JUNE WALKER NEWSLETTER

 

Hello!

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.  So when a much needed rain came I was thrilled.  After almost three weeks of rain nearly every day, I am ready for sunshine as my water barrels are overflowing.

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.  Their tiny feet really have to move to keep up with the bigger ducks.  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.  Sassy stays busy bossing her three and the other five around babies.  The yellow ducks are as big as the three she hatched out earlier.

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.  The bees are doing much better in the new location.

All the rain and warm weather has made the planted seeds sprout and everything in the garden grow quickly.   The iris and peonies have bloomed and died already.  Now the roses are blooming and so beautiful this year.  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.

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.

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.

This Friday Dana and I will celebrate our 45^th anniversary.  I can’t believe how quickly the years have flown by.  Dana is still weak despite having physical therapy twice a week.  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.

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.  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.

Hope you are enjoying summer on your end.

Until next time~

Dorcas

 

 

MAY WALKER NEWSLETTER

 

Hello!

I can hardly believe that a month has passed since I sent out the last newsletter.

It has been busy weeks.

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.  Also cleaned out the buckets at the downspouts.

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.  Then to my dismay the drake, Donald, died on me one day.  The baby chicks have all grown enough that I put them in the main henhouse and are doing well.

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.

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.  The azaleas survived and were so lovely. Now the iris are blooming.

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.

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.  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.  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.

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.

Well I do need to hush up before anything else happens around here. I hope things have warmed up where you are at. 

Until next time~ Dorcas

    

APRIL WALKER NEWSLETTER

Hello!

He is Risen; He is Risen Indeed!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Have a blessed Easter season as we celebrate our risen Lord and King!

Sending lots of spring hugs your way~

Dorcas

  

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