Last Monday in August

 

This vibrant sunflower from my archives perfectly captures how I feel as August draws to a close. 

This summer has actually been one of the coolest in our 17 years here. Typically, we see temperatures soaring into the 100s, but thankfully, we didn’t reach those sweltering 115+ degrees this year. Just last summer, we endured a blistering 119* a couple of days after the 4th of July. 

Honestly, once the temperature hits a certain point, it blends in a way that’s hard to distinguish. It's still just HOT AND DRY. I really notice when the humidity rises above 20%! I'm so accustomed to the comfort of below 10%—

As I've gotten older, I've realized that being out in the heat is just plain HOT and I'd rather be inside where it is cool. I'm just not "into" it anymore. 

From my archives

One reason I prefer not to swim in lakes is the mystery beneath the surface! A few years ago, at Shasta Lake, a very big sturgeon was caught and then released back into the water. It sparked local legends of massive sturgeons, weighing between 400-500 lbs., lurking in the chilly depths! 

Source: Active NorCal

No thanks. 

Source: Active NorCal

I prefer a sparkling clean pool! 

Source: Shasta Family YMCA

Which reminds me...

I'm now in my aqua-aerobics class. I've chosen the time slot of 1:15 to 2:15 pm because that’s when I would usually experience a dip in energy and would want to take a nap. Now, this swim time gives me the energy I need to fit in a few extra productive hours during the rest of my day, and I can still go for my morning walk as usual.

Plus, I don't feel as hungry for dinner. Tonight, just some chicken, fresh garlic parmesan green beans, and sliced tomatoes -  from my son's garden. 

Ed.

Every morning, I feed my Grand-cats Ed and Harry. I like to try to spend some time with them, but it is mostly with Harry, since Ed is shy and stays under the bed. I have not seen him yet—only his small, beady eyes and a growl coming from under the bed. My husband takes the evening shift. Navy and his wife come back on Wednesday. I know Ed will be thrilled. 

Sad News. 

A month ago, Sara's brother-in-law passed away due to complications related to diabetes at the young age of 42. Carrie, Sara's sister, is selling her home to move in with Sara and my son before purchasing a house nearby to be closer to her sister. I met Junior just twice, but he appeared to be a kind young man. It's really sad.  She'll be moving in at the end of this week. 

Enjoy your evening, and I hope you all have a great sleep. 

Debby

Did you know we need three daily wins:

1. A Physical Win -

walking, running, lifting, swimming, etc.

2. A Mental Win

Reading, Writing, Creating, Learning.

3. A Spiritual Win

Praying, Mediating on God's word, Studying, and Growing.

Be a complete winner.

We're never too old to be a complete winner! 

Unexpected Windfall

 On our recent bank statement, I noticed a significant deposit from the SSA dated August 6. This deposit turned out to be an adjustment due to an error where my husband had been underpaid since his retirement in December 2019. I do recall the events of 2020 when we did experience a glitch with SSA. During the pandemic, the situation escalated to the point where the SSA offices here were shut down completely. At one point, they were not even answering their phones. So, after reviewing his mail, I found the SSA notice that detailed this oversight. The August 6th payment was an extra payment for back benefits. We'll be getting another one on the 20th of August. Starting in September, he will receive the adjusted amount, which includes another deposit, and the last deposit scheduled for October.  The error was identified in 2023, and the credits were applied without any actual payouts. So it just sat...money owed to my husband. Additionally, this adjustment incorporates cost-of-living adjustments for those years as well. My husband is going down to talk SSA in person this afternoon. 

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt praise and gratitude to God, acknowledging Him and Him alone for all that has transpired. We were completely taken by surprise; this was beyond anything we could have anticipated, or even imagined. I'm thankful the error was found.  I’m happy that we can bolster our savings which is important to me.  

Was this a Miracle? 

I was thinking about this - Although it does not align with the conventional notion of a miracle - typically seen as a supernatural occurrence that transcends the boundaries of natural laws - I embrace it as a blessing, recognizing that He really does operate within our lives, always watching over and working on our behalf.  Even in moments when we may be oblivious to injustices and mistakes, because we sure were, He is faithful to provide for us in His perfect timing.  With each step we take, we can find comfort in the knowledge that He is always by our side and steadfastly watching over us. 

He's got our back! 

I call it all AMAZING because we have an AMAZING GOD. 

My son had all their windows replaced in their home yesterday. This is Harry, who wasn't too pleased, being locked in the back room all day. 

Ed on the left and Harry on the right. 

They love boxes. 

Aren't they cuties? I've had two ginger kitties in my life. They have the most adorable expressions and tend to be very comical. 

Sad to say, my next-door neighbor's kitty, Sully, has not returned. How heartbreaking, and one reason I do not let my cat out. No way, no how is she getting past me. 

Can you believe we’re already halfway through August? Time really flies! It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming the summer.

We really must cherish these days and live with intention and purpose, embodying Christ in our actions. Our goal is to positively impact those who do not know Jesus - by sharing the transformative truth of the Gospel and being a light in a dark world. Let's do it! 

Until Next Time,

Debby