News:

Have you looked at our Gallery lately?
Some nice photos in THERE

Main Menu

Random Image

zfthsr

Owner: small-town-girl107

Mini Challenge Winners

Help us Congratulate the Winner of Mini Challenge #106~My Favorite Things
Here
Congratulations Fotobirder!
Bird Photos In Snow

Today's Verse

Site Menu

Shoutbox

Oldiesmann: I'm not aware of any Jenny. Not sure why activity has died down on this site so much though 2023-06-12, 00:06:36

JennyW: Also, does anyone know other photo sharing sites that are Christian? 2023-05-16, 08:47:03

JennyW: Hello Everyone! I really miss activity on this site. I've been discouraged by photography sites where you have to sort through so much explicit content in order to see photos that truly glorify God. I'd love to see this site pick up again. 2023-05-16, 08:46:36

Janet: Carol, I am just reading this.  So sorry for your loss, glad your beloved Don knew the Lord and you have the assurance of his eternity  and that you WILL see him again.  Much love to you.  Janet 2022-06-18, 08:49:36

Oldiesmann: So sorry for your loss Carol. Praying for you and your family :( 2022-05-01, 17:13:05

Carol: My husband Don is with the angels.....Our family was able to hold  ourselves together for the last moments.  Juar rhoufhr you might want to know. 2022-04-29, 23:35:15

Carol: Thankful:  Don is home from hospital.  I found him unconscious with head outside on the floor and the rest was in the shower.  At the same moment, one son was walking through the front door to visit.  Two fire trucks came racing in and they took over After 2021-12-29, 22:01:26

JennyW: Autumn is shaping up to be quite beautiful this year! 2021-10-02, 12:24:03

JudyB: I will be back this evening to start July's thoughts..... The wedding was beautiful! 2021-07-02, 11:51:09

JudyB: June is finally started! 2021-06-07, 12:34:35


Thoughts of the Month--January

Started by Larry Hanna, January 01, 2019, 09:15:35 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Larry Hanna

 
From Our Forums




 

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

 Prepared by Judy Boneschansker
 
How to Meditate on God's Word 
 by Ken Puls
 
How to Meditate on God's Word 
by Ken Puls

I love God's Word and delight in its truth. Yet too often I find that
after reading my Bible or hearing a sermon, the truth, so necessary to
the wellbeing of my soul, can too easily slip away. The truth that had
for a moment captured my attention and my affections can quietly fade
amid the clutter and noise of the day.

One of the best ways to remedy this is to practice the spiritual
discipline of meditating on God's Word. It is a discipline that takes
time and intention, but one that brings great benefit to the soul. We
need to carve out time to lay hold of the truth of God's Word.

It is a bewildering paradox of our day that the Bible can be so
accessible and yet so marginalized. On the one hand our technology has
brought God's Word close at hand. It's on our phones and tablets and
computers and iPods. We have almost immediate access to several
versions of the Bible as well as a wealth of sermons and commentaries.
But this same technology also threatens to distract us and drown out
God's Word. We have become a culture obsessed with noise and
comfortable with clutter. So many sources are bringing input into our
lives: TV, radio, online news feeds, Facebook, Twitter.... More than
ever we need to make time to meditate, to dwell in God's Word.

Meditation is pondering the Word in our hearts, preaching it to our
own souls, and personally applying it to our own lives and
circumstances. It is how we sanctify our thinking and bring it into
submission to Christ—taking every thought captive. Paul tells us in
Romans 12:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal
of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).
[All Scripture references are ESV unless otherwise indicated.]

In Psalms 77 Asaph uses three verbs that capture the essence of
meditation. When he finds himself perplexed and troubled and cries out
to God, he determines to steady his soul by looking to God and laying
hold of truth. He says in verses 11 and 12:

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
Yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
And meditate on your mighty deeds (Psalms 77:11-12).
Asaph uses 3 verbs in the Hebrew to describe what it means to lay hold
of truth: He says: I will remember, I will ponder, and I will
meditate.

He begins with remembering (zakar)—calling to mind "the deeds of the
Lord" and His "wonders of old." He intentionally takes note of truth
and draws it back into his thinking. Asaph reflects on what God has
accomplished for His people in the past—events and epics like the
Exodus and Passover, the giving of the law on Mount Sinai, the
conquest of the Promised Land. He makes an effort not to forget all
the Lord has done.

David also speaks of remembering God:

When I remember you upon my bed,
And meditate on you in the watches of the night (Psalms 63:6).
In Psalms 143, when David is overwhelmed with trouble, he uses the
same three verbs as Asaph, beginning with "remember."

I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands (Psalms 143:5).
We are a forgetful people and God would have us to remember.
Meditation begins with remembering, bringing back into our minds the
truths and praises and promises of God.

But, second, Asaph also uses a word that is translated in Psalms 77:12
"I ponder."

I will ponder all your work,
And meditate on your mighty deeds (Psalms 77:12).
This is the verb hagah in the Hebrew. It is found in numerous places
in the Old Testament and is translated as "ponder" or "meditate":


This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall
meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do
according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your
way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:8).
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And on his law he meditates day and night (Psalms 1:2).
When I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night (Psalms 63:6).
In Psalms 2 it is used of the nations "plotting" against God.

Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain? (Psalms 2:1)
The word literally means "to let resound." It is used in Psalms 92:3
of the sound or tones of a musical instrument as it resonates.

On an instrument of ten strings,
On the lute, And on the harp,
With harmonious [or resounding] sound (Psalms 92:3).
It is used also in Psalms 9:16.

The LORD is known by the judgment He executes;
The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
Meditation. Selah  (Psalms 9:16).
It is not entirely clear if the use of the word here is a musical
instruction for the musicians to play an interlude—letting the
instruments resound—or if it is an instruction to the congregation—let
this truth resound within yourselves.

We find the term also at the end of Psalms 19:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).
In other words: Let the inward tones of my heart be acceptable in Your
sight, O Lord...

This is how we want the truth of Scripture to fill us and impact us—as
we hear it and sing it and pray it—as Paul tells us in Colossians
3:16, let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly! Let it dwell in us in
a way that resounds and reverberates in and through our lives.

We see another use of the word in Isaiah 31:4 that helps us understand
its intent. Isaiah uses the word in reference to a lion:

For thus the LORD said to me,
 "As a lion or a young lion growls over his prey" (Isaiah 31:4)
The word for growl or roar is this word for meditation. Have you ever
heard a lion when he roars? He does not just use his voice. His entire
being reverberates. This is meditation. Letting God's Word resound
from within the very center of our being.

Meditation involves remembering, and resounding, but finally Asaph
speaks of meditating.


I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds (Psalms 77:12).
This word siyach means to muse and wonder and dwell on—to think deeply
about something. Used literally it means to murmur, mumble or talk to
yourself.

In a negative sense it can mean "to complain." It is the idea that
something has so taken hold of your thinking that you can't stop
thinking about it. So on the negative side—it troubles you and
disturbs you and draws out complaint; but on the positive side—it
captivates you and enraptures your thinking so that you "dwell on" it.
This is the way we want God's truth to lay hold of us—so that we can't
but dwell on it, so that it captures our thinking and finds it way
into our choices and decisions.

The Puritans thought of meditation this way as they described it as
"preaching to yourself." We take the Word of God that we hear and
read, and we mull it over in our minds and then bring it to bear upon
our lives in personal exhortations.

It is a word that is found often in the Old Testament, especially in the psalms.


May my meditation be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the LORD (Psalms 104:34).
I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways (Psalms 119:15).
Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day (Psalms 119:97).
When we meditate we think about God's Word. We dwell on it and then as
opportunities arise, we preach it to ourselves. We inject it into our
thoughts as we make decisions, as we admonish and instruct our souls
to choose right things and walk down right paths.

This is the essence of meditation. It is evoking the truth, embracing
it and embedding it in our lives. It is intentionally focusing on
recalling God's truth that it might resound in our hearts and become
that grid through which we sift and measure our thoughts and actions.

Meditation is a crucial Christian discipline and a vital means of
grace that we must treasure and practice. But it is a discipline that
takes time and effort. Accessibility can never beat intentionality.
Don't assume that having God's Word close at hand means you have it
close at heart. Carve out time in your day to remember, time to
ponder, time to preach to yourself. The world around us can too easily
choke out what is needful and good for our souls. Don't allow God's
truth to slip away from you. Be intentional and diligent and your
meditation.

Dr. Kenneth Puls is the Director of Publications and the Study Center
for Founders Ministries, Cape Coral, FL. Founders Ministries exists to
work for the recovery of the gospel and the biblical re-formation of
local churches. They have a myriad of ministries that are given to
that two-pronged effort, including a church planting network, an
online study center, a publishing house, a quarterly journal, regional
conferences and events, minister search list, friends list, and church
list. In addition to this their  website is filled with resources for
pastors, students, church leaders and serious Christians.


Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone and Happy New Year. We have another cloudy and warm day ahead. We have a 20% chance of rain throughout the day and that percentage goes up this evening. I am thankful as we start this new year that I am still around.  I don't have anything particular planned for today but do have several projects I can work on if I want to do so.  Pat and I plan on eating out for our main meal today, probably at Diablo's, which is one of our favorite places.  There are a lot of good games on this afternoon.  The University of Georgia plays at 8:20 this evening so I probably will not watch the game, or very much of it, as that is a very late start. 

Judy, thanks for developing the New Thoughts Devotional to get us started off on our new year.  That is a very thoughtful piece with much to ponder. 

Robot, the Isle of Mann has a lot to be very proud of.  I enjoyed reading about some of the accomplishments.

Jane, glad to see you are home safe even if a little banged up from your fall.  It sounds like it is time for your family to come and visit you.  It is too bad when families have disagreements that separate one from another but certainly not uncommon.  I am glad you had a good time while you were there and did get to see many members of your family. 

John, I hope this year will be a good one for you and Judy and all of your family.  Are you snowed in up your way?

Marilyn

Good morning. I had my follow up appointment with my Dr. yesterday, she gave me the results of the Echo of my heart, She said I have an enlarged heart  probably due to having me a 50 year smoker, I quit in 2003. She said I've  most likely had AFIB for many years and didn't know it. In retrospect, yes I do  believe I did as I can remember instances of the irregular heart beat.So now she has me on two  blood pressure pills. Metoprolol and Amlodipine, she also put me on Eliquis blood thinner. I go see her again in a month. when I called to find out how much the latter cost I was in shock, $180 for 30 pills.(that was my co-pay) So I applied directly to the manufacturer for patient assistance. I will hear from them later.The rd. gave me enough samples to last for a month.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

JudyB

Happy New Year Everyone.  Thank you Larry for the new month, however I can't see the post.  Does anyone else have that problem? There is just a BIG blank space.  I will go to John's computer and see if hr has the same problem that I am having. 

We had a lot of snow yesterday. It took John an hour and a half to blow out the driveway, a job that takes at most 45 minutes with a normal day of snow.  We got the snow blower for $300 back in '08 from a roadside mechanic. He took 2 machines and made one good one out of them. Other than routine maintenance it has worked well. 

Have a wonderful week folks I will be back!


Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. Our day starts our at 60 degrees but we are to have cloudy skies today with mostly a 20% chance of rain throughout the day.  The high is suppose to get to 66 this afternoon.  Our day yesterday was brightened when our son came out for a couple of hours and he finally got his Christmas presents.  We didn't make it to Diablo's as we had planned yesterday or plan on going early this afternoon and Scott may join us for lunch.  At 4 pm he has his personal interview at T-Mobile and is really looking forward to it.  After that is over he plans on coming out for awhile this evening. 

Marilyn, glad you saw your doctor.  That one medicine she prescribed would be too expensive for me.  Nice that she gave you samples for a month. 

Judy, the reason you may not have been able to see the posting I helped you with is that I had to work on it for quite awhile.  I checked and it is not locked but that wouldn't prevent anyone from seeing it.  If you still have this problem please let me know.

Marilyn

Larry it is too expensive for me as well that I why I have app0lid to the company for patient assistance, Etta Sue did the same and got hers free of charge.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

JudyB

Larry it is my computer.  I can see the devotional on John's computer.....


Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is early for me but I woke up a little after 3 am and couldn't go back to sleep so after laying in bed for quite awhile I decided to get up and get busy.  The main activity this morning is to pick up my friend and we will go to coffee.  After I drop him back at his apartment I need to stop at the Credit Union close by and cash some savings bonds that have matured and then go on over to Walmart and pick up a prescription for Pat.  That will be plenty for today.  Yesterday we did go to Diablo's for lunch and then around 6 pm Scott came out and spent a couple of hours with us.  We are going to have another rainy day with the high in the mid-60's.  So I will keep my umbrella with me when I am out of the car this morning.

Marilyn, I will be pulling for you to get patient assistance on the medication. 

Judy, glad you have determined it is your computer and not a problem with the software.  Have you tried opening this page in another browser.  I sometimes find it will work in one and not another.

Carol

May this new year treat all of you kindly and healthy. 

Jane:  Hugs to you.

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. Today is a 100% rainy day until late evening.  A couple of things I had planned to try to do today are going to have to wait until next week.  I had a good nights sleep last night but am so tired this morning I can hardly force myself to move but did get my kitchen chores done and things set out for Pat's breakfast, although I may see if she feels up to preparing it herself.  I think today will basically be a day of rest.

Carol

It was snowing in Tucson and at their Mount Lemmon a couple of days.  People were skiing on what I would call skimpy snow.  Today is warmer - no need to shovel snow here as the sun melts it pretty quickly. 

Judy:  It sounds like you have a pretty large driveway.  When we lived in Minnesota, we had a double width driveway and sometimes the young neighbor's son would drive over with his motorized plow.  It was heaven sent to see him clearing the driveway. 

Our new politicians could use a bar of soap to wash their potty mouths.  How embarrassing things have become. 

Here, I hope to learn a little more on family genealogy with a class beginning next week.   

Carol

Here is another "change" we have seen.  Now, in Great Britain, the comfort saying is:  "Our thoughts are with...", not "Our thoughts and prayers are with".   Notice the word "prayers" is gone.  From Theresa May on down to everyone else, Christians are being shunned.   

Janet

Thanks to help from Larry, I got back on here!  I don't know what happened, but the last post I could access was in December when that month was locked.  Thanks for the help, Larry!  You're a peach!

It has finally warmed up a little here, and is to be warmer the next few days.  Still a lot of ice in town, have to be very careful, especially when getting out of the car!  When I went to town this morning, the road was still frozen, which is better than sloppy!  ;)

I have been playing in my studio this week.  Maybe if I keep practicing, I will learn to loosen up using those watercolors!  I posted a couple on Facebook this afternoon.

Larry, sorry you're feeling so tired.  I know I'm not nearly as strong as I was a year ago, as my back starts hurting after doing anything for over an hour.  I'm not happy about that, but still so thankful to have excellent health and be able to do most things.

Carol, Happy New Year to you!  I'd like to spend a weekend there and soak up some of the warmth!  :)

Marilyn, hope you find some help with that ridiculously expensive blood thinner.  What a rip-off!

Do you remember when I was writing stories about the older folks here in our county?  The fellow I wrote the very first one about passed away Christmas eve, and his family had them use the entire story on the back of his funeral folders (they were the size of a full page, folded in half).  And they did put my byline at the bottom.  They said they were so happy I did that, as they learned things about him they would never have known otherwise.  His nephew asked him why he never told him some of those things, and he said, "You never asked."

See you tomorrow!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Janet

I just noticed the time on the post I just did says 1:02:54 am!  I should have been in bed hours ago!!  :o   It's actually 7:00 pm!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Marilyn

My eye surgery on Thursday went well, funny thing I can see better out of that eye than the left  where I had the first one done. That one is still a bit fuzzy, although with prescription glasses the left was worse than the right already.

Sorry you are having some tired spells Larry. Hop0e you feel better.

Janet we are all getting older and it "ain't" no fun at all right? My back bothers me much more than before, I need to see the Chiropractor again but have to wait until my eye heals.

Carol, I saw where there was some bad weather  in your wintering ares, maybe it was New Mexico and not AZ.

The roof is coming along taking longer than expected due to  them having to replace plywood and some rafters that were rotted. Yesterday they had to rip off all the gutters and part of some eaves. Supposed to have a storm this weekend, no more leaks (I hope), We were having a leak in the front foyer every time it rained after the got the black felt down.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  Finally we have a bright and clear sky today with no rain in the forecast.  I have another quiet day planned as still not feeling very energetic. 

Carol, something wrong with the picture in that you had snow in Tucson.  At least you don't need a snow shovel.  I agree that the level of public discourse is certainly declining.  Is the word prayer becoming politically incorrect? 

Janet, good to see you found us again.  When I helped Judy set up the Devotions for this month I forgot to put in the link to the new month. So glad that your health is still good as that is such a blessing.  I have seen quite a decline in my health this last few weeks as doing simple things is leaving me breathless and many days I have this great sense of weariness.  However, I am very thankful that I am not in pain very often if I don't push too hard.  It was nice of the family to use the story you had written about the man who passed.  If you go into your profile you should be able to change the time zone so your messages will reflect the correct time.  Just click on your name and go to the Forum Profile and you can change the time zone.

Marilyn, glad your eye surgery went well and hope your fuzzy vision in the other eye soon clears up.  You live in an area where it is probably hard to find many days to work on a roof.  I hope they get yours fixed soon and the leaks stop.

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone on a beautiful sunny and crisp morning.  However we are expecting to get to 68 degrees today.  I am not going to Sunday School or Church this morning as just don't have the energy.  I didn't accomplish anything yesterday and it appears this may be a duplicate.  Pat even fixed my breakfast this morning and there is something wrong with this picture as I should be fixing hers but I appreciate her help.  I hope I can get up enough energy so we can go out for our main meal today.

Carol

Sunday morning and it is foggy and damp.  We brought our good friend to a coffee house this morning and so dismayed to notice she has suddenly turned a corner of mental weakness.  I am in shock.  We decided not to call her daughter - just right now.  Our friend has two nephews who have moved her so I will leave it to them to check on her - they do see her several times a week.  Feeling so sad right now.

Janet:  One of these days we should visit - I wonder if there is anything half way?  Just a thought.  Don is busy planning ---he wants to visit our oldest son & wife when they stay in California for some weeks - I detest driving into the area. 

Larry:  Take a good look at who was voted in - and I wonder what in the world are people thinking.  Nothing family or church oriented. 

Marilyn: Prayers for your vision in your first eye procedure become clear soon. 

Back to my preparation for Genealogy class in the morning. 

 

Janet

Hmmm...I was here this morning and posted, but it seems to have disappeared!  ??? :-\

Oh, well, maybe it wasn't that important.

Carol, I would love a chance to visit with you.  When You are in Colorado, you're much closer to SW Kansas than when in Arizona.  Maybe we can figure out something shen you are back in Colorado.  We do need to go to Colo. Springs.

Stuff going on here, don't feel much like posting, so see you tomorrow!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  This is our third beautiful and sunny day.  It is 44 right now but we have an expected high of 67.  I am happy to write this morning that I am feeling like my old self.  Late yesterday afternoon it was like a wave passed over me and I knew things were looking up.  I have had spells like the last three days from time to time although this last one of three days may have been the worst.  So I will enjoy today and not worry about tomorrow.  I have three errands to run this morning which will not take very long.  The rest of the day is free. I did watch a lot of college basketball and some of the pro football games yesterday. 

Carol, if I understand your message there was a deterioration in the memory ability of your friend not an improvement.  I hope you will enjoy your Genealogy class this morning.

Janet, I hope you had a good day yesterday.  You said stuff was going on there.  When that happens to me I ask myself just how important is that stuff and will I even remember it days, weeks or months from now.

Janet

Larry, I usually do not let "stuff" bother me, but this stuff had to do with John.  He is in very poor health, and I think I've mentioned in the past my attempts to get him to go to a doctor, to no avail. Yesterday afternoon we went to visit Diane and Jeff, I was missing my daughter and needed to see her.  Mid-afternoon I got a frantic call from one of John's neighbors in the apartment building where he lives.  She said they were all very worried about him, as they knew he had been sick; he even refused the offer of a piece of Pizza from them at a meeting they were having a few days ago.. Said his car hadn't been moved for two days, that they had pounded and pounded on his door and he wouldn't answer; what could I do?  I told her we would come home and I would try to figure something out, so we came home.  After talking it over with Darrel on the way home, I called the police and asked them to do a welfare check on John; gave them his address, apt. number, make of his car, my name and number, John's phone number(s) etc.  Then I called the gal back who had called me, and she said his door wasn't locked (?) He's from a big city, and as far as I have known, always locks up tight!  She asked if she should go in, I told her the police were on their way, so just wait for them.  In just a few minutes, John called me, and I couldn't understand what he was saying.  He had to repeat it four times before I understood he was saying "I've got a sore throat." >:(  :(  Was that enough reason to ignore his ringing phones, the pounding on his door, etc., and get everyone in a stew over him??  :ticked:   I heard a man saying to him (one of the police, I'm sure) "You need to let us take you to the emergency room and get you checked out."  I encouraged him to do that, thought he agreed, and I hung up.  But when I called him this morning, he said no, he didn't go see a doctor.  I asked why, and he said "I didn't want to!" I was imagining him in there dead, and having to deal with things, with absolutely no authority over anything of his, and his relatives being in New York.  Frustrating!!! His apartment is piled high, looks like the TV show "Hoarders."  And he will not listen to me about anything. So now you may understand my frustration last evening. :-\

Darrel and I just got home from a shopping trip to Garden City, groceries, mostly.

Have a good evening!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Carol

My first class in genealogy wasn't as planned.  For some reason, the entire computer classroom could not get online.  I just took notes and I will try to figure out something before the next class. 

Yesterday, I made a frozen turkey loaf with gravy in the iPot and it turned out very well - considering I was guessing most of the time.  There is enough ingredients for me to make Split Pea Soup in the instant Pot - maybe tonight or at least tomorrow.  This is addicting. 

Janet:  You and Darrel surely do not need this stress with John.  We live at the south end of Denver so it isn't far to the Springs.  I remember you have been in that area previously. 

Larry:  I am happy to read that you are feeling better.  Sometimes, a person just gets tired and needs extra rest.  We sure do not keep up with things as much as we did years ago.  And, we notice just visiting can be tiring too - as much as we like to visit.  I will most certainly check more often on our friend and will not say anything to her relatives just to see if they comment on the changes.  But if she looks like she is truly failing, we will be sure to make aware our thoughts.  This is the kind of thing that happens to anyone at any time.  Anyone could have an "off" day too.  I am hopeful. 

Congratulations to Fotobirder
- I have looked at the colorful Jay bird and enjoyed it so much.  Thank you Fotobirder

Jacqueline

#22
Janet...
...oh my, John is such a worry and placing an extra burden on you and you really do not need that...I have come across a similar situation before like this when a person shuns all forms of help...It was one of Richards male friends in his 60s some years ago, no matter who tried to help him get help that he needed, he shunned the lot, even GP appointments he never turned up for that a caring friend had booked on his behalf, eventually the GP surgery struck him off after him refusing to open the door to a home visit, ( he was Diabetic )...Well the outcome of this story was the police eventually were called to his house by the Indian newsagent across the road who asked a neighbour key holder to go check on him, only to both be met by filth and stench and a mess so bad that they couldn't go inside...Sadly the police found him dead in his bed...This was a man who had lived with his mother, never married nor had no interest in dating women nor finding a wife, who when after the death of his mother he went further down hill and depression by spending most of his time in bed with the curtains drawn during the day and only popping across the road to the newsagent for his paper, milk or some foodstuffs....

Janet, there is very little one can do for someone who doesn't want help...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is another clear and beautiful day here in South Carolina with an expected high of 71 degrees. The only thing I have to do today is go to Walmart in a few minutes to pick up an online grocery order and get a prescription for Pat.  We might go to Ruby Tuesdays for our main meal today as they have their $5 hamburger and fries offer until 3 pm.  I was pleased this morning to read that the  Clemson University football team had become the National Champions by beating Alabama rather handily last night.  I watched the first half of the game but it had started late and I didn't want to stay up until 11:30 or after to finish the game.

Janet, with regard to John he is an example of a person who will not let others help him and he is not willing to take good care of himself.  He is an adult and that is his right.  I know you care for him and worry about him but he is not your responsibility and your worry accomplishes nothing. 

Carol, it is interesting how often our plans don't work out as as expected.  It seems that when we need it the most our electronics sometime let us down.  It sounds like you are getting a lot of use from your Instant Pot. 

Jackie, you are so right in that there is little one can do for another adult who refuses such help.

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is another sunny morning but today we will only get to 55 degrees.  Only two things on the schedule for today.  In about 40 minutes my friend will be here to work with me an hour.  Then this evening our Wednesday night dinners start again for the winter.  It is wings, mac and cheese, salad and dessert and this menu seems to be a favorite with the Wednesday night dinner group.  I seem to be running in slow gear this morning.

Carol

Larry:  You may think the instant pot (pressure cooker) could be addicting but I sure want to get my money's worth out of it.  I usually make two or three meals for the two of us in one recipe and bring a dish to our older neighbor.  She likes anything.  It was on sale for the 6 quart size at $85 one day with free shipping and some additional accessories - have never seen it that good after that one-day sale.  So, that is a lot of money to not be used often.  Anyway, I have liked everything cooked so far.  My split pea soup was not at thick as usual but the broth was so nice.    A Wednesday night supper out sounds great.  You made the right decision to move closer to Scott. 

We are very unhappy over the politics that are in our home state - more and more drugs allowed.  They are taking everything to the nth degree and on and on.  Bizarre and unhealthy.

We went to our Wednesday discount sale day and bought Acorn squash, zucchini as well as other veggies. 




 

Janet

I painted today, that always makes me happy!  Even if they don't turn out well, I have fun, and after all, it's only paper!

Our road is finally getting dried out enough that we can drive on it; have been driving across the grass, and that's not a good thing--for the grass, anyway.

Not much news from my corner.  I think we are going back to the gym tomorrow, after a long absence due to traveling.  Darrel was dressed to go yesterday, but I had other plans, so we waited.

Our Wednesday night church dinners started up again tonight, we had chili and cinnamon rolls.

I have an Instant Pot, too, but have barely used it.
I find the instructions very confusing.  :-\

I need to check online and see if I can find some good watercolor paper on sale.  :)
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. It is a sunny and chilly morning here in South Carolina and isn't suppose to get above 50 degrees today. I just called my friend and told him I wouldn't be going to coffee this morning as just don't have the energy.  We did go to the dinner at the Church last evening but it wasn't memorable other than I sat next to a man who is new to our Church and I had never seen before. We had a nice visit.  I had texted Scott yesterday afternoon to ask him to meet us at the door where we enter the Church and then take and park the car, which he did and I really appreciated it.  He then came out and spent a couple of hours with us.  Ruby Tuesdays has a buy one get one free meal today.  We might go to that if I can get up enough energy by mid-afternoon. 

Carol, I expect once you get over the first time jitters with the Instant Pot you will like it.  It avoid a lot of standing at the stove and makes really good meals.  Pat bought her Instant Pot on sale also for about the price you mentioned but I don't remember what came with it and know she later bought a number of other accessories to go with it.  It seems that what is happening in our country with drugs and some other things is like the old adage about the nose of the camel in the tent.

Janet, it sounds like your Wednesday night Church dinner may have been better than ours.  Glad you were able to paint yesterday.  It has been a long time since I had a really good cinnamon roll and I like them fixed as sticky buns.  Have you watched any video on using the Instant Pot?

Marilyn

My post disappeared.

Eyes are doing great saw the eye DR. yesterday and will have the final pot op appointment the end of this month, then we will see if I need glasses.

I have to spend my share of the Part D before I can get the Eliquis from the company for no cost. So I paid $187. for 30 day supply  yesterday.

I fired the Occupational therapist because she was so condescending to Keith treating him like a total invalid which he isn't. She also insulted the intelligence of the caregiver and talked down to me as well.

He no longer needs a walker or a gate belt and can take a shower by himself. She suggested that I need to hire a full time live in caregiver. Not gonna happen that's what I am. Grrrr makes me mad just telling all y'all about it.


"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. It is another sunny but chilly morning here and we are only going to get up into the low 50's this afternoon.  After a couple extreme exhaustion days I am feeling more alive this morning.  I have fixed Pat's breakfast and emptied the dish washer.  I plan on taking the rest of the morning quietly.  Our house keeper will be here in about 25 minutes.  Since I am feeling like getting out today we plan on going out to eat our main meal at Honey from the Rock and then stopping at the shoe store as I need a new pair of shoes and I want ones that I don't have to tie.  That will be plenty for today. 

Marilyn, good for you in firing the Occupational Therapist if you were not happy with the person.  It sounds like Keith is making good progress in his physical recovery.  I hope the Eliquis is helpful to you.  Those insurance deductibles gets us all at the beginning of the year.

Carol

Don had an early VA appointment and was told to be there 30 minutes ahead of time.  The doors were still closed for another 20 minutes of standing outside. 

Janet:  Look through YouTube and see if there are any good photos.  It does cook fast but there is a lengthy time you wait for the IPot to lose steam that isn't included in recipe fixing time.  Try easy things first, maybe oats and dried fruit for breakfast or try sweet potatoes.  Read directions twice so you don't miss anything - you will do fine. 

Marilyn:  That is great news your eyes are better. 

My calendar is filling up - I want to have time to visit a cousin from Washington who "winters" in Yuma.  We are planning to drive to California to meet oldest son and wife who will be there on business.  The month of March - I really need to be healthy - because it is almost full right now. 

Larry:  I found a packaged Thai meal at grocery store yesterday - all it needs is chicken and I can figure out how to cook the meat first and throw the rest into the iPot.  I'll let you know how that turns out if you are interested - we like Thai food.  I hope it is peanut flavored. 




Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. After 4 or 5 sunny and fairly warm days we are going to have cloudy skies and cooler weather today.  We do go out to lunch at Honey from the Rock and it was very good as usual and very busy yesterday.  From there we went to the shoe store where Pat is getting her shoes and you sit down and someone waits on you.  I found the shoes I wanted, which are slip ons.  These are the most expensive shoes I have ever purchased but I expect then to last for several years and they were comfortable out of the box.  The only thing I plan to do today is go to my meeting in a few minutes and then after resting this afternoon I will watch some basketball and pro football this afternoon. 

Carol, I think we have had Thai food only once in our lives and that was at a nice restaurant.  What I got was so spicy I really couldn't tell much about the rest of the meal.  Pat has found a great way to shred baked boneless chicken when it is cooked and that is to put it in the mixer and it makes quick work of the job and does a good job.

Janet

Carol and Larry--when we were in Thailand, the food was wonderful!!  We really did enjoy it. Here, in "Thai" restaurants?  Not so much.

We got more rain, and a beautiful snow on top of it.  Looks so pretty, but I'm happy I do not need to go anywhere today!
We have drifts out there I'm not sure we could get through anyway.

I am happy to say I'm feeling a whole lot better today, so I'm doing laundry and I'm going to my studio and paint between loads!!

We have a ham bone (from Christmas) with a good amount of meat on it cooking, and a big pot of beans.  That will be good!  Maybe I'll get ambitious and make some cornbread, too!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Carol

It snowed 7 inches at home - grateful for any moisture.

Janet:  When we were in Thailand, I just loved two little girls who wanted to hold my hand.  If I could have - I would have brought them home. We don't have the best Thai food (in Seattle) but like a couple of Asian places in Denver.  Taking leftovers will make it 3 meals for the price of one.   ^-^   Glad you are feeling better.







This morning was spent with laundry and deep cleaning stuff - including tearing apart the toaster so there would be no crumbs (fire hazard).  At least, that is the way I think - the worst.

Prayers for the young girl who escaped her kidnapper in Wisconsin. 

 

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. We are to have a cloudy and chilly day today.  I don't plan on getting out today as just not up to attending Church this morning.  Yesterday was really a down down.  I did attend my Saturday meeting yesterday but realized when I got there I should have stayed home.  I did watch several basketball games and also watched the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Cleveland Colts.  They were playing in Kansas City and my SIL said they had had 11 inches of snow and it was still snowing during the game although that had little impact on the game.

Janet, I wonder if they try to Americanize the Thai food here in the USA.  I just searched and found there are several Thai restaurants in our vicinity.  Nice to read you were feeling better yesterday. 

Carol, the only kitchen appliance we leave plugged in is our coffee maker.  We always unplug our toaster oven.  It was certainly a blessing that the young girl in Wisconsin was able to escape but what an overall tragedy.

Janet

Good morning!  We did go to church and I'm glad we didn't try to get out in the car!  Darrel brought the big pickup around, it does fine, but the ruts are too deep for a low-slung car.  Attendance at church was better than I thought it might be, considering conditions.  We did think about staying home, but when we feel good, we hesitate to miss.  It's far too easy to start finding excuses not to go, as I learned many years ago.

Larry, I'm concerned about you, so am stepping up my prayers in your behalf.  So glad you listen to your body and take the best care of yourself that you can.

I'm not sure if we have a Thai restaurant anywhere in our vicinity now.  But we have tried a few in the past, and were disappointed.

I wanted to eat lunch while we were in town, but got out-voted.  Seems the driver has the winning vote!  ;) That means we need to find something to eat around here.  I really don't want beans again, at least until tomorrow!

We watched the Chiefs win last night, too.  That made us happy!  This is the best season they have had in a long time. Their young quarterback is amazing, and they say he is well-liked by everybody.

John didn't show up at church again today.  I tried calling him, no answer.  As Larry said, he is not my responsibility, but I am concerned about him.

I never did get any painting done yesterday, guess I just wasn't really in the mood.  I tried and tried to decide on what to attempt, no luck.  :-\

I wish you all a restful, peaceful and blessed afternoon!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is going to be another overcast and pretty chilly day.  We didn't get out of the house yesterday and I doubt we do today.  I am feeling some better this morning so hope to have a good day.  A friend will be here shortly to work with me for an hour.  I have nothing else on the schedule for today so it should be a pretty quiet day.

Janet, it sounds like your roads are like what I remember we experienced on the farm before the roads were graveled and then sometimes we still have the problem with winter and spring ruts and very rough roads.  I will take all the prayers I can get and I thank you.  It sounds like the weather in Kansas City may not be very good this weekend. I do hope John is OK.

Jacqueline

I hope John learns how to ask for help...one of the hardest things to do when one has learnt how to shun all forms of help for so long... ( Dont know whether it is stubbornness, pride or stupidity )...although he may just surprise us all one day...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Janet

We just got home from the gym.  I only did some walking on the treadmill, as I'm feeling really tired, and just didn't have any more to give.  I was hurting until 4 AM, so very little sleep. I doubt I will get much done today.

I called John again yesterday, but no answer.  I agree with you, Jackie, but I surely don't have any answers to the dilemma. I will try calling again today.

My sister got to go home last week, that's good news! She is determined to do all she can to get better!

Larry, you are a much-loved friend, and I will continue to pray for you!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Jacqueline

Janet...
...no, there are no answers, all you can really do is contact others you think could help, and to let others know how much you have tried to help, and just cover yourself...If sadly, there is any unfortunate comebacks, if the worst comes to its worst...Same for Richard and all who tried to help his male friend, although some tried harder than others, ( one lady, the wife of one of his male friends, who I never knew her myself did try to notify an authority, ) nor did I know Richards friend, just briefly met him once sitting in his car, I went out to introduce myself but he wasn't a communicator and I knew he didn't want to speak...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Marilyn

Janet, I tried this  recipe in my new Instant Pot yesterday and the chicken came out so tender and sooo good. She give such easy instructions to follow. https://www.simplyhappyfoodie.com/instant-pot-chicken-breast/

All is well here I will be going to Hospice to work for a couple of hours in the office of the education building. I will be doing this every Tuesday.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. It is another cloudy morning and still chilly outside.  I am late getting here this morning as slept in until about 8:15 and would have slept longer except Pat woke me up.  My friend was here to work with me at 9 so didn't have any time to spare but did get my breakfast eaten.  There is nothing else on the schedule for today although I am hopeful that we can get out and go to Ruby Tuesday's for their $5 salad buffet, which makes a very good main meal. 

Janet, I sure hope you are feeling better today and more rested.  You are doing all you can do as you try to check on John.  He is an adult and makes his own choices, as he should.  Glad to read your sister is home and attitude counts for a lot of recovery.  Again thank you for your prayers. 

Jackie, we can only offer our friendship but it is not our responsibility if the other person chooses not to return it as you will know. We can never know what is really going on in a person's mind.

Marilyn, meats do come out of the Instant Pot very moist and tender.  Nice of you to continue your efforts for Hospice.

Carol

Too much time this morning was spent on syncing our two computer calendars.  So much was lost on mine when my laptop stopped working.  Microsoft had to authenticate everything and they don't give you more than a nano second to listen to the 7 numbers of the code.  I don't know how everyone can pass that test.  Do these people have no common sense? 

Marilyn:  I printed the chicken breast recipe and have been thinking about trying one some day.  Thank you.

It is that time of the year - two cousins and spouses are making plans to visit - one will drive and the other couple will fly - both from mid-western Minnesota.  We will see them when they arrive at another cousin's home.   

I am happy to report that I am half way in reading the bible chapters that church printed for daily thoughts.

Back to mending a sweater.   


 

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. It is a beautiful and sunny Wednesday morning with not a cloud to be seen.  I have another friend coming to work with me in less than an hour.  Then this evening we will go to the Church for our Wednesday night dinner and hopefully get an update on the surgery our pastor was to have today in Mayo's.  Then we expect that Scott will come out to visit for awhile.  That will be plenty for today with what I have already done this morning.

Carol, I am not familiar with the authentication code required by Microsoft.  I doubt there are any people working for Microsoft or other huge Internet sites that have many, if any, people near our ages.  It sounds like you don't have to host your Minnesota cousins since you are seeing them at another cousin's home.

Janet

I'm here!  But not staying, as this is painting day!!

Marilyn, I will go back and print the recipe, I should be using the instant pot more.  I have trouble with all things electronic!!

Gotta go load my painting stuff and round up a salad to take for lunch!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Carol

Larry:  Mayo is a great place - I brought my mother there when she was showing signs of dementia.  It was early in January in Rochester Minnesota, everything was frozen.  We were just a few blocks from the hospital and they cleared the sidewalks so nicely (they know how to shovel snow in that state).  I was so impressed by the kindness shown of all the staff and there was no rush to push us out quickly.  Wishing a fast recovery for your pastor.  He is in good hands with that hospital.  There is a Mayo in Scottsdale also.

We are concerned and praying for a good friend who just told us he has an aggressive cancer and he does not want our other friends to know just yet.  His wife passed from West Nile Virus a few years ago - it was unusual for the area. 

Don is off for a history class.  I used the iPot for a stew of my own recipe - tending to cook most of the time  without any recipe and this turned out pretty good.  Leftovers are in two quart jars in the fridge.  Mornings are in the 30 degrees now but still sunshine. 


Rebot

Greetings Larry  A few weeks since I posted, reasons for that, however, I wont bore people about it.  Sunshine in Ellan Vannin, Cold at 43F -brrr!     

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is a really chilly morning but it is suppose to get into the upper 50's this afternoon and there is a 40% chance of rain later today.  I did not go to the Wednesday night dinner at the Church last night as just didn't feel like getting out.  Scott came out and took his mother to dinner and brought me home a meal.  He came back out this morning and has taken his mother to Costco to get a few things.  I slept in this morning and am not moving very quickly.  I didn't feel up to going to coffee this morning either.

I am not going to try to comment to everyone today as just don't feel up to it.  However I am reading all of the postings. 

Our minister went to Mayo's yesterday and hit another snag.  They showed that his insurance had turned down the surgery.  He had to call back here to have a member of our Church get into his home and find the piece of paper showing the surgery had been approved.  Just what he and his wife needed was more stress.  Fortunately it appears to be straightened our and the surgery is taking place today.  He expects to be home on Saturday. 

Rebot, glad to see your posting this morning.

Jacqueline

#48
Just had a strange thought...If plants, trees and flowers can come alive again after dying, then why cant we?....I think that answers the question of..."is there an afterlife, life after death "...well yes if course there is, why would anyone even question that...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Marilyn

Today is  our regular Friday night dinner with high school friends of Keith, we had not been there since October. We went last week as Keith is doing so much better. One thing that may stop us is the rain it is supposed to give us about 2" today of heavy rain.

I  was amazed at how good I can see since the last eye surgery., although the left eye is still fuzzy. I will ask the Dr about that when I go back on the 30th.

Larry how are you feeling. I have not had another AFIB episode since that first one just before Christmas.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

Janet

Larry, sorry to see that you're still not feeling up to par--will increase my prayers for you.

Jackie, there is NO doubt about life after death!  The big question is--where will we spend eternity?  It is so easy to choose to accept Jesus, thus assuring ourselves of eternity in heaven; but also too easy to put off the decision, thus choosing eternity in hell by default. :'(

Marilyn, glad your eyes are doing good.  I'm very happy that I can still read, even though I'd like to still be able to drive at night, too.  But if I'd been given the choice, I would choose reading!

We skipped dinner and church on Wednesday night, as the weather was bad and our roads looked impassable.  We very seldom miss anything at church.

I wish I could sleep at night when I need to be sleeping. I was awake again last night from midnight to 4 AM, then went back to bed and slept until 7:30.  Sure does mess up my days when that happens.  But I did go to the gym, just later than usual.

Sending best wishes and praying healing and blessing over each of you, my friends.
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Janet   We have an old custom in the United Kingdom when we find sleeping difficult.  It is counting sheep and it does work for some.   And hubby tells me it is a custom on the Isle of Man as well.

Janet

Rebot, I've heard of that all my life; but it's never worked for me!  Maybe because I've never been around sheep!  ;)  Cows, horses, pigs....no sheep!  This is cattle country!  I remember trying to visualize sheep jumping over a barrier one after another when I was much younger, but it didn't seem to make me sleepy.  Thanks for the smile tonight!  I think maybe the advice from a song would work better, that says "When you're restless and you can't sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep, and you'll fall asleep counting your blessings!"

We are having another really fierce winter storm with blowing snow and freezing temperatures.  Our new governor declared an emergency before the storm even hit.  I don't think she knows what she's doing, but that's just my opinion.
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Janet Someone told me that if I could not sleep, trying hiding my bedside table clock.
 
What! I thought.

Then my friend explained, when you cannot sleep, you keeping looking at the clock.  This can make sleeping, even  harder to occur, because the longer you go without falling asleep, the more stressed you become.

No clock - No Stress and sleep will happen.

Not sure I agree with my friend, but I will give his idea a go!    /font]

Jacqueline

Ellie...
...not such a good Idea as it first sounds...If you have no clock you may feel it is later than it is and time to get up when it isn't, and worse if you put your bedside lamp on, your eyes become accustomed to the light and you may not get back to sleep again...Let nature take its course, listen to your body, your own body clock...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  We are to have a cloudy but very warm day getting up to 70 degrees this afternoon.  I am sorry I wasn't up to posting yesterday.  I decided yesterday morning it was time to go to our prompt care to see if my sodium had gotten too low and try to get something to deal with this sinus and headache.  The nurse practitioner, which is what you see at the prompt care facilities came in and told me I needed to go to the ER as they didn't have the facilities to do the lab work needed there.  I came home and Pat took me to the ER where I spent about 4 hours.  The test ruled out low sodium as the cause for my exhaustion, the chest xray was OK.  He gave me a prescription for an antibiotic for the sinus.  He asked me if I wanted him to admit me to the hospital and I said no.  I will contact my cardiologist next week and try to get in to see him before the appointment I have set up for mid-February.  I will read all the postings here so I can keep up with what is going on but just don't feel up to making comments today as just don't have the energy.

Marilyn

"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

Janet

Prayers, Larry.
We had planned to go to Garden City today to a fund raiser for the Patriot Flights, but were afraid the roads were too icy and dangerous.  So we are just staying in today.

I'm reading a book on the Keto Diet, think we will start on that.  Lots of people are getting really good results; not only losing weight, but it helps with so many diseases, too.  (By 'helps' I mean they improve in these areas.)

My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Larry  Keeping you in my thoughts.   

Rebot

Greetings
The idea of not having a clock on your bedside table, was one of what I called from living most of life in London; Old Wives Tales.  And there are many of them.

And many folks believe in Old Wives Tales. Using them to this very day.

For example, taking a warm bath at night. 

How about wearing socks to bed!

Spraying lavender on your pillow, smells wonderful.

Having a beer at night, or two, three or four will definitely make you sleep 😊

It will also make you wake up a few times during the night as well 😊

Many people find getting to sleep easy, but many find getting sleep
difficult.

My vocation in life helped patients in many ways with sleep problems.  As I looked at patients posture to make sure it did not hinder when they rested.

I devised exercise programmes for patients, in the main to make them relax in the hour before they retired for the night.


Janet

Rebot, I have learned there is a lot of truth to some of those old wives tales!  And in some there is none.  I hope I find something soon that will work to help me sleep; I have been awake since midnight, finally gave it up and got up and cleaned the kitchen, now here I am, and it's now 3:45 AM.  Sigh....

I don't like to take any unnecessary medications, even Tylenol or Ibuprofen, but sometimes they do help me get back to sleep.

My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Marilyn

#61
Janet maybe a diffuser with  Lavender Essential oil would help you. I put the oil in my COPD machine water chamber. You can also put the oil on your wrist and the best place is the bottom of your feet, they are the most absorbent location on your entire body. As a child did your mother ever rub Vicks on your feet when you had a cold or cough.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  Our morning starts out clear and sunny but it is suppose to be cloudy most of the day.  We are to get to the low 50's today, which I know sounds good to many of you dealing with very cold and unpleasant weather.  I had a rough day yesterday and spent a good part of it either in bed or laying back in my easy chair.  Around 8 pm last evening I suddenly realized I was feeling better than I have for several days and I was able to get a good nights sleep.  I have done a couple of things this morning that have pretty well used up my energy, at least for now.  I do appreciate your concern and welcome your prayers and kind thoughts.  I am still not up to trying to go to Church this morning.  I forgot to write yesterday that our ministers surgery was a success and I am sure he is now home and I know he has a meeting planned this afternoon with the new leadership of the Church for this coming year. 

Marilyn and Janet, thank you and I do believe in the power of prayer. 

Rebot, greetings to you and thanks for thinking of me.  I liked the Old Wives Tales and I have heard of many of them as well.  I do wear socks to bed to deal with my cold feet. I'll leave the Lavender Essential oil to you ladies. 

Janet, I feel for you not being able to sleep much. I am sure you would rather be sleeping than cleaning your oven in the middle of the night.

Janet

Marilyn and Rebot--I am not a fan of essential oils at all; especially lavender!  I was given some to try, put it on the soles of my feet, and it kept me awake until I got up and washed it off!  I like the smell of a small lavender sachet, but the oil is just overpowering and obnoxious to me.  (And I know I'm really in the minority here.)  I am about ready to try most anything, as I had another crazy night last night, was up for hours..... :(

Yes, Marilyn, Mom did put Vicks on me, and I absolutely hated it!  Still do!  Only thing worse is Mentholatem!! :P

Larry, so good to read you are feeling some better, and pray that continues!

Darrel is watching football, and I will, too, when the Chiefs-Patriots game comes on, but two in a row is too much for me!  GO, CHIEFS!

It's warmer today, our last snow has melted and the road is improving.....slowly.

See you tomorrow!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Janet  I am not a fan of Essential Oils either.  It was my way of including  some of the Old Wives Tales, of what might aid sleeping.

Have you tried an exercise programme?

Jacqueline

#65
I love the smell of lavender and use a lavender filled cushion placed on my pillow...I am not into essential oils as I know thy have to be diluted with other things, a carrier oil..they must not, cannot be used undiluted on the skin...
Link...
https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/dilutingessentialoils.asp

Oh yes, the smell of the Vicks gel, I remember as a child having that rubbed over my back, chest, and round my neck and throat to try to rid me of a cold, laying in bed feeling sticky and greasy in my winceyette material pyjamas, and the smell lingering strong....but hey, our parents knew what was best...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  We had a sunny day all day yesterday which was enjoyable.  I had wanted to go out mid-afternoon for our main meal but didn't feel up to doing so when I got up from resting.  So Pat fixed us each a hamburger, frest spinach salad and applesauce.  I did watch both of the pro football playoff games, which turned out to be super games both going into overtime.  I am up early as couldn't go back to sleep after Pat came to bed around 2:30.  I have nothing planned for today as not feeling perky. 

Once again I am going to be brief today and just check in.

Janet

Larry, that was really unusual for both championship games to go into overtime, wasn't it?
Of course, we were really disappointed that KC didn't win, now I don't care whether I watch the Super Bowl or not.

Rebot, I go to the gym and exercise five days a week. I'll have to find something to get me past this problem; it isn't any fun to be wide awake at night and sleepy all day.  :(

Jackie, re parents knowing what is best---not always!  ;) But they do always mean well, or I should say those deserving to be called parents do.  It's the smell of the Vicks that I dislike so much.  However, a few years ago I used it on a toenail that had fungus, and it cured that!! :)

Larry, did you get your doctor's appointment moved up?
I'm very concerned about you.  Prayers continue!

Hope you all enjoy your afternoon!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Jacqueline

#68
Janet...
...agree, but how many things do we still do that our parents once done? whether good or bad, right or wrong...re, for medicinal purposes...guess some of these things get passed through our generation, our families, and we still swear by them, and use them...

Larry Hanna...
...I hope to see you " back in the land of the  living.." very soon, ( back on par, re, your health situation, ) an expression my late father often used...

I have been having inside cheek lining mouth trouble, been going on for over six weeks, I know I should get it checked by the dentist or Doctor...it has been worrying - concerning me, even though I cant see anything, I can feel it - the sensations, I know somethings not right, it has gone on too long now...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  Just checking in for today.  I was able to get an appointment with my former cardiologist for Thursday morning.  She has moved to an Aiken  Cardiologist practice and her office is about 26 minutes from where I live.  I have not been able to get my current doctor to respond to my calls or messages.  Scott will take us there.

Rebot

Greetings Larry  Do let me know how your appointment at the Cardiologist goes on Thursday morning.

Rebot

  Greetings Janet  My advice about exercises was not about your gym exercise during the day.  It was to do with an exercise programme, prior to retiring for the night.  Which  is something completely different.

Rebot

Greetings All  Cold with a few snow showers overnight. Not as much snow as in some parts of the United Kingdom.  I used to watch the TV News, but it is all about Brexit and it gets a bit boring after a time.   

Carol

1g[Good day to all or good evening to the UK. 

We watched college hockey several nights - Gustavus Adolphus beat Augustana the rival team which was in 4th. place nation wide.  There were three games on three nights. Don works so hard to get the broadcasts streaming onto our television. We watched the football game too - sad.  Yesterday, I went to a free movie alone because Don had to rest from a health issue he had early in the morning.  He was fine so I felt that I could leave.  The story was about the women who worked at NASA - women of color and it was situated in the state of Virginia.  Amazing!  Forgot the name already.  :-[

Rebot:  Brexit is all the news we are getting from your part of the world too.  I suppose you only read/hear the worst of the worst stories very embellished from our way.  It is rare to hear good news.  Stay warm -

Larry:  That is not a good sign when you cannot get a message back from your doctor's office.  We have to say that the Veterans doctors have treated Don very nicely and they keep in touch with the electronic sites plus phone calls. 



 

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. Just checking in for this Wednesday.  I probably won't post in the morning as have the appointment with the cardiologist in the morning.

Rebot

Greetings Carol  It is still daytime here on the Island, 3.55pm.

Jacqueline

Larry Hanna...
...shame on your current Doctor - surgery receptionists for not responding to your recent telephone - message requests...
Wishing a positive outcome for tomorrows medical appointment visit...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Rebot

Greetings Carol  A lot of time is being spent on Brexit.  We expected that other European countries would give a lot of air time on Brexit, but we did not think America would have covered the news so much.  Where we live, we are only 70 miles from both Ireland and Liverpool in the North West of England and while the UK is in the European Union, the Isle of Man is not.

We do read and hear about American News, As we do get good coverage of the American news.

Rebot

Greetings Everyone  A busy afternoon ahead, but I thought I would drop in and read the posts.  It seems only little of me here and yes I am little at five foot!     

Janet

Rebot, my Dad used to say, "It isn't size that counts; if it were, a cow could outrun a jackrabbit!"  ;)

I am concerned to see that Larry didn't post this morning. I hope it's only because of his appointment.  Praying for him!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  I just now have the opportunity to post.  I am too tired to write anymore this evening.

Jacqueline

Larry Hanna...
....sounds like it has been an exhausting, and a long day...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Janet

Larry, please just rest.  We will be here and happy to hear from you as you feel able. Love in Jesus, Janet.
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Liz

Hi from a wet, grey island.
I was Ill over the holidays so did not wish everyone the usual greetings.
So far this new year is kind of unpleasant. My SIL has a health problem, GD I not well, her fiancé is not well, my daughter is in constant pain and I have had to sit up for the past 3 weeks due to a compressed fracture In my back.  Plus legs and feet are so terribly swollen....Oh, and our cat has Asthma and is on meds. Can we get a due over??? :'(

I follow all the world news and of course get all the American channels here in BC.  I especially like 
Pixell 11 from New York. Will not comment as do have strong opinions .....at 86 yrs of age there is little about the human race that can now surprise me!

Janet, when unable to sleep have found that counting backwards from 999 will often do the trick,  Never worked with sheep....
I still have to figure out this new version of the site.  Including how to enlarge the text.

I am hoping to one day be able to lay down again, at the moment it is too painful. Teddy the at keeps me company and that sure helps.

Take care all and remember to keep smiling.

God Bless 
Liz
CHANGE NOT THY FAITH WITH CHANGING TIMES

Liz

Think the post disappeared.   Just wanted to say that physio is using that new lazer treatment on my back and it really helps with the severe pain.
Liz










CHANGE NOT THY FAITH WITH CHANGING TIMES

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  We have a beautiful sunny morning and it is to be partly cloudy the rest of the day but no rain in the forecast.  My cardiologist thinks I am suffering from severe dehydration probably caused the the higher dosage of Entresto that I have been taking for several weeks.  So she cut it back to 1/4th of what I was taking.  I have to go back for a series of blood tests Monday or Tuesday and then again in 7 days.  She also took me off of the Digoxin that I started a few weeks ago and changed the diuretic and told me not to take the statin drug  unless my diastolic pressure is 63 or above.  It was 40 in the right arm yesterday and 41 in the left arm when the nurse took it yesterday.  I finally got a fairly good nights sleep last night after having a cup of Camomile Tea around midnight. I had been getting very little sleep for the last few days.   I am having trouble concentrating and it took me better than an hour to remove medicine certain medicine from my pill boxes and get the right dosage in replacement.  The doctor told me not to expect immediate recovery.  She wants me to limit my fluid intake to no more than 1 1/2 liters of liquid a day due to the kidney disease.  I have read all of the postings but don't have the energy to try to make replies to the good posting.

Jacqueline

Larry Hanna...
...never realised you had also been coping with kidney disease...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Rebot

Greetings Janet  I would not like to get in the way of a cow that could run as fast as a jackrabbit :) 

Janet

Rebot--- :lol: That put quite a picture in my mind!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Janet

Larry, SO good to have you back! We just got home from Garden City, went to get groceries and it took longer as I was searching for certain oils and things for the Keto diet.  I got most of what I need.

Now I want to rest a few minutes before we go to a fund-raising soup supper.  I will post more tomorrow.
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Everyone  It is a wet day here on dear old Ellan Vannin.   Not a day to go out, though I will get hubby out later in the afternoon.

Janet Yes splendid seeing Larry posting.  How did your fund raiser go last night Janet?

Larry splendid seeing you posting again, missed your posts!

Marilyn

So good to see your post Larry. I was  concerned about you. All is well here, Keith may be getting the wound vac removed on Monday when the Home Health nurse comes. He will be so happy  to finally be rid of it. I am doing well with the new meds  after the AFIB incident  just before Christmas.   

Janet I hope you are finally getting some sleep.

Hello Rebot where is Ellan Vannin I assume in  the UK but just what part of the UK?
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is a beautiful sunny and cold morning here in South Carolina and we are to enjoy the sun all day long.  I had another cup of Camomile tea last night before I went to bed and had the best nights sleep I have had for a long time as slept at least 10 hour.  Wish I could say I have more energy this morning but that is not the case but will just take things one day at a time.  I don't have anything I need to do today so sure I will be watching some college basketball games this afternoon. 

Jackie, the kidney disease hasn't progressed for a long time and is not something I have been concerned with.  Actually I don't spend much time worrying about anything.  ;D

Janet, I hope your fund raising soup dinner last night was a big success. 

Rebot, thanks and I was glad to feel like posting a little more yesterday.  I hope you and your husband enjoyed your outing yesterday. 

Marilyn, I am sure it will be a relief for Keith and you bothto get the drain removed.  Glad you are doing well on your new meds.

Rebot

Greetings Marilyn  I imagine you know we live on the Isle of Man, well Ellan Vannin is the Manx language name for Isle of Man.

Rebot

Greetings Larry  Sleep is good for us all, especially when health matters affect us. 

Jacqueline

Larry Hanna...
...I am one of life's worriers but I know worrying doesn't get us anywhere...Anyway, at least it gives me something to do... :D

It is raining " cats and dogs " here...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Carol

We finished chatting with one son - he and friends are going to the annual rodeo in Denver today. 

Rebot:  We just checked out Elan Vannin (Isle of Man) and the photos show some wonderful and ancient places.  Very interesting. I don't believe all of the news anymore as some only show the worst side of every story.  Take care - I imagine you are looking forward to some spring-time weather just as we are in the states. 

Larry:  Words of wisdom from you - on not worrying.



 

Rebot

Greetings Jacqueline  My hubby told me a few years ago, that if he did not have something to worry about, he would worry why he was not worrying about something.

My vocation in life or my job, saw me advising people  about positive thinking.  Then again, only for people who it would benefit.

Rebot

Greetings Carol I have only lived on the Isle of Man for a few years, the time since we were married.  My hubby has lived here all his life and I know like him, it is a lovely place to live.

He often says Island living is much different than living in places like the UK and large countries.  And I am beginning to understand that.  Here you can go out and leave your front door unlocked, which I did not do in the UK. And people have more time for you.   

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. Just checking in today.  I just don't have the energy to make individual comments.  I am reading the comments and that will be it for today.

Rebot

Greetings to you today Larry. Rest as long as you need. 

Rebot

Greetings Everyone  It is much colder today on the Isle of Man.  And Gale force winds overnight and through until about 1.00pm  A washing day for me and looking after hubby!

Carol

Larry:  I hope you had a good restful day and continue to take care. 

Don tells me that St. Peter, Minnesota will have a minus 57*F.  That is where one grandson plays hockey and actually goes to school.  He has a summer job again teaching hockey to youngsters - they asked for him to be their coach as he did this last year.  I don't think we will ever get him out of the small city and Minnesota.  He loves it.  He also attends the church on campus so he doesn't have to walk far.

Rebot:  Years ago, even in a city, we could leave a car with windows down and unlocked - even houses were not locked.  Laughing over how some would lock the front door and not the back door - as if a thief wouldn't go to the back.  Mom used to fix a plate of food any time of the day as we had hobos _(usually, men who were poor and traveling) come to the lawn and sit outdoors until we noticed, then I brought a meal for them.  No problems in those days.  It sounds like you are in a peaceful part of the world.  Best wishes for you and your hubby!

Off to a class in genealogy - wishing that I never signed on. 




JohnB

Hi everyone. Well another day at home with the school bus parked. Buses were cancelled this morning due to severe cold in our area. It was minus 40 F. in this area this morning at 7am. To cold for the kiddies to stand out and wait fro the bus to come along. So put an extra log on the fire and stay in where it is warm. Will take some pictures soon and post them of the snow in this area. About the middle of January we had already doubled last years snowfall for the whole year. We have another 20 inches or so forecast over the next 2 weeks. Fun times in the north. Till next post. Blessings everyone.
Phil. 1: 21. For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.



Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. I am really late posting today as had to go early to have some blood drawn.  Scott take me and I was able to use the transport chair.  By the time he left this morning I was ready to lay down for a couple of hours.  I have decided until I get to feeling stronger I am going to use the small rollator we have here in the house as I am weak and want to avoid a fall.  Hopefully using this will be short term and I will soon begin to feel stronger although my doctor warned me this may be a slow process and I think she was right as have really seen no improvement and have no energy or stamina.  I will go again next Monday for a second blood draw and will see my cardiologist on the 7th.  It was nice to get out this morning as it was bright and sunny and in the low 40's.  Once again I am going to beg off from individual responses to posting but I have read all of them.  I feel for you all up north with the brutal weather hitting you all.

Janet

Larry, it's best to use safety devices until you are stronger and don't feel you need them any more. Glad Scott could take you for your blood draw.  We will hold the fort here, and keep you in our prayers.

John, good to see a post from you.  Minus 40????  BRRR!! That's some kind of cold, all right.  And I cannot imagine having that much snow!  Wow!  Glad you are doing well, and do pop in more often.

Carol, we only began locking our door a few years ago, and same with the car doors.  My mother in law used to say that if you locked your doors, no one could get in to bless you!

Your grandson is surely learning what COLD is, too!  I have a niece in Benson, Minnesota; wonder how cold it is there?

I baked a loaf of chocolate banana bread today, haven't baked anything in ages.  Will take to my painting group on Wednesday.

Our car died, I mean stone cold dead.  It wouldn't do anything this morning.  So Lincoln had to call a fellow to come load and haul it to Garden City for repairs.  We are hoping it isn't the batteries for the hybrid power! That will cost a bundle if it is the problem.  We shall see, in the meantime, I'm glad we have the old Mercury and Darrel's nice pickup.

Tonight really is the fund raising soup supper by the Ministerial Alliance.  We plan to go again, and this time, we should even get to eat!  ;)
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Everyone  A cold day on the Island again today, but some good sunny spells, so it felt pleasant in the sun.  The temperature was 44F.

Greetings Carol  When I have been in London, I see so many people living on the streets, homeless people and it makes me sad to see them.   /font]

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is already 10:45 and I am still trying to get my breakfast eaten.  I did sleep well last night except for a stint around midnight when I couldn't seem to get enough air in my lungs so got up and sat in my easy chair for an hour or so.  However, I went back to bed and had a good night sleep.  This morning I got up again very short of breath and have been moving very slowly ever since.  I will just read yesterday and today's posting so far but don't have the energy to make individual comments.

Rebot

Greetings Larry  Sorry to hear you are short of breath today.  Keeping you in my thoughts as I am for any of us not having good health at the moment

Janet

Larry, as always, wishing you better health and energy, and keeping you in my prayers. Thanks for checking in, and it's fine if you can't say much.

Rebot, when out temps are in the 40's we feel it's a really nice day!  We had 13* this morning as we left for the gym.  :)

Not sure what I will be doing this afternoon, but hope I can get in the mood to paint!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Janet   Cold day here!  Temperature is 43F and parts of the UK are forecast to have snow. Nery little on the Island, only on high ground. 

Carol

It is nice to see responses from a few of you who have been missed - take care in the weather situations around our global community. 

Judy:  How are you faring?  And, please tell us how Pat is doing now - I have not seen anything from her in quite some time.  I am glad the bus was stopped for at least one of the winter days - best to be safe for everyone. 

Larry:  Blessings on you and your family.   

Our daughter's house had more than 14 inches of snow one day this week.  The dogs had a lot of fun. 




Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is a sunny morning and we are headed to a cloudy afternoon.  It was below freezing last night but we should probably get to 50 this afternoon.  I did have a good nights sleep last night and didn't want to to get up this morning.  I had to take my shower this morning and then lay back down for awhile to rest.  It is almost 11 am and I am just now getting around to eating my breakfast so this will also be my lunch.  Pat just left to go to Walmart to pick up an online grocery order and will put the frozen things away when she gets home and ask Scott to bring in the rest when he come this afternoon.  He will take her to dinner at the Church and bring me home a box meal of what they are having.  I am just too tired to try to write individual responses but let you know that I am still alive if not perky.  Each day I hope to gain a little strength but it hasn't happened yet.  This looks like it is going to be a long period of recovery.

Rebot

Greetings Larry  Sleep is so important to our wellbeing. And I cannot stress enough  that a solid night's sleep is essential for a long and healthy life

Janet

I have decided the bed is the reason for my restless nights and lack of sleep.  So last night I slept in the other room on the tempurpedic mattress, and did a lot better.  This morning I ordered two twin size MyPillow mattress toppers, which we are hoping will alleviate my problem.  I have been doing well until about one or two PM, then my back starts hurting and I have to stop whatever I'm doing and rest a while. Maybe I need to see a doctor, but I don't know who to see.
Well, this problem may pass--I hope soon.

I went to paint today but wore out early and came home. Still driving the big pickup.  Last word we had, they hadn't even taken our car in to check on it.  :(

I need to rest before time to go to dinner at church. We are talking about Guatemala tonight and showing our pictures.
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Everyone  From a cold Isle of Man.   

Jacqueline

#116
Janet...
...that is what we tend to do isn't it?....wait and hope it will pass...I finally made my appointment for today to go see my dentist about my two plus months of inside cheek mouth problem, I too have been waiting for it to fizzle itself out but it hasn't...If only to put my mind at rest as this has been plaguing me, worrying me more than my MS has been doing...

Ellie...
...cold here and we may get snow within the next three days in the South West...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Rebot

Greetings Everyone  Another cold day on the Isle of Man, but we are lucky as hardly any snow, except from the Mountain and hills.

The BBC news highlighted the plight of the homeless on the streets in an in depth news report. It was sad to hear how some people have to live.

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is a bright and chilly morning but I think it will be sunny all day and we will get a little above 50 degrees.  I am just going to check in for today as have started the day exhausted.  I give credit to that cup of Chamomile tea for helping me get to sleep last night.  I was so tired at bedtime last night that I forget to drink it before retiring.  A little after midnight I got up and fixed it and sat up for an hour or so and then went to bed a was soon asleep.

Janet

Larry, I'm going to have to try the Chamomile tea!  But I got a good sleep last night, and yesterday I ordered two twin size MyPillow mattress pads for our adjustable bed.  We are hoping that helps both of us.  I guess if not, I will continue to sleep in the adjoining room on the tempurpedic mattress!

Jackie, I know I probably need to see my chiropractor about the back pain, and I will do that soon.  Maybe I will call today for an appointment.  Hope you get answers about your inside cheek pain!  That would be worrisome.

Rebot, our "Polar Vortex" weather has moved on so now we should get a warming trend, which will be welcomed.

I"m working on Valentine's bottles and doing laundry, so see you all later!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Jacqueline

Janet...
...my dentist ( private paid dentist ) thinks it maybe Neuralgia...he never said Trigeminal Neuralgia but if it is that, that would part explain that it is MS related..." type of nerve (neuropathic) pain in the side of the face and can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis.." He says I would need to pay a visit to my local GP after he gave my inside mouth - cheek where the problem lies, teeth and gums a good check-over and told me is not dental related, nor was it cancer as I had been secretly fearing...I like and trust this dentist and he didn't make me sound as if I was wasting his time...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Carol

It is a cool morning but nothing like most of the frigid USA.  I feel so sorry for everyone - we used to live in Minnesota and never missed a day of school or work even driving through heavy snow - but we could not do that again.  My relatives have horses to care for and other animals - they never get a day off. 

Wishing you could have some of my baking this morning.  I had a loaf of French bread and it was getting dry - so, I have two pans of the sliced bread soaked in a milk & spice mixture and will just bake it all - then freeze portions for desserts. 

Our sweet 90 plus neighbor is taking us out for lunch - she wants to "repay" for the jars of soup and other food I have passed on to her.  What a bright woman and fun to chat with - we keep in touch by phone all year long.  She has no living family and keeps herself up to date in all matters. 

Jackie:  It was the right thing for you to have a check-up on your health issue.  Someone will find the diagnosis and help you. 

Friends from home are going to plan a trip here soon and I have to look over our calendar - we have several who don't know their dates of visiting and it makes it - and one always brings a 3rd. party - the blow-up mattress loses air overnight so that isn't good. 




Rebot

Greetings Janet  We have seen the news coverage on the freezing weather in many parts of America.  Sound advice in telling people to stay indoors.

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is a beautiful sunny morning and I woke up this morning not exhausted and actually feeling like doing something.  I am so hoping that the the dehydration is a thing of the past and I will feel like doing something.  Scott stopped by to give me the renewed car registration and tag for this year.  I had asked him to help me with that as the way I was feeling no way was I going to be able to get to the DMV or City Hall to pay it. Yesterday he made a trip out here just to bring in our trash can.  Each time he comes he spends a little time with us which is very pleasant.   If I continue to feel good all day we plan on going out to eat our main meal mid-afternoon. 

Janet, I remember to drink my cup of Chamomile tea before I went to bed and sleep the night through.  It may be a state of mind but I am a believer in it anyway.  Glad you got a good nights sleep.  What is a Valentine bottle?  I have never heard of them. 

Jackie, glad you were able to talk to your dentist and get his advice as to reason for your mouth pain. 

Carol, having grown up on a dairy farm we never got a day off regardless of the weather conditions and I remember some very cold days when we put the cows in the barn for milking and the steam would arise from them and the packed snow or ice would melt off their backs.  Unfortunately they had to stay outside other than morning and evening when we brought them in for milking.  I love French bread and glad you found a good use of it when it dries out.  I never heard of anyone fixing it that way.  It sounds like you are now your neighbors family and nice of her to take you out to eat.

Rebot, where we live we have really escaped that very cold, harsh temperature and bad weather.  It has gotten down into the low 20's during the night but then warmed up into the high 40's during the day and by the first of the week we are going to see it get to 70 degrees.  I hope your area missed the snow.

Rebot

Greetings Larry  Parts of the UK have had lots of snow. Little snow on the Island, none where we live on the North of the Island.

Jacqueline

We are down in the valleys and we got snowed in yesterday, no cars could get up or down our steep slopes road...the snow is still around but I think sun may show itself today so should melt it...I look at three weather for our area charts, one says rain or snow showers, the other two say sunshine for today...oh well, we shall see what the heavens throw down at us...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  We are going to have another nice day with a high of 60 and it will be mostly cloudy and a low chance of rain.  I am convinced that I am over the dehydration bout as this is the second morning I have awaken and haven't been tired.  I didn't get too many hour of sleep last night.  I am looking forward to attending my Saturday meeting after mixing the last three weeks.  This afternoon there are some good basketball games to watch.  Late yesterday afternoon we went to Dairy Queen for our main meal.  Pat likes their chicken strips and I had a small hamburger and the children's size Blizzard, which is what I will order from now on as it was just the right amount. Before we ate we stopped briefly at Dollar Tree to get the birthday cards for our great grandchildren for the year and a birthday card for my sister, whose birthday is next Wednesday.  Pat also got a half dozen puzzle find books, which we both enjoy. 

Rebot, nice to see your Isle didn't get a lot of snow, at least where you live.

Janet

Larry, I am delighted to hear that you're feeling stronger, and pray that continues!  It's so good that you now live near your son so he can help you out as needed.  Kids are great!  (No matter their ages.  :) )

I am sad to report the passing of my dear friend, 102 years old Maxine.  She had pneumonia and was in hospital, had recovered enough to go back to the care home, but her daughter decided to move her to Missouri where she lives. She came and took Maxine out of the hospital and to Missouri, and she passed away the next day.  I feel terrible that they tried to transplant her at that age, and really bad that they are saying "No service. Maybe a graveside one in June."  I was headed to the Home to visit her, stopped by the Post Office and saw the dietician from the home, and she told me.  :'(

Larry, the Valentine bottles I made are drink bottles, clean and dry.  We glue the lid on, cut a window in the side and fill them with small gifts, candies, etc. Then tape the window shut, bringing tape clear around bottle, put an address label on and mail it.  I found out they can get expensive to mail, as Abby's cost almost six dollars and Kerri's almost eight!  But I think they will love them and be very surprised to get them.  I made three for the great-grands (will deliver those) and three for some little girls at church, which I will also deliver.

We are headed to Garden City to get our car.  It was the hybrid battery that went bad; so thankful it's still under warranty!

Hello, Jacqueline!  Hello Rebot!  (Strange name for a lady  ;) )

See all of you later!  Was dense fog here, now burning off and temp to get into high 60s today!  Yes!!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Jacqueline   Do the local authorities where you live not allow gritters to grit off the  main and side roads to keep areas with slopes free from snow or ice.  Or provide salt bins, like our local commissioners do.   

Jacqueline

#129
Ellie...
...we are on a private owned stretch of road that leads down to our valley homes...We have our own grit sand boxes but they are spaced out along the steep road leading down...We had the sun out today so most of the snow has melted but what is left may freeze over through the night...Richard managed to get up the slope this morning and got out to do a shop but not the first time he tried, he had to back the car down, backwards...a few other cars have also made it out so did our post lady make it in...

Janet...
...sad about your elderly friend but she did have a long life, and for that, she was truly blessed...Could it have been possible that this was the wish of your friend to be with her daughter? maybe she had a foresight of what was to come...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Carol

It is chilly this Saturday and I cannot complain after reading of all the frigid weather in so many parts of the country. 

Larry: Cold weather isn't good for you to be outside either - I hope you are taking care to not be outdoors too often.  Scott is a good son.  We have two young couples and one widowed friend who invite us to about everything and it is so nice of them to offer their hospitality.  I used to spend summers on a farm in Minnesota with auntie and uncle - naming a calf George and cleaning the little guy so much that my uncle told me it wasn't good to brush the teeth and bathe it so often.  My cousins had a good laugh over my city ideas. 

Jacqueline:  It sounds like your driveway was icy.  We have a slant too and keep a bag of ice melt and some sand in the garage just so we don't slide (even when someone walks up to the house).  Spring will be here soon. 

Judy:  How cold is it with our Canadian family?  Are you having the Polar Vortex as they call it - Don is from Duluth, Minnesota and it is always cold there.  However, Minnesota had the coldest temperatures in the mid-west part of the state (near most of my relatives).  We were surprised that the north was warmer.