MARCH WALKER NEWSLETTER

 

Hello!

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.  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.

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.  While some people like to rough it, I've always preferred having modern conveniences myself.

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.  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.  We are truly blessed.

This is also the time of year when ducks get broody and hide eggs in the nest.  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.

Meanwhile I have six tiny fur balls of chicks under the heat lamp in the brooder.  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.

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.

I want to get this out in the mail so shall hush up for now.

Enjoy all the spring delights and beauty on your end~

Dorcas

Hello and Happy New Year!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

So stay warm on your end~

Dorcas 

DECEMBER WALKER NEWSLETTER

 

Hello!

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?  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.

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.  We survived tornadoes that touched down here in Tennessee, toilet paper, cleaning & disinfectant items, milk, (even canning supplies) shortages as people panicked.  Meanwhile God supplied our needs month by month.

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.  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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

We wish you all a blessed Christmas season and a Happy New Year!

Dorcas

NOVEMBER WALKER NEWSLETTER

 

Hello!

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here once more, although the signs are everywhere.  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.  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.

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.  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  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.  Then when I'm retired I can do nothing all day but walk around in my woods- ha!

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.

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.

Meanwhile have a blessed Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends!

Dorcas

OCTOBER WALKER NEWSLETTER

 

Hello!

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.

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.

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.  There is always plenty to do.

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.

I'm so glad I have Dwight as he pitches in on slow days and helps me take care of Dana.  As long as we don't both get down on the same day we are good.

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.

I need to hush up and keep moving as I have a busy day ahead.

Take care on your end~

Dorcas

SEPTEMBER 2020 WALKER NEWSLETTER

 

Hello!

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!!!

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  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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Take care on your end and stay healthy!

Until next time~

Dorcas

JULY AUGUST WALKER NEWSLETTER

 

Hello!

I have been trying to write a newsletter since last month, but here we are in August already so I'll have to combine two months again. So sorry.

The bright colorful lilies that are so gorgeous have bloomed and gone as well as most of the roses. Right now my double pale pink and rose- along with the single white and lavender- rose of sharon are blooming in my hedges along with bee balm.  In the garden zinnias, tall yellow sunflowers, and orange/red Mexican sunflowers are blooming amidst the corn and beans. So far this summer has been quite humid and damp with rain every week so my tall phlox and bachelor buttons didn't do well this year, which has also affected the beans. You know it is a wet year when you have wild mushrooms growing in the garden. Even the tomatoes are rotting before they get completely ripe so I am picking them earlier than usual. The blackberries didn't last long either. Thankfully most of the tomato vines are still healthy. I've pulled my pea vines out as they are over.

Each week has found me picking beans, corn, tomatoes, blackberries, and dried peas for seed along with trying to keep the weeds- that no matter the weather thrive and flourish- out of the garden so the veggies have room to grow. There is nothing like eating fresh green beans, tomatoes, and corn from the garden.

Besides my garden veggies, I did up a bushel of peaches and green beans, and have canned some tomatoes.  I trimmed my formal garden hedge, cherry bushes, and have gotten half of the long front hedge trimmed so far. I can't work out in the heat like I used too- not to mention I am slower- so it takes longer to accomplish the many tasks needing done. I always keep water/Gatorade with me to stay hydrated. I'm just thankful I am back up on my feet and able to go.

I'm also very thankful to have the Durango back once more to drive, although in switching vehicles I did the dumbest thing. I had just gotten back from taking Dana on a Friday on one of his many doctor visits to Cookeville and it had been a long day when I went to get the Durango. I so was thrilled to have it back that I didn't bother checking the gas gauge. It sat parked in the driveway until Sunday morning when I am backing it out to go to church and I looked at the gas gauge and it was down on empty. I couldn't believe my eyes. I pulled back in figuring first thing when I went to town I'd get some gas. In my defense, I have always had a fear of being stranded while out on the road- that had happened recently on a Sunday morning- so I’ve always put gas in whenever it gets down to one fourth of a tank. The guys had the Durango for two weeks, driven it around several times while trying to figure out what was going on, and the day I picked it up they had let the Durango run for half of the day to make sure it wouldn’t suddenly stop again. So I didn’t have a clue of how much gas was in the tank. When Dwight got up later he checked it out and said that there was half a tank of gas. I felt horrible because if I had known I would have gone on to church no matter what the gauge said. Dwight figured that maybe the gauge was going bad. Monday morning I get in the Durango to head to town and checked the gauge and once more it showed empty. I turned it off and on again and the gauge didn’t move so I went and got Dwight to prove I wasn’t seeing things. Dwight gets in, turns the Durango on, and says, “Mom it shows half a tank.” He gets out; I get in, and point to the gauge that still shows empty. Dwight grins and tells me that I’m looking at the temperature gauge instead of the gas. Did I ever feel stupid! On the truck the gas gauge was on the opposite side of the Durango so I had gotten used to looking there. Why these vehicle manufactures don’t keep things on the same side is beyond my comprehension. It’s enough to drive one completely batty when one’s brain cells are already overloaded.  Needless to say I got teased about that one quite a bit. 

I’ve had to drive Dana long distance every week- sometimes twice- lately as his cardiologist took him of the lasix that was no longer working- Dana was retaining a bunch of fluid and put him on two others meds, which put his kidney function blood work off. They halved the dosage; his fluid retention came back, put the dosage up again and keep doing blood work to keep an eye on it. Unfortunately, the blood work can’t be done local. We had a wonderful answer to prayer a couple days before I was going to have to admit Dana to the hospital due to running out of his psych meds as I couldn’t get any refills. When calling the hospital I discovered that his previous psychologist had just decided to take a couple of patients again. I was able to get a hold of her and she agreed to refill his meds until we could get an appointment to see her. Dana’s dementia has gotten worse. He now no longer remembers to brush his teeth, comb his hair, shave, can’t retain what he reads, drops stuff more, sometimes is up at night, and is stuttering more often when trying to speak so needs more care . We saw the psychologist this week and although she added another med, wasn’t very optimistic about anything helping Dana’s dementia that they have tried to slow down. Instead she discussed with me about putting Dana in a nursing home which at this point I’m not considering. Physical therapy has also come again trying to help keep Dana on his feet as he is weaker physically.

Dwight’s burns have all healed; he had a bout of intestinal flu that lasted almost three weeks so lost weight- at times I felt like I was running a hospital between him and Dana. Dwight is gaining back his strength, down at his shop each day, and I am trying to fatten him up again.

I do need to hush up, but I want to thank all of you who support us in prayer daily. At times I am physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted trying to keep up with everything. Thanks so much! It is what often keeps us going. Meanwhile take care on your end!

Dorcas