Thoughts of the Month~April

[JudyB]

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DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

From Chris Saunders

People don't realise that everyone is under God's Law..everyone breaks God's Law..so everyone comes under condemnation.
No one can be justified by "good" works,There is none righteous, no not one, we need a Saviour, someone perfect, sinless, someone who has never broken God's Law.
But he would have to be willing to die to satisfy God's Law.
You know anybody?
That is why God sent His Son, His only begotten, His precious Son, to suffer and die. Bearing our sins, enduring all the mocking and terrible pain.. So that we might receive the GIFT of Eternal Life.
You cannot earn it.
Romans ch.3.
This is what Easter is all about..not eggs and bunnies.

[JudyB]

CHRIST AROSE
(Click to hear music)


Author:  Robert Lowry, 1826-1899
Musician:  Robert Lowry, 1826-1899


Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Savior!
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord!


Chorus:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a victor
From the dark domain,
And He lives forever
With His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!


Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesu, my Savior!
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus my Lord!


Chorus:


Death cannot keep his prey,
Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away,
Jesus my Lord!


Chorus: 

 





   

[JudyB]

Alleluia!


This is the day:
when tears are wiped away;
shattered hearts are mended;
fears are replaced with joy.

This is the day the Lord:
rolls away the stone of fear;
throws off death's clothes;
goes ahead of us into God's future.

This is the day the Lord has made:
death has no fear for us;
sin has lost its power over us;
God opens the tombs of our hearts
to fill us with life.

This is the day ? Easter Day!
Christ is Risen! Hallelujah!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We are headed for another beautiful day and the people attending the Master's will certainly appreciate it.  This is a practice day for the pros but they sell tickets to attend that as well as the actual tournament so things are well underway in Augusta.  It is now in the mid-50's but we are headed to around 85 this afternoon.  This should be a quiet day as have nothing special on my calendar.  We might go out and eat our main meal of lunch time as Pat hasn't been out for several days.

I had an interesting day yesterday as I went to the AT&T store to have the SIM card on Pat's phone checked only to find out they no longer had the ability to do that on the type of phone she had.  I also found out why the phone had stopped working because a couple of days ago AT&T did a system update that made the phone obsolete.  I asked if they had a small flip phone like she prefers and they did, although it wasn't on display where they showed on the iPhones and Samsung Galaxy smart phones.  I bought the phone for Pat as it was actually a few dollars less than what I had spent for the VOCA, which is now useless and will be returned to Amazon for a refund.  They no longer had the equipment to transfer the contacts from her VOCA phone to the new AT&T phone.  However, when I got home and found the on line manual if said I could sign in to her Gmail account and it would download the contacts.  I had a frustrating time doing that but eventually accomplished that and saved a ton of work in trying to re-enter her contacts manually.  So now she should have a reliable phone.  Then yesterday afternoon the AC service tech came and checked out the A/C.  He found that something had caused a pressure problem that had shut down the A/C.  The unit is fine and he told me what to do if it happens again, which I documented so I wouldn't forget.  I was relieved that it wasn't a serious problem.  He didn't know why it had happened as apparently is not something he sees very often but said it was to protect the unit.  So now we once again have A/C in time for the 85 degrees this afternoon.  Last evening we finished up our Easter dinner left overs except for some turkey and a couple of pieces of pie.  Then at 9 pm I turned on the basketball game and watched Villanova beat Michigan pretty severely as they won the National Championship. 

I do hope no one has purchased that VOCA phone based on my previous comments about it.  It really is a nice little phone but now obsolete, at least for AT&T.  It appears all of the phones are now using the nano sim cards rather than the larger ones.

Judy, thanks for giving us a fresh start with a new page for the month of April and sharing the devotional thoughts from Chris as well as the hymn and poem. 

[Carol]

Judy:  Judy:  thank you for your last post -  . 

Larry:  I will keep the freebie phone our daughter gave us - we do pay the connection.  It is so touchy though - I would prefer a cover for it.  Right now, I am trying to get my kindle to charge and it looks like it is working after turning off & holding the power down then restarting. 

I just had to run out to the garage and push the weekly trash bins out to the street.  In my robe, and I am very late today.   

A cousin and wife arrive Thursday -

[Janet]

Hello, friends!
It's cold and windy here today!  I was up early, went to the gym, leaving Darrel in bed, as he was sick yesterday and still not over it.  We went to the doctor yesterday and he got a shot and two prescriptions.  Coughing, lots of mucus, sore throat, fever and chills.  He seems some better today, for that I am thankful.

I went to bed early and didn't watch the final BB game, not surprised Villanova won, after seeing how they could shoot, in the game with KU.  I got up at 4:30 yesterday, sod was ready for some shut-eye!

I'm still mourning Beth, and I know this is natural.  It just surprises me how it hits at odd moments, and the things that seem to open the dear ducts.
But she was worth every tear, every hard time of stress and concern.  I'm not at all sorry God gave her to us for a while, to love and enjoy.  Also,
as I work on the book, the memories flood my mind, bringing both smiles and tears.  Because I was busy with Darrel yesterday, I didn't get any typing done on the book.

Larry, I was startled by your report on Pat's phone!  Man!  That was quick,
the obsolescence of the Voca phone!  So glad you got another she likes, and were able to transfer her contact information.  Sorry it was more trouble than it should have been, though.

The housekeeper comes today, I'm glad about that!  I want to keep on track with the book today!

Blessings to you all!

[Janet]

Hi, Carol!  Sometimes I'm in my pajamas for hours before I get dressed.  We're out in the country and seldom have anyone come to the door.  And have to take care of our own trash.

Hope you have a great day!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  I woke up and decided to get up early, at least 5:30 is early for me.  About 6 am it started to rain but only did that for about 30 minutes.  We have a 50% chance of rain the rest of the morning and then the afternoon will be partly cloudy so the activities at the Master's shouldn't be impacted too much today.  The Golf Channel is doing a lot of programming from there all day.  I watched some of that yesterday and enjoyed listening to a couple of the interviews with the best golfers that they had.  The azaleas are truly beautiful here now as they are in full bloom.  The only thing on the schedule today is that the kids will be out this evening.  Scott is going to make his taco pie for our dinner.  We have some salad to go along with it.  It is a very filling meal.  I am hopeful he will be willing to install a couple more of the pull out shelves we got several weeks ago.  Yesterday afternoon Pat and I went to the new Dollar Tree store we have nearby where she got cards for the card ministry of our Sunday School class. We then stopped over at the Dairy Queen for our main meal of the day.  I had a delicious hamburger sandwich that was a full meal followed by a free Dilly Bar that I got because I filled out an on line survey.  She had their $6 meal of a small hamburger sandwich with French fries, a drink and a small Sunday.  It was not busy in the restaurant and we enjoyed a very leisurely meal.  It was warm yesterday afternoon as it got up to 85 degrees. 

Carol, our son has a neat little leatherette type cover for his smart phone that has a magnetic back pieces that the phone just snaps onto and then a fold over front cover, which will also hold some cards such as his driver's license.  Perhaps you could find something like that for your phone.  Sure glad your Kindle is recharging OK.

Janet, I sure understand the mourning you are still experiencing.  I still find myself shedding a tear or two once -in-a-while when I start thinking about Stacey and how much I miss her.  I don't dwell on it but it still is there.  Glad you were able to get to the gym and sure hope today finds Darrel improved as never nice to be down with an illness.  He was wise to get in to see the doctor without waiting for the illness to become worse.  I found the Villanove-Michigan game interesting to watch due to the skills of some of the players although it turned out not to be a close game as I had expected it to be.  Aren't you glad you found someone to help with your house as it gives you more time to do things you would rather do?  Our housekeeper is due here again Friday. 

[JudyB]

Some Chris Saunders wisdom:

Never let what God can do for you take the place of God Himself.
Never let God's blessings become God.
We do not follow God for what He can give us.
If our loved ones are still not healed or a dear one still not saved, we can have them on our mind day and night and they can actually blind us to God Himself and we only cry our for what He can do for us.
This is completely normal but not completely correct, God deserves worship for Himself for saving us..whether He answers our prayers or not.
It's not an easy life..
It can be a very testing life full of trials and cares, but through it all God is with us and will never break His promise to " never leave us nor forsake us, being with us always."
We must approach Him, the Mighty Creator in reverence and fear and loving worship, for He has all power in heaven and on earth, as we worship correctly perhaps the blessing will come, but if it is not yet the time, we worship for He deserves worship.
Keep the faith brethren, He is faithful Who has promised.

He has said something we all need to remember, worship the Almighty, not what he can do for us!

[Janet]

Good afternoon!
I've had a pleasant day, painting with friends.  And after going over the editing I did on his book, George has re-written three chapters!  I don't know yet if this is good or not, as I haven't read them yet.  I was a bit reluctant to tell him about the last chapter I edited--a very LOOONG chapter; but I felt I should be honest with him, so I told him I got very bored while reading it, it wasn't believable, and I advised him to consider shortening it--a lot!  I could tell he didn't like that, but he was nice about it, and after a bit,he said he had been more concerned with the word count than the content; as he wanted it to be long.  To which I answered, "Well, George, do you want to write a book which people will get bored reading, put aside and never finish,
or one that will hold their interest?"  After a pause, he said, "Good point." Then, about an hour later, he came in, handed me $50 and said, "I need to keep my editor happy."   

I got a landscape about 2/3 done today and am pretty pleased with it. It's of a lighthouse. I hope I don't mess it up when I attempt to finish it.

Yesterday I got 1050 words done on the book!     Nothing today,
as I had no time, and tonight is a church function.

Larry, I wish we could get some rain.  Still nothing in the way of moisture,
even though it clouds up almost every day and gets our hopes up. But God knows how much we need it, so I'm sure He will send it soon!

I need to rest a few minutes before we go to church.  Have a blessed evening!

[Carol]

Janet:  You could start a whole new career.

                               Hugs to Janet!

It snowed at my cousins home in Minnesota - oh, the good old days when we wore winter clothes from September to mid-April. 

I am setting up a sausage/egg casserole to cook for cousin & wife - they are arriving tomorrow for 3 days.  They are easy to have around. 







     

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  This morning starts out as a chilly  but sunny 47 degrees and we should go to about 70 degrees.  It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day for the first day of the Master's Tournament. I have a few things to do this morning.  I don't have to pick up my friend to go to coffee as he has a medical appointment but will still go down for coffee.  While I am downtown I will got to the City Hall and pay our City Property Taxes.  Yesterday I paid the State  Income Tax on line using our credit card. I also plan on making a quick stop at the Church office to pick up a parking placard.  Our Church and the Baptist Church are allowing the baseball team that will be playing in the new stadium to use the parking lots during games and other events at the ballpark.  There will be a five dollar charge to park except for Church members displaying the placard and needing to do something at the Church.  After expenses the revenue from the parking will be shared half and half with the Churches.  The team is supplying all of the labor and covering the liability issues and are to leave the parking lots clean.  I will be watching the Master's Golf Tournament this afternoon. 

We had a nice evening with Scott and Elizabeth but Jennifer wasn't here.  She had physical therapy yesterday and was too tired to come out.  The Taco Pie was very good and after dinner Scott put in the remaining slide out shelves in the kitchen.  That leaves only two to install in the master bathroom. 

Judy, thanks for sharing the piece by Chris.  Have you been able to harvest anymore of the maple sap? 

Janet, it sounds like you have a very nice painting underway.  Does your painting group meet weekly?  It also sounds like the person whose book you are editing recognizes that your suggestions are important and is willing to make the changes.  That was a nice gesture when he gave you the $50. 

Carol, it is nice that you enjoy the company of your cousin and his wife.  It sounds like you don't feel pressured by the visit.

[Janet]

Thanks, Carol!!  And hugs back to you!  It's fun to have company who are "easy to have around."  Enjoy your cousins!  I wish I had a relationship with some of my cousins.  Unfortunately, we all grew up so far apart we didn't even know each other, only the names.  It would be lovely to visit with some of them, even now.  Or maybe, especially now!

I have a lunch date with my friend Peggy.  She's a judge, and a wonderful Christian lady.  Boy, can she ever preach!  She usually is the one who fills in when the pastor can't be there.  Anyway, I'm anticipating a really pleasant time.

I had a chance to talk to two gals at the gym this morning who really need Zeal!  And they were happy to receive two samples each to try.  One is leaning way over forward because her back hurts so much.  She had back surgery, needs another one, but they won't operate until she quits smoking. I hope she will get more energy and focus from the Zeal and be able to make good decisions.  Right now, she's in such pain she can't think straight! Not sure what the other one's problems are, but she is very interested, too.

After lunch, I'm determined to work more on the book!!  Unless the Lord has other plans for me!

[JudyB]

More from Chris!

"My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
Our heavenly Father had been with His special, only beloved Son from the moment of conception, loving Him, guarding Him guiding Him, conversing with Him, instructing Him, like none of us can even imagine God doing with us.
"my Father is always with Me"
In the garden of Gethsemane He sent an Angel to strengthen Him for the great ordeal, for this was the most important time in the history of sinful mankind, if our Lord didn't go through with this then we were all doomed.
And go through it He did..and the most awful thing about it was the shock of separation..
"Why hast thou forsaken Me?"
But the scripture tells us about God's Holiness, " Thou art of purer eyes than to look upon sin,"
Too holy to look upon sin.
For a brief instant the Father turned His Face away, we mortals will never quite understand all that went on that moment.
But we know, and can be sure of this, the price was paid, the offering accepted, and now He will never fail us nor forsake us, He will never turn His face away from us, because Jesus paid it all.
He Who knew no sin became sin for us.
Glory be to God!

[JudyB]

Larry we have several good sap producers.  We have another foot to 18 inches of snow and daytime freezing temperatures and all the sap was frozen.  So big bucket and tapping the bottom of pails and it is all in.  We will go out again tomorrow to check for more.

We are in the remnants of a Colorado low and at this point thankful for the snow.  It is easier to get to the bush on the snow machine than by car, we can only go half way with the car.

Today John picked up the complete boxes to house 2 hives of bees.  When the snow goes and the ground thaws we will set them up on the south side of our barn so they are protected in winter. We pick up the bee inserts the middle of June and we will be into it.  I am so looking forward to this endeavor.  Pat and I grew up caring for bees!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. It is another beautiful day and we are to get up to around 80 this afternoon.  This is the day for the housekeeper and she will be here soon.  We plan on staying home today and not going out to eat.  We have chili in the freezer that needs to be eaten so that will be our main item for our dinner this evening.  Yesterday I went to the City Hall to pay our taxes only to find the window was closed for the day as the lady was not there.  So I will have to try again. 

Yesterday I found that I could watch the Masters on the computer and there were no commercials.  If you are interested just use www.masters.com.  At the moment I am listening to an interesting interview done with Jack Nickalus  and Gary Players.  I plan on watching a lot more this way the next three days. 

Janet, like you I have never been close to any of my cousins.  Two of them I know better than the others.  As I have mentioned before a few years ago I organized a family reunions in Denver and almost all of my first cousins attended.  Three of them came from California .  It was special as I hadn't seen most of them for over 50 years and know I will never see them again. 

Judy, I hope you and John enjoy the bee keeping. 

[Janet]

We are just home from a trip to Garden City, and glad to be here, as the temperature is dropping fast and the wind is bitterly cold!  I'm already in my comfy pajamas, and ready to enjoy the evening.  Tomorrow I'm taking a class on tiles at the Main Artery; looking forward to that!

I've been asked to be on a committee to chose a design and get prices for a stained glass window for the front of the sanctuary at church.  I'm not knowledgeable at all about stained glass, but we won't be making it, only suggesting and submitting designs, and cost estimates.  On the way to Garden, we stopped in Lakin and looked at what the church there did, as they did a huge remodel/addition four or five years ago.  It is lovely!  I find it sad that there are those in nearly every church who want everything in the church building to stay the way it's always been--don't change anything!!    How many would live in a house for 40 or 50 years and never change any furniture or update in any way?  Our pews are old and in bad repair; can't be repaired any more, but some don't want to get rid of them,
and so it goes.  I hope to just do my little part and not get embroiled in any controversy; I don't need that in my life!

I took photos of each of the Lakin church's new windows (though we aren't replacing ours) and also of the huge one at the front.  I have some ideas percolating in my brain, will make suggestions at the meeting Sunday;
they can accept or reject them, it won't bother me.

I got 1390 words done on the book yesterday!  I hope to do more tonight,
but my back is hurting, so not sure how long I will last.  If I can't type,
I will do more editing on George's book.

Our chiropractor got a severe cat bite last Friday, it went clear through his forefinger, damaging the bone.  Infection set in quickly and he has been hospitalized since then, and has had surgery to open the finger and attempt to remove all the infection; however it is into the bone, so he's still going to be on IV antibiotics until it clears.  He was to get out of hospital today,
though.  The Dr. said she's had three patients in the hospital in the last week with cat bites!!    I feel so bad for him; he literally depends on his hands to make his living!

Judy, I find the sap collecting fascinating!  And I remember Pat's mentioning several times that your father was a bee keeper.  We have a fellow here who is doing that; he sells the honey at The Main Artery!

Larry, how great is that, for you to be able to watch the Masters in the comfort of your easy chair via computer??  Great!  So much less tiring for you!

I need to get busy here!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It looks like it is going to be a rainy day here in our area. It sounds like the golfers at the Masters will have a long day and perhaps not get to play much golf.  It is only to get up around 60 today.  I feel for those who paid big money for the tickets to the Masters for today being out in the cold and rain.  I guess as long as we aren't having lightning and not raining too hard they will continue to play.

I really accomplished nothing yesterday as it was one of those days that I just had to rest.  I think today is going to be pretty much the same although may make a quick trip to Walmart to pick up a prescription and get some bread.  I am not going to attend my meeting this morning.  I do have things in the kitchen squared away and am ready to prepare Pat's breakfast when she arises.  We did not go out to eat yesterday as we often do on the day the housekeeper is here as neither one of us felt up to it.  Fortunately we had a meal of beef stew in the freezer that made a good evening meal.

Janet, hope you enjoy your class on tiles today.  You are a natural to be on the stained glass committee for your Church.  Will you be creating your own design or choosing one from a catalog?  Our Church has beautiful stained glass windows on each side of the Sanctuary and a really big one at the front of the Church with a  wood cross in front of it.  I guess the status quo is preferable to some folks rather than risk change.  Our Church had to update a few years ago when lightning hit and gutted the interior.  It has been kept in very good condition and looks like it is brand new.  It sounds like you are coming right along on your book as well as the editing project.  Yesterday afternoon I brought the Masters site up on my iPhone and watched from there while I was doing things on my laptop.  Then I switched to the laptop and the Dish Anywhere app and watched the ESPN coverage.  This allowed Pat to watch what she wanted on the TV.  the earphones are wonderful in these situations as the TV as and computer are both silenced.     

[Janet]

Good morning!  I've been up since 4:45, and am getting a bit sleepy!  But I'm sure I will stay awake for the class.

WE HAVE SNOW!!!  Hallelujah!  Only 0.1 inch of moisture, but we'll take it!
Much better than dry winds day after day.  I'm praying this will break the long drought and rains will start falling with some regularity now.

Darrel and I watched the movie Heaven is for Real again last night.  He happened to notice it was on TV, and I'm so glad he did.  I really enjoyed seeing it again and being reminded of Colton Burpo's visit to heaven when he was only four.  I have met him and his dad a couple of times and have a picture of myself with them.  They are very humble, God-loving people.

I was about to start typing on the book again, but stopped to watch the movie, so didn't get anything done on it.  But I think it was a God thing, as we do need to spend time thinking on and thanking God for what He does for us and others.  I will get it done, of that I feel sure.

Larry, that is too bad you have wet weather for the Masters.  I'm sure there are a lot of disappointed folks.  But I'm glad you hadn't purchased expensive tickets to it and therefore not disappointed over the money.  What they do manage to play, you will get to watch!

I need to look at The Main Artery's website to see what supplies, if any, I need to take with me to the class.  It's from 10 to 3 today, so I will have time to wash my hair and do some things when I get home.  My hairdresser was sick and has to reschedule my appointment.

I see Darrel has the Masters on TV just now, and they are saying the wind will be a problem, as well as the cold.

See you later!

[Carol]

I wish everyone had loving faithful cousins like me - so very grateful.  Don drove to Tombstone (the gunfight at the OK corral ) and we watched the reenactment plus a short history movie and had an expensive burger.  Just as we were leaving, we walked through Boot Hill and read the tombstones - it was a colorful and sad cemetery - many young people and especially babies - too many shootings and hangings.  Must have been an awful  place years ago.  Don was very tired from driving so instead of going out for pizza, I fixed a standbye meal - things always handy for a meal.  We sat outside under the stars - and talked about our faith - our churches and family.  It was good.  they want us to come out to Washington and we shall see.  First, we have to get home. 

Terrible bus tragedy of a Canadian junior hockey team involved in a crash.  I feel so sad for the families.  Prayers for the boys and all the family members.  May they remember "my father is always with me" - the message sent from Chris through Judy.

Janet:  we went to a special meeting with the speakers - the young boy and his father spoke.  It was so moving. We believe their message.   I have read the story too.  Glad to read you have some fresh air from the snow. 

[Janet]

Well, the lovely little snow is all gone now!  And my class got canceled, so that was a disappointment.  But I have typed over a thousand more words on the book.  So I'm not wasting this day.

Carol, Todd Burpo grew up here in Ulysses, that's why the connection.  I knew his grandmother pretty well, attended her funeral where Todd spoke and Colton sang.  Wonderful Christian family, and yes, I believe it too!

Darrel has been watching John Wayne, now is watching Braveheart, so it's too noisy in here for my taste.  I'm about ready to take out my hearing aids.
He isn't wearing his, so has the volume up too loud!

But I'm thankful he is here and able to hear!  I wouldn't want to be without him!

Back to work now!

[Marilyn]

Hi everyone I have a very short new hairdo. It is now my avatar here.

[Janet]

Very nice, Marilyn!  Lovely photo!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. It is another overcast morning but no rain in the forecast and only a high of 63 degrees.  It should be a pleasant day on the golf course.  The Masters was not interrupted by the weather yesterday.  I think there were two or three brief periods where there was light rain but no lightning that caused an interruption of play.  Today the pay begins at 10 am so the spectators don't have to get there as early as on Thursday and Friday.  Yesterday turned out to be a very down day again for me as just had no energy.  The only thing I accomplished was a brief trip to Walmart. Pat fixed a good spaghetti with hamburger and sausage in the Instant Pot yesterday around noon and kept it warm all afternoon, which is a feature of the Instant Pot, and it with a salad made a very nice evening meal. 

I plan on going to Sunday School and Church this morning and then get something to bring home for our main meal today.  I expect the attendance at both to be down as a lot of people over here leave town on Masters week.  Things should be back to normal for the new week after today. 

Janet, sorry to read you didn't get much snow and that your class was canceled.  I don't think the threatened weather had any impact on the crowds at the Masters yesterday.  Tickets are very hard to get.  There is no way I could attend that event as there is lots and lots of walking involved.  They said yesterday it is actually one of the hilliest golf courses on which tournaments are played. 

Carol, nice to see you had a nice visit with your cousins.  That sounds like an interesting trip to Tombstone but sure understand it wearing Don out to drive that far and back.  I expect that Canadian hockey team bus crash got a little too close to home since your grandson plays so much hockey. 

Marilyn, I like you new avatar and the haircut looks very nice.   

[Carol]

Good day to all. Yes, the teams on the bus does "hit close to home" since our grands have been on many a school bus trip - through bad weather and mountains.  I shed tears and prayed for the families and the region.  Wishing we could drive up there to help somehow.  Hockey is a close family.

Larry:  Sorry that you had a 'down" day.  I am glad to see you checking in here.

Marilyn:  Nice photo -

The Instant Pots look interesting - I have two crock pots and use them often - mainly to cook steel cut oatmeal overnight with dried fruit in it - that is one breakfast for company but we have it a few times a month.  Is it easy to clean the Instant Pot?

Three weeks from now we drive home and it is becoming warm/hot in Tucson so time to get some things in order.  It is quite a routine to close the house here -  we "bomb" the garage and such for bugs before we leave and never have a problem.  Every other month the yard keeper comes in to check our place and sends or calls us if anything is amiss - we have a neighbor or two as well.  What can go wrong with cactus?  We do have some shrubs with a drip system and that seems to work.  There is no grass - that would be a waste of water.  It doesn't bother me a bit, there is so much color in the yard and it is always filled with birds for our entertainment. 

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

Larry, my sister in law is still in the rehab center. The non-healing wound on her foot is still the size of a quarter.  All other indications are showing she's ready to go home. I would appreciate prayer that she will soon be able to come home, for it seems it's more difficult for me to get up there these days. She's been in health care since Christmas Day.

Also, I was out on errands with my daughter and realized my strength is not good. I'm trying to remedy that with more walking. Prayers requested for me, too.

Thanks to all who participate. I've spent wonderful time today catching up.

May God bless y'all really well this evening.

Ruth Ann

[Janet]

And may He bless you real good too, dear Ruth Ann!

[JohnB]

Well maple syrup season is upon us and hopefully will go on for a couple of weeks. We have tapped 25 trees this year, which a little over double what we did last time. We still have 2 feet of snow in the bush which makes it a bit challenging to get around and gather the sap, and we have more snow in the forecast. One good thing about all this snow is that we can travel to and from the bush with our 40 year old snow machine. I know its an old machine but so am I and we understand each other. In the picture is our evaporator which was built from a 45 gal steel drum and we burn wood to boil the sap. A long process but well worth the effort. It takes about 40 gal. of sap to get 1 gal. of syrup.


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[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We had some light rain here this morning and only a high in the upper 50's is predicted.  I just got back from making quick trip downtown to the UPS store as forgot to send off the phone I am returning to Amazon.  I then went on down to the city hall and paid our city taxes.  Other than that expect to stay home all day and take it easy. I do plan on helping Pat's sister with her new laptop later this morning.


Carol, I felt pretty good yesterday until last evening when my heart wanted to let me know it was there.  I went to bed at 8 pm and listened to music and it helped.  I then had a good nights sleep.  The Instant Pot will cook the food and then keep it on warm for up to 8 hours.  Pat doesn't use hers everyday but fairly often.  She can put something on to cook at noon for the evening meal and it will be at the right temperature to eat at dinner time.  She usually feels more like cooking at midday than in the evening.  Pat still have two crockpots but I don't see her using them as often now.  Yes, it is easy to clean the Instant Pot.  There is an insert into which can be used for cooking or she has several other additions like smaller pots or a double pan set that will cook two different things at once.  I think she has about all the bell and whistles that go with it.  It seems your time in in the South has gone quickly but expect getting back to your home in Denver will feel good. 

Ruth Ann, sorry to see you are still having to deal with the cat for your SIL.  It sounds like having a pet may be too much for her and you both to be dealing with. 

John, that is quite a process to make that maple syrup.  No wonder it is so expensive.   Thanks for posting the picture. 

[Jacqueline]

I am going to by-pass all my negatives of the last couple of weeks  ...Went out for a lunchtime meal to a local to us, not been there before but a restaurant tucked away in a nice location where we met up with Richards niece who was over our area for a few days break...They brought with them there two children, I say children but of course they are young adults now with partners, although neither engaged nor married...So a group of eight of us...I enjoyed myself probably more than I thought I would, at least all went well, I made plenty of conversation, especially to the children and partners... The restaurant was as good as empty...the meals we all agreed were large for our money...not one us were complaining of course...the last time I had seen the " children " they were just that...children...well at least this passed a three hour usual day of silence, glad I tagged along in the end...it was worth it...

[Janet]

Nice to have a post from you, John!  I like your comment about the machine and you understanding each other.    Interesting photo, and I had no idea it took that much sap to make a gallon of syrup!  As Larry said, no wonder real maple syrup is so expensive!

Larry, glad you were able to sleep and that your energy is replenished today, at least in some measure.

Jackie, been missing you here, and glad that you had a pleasant three hours with people who talked to you!  Try to be around positive people every chance you get!  Negativity drags you down, and you don't need that!

I have been to the gym, home, showered and washed my hair.  My hairdresser was sick and I missed my appointment on Friday.  Anyway, nothing on my calendar for which I need to go out, so I plan to do a framing job, and work on the book.  Maybe do some laundry, too, but that's such an easy task now I barely notice it! 

[Carol]

Good Monday all, I hope you have a good and faithful day.

We had another javelina  issue in the front yard - they knocked over 3 solar lights just to let me know they are still in charge.  Don has gone for a walk and I am taking a break from cleaning.

Ruth Ann:  Your SIL has been in care for quite a long time - it sounds like she could use some care when she is allowed home.  I really hope and pray for you - your strength and health - sometimes it is enough to just care for yourself.  Anyone else to check on your SIL?  Hug & prayer for you.

John B: It is quite an achievement to produce one gallon of syrup.  Liquid Gold!  Safety and health prayers for you and Judy.

Larry:  Thanks for the information - I am waiting for the price to come down on instant pots.    So glad to read that you felt better after your heart giving you a message -

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

I've been to get groceries and a tankful of gasoline.

Now, it's time to rest.

Much love to all of you,

Ruth Ann

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. The forecast is for it to be cloudy all day long with only a 20% chance of some showers during the next couple of hours.  Pat and I are going to go out to eat our main meal at lunch time.  She needs to get out of the house for awhile as hasn't been out for several days. I woke up early this morning so just went ahead and had my shower and got dressed and started my day.  Pat also got up early, which is unusual but said she had come to bed earlier last night than usual. 

I was able to work on my SIL's laptop yesterday with the TeamViewer app.  I hope to be able to spend an hour or so with her today as set up Chrome as the browser she would use and unpinned the Internet Explorer and Edge browsers from the task bar so it is less confusing for her.  She is really at the very beginning of knowing how to use a computer so it is quite a task from long distance.  Being able to see the mouse on her computer and take control to point it to the proper place is a big help in instruction.  Other than going out at lunch time I expect to have a quiet and restful day. 

Jackie, glad you were able to spend time and have a meal with Richard's niece and family.  It is also nice to find a new restaurant that you like that isn't too far away and doesn't break the bank with its prices

Janet, I had a good day yesterday and felt I was able to accomplish something. I am planning on having a good day today as well.  It sounds like you kept pretty busy yesterday, as you always seem to do.  I really appreciate our washer and dryer and the dishwasher as well.  I can remember how those things got done when I was a child and in the early years of our marriage. 

Carol, I am sure you won't miss the javelina's when you get back to Denver.  I sure hope they stay in the Western part of the US and don't migrate over our way.  I was glad to provide the information on the Instant Pot.  Getting the basic appliance is sort of the tip of the iceberg as there are a number of other pans and lids and things to so with it and I think Pat has them all, at least I hope so. 

Ruth Ann, going out to run errands can be quite tiring.  Do you use the electric cart to get around in the grocery store?  If not, I suggest you give it a try and it sure helps preserve one's limited energy.  Pat has finally realized she needs to be using one as well. 

[Janet]

Goodness!  It's 11:30 already!  I slept later this morning, but have stayed on track pretty well.  We did go to the gym, then stopped at the grocery store on the way home for a few items.  I wanted to make a huge pot of stew for our chiropractor who is still having terrible problems from that nasty cat bite!  He's out of the hospital, but is having to drive to Johnson (about 30 miles each way) every six hours around the clock to take the powerful IV antibiotics he needs to clear the infection from his bones.  So much pain and expense, and no telling when he can go back to work; all because of a darn cat!   

Anyway, I just finished with chopping all the vegetables and getting the stew on, and cleaning up the mess.  I made plenty for them and us.  Forrest has a teenage son who lives with him, and I know kids that age can really eat!

Carol, we bought Abby an Instant Pot online; it was a bit over $100, then we bought one for us at Walmart for around $50.  We've only used it once.
Should be using it for the stew today!  The first one I got online was Iobosi (or similar) brand, the instructions were muddled, as it was made in China,and we had trouble getting the lid on properly, so I sent it back.

I worked several hours yesterday on the book.  Then I had a lot of trouble sleeping because of the memories that bought up; both good and sad.
I really feel this is something I'm supposed to do, so I shall forge ahead,
asking the Lord's guidance every step of the way.

I wish you all a blessed day!

[Janice]

Janet, what is this Zeal that you have mentioned several times lately?  I had a bottle of liquid Zeal awhile back, but was not impressed by it...so have not bought any more.
I still have a lot of pain in the back of my neck, there is degenerative arthritis in my neck there, and it is so hard to live with!  I use heat for relief (heat a rolled up hand towel in microwave). That helps some, but does not last long enough.
   It's been a cold and boring day today so far.  Lots of wind for the past several days as well as cold temps.  People back home where I grew up think New Mexico is desert country....no way Jose!  We are next door to the Texas Panhandle (9 or 10 miles to the state line). And that is winter's headquarters sometimes!
   My little Jackie is taking a nap, I think I will go join her. (Boston Terrier).

[Janet]

Janice, Zeal is a wonderful nutritional product that contains all the vitamins, minerals, herbs, phytochemicals and lots more, including over 100 antioxidants, that our bodies need.  It comes in powder form, you just shake it up with water and drink it.  It is helping Darrel and me so much--I actually feel like I did about 20 years ago!  I am really sold on it!
 

I know that I have your mailing address somewhere, but please email it to me; and I will send you some samples of Zeal.  If it helps you, then you can decide if you want to start getting it each month.

So good to see a post from you, and I pray you feel better soon!

Love you!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is suppose to be a beautiful day here in South Carolina.  While it is 41 degrees to begin the day it is suppose to get up into the low 70's this afternoon.  This morning we plan on making a trip to Costco although Pat may decide to attend her crafts group at Church while Scott and I go to Costco.  Then this evening we have dinner at the Church and the kids will be come out to the house for a little while.  Yesterday we invited Jennifer and Elizabeth to go to lunch with us, which they did.  That was the big activity for the day. 

Janet, I am surprised they can't set him up with doing the IVs he needs at home rather than having to travel so far.  Stacey was hospitalized for a terrible infection in her foot and then was sent home with an IV pole and the supplies needed to take the IV drip at home but hers was only twice a day.  Of course she had a pic line as I expect your chiropractor has.  The Instant Pot that Pat purchased was manufactured in Canada and the lid has to go on just a particular way and initially we had quite a time getting it on, but now know what to do. I can understand why it is difficult for you to write the book. 

Janice, sorry you experience such pain.  I think almost every State has different terrain in different parts of the State.  South Carolina has six physical regions. The regions include the Coastal Zone, Outer Coastal Plain, Inner Coastal Plain, Sandhills, Piedmont, and Blue Ridge region.  I wasn't successful in my brief search to determine which region the city where I live is located but think it is the Piedmont. 

[Janet]

Larry, I think the reason he has to go to the hospital is that these are such powerful antibiotics; the infection is in the bones and if they can't clear it up soon, they will have to amputate the finger. He is a chiropractor, and that is his main adjusting finger.  He doesn't go to the hospital here, because his doctor practices in Johnson.  He and his son Julian came to pickup the food last evening and it was wonderful to see him, but you can sure tell he's going through a trial.  He said the bills are already well over 80 thousand $$!  He does have a lawyer working on it, I think the City of Garden City probably is liable, since it was in their animal shelter; and the cat had been spayed the day before and shouldn't have been where the public could touch her at all.     That boy of his is one of the sweetest young men I've ever had the privilege of being around.  He's a keeper!

Today is my painting day!      I love Wednesdays!  And dinner at church tonight, too!  No cooking for me today, as we have left overs, and I will be eating with the painters anyway!

I hope you all have a great day!

[Carol]

I am up!  Coffee  is brewing.  Read the daily devotions before coffee and other distractions.  It is amazing that the written message can be so spot on - so comforting. 

Looking at Random Images this morning - such a sweet face posted by jim.  Can you see the baby?

Yesterday, I managed baking scones, a long lecture on genealogy and a haircut.  We are trying to eat what I call Dribs and Drabs of food in the fridge because we are on the road in about two weeks.  Going home - sounds so good.  The heat is on here in Arizona and we still have cool nights with windows open and very nice mornings.  This is desert - not like where Janice lives where she gets more of a winter. 

Janet:  It sounds like a nightmare of concern for your friend - we know a woman who almost lost her hand from a cat bite.  Healing prayer for him. 

Janice:  Many years ago, I had surgery for that neck pain - my problem came about from lifting so many heavy things and being in a car crash too.  The surgery took months to recuperate but it did happen - is that an option?  Most of that surgery is done on firemen and policemen but it has to be better now. 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We are expecting another very nice day as was yesterday with a high in the upper 70's.  I plan on going to coffee this morning and then taking the rest of the day to rest. 

Yesterday Scott joined Pat and I as we made the trip to Costco.  We got there right after they opened and there were still two riding carts available so both Pat and I could use one.  I have annotated on my grocery list, that I keep on my Google App called Keep, the location of the food items on the shelves and coolers for the things we generally buy.  This makes grocery shopping much quicker and I know what aisle to go to for the items I want.  When we got home Scott unloaded the car.  Last evening after a good dinner at the Church we picked up the Walmart grocery order and he also helped unload it as he and Elizabeth came out to spend a couple of hours with us.  Needless to say we are going to eat well for quite awhile and should only need to get some eggs and a fresh produce for quite awhile.  Jennifer is down with a cold and didn't come out. 

Janet, thanks for the good explanation of the difficulties your chiropractor is experiencing and the reason for the many trips to the hospital for the IV.  That was certainly a strange set of circumstances that has caused all of his problems.  I hope your painting went well yesterday. 

Carol, I often get up and ready for the day but will lay back down and pick up my iPhone and read my email, daily Al-Anon readings and the devotional readings I get each day.  In fact, I did that just this morning.  It is quiet and I am not distracted by other things.  Food is too expensive to waste so certainly understand your trying to use up everything you can.  We did the same thing before we moved and then brought the condiments that needed refrigeration in a cooler with us the day we moved. 

[Carol]

We sat outdoors and looked for the satellite but I did not know the time it should have passed.  Missed it - but it was so pleasant to sit in the dark and ponder the stars.  Friends from Oregon are going to try to visit us when we get home - they have a camper and I hope she brings a jar of her homemade berry jam.  They are our instant friends - we met and by the next day saying prayers together.  Very sweet people. 

Larry: Very smart idea for you to use the Keep - it is on my To-Do list. 

Ezekiel Chapter 1 - Verse 3

[Janet]

I came in and read this morning, but we were going to Hooker and Liberal, so I didn't take time to post then.

It was beautiful here this morning, but it sure changed!  By early afternoon it was into the 90s and wind was howling!  There were two grass fires we could see as we drove home.  I really feel for those firefighters!  I pray they got the fires out and nobody lost their homes!

I have a really busy day tomorrow, so I'm going to retire even earlier than usual!  I am so sore I can barely move, from working out, and I didn't think I'd really been doing tough workouts.  But when you use muscles you haven't used for a while, they do protest!!   Yikes!  I went for a short while today, thought it would help work out the soreness, but so far, it hasn't!  Maybe I won't hurt so much tomorrow!

Was good to see Jeff today, also Diane.  Love those two!

Later!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is another clear and beautiful sunny day.  We are headed to the low 80's this afternoon.  Our main activity for today is to go to a meeting at 10:30 to fill out the paperwork and select the spot in the new columbarium that our Church is building.  This has been in the works for sometime and they are just now taking the orders.  I did pick up my friend and we went to coffee yesterday.  On the way to pick him up I stopped at Walmart to pick up prescriptions for Pat and then on the way back to take my friend home I made a quick stop at Aldi's to complete the grocery shopping. 

Our new baseball park down by the river opened on Tuesday and with a high school baseball game and then a college baseball game between Clemson and the Univeristy of Georgia team.  Last night the Augusta Greenjackets, a farm club of the Giants, had their first game in their new park.  Our Church parking lot and the Baptist Church parking lot across the street are both being used with a shuttle bus running from the ballpark to a spot close to the Church parking lots.  Apparently the traffic situation went well from all reports. 

Carol, I can't remember the last time I sat outside and looked at the stars other than when I may have been driving at night where there were not street lights.  I use the Keep program in use daily and it is accessible wherever I am and with whatever device I am using. 

Janet, it sounds like summer is trying out its wings in your part of the country.  We haven't been to 90 yet this year.  I hope your muscles feel better today and your busy day goes wewll. 

[Janet]

I'm home for a short time between appointments and jobs!  Have been to a meeting at church with the architect who is helping with the remodel/renovations; had an hour and a half until my hair app't. so came home and ate breakfast.  And at 11:30, I go back to the church to help serve a funeral dinner and clean up afterward.

Larry, what is a columbarium? I've never heard that word before.  Always new things to learn, huh?

I'm still plugging along on my book, making pretty good progress, I think.
I pray daily for God's help with it, that He will give me insight and wisdom into how to make it a book that will glorify Him and honor Beth.

I feel less sore today, and that's a huge relief!  Maybe by Monday I'll be ready to work out again.  I feel I need to keep it up, so I can stay strong and healthy as long as He chooses to leave me on this earth.

I'd better be about it!   

[Carol]

Don has a good coupon for a noon meal where we have never gone before now. 

The afternoon wind is really strong and it makes the air pretty gritty.  Yesterday, one huge freeway was closed for crashes and dust in the air.  It looks like a pattern for quite some time so I told Don that when we leave, we should get up super early while the wind isn't a bother = it sure looks stormy for the month.

Acupuncture did ease Don's shoulder pain yesterday - there is one person who "does it right" .  He is going to go at least one more time before we leave. 

Larry, I looked at "Keep" and just will stick with my app - NOTE.  Thanks for the info. 

Janet:  Nice of you to serve at the funeral - I used to go in and clean the kitchen and climb the ladder to clean the air vents which no one thought of all the grease in it - cannot safely climb that ladder anymore without worrying about a fall.  ---good for you on keeping in physical shape.  I have been too lax this entire winter. 

We need to trim some branches on a tree that is hanging over the roof and Don wanted to buy a long ladder - I put a stop to that idea. 

Larry:  Don is donating his body to study and I am going to sign on to that as well.  Registering in both CO and AZ. 

[Janet]

I think my first, instinctive guess about a columbarium was correct--even more so after reading Carol's post!  Seems a good idea.  Beth wanted to donate her body for medical research; but John was adamantly opposed to the idea.  And out here, distances pose some problem with it, as well.  I want them to use any usable parts they can, then bury the rest--or whatever.  I won't be needing any of it anymore.

The dinner went well and was appreciated.  Nice to be able to help.

Going to work on the book a while now!

[JudyB]

From Chris

It's now Friday the thirteenth.
Root out the Leven of superstitions in your life, if you have a new life in the Lord Jesus Christ, then there must be no old man of superstitions or "luck" in your new life.
I actually know someone quite well who will not travel on this day, but they have an excuse as they are not born anew.
It it a dreadful thing to hear a "Christian" say.."fingers crossed..or..touch wood." or some other inane belief.
"God willing " is fine.
Almighty God is either in control of your life or you are lost..
Which is it?
Judaism and Roman Catholicism especially are two religions of fear and superstition,
"Come out from them My people and I will receive you."
Begin this day to cast out all the old Leven.

[Carol]

Morning has broken..... 

Lots of news and some is so slanted that it is worrisome to some people.  Trust and obey - another great song.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We are expecting another very nice day today with it getting into the mid-80's this afternoon.  Yesterday morning we did go to the Church and meet with the lady heading up the Columbarium committee.  She explained everything to us and we choose the niche we wanted, which will be right next to the plate we are getting on which Stacey's name and birth date and death date will be recorded.  We then stopped at the Sunrise Grill for our lunch and split a huge club sandwich and each had a side of potato salad.  It was a big meal.  After we got home and I rested I installed the new router/modem I had purchased so I could stop renting one from Comcast.  It installed very easily and this stop the monthly fee for the device. 

Today I got up fairly early but after my shower and getting partly dressed I laid back down and read from my iPhone as I often do.  I plan on attending a meeting this morning but want to leave early enough to stop by the Comcast store to return the equipment I have from then which I no longer need.  I need to do a couple of chores in the kitchen like clean  and cut up some celery and grate another pound of cheese.  I also need to empty the ice bin. 

Janet, it sounds like you had your usual very busy day yesterday.  A columbarium is a structure where urns of remains from a cremation may be permanently stored.  Each of the Niches holds two urns.  When finished it will have 250 niches and several columns of plaques that just contain the name and dates of birth and death of a loved one.  It will have benches within the three sided enclosure.  Our plan is to put part of Stacey's remains in each of our urns then the remains left will be scattered somewhere to be determined.  We did purchase and paid for our niche and the plaque so that should eliminate any major expenses and eliminate having to make decisions when we pass away.  We have already arranged and paid for our cremations.  I also wasn't aware of the word columbarium before our coming to this Church.  It has been on the drawing boards since 2011.  Glad you are making good progress on your book. 

Carol, one can't beat a coupon to help with the cost of meals.  We use them all the time.  I sure don't envy you all and the dust storms.  Glad to read that Don is getting some easing of pain in his shoulder from the Acupuncture treatments.  I think the "Note" program is probably very similar to the "Keep" on that Google has.  When we moved I gave our long ladder away to a neighbor as I knew I would never use it again.  I also bought a step stool with a high handhold but I try to stay off of it or at least not stand on the top platform. 

Judy, thanks for the posting from Chris. 

[Janet]

Carol, I also love the old hymns and the encouragement just a line from one can give.  Bless you for sharing!

Larry, our weather isn't quite as pleasant as yours!  The cold wind is howling;
temp. is 48 but wind chill makes it feel like 18!  Northern Kansas has blizzard conditions, as does southern Nebraska.  I expect my sis and husband are in that, will have to call and ask!

Today is another busy one; have to go mail a small pkg. at PO, go check what's happening out at Spring Fling, go to grocery store, then attend a funeral.  This evening we will go to Hugoton, eat supper with Diane and Jeff,
then go to church there.  We will also go in the morning, as we really like the guest speaker they're having.

Judy, is Pat feeling any better?  I surely pray she is.  This has gone on far too long!

We went out for Pizza at Puffy's last night, then went to the movie I Can Only Imagine--again!  When Darrel goes to a movie twice, you know it has to be a good one!!  He may watch them a dozen times on TV, but only goes to the movies when I can convince him it's a good one!  I was happy to see a lot of people I know there, and believe they were blessed as we were by the story.

I didn't quite make my 1000 words yesterday, but close--only 25 words short of it!  I wish I knew the average number of words on a page in books.

Larry, that sounds like a very good solution to deciding what to do with cremains.  Especially in very populated areas, cemetery space for burials is getting very limited.  I looked at photos online, appears the columbariums are very attractive; and putting two urns into one niche doubles the capacity.  Smart idea! 

I need to get around and go to town so I can do all the other stuff before the funeral at two.  This one is for the husband of a friend of mine.  Sad.

[JudyB]

TRUST AND OBEY
(Click to hear music)


When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.


Refrain:
Trust and obey,
for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus,
but to trust and obey.



Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.


(Refrain)


But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.


(Refrain)


Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey.


(Refrain)

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We have an overcast but warm Sunday morning.  We have a forecast of 100% chance of rain during a four hour period this afternoon.  I just hope it waits until I am home from Church around noon time.  Other than attending Sunday School and Church this morning and getting us something for our main meal for today there is nothing else on the agenda.  I will watch the final day of the golf tourney if they can get it in before the rain.  I just checked and see that they have already started the last round so it should be over early this afternoon.  Yesterday I did attend my meeting and then make a quick stop at Comcast and returned the equipment and it only took a couple of minutes.  Finally I stopped at the Costco gas station and filled up the tank since I went right by it after I left Costco. 

Janet, I hope our churches never stop singing the old hymns but sure future song books will incorporate many of the songs that are popular today in the contemporary setting.  You sure had a busy day planned yesterday.  I hope you didn't wear yourself out.  I think Puffy's is the perfect name for a pizza restaurant.  Do a search on "how to get a word count on a document" and you will find several solutions.  I don't know what type of program you are using for your typing but it looks like there are free programs that you can copy and paste the words into and it will quickly give you a word count.  I think the columbariums  are similar to the things many cemeteries have where you can put an urn in a niche.  However, this one is a free standing one not in a building. 

Judy, "Trust and Obey" is an old favorite that we sang both in Sunday School and again in the Church service last week.  Thanks for sharing it. 

[Janet]

Happy Sunday morning to you all!  I hope more of you will start coming in and posting here, you are missed!

I did get everything done yesterday, including making a salad for our supper with the kids.  Diane had a nice ham and potato soup in the crockpot ready.
The funeral service was really nice and they had to put up extra chairs to accommodate the big crowd who attended.

After I got home, darrel helped me get ingredients ready for a couple of dishes we are taking to Diane's today to go with the lasagna she is making.
Curtis, toni and the three girls will be there today as well.  We haven't seen them since Easter, so it will be nice to see them.

Larry--GMTA!     I did google my question and learned that a page usually contains 250-300 words, depending, of course, on what font size you are using.  So I learned that I have a very long way to go!  I want the book to be at least 200 pages.  Of course, that is if I can keep it interesting!

I want to listen to David Jeremiah who is on now, speaking on prophecy!

Later!/size]

[JudyB]

From Chris!

Mark chapter fourteen.
Our Lord played things very close to His chest here, He was secretive about the venue of His last supper with His beloved disciples, and well He might be, the Jewish leaders were out to kill Him.
F B Meyer..

He had obviously arranged this with the owner of the room some time previously, the man was to be trusted and probably a follower of our Lord.
Two disciples send to prepare the meal, no name of the venue mentioned in front of the twelve.
Very, very, secretive, the Lord was determined to have this, His last supper with them.
Why the secrecy?
The Jewish leaders.
And most of all Judas Iscariot.
He must have Judas at the meal, to give him one last chance to repent, he did not need to betray Jesus, our Lord could hand Himself over to the Jews whenever He wanted.
But unfortunately the scripture was fulfilled, Psalm 41-9.
You will maybe have a last chance to repent of your sins...maybe not.. Whatever you do, if you ever feel that you are a sinner, cry out immediately to Christ and ask for His forgiveness, for that may be the last time that He convicts you of your sin.
Don't miss your chance.
Jesus died for the Elect of God and also for the Whosoever!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  This is going to be a beautiful day after a very stormy and rainy one here yesterday.  It is in the 40's now and will only get into the high 50's this afternoon and it is to be windy all day.  My schedule is clear for today and expect to stay home all day. 

Janet, it sounds like you had some quality family time yesterday and ate well.  Glad you found my suggestion helpful

Judy, thanks for the good reading from Chris.  Hope you and John are doing well and the maple trees are cooperating with your maple syrup making plans for the season.

[Janet]

Darrel and I are ready to leave for Johnson for doctor's appointments.  Mine is just routine, switching from the doctor here who fired Darrel back to the one we used to have before he moved his practice to Johnson.  He was the one who was unfailingly kind to Beth, so I have a soft spot for him!

We were SO blessed to hear Chip Brim speak both Saturday night and yesterday morning!!  That boy can PREACH!!  He brings insights into the Word better than almost anyone I have ever heard, except for his Mom, Billye Brim!!  Those who are near enough to attend the church he pastors have such a privilege!  I bought a couple of his CDs and ordered two sets from this meeting.  Chip used to be a coach--high school, then college and finally Pros--baseball.  He believed in winning, and now heads a ministry to youth he calls Champions for Christ.

The terrible wind ceased for a while, and yesterday was nice.  We enjoyed seeing Curtis, Toni, Lexi, Chelsea and Jenna again!

My alumni reunion at the little school I attended for 12 years is coming up on April 28th, so I plan to go to that.  It's only 100 miles from here.

Time to go!  Later, Peeps!

[JudyB]

We have had an ice storm, Freezing rain and ice pellets along with strong winds.  In many communities there has been trees down and power lines broken.  There are people still without power.  Crews are out working.  1400 accidents in the GTA, I am sure today there are more. People don't seem to know enough to stay home till the roads are cleared.  It's a real mess. 
We were out in it at the beginning, however arrived home before the worst of it hit.

About Pat; Janet there have been no changes.  I think she has "cabin fever" and takes every opportunity to get out, Heather has been helpful in this area of her life. It must be hard on her not being able to drive and not having Paul near to take her out.  Paul is not well either, so that doubly complicates life for them.

Have a great day folks, God richly bless you all.

[JudyB]

BLEST BE THE TIE
(Click to hear music)

Author:  John Fawcett, 1740-1817
Musician:  Hans G. Nageli, 1773-1836
Arr. By Lowell Mason, 1792-1872


And the multitude of them that believed
were of one heart and of one soul:
neither said any of them that ought of the things
which he possessed was his own;
but they had all things common.
Acts 4:32


Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like that to that above.

Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.

We share each other's woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.

From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.

[Carol]

Back from the dentist - and no charge today as I just had a sensitive area checked and it is alright.  Don has an appointment for something else this afternoon  so that will take about 3 hours if we are fortunate.  It is time for us to bomb the house and garage for bugs - we close everything & have no food out at all then set off bug bombs so it permeates for a couple of hours.  Twice per year and it takes care of any bugs.  so far, no scorpions have been spotted. Yes, we are careful to air out the house for a few hours too and sit outdoors  with our books. 

Judy:  Always enjoy the songs - thank you for posting.


Sorry to learn that Pat is unable to get out very much.  Is she in the states or in Canada? Can we send a card? 

Don has a cold and a very deep and gravely speech sounding like Johnny Cash or someone else I can't remember.  It sounds funny but not  fun for him - I ran to the drug store and bought throat lozenges.  I made Chicken Noodle Soup and he is doing everything right - still no change. 

 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is another beautiful, but cool, morning here in South Carolina.  It will remain a bit chilly throughout the morning and then warm up this afternoon into the mid-70's.  We are expecting to have a windy day as well just as we did yesterday.  I enjoyed a quiet day at home yesterday.  This morning I have a dental appointment to get the cavity filled that was found when my teeth were cleaned last month.  I have nothing else planned for the day.

Janet, how far do you have to drive to get to Johnson?  Glad you have a doctor you like even if you have to travel to see him.  When we lived in Georgia I often had to drive for an hour or more as several of my doctors were in Atlanta and it was not an easy drive as had to use the busy Interstates.  Here the furthest we have to go is about 30 minutes and it is an easy drive. I don't think I have ever heard of Chip Brim.  I always lived away from where I went to High School and was able to attend only one or two of the annual Alumni Banquets held each year.  I am pretty certain they have been discontinued as mine was the last graduating class and that was in 1959. 

Judy, thanks for the update on Pat and so sorry to hear she has cabin fever and that Paul is also not well.  That sounds like some storm you had and glad you didn't have a power outage.  Another favorite old hymn you selected.  Thanks. 

Carol, I read that you had seen the dentist and had no charge and I was shocked.  Sure glad there wasn't a problem that needed correction.  I used to use the bug bombs in the apartment where Stacey first lived as it was infested with coach roaches mainly and she had a terrible fight to get rid of them as it was an old building.  She finally got rid of them and didn't have that problem when she moved to the last apartment she had in a Senior/Handicapped building.  Sorry that Don has a cold and hope it is better today. 

[Janet]

Larry, Johnson is only about 20 miles from here;
and hardly any traffic out here in rural Kansas, so it's an easy drive.  He gave me a good report, all is well.  Darrel, on the other hand, got a chest X-ray,
four prescriptions, and quite a lot of advice! 

I was tired yesterday and didn't work on the book at all.  I'm to a point that I feel the need for a fresh pair of eyes to read it and tell me if it's fitting together as it should.  Sometimes you're too close to tell; just like when you're painting; you need to back off a few paces to see if it's working.

Our Abby is planning to go to San Diego this summer for several weeks on a Missions trip.  She has sent out letters requesting financial help.  We got one yesterday, and she did a lovely job on it.  I had already given her money,
but I think Darrel will add to that after reading her letter.  He sort of has a soft spot for that granddaughter!    He really doesn't like the idea of her going to San Diego, as he feels it's a dangerous place for her, but I told him if the Lord is calling her there, He will certainly protect her there.

It was nice here this morning, but now the wind is picking up again.

[Janet]

Larry, Johnson is only about 20 miles from here; and hardly any traffic out here in rural Kansas, so it's an easy drive.  He gave me a good report, all is well.  Darrel, on the other hand, got a chest X-ray, four prescriptions, and quite a lot of advice! 

I was tired yesterday and didn't work on the book at all.  I'm to a point that I feel the need for a fresh pair of eyes to read it and tell me if it's fitting together as it should.  Sometimes you're too close to tell; just like when you're painting; you need to back off a few paces to see if it's working.

Our Abby is planning to go to San Diego this summer for several weeks on a Missions trip.  She has sent out letters requesting financial help.  We got one yesterday, and she did a lovely job on it.  I had already given her money, but I think Darrel will add to that after reading her letter.  He sort of has a soft spot for that granddaughter!    He really doesn't like the idea of her going to San Diego, as he feels it's a dangerous place for her, but I told him if the Lord is calling her there, He will certainly protect her there.

It was nice here this morning, but now the wind is picking up again.

[Carol]

Taking a break from the vacuum cleaner - it does a great job but still needs my hand. 

FYI anyone:  3 stamps are needed for a letter to Canada.   

A friend is driving me to an afternoon get-together today where I believe we will have a little fun activity.  The gals are all her relatives but we (Don too) are always included and they are sweet people.  At the same time, there is much to prepare around here in closing the place for summer and driving home.  Windy in Colorado so I hope this is better next week.  Don is trying acupuncture at least one more time perhaps twice here.  He did have some relief. 

I called Don outdoors to spot a beautiful Cardinal and it did stay still long enough for Don to see the sight - against a blue sky in the green foliage.  There are gifts for us all around and we sometimes take things for granted. 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  Another clear sky this morning and temperatures headed up to the mid-80's this afternoon.  I did get my tooth filled yesterday and it took only about 30 minutes.  This evening we will go to the Church for a chili dinner.  Scott and I may go to the hardware store for a new latch for your wooden fence in back.  It has shifted and the installed latch doesn't work well.  I plan on a simple hook type fastener so the gate stays shut. He said he would come on out this morning and install it for me although I haven't heard anything from him this morning and he may be sleeping in. 

Janet, those are the type of doctor's reports we like to hear.  Thanks for the info on Johnson and twenty miles isn't too far to so.  It sounds like Darrel got loaded down with medicine.  Will Abby be with other youth on the Mission trip?

Carol, hope you all had a great time at the afternoon get-together.  You are right that the birds are a gift.  I saw a beautiful wren sitting on the back of the wrought iron chair on the front porch yesterday.   

Jackie, I have been missing your postings here.  I sure hope you are OK.  I did see your comment in the Photos discussion this morning.

[Janet]

Good morning!  I am praising God today for His mighty protection!!  Yesterday morning, Darrel took the trash out to the pit we have used for probably 30 years for burning our trash.  I would not have set it on fire, as the prediction was for high winds again.  Anyway, he burned it, thought it was out, put water on it and went his way.  In mid-afternoon, the Sheriff came to our door to tell us that the fire had flamed up, gotten out of the pit and spread quickly.  It went clear out to the highway, and over to Beth's garage, badly scorching one side, melting the styrofoam insulation inside!  Thank God, one of the neighbors saw it and called the fire department, or our renter would have lost the trailer and all its contents, two or three vehicles, and Beth's garage.  The whole fire Dept. was here!  And we were oblivious to the whole thing; especially me, as I had no idea he'd burned the trash at all!  Darrel said maybe it's time to get a dumpster and let them haul the trash away--I heartily agree!  It also wouldn't surprise me at all to get a letter telling us we are banned from any future burning!  And that would be fine.  Darrel said he should have gone back out to check on it.......Uh..yeah!!!

Anyway, so much for which to praise our GOOD, good Father!!

Today is Wednesday!!  That means painting!!  Yea!!

I made some progress on the book yesterday.  Little by little, inch by inch,
I will get it done!

Sorry to be so long winded today.  Jackie, are you all right?  Come back and talk to us!  And the rest of you, as well, please!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. It is already 68 degrees outside to start the morning but is suppose to get to only 76 degrees this afternoon.  Yesterday was one of those down days I have every so often when I was so tired I didn't feel like doing anything except what had to be done.  I laid down for two hours in the late morning and then after a quick lunch laid down again for another two hours or so.  We did meet Scott at the Church for dinner and then he came out and spent about 3 hours with us. 

I will be picking up my friend at the assisted living facility later this morning and we will go to coffee.  I have several errands I want to run either before I pick him up or after but none of them should take very long.  Later this afternoon Pat and I plan on going to Ruby Tuesday's to take advantage of their buy one and get one entree.  It has been a few days since we have been there and that coupon is just too good to pass up.  That will be our main meal of the day.  I guess it is my Scottish heritage coming to play. 

Janet, what a scare you all had with the fire.  Glad you had a neighbor who was aware of what was going on.  Using a dumpster service sounds like a wise idea with all the wind you have there in Kansas.  Sure glad you didn't lost the trailer and the other things you mention.  On the farm as I was growing up we had a big barrel that we used to burn the trash.  Fortunately it never caused a fire other than in the barrel.  I am sure Darrel feels bad about the situation but know he sure wouldn't have done it had he had any idea of what was going to happen.  I hope you had a lot of fun with your painting yesterday.  I think authors often take months, if not a year or more, to write a book.  It sounds like you are ahead of the curve in that regard. 

[Marilyn]

Hi everyone It took me two days to catch up on the posts that I have missed all week and part of last week. I just haven't been here and have been very busy too. Over the weekend I got fully certified to be a Tai Chi Instructor.  The  master himself came to spend two days with  the instructors and the 4 of us who were getting  certified as new instructors.

Yesterday and today was Furry Friend visiting days at one of the facilities and the hospital. I took Freckles to be groomed yesterday after her visit. So now she is all  nice and clean.

Keith has been working in the yard  the last couple of days doing the weeding and  mowing. It is good to see him getting some fresh air and exercise doing what he likes to do. He is still doing well and not progressing very much in the dementia. You would never know there is anything wrong with him. I notice  when he forgets where he sits at the table, or which door to get in the car. There are a lot of lost memories that I try to remind him of but he just can't remember them.

[Carol]

Janet:  The fire must have caused a real fright for you.  It sure can get out of hand fast.  glad all is alright.

I am going to put my online Walmart shopping list on the little Kindle and see how that goes.  Otherwise, I like this larger keyboard on the old laptop but the kindle has a lot of perks that are not used. 

Cousin wrote and there is a foot of ice on Green Lake in Minnesota.  She is probably unhappy that they left Arizona so early.  Our oldest son drove his pickup pulling a trailer of furniture from the Phoenix area to the mountains in Colorado.  In one day,of course.  Everyone  in my family has to beat a previous record.  When will they ever grow up?  They have snow and that is to be thankful for water conditions. 

Lots on my mind - even though I really do know - "Let Go, Let God!" Yesterday was a fun afternoon with six of us making cards (something new for me - I used to make cards on the computer) This was called Stamping.  Not to worry, I will never buy the supplies to make the gorgeous cards yet it was so kind of the girls for the invitation.  Speaking of cards, I have saved cards from the children and Don these many years and I know when I am "gone" someone will toss the bunch.  They will have a good laugh. 

Janet:  Speaking of a dumpster - when we had a place in Grand Lake (next to Rocky Mountain National Park), they put in a new Bear Proof dumpster.  Hearing a roar that would shake your bones, the dumpster was found in the middle of a parking area - that was one angry bear.    

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  Our day is starting out cool and it looks like 70 will be our high for the day.  The housekeeper will be here this morning and I am going to bring Elizabeth out for a couple of hours so she can do some work for us straitening the attack and helping take some things to the attic from the garage.  She called me this morning and wanted to come and do some work.  That will be pretty much for today.   

Yesterday I got a letter from my cardiologist saying she was moving joining a cardiac group in Aiken.  I don't want to go clear to Aiken to see her and certainly don't want to go into that hospital if needed sometime in the future.  She did recommend one of the cardiologist in the group she is leaving so will call this morning and schedule and appointment to replace the one I have scheduled with her in July. 

Marilyn, congratulations on your fully certification to be an instructor in Tai Chi.  Nice to read that Keith seems to be holding in terms of the progression of his condition and that he enjoys working in the yard. 

Carol, the keyboard on the Kindle is certainly easier than using the keyboard on the phone.  I hope using the Kindle for doing your grocery list works out for you.  It sounds like it is still very cold in Minnesota.  Glad your son made the trip with his furniture without problems.  Glad you enjoyed the card making.  My SIL loves doing that type of thing and is very talented.  Recently she got one of the Cricut devices and loves it.  I will save cards maybe for a couple of years and then toss them.  I really wonder why I keep them at all.  That was some mad bear. 

[Janet]

Carol, thanks for the chuckle about the angry bear!  I don't expect to have that problem here, but who knows, really?  In thinking about the fire, there is more and more for which to praise God for His protection!  The fire went underneath four vehicles, rototiller, mower, etc.,
but none of the tires caught fire!  Only God...  I have saved lots of stuff that I'm sure will get tossed, too.  The main thing is, who has time to go through all of it, now or later?  And because of that, I'm sure many valuable things get thrown away, especially in cleaning out the homes of those who have passed away.  But we have to remember, "It's all just STUFF!"

Larry, I forgot to answer your question about whether Abby will be alone on the missions trip.  No, thank God!  There will be 100 young people going; and another good thing is that all are required to get jobs while there! She was worrying about not working this summer, as, like most college kids, funds are always short.  She is thrilled with the support being sent for her missions trip; says it makes her feel so humble.  Love that girl!

Larry, sorry you have to change cardiologists again.  I just switched primary doctors, back to the one we had before who moved to Johnson.

I have a morning appointment in Johnson with the doctor who comes from Liberal once a week.  So we're about ready to go exercise for a bit, then I had to move my hair app't up an hour, so it's a busy morning schedule. But this afternoon I hope to get more done on the book!

Time to run!

[Janet]

I came back to tell Marilyn--glad Keith seems to be holding steady; and congrats on becoming a Tai Chi instructor!! 

[JudyB]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzrhqjzQCi4

There is history behind this hymn.  Back in the 60's Jack would preach at a little missionary church.  Missionaries could hind a home there while on furlough.  When he would preach Pat and I would often sing.  This was one of our favourites.  When I was 17 I applied for a job in the little hospital there, and got the job.  It meant getting up at 5 in the morning and biking to the hospital and making oatmeal for the residents.  I quickly learned to make it smooth and not lumpy.   Another time my cousin and I were exploring with our dog, Sandy.  I would have been 12 I think, and I needed a bathroom.  I had my cousin look out for people and I went behind a bush.  A couple of days later I was covered in a poison ivy rash....... I found the best cure to be dabbing gasoline on the rash.  It worked quickly and that was the end of that.  That missionary community is now gone, high rises have taken its place.  It is sad to see lands like that taken over by "progress".

[Janet]

Thanks, Judy!  I hadn't heard that beautiful song before!

[Jacqueline]

I am here...thank you for thinking of me and missing me....I am ok, just wish at times I could be granted one wish, and that wish would be to take my MS away from my body but...I know that would be one wish that will never happen...

Anyway, as much as I " hate " and I do mean " hate " I know it is here to stay.... Just wish I could control my body, instead of my body controlling me...

I hope no one judges me as until one has Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, they dont know what its like living with it..( living in the body..)

Our weather these last few days has really been nice but is due for a change in temps again, temps going down and showers and thunderstorm is predicted for this weekend...not that the weather makes much difference to me...but it has been pleasant sitting outside and looking up at those green valleys-hills and watching and listening to the birds for a change...just the sheer peace and quiet where I can reflect on life...

Judy...
... I had to come back and edit as I have only just this minute seen your video clip link and have to say this has come at the right moment for me...thank you, this is just what I was needing...Very soothing and comforting, I shall be playing this whenever I feel its need... 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is another beautiful and sunny morning and we headed to the mid-70's this afternoon although we are now only in the mid-40's.  I don't have too much on the schedule for today.  I have emptied the ice bin and letting the container thaw out and lose all the shavings frost that seem to build up.  I made Pat's breakfast.  I will decide a little later whether I will attend a meeting this morning or not depending on my strength level at the time.  Yesterday I did go downtown and picked up Elizabeth at Scott's house and brought her out here for a couple of hours.  She cleaned up the attic and brought down a lot of boxes that I had saved up there and generally rearranged and straighten up things.  She did the same in the garage and took a few things up to the attic that have been in the garage since we moved but which I didn't want to discard.  I also had her trim off the top of the three small shrubs on either side of the walkway and on the other side of the driveway.  She did all the work but I was the one ending up tired as stayed with her as she worked.  I was glad to get these things done.  A 19 year old has a lot of energy. 

Janet, that is pretty amazing that the fire didn't get your vehicles, rototiller, mower and anything else.  The advantage of moving occasionally is that it does cause one to do some de-cluttering but it doesn't take long to re-clutter.  Abby should be fine on the mission trip since she won't be along and there is safety in numbers.  Nice that Abby is getting the financial support for her trip.  I did get an appointment with a new cardiologist yesterday and was able to schedule it on the same day that I had the appointment in July with the doctor I have been using. 

Judy, that is a beautiful hymn and an interesting story.  I have just listened to the song and don't think I had heard it before. 

Jackie, so happy to see your posting.  Unfortunately we don't get to choose diseases that affect our lives.  You will find permanent healing when you are called home and in the meantime you can ask Jesus to help bear you up through the hard days.  None of us know what others are enduring because we do not walk in their shoes nor share their suffering.  Glad you are having some nice weather.  Do you have much humidity where you live?  It sounds like you have a beautiful place to sit outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. 

[Janet]

I love Saturdays!  This is the one day of the week when I don't (usually) have to go anywhere in the morning hours.  So I can take my time with the Lord, not have to get dressed and hurry to the gym or get ready for church, and I really enjoy not feeling hurried. 

WE GOT SOME RAIN!  .4" SO FAR!  THANK YOU, LORD!

I have a big bulge just below my right knee which doesn't hurt or cause me any noticeable problems. It is unsightly and prevents me from wearing dresses, unless I wear leggings too.  I have asked doctors over the past several years about it, and was told it's water retention from my blood pressure medicine.  It's soft and "jiggly".  Anyway, when we saw our primary doctor, he said he thought it was from a leaking bursa in my knee.    So I asked the Urologist about it, and he thought it was a fatty tumor.  He used a medical term, which I don't remember.  Anyway, he said I could get a CT scan or an ultrasound to determine if it's fluid or fatty tissue.  Since his assistant had just done an ultrasound on my bladder, I asked if they could do one on my leg?  He looked at me, a bit startled, and said, "For YOU.... "  and then did one.  If there is fluid, it shows as black on the ultrasound, and there was no black.  So the conclusion is that it is fatty tissue.  It can be removed surgically; but it doesn't bother me except for being ugly, so do I want to have surgery on my otherwise good, strong and healthy leg??  I will be praying a lot before making that decision!

Larry, glad you got your appointment so you can do them both in one trip.
So nice of the young girl to come out and help you.  We do appreciate those young ones who are willing to help us.  Curtis has helped us several times,
and Abby was great about driving me to see Darrel in rehab at Garden (following the car wreck) and she drove me to bring him home, too.  God bless them!

It wasn't our vehicles that were endangered by the fire.  They all belong to the renter, but I'm so grateful they didn't burn!  Only God!!

Jackie, good to have you back with us.  Glad you have a pleasant place with a beautiful view where you can sit outdoors and enjoy nature.  I won't likely be blessed with those things until I get to heaven!  But it makes me appreciate the times I get to travel to such places!  I'm quite sure you wouldn't be impressed with the view we have! 

I really want to work on the book some today.  I tried yesterday, but seemed to be stymied and stalled out.  Today is a new day!!

The Junior Leadership Class from the High School is giving us a Senior Prom tonight--yes, for Senior citizens.  It's so nice of them, and they are such fun to interact with; really special kids.  Darrel and I have missed the last two years, as we were away traveling, but we plan to attend tonight.

[Jacqueline]

Janet...
...take it from me...your legs are too precious to go having unnecessary surgery if it isn't really needed...what is more important is that you can walk on them...My choice at my age would be to stay with " ugly.." but at the end of the day, this is your choice...just hang onto that " good strong and healthy leg " of yours...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We have a cloudy morning but mild temperatures.  We could have a little rain later today but less than 50% chance at this point.  I am going to go to Sunday School and then come home and pick up Pat and we will go back to Church and out to lunch.  I plan on watching the end of the golf tournament and resting this afternoon. 

Yesterday I decided I didn't have the energy to get out and attend my meeting so just stayed home all day. Yesterday afternoon Pat made some delicious banana nut bread.  I just finished a slice of it with my breakfast.  A few days ago I ordered a new white shirt from Costco and am wearing it for the first time this morning.  I am very pleased with the quality of the fabric and construction.  The price was very reasonable at $20 and free shipping. 

Janet, glad you finally got a little rain out your way.  Pat had a fitty tissue situation on the outer hip and did have it removed several years ago.  I am sure you will make the right decision on whether or not to have it removed.  Most people would probably never notice the problem and if they did so what.  I think I mislead in my comments as have only the one appointment in July and canceled the other with the doctor that will be gone after next Monday.  I also made the assumption if was your vehicles that could have burned.  Glad that didn't happen with the tenets things either.  I hope you enjoyed the Senior Prom. 

Jackie, you make a good point about the surgery.  Were you able to enjoy some more time in your garden yesterday. 

[Janet]

Good Sunday morning to everyone on CP!

Thank you, Larry--we did have a lovely time at the Senior Prom.  It's so refreshing to be around lovely young people!  The girls all wore their Prom formals, and the boys were dressed up, too; and they were so friendly and fun!  They seemed to enjoy us Grandmas and Grandpas as much as we did them!  One of the girls wanted Darrel to teach her how to dance--it seems nobody teaches the kids to dance any more; they only know line dances and just shuffling their feet!  He danced with her several times, but had trouble avoiding stepping on her very long dress!  It dragged on the floor, especially after she took off her high heels!    Anyway, she asked him to have a Prom photo taken with her--sweet!

And one of the boys asked me to dance, but he didn't know how, either, so asked me to teach him to two-step.  That's easy, and he learned really quickly!  When we left, he offered me his arm, asking me to please allow him the honor of walking me out.  He walked me to the car, Darrel following, opened the door for me, then handed me a folded paper, saying, "this is for you."  He had put his name and phone number on it, and said he would love to buy me coffee some day and hear the rest of my story, and to please contact him soon.     If he wants to hear the rest of my story, that will be a really long coffee date!    We had chatted briefly about traveling,
something he passionately wants to do.  (I will contact him.)

Thank you Larry, for telling me about Pat's similar experience.  Darrel wants me to see a surgeon in Garden City, just for advice.  Yesterday, I discovered a hard lump about the size of a marble in that bulge on my leg.  Won't hurt to get it checked out, anyway.

Time to wake my sweet husband!  Have a great day, everyone!

[Jacqueline]

If you haven't heard this, you must...I have only this minute watched it on Simon Cowells Britain's got Talent auditioning show...Father Ray Kelly...Everybody Hurts...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx8yD3-HWTg

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  The morning starts out very rainy after rain last night and it is suppose to continue all day long and then into this evening as well.  They indicate we may expect as much as two inches of rain.  It is the nice slow rain this morning that really soaks into the ground.  The main thing I will do today is attend another funeral.  This is for the son of the man who lost his wife just a few weeks ago.  He had been suffering from cancer and suddenly took a turn for the worse. 

Pat had a good day yesterday and felt like attending Sunday School and Church with me.  After Church we went to Zaxby's for their chicken salad.  It is a delicious salad and I had grilled chicken pieces on mine and Pat had the fried chicken on hers.  It is served with a slice of buttered toast and is a full meal.  We then had a quiet afternoon.  I did visit on FaceTime for quite awhile with my good friend and then watched the conclusion of the golf match.  Another young player won his first tournament.   

Janet, our young people at Church put on a nice Valentine Day dinner for the older folks in the church and treat us royally.  It is a nice event although we didn't attend this year.  It sounds like both you and Darrel met very nice and considerate young people and that you have made a new friend. You are wise to get a second opinion on the leg situation. 

Jackie, I watched the video link you posted of the singing priest.  He has a very nice voice and you could understand the words.  Thanks for sharing that with us. 

[Carol]

I will choose purple today - all the family cheers for the Minnesota Vikings football team - they never forget their years in Minnesota and remain loyal.  Football and Hockey and lots of smorgasbord. 

Just taking a break from cleaning and washing stuff - I have been under the weather for half a week and this morning was a wee turning point for the better.  It does take a few days to set things up just to drive home.  Children and neighbors are awaiting us with lots of ideas - wishing we could sneak in for a couple of days without them knowing..Love all of them.

Here, I intended to work a lot more on genealogy but it didn't happen.  My grade would have been a D minus for sure.  Just a lack of inertia so there is no excuse. 

Jackie:  A boy for the royals - how wonderful for everyone. 

Larry:  It is almost overwhelming when funerals in the family are so close.  Peace for all.

Don is back from mailing a change of address to the VA - they are very poor in communication as to when meds are to be delivered so we have to double check the front porch and even have neighbors to help. 

[Jacqueline]

Carol...
...yes...I was wondering why kate never appeared alongside William at the Queens birthday concert on tv over the weekend...I was guessing the day of the Royal birth was near...obviously nearer than expected...Yes the un-named Prince will now be 5th in line to the throne...
One of my choices at the name guessing game is...Mathew or Matthew, whichever is the correct spelling...

[Janet]

We went to Garden City today and made a full day of it!!  We didn't plan to, but it happened.  So we're pretty tired now.
We came home with a new wireless printer.  Our old one has been printing pink and blue checks,  with the ink smeared and smudged on them, and when we want black and white copies, they are a soft grey color, pretty dim.  We asked about getting it repaired and the answer was if you have any kind of printer problems, the best, and usually cheapest fix is to buy a new one.    He said the life expectancy of a printer is only three years!  We told him ours gets little use and he said it makes no difference!    I guess we got our money's worth out of the old one, as we had been using it for at least 8 years.

I hadn't heard about the third child for Kate and William.  Another boy! I
have never quite understood the fascination with the royals.  Probably because that is so foreign to American thinking.  I wish them well!

Carol, I think you work too hard!  Hope you can give yourself a break and get some rest!  I worked a few hours yesterday on the book; was reading my journals from the time of our car wreck, and noticed how often the Lord admonished me to rest and let my body heal. 

Jackie, that priest has a wonderful voice.  I'd never heard that song before.

I found a friend who will read my manuscript and give me an honest opinion, so I want to print out what I have so far.  If I can't read it, then Darrel will need to get busy and connect the new printer!

Good night!

[Jacqueline]

Janet...
...Now I'm the other way around...I have heard of the song but not heard of Father Ray Kelly, yet when I looked him up on youtube, I found some go as far back as three years...

Yes I remember Kate saying that she would like a large family, wonder if three will be enough...

I remember after three days in hospital after giving birth ( 1969, ) I never looked as glamorous ( hair, make-up ) as she did when I stood on the steps when leaving...nor as flat stomached...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  After a very rainy day yesterday we are in for a nice day of sunshine and some clouds and a temperature of 75 degrees.  We are looking forward to a brief visit this morning from a long time friend, who is traveling through to work on her way to Florence, GA.  She is going to have lunch with us and Pat put together a hot chicken casserole that will be quick to bake and a nice one dish meal along with a small side salad.  Yesterday was pretty much a wasted day, other than getting myself ready and attending the funeral.  Otherwise I spent most of the day laying down as was very weary.   

Carol, the purple works for me.  There comes a time when we just have to tell others we are not up to doing what they suggest.  They will understand.  Isn't it nice that we don't have to worry about grades anymore? 

Jackie, there has been a lot on our news about the new Prince being born.  Have you seen the series that is on Netflix or Amazon called "The Crown".  It is very good.  Pat and I watched the first season and now there is a second season and it is a dramatization of events in the Queen's life starting when she was a small girl.  I expect Kate gets a lot of help with her children. 

Janet, I certainly agree with the advice you got about getting a new printer.  However, in this day and age getting one that is simple to use seems to be about impossible.  Our printers are wireless but I finally just hooked up one by Pat's easy chair using an Ethernet cable and one here in my office hooked up the same way.  I also have a laser printer here in my office that I use most of the time as it prints only black and white. 

[Janet]

I can tell I haven't been watching much TV, since I hadn't seen nor heard anything about the new little Prince.  I'm staying busy with other projects lately.

So sad about the man driving the big van down the sidewalk in Toronto, mowing people down!  How can any human do such a despicable thing? They are saying it wasn't terrorism.  Maybe not, but it was terrifying, whether or not it was sponsored by a known terrorist group.  How we need to pray for each other in these troubled times!

Well, my first attempts to print out my manuscript resulted in very tiny print, plus a 3 inch wide grey area down the right side of the pages.  I tried several times, would get a page or two right, then it reverted to the mess. Finally, it printed two pages right--then back to the mess again.  I gave up for the night, tried again this morning and got it done.  As it printed, the pages got messier, with more black splotches, and such, but it's legible, anyway.  Peggy won't mind.    And Darrel will get the new printer going today--I hope!

It's a Brother, wireless, and is a fax (no good to us without a land line), copier and scanner--color, too.  Hope it will serve us as well as the old one has.  Neither of us has the knowledge to deal with those problems like you have, Larry!

Jackie, we didn't have makeup artists, hairdressers, etc, to prepare us for being photographed as we left the hospital with a new baby!  That makes all the difference!  Nobody even thought of taking pictures of ME, as all eyes were on the baby!  And that was fine with me!

[Carol]

Oh, I think this is so cool - to choose a color and Bold the print.

I have been setting up the Walmart online grocery list.  This is another "cool" thing - When we arrive home, I will have set a time period for picking up the groceries - I think it is a 4 hour period.  We drive up, call for the order, they wheel it out to the car and put it in the trunk.  We buy veggies at a different store and all will be set up in the kitchen.  What a smart idea and there is no extra charge or tipping. 

Janet:  Sad to say we think first of terrorism whenever a van goes into a crowd.  Our granddaughter will be in London for school this summer and we will be praying for her safety for all of the children who just want to walk safe streets.  We don't support any royals in our country but we have supported some who have lived higher than royals. --- I hope your new printer works out for you. 

Jackie:  It looks like the priest has a happy personality - very special for the couple being married.  We have a Matthew and a Philip. 

Back to ironing - this is so nice to pop in here and check on everyone.  Things are on schedule here, we have a list of how to leave the place - this being hot in the summer (Tucson) we set the A/C very high for money- saving.  We put buckets of water around the house for humidity and fix the toilet / cover with saran wrap  - some of this has to be worked on at the last minute.  We leave our information with the police, they are two blocks away and this is called a Dark House (no lights).  They will walk around the yard sometimes.  Very nice service and no charge - they do like cookies. 

Larry:  Enjoy your visiting and Pat's chicken dish.  Have a fun day. 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is a truly beautiful morning here in South Carolina with no rain in the forecast.  Only two things on my schedule for today.  I will make a quick trip to Aldi's for a few items later this morning and a stop at the Hardware store for one item. This evening we will have our dinner at the Church and then Scott and Elizabeth will be coming out to the house. We had a great visit yesterday with the lady from Tennessee, a very special friend, who visited with us for 3 hours, including lunch.   

Janet, it seems to me the man in Canada was a terrorist regardless of his affiliation or lack thereof.  There is certainly no way to know in advance that a person would do such a terrible thing.  My laser printer is a Brother's and I used another Brother's laser printer for several years when I was doing all of the paperwork for the Senior Games. 

Carol, we are now getting most of our groceries with the Walmart online ordering other than what I get at Aldi's and Costco.  Nice of you to feed the policemen some cookies.  Pat's hot chicken salad was delicious and we have more than enough left over for our meal Thursday evening. 

[Janet]

I'm using navy color today!  Carol, you sounded so "chipper" yesterday--good for you!  Your post makes me think about how much work it is to take care of two homes.  I will likely never need to know, but it is interesting.  Some of those things, I'd not thought of before.

Larry, it's cool here today, and we had a little shower last night.  Maybe .2 at the most, but it's very damp feeling outside today, and that's a nice change from hot, dry winds.  We will eat at church tonight, too--brisket!

This coming Sunday is Camp Sunday.  The young ones all bake ad decorate cakes, along with some talented and supportive adults, and then they auction them off.  This is to raise money to pay camp fees for the kids.We will also be having a potluck dinner.

Today is my other favorite day--painting day!!  Until I started back to painting regularly, I hadn't truly realized how much I missed it!

I'm still plugging away on the book, the Lord is graciously giving me fresh inspiration as I work. 

Time to go paint--have to stop by the gym, as I left my phone there. 

[Marilyn]

I apologize for being  away from all y'all for so long. It seems like a long time and maybe it isn't so long after all. I have been trying to stay away from spending so much time on the computer  that keeps me from doing a lot of other things that need doing. My Tai Chi class is going well I now have 8 students. I love teaching this class and helping others  with their Balance, Focus and  all that Tai Chi does for a person's well being.

Keith seems to be in a holding pattern without progressing much. That must mean the medication along with my prayers are working for him. Speaking of prayers. Monday evening at music practice I was having a great deal of pain in my leg and back, I was anointed with Oil from the Holy Land and prayed over, when I left practice I was free of all pain and have been ever since, Praise the Lord. That oil smells so good, it has Spikenard, Myrrh and Frankincense. 

Well my bread is almost done so I better get back to that.

[Carol]

This is maroon bold. 

Marilyn;  Glad to read you are doing well and feeling better.

Janet:  We are anxious to get back to the family.  Our son and DIL who spent two years in Phoenix have now moved back to the mountains - super to be there at this time of the year.  The temp here is high 90's and that puts a crimp on being outdoors every afternoon. 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We have a another very bright morning with clear skies.  However, there is a chance of rain later this morning and the rest of the day although the percentage chance of having it isn't too high.  I ended up not feeling up to going to Aldi's yesterday morning so will make a quick stop there after coffee on the way home from taking my friend back to his assisted living home.  There is a new Dollar Tree very close to where he lives so will make a quick stop there to pick up a birthday card for our youngest great grandchild who is turning seven on the 29th.  We did have a good dinner at church last night as the Shepard's Pie was delicious.

Janet, I hope the brisket was very good.  The cook stopped at our table and we asked her what she made the meat was in the Shepard's Pie and is was roast beef that after cooking had been ground up and mixed with other things.  I hope the young people make a lot of money on the cake auction.  I hope you had a great time painting yesterday. 

Marilyn, it is always good to see a posting from you.  It sounds like your Tai Chi class has really taken off.  I am glad that Keith is staying in a holding pattern.  I hope that leg pain stays away. 

Carol, you should have some more comfortable weather when you get back to the Denver area.   

[Janet]

I like bold navy!  My favorite was always the blue, but Jackie uses that, and so I get the opportunity to choose another color, that way, her posts are quickly identifiable.    I know it doesn't matter anyway, what color I choose.  Just want them to be easy to read!

Darrel is ready to go to gym--more later!!

[Janet]

I'm Baaack!!   I walked 1 1/3 miles on the treadmill in 20 minutes, then did weight workouts for upper body.  I'm trying to regain my strength,endurance and balance.  Why do we lose it so quickly, then it's so hard to get it back? 

I have a good friend who is our Magistrate Judge, and she also works a lot with the courts in Hugoton and Liberal.  Anyway, she agreed to read my manuscript (what I have done) and I'm meeting her for lunch at 11:30. 

Marilyn, congrats on having 8 students for your tai chi class.  That should make for a good class, I would think.  I have never taken a class in that, but am sure I would like it.

Larry, hope you feel better today.  I'm gradually getting back to my old self, I think.  For sure, I have more energy these days, but an occasional nap feels right, too.

Carol, when do you make the drive back to Colorado?  Traveling mercies prayed for you and Don!

I have a half hour before I go to lunch, so I'm going to do something on the book!

[Carol]

Bold purple today - humming "purple mountain majesty" at the same time - we return to the magnificent views this week and will see our loving family at the same time.  Thankful.

The Navy color is nice too. 

Janet:  Your exercise routine sounds so great - the balance part is what we all need to work on for sure.  Very nice of your friend to read your book.

We are taking more time on our drive because our children are insisting and they actually want us to fly back and forth.  Not a chance.  We have electronics and other "stuff" and that would add to a plane ticket so we will take our time and miss all of the heavy traffic as possible. 

See you later.   

[Janet]

I enjoyed a lovely lunch with my friend, came home and got busy again on the book.  I'm pleased with the amount I got done today, quite a few changes and corrections, plus an additional 2334 words!  I skipped the little meeting at the library, as I didn't want to lose my momentum.

We will now have a Secretary of State from our state of Kansas!  Mike Pompeo is an outspoken Christian man, a genuinely good man.  I believe we can be proud of this appointment.

Time to think about supper!  We like to eat early and go to bed early.  But only one of us likes to get up early!   

[Carol]

Janet:  Praying that the Kansas guy can help this country. 

We spent some time visiting with our old friend (her husband passed about five or more years ago and he was a good friend of Don's.  She has a daughter who will drive her back to Minnesota.  We have a much shorter drive home. 

We will be bringing egg salad sandwiches and also brownies I made in cup cake sizes - some have gone to the neighbors.   

[Jacqueline]

Janet...
...ha ha, I also use " Italics " hoping to put a " slant " on my postings....hoping it Identifies my posts from your posts, rather than confuse...I too have often played around and experimented with colours....

Carol...
...one thing I have always admired from our American friends is...how they make new neighbours welcome by baking and taking around as a friendly and welcoming offering a freshly made cake or pie...we just dont do that over here in UK...I only wish we were like you...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  Our day starts out cloudy and it will only get to 73 this afternoon.  I plan on staying home all day unless we decide to go out and eat our main meal.  Pat has been in the house for several days now so she may want to do so. 

Yesterday was a busy day as was gone all morning and accomplished what I had set out to do.  Before I left I called the Tech Support company I contracted with in January (and had forgotten that I had done so but saw a note on my calendar to remind me).  I had them do a spring cleaning of my desktop and today will have them do it on my laptop as I can't get the Chrome browser to even install on it.  I am using the Chrome browser on my desktop now, which I haven't been able to do for sometime.  I will have them check over two computers every three months or if I encounter a problem.  They suggested a security program I had not heard of called ESET so I am going to check that out today.  So it should be a restful day.

I like all the different colors you all are using for your postings.  Guess I will stay with the bold black as I am not a very colorful guy. 

Janet,  you must have been keeping a fast pace to do that much walking on the treadmill in 20 minutes.  Glad you feel you are getting back into better shape.  I did have a good day yesterday and I think today is going to be the same.  It sounds like you were keeping your keyboard busy.  I was glad to see they finally approved Mike Pompeo as the Secretary of State.  They were trying to use the fact that he is a Christian against him.   

Carol, maybe in subsequent years one of your children or grown grandchildren could drive you all back to Tuscon and then fly back home.  I understand how tiring a long motor trip can be especially when one is driving.  Nice you could spend time with your old friend and I see that she has a daughter who drives her home. 

Jackie, I like the "slant" you put on your posting yesterday.  It is fun to see all the things we can do with the computer.  Years ago I had the Paint Shop Pro software but never did much with it as just don't have the talent or interest for that type of thing.  . 

[Janet]

Carol, I hope Mike Pompeo can make a change for the better, too.  It always encourages me to know that an elected person is a strong Christian. I hope your trip back to Colorado goes smoothly.

Jackie, I don't care what color anyone uses, I just wish more of our members would post!  I miss so many of those who used to be active in here.  Yes, taking fresh baked goods to new neighbors is a lovely thing, and often new and lasting friendships start that way.

Larry, always good to see your posts!  Hope all goes well with your computer cleaning!

I just saw my friend who is reading my manuscript, and she is confused already!  That means Janet has more work to do!  And I don't have to go anywhere else today so I have some time to work on that!

Blessings!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  The day is bright and sunny and will get into the mid to high 70's this afternoon.  I plan on attending a meeting at 10:30 this morning and then spend the rest of the day at home.  About the only thing we did yesterday was go out to dinner around 6 pm.

The tech worked on my laptop for most of the day and wasn't able to get the problem fixed but he thinks he has identified what the problem. It is going tol require a repair of the Windows 10 software  and possibly a clean install of Windows 10.  His workday was over and he said he would work on it Monday.  However, I know how to do the Windows repair of software or a clean install and will go ahead and do it this weekend. Fortunately I don't have very much on this laptop so will be sure to save any files and make a list of the programs I have running on it.  That will give me a good project for today.  I was able to setup the speed dial on Pat cellphone and am working on getting her address book straightened out. 

Janet, history was made yesterday when the two Korean leaders met and stepped into each other's country and then at the end of the day announced they want to end the war and de-denuclearize.  That sounds a lot better than the North threatening countries with nuclear bombs.  I guess time will tell whether these are empty words or something positive will occur.  I also wish we had more participants writing here as think now there are only 5 or 6 who post and some not everyday.  It sounds like your friend is helping with the manuscript and shows the need of others to be involved in the book creation process.

[Janet]

Happy Saturday to all!

Today is the all-school alumni get-together at my old school in Campo, Colorado.  There is a family of five sisters who all attended that school for 12 years who have been working diligently for months preparing for a really nice time this afternoon/evening.  I'm looking forward to renewing old acquaintances and making new friends.  They are starting with a time of visiting, etc. at 3:00, giving us three hours before dinner at 6:00.  This is the 60th anniversary of my High School graduation!!    But God has been so good to me through all those years, and it's good to remember that! And that means all my classmates have been out for 60 years, too! 

I spent a few hours yesterday revising, rearranging, adding more explanatory text, and in general improving my manuscript.  At least I hope it's an improvement.  When writing, we always know what we mean to say, but our readers might not follow; thus the need for fresh eyes to read it and give an honest opinion.  Peggy is to call me after bit and I will ask some questions. We only met in passing yesterday.

Larry, your computer skills always amaze me, and I wish I were better with this stuff.  However, yesterday I did solve a really simple problem for Darrel.
He couldn't get the new printer to print!  I looked, and his computer still was set to print on the old one, so that change was quick to make!  Once in a while, I get it! 

Oh, how I pray the leaders of North and South Korea are speaking honestly when they say they want peace!  It's sad that we really can't take their word for it but must take a wait and see stance.  Trust, but verify!

I wish you all a blessed and peaceful day!  Carol, if you are on the road, I pray for safety and protection over you, Don, and all in your possession!

[Janice]

Janet, I understand that our VicePresident is a Christian also.  Hopefully more Christians will run for office.

I have to get a new hearing aid.  My goodness, those things cost a small fortune...or in my case, a giant fortune!  I have had to use hearing aids for many years, due to effects of lots of ear infections when I was a young child.

My daughter has been in Albuquerque almost all week, attending and leading a training session about (oops, went blank). Something Baptist in our state... Anyway she sent email last night after arriving back home.

Y'all have a great day!

[Janice]

Disaster Relief, as for New Mexico Baptists...that is what I went blank about!

[Janice]

Disaster Relief...the first trip my daughter made for that was after the hurricane hit New Orleans several years ago. Not for clean-up itself, but support for those who did....mainly meals, etc.  She has also gone to Colorado twice,,,the 2 disasters being wild fire, and flooding.  To Louisiana again, and once to southern New Mexico.
  Now she is training others. That girl is so willing to help people.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  Once again we have a beautiful day on tap with lots of sun and it will get into the low 70's this afternoon.  My main activity today will be to attend Sunday School and Church and then pick up something for our main meal today.  Pat had to get up early as her back was hurting.  She will not attend Church today with me. 

I had a very productive day yesterday as had a second day of feeling like doing something.  I did reset my Windows 10 on the laptop and got it restored.  I have decided to use Firefox as my default browser on my laptop and desk computers and just set it up on my desktop this morning. 

Janet, your speaking of your 60th all-school alumni get together reminded me that about this time next year will also be my 60th year since graduation.  I hope you had a great time at your reunion and weren't surprised at how old  that your classmates had become folks.   It sounds like you are getting a lot of work done on your book.  I don't do any computer physical maintenance anymore because that is something my son enjoys doing.  However, I am comfortable with most things involving the software.  If you are not using the old printer if you click on it you can delete it through the Devices link in the Control Panel. 

Janice, I agree with you on hoping that more Christians run for office and get elected.  So far neither Pat nor I have needed hearing aids and I doubt that I will ever need them as still have very good hearing.  Pat might need them someday but sure hope not.  The work your daughter is doing is wonderful and so needed.  We have a number of people in our Church that do similar work, including the manual labor, when disasters occur. Our Church has a trailer equipped to take for such situation with various things that would be needed. 

[Janet]

Hi Janice!  Yes, VP Mike Pence is a Christian, also Justice Neil Gorsuch.  Help us elect many more, please, God!  Your daughter seems to have a servant heart, which is so pleasing to God. Good for her! Darrel and I are considering a trip to Guatemala to help with a stove-building project.  They build block stoves, which are vented to the outside, for those living in wooden houses with dirt floors, and cooking on three stones with open fires.  They breathe the smoke and fumes, catch their clothing on fire, also the houses, and children often fall into the fire and are badly burned. it is a very worthwhile project, which our pastor's wife has been working with for years.  We asked if we could be of much help at our ages, and she assured us we can. 

Larry, good to read you are feeling good!  Keep it up!     Don't you wish it were that easy--just wish it, and it would be so?

My alumni reunion was wonderful, with a better turnout than they have ever had before!  And every living member of my graduating class was present!!(That only totaled five--me and four guys!)  But still, reason for rejoicing!

After church today, we had a cake auction.  The kids made and decorated cakes, which were auctioned off to raise money for them to go to camp. Every cake went for $100-160; and the last one went for $240!    There was also a silent auction.  Darrel had his eye on a peach pie--but it went for $180.00!  The people are so generous!  Following that, we had a potluck dinner.

We got home around 12:30 AM, and I feel a nap sneaking up on me!

[Carol]

Home Sweet Home!  We just pulled in and our oldest son and wife arrived from Grand Lake and they were picking up a load of frozen beef that was stored for a short time in our freezer.  The house is so clean, not dusty at all.  Everyone who spends a night here must be cleaning too - so nice to come home. 

Our drive went well but from Colorado Springs coming north, there is a tremendous change in the amount of traffic.  Simply too sad.  I made pancakes for dinner and today Walmart should have my order ready at 10.  I scheduled everything online and have only used this twice before but they look for everything on the check list and if available, all is tallied and brought to the car.  It helps a lot.  No fee for picking it up at the store.

Jackie:  We have been to England and found people friendly and helpful in directions too.  Of course, there are neighborhoods here who don't care to know you - there is a couple across the street who have never spoken to anyone.  We just think they are fugitives from the FBI or something strange.....

Janice:  Is there a COSTCO anywhere near you?  They have a decent price, I am sure.  By the way, we love driving through New Mexico - such great highways.  We stayed in Deming one night and the people were so friendly - it was a great place to visit. 

We always drive to either Socorro on the way south or Santa Fe on the way north just to get through Albuquerque.  This time, our children..... insisted we take three days.  Can you imagine?  So, we had a pleasurably drive to Deming - much too short from Tucson and stopped before sunset.  Read our books and watched t.v. and had a very nice meal.  Called all the children --- they were happy but they do want to drive us.  The little car was packed so no room for a third person.   

I may go back to bed, it is still dark.   

[Jacqueline]

Carol...
...are you sure your across the street neighbours aren't robots?   

[Janet]

Trying Brown today!
WELCOME HOME, CAROL!!
So glad you took your time and had a good drive.  The last time we drove north from Denver on a weekend, the traffic was horrendous!  And that was years ago!  We finally found a place to pull off and wait for an hour or two (I've forgotten now) for it to thin out, before going on.  It was a nightmare!
So nice to come home to a clean house!  You deserve that.

I got up around 4:30, as I couldn't seem to get back to sleep; now I'm sleepy again. Now I'm waiting for Darrel to get up so we can go to   I'm sure I will feel the short night about mid-afternoon.

Son-in-law Jeff called last night and said we have a buyer for Beth's van, that they plan to come for it on Wednesday, bringing a cashier's check.  That will be another thing off our list!   I so appreciate Jeff for his help with this--I should say for doing it, as we did nothing!

I wish you all a happy, peaceful Monday!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  Our morning has started off in the 40's but we will see the mid-70's this afternoon and a lot of sun.  I have another funeral to attend at 11 am this morning.  It is for the 49 year old daughter of one of my coffee drinking friends.  She has been fighting cancer for several years.  This makes 3 funerals I will have gone to in about three or four weeks.  Jennifer and Elizabeth are planning on coming out this morning.  Elizabeth will help Pat in some reorganization in her sewing room.  I want her to wash the mildew off the columns on the front porch but it is probably not warm enough to do that today so that may not get done until a warmer day.  I also would like for her to go with me to the car wash and then do the cleaning out of the interior.  They have a vacuum there to use.  We don't seem to have any full-service car washes here like we had in Georgia.  That will be enough for today.  I did get to Sunday School and Church yesterday and then had a restful rest of the day. 

Janet, I saw the picture of you and the men classmates on Facebook.  Our Church has a mission team that is leaving on June 7 to go to Guatemala to build the stoves for a week.  One of the men going showed us some pictures of what they look like and why they are needed at our Wednesday night dinner three or four weeks ago and ask for donations to help with the costs of the stove.  We also have a medical mission team going to Bolivia in June.  It sounds like the cake auction was a big success. Glad you have been able to sell Beth's van. 

Carol, glad to see you are home and to a clean house and your grocery order wanting for you at Walmart.  Maybe that unfriendly couple next door are in the Witness Protection Program!  Glad you took longer on your trip home so perhaps not as tired from the trip. 

Jackie, I hope I never live to see robot neighbors but it is entirely likely that within a few years robots will be doing chores for us in our homes. 

[Janice]

Janet, I had to chuckle when you said "entire class" and then it was 5 or 6 men. My forgetter works overtime!  I thought my class was small...39.  Now I think that's not so small after all! 
I went back to Arkansas for the 20 yr reunion.  There has been another one since then, but I didn't go, because my hubby had passed away.  My brother went though. We were in the same class from 3rd grade on.  Why? When I was in grade 2, and he was in grade 3, (this is a boys will be boys story) there were several trees on our schools campus...yep, he climbed a tree during noon recess. The limb broke and down he went!  Broken leg.  Was in bed so long he couldn't finish the school year.  So we were both in grade 3 after that. He still walks with a limp.
I don't know how to change size nor color here...that's why I am still using small and blah color font.  Maybe y'all can read this anyway. 
Have a good day!  ~Janice

[Janice]

Carol, no Costco here, I wish we had one.  Walmart is all there is, other than local business.  Our little town is lacking in a variety of shopping stores.

[JudyB]

That man who created terror in Toronto was unmistakably a terrorist.  He has no ties to any group.  Terror non the less..... Pat and I were born on Sheppard Ave a block and a half west of Young.  Our cousins lived on Poyntz where he started.  This area of what is now called North York is our old stomping grounds.  Other cousins live the other side (E) of Young.  Thankfully they were not out walking that day.  So many memories for John and I of that area.

We had snow Saturday and Sunday, so hoping for nice weather!

Have a great week everyone!

[Jacqueline]

Larry Hanna...
...you are so right..I do believe one day robots will take over, and that is a very frightening and worrying thought...The robot world is now becoming very sophisticated, even though they still need man to programme them...

When we think back to the horror type films we once watched many years ago which were fictional...just how many have become the reality of today, such as body transplants, yes I even heard of a head transplant recently...
Another one that I find terrifying to even think of that is happening ( to those that can afford it ) is, Cryogenics...It is just not meant to be... Can you imagine being brought back to life in the future, ( If indeed that could ever happen, ) no family, no friends, where time has moved on, they are trying to play God, and no one has the right to do that...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is another sunny but chilly morning in the 40's but suppose to get up to the mid-80's this afternoon.  The main thing on our agenda today is to go to vote on a $90 million dollar bond referendum to allow for building some new schools and renovating some that need a lot of repair and upgrading.  Two of the new schools are in North Augusta where I live and certainly can't hurt our property values as this is a growing area and I will vote iin favor of it.  It may raise my property taxes up by about $40 a year. 

I did attend the funeral I mentioned yesterday and there had to have been between four and five hundred people in attendance.  It was the biggest funeral I have ever attended or expect to attend.  Jennifer and Elizabeth got here shortly before I had to leave and Elizabeth got busy right away and took out and cleaned the drain pipes for the five sinks we have in this house.  She then washed down the three columns on our front porch to remove the mildew and they sure look better.  She will paint them for us a little later.  Finally she washed our car and cleaned it out inside.  This young lady is a very capable person and is willing to do what needs to be done.  We paid her well for her work.  The rest of the day was spent resting and working more on my laptop.

Janice, like Janet my high school class consisted for 5 boys and 1 girl and the entire high school have on 36 students.  My class was the last one to graduate from that school as it was consolidated with a few miles North of our small town.  Next year will mark 60 years since our graduation.  For years my school had an annual alumni banquet but I think it has been stopped for obvious reasons.  I had no problem reading your posting.  However, if you want to change the size, color or font you can click on the Preview button next to the Post button and you will see the formatting commands available.  Be sure and highlight what you have written and then apply the commands.  Here is what I use but save the command so I don't have to go through this process each time:  [ size=14pt][ b] [ color=black] .  I have added a space before each of the commands after the [ of each command so that it would show in my posting.  However, you must delete the spaces as within the brackets there cannot be a space. 

Judy, that terror became personal for you and John and Pat since you grew up in that town.  Our Church now has a policeman on duty during all of our Sunday Morning services.  I cannot understand the killing of innocent people other than to create terror.  IT is so sad what is happening all over the world.  I hope you all get some nice weather and enjoy your weekend as well. 

Jackie, I used to think a lot of things wouldn't happen in my lifetime such as extensive use of robot but I have had to change my thinking.  I saw something yesterday that they may use drone to get people to a hospital in an emergency.  I am looking forward to being with Jesus and a new life not a continuation of this life with something like Cryogenics. 

[Jacqueline]

Larry Hanna...
...even the sophistication of drones now worries me...they will be put to good use, and for bad use in the wrong hands...

[Janet]

I just lost my whole, long post.    Guess maybe I will try again later.   

[Janet]

I will try again.
I was saying that I do not spend time or effort worrying about things I have no control over nor any way to change, such as drones or robots.  I have been getting grins from the comic strip Pickles, I think is the name.  It's about an elderly couple.  Anyway, they got a robot vacuum cleaner, and they were having quite a time with it.  It seemed to have a mind of its own, and the husband was sure it was trying to get rid of him.     I don't think I would give Amazon the information to unlock my car (even if we left it out) so they could have a drone put the packages in the car.

Larry, that is a large crowd for a funeral.  The person must have been well known and well loved.  Glad you had a productive day, as I know you like to get things done.  That young lady sounds like a really good and willing worker.  I was looking at all the things here that need doing and I wish I knew someone I could get to help me with it.  I get tired a lot faster than I used to! 

The people from Bartlesville, Oklahoma who are buying Beth's van are to be in Liberal tomorrow at noon, so we will take the extra key and the title and complete the transaction.  So good of Jeff to do that for us!

I cut some mats for my watercolors I have done lately this afternoon.  I'm really out of practice!  Then I worked on making a color chart of watercolors, to make painting decisions easier.  I have it maybe half done.

And I'm tired and heading to bed!  G'night!

[Jacqueline]

Janet...
...you are right, not worth worrying about, mainly because we wont be here to witness the damages they may, or may not, cause in the future...Ha ha, yes, the robot vacuum cleaner, meant to make ones life easier... so what are a few damaged furniture bumps and scratches... we can blame it on the robot machine, not us who was controlling it...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  Once again we will be enjoying a nice sunny day with it getting into the mid-80's this afternoon.  Pat has a doctor's appointment  this morning and then we will have our Wednesday night dinner at Church.  Tonight is Taco night with  ice cream and all the trimmings for dessert.  Scott and Elizabeth will be joining us and I thought Jennifer was also but she changed her mind.  About all I did yesterday, besides my normal work in the kitchen, was to go to vote.  The school bond referendum did pass. 

Jackie, you are certainly right about the uses of drones. 

Janet, sorry that you lost your post but it seems to happen to all of us from time to time.  Don't forget to try to use the undo function by right clicking on your mouse or if you try to post and it doesn't work the back arrow on the browser page.  Sometimes the messages can be salvaged.

[Carol]

Just a bit of rain this morning, more to come.  Snow in the hills.  We need every bit of moisture.

Jackie:  robots - you made me think of daughter who lives in a 3-level house.  She was given a robot vacuum and it is so funny, the dog chases it and growls.  When the robot stops - it will be hidden under the middle of the bed or in a closet - it seems to have a mind of its own. 

Janet:  Very nice to see the van - I am glad you had some help. 

Judy:  The very idea of children being involved in the terrorism is so frightful.  Why are they being lured to that  religion - and why does everyone defend the religion as being peaceful and welcoming when it is so anti any other religion?  Our politicians are so careful - they would rather put a Methodist to the stake than say a word about you know what. 

Larry:  It sounds like you have found the perfect person to help around the house - even with the car.  These so-called little jobs can be exhausting. 

I went to the Wednesday women's group today and the speaker has a Phd. in religion - she lived in Israel too and now teaches at the seminary here - very interesting and she will be there next week.  I had picked up mom's very old bible and could not follow along because the words were so different - Jehovah instead of the Lord, for instance.  Very interesting how things have changed over years - several new versions - but the same message.     Next week is the final meeting before school is out and everyone brings a dish of brunch food. 

[Janet]

We are just home from Liberal.  The people were almost an hour late; brought a mechanic with them who spent almost an hour going over the van with a fine-toothed comb, even sniffing the oil dipstick!    Jeff had gotten the oil changed, his help had cleaned it until it looked early new inside and out, put on new wiper blades, also a new battery-all was in order.  When they finally said they were pleased, I filled out the title and signed it, she gave me the cashier's check--the said they had to have a bill of sale, too!  So I asked if they were hungry--yes--so were we!  I told them we would go find a form for Bill of Sale, eat and meet them back there in one hour.  By then it was 2:30.  They left happy, so did we.  And that chapter is now closed.

I'm to help serve at Wed. night supper tonight, and it's time to go!  Talk to you tomorrow!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  Once again we are to have a beautiful day but we will be getting up to 88 this afternoon.  Other than picking up my friend and going to coffee there is nothing else on the schedule for today. 

We did enjoy the dinner at Church last evening although Scott was the only one joining us and he passed on eating the meal as he didn't think his stomach could tolerate the taco meal.  He came out after dinner while Pat and I went to Great Clips and we both got haircuts.  When we got home Scott was talking with his grandchildren, as he does each Wednesday evening, and we also got to talk with two of them.  This was the longest conversation over the phone he had ever had with them and was delighted.  It lasted almost an hour. The little 7 year old had a new game he was playing and was excitedly telling his grandfather all about it as he played. 

Carol, even though we have had quite a bit of rain we are still considered to be in a drought situation.  The ground here dries out quickly as it has a lot of sand in it.  I probably will have to start watering next week, if not before.  That is sort of scary about the robot vacuum hiding itself under the bed or in a closet.  Like you I  cannot understand how any parent would willingly involve their children in terrorism.  I agree with your comments. We are very happy to have Elizabeth as a part of our family.  Your women's group speaker sounds interesting. 

Janet, glad you now have the van sold.  It sounds like the people who bought it were very careful but that Jeff had covered all of the bases.  I hope you didn't have to work too hard in helping serve at your Wednesday night dinner. 

[Janet]

Good morning!  It's very foggy here this morning, but pleasant.  And we welcome any kind of weather involving even tiny amounts of moisture!  Many, many acres of grassland and quite a number of homes have burned in our area, so prayers for rain  continue.  While we were in Liberal yesterday, they had a nice little shower.  Not enough to make much difference, but we got a bit wet, standing out there and talking to the buyers of the van. 

Larry, I did work hard last night, but it was fun, too, as there were several of us working together, and all were congenial. When we arrived, Darrel helped me get the ice from the ice maker, fill the cups and put iced tea or water in them.  He was a big help!

We had hamburgers and hot dogs, the men grilled them outside, and there was a big crowd; and they also delivered a lot of meals to people at home, to those who are sick or having other problems and can't come. That's a nice service.

Larry, you mentioned being glad to have Elizabeth in your family.  I don't understand exactly who she is, as I thought she was just visiting Scott and Jennifer. 

We gave Jeff a nice tip and took him to lunch, but we plan to give him a substantial amount in a nice Thank You card after we cash the check for the van.  That will be a surprise.  Diane's birthday is on Mother's Day; Jeff is singing a solo that morning, so we plan to go down there for church and then stay for whatever else Jeff gets planned; also the little girls have a dance recital that day!  Whew!  That will be a busy day!

I plan to work more on the book today.  The Lord brought something to mind I need to add, and I am praying He will continue to direct me.

God Bless!

[Carol]

We had to make a trip to the post office and I was the only one in line - how refreshing.  It is raining here - so lovely to breath fresh air.  Anything is welcome to relieve the drought.

Part of the beginning of Italian Wedding Soup is in the large crock pot.  I remember fondly the wonderful soup made by a woman years ago - this will not be anywhere near her home recipe.  Neighbors are coming over tonight - just for munchies before dinner. She always goes to extreme meals for anyone and I wish she would take it easy and do less.  We have not chatted with them since returning. 

Yesterday, I went to the round table at church - my group is led by a missionary stationed in Indonesia - they said a special prayer for someone I mentioned.  It felt like a load lifted to talk to them.  How fortunate I am to know these people. 

Janet:  So sad about homes burning - we saw some on the news.  Fire is totally destructive - I cannot imagine.  Good wishes to you as you "keep on"  with your newest book.

Jackie:  How are you this day?  Our granddaughter is so excited - she will take classes at London in Economics - at the same school her mother (our daughter) went to for a semester years ago.   

[Jacqueline]

Carol...
...strange hearing you mention post office, and guess lucky, if I am not wrong, that unlike here in the UK you are not suffering closures as we do...Many of our closures are the little village post offices that people rely on as it is too far to travel to wherever the next one is....Similar to a lot of villages bus services, some busses in some villages are losing theirs or in some villages the busses run once a day, or even once a week...It is these remote villages the elderly rely on both a post office and bus service...

Oh how lovely your grand daughter is following in her moms footsteps and attending the same college...
............................................

I attended my monthly MS social group last night...Our entertainment for the evening was an elderly singer-guitar player, playing and singing some of the songs we sung from the 60s, with some funny stories leading up to the song titles...I went over to speak to him and asked if he remembered me from my more local MS social group last year...not sure he did but, I told him he had left me his raffle ticket as the weather was windy and he had a rather lengthy journey back home and he was in a hurry to get going...As soon as he walked out the door his raffle number got called out...too late, I couldn't call him back...he laughed and asked if I had enjoyed my raffle prize even though I couldn't remember what it was that I chose...

[Carol]

A fellow quilting friend and husband came over last night and she talked me into working on my project then bringing it to a gathering this weekend.  We will bring a salad to share and I must get busy now to ready my work.

Yikes, sometimes I think we should sneak into town and put our feet up just to rest up from the drive. 

We had a day of rain yesterday and it was so refreshing.  Thankful for the moisture.

Jackie:  I remember the little village that mom was from and the post office was in walking distance for everyone.  It was a gathering place.  The powerful - moved the post office across the highway and made it so all had to get in their cars to get the daily mail.  It changed everything.   

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is a sunny morning and we are headed up to 87 degrees this afternoon.  This is the day for the housekeeper to be here.  This evening we have our annual Sunday School class spring social.  This will be where it has been held the last two or three years and will be catered by the same BBQ Restaurant as previously.  There is always plenty of food served buffet style and a nice time to visit with some of the folks one may not know as well as others in the class.  This morning I have to make a trip back to the place for the CPAP supplies as when I went yesterday all but one of the employees had been called to a meeting and the man left to keep the office open couldn't help me.  I hope I have better luck this morning.  Then I will stop at Walmart to pick up our grocery order. 

Janet, is your place in any danger from the fires that are hitting your area?  Glad you enjoyed your work at the diinner last evening.  Many hands make light (or at least) less work and doing the work with others is usually very enjoyable.  We will be having grilled hamburgers and hot dogs at our last Wednesday night dinner before the summer break on May 30.  It is also a special night as we say goodbye to our Associate Pastor who has been appointed his own pastorate for two small churches in another part of the State.  Elizabeth is a friend of Jennifer's who came for a visit and then decided she liked it down here an decided to move down here after going back to Kentucky for a few weeks.  Scott has a big old house with plenty of rooms and so she is staying there with them at this time.  She will be 20 years old this month.  From what she has told us she has had a rough upbringing and apparently likes our family a lot.  She went to work immediately at her first full time job after getting back here.  It sounds like you will have a big day on Mother's Day. 

Carol, glad you didn't have to stand in line at your Post Office.  One of the pleasant things about living in a small town like we do is the lines are usually pretty short.  It sounds like the missionary would be an interesting person to know.  Like you I can't imagine having my home burn down. How exciting for your granddaughter to go to London for schooling.  It sounds like you all are just too popular and folks are really happy to see you back home.  I hope you enjoy the evening with the quilters. 

Jackie, it is sad when our small towns lose their services like the Post Office and bus service.  The little town I lived nearby has now lost not only its Post Office but also all of the businesses and is just a residential community.  Fortunately it is only 6 miles to the college town.  There have never been bus services to the local towns and villages in the area where I grew up.  Glad you were able to attend and enjoy your monthly MS social group.  Hearing the old songs we grew up with is always enjoyable.  Did he invite you to sign along.  Did you win anything in the raffle this week?   

[Jacqueline]

Oh yes I sang along, even though I dont have a singing voice to be proud of... quite the opposite really, I am sure the neighbourhood cats could meow better than I sing...not that we get any cats down in our valley homes...
...yes one of my lottery tickets came up, I chose a box of apple tarts and of course the odd one soon disappeared as soon as I reached indoors, even though the time had turned 10pm, so the last thing I wanted nor needed was to go to bed suffering stomach acid as I often do..

[Janet]

Yes, Larry, our place would be in grave danger if any of the wildfires come near.  It is unbelievably dry, and there is pasture land all around us.  So we are still praying for rain.  Thank you for the explanation of Elizabeth's place in your family.  She's so young, but sounds like a terrific girl and such a willing worker.  May I borrow her for a couple weeks?    I think our church and yours have similar menus for the Wednesday night dinners.  It's such a nice time of fellowship, isn't it?

Carol, maybe Larry needs to tell you what he told me a few years ago, when I kept taking on more than I could do (or wanted to do!)  He said Janet, you need to understand that "NO" is a complete sentence!  And that it doesn't require explanation.  He was so right!  And I think of that often!  But I hope you enjoy the quilting thing.WE don't often have to stand in line at the Post Office, and the times we do, we usually know the person in front of us and can chat!  And if I don't know them, we chat anyway.  But I really dislike having to stand in long lines.

Jackie, glad you had a nice time at your MS function and enjoyed the singing.  I'm sure your voice isn't that bad, but even if it were, the bible tells us to "make a joyful noise" and we can all do that!  Glad you won something, and since it's consumable, you won't need to worry about storing it--for long, anyway

I got my hair done, then did a little shopping.  I needed to return a gift I got Diane for Christmas--baking sheet with silicone liner and cooling rack.  She has a double oven, which is narrower and shallower by quite a lot, and the pan wouldn't fit into it.  Anyway, that's another plus of a small town, the owner knows me and there was no problem returning it after so long.  I got her some things; then shopped for birthday gifts for Chelsea; then I met Curtis for lunch!  Nice morning, and we have a beautiful day today!

Now I'm doing laundry and listening to Jeopardy.  Fascinating news from me today!   

[Jacqueline]

Dont know why I keep calling them lottery tickets, they are raffle tickets...only wish it was my lottery tickets that keep coming up...

Janet...
...it makes all the difference when we finally get our fresh haircut, mine now is way overdue, so that is next on my agenda...

It is now my bedtime, so I shall read posts and catch up in the morning, and hopefully reply to more...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. We expect to have a mostly cloudy day and a temperature in the uppper 80's.  Nothing on the schedule for today other than to fix Pat's breakfast when she gets up.  We had a very enjoyable Sunday School class Spring party last evening.  The food was good, the accommodations were great and the spending time with friends over a good meal was what made the evening.  They had enough food left over after everyone had what they wanted so most of us were able to put together a nice box to bring home and that will be our dinner tonight.  I don't have any plans to go anywhere today as wasn't feeling up to par yesterday and it started again this morning so will just take it easy and rest. 

Jackie, I think you are being too hard on yourself about your singing voice.  If you are enjoying singing it is no body's business to judge you.  Glad you had a winning raffle ticket.  I haven't won the lottery either but that is probably because I very seldom buy a ticket.  I guess it is the same as winning a dollar or two if we save our money and don't buy the ticket.  If I were to win a big jackpot it would probably ruin my life but it is fun to think about what one would do with a lot of money.

Janet, the dangers of fire have to be very concerning.  I hope you get some rain soon.  I expect Elizabeth would be happy to help you if she were in your area.  I really don't go to our Wednesday dinners for the food as much as the fellowship.   Those silicone liners for baking pans are really nice.  Pat has one on the bottom shelf of our oven so that if anything spills it is caught on it and thus easy to clean up.  Nice you could have lunch with Curtis.  I am just amazed at what some of the people that appear on Jeopardy know. 

[Carol]

Coffee is brewing.  I am a bit late because --- I tried to charge the cell phone on a newly bought charger and it has 4 spots to plug in - one does not work at all.  So, it was pricey too and so irritating to get shoddy junk - made in ...you know where ...

Here, we do have some more rain expected and probably more snow in the hills.  It is a blessing - Janet, I will push that rain in your direction, hopefully.

[Jacqueline]

Larry Hanna...
...you are right, at my age and my health condition, what use would winning the lottery be...
...Well the only thing I could think of is, it would get me into the best residential care-home of my choice without having to ask myself " if I could afford it, " or the mine-field of how to go about financing it, when that day arrives..
...I certainly have no need for expensive holidays or flashy cars, nor do I have a large family to leave it to...although I would make sure, animal charities would get a good proportion of it...

Carol..
...I shall join you in that cup of coffee...

.............................................
Do you know?... I do miss Jeanne Lee...keep thinking she is still going to pop in...

[Janet]

This has been a rather strange day, but nice.
Perfect weather, but a bit on the hot side.  I said perfect because there was NO wind!  We did stuff at home until 1:30, then left for Chelsea's party. While we were driving, both Toni and Curtis texted me "Are you coming?"  I said yes, we're on the way; isn't it 2-4?  Oops!  It was 1-3!    When we got there she had opened all her gifts, and the kids --there were 9 of them-were outdoors at the picnic table in the sunshine.  They had a great time, with a treasure hunt, walking the plank (over a wading pool) and if they didn't get wet enough, they had a bucket and threw water on each other!  They had sword fights with blow-up swords--all in all a fun party, though a Pirate party isn't what a little girl would usually request.  Toni said it was fun for her, since she hasn't any boys!

We stopped in Hugoton at Diane's greenhouse and store and got some flowers for my containers out front and a few tomato plants.  We have a lot of work to do on the garden to get the ground ready for planting.  This soil is so sandy, and when dry, nearly as hard as concrete!

We had a baked potato and a small salad for supper--tasted good!

Carol, thanks for any of the rain you can push over to Kansas! 
And if there is still room in that cup of coffee with you and Jackie, I'll join you too.    I know, too late; but I'll take a rain check!

No danger of my ever winning the lottery, as I don't buy tickets, either. But if ever I won a huge amount of money, I would give 90% of it to the Lord's work, choosing carefully the people/organizations I felt were trustworthy.

See you tomorrow!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We in for a sunny day with it getting only into the low 80s.  I am ready to go to Sunday School and Church but it will depend on how I feel when the time comes.  I didn't feel well all day yesterday until last evening when I started feeling better.  So far this morning it is the same.  I just got back from taking my PT Cruiser out for a short trip to be sure the battery stays charged up.  I seldom drive it and haven't all week.  Nothing else on the schedule for today.  I stayed in all day yesterday and took it easy (of course I take about every day easy so wonder how I can tell the difference).  We did enjoy the leftovers for our dinner last evening that we brought home from the Friday night party. 

Carol, I sure hope you can return that cell phone charger and get either a replacement that works or your money back.  I just looked up to see what Amazon does with merchandise returned.  That has to be a huge operation to deal with the returns. 

Jackie, I don't think either of us has much to worry about when it comes to winning a lottery.  I also miss Jeanne Lee and so many others who are no longer with us to be a part of our online family. 

Janet, it sounds like Chelsea had a nice party that she wanted.  Glad it was a nice day for the children to be able to play outside.  Did they throw any water on you or Darrel?  I know it has to be a rather unusual day not to have wind in your area if what we experienced living in Oklahoma was any indicator where it always seemed to be blowing. 

[Jacqueline]

Larry Hanna...
...I think sometimes it doesn't register with us that we wont see anymore postings from a certain member anymore...

[Janet]

Yes, I also miss dear Jeanne Lee.  She and I had several good conversations via phone during her final weeks.  And I know a few others, like Pat, aren't really able to be with us as they would like.  But, would some of you who can, please come chat with us?  We still love you and we miss having you here!

This was a busy day at church.  The youth had charge of the morning service, and they put on a really good play and did a great job!  Then there was another pot luck dinner--so much food!!  Then the District Supt. was in charge of a Church Conference, to vote whether or not to go ahead with the proposed changes to the sanctuary.  There was some discussion, as some people just don't handle change very well, but the vote was 92 for and only 16 against.  Then we voted whether to get Unity Pews or chairs, and that one went heavily in favor of the pews, which will cost 30 to 40 thousand dollars more than chairs.

We came home for about an hour and a half, then I went back for the UMW meeting--now I'm home for the night! 

I wish you a blessed and peaceful evening!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.The sky is clear this morning and we are to have a sunny 85 degree day.  My calendar is clear for today so expect to stay home all day. 

We had a big turnout for Sunday School and once again I led the hymn singing as none of the choir members were present.  I did meet two new families visiting the Church yesterday who were sitting beside me (an older couple who had moved here to be near their daughters) and a young family.  Our new youth minister was introduced. 

I did watch the end of the golf tournament which was won by Jason Day, who is from Australia. A few moments ago I spoke briefly with my old coffee drinking friends at McDonald's where I use to have coffee with them several times a week. Video calling is great.  They hadn't changed much in the three years + I have been away from there. It was a nice way to start the new week. 

Jackie, it seems that every year we lose one or more of our friends from these discussions but that is to be expected as we age and deal with illnesses. 

Janet, I second your request that others join us here as we always welcome new friends and the return of those who have been away for awhile.  It sounds like your Church is doing well and has some big projects ahead.