise keeping the wood-stoves
going, carrying in wood and carrying out ashes, along with taking care of the
animals that includes breaking ice in water buckets, carrying water to fill up
the heated water bowls inside the hen and duck house, and making sure there is
plenty of feed and straw to keep the fat feathery bodies warm and fed.
Ironically, the ducks start laying eggs in the middle of the winter and often
outlay the hens some days. I can't figure out if it is the extra straw that
encourages them or what.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
managed to fall out of the old year and fall into the New Year quite literally.
Right before Dawn and her family came over the new year for our Christmas, in a
hurry I tripped and hit the floor jamming my (thankfully) left hand, which
swelled up. Dawn was still recovery from surgery on her right hand so we both
were limited in the kitchen. Thankfully
Annette kept us going. We also got to
meet Curtis, her boyfriend. As usual our
time together was too short, but we made lots of happy memories filled with
talking and laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then
about a week later as I was putting some Christmas decorations back up in the
attic I lost my balance coming down the ladder and fell back against the wall
sliding down to the floor. This time only my pride was hurt- nothing like
landing in an ungraceful heap on the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dwight
helped fence in my mulch pile to keep it more together as the chickens and duck
love to get in it and dig around thoroughly stirring everything up saving me
lots of time and energy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before
the real cold weather hit, I got my hedge in front of the woods trimmed, mucked
out the hen & duck houses again, and gathered more buckets of sticks for
kindling. Then on cold snowy days I organized my pantry, my pots and pan
cabinet, canned some pinto and white beans, and made up a batch of apple
butter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That
all came to a sudden halt when I fell again- this time outside of the chicken
pen right after putting them up when without thinking I kicked at a board at
the bottom of the door that was stuck. It didn’t move so I reared back and
really gave it a kick only for the board to give way and flip me on the ground.
I had on my winter jacket so at first didn’t think I had hurt myself too much
as I limped around, but by the time I
got back inside my left hand (again) was swelling and my left arm and shoulder
(that I had messed up this summer when I fell) was giving me pain. So I landed
back in the recliner with ice packs for two weeks to keep the swelling down and
manage my pain. I had trouble getting dressed. Dear Dwight, who I don’t know
what I would do without, had to help me comb my hair and braid it for me as I
couldn’t reach up, help with taking care of Dana, the cooking, washing, and
taking care of the animals. Slowing way down gave me plenty of time to think
and realize that I am not as flexible and coordinated as I used to be so if I
want to stay up on my feet I shall have to walk instead of run, hang onto
ladders with both hands, and think before jumping right in and doing stuff I
used to do, which definitely will be a challenge for me. Sooo ratty!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Over
the holidays, Dana’s oxygen levels kept going down- even with oxygen- due to
all the fluid he retains. The
cardiologist and lung specialist both have said that there isn’t much they can
do as with his multiple physical issues and meds that put on fluid it’s kind of
a juggling act between everything. We were going to admit Dana to the local
nursing home for more intense physical therapy at the beginning of the year, as
he is quite weak and to keep him on his feet, but due to the high covid virus
cases lately in the county have put it off for a month or so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s
wonderful to be back up on our feet and to be able to take care of our self and
everyone else. I declare I’ve have more
than my share of falls for the year already, but grateful no bones were broken.
I’m thankful for a warm house, clothes, and food to eat. The Lord has certainly been good to us. I’m also
glad that I can finally get a letter out to you even if it is rather late.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
stay warm on your end~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Dorcas</span> </span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-68176568211313391022020-12-24T07:12:00.003-08:002020-12-24T07:12:34.025-08:00DECEMBER WALKER NEWSLETTER<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Little did we know
when the year began what all would transpire in the following months. Maybe the
backed up sewer on Christmas Day should have warned me, huh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if a world pandemic with the covid virus
was not enough to cope with, politicians, government officials, and
"experts" all had to stick their fingers in the pie too with rules
and regulations- one month masks were absolutely necessary and then a couple
months later it wasn't as bad as first thought so masks weren't required. Back
and forth we went often not knowing who to believe. It seems the more initials
behind some people's names and higher education the less common sense they
have. Now we are finishing the year with a presidential election overrun with
fraud as truth battles against evil; light against darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The good news is
that God hasn't changed and He is still in charge! Despite divided opinions on
what our right to freedom constitutes, we are still all Americans. As long as
we have clothes to wear, food on the table, and a roof over our heads we are
blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We survived tornadoes that
touched down here in Tennessee, toilet paper, cleaning & disinfectant
items, milk, (even canning supplies) shortages as people panicked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile God supplied our needs month by
month.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As wild rumors spread
about the virus, spring arrived like always with birds building nests, green
shoots poking their head out of the ground, forming slender buds, and then
blooming. There is nothing to ground one like digging in the earth, planting
seeds, and watching them grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
though businesses and churches shut down, the hummingbirds came back like usual
and my one white duck tried to sit on some eggs to hatch. Although she didn't
succeed, my chickens daily laid their lovely brown eggs while we battled a wild
fox trying to snatch them out of our yard. I still have thirteen hens with Tex
guarding the livestock.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then our vehicle
quit on us leaving us stranded one June Sunday morning. I kept busy harvesting
fresh veggies from the garden and canning while Dwight and Johnny tried to get
it up and running again. I was very thankful to get my vehicle back as driving
a strange vehicle is nerve racking, especially having to drive long distances
for doctor appointments for Dana. God kept us safe in all our travels.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This summer I
hatched out Monarch butterflies for the first time and much to my excitement
saw them lay eggs on my milkweed plants, which grew into large caterpillars,
and then hatched out to gorgeous butterflies. No matter how stressed I felt,
every time I went to my garden to harvest veggies my spirits lifted as honey
bees buzzed, hummingbirds darted back and forth, colorful butterflies fluttered
among the flowers, and birds chirped and sang.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even though we
were slowed down at times throughout the year with a shoulder bleed, a couple
falls- one resulting in a hand and knee bleed,, we are still on our feet. My
brain cells stay active keeping everything running while giving Dana more care
as his physical strength diminishes and his dementia increases. Right now we
are battling keeping his oxygen level even.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m thankful
Dwight is with us as he is such a big help. Regardless of one bad shoulder
bleed that sidelined Dwight one month, overall his strength has increased and
he is able to work in his workshop most days and hang out at Johnny’s body shop
every so often. Dwight finally got the old 1966 truck up and running he has
been working on for years. Seeing the big smile on Dwight’s face as he drove it
up and down the road was cause for rejoicing- particularly after the big scare
he gave me burning his hand and chest working on the ratty thing a couple of
months before. My artistic son also loves designing and making knives in his
spare time, which is not my idea of an ideal hobby for a person with severe
hemophilia.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The biggest family
news is that Dawn and Randy feel called to do missionary work in the
Philippians. They sold their house without even advertising it and downsized
majorly- and are now living with Judy (Randy’s mother) right down the road.
They originally planned to go to the Philippians this past spring with a couple
other preachers, but that was put on hold when everything shut down. They have
their passports and all shots needed to go overseas so are just waiting for the
door to open- probably sometime in January. Meanwhile Annette graduated high
school and will stay with Judy as Randal died this summer from complications of
the virus. Annette also has a steady boyfriend to help keep her stateside. It’s
amazing how quickly life can change. Instead of a two week trip as previously
planned, Dawn and Randy will now go with Katie and William and stay for a
couple of months. Their conference has agreed to fund them as they find a
location on an island at a small town from where they can reach out and
minister in the surrounding areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It certainly is a
big adjustment for our family and has given me a lot to pray about as my
biggest concern is Dawn’s health- she got pneumonia in both lungs this past
summer when the family all got the covid virus- and from previous bouts with
her lungs, not to mention the thought of my grandchildren going so far away. We
know that God has a plan for them. We just have to trust Him as He opens doors
for their ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We come to the
close of another year thankful for God’s guidance and strength. Knowing how He
has kept us through these past months gives us faith for the future. </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We wish
you all a blessed Christmas season and a Happy New Year!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Script; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dorcas<o:p></o:p></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-33605903648337019912020-11-23T06:52:00.001-08:002020-11-23T06:52:14.511-08:00NOVEMBER WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's
hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here once more, although the signs
are everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the leaves have
fallen off of the trees leaving them barren while one crunches them underfoot.
There is sound of acorns hitting metal roofs as high above me Canadian geese
honk their way south- some of them over wintering here in the mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frosts, cold days, and chilly gusty winds
have arrived so I've been toting wood and keeping my wood-stove going when the
temperature drops. The garden that just a short few weeks before brimmed with
buzzing bees and colorful butterflies fluttering around now is mostly silent as
I pick the last seeds to store for next year sad to see the once vibrant
growing plants now bent and withered. The hummingbirds have gone along with
most of the summer birds migrating to warmer areas, but there is no time to
slack off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've
dried apples and canned apple pie filling- did I say I was finished canning???-
harvested more lemon mint before its gone drying it for tea, given a coat of
paint to my outdoor swings & benches, and painted my dining room
chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This autumn I decided to finish
lining my paths in the woods and around the fence (something I've been working
on for a couple of years now) with fallen small dead trees and logs<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to make it easier to keep the paths cleared
transplanting ferns and spring bulbs here and there. As usual my brainstorm
leaves me wondering if I've bitten off more than I can chew. It's been quite
the project with lots of work- I keep telling myself it IS the last big project
I shall undertake- but it will be beautiful when completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when I'm retired I can do nothing all
day but walk around in my woods- ha!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've
also added more straw in the duck, hen, and dog house and put leaves in the
pens so all the animals will stay warm and cozy. Thankfully the outside water
hasn't frozen yet. Dwight trimmed the outside of the French doors we replaced
last year (that has been an eyesore to me) so I've started caulking all the
cracks and painting on it. I hope to get it finished this week before it gets
any colder.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanksgiving
is all about focusing on being thankful and I have plenty to be thankful for.
This year I'm focusing on being thankful for items often not noticed and
considered small like thick soft slippers to wear on cold days, a warm bed to
sleep in, heavy winter jackets, etc.- items that many in this world are not
fortunate to have and adds comfort daily. We are so blessed in many ways. I'm
glad that in this world where one doesn't know what will happen next between
election results, severe storms, wild fires, power outages, etc, we have a
Heavenly Father who is still in control.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile
have a blessed Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-13286874411982539392020-10-15T06:30:00.003-07:002020-10-15T06:30:35.959-07:00OCTOBER WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
leaves are starting to change color and with frosty mornings soon our whole
mountain will be ablaze with bright yellows, oranges, and red hues as leaves
drift downward in gusty winds. The birch trees along the driveway are already
mostly turned yellow and shedding their leaves. Autumn has arrived and you can
sense the change in the air as wood smoke drifts upwards and squirrels scurry
around storing nuts. We started our first fire in the woodstove this past week
after cleaning out the stove pipes. It's also the time of year to get last
minute chores finished outdoors before the holidays and cold winter days
arrive. Meanwhile I savor each warm sunny day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
past month I've canned two different batches of sauerkraut, chicken, pork,
beef, another bushel of green beans, some more tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and
thirty-four pints of salsa. Whew! So thankful that most of the canning for this
year is finished. All the pantry shelves are full to bursting with jars of
canned goods. I also managed to paint indoor window sills before bringing all
the house plants back inside ahead of the first cold snap, mucked out the hen
and duck house (done in two separate weeks), painted a few items outside,
gathered more seeds from the garden, and transplanted some wild yellow and
purple daisies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today
I'm opening up the windows, changing sheets on all the beds, and hanging them
outside as it’s to be a warm sunny day. I'll also be in the garden collecting
more seeds and enjoying nature close up. And while the sun shines I need to
splash some more paint around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
always plenty to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Autumn
also means getting plenty of cardio exercise carrying in wood to keep both wood
stoves going on cold days and taking out ashes. I always dread the colder
weather as it flares up my bones where I have to take more meds to keep my pain
level under control slowing me way down and some day’s sidelining me in the
recliner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm
so glad I have Dwight as he pitches in on slow days and helps me take care of
Dana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as we don't both get down
on the same day we are good.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After
years of working (when he could) putting a 1966 Chevrolet on a different frame
and I don't know what all else, Dwight finally got the old truck together
enough to drive it up and down the road. There is still more work to be done on
it, but I’m happy that Dwight is able to tinker around in his workshop,
although creating one of kind knives from scratch and redoing old trucks
wouldn’t be my choice for his artistic flare. It definitely is a guy thing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
need to hush up and keep moving as I have a busy day ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Take
care on your end~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243146392596991716.post-63652745477284670962020-09-15T06:15:00.001-07:002020-09-15T06:15:08.608-07:00SEPTEMBER 2020 WALKER NEWSLETTER<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While
the weather remains humid and hot the nights are starting to cool down and you
can feel autumn right around the corner. This year we've had a wetter summer so
my water barrels that usually run dry by August- where I have to carry water
for the animals- never did run out. The veggie garden is mainly over so I'm
gathering seeds for next year along with a few fresh tomatoes except for the
marigolds, zinnias, and Mexican sunflowers that are flaunting their bright
colors in full glory. Spending time in the garden is such a joy among the
flowers, many butterflies, honey bees, and hummingbirds that time goes by
before I know it. It also became my downfall when the other rainy Sunday I was
out in the garden hurrying to cut flowers to take to church. Some of my Mexican
sunflowers this year are over eight feet tall. I was gazing upwards and not
looking where I was walking when I suddenly found myself face down on the
ground. Talk about quickly coming down to earth! Thankfully no bones were
broken, but instead of going to church like I planned, I ended up in the
recliner popping pain pills with an ice pack on my right shoulder that I
wrenched again. Definitely not the way to spend the Sabbath day! So I was
slowed down for about a week again. Soo ratty!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
summer I ordered some Monarch butterfly cocoons to hatch out. Its something
I've wanted to do for some years now as I noticed we no longer have Monarch
butterflies around like we used to. It was a miracle right before my eyes
watching gorgeous three inch Monarch butterflies come out of a tiny inch long
narrow capsules. And setting them free to see them for the first time
stretching out their fragile wings and soar up in the air was something I'll
never forget. I released six<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monarch
butterflies hoping they would come back to me next year after hibernating and
spending the winter in Mexico. So imagine my surprise and joy when t his week
harvesting some milkweed seed pods that were opening to discover four Monarch
caterpillars and eggs! Even though I hadn't seen but a couple of the
butterflies I released, some had come back and laid eggs!!! Hopefully we won’t
get an early frost this year. Meanwhile I shall monitor the caterpillars and if
need be bring them indoors if the weather gets too cold.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
really needed this uplift as seeing Dana’s brilliant mind slowly deteriorate
has brought back painful memories of taking care of my mother years ago and
going through the same process. It’s heartbreaking so see a loved one slowly
slipping away from you. I’m so thankful I have Dwight living with us to help
give support.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dawn,
Randy, and their children all got the covid virus this summer. While the kids
had a mild case and quickly got over it, Dawn and Randy were sicker with Dawn
having pneumonia in one lung and having to go on antibiotics. Randy is back to
work now, but Dawn is still struggling so I’d appreciate prayer for her. It is
a big concern as she has had lung problems before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Update
on the animals: Each evening I tie up Tex much to his dismay, who now is the
guard dog for the ducks and chickens to deter the fox that keeps trying to get
them through the electric fence (when he isn’t chasing them himself) so I can
get the animals up in peace. So like the shepherd with the sheep, each day I
count my fourteen hens to make sure they all are in- a process in itself as
brown feathery bodies mill around the pen. Then it’s time to put up the ducks.
I still keep the little brownish ones separate from the large white ducks as
the drake gets after them if they get too close. I’ve learned to put the small
ducks in their pen first so they can get in the duck house and up where to
where they spend the night. Like a conductor conducting a symphony, I wave one
arm to round up the small ducks and get them headed towards the pen while with
the other arm I keep the big ducks back for a peaceful transition. Of course at
times we have some loud jarring notes when the big drake decides to attack the
little ducks scattering them in all directions and the process has to begin
again as Tex barks a loud crescendo. By the time all the animals are put up,
Tex is praised for what a good dog he is, and given scraps, I’ve had a good
cardio workout and am ready to sink into the recliner to catch my breath. At
last peace reigns and I can once again relax for the night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile
I stay busy. I did up two canners full of tomato juice that I canned and put up
corn. I finished trimming the rest of the long hedge row in front, painted trim
on the duck house window that we took out, and gave my clothes line poles
another coat of paint this week. I also harvested lavender and some mint that I
dry for tea. There is plenty more to do so every sunny day I can I’m hanging
out wash and trying to catch up on some more chores before summer ends between
taking Dana to doctor appointments and taking care of him. I’m so thankful for
the strength God gives me each day. God is good to us!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Take
care on your end and stay healthy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Until
next time~<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorcas</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Dorcas Annette Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376625192532214163noreply@blogger.com0