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When Life Gets Messy

When Life Gets Messy

Days When Everything Seems To Go Wrong

A day can start well, and then later in the day, you find out that you have to buy a new washer and dryer. You discover that the washing machine has a significant problem after it has put oil all over your clothes in the spin cycle. The clothes dryer has also been drying the clothes so hot that you can barely touch them when they come out of the clothes dryer. You then go to the store to buy a new one and discover that they do not have any on hand and that it will take two months to get one in. The appliance store calls and tells you they had the new one, but it got damaged during shipping. I asked for a discount since it would be in my basement anyway. Minor issues can turn into complex problems quickly.

Rental Property

I had rental houses for many years, and I was delighted when I sold all but one of them. I have had many excellent tenants through the years, but the last eight years were terrible, as I felt I was in the garbage business. Tenants would leave all their garbage behind in the house or the garage, and it took forever to clean up their mess. The people I rented to had good background checks and references, but they did not respect my property. If people are not vested in something, they do not take care of it anymore. People wonder why some landlords want so much for rent. I say, no wonder if they were treated like I was. My rental homes were well-maintained, and the tenants had reasonable rent.

God Can Clean Up A Day That Is Not Going Well

Faith in God will help you get through life’s storms. Always remember that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes. I pray to God for guidance when I have a rocky or upsetting day. Most people will have at least a few hiccups in a day. God will help direct you in how to handle a situation to improve its outcome. The bible has many examples of how to handle many situations correctly. Forgive people quickly, but never forget, as only a fool would forget. Hanging on to a grudge will only take away from your life, and the other party will not even be giving it a second thought, as it is water under the bridge for them.

Broken Objects Or Things

None of us likes to break something, but accidents do happen. Sometimes you may break an object that meant a lot to you, but always remember it is only an object, and no one got hurt. You may break a plate in a set of dishes; if you look hard enough, you can replace it someday. Objects can be replaced, or you can still remember the time and place when you purchased the item. People cannot be replaced, so handle all your relationships respectfully.

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Things To Think About When Buying Items For Your Cat

Things To Think About When Buying Items For Your Cat

What Is The Product Made Of?

I want to buy a quality item for my cat that will not harm them. If you purchase cat toys, make sure there are no parts that can be chewed off so that your cat cannot ingest them. Some cats have had bowel blockage or suffocated to death on some cat toys, such as eyes, tails, or ears that they have swallowed. If the product is not a brand-name item, I generally do not buy it because I do not know what it is filled with that may be poisonous to my cat if the cat toy falls apart.

Cat Beds

When buying a cat bed, ensure that it is stuffed with the right materials, as I once saw one that had attic insulation in it. Some cat beds have been recalled due to problems with the materials used in their construction, such as the fabric containing harmful chemicals.

Cat Trees

I like the solid wood cat trees as they hold up longer. Ensure that your cat tree can be attached to the wall to prevent it from tipping over and injuring your cat. Never buy a cat tree that will not support the weight of your cats, as they will generally say how heavy a cat can lounge or sleep in it safely. Some cat trees have a powerful smell of carpet glue, so let them air out in another room before you let your cat use them. The cheaper cat trees do not support the top perches for long, as they tend to fall off.

Heated Cat Beds

Do not cut corners on a cheap heated cat bed, as it could catch on fire or wear out quickly. My favorite brand is K@H products, heated cat beds, and windowsill perches. I have one that is still going strong after 10 years of use, and another one just wore out after eight years of use. My cats love them in the cold winter months, as they are getting older, and it feels good on their joints.

Cat Food

I have fed my cats Purina cat food for years, and it is a good-quality cat food. I do not like cat foods that have fillers or byproducts or a high ash content, as these are bad for your cat’s lifespan. Hartz Delaectables Squese Ups have no byproducts and are made from salmon, chicken, or tuna, shrimp, and vegetables. Pumpkin cat food is suitable for a cat if they happen to get diarrhea. I like Natural cat treats and not the moist ones that sometimes have a high ash content.

Cat Litter

Never buy cat litter that is perfumed or has an air freshener scent. A cat can get very sick from using this kind of kitty litter and may also stop using their litterbox altogether. When they lick their paws, they ingest those chemicals into their body and develop diarrhea or get short of breath, and some cats have died from using perfumed litters. If you have doubts about any product you intend to buy for your cat, research it online and see if it has been recalled or harmed a cat in any way. Better to be safe than sorry than lose your Dear feline friend.

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Operating At Peak Performance

Operating At Peak Performance

Youthful And Full Of Energy

When one is young, one can work all day and not feel exhausted, and still go to dinner and a movie. When one is young, one is operating at one’s peak of power and endurance. Your mind is like a sponge, and you can remember all of the information that enters your mind and recall that information in a matter of seconds with no hesitation whatsoever. In your youth, you could wash and wax five vehicles or maybe scrape or paint two garages in one day. One can maintain a lot of energy in their fifties by eating right and exercising daily.

Prime Performance

A person is at the top of their game in their twenties and sometimes into their 70s or later, depending on their genetic makeup and how they have taken care of themselves over the years. If you have a job, your performance will shine brightly in what you can do and achieve in your field of expertise. Take college classes to enrich your mind, and when you’re older, consider taking lifelong learning classes at your local college. This will help keep your mind sharp, hopefully.

Operating A Vehicle At Top Performance

Fresh oil and regular maintenance keep your vehicle operating at peak performance. If you have one bad spark plug in a car, it will sound like an old, thrashing machine. Make sure the tires have plenty of tread, or you may have trouble stopping even in a pouring rain, let alone snow and icy roads. Cars are like people; if we do not take care of them or ourselves, minor problems will soon become major issues that can wreak havoc with our performance.

God And Your Performance

I hope you have a close relationship with God, because if you do not, you will never reach your peak performance in life. For without God in your life, you are nothing at all. God helps us with all aspects of our daily living if we listen to subtle clues and read devotions and the Bible regularly. God knows your heart and your soul better than anyone else ever will. God sees how you act around other people and how you treat them. Put your faith and devotion in God, for all other ground is sinking sand. God can lift you to new heights that you thought you would never reach.

Gods Helpers

How do we help God in our daily lives? If we share with others how God has helped us navigate various storms in our lives, we are helping God by spreading the good news of how you, too, can be helped by having God in your life. God is there for anyone who wants him in their life. God has answered many of my prayers, for which I am very grateful. Help people in need, be kind, and be someone they can turn to when the going gets rough. Be a friend through thick and thin. Help spread God’s good works whenever and however you can. Go out and remind people of how God can help them today and always, and remind them to pray without ceasing.

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Coyotes and Pets And Humans

Coyotes And Pets And Humans

Cali And Garfunkel Had A Bad Night With The Coyotes, Making Noises

The coyote noise started at about 11:40 p.m. and finally stopped at 12:15 a.m. The coyotes sounded like mad cats before they started beating each other up with their claws and biting each other. Cali growled and leaped off my bed, and Garfunkel followed her. Garfunkel returned to bed and cuddled up as close as he could to me. All of us had a restless night with little sleep.

 

Coyotes And Cats, Dogs And Other Animals

My neighbors have told me that coyotes have killed some of their cats. One of my neighbors only had one cat alive, and she had him become a house cat. A friend’s daughter lives in Colorado, and their small dog got eaten by coyotes, and any of their cats that ventured out never returned. Coyotes kill off mice, chipmunks, and other things we may not want around our homes. Never leave a pet outdoors unattended. Buy a cage or cat playpen so they are somewhat protected if coyotes come about while your pet is outdoors. Coyotes can make all kinds of weird and scary sounds. I have not seen just a few rabbits on our place, as the coyotes must have killed most of them off.

Humans And Coyotes

All it takes is three coyotes to take down a person and kill you. Make sure you have something to ward off an attack while you are out walking or riding a bike. If a group of coyotes shows up, you can protect yourself from them. They are not called wily coyotes for no reason, as they are very clever and will sneak up behind you before they make their attack. I have seen coyote footprints in the dirt by my house, which look like a dog’s footprint. I have a trapper that got five coyotes in my area, three later on, and then five again. A trapper needs snow on the ground to track their movement so they can set out the traps on their regular runs. Every animal on earth has a purpose, and they are doing what coyotes must do to live. We must protect our pets, chickens, and ourselves to the best of our ability. Take care and always be aware of your surroundings. I saw three coyotes once while I was bicycling, so I turned around and kept looking behind me while I rode home. I hope you and your pets stay safe and free from harm from a gang of hungry coyotes.

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Productive Time With God

Productive Time With God

Prayers

Praying is a good way to spend time with God. Pray for those who are suffering, who have suffered a loss of a loved one, or have constant pain. Just knowing that people are praying for you is a great comfort, as we know that God answers all prayers. God knows what you are going through, as he suffered great pain when he died for our sins on the cross that we may have eternal life and be with God one day in heaven, where all pain and suffering are no more. I pray for friends, relatives, and those I don’t know, that God help them with what they are going through in their lives or the lives of their loved ones. God may not answer your prayers right away, but he will answer them at the time he thinks is best.

Be Kind, Caring, And Respectful

God is always kind, caring, and respectful, and when we act this way, we are helping God, and it should also give us a good feeling. I do not care for brash and non-caring people. One should always put themselves in the other person’s shoes and think about what it would be like if someone did that to me. If you do that, it puts it in a whole different perspective. People used to be more respectful, but now it seems as if they have an “I don’t care” attitude. Think if you were asking God to help you, and he did not help you or have respect for you. Respect goes a long way in helping people and treating them with the care they deserve.

See God In Nature’s Beauty

God has made a beautiful place for us to live on Earth if we do not destroy it. We destroy it with pollution, chemicals, and garbage that do not degrade in landfills. I love to look at newborn animals and watch them frolic and play. Look at all of the beautiful flowers and plants on Earth that put oxygen in the air.

Talk To people And Uplift Them

Encourage people to pursue their dreams and never tell someone that they will never be able to do that; let them at least try, for many famous people were told not to pursue a particular career in school, but they achieved their dream and became famous for doing so. Many famous writers and artists were told by their college professor to pursue a different career path. Luckily, they did not, or we would not have some of the best books ever written or excellent artwork in world-famous museums. God will lead you in the direction he wants you to go in your life, where you will do your best, and it will help others possibly achieve their dreams also.

Make Time To Talk To God Every Day

Thank God for everything that he has given to you in your life, and remember that without God in your life, you would be nothing at all. God makes the darkest of days bright again. God gives you hope for a brighter, more productive tomorrow. Thank your creator, God, for always staying by your side, whatever kind of storm that may be brewing, and remember that you will see the rainbow after the storm.

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Fixing Things After A Storm

Fixing Things After A Storm

Getting A Repairman

Getting a repairman after a horrible storm is not an easy task, as they get booked up quickly. I have a repairman whom I have had for several years, and he is excellent at his work. He is swamped, of course, so it takes a while before he can get your job completed, but he is worth the wait. Have a standing agreement with your repairman, such as having him make repairs for you on a yearly or regular basis.

Get References If You Have Never Hired The Person Before

A woman told me she hired a roofer and he put nails right through the sheetrock in her home. Another party had the roofer lay the new shingles over the old ones, even though it was supposed to be a complete tear-off. I had a roofer who hired a lot of men, and they were all working in the same area. The whole overhang fell off. Luckily, I had witnesses of the event, and he fixed it up to inspection standards by the city. We had hired a carpenter years ago, and he wanted to cut around the light fixtures to put up new ceiling tile instead of taking them down first and cutting a small hole for the wires—some workers you have to keep an eye on constantly. I also like to watch workers so I can learn how to make the repairs myself.

Tree Services

I have an excellent tree service now, and their work is superb. Some tree services try to charge women three times the amount they would charge a man. Women ask the men in your neighborhood what they are paying for tree removal or trimming similar to what you want done, so you will not be fleeced.

Keep A Journal Of Their Work Hours

I keep track of their hours, and before they leave for the day, we agree on their hours to avoid any surprises when it comes time to pay them. Some workers will sit around and do nothing and expect you to pay them for that.

Make it Crystal Clear On What You Want Your Worker To Do.

If you do not tell your worker what color or quality of material you want him to buy, that is your problem, as you did not specify.

Electrican

I have had the same electrician for many years, and he does top-quality work, and that is what you want when it comes to electrical repairs. Faulty wiring can lead to your house burning down. Having an electrician who has worked for you for years ensures that he will come ASAP if you lose your wiring mast that leads to your house in a horrible storm.

Plumber, Heating, And AC

I have an excellent plumber, heating, and AC company that takes care of my repairs quickly. Lightning hit my AC in a summer storm, and they had a new AC in three days. Establish a good relationship with your maintenance specialists and tell them that you love the top-quality work that they do for you.

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Happy Life

Happy Life

Good News Improves Everyone’s Mindset

If your Doctor tells you you are holding your own and getting along fine, and your prayers have been answered, you feel revived and rejuvenated. Maintaining a positive mindset and staying active are two key factors in a long life, alongside supportive friends and family. Securing a higher-paying job can brighten anyone’s day. If your children do well in life, that is a parent’s ultimate dream for their children to be happy and content with their lives. People who are happily married tend to live longer than those who are not happy in their marriage.

Do Things That Make You Happy In Life

If you belong to a group and all they do is criticize your every move, get out of that group ASAP, as they are not your friends, and they do not care about your overall well-being. Never volunteer anywhere where you are told you do not do enough. Life is too short to put up with that. I hope you have a job that you love doing, and that you look forward to it every day, as it fulfills you and gives you a great sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

Pets Can Brighten Your Days For Many Years

I have always loved pets. I have had a pet goat, dogs, gerbils, parakeets, horses, hamsters, fish, a hermit crab, turtles, guinea pigs, and cats. Cats are my favorite pets. I love their deep and soothing purrs, as well as how they lie next to you when you’re not feeling well, and their overall demeanor. All cats have different personalities, and each one is unique in its behavior and preferences, such as the type of toys it likes or the kind of bed it prefers. I got my first cat when I was two years old, and I have loved them ever since.

Travel

One of my favorite hobbies is traveling. I loved visiting the places in Europe where my ancestors immigrated from and walking down the same streets they walked in the 1600s. Some people were still familiar with their last name, and they shared some history with me that I was very pleased to learn. I love the architecture of old buildings and seeing how people in different countries live, their customs, and trying the delicious foods each country has to offer. Some people on the tour always ate at McDonald’s, but not me. I want to enjoy the food from each country. No matter where you travel, everyone still wants the same things out of life, such as happiness, contentment, and a loving and caring family and friends.

You Will Have A Happy Life With God In Your Life

With God by your side, you will be happy and fulfilled in your life. Without God in your life, you have nothing, and you will be like a ship lost at sea with no lighthouse or compass, and you will never make it back to shore. God is my beacon, shining brightly in my life.

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Cat Grooming Claw And Medicine Bag

Cat Grooming, Claw And Medicine Bag

Keep Your Cat Under Control

I highly recommend investing in a cat grooming bag. Cats that have not been declawed can quickly wreak havoc on your hands, biting or clawing you. I have had mostly good luck when I have put my cats in a grooming bag to administer their medicine. One day, one of my female cats wiggled her front foot out of the bag, and she took it upon herself to get a blood sample from me. I found a band-aid, and she still got her meds. I also wear heavy gloves now that they can no longer scratch or bite through.

Fishing Net

A fishing net is beneficial for catching a cat that is having a hissy or growling match. You can catch your cat quickly in the net and then step on one side of it while you put meds in their ears or transfer them to a cage for their Vet visits. I have caught many unruly cats in a fishing net over the years, and it keeps you from being clawed up by feral cats or cats that do not care to go to the Vet. After about 15 years, you will need to invest in a new net, as your cats will have clawed big holes in it as it ages.

When Working With Cats, Make Sure You And Your Cat Will Be Safe

You must have your cat in a container or bag when you see your Vet. My Vet told me that once, a lady thought she could hold her cat. Unfortunately for her,  her cat leaped out of her arms into a busy highway. Ensure your furry friend is always contained when traveling and exiting your car. Cats are inquisitive creatures, and if they can get out and explore, they will, which could lead to their untimely death.

When You Exit Your Home, Make Sure That Kitty Did Not Exit With You

Cats are super quick and can dash out of a door in seconds. If your cat gets out, it could be killed by dogs, foxes, wolves, Eagles, humans, and other animals. If your cat has a habit of sneaking out, ensure that you see him before you leave for the day, or he may never return. One party noticed someone gluing a cat’s feet to the pavement in the middle of the heavy traffic lane. She put on her flashers and saved the poor little shivering kitten from what would have been certain death. If you do not like cats, leave them alone, but never harm one of God’s beautiful creatures. We are guardians over God’s creatures; if we fail at that, we fail to do God’s will.

Cat Cages With A Top Lid That Comes Off

My Vet recommends these as it is easier to dispense meds to your cat, and your cat is calmer if he does not have to exit his cage at the Vet’s office. My Vet gives the cat his shots at the back of his neck while he’s in his cage, and everyone has a much better experience. Be good to all of God’s creatures and protect, love, and keep them free from harm.

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Tools That Improve Your Life

Tools That Improve Your Life

Garden Tractors

A large garden tractor can mow a large area in a short amount of time. We can buy attachments for our tractor, such as a snow blower, garden tiller, and more. I love riding on a garden tractor and mowing my yard. I take pride in having a well-manicured lawn. I prefer a large garden tractor with all-wheel steer, as it maneuvers around the trees safely and quickly. I can get our yard mowed in about three hours.

Weed Whackers

I love battery-operated weed whackers; they are lightweight and do the job quickly. The string drops in, and off you go. The older ones were heavy and awkward. We started with hand shears and then went to electric shears, which took a long time to get around each tree. Weed whackers today make trimming around trees enjoyable.

Left-Handed Tools

I am elated that they keep making more left-handed tools. Years ago, finding a left-handed pair of scissors was a nightmare. They now make left-handed sewing machines. I had to try to sew on a right-handed sewing machine, which I did, but I hated sewing passionately as everything connected with that sewing machine was backwards for me. The electric pottery wheels will not work unless someone installs the motor in them upside down. In college, I had to use a kick wheel to make pottery. Even today, they have no left-handed pottery wheels with motors for students. I have a left-handed watch, a circular saw, and a vacuum cleaner with a motor centered in the middle.

Diagnostic Tools

If mechanics did not have these, our repair bills would be exorbitant. The tool can tell them what computer chip went bad or that the rear backup camera needs reprogramming. Many items have problems with computer chips and software updates, and tools that test these sensors are necessary to save time and money.

God Gives Us The Tools Necessary To  Lead A Good Life

If we read the Bible regularly, read a daily devotion, and listen to our minister’s sermons, we learn how to serve God and others in wonderful ways that will lift them up and rejuvenate them. God has given us the Ten Commandments to follow and remember; they are not called the ten suggestions. Live your life in a way that will not harm others. Help others whenever and however you can. A kind smile can be the highlight of someone’s day. Help someone who has health problems, as you never know when you will have health problems, and never make fun of them or say they don’t look sick, as you cannot see or understand what they are going through day by day. God is our constant and loyal friend who can help us when all else fails. Never lose your faith; if you lose it, you have lost everything in life. God forgives us for our sins if we genuinely repent and go a path that is the right journey for us to live and help God’s flock.

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Cats Being Cats

Life With Cats Is An Adventure

Cats With An Attitude

Some cats that do not get their way truly have a cattitude problem. Faith will start striking at the other cats if she thinks she might miss out on some tasty cat food or cat treats. I had a purebred Siamese cat and cats that were half Siamese, and all of them seemed to try to get into disagreements with other cats at times, just so they could strut their stuff, so to speak. Never ignore your Siamese cat, as they will get even with you somehow. They may chew up your paperwork or scatter it all over the floor. If you’re on the phone, they’ll get into mischief overdrive until they get your attention, which is negative by then, but they don’t seem to care as long as they get your undivided attention. Siamese cats are indeed very jealous cats. Some cats do not wish to be touched or handled, regardless of how gentle or loving you are with them. If they were not socialized with humans at the right age, this can happen.

Cats Love To be Adventurous

Winchester tries to make it his goal to sneak outdoors every day. I let him stay out for a little while. Sometimes when I try to bring him back into the house, he growls at me and shows his teeth and tries to jump up toward my face and bite me. I hang onto him tightly then, and I place him back in the house. Sometimes he is by the door, and he runs right back in. I think sometimes he might have smelled a wild animal that had passed through the yard earlier, which is why he acts that way. One day, he tried to run away, but I couldn’t find him. Soon, he was crying, just like Mom, “Help me, I want to go back indoors now.” Winchester knows that I love him, and he seems to run with that. Over the years, I have had cats take on Skunks, large Tom cats, and more, and they seem to be able to handle themselves. I had one cat that would bring home dead snakes and lay them in front of our door to show us that she was indeed a great hunter.

Cats That Push It To The Edge

I have had cats climb up trees to the very top, but eventually they manage to get back down to safety. My friend had a cat, and the neighbor’s dog got loose. The poor cat sat on top of an electric pole for 48 hours before coming back down. I had an 18-year-old cat that almost caught a rabbit, but she ran out of breath right before she could catch it. I had a cat that jumped in the auger, but she traveled between the flighting and had something to tell her kittens over the years. When the men at the grain elevator opened the wagon, out jumped my cat, a little bit groggy, but fine otherwise. They put her back in the wagon, and she never tried that again, and she never left the comfort of the farm yard again.

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184Fans
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184Fans
81Followers
338Followers