MYSTERY SOLVED

 It looked weird on this day.  It was darker than normal when Kitters woke me up.  At least this time she didn't have any critters in her mouth to entertain me.  It was cooler than normal, so I had a mind to plant another growy thing, this one just for Cooper.

The big news however, is that the mystery has been solved.  I received a morning text message saying SHE had sent the plaque.  Miss Elva won my heart and appreciation forever.  The words are perfect since Cooper was ALWAYS right by my side, even as I moved from room to room.  Elva you are the sweetest woman EVER, but of course I knew that because she is a very good friend.  Thank you so very very much!

Cooper would have approved too.  He sure knew how to pose for a picture, this kid.  I miss him terribly.

Back at the farm, since the Gal Friday was on vacay, I had to step in.  It's planting time for late season crops, and they are hard at work.  There was a big stack of bills to pay, so I hit the computer running.  That lasted all of five minutes when the checks refused to print.  OUT OF INK.  

If I remember correctly, we told them TWO weeks ago to order ink, and again LAST week.  No ink materialized, but a lot of frustration DID as I had to change empty cartridge after empty cartridge trying to find enough to print ONE important check.  It was not to be, which brought about lots of cuss words, and not from me.  I hand wrote the check.

I packed up my stuff ..... call me when you have ink.  I think instead they are buying a new printer.

The afternoon was long.  As I walked around outside the house, I noticed ALL of my plants were in distress.  What the heck's up with that?  What I found brought lots of cuss words out of MY mouth too.  The gardener had slashed the main drip line and water was streaming down the neighbor's driveway, probably for three weeks.  I called him up and chewed him out.  He should be checking this stuff.

I spent the next three hours repairing the main line and eight drip lines that were also cut in half.  WHAT THE BLEEP!!  The back yard was no better, four lines repaired there while I got bit by fire ants.  No wonder everything is dying!  I double watered the flower beds, hoping to zap some energy into the plants so I don't have to buy another $200 worth like I just did!  Plants are NOT cheap!

Back inside, I was twiddling my thumbs.  For the next couple of hours, I finished sewing the binding on this quilt.  I think this makes five I have finished for the Vets.  

Late in the afternoon when it cooled off a bit, I was out once again digging holes.  With the drip lines finally working and softening the soil, I was able to dig a large enough hole for the crepe myrtle I bought for Cooper.  

In no time, the sun began to set, bringing on a bit of a color, the first in several months.  

Maybe Cooper was telling me he liked the plant I picked.  And so ended another very long day. 

With nothing going on for the next TWO days, I'll probably be a teary mess.  It's hard to think of things to keep you busy when your heart isn't in it.  I've got two more cold start drives with the van to complete, so maybe I'll take it for a spin around the block.  

Then I'll be calling the gardener once again.  He adjusted one sprinkler so it hits the window like a fire hose.  DO BETTER!!!