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

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Thoughts of the Month~December

Started by Larry Hanna, November 30, 2018, 07:39:33 PM

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Larry Hanna








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DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

By Jack Scott


The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He restores my soul;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.



Perhaps you can imagine the scene. In the far distance, the sun shines over the misty blue mountains. Below them lie the upland moors covered with deep rich purple heather and golden yellow gorse. Immediately in front of us, and just beyond the field gate on which you and I are leaning, is a beautiful verdant pasture.

The grass is lush and wild flowers grow in colorful array. If we stand quietly, we can hear above the soft rustle of the wind, the musical drone of the honey bees as they gather nectar from delicate blooms.

About five hundred yards away, the cool, clear waters of a river flow serenely and silently towards the distant sea.

A little flock of sheep, some with lambs, lie peacefully undisturbed near the river's edge. If we were to look at them through our binoculars, we would see them gently chewing their cud as they draw nourishment from the abundant provision of fresh food. They surely are the picture of contentment and tranquillity. This is something like the picture that Psalm 23 calls to my mind.

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters." (Psalm 23:2) Why are the sheep in our little scene so peaceful, so content, so unruffled as they enjoy the warmth of the afternoon sun?

I think my shepherd friend, Johnny Crawford, would tell us that a flock such as we have described are free from fear, have enough to eat and are not plagued with parasites. If we remove any one of these conditions the sheep will not be at peace.

Has not God given us a lovely picture in Psalm 23 of the condition of His believing people? In Psalm 95:7, we read "For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand." Every good shepherd will care for his flock, removing the sheep from danger, providing medical treatment to prevent parasites and ensure sufficient food to keep them strong and healthy.

Our "Good Shepherd" has done so much more for His flock than the best of earthly shepherds. To start with He says to us in John 10:11, "I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep". He paid the ultimate price to purchase His flock and to deliver them from the fear of eternal death. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32).

In Christ our shepherd we have all we need for eternity. When we realize that "I am His and He is mine", fears quickly diminish and should fade away. When the Shepherd is present the wolf will seek some other prey. We need not fear man or devil, even if they kill us we shall live with Him.

If we are aware of His divine presence we will find food abundant for our souls and our spirits will rejoice in the Bread of Life, for He feeds us with food sufficient for our requirements. This He does as we seek to feed on His word and to find Him there. We can, with the Shulamite maiden experience the bounty of His hand. Listen to her words, "He brought me into the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love." (Song of Solomon 2:4) My friends let us feat on the good things of His word as we bask in the sunshine of His love.

"He leadeth me beside the still waters." Sheep like human beings need more than food to live; both need water if they are to survive. In Revelation 21:6, we read, "And He said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts'."

What is the water of life? The Lord Jesus when speaking to the woman of Samaria told her of "living water" which if a person drank he or she would never thirst again. "But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14).

The Old Testament prophet Isaiah talks about that water in Isaiah 12:2,3 "Many people shall come and say, 'Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." And the Lord Jesus Christ explains its meaning for us in John 7:37-39, "On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke concerning the Spirit whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."

We see then that the water is the Holy Spirit whom we receive by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ the Great Shepherd. The Holy Spirit is needed to give life to those who are dead in sin. He is God's agent in the new birth as we are told in John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit". And it is His presence that sustains eternal life in all those who come by faith to the Lord Jesus for Salvation. It is He who enables us to become true disciples of the one who loved us unto death; the good shepherd who gave His life for the sheep.

If you and I are truly united by faith to the great Shepherd we can enjoy peace greater and more beautiful than any earthly scene. No matter what our material blessings or lack of them we have a peace that passes all understanding, food that nourishes for eternity and water that quenches the thirst for satisfaction in a way the broken cisterns of earth cannot satisfy.

To know this Shepherd is to love Him, and to love Him is to know Him in a way that can only be experienced by His flock. We will close this part of our studies with His gracious invitation as it is found in Isaiah 55:1-3a "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live."

Can you afford to reject this lovely overture of love and mercy? If you are one of His sheep, does not the knowledge of His love thrill your heart and cheer your spirit?

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  We have an overcast morning, not really very chilly and a good possibility of some rain this morning.  I do plan on attending my Saturday meeting and also making a stop a Aldi's for a couple of grocery items we need.  In mid-afternoon and this evening I look forward to two conference Championship football games.  The first involves the University of Georgia and the second Clemson University.  Hopefully they will both be competitive games. 

Our new Thoughts for December were prepared by Judy but she asked me to post them to get us started as she was going to be occupied with other things today.  It is always nice to read one of Jack Scott's writings. 

Marilyn, sure good to read your posting and see that half of the eye surgeries are behind you.  It is also good to see you feeling less stressed and rested and to know that things are working out with the caregiver and that Keith is continuing to progress in his healing.  How much longer will he have to have the daily infusions at the hospital? 

Janet, I will just say I will be thinking about and praying for you and Darrel this week and hope you both tolerate the mission trip well.  The book has not arrived and it apparently will not be in today's mail as the advance notice of what is coming today didn't indicate I had a package to be delivered.  Hopefully by the first of the week it will be here. 

Judy, the Hymn "Birthday of a King" has always been one I have enjoyed.

Marilyn

Larry he is scheduled for the infusions  for 3 months.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
Click for North Bend, Oregon Forecast" border="0" height="100" width="150        My Website

JudyB

We are now home. Due to weather we decided
to change plans somewhat. I am enclosing 2 url's where you can check what is coming.  I am really concerned as our trees are still loaded with snow.  Freezing rain will cause power outages. 

https://instantweather.ca/2018/12/01/NtEqVS-snowfall-warning-issued/?fbclid=IwAR2doSZno3K0voe3YLpbAmTMVWRbCMJKCgUXFCzt8ZS3wEORuR1zHsNbifg

https://www.nugget.ca/news/local-news/travel-advisory-snow-freezing-rain-to-start-tonight?fbclid=IwAR1jj9_2kcZwORIfBRgAXL4CGFENDJodcN9UIprXVsWQ5TUkoPF053PHyPA


JudyB

In my concern this hymn has been playing through my spirit.




MASTER, THE TEMPEST IS RAGING
(Click to hear music)




Master, the tempest is raging!
The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o'er shadowed with blackness,
No shelter or help is nigh;
Carest Thou not that we perish?
How canst Thou lie asleep,
When each moment so madly is threatening
A grave in the angry deep?


Refrain
The winds and the waves obey Thy will,
Peace, be still!
Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea,
Or demons or men, or whatever it be
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace, be still! Peace, be still!
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace, peace, be still!


Master, with anguish of spirit
I bow in my grief today;
The depths of my sad heart are troubled
Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o'er my sinking soul;
And I perish! I perish! dear Master
Oh, hasten, and take control.


Refrain


Master, the terror is over,
The elements sweetly rest;
Earth's sun in the calm lake is mirrored,
And heaven's within my breast;
Linger, O blessed Redeemer!
Leave me alone no more;
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor,
And rest on the blissful shore.


Refrain









Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is a warm 65 degrees here this morning and raining on and off.  It is suppose to get up to 77 degrees this afternoon and we are to have scattered thundershowers throughout the day.  Last night on the weather they indicated we could be in for some severe storms but I don't see that in the forecast this morning.  I am not attending Church today as I just don't have the energy to get out.  I just plan on a very quiet and peaceful day.  Yesterday I did go to my meeting and then stopped at Aldi's.  I told Pat last night I think that may be my last visit to Aldi's as it was tough for me yesterday even though I didn't have much to get.  We will probably do most of our shopping for groceries online at Walmart in the future.  I was sorry to see Georgia lost to Alabama last evening in the SEC Championship game although they played a very fine game.  However, Clemson, did win the ACC Championship for the 4th year in a row, which sets a new record of consecutive winds.  I see our nation will be flying its flags at half mast for 30 days, starting yesterday, in honor of George H. W. Bush.  He sure lived a long and full life. 

Marilyn, that is a long time for those infusions.  Thanks for the information.

Judy, I had to look at a conversion chart to see how much snow you are expecting and that is quite a bit on top of snow you already have.  I am happy to see you are home safely and sure hope you don't lose your power.  It does seem that the "Tempest is Raging" in many areas.  Thanks for posting the hymn

Carol

Good Sunday all. 

Judy:  It sure seems like a big storm is in your direction.  I am sure you two know how to "hunker down" in your home.  Hopefully, you were able to get all the wood set aside. 

Larry:  Sometimes it is best to be resting and recuperating at home - especially if it is flu/cold season. 

Last night, Don was able to stream a hockey game from Minnesota and we saw our grandson fly across the ice - he is fast.  Don had that over the television (don't ask me how) and we watched and listened to a beautiful Christmas musical over the laptop.  (Don't ask me how). 

Judy;  i'll listen to the Tempest song now. Thank you! 

Everyone:  Stay cozy.  Drive carefully. 

Thanks for the re-posting of Jack Scotts message.  Always beautifully written and precise in wording. 

Heather

Hi everyone,

Please be praying for us (my brother and I) as we are currently travelling from where I was living up to where Doug lives, a 6 hour trip.  The weather has started to turn and we will soon be dealing with freezing rain, pulling a trailer with a pile of my belongings.  I'm moving north for work.

Also, my mom (JudyB) asked that I update you, she currently has no hydro at home.  She will be back on as soon as she can be.

Thanks
Heather

Jane Walker

Heather, I am definitely praying for safe travels, as I know you are already well on your way north, in the treacherous weather.  I have only just now come here to read your post.  Be safe.

Also, thank you for the update on your mother.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass .... it's about learning to dance in the rain!

JudyB

Well for now we have power.  Heat is back on and the house is warming up.  I was praying that the wade weather would hold off....It did.  Doug and Heather have made it home with clear roads.  Thanking God for answered prayer.

I will be back tomorrow, trusting the power stays on.

Till later
Judy


Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is a beautiful morning here and we are to have mild temperature today.  I met with my friend at 8 am this morning and I think that will be it for today as am not feeling well.  I did write to my cardiologist last evening and he almost immediately replied and told me to contact his office and make an appointment for this week, which I will do in a few minutes.

I have read all of the posting and am glad to see you have power and heat again and that Heather and Doug made it safely home. 

Maybe I will feel more like posting tomorrow but just not up to making many individual comments so am taking a bye for today.

Carol

Larry:  Take a good rest today and I pray for your recuperation and rest.

Heather:  How nice to see your post.  Thankful that you two made the drive north safely - especially in the slippery road weather.  Please stop by and let us know how you are faring with your new place to live and your new job. 

Judy:  I am so glad to read your house has hydro once again.  This is early in the winter season, praying for safety for all your family.

Larry:  Sorry to read you are not feeling well.  Prayers for your next doctor's appointment and relief for you. 

Don will be back at the house soon and I need help reinstalling a shelf - it collapsed and the only thing broken is one of the little things that hold it in place.  I hear the garage door - yea, this will be fixed soon.   




JudyB

Reginald Heber was born in 1783 into a wealthy, educated family. He was a bright youth, translating a Latin classic into English verse by the time he was seven, entering Oxford at 17, and winning two awards for his poetry during his time there. After his graduation he became rector of his father's church in the village of Hodnet near Shrewsbury in the west of England where he remained for 16 years. He was appointed Bishop of Calcutta in 1823 and worked tirelessly for three years until the weather and travel took its toll on his health and he died of a stroke. Most of his 57 hymns, which include "Holy, Holy, Holy," are still in use today.
-- Greg Scheer, 1995

====================

Heber, Reginald, D.D. Born at Malpas, April 21, 1783, educated at Brasenose College, Oxford; Vicar of Hodnet, 1807; Bishop of Calcutta, 1823; died at Trichinopoly, India, April 3, 1826. The gift of versification shewed itself in Heber's childhood; and his Newdigate prize poem Palestine, which was read to Scott at breakfast in his rooms at Brazenose, Oxford, and owed one of its most striking passages to Scott's suggestion, is almost the only prize poem that has won a permanent place in poetical literature. His sixteen years at Hodnet, where he held a halfway position between a parson and a squire, were marked not only by his devoted care of his people, as a parish priest, but by literary work. He was the friend of Milman, Gifford, Southey, and others, in the world of letters, endeared to them by his candour, gentleness, "salient playfulness," as well as learning and culture. He was on the original staff of The Quarterly Review; Bampton Lecturer (1815); and Preacher at Lincoln's Inn (1822). His edition of Jeremy Taylor is still the classic edition. During this portion of his life he had often had a lurking fondness for India, had traced on the map Indian journeys, and had been tempted to wish himself Bishop of Calcutta. When he was forty years old the literary life was closed by his call to the Episcopate. No memory of Indian annals is holier than that of the three years of ceaseless travel, splendid administration, and saintly enthusiasm, of his tenure of the see of Calcutta. He ordained the first Christian native—Christian David. His first visitation ranged through Bengal, Bombay, and Ceylon; and at Delhi and Lucknow he was prostrated with fever. His second visitation took him through the scenes of Schwartz's labours in Madras Presidency to Trichinopoly, where on April 3,1826, he confirmed forty-two persons, and he was deeply moved by the impression of the struggling mission, so much so that "he showed no appearance of bodily exhaus¬tion." On his return from the service

"He retired into his own room, and according to his invariable custom, wrote on the back of the address on Confirmation 'Trichinopoly, April 3, 1826.' This was his last act, for immediately on taking off his clothes, he went into a large cold bath, where he had bathed the two preceding mornings, but which was now the destined agent of his removal to Paradise. Half an hour after, his servant, alarmed at his long absence, entered the room and found him a lifeless corpse." Life, &c, 1830, vol. ii. p. 437.

Heber's hymns were all written during the Hodnet period. Even the great missionary hymn, "From Greenland's icy mountains," notwithstanding the Indian allusions ("India's coral strand," "Ceylon's isle"), was written before he received the offer of Calcutta. The touching funeral hymn, "Thou art gone to the grave," was written on the loss of his first babe, which was a deep grief to him. Some of the hymns were published (1811-16) in the Christian Observer, the rest were not published till after his death. They formed part of a ms. collection made for Hodnet (but not published), which contained, besides a few hymns from older and special sources, contributions by Milman. The first idea of the collection appears in a letter in 1809 asking for a copy of the Olney Hymns, which he "admired very much." The plan was to compose hymns connected with the Epistles and Gospels, to be sung after the Nicene Creed. He was the first to publish sermons on the Sunday services (1822), and a writer in The Guardian has pointed out that these efforts of Heber were the germs of the now familiar practice, developed through the Christian Year (perhaps following Ken's Hymns on the Festivals), and by Augustus Hare, of welding together sermon, hymnal, and liturgy. Heber tried to obtain from Archbishop Manners Sutton and the Bishop of London (1820) authorization of his ms. collection of hymns by the Church, enlarging on the "powerful engine" which hymns were among Dissenters, and the irregular use of them in the church, which it was impossible to suppress, and better to regulate. The authorization was not granted. The lyric spirit of Scott and Byron passed into our hymns in Heber's verse; imparting a fuller rhythm to the older measures, as illustrated by "Oh, Saviour, is Thy promise fled," or the martial hymn, "The Son of God goes forth to war;" pressing into sacred service the freer rhythms of contemporary poetry (e.g. "Brightest and best of the sons of the morning"; "God that madest earth and heaven"); and aiming at consistent grace of literary expression.. Their beauties and faults spring from this modern spirit. They have not the scriptural strength of our best early hymns, nor the dogmatic force of the best Latin ones. They are too flowing and florid, and the conditions of hymn composition are not sufficiently understood. But as pure and graceful devotional poetry, always true and reverent, they are an unfailing pleasure. The finest of them is that majestic anthem, founded on the rhythm of the English Bible, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty." The greatest evidence of Heber's popularity as a hymnwriter, and his refined taste as a compiler, is found in the fact that the total contents of his ms. collection which were given in his posthumous Hymns written and adapted to the Weekly Church Service of the Year. London, J. Murray, 1827; which included 57 hymns by Heber, 12 by Milman, and 29 by other writers, are in common in Great Britain and America at the present time. [Rev. H. Leigh Bennett, M.A.]


JudyB



Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning
(Click to hear music)

"The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." Job 38:7


Words: Reginald Heber, 1811. Heber originally wrote this hymn for the Feast of the Epipha­ny. It was first published in the Christian Observer in 1811, but did not appear in hymnals until after Heber's death.

Music: "Morning Star," James P. Harding, 1892




Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Cold on His cradle the dewdrops are shining;
Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore Him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and Savior of all!

Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,
Odors of Edom and offerings divine?
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?

Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would His favor secure;
Richer by far is the heart's adoration,
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

 
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JudyB

We have had continuous power outages for the past week. There doesn't seem to be any end to this.  We never know when the lights will go out. so if I seem to be away a lot, you will know why!

Have a great day folks!


Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is a bright and sunny morning and we are to get into the mid-50's today.  I was able to get an appointment with my cardiologist for tomorrow morning at 10 am for which I am thankful.  I am hoping he will have something that can begin to give me a little more energy and stop the occasional gurgling and coughing. I spent a good part of the day yesterday laying down and  today will probably be about the same as I am very weary this morning.  I plan on staying home all day. 

Carol, it is frustrating when one of those shelf clips break.  I hope Don was able to fix it easily.  We have had that happen two or three times. 

Judy, that man had a very interesting background.  I am familiar with Holy, Holy, Holy but knew nothing of its background.  Sorry you continue to have the frequent power outages and it sounds like it may be a long winter up your way.

Carol

Judy:  There is a city in Utah named Heber and I wonder if the name is from your source.  Sorry for the power outages - they can be so irritating when you are trying to finish your work.  Thank you for all your research - it is always interesting to learn the background.  I just love it when the choir booms out Holy Holy Holy....Somehow, I still cannot get the songs on this computer - it has a warning stopping me.  I will find another way to listen to this song today.

Larry:  Good to read that you have an appointment with your cardiologist this week.  And, best that you do stay home and rest today.  Take care - both of you.  Yes, those little plastic clips are so annoying - cheap and not dependable. 

There is a photo going around here - a picture of a mother Bobcat with her two young ones. They are reclining on a little patio table.  I have seen Bobcats on walks, they normally walk right past us - of course, we don't have a dog.  Yesterday, I baked two loaves of pumpkin cranberry bread and froze them - for gifts or drop-in company.  I need to push myself to accomplish more baking this year.  No fruit cake - mom's recipe - they all want Hot Fudge Sauce instead. 




JudyB

Carol try you tube music.

We had an outage again last night.  It is so frustrating, the not knowing when it will happen. I have been in the middle of work and loose my connection. Yes this has been an unusual winter for us. January weather in November.

Please be praying for Pat. I just heard from her and she is not doing well.

Have a great day and evening I will be back tomorrow.


Carol

Prayers for Pat!  We send our love and prayers for Pat and all her family. 

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. It is a clear and chilly morning here in South Carolina and when I got up a little while ago it was 31 degrees and may stay in the higher 40's this afternoon.  I am feeling a lot better this morning and started feeling better yesterday afternoon after spending some of the morning and early afternoon laying down with my eyes closed.  I will be seeing my cardiologist this morning and it is quite a walk from the parking garage to his office.  I have one errand to make a return for Pat and that will be my day until this evening when we plan to go out to eat and are hoping are son will join us and then spend some time with us this evening.  Yesterday Pat did drive herself to her doctor's appointment as I wasn't really feeling like driving when it was time for her to go.  She got along OK but came home pretty tired.  Fortunately we had left overs in the refrigerator for our evening meal. 

Carol,  in a couple of the houses we have lived I had wooden shelves installed in the pantry and in our last house I converted a closet in my office to wooden shelves to use for my storage.  Then I didn't have to worry about them breaking. 

Judy, so sorry to read your note that Pat isn't doing well.  I pray for her recovery each day.  Sorry to see you are continuing to have those power outages and it must keep you uneasy all of the time wondering when the next one will hit.

Carol

We were able to watch a lot of the funeral from Washington, DC. I remember the Tenor from New York singing after 911 and he still has a formidable voice - just awesome as the kids say.   

I peeled and cut a small basket of apples and set them in a crock pot with cinnamon and some Agave syrup.  Smells great and it will make several desserts. 

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. It is another beautiful and chilly morning here in South Carolina.  I have a busy morning today as need to stop at Walmart to pick up prescriptions for Pat and for myself.  Then I will pick up my friend and we will go to coffee, stopping at the Post Office to mail Jennifer's broken laptop back to the manufacturer for a replacement.  On the way back I to take my friend home I may stop by NTW to have the air checked in my tires again as the low level of air light is on again on the dash.  I have several small projects I want to complete before the day is over.  I had a good doctor's visit yesterday and he doubled my Entrestro again and added Digoxin, which I have never taken before but remember it was the heart medicine my grandmother took for many years.  He also told me to double the Lasix for 4 days and then double again if I have feel the need.  I did have a good day yesterday and we did meet Scott for dinner at a restaurant and then he came out to spend some time with us.  It seemed like we had him doing tasks for us all the time he was here.  He put up the curtain rods in our guest bedroom and did some other things we asked him to do.  I hope we are about to get things fixed up the way Pat wants them so that he can come out without needing to do chores for us and we can just visit. 

Carol, I got to see only a little bit of the funeral services yesterday as they were going on while I was in the exam room at the doctor's.  I guess today will be the end of the ceremonies at the Bush library.  Those apples sure sound good.  I don't think Pat has ever used the Agave syrup.

JudyB




Carol of the Bells
(Click to hear music)


Words & Music: P. Wilhousky and M. Leontovich


   

"Hark! How the bells
Sweet silver bells
All seem to say
Throw cares away.

Christmas is here
Bringing good cheer
To young and old
Meek and the bold

Ding dong ding dong
That is their song
With joyful ring
All caroling
 
One seems to hear
Words of good cheer
From everywhere
Filling the air

Oh how they pound!
Raising the sound
O'er hill and dale
Telling the tale

Gaily they ring
While people sing
Songs of good cheer
Christmas is here!"
Happy Holidays


 
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JudyB

History of Carol of the Bells

CAROL OF THE BELLS' WASN'T ORIGINALLY A CHRISTMAS SONG
  Rice University anthropology student is studying the song's genealogy


Although "Carol of the Bells" has become a popular tune during the holidays, the original lyrics had nothing to do with Christmas.


The song with a haunting four-note melody was originally a Ukranian folk song written as a "winter well-wishing song," said Anthony Potoczniak, a Rice University anthropology graduate student who is studying the song's history.


Written in 1916 by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovich and titled "Shchedryk," the song tells the tale of a swallow flying into a household to proclaim the plentiful year that the family will have. The song's title is derived from the Ukrainian word "shchedryj," which means "bountiful."


"The swallow is a herald of spring coming," Potoczniak said, referring to its possible pre-Christian origins. The original lyrics describe the swallow calling out to the master of the home and telling him about all the wealth that he will possess — healthy livestock, money and a beautiful wife.


For a Christmas concert, a choir director by the name of Oleksander Koshyts commissioned Leontovich to write a song based on Ukrainian folk melodies.   Using the four notes and original folk lyrics of a well-wishing song he found in an anthology of Ukrainian folk melodies, Leontovich created a completely new work for choir – "Shchedryk."


"Very few people realize that the composition 'Shchedryk' was composed and performed during a time when there was intense political struggle and social upheaval in Ukraine," Potoczniak said.   The same choir director who commissioned the song formed the Ukrainian National Chorus, mandated by a fledgling Ukrainian government, in 1919 to promote Ukranian music in major cultural centers in the West.   Touring across Europe and North and South America, the chorus performed over 1,000 concerts. 


Meanwhile, back in Ukraine, the original folk melody that Leontovich used to compose his work was one of many well-wishing tunes sung in many Ukrainian villages on Jan. 13 — New Year's Eve on the Julian calendar — usually by adolescent girls going house to house in celebration of the new year.   As the girls sang the tune predicting good fortune, they were rewarded with baked goods or other treats.


The Ukrainian National Chorus did not limit its performances of "Shchedryk" to the Julian New Year, and the song became popular in other parts of the world as the choir introduced it to other nationalities, including the United States, where they first performed the song to a sold-out audience in Carnegie Hall Oct. 5, 1921.


When American choir director and arranger Peter Wilhousky heard Leontovich's choral work, it reminded him of bells; so he wrote new lyrics to convey that imagery for his choir.   He copyrighted the new lyrics in 1936 and also published the song, despite the fact that the work was published almost two decades earlier in Soviet Ukraine. In the late 1930s, several choirs that Wilhousky directed began performing his Anglicized arrangement during the Christmas holiday season.


Now called "Carol of the Bells," the song has become associated with Christmas because of its new lyrics, which include references to silver bells, caroling and the line "merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas."


American recordings of the song in English began to surface in the 1940s by such notable groups as Fred Warring and his Pennsylvanians, the Roger Wagner Chorale and Phil Spitalny's "Hour of Charm All-Girl Orchestra."


Since then the song has become a popular Christmas tune, particularly among choirs for whom the soprano-alto-tenor-bass arrangement of the song seems custom-made.   The song's opening lines, "Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells," coupled with the "ding, dong, ding, dong" countermelody, have been recorded in a variety of formats and styles – from standard choir arrangements to improvisational jazz to sultry soul.   Last year at least 35 recordings of the song were available, Potoczniak said.


Despite the song's ubiquitous presence during the holidays in the West, "Shchedryk" remains less popular in its country of origin, where songs like it are still performed on the eve of the Julian New Year.


In fact, when Potoczniak was directing a small group of amateur carolers in Ukraine, he was told that it was "out of place" for them to sing melodies like "Shchedryk" at Christmastime.    He had moved there in 1992 to study ethnomusicology at the Lviv State Conservatory after earning a bachelor's degree in music composition at Rice's Shepherd School of Music in 1991. Potoczniak remembers that the first piece he had to learn for his choral conducting course at the conservatory was Leontovich's original "Shchedryk." At the time, he was unfamiliar with the song's origin; however, he immediately recognized the melody as "Carol of the Bells."


Potoczniak recalls how he and singers were caroling door-to-door with a "Shchedryk"-like melody he collected in a Western Ukrainian village.   "One family told us it was too early to sing that song," he said.


Because of his Ukrainian heritage, Potoczniak was motivated to investigate how a simple folk song performed in a remote Ukrainian village became a "super holiday hit" in the United States, and he incorporated tracing the song's genealogy into his current graduate studies at Rice University.


Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. My day is starting out at 34 degrees and will only get into the mid-50's with it remaining mostly cloudy all day.  The only thing on our agenda for today is a morning trip to Costco to stock up and Scott is coming to go with us and help us.  It shouldn't take us very long as our list isn't too long.  Pat and Scott will go to the meat department so Pat can pick out the meat she wants and I will get the frozen items and the item on the grocery shelves.  Over time I have noted what isle to find the various things we repeatedly buy. This avoids me having to go up the same isle repeatedly looking for another item.  Google has a neat little memo program called "Keep" that lets you make lists and when you get the item while shopping you put a little checkmark in the little box and it moves the item out of the active list but is available to use in the future by removing the check mark and so I can annotate the location of the item in the store. 

Yesterday. after I got home from coffee, I did get our large Christmas wreath hung between the two windows in my office facing the street.  I got it last year and we hung it on the door but Pat thought it was too big for the door and it is just right for where it is place now. It is on our front porch so is well protected from the weather.  That is all the outside decorating I will do.  Pat fixed a really delicious baked chicken dish last evening using the boneless chicken breast.  She marked the recipe as a keeper.  I got quite a bit done yesterday and was ready to retire at bedtime and had a good night's sleep. 

Judy, thanks for that very interesting story of the background of the "Carol of the Bells".  It is certainly a well recognized Christmas hymn in America.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Carol

This computer had to be re-set yesterday.  There was a screaming wild noise coming from it --shouting Warning over and over.  Apparently hacked and it looked like a Microsoft message they wanted me to click.  I am super cautious so Don took over and he set the laptop back several days.  It took a long time but finally the computer is safe.  This was so alarming because I had to buy this newer one as the other had croaked when liquid was accidentally dropped on it. My message is to not trust that Microsoft is really sending out the message. 

We had rain yesterday and how nice and clear it is outdoors.  Last nights meal was a butternut squash soup in the crock pot. 

There is one grocery store here that has a 10% off plus other super deals on the first Wednesday of the month - plus an extra 10% for being old.  We did get there in the afternoon and found the bargains on exactly what we needed.  That was a nice surprise and it wasn't as crowded as the morning hours. 

Larry:  Scott is a good son.  Are you using Google Keep on your phone when you shop?  I have a lined yellow pad - 3 for $1 at the dollar store. 

 

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  The rain has set in for a couple of days with a 100% guarantee for this afternoon and evening.  As of now I plan on just staying home today and take care of somethings here in my office, listening to Christmas music, and then this afternoon take it easy.  Scott did take us over to Costco yesterday morning and we set a new record for spending the most money on groceries at one time ever but we are now well stocked.  Unfortunately I forgot to put the curtains we have to return in the car so will have to make another quick trip over there to return them next week.  There are plenty of college basketball games on TV to watch this afternoon. 

Carol, Sure glad you didn't get caught by the scam alert on your computer.  Microsoft just doesn't do anything like you as I am sure you all know.  Glad Don was able to go back to an earlier date and restore the computer.  Kroger grocery in our area has a 10% discount for seniors on Wednesday and you see a lot of seniors there.  We are no longer shopping at Kroger's as it isn't convenient.  Yes I do use the Google "Keep" app on my phone while I am shopping as I can checkoff what I have in the cart with just a touch which sends it to the past shopping list right below the active list and that item can easily be put back into the active list for future shopping by touching the little arrow.  It works great for me. 

I got started on Janet's new book last evening and it is very good.  She is a wonderful and thoughtful writer.  I plan on reading more of it today.  Thanks Janet for writing it.  I expect she and Darrel will be making their way back home today and perhaps tomorrow.

Carol

Today is Don's birthday and we have phone calls from 1/4 of the children.  We will get a lot more later - I am taking him out for one of his favorite (and rare) meals.  He wanted to go to Kneader's bakery today so he had a cinnamon roll.  I am in the beginning of writing special notes on the Christmas cards (Don made the cards on a computer program).  He does this every year. Also, he has a VA appointment this afternoon - on a Saturday is different.   

We had heavy rain yesterday and snow on the little mountains.  Some cards have already arrived with lots of news and at our ages, the news isn't the best. 

Larry:  my phone is older and I don't use it like you do but I will check out Google Keep. I am glad you are keeping COSTCO in business.

 


Larry Hanna

#28
Hi Everyone.  It has been a very cold, windy and rainy night and the morning continues this way.  It is suppose to rain all morning and then the chances go down substantially around noon. While I stayed home all day yesterday I am ready and plan on attending Sunday School and Church this morning.  If it isn't too rainy when Church is over I will pick up something to bring home for our dinner.  Last evening we enjoyed stuffed peppers from Costco,  a big lettuce and carrot salad and a delicious cookie. I noticed my heat pump was making a terrible noise this morning and found it was freezing up.  So I have switched it to the emergency heat setting and hope that soon resolves the issues and keeps us warm in the interim.  I do have an electric space heater that I may have to call into service.  It is going to stay in the  40 degrees today.   

Carol, a belated Happy Birthday to Don.  I am sure the calls mean a lot more to him than things.  It seems it is hard to find a good sticky cinnamon roll anymore.  It sounds like you all know of a good bakery. I used to make Christmas cards on the computer to send but haven't done so for quite a few years.  If you haven't found it just type https://keep.google.com .  It works on your computer as well as your phone and updating it one place automatically updates it anywhere else you view it.  I keep a lot of different information in it for ready reference like my car maintenance records and things about the house like when I change furnace filters.  You can set up individual folders to better organize the notes you write.  While you spend a lot of money each time you go to Costco you do get a lot for your money and it is good quality.

Carol

Don did like his birthday dinner yesterday.  Everyone called and fortunately the calls were spaced nicely.  Saturday was very quiet at the VA - we have some wonderful people working for the VA.

One son had to check his mountain cabin which is at almost 9,000 ft. altitude.  The heat had gone off - so he drove up the hill and had to call a service to fix it.  They keep the temperature indoors very low but it has to be on.  He ended up having to shovel a huge berm of snow and that was really hard.  (I can remember shoveling at altitude and it is not easy.  )  We are grateful that he is safely down the hill. 

 

JudyB

John I did our Costco shopping yesterday. We do this about once every 4-6 weeks and stock up on essentials.  while we were out we met up with a friend John grew up with.  She lost her hubby to cancer about 3 years ago to cancer. 

John and I have a nasty virus. it has settled in John's chest sinuses and eyes... His eyes look like he has been on a weeks bender, red and puffed up.  After we were home his vision blurred, and we decided to go to the ER. After a 4 hour wait we finally were seen only to be told it was viral, and basically "live with it"... John is really struggling, and he has a school bud run tomorrow.

Well our family Christmas (on the 15th) is shaping up, it seems there are a lot of people excited about coming together this year.  Kimi will be missed, however her desire to have the family reunited is starting.  It is amazing how stubborn people are when it comes to forgiveness... They forget forgiveness is for them as much as for others. As long as the enemy keeps wrongs upper most persons thoughts forgiveness doesn't happen. I am asking for prayer that there will be peace on Saturday.

We stayed home from Church today as we are contagious, and don't want to pass it on to others  So we will watch our favourite pastors on TV. It is almost as good as being there.

Now for the carol!!


JudyB




Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
(Click to hear music)

"The desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord Almighty." Haggai 2:7



Words: Charles Wesley, Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord, 1744

Music: "Hyfrydol," Rowland H. Prichard, 1830



Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne

 
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JudyB

For countless Christians around the world, "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" signals the beginning of Advent.

It was first published in 1744 in Charles Wesley's Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord, a little collection so popular that it was reprinted 20 times during Wesley's lifetime. Published in two eight-line stanzas, this hymn is now generally sung in the Advent season rather than during the nativity of Christ as the title of the collection indicates.

The Wesleys published several small collections of hymn texts that were affordable for a wider number of people. They were usually on themes associated with a particular season of the Christian year or the sacraments. These volumes offered a way to disseminate Methodist theology and enhance the personal devotional life of those in the Society. The collections also provided a corpus of songs to sing together when the Society gathered.

Interestingly enough, "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" appeared in an American Methodist hymnal in 1847, nearly 30 years before it was included in a British Methodist hymnal. Only the rare North American hymnal omits this hymn now. It is part of the fabric of our preparations for the Incarnation.

"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" has the quality of a petition—a prayer that implores Christ to be among us. Imperative verbs are used six times in the two stanzas found in the hymnal: "Come, thou long-expected Jesus"; "From our fears and sins release us"; "Let us find our rest in thee"; "Now thy gracious kingdom bring"; "Rule in all our hearts alone"; "Raise us to thy glorious throne." The cumulative effect of these petitions is a tone of supplication. Wesley succeeds in recalling the deep longing of ancient Israel for the Messiah—the Promised One.

He also draws upon another cumulative technique, the repetition of a single word for effect. In this case it is the word "born" which appears four times. Each time "born" is sung, an aspect of Jesus' mission to a troubled world is revealed: "Born to set thy people free"; "Born thy people to deliver"; "Born a child and yet a king"; "Born to reign in us forever."

British hymnologist J.R. Watson notes that this hymn's "uniqueness comes from its skillful conjunction of several elements into one simple-sounding discourse. Those elements include the Old Testament promise of the Messiah, 'Israel's strength and consolation' who has been long expected and who will set his people free; the New Testament story of the birth of the child who is also a king (Matthew 2:6); and the idea of the Christ-child not only as the strength and consolation of Israel, but also the hope of all the earth, a Christ who is born for the Gentiles as well as the Jews."

While many hymns of the Advent and Christmas season recount parts of the narrative of the Christmas story, Charles Wesley offers us a poetic theological discourse that allows us to apply the story of Christmas to our lives. Perhaps the greatest example of this is to be found in Wesley's famous Christmas hymn "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"—a hymn that moves theologically well beyond recounting the story of Christ's birth to an exploration of its meaning.

Although we live in a different time than Charles Wesley, the longings of people's hearts are just as deep. We long for security, love, relationships, meaning. To those who open themselves up to its message, this hymn identifies with that longing at the deepest levels of our existence. Where there is no longing, there can be little meaning. Hope is central to Christian experience.

And where will our longing, our hopeful waiting lead us? Where is the ultimate home of our hope? In the final line Wesley takes us there: "Raise us to thy glorious throne."



Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. It is 36 degrees here according to the weather app on my phone.  It will remain cloudy with a high of 42 degrees with a 20% chance of rain until late afternoon when the probabilities go up to a max of 60%.  The termite inspector is suppose to be here around 8 am to do the annual inspection and refill the traps.  A friend is also due around 8 am to work with me for an hour.  I have to get in contact with the heating man to come and look at our heat pump, which remained frozen all day yesterday and I still see ice on the condenser this morning.  Fortunately, the emergency electric heat has kept us nice and comfortable.  I do have to take the car somewhere to have the air checked in the tires again as the warning light has been on for several days.  I also need to make a quick trip to Costco to return the curtains we forgot to take back last week.  I think that will be plenty for today. 

Judy, that is about how often we stock up at Costco.  Nice you met a friend there yesterday.  Sorry that you and John are experiencing the viruses and hope you both are feeling better today.  It does warm our heart as we see our families come back together when there have been rifts.  If only people would understand they punish themselves more than the other person when they hold bad feeling about a loved one.  I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas on the 15th.  Thanks once again for posting the new Christmas Hymn and background. I am familiar with that Hymn and sure we will be singing it at our Church services this season.

Carol

Just let me know if this color & size is OK or annoying.

Judy:  So sorry you two have a virus at the same time.  There is enough time before Christmas that you could be over it.... prayerfully.  I wish I had a nickel for every time someone in family was "offended".  Good grief - an auntie of mine was mad at a funeral because I didn't pick her up - and I had no idea she wanted me to drive over there to bring her to the church.  I didn't even live there  Most of the time, these things seem so trivial.  Get well soon. 

Larry:  Kneaders is a Christian run business and they close on Sunday.  It has bakery goods,, soups and salads - we like to support any business that will dare to close doors on Worship Day. 

We leave for home next Saturday and will meet one son at the airport who had medical tests the following week - he is flying in from Montana.  We are so grateful that the children have planned a gathering pre-Christmas for all of us.  I have been online setting up a grocery pickup at WalMart and hope it works again.  We are taking the cheapest flight and it is so annoying to not have carry-on luggage but we did plan on this before coming to Arizona.  Don has meds to bring. Everything has to fit under the seat - we can do this!!!!

Judy:  How is Pat?






Marilyn

Hi everyone. I sure wish we had a Costco here. The closest one is 75 miles away in Roseburg. I might make a trip to Costco while I am in Eureka for Christmas, if I have some time between visits. I will  leave for Gilbert's on the 24th, we will spend Christmas with his girlfriends mother and on the 26th I will stop by to see Willa and family on my way back home. So I may not  get in the Costco trip. I also need to get there before the banks close so I can get Gilbert on my bank accounts. I will be leaving early as it takes at least 4.5 to 5 hours to get there depending on how many times I stop, I am, taking freckles with me.

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

Marilyn

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

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. We have a beautiful, crisp and sunny morning that started at 30 degrees and is suppose to get to 50 this afternoon.  I slept in until 7:30 this morning and have been busy ever sense.  I had to empty the dishwasher, fold a big load of laundry, fix Pat's breakfast and my own but think most of the work is done for today.  We do plan on getting out today to get haircuts and then will stop at Ruby Tuesdays as they have there $5 chicken sandwich today.  As far as I know we have no other stops to make.

Yesterday was really a great day for me as felt good all day.  I did finally get the air up to par in the car tire.  The downer was that when the repair tech was here for the AC, while he was able to get it going again, he had to put in 4 units of Freon at $75 per unit and is ordering two new parts, which will be covered by warranty, but we will still have to pay the labor and for more Freon.  However, we don't really have any choices in the matter as must have good heat and then cooling in the summer.  The man was suppose to inspect our house termite traps and the house yesterday but he went to the neighbors house rather than ours.  Today I get the inspection reports and the bill for his visit.  Something wrong with this picture.  I called them and now he is scheduled to come here late Friday afternoon. 

Carol, I found your posting easy to read and the color was fine for me.  It is too bad people decide to "take" offense as they just hurt themselves more than the other person and it isn't worth it to me.  We can't read another person's mind or know what they expect of us if they don't communicate to us.  As you say most often the matters involved are really trivial.  Good for Kneaders closing on Sunday.  Are you meeting your son at the Phoenix airport or the Denver airport?  I just bet your pickup of groceries at Walmart will go well and save you a lot of energy. 

Marilyn, it probably wouldn't pay you to make the trip to Costco as you would have to pay a membership fee and not get much good from it.  I think anyone can order from them online but if you don't have a membership they charge you an extra fee.  I am glad your trip to see Gilbert isn't any longer than it is.  I agree the built in spell check is handy.  The password manager I have used for years is called LastPass.  It now costs $14/year but it gives you access to what is stored in it from any device or location when you sign in with your Master Password.  Just be sure to write down somewhere that you can find it the master password as they cannot restore your site without it should you forget it.

Janet

Hellooooo!  I'm home!!  :) We had a very enjoyable and profitable time on the missions trip, everyone stayed well, no falls, no tummy aches, just many blessings!  We are so grateful to the Lord for His awesome protection.

We built 20 stoves for needy Mayan families, who were so appreciative.  It was a real blessing to be a part of this mission.

We arrived home at around 10:00 Sunday night.  I spent yesterday doing laundry, posting photos (mine wouldn't post from Guatemala!) sorting mail, etc. Still need to catch up a bit on rest.  My big book order arrived while we were away, so I was thankful for John coming out every day to bring in the mail and packages, and see about the cat.  He likes to help.

Today is a tough day--one year since Beth moved to heaven. I know she is happy, healthy and whole and enjoying every minute in her new home; and we will be joining her soon. John came out yesterday and I tried to encourage him, too. I know he is so lonely without her, though.

I mailed several more books this morning, got a book signing set up, and several other errands done. I'm having trouble getting myself organized.  :-\

Good to read all your posts from the days I was away. God bless you!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

JudyB



Come To the Manager
(Click to hear music)


Words and Music: Anonymous - Traditional 

   

Refrain

Come, come, come to the manger,
Children, come to the children's King;
Sing, sing, Chorus of angels,
Stars of morning, o'ver Bethlehem sing.


He lies 'mid the beasts of the stall,
Who is Maker and Lord of us all,
The wintry wind blows cold and dreary,
See, He weeps, the world is weary,
Lord, have pity and mercy on me.


Refrain

He leaves all His glory behind,
To be born and to die for mankind;
With grateful beasts His cradle chooses,
Thankless man His love refuses,
Lord, have pity and mercy on me.


Refrain


To Bethlehem's manger now come,
To the Savior Emmanuel's home;
The heav'nly hosts above are singing,
Set the Christmas bells aringing,
Lord, have pity and mercy on me.



 




JudyB

In some hymnals, the editors noted that a hymn's author is unknown to them, and so this artificial "person" entry is used to reflect that fact. Obviously, the hymns attributed to "Author Unknown" "Unknown" or "Anonymous" could have been written by many people over a span of many centuries.


Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  We are in for another beautiful day with it getting up into the 50's.  I have a friend coming by at 10 am this morning to spend an hour with me and then I will take Pat over to a friends home where the ladies in the craft group will be enjoying a Christmas luncheon.  She doesn't even have to make something to take, which makes it nice.  I am go happy that she is feeling up to attending.

This evening she in planning on fixing ribs, baked beans and potato salad and also a cherry pie for our dinner as Scott will be over.  She will be pretty well done in when all of that is done.  I will help her as much as I can.  We did get haircuts yesterday after we had our main meal at Ruby Tuesday's. I downloaded the audio book of War and Peace by Leo Toystoy.  I have never read it and may not be able to get it finished as it is about 51 hours of recording.  At least someone will be pronouncing all of those Russian names.   

Janet, so glad to see that you and Darrel are home safely and that the Mission trip went so well with no falls or illness. The building of the stoves is what our Church mission team does as well on their annual mission trip to Guatemala.  It must be quite an eye-opener to see how other cultures have to live compared to our living conditions.  It is hard to believe that a whole year has passed since the passing of Beth.  I did finish reading your new book this week.  You are certainly a lady of great faith and I know that is what sustained you, Beth and John over the years.  Remember the happy times and let the rest go.  That is what I have done with Stacey and that has worked for me. 

Judy, thanks for the new Christmas hymn. This is also a another new hymn for me.

Carol

I asked ALEXA to play old Christian Christmas songs and everyone has been Elvis. 

Larry:  The Denver airport is where we will meet oldest son coming in from Montana and we will all be picked up by our middle son.  It will be non-stop action for the following two weeks - need strength. We depart Tucson and take no overhead items with us.  Before we left home, we set up any meds and other things for this two-week stay.  Tell Pat to try to pace her kitchen work - it can be exhausting to do what we normally accepted just a few years ago. 

Our Christmas cards are ready to send.  I made a crockpot of vegetables and a bit of ground beef for soup along with two cheese quiches last night.  Some of everything is frozen for several later meals.

Prayers for all who are ailing and remembering family members who are not with you.   

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. Today we are expecting just clouds but a high into the low 60's.  This morning I will pick up my friend and we will go downtown to coffee.  After I return him home I will go over to Walmart to pick up a couple of prescriptions and then get the online grocery order.  We expect the heat pump tech here sometime today.  Beyond that nothing else is on the schedule.  Pat did enjoy her Christmas luncheon yesterday and the dinner she prepared last evening was delicious. Scott really enjoyed it.  Our great grandchildren and their father sent us the largest Christmas card I have ever seen.  They had all signed it. 

Carol, glad to see you could fly from Tucson and not have to deal with the huge Phoenix airport.  It is also helpful to be picked up by someone.  It would be wise if you took your medicine bottles with you as the TSA will probably question medicines in little boxes, at least that was my experience.  You may have experienced something else and perhaps the rules have changed since I last flew.  Also will you have plenty of medicine if you get snow bound in Denver beyond when you expect to be there?  I realize this isn't any of my business.  We are enjoying having frozen meals available to use from previously home cooked things.  I am almost certain that will be what we will have this evening.

Carol

Thank you Larry for your tip on having our meds at the airport.  Don is the one with the most crucial meds - I can go without and there is no problem.  He just opens everything.  Yes, we have to pay about the same as going through exhausting Phoenix airport.  Your special Christmas card sounds terrific.  Can you frame it? 

I have a dental appointment this morning and then can get serious about our travel.  We thought about not going but there are some huge issues we have been praying over and just need to get home.  Looking at driving & the cost & snow issues, we thought we had better take the cheapest flight instead.  And, this is non-stop so I won't have to run in the airport (like last time) when we were sent to the wrong gate - they closed the door right after we entered the plane.

Just thinking about being with the family and friends - making me weepy.  Happy too. 

Judy:  Thanks for all your work in putting everything together on CP.  I hope you are getting over the virus.

Janet:  Glad that you are back safe and sound.  Peace be with you - especially at this time of the year.   

Janet

Yesterday, I did go paint with my buddies at The Main Artery for a few hours.  I didn't accomplish much, but really needed to unwind, and it helped.  The day before, a a friend of Beth's met me at the coffee shop for lunch and to pick up a book; and while there, I set up a Book Signing there for December 21. I thought the paper would interview me, so we could get it in the paper, but the girl said "we are so busy we don't have time for an interview.  But if you want to write something, we can MAYBE get it into the paper before the 21st."   >:(   Some newspaper that is!  The gal who is actually the "publisher" is never available any more, don't know what's up with that.  But I will write the article; that way it will say what I want it to say!

We have wind warnings for today; gusts up to 50 mph plus! Ugh.

Larry, so good to read that you're feeling better!
 Sounds as if the new changes in your meds are helping.

Yes, you are right about remembering the good times and forgetting the rest.  Beth was always a joy, really no bad times to remember except for her health problems going on for years and the amount of pain she endured.  I'm happy for her being in heaven, I just miss her presence here.

I got good news re my eldest sister!  After the surgery to insert rod and screws in her femur, once she woke up, she was sitting up and eating!  So that's a tremendous improvement.  Still a long road ahead, but we are encouraged.

Carol, I wish you and Don a safe and uneventful flight back to Colorado, and a wonderful time with your family.

We aren't doing anything big for Christmas.  Probably just going to Hugoton for a few hours with the kids.  I've decided not to even stress myself about putting up a tree, though I'd love to have one.  I have a few new ornaments, some I got while Darrel was hospitalized in Wichita with the lung problem, and I got some lovely beaded ones in Guatemala.

I need to get busy writing the great article for the Ulysses News!   ;)  :lol:
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Carol

Janet:  Glad to see you are back safe and sound.  Good wishes for your newspaper article.  Most of all, prayer and a hug for you on this remembrance time with Beth. 

I just returned from the dentist, they had one little job and it cost me $75 even with my insurance discount.  Don has finished making (on the computer) all of the cards - he had some printing problems this year. 

Larry:  I am happy you are still comfortable in the house.  Always something!   

JudyB

Good afternoon, Janice has called me with updates on her mom.  Not sure how much I am at liberty to say.
Pat had a small stroke I believe on Tuesday.  She was admitted to hospital for observation. Yesterday early AM she fell.  They did a procedure this morning, and she is in intensive care.  I have tried calling however her phone is turned off.  I will keep you up to date, and will give more info as it is released.  I don't want to invade her privacy.  Please continue in Prayer for Pat.


Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  We are in for a very rainy day today with the chances either 100% or 90% for most of the day.  It will be a good day to stay in.  The housekeeper will be here this morning so we will be enjoying a nice clean house again in a few hours.  Yesterday the heat pump repairmen came and spent a couple of hours as it was a big job to install the new parts.  A very large part went into the unit in  the attic and a smaller control board in the outside unit.  The good news was that the Freon that had been put in a few days earlier was still there and we didn't have to buy anymore of it.  Hopefully we are all set for the rest of the winter and next year as well.  I did not go to coffee yesterday morning to the great disappointment of my friend but wasn't going to leave while the workmen were here.  After they left I headed to Walmart to pick up my medicine only to discover it was too soon to fill either prescription but I picked up the online grocery order.  I forgot to stop at the customer service area to pick up something I had ordered for Pat's Christmas that I had shipped to the store to save the shipping charges.  The other item I had purchased was from Amazon and it was delivered yesterday. 

My main plan for today is to wrap up the Christmas packages for Pat's sister and get the box ready to mail as we need to get it to the Post Office for mailing.  As far as I know our Christmas shopping is finished.  I will write my Christmas email letter next week.  We did try for our dinner last evening the French Onion soup I had gotten frozen at Costco and it was pretty good.  We topped it off with a piece of the cherry pie with a little vanilla ice cream on it. 

Carol, it would be worth the price or a little more not to have to drive to the Phoenix, find a place to park and get around those big terminals, and then ride the trolley out to the boarding area for your plane.  Glad to see you have a non-stop flight.  I can't remember when I got away from the dentist for less than $100 or more. 

Janet, how big is your local newspaper?  The one we get for North Augusta is really a waste of paper and if they didn't throw it in my drive most weeks I wouldn't bother with it as it generally copies of other articles I have read in the Aiken newspaper. I hope they get your article published by the 21st. 
Glad you were able to paint yesterday and unwind a little bit.  I do think the changes in my medicine are helping although by the time I got the grocery unloaded from the car and into the kitchen yesterday I was experiencing chest pain that lasted until about bedtime.  Nothing serious but uncomfortable.  I was glad to have the nitro available.  Had you told us about your older sister breaking her femur?  If so I seem to have missed it.  Glad she did well from the surgery.  It sounds like a good idea to pass on setting up your tree.  Maybe you could just put your new ornaments on an end table or somewhere that you can enjoy them without stressing yourself out with decorating. 

Judy, thanks for the update on Pat but sure wish it had been good news and not bad.  Poor lady what an ordeal she has and continues to go through.

Marilyn

I have lost a total of 6 lbs while dealing with Keith's problems, the hospital and also since he has been home. My Dr. suspects it is from stress, however, she wants me to have a CT scan of my lungs just to be sure there is no cancer since I am a former smoker.I am down to 139 this morning, i was 140 last week and 146 when all this started in October. For my check=-ups my lungs have always been clear and I don't nave difficulty breathing  if I take my inhaler each morning, I am not in any pain either, but I am concerned about the weight loss. So I am going to email the DR. and have them set up the scan appointment for after the  eye surgery next month.

I have the gifts for  Ca. all  packed up in  the Christmas bags, and Freckles beds are washed so that much is one for my trip south on the 24th. I contacted the area Agency on aging yesterday and will have a face to face meeting with  them on Tuesday to discuss other resources available  to Keith's care and for me to get some respite help.. The also give a yearly allowance for medical equipment and for sough like Ensure or Boost. There is also a caregivers class that I will be taking  that deals in all resources available to the caregiver (Me).
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
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Janet

Good morning!  It is to be better weather here today, only gusts instead of constant wind.
I have a hair appointment, and will be so happy to look better after so long!  ;)  Then I have a few other errands relative to the book, to do.

Larry, thanks for your comment re the new ornaments.
I think I will do that.  I have some very small trees, could use one of those for them on the coffee table. :)

I have a page set up on Facebook for Walking Beth Home, am hoping that will bring in some more orders.  I realize this book isn't entertaining, but pray it is helpful to others. Sales are trickling in, and I pray the book signing will help.

Larry, I thought I had mentioned about my sister, sorry.
She started feeling great pain on Thanksgiving Day, could only lie on the bed and cry.  They took her to the hospital, they did scans and sent her home; then her femur broke while she was just sitting in a chair!  Scans showed her bones have become very thin and brittle, even her skull has thinned!  Further tests show she has multiple myeleoma, a type of leukemia.  She is in hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, an they have done surgery to insert a rod and screws in her leg.  After she woke from that, she was able to be placed into a sitting position and eat a little bit.  Yesterday her son reported that she sat up on the side of the bed, stood, and pivoted to the commode, which caused pain so they had to give her pain meds. (She had been off the prescription pain killer for 20 hours.)
She is 82 years old, and has served the Lord nearly all her life, working tirelessly at everything she saw that needed to be done, as well as tending a huge garden, making big meals for family, etc.  Prayers for Doris appreciated--we do see His hand in this.

Marilyn, glad you are taking care of yourself, as many caregivers fail to do that, and it's so important!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!

I made it through Beth's anniversary, and her home going day, and then was broadsided this morning when I thought about the fact that her service was one year ago tomorrow. Strange how things trigger the tears again.  I don't dwell on it, am so happy she is free, it's just the nature of the grief journey.  I'm fine, all is well.

Carol, I don't know what day you were flying back to the Denver area, but God be with you.  I pray you and Don will be blessed with a joyful and peaceful Christmas with your loved ones, and be refreshed and totally healed.  Love you!

I must run!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Carol

Prayers for each and everyone of you.  So many trials with health issues - prayers for ceasing of pain and any discomfort. 

Jacqueline

Oh it seems never ending for Pat, how much more is she going to have to take, bless her...just seems one thing after another...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. We have another overcast morning but only a small chance of more rain today.  Our rain yesterday was light and periodic.  I did get the couple of items wrapped for my SIL and then went to the Post Office.  There were only 3 people ahead of me and I was out of there in 5 minutes of so and was surprised.  Then I went on to Walmart only to find it was to early to get my prescriptions refilled. I did get a few other items we needed so it wasn't a wasted trip.  About 4 pm the doorbell rang and it as the man to do the annual termite inspection that I had set up but forgotten about.  So that is done for another year and all was well. 

My schedule for today is pretty light.  I do plan on attending a meeting this morning.  I have unloaded the dishwasher and set everything out for Pat's breakfast.  This afternoon I will rest and then watch some college basketball or one of the bowl games.

Marilyn, unusual stress can do some bad things to our health.  It sure won't hurt to get the CT scan of your lungs as better safe than sorry.  Glad you are getting in touch with your Agency on Aging as they will know of the services and assistance available to you. 

Janet, I hope you Facebook page for your book will generate a lot of sales for you.  I would say along with Beth's story your book is very inspirational. Is your sister crying because of the pain or for the situation she finds herself in with the myeleoma.  Do you remember Judy McKensie, up in Canadian, who posted here a long time but had such brittle bones that they were always breaking?  She was an inspiration to others. It is time for others to do for her in her time of need.  We each have to grieve in our own way.  We have been watching this with our son over the loss of his wife three years ago. I think Carol and her husband are flying back to Denver today. 

Jackie, it does seem to be never ending for poor Pat and Paul Harback is also not at all well.  I hope Judy will have an update on Pat's condition today or tomorrow.

Janet

Larry, my sister was crying from the unbearable pain.  She hasn't been crying in the hospital, as they are managing the pain for her.  No update yesterday, so I assume "no news is good news."

I've been praying for our Pat Scott Halbach.  Such a lot she has dealt with now for over two years.  I so wish there were something else I could do for her, but I well know that prayer is the first and best thing.  Hoping for an update on her soon.

Larry, our little newspaper used to be really good, but for years now it has gotten smaller and smaller.  Lots of people don't bother even reading it anymore, as it has maybe three pages of stuff about happenings in the community, and the rest is school sports news and pictures, and one page of ads.  I surely don't want to see it go out of business, but they need to change some things!

Darrel is headed to the hot tub, and I think I will go join him!

Jackie, good to 'see' you this morning!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Marilyn

Good morning everyone. Keith is getting stronger by the day, however his short term memory is going down hill  rather quickly. I feel like I am watching him disappear right in front of my eyes.

I went to the hospice potluck last night, It felt so good to just get away with a room full of such caring people so relaxing and  stress relief. I will not be taking on another hospice patient but will be volunteering in the office there a few hours a month. When I go in the doors of that place  it feels like I my second home and the stress just disappears so it will be good for me to work a few hours there.

I have changed the hours  for the caregiver too, instead of working 8 hrs a day for 3 days I changed it to work 6 hrs 5 days a week, I need that time  to take care of me and to get out to do the caregiver classes, in-service at hospice, get my manicure and pedicure. Well you know what I mean. Today we are getting a bid on the roof from another company, the first one has  dilly dallied for 3 months and never returns my calls. This man just happened to drive by and see the tarps on the roof so he left his card.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
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Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  Rather than being rushed in the morning I decided to go ahead and post this evening.  I am happy to say I am feeling better this evening than I have all day.  We just finished having a salad dinner.  I had tuna on mine and Pat had canned chicken on hers.  It had been awhile since we have had that meal.  I did go out and attend my meeting this morning but was glad to get home and eat a quick lunch and then lay down.  I am enjoying watching some college football and basketball games.  We did see a little sun today and a brief shower and the temperature has been pretty good. 

Janet, glad to read that hour sisters pain is being controlled.  I expect we all would cry if we were in terrible pain.    I don't see how newspapers are going to survive.  I still like to look at the paper occasionally but haven't subscribed for many years.  It has been years since I have been able to be in a hot tub as it made me so weak feeling I decided it wasn't safe with my heart condition. 

Marilyn, glad to see that Keith is getting stronger but the lose of the short time memory is probably something that will continue to get worse.  You are right it is seeing the person we know disappear.  I am glad you are taking the steps needed to better take care of yourself and have some outside activities to help you get relief from the stress of the many hours you care for him.

Jane Walker

It's that time again.  I will be leaving Tuesday morning for California.  My grandson, David, has taken it upon himself to host a Family Christmas Party next Sunday, at his place.  He has been hard to get in touch with for many years, but I've learned he is now divorced from the wife who was keeping him away from us.  He seems really eager to be back with all of us, and I am just as happy.

I will be traveling Amtrak again because I just am not a great fan of driving that distance and/or running into snow, wind or heavy rain. The only drawback is that I have to travel light and any Christmas shopping will have to wait until I'm in Sacramento.  Another glitch is that the bus for Eugene leaves Coos Bay at 7:15 a.m. gets to Eugene at 9:30 a.m. and the train doesn't leave Eugene until 5:10 p.m.  I will have a whole day to find something to occupy my time in and around the Amtrak station.

Since it's dark at both ends of that trip, and Nita doesn't drive in the dark, I will call a cab both going and coming back home. She has always been so sweet to do that service.  I'll probably rent a car in Sacramento because I'll be getting there early Wednesday morning and everybody works and will not be able to pick me up.

This grandma is looking forward to this time with the family; some I have not seen for years.  I will be returning before the New Year. Leaving Sacramento at 11:59 (might as well say midnight  :-\ )Friday, the 28th and arriving back in Coos Bay around 7 p.m. the 29th.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass .... it's about learning to dance in the rain!

Jacqueline

#58
Jane...
...have a safe and enjoyable trip...

********************************************

Richard is up and about after having a bad night with his breathing, chest pain and jaw pain...I am assuming he will go back to bed, too early for him but, today is the day he will start preparing himself for his tomorrow colonoscopy...These last few weeks he has endured several tests and procedures, he had the throat endoscopy tube last week, he had previously had an X-ray and ECG...He will be due February to go see Cardiology Consultant...As of yet we are unsure what is happening to him, he suffers type 2 diabetes and COPD, also just found out to now add a Hiatus Hernia to his list...He has recently been suffering breathing problems, chest and jaw pains, is also anaemic, and maybe losing blood, he is very pale, although he was given an iron infusion a couple of days ago... there was also talk of suffering a heart attack but, if so, neither of us are aware of that happening...Richard is still going about doing his business, dog walk, although cutting it shorter and of course  supermarket shopping twice a week but has stopped for the last couple of weeks going to his COPD exercise class...

As for me, I am as well as can be expected for someone who is suffering Primary Progressive MS....For the first time in yonks I have bought a four foot " artificial " Christmas tree with lights and is now decorated, I just had that strange feeling as if treating this Christmas as our last, and one has to act on it....I never wanted a Christmas tree before since we now dont have our three darling fur babies, but I have now relented and trying to re-create what we once had, ( albeit not the same ) if you understand what I mean...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Janet

We went to Moscow this morning to see the little great-granddaughters' Christmas program at church.  It was cute, with costumes and all.  Then we had dinner with them and Diane and Jeff, before coming home.
We were invited to stay for evening meal, cantata, and gift-wrapped desserts at the church, but Darrel still isn't feeling up to par, so we came home.

Jackie, enjoy your Christmas.  Whether it is your last together or you have many more; still it's worth celebrating the birth of our Savior!  I have been feeling 'bummed out' remembering this time last year, when our precious daughter Beth went to heaven.  But I did put up a tree--it's half the size of yours, only 24" tall and I put it on the coffee table.  But the lights cheer me up, and I enjoy it.

Sorry to hear that Richard is suffering health problems.  Marilyn can certainly empathize with that, along with the rest of us.
It just seems to be a part of this stage of life.

My sister is better, they got her up in a wheelchair today to take her around the hospital to look at the Christmas lights.  In the picture they sent, she looks SO much better!  So I'm thrilled about that!

I did a bit of shopping here in our little town yesterday, now I need to get busy and wrap things.  We might go to Garden tomorrow if Darrel feels up to it.  I need to do a couple things relative to my book (posters) and to getting my framing business going again.  And we need to buy the ham for the family Christmas dinner.

I think I may take a little nap!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  We have had a very beautiful sunny and warm day as it got up to the mid-60's.  I went to Sunday School this morning and then came home and got Pat and we went back to Church.  Today was a very special day as it was the "Lessons and Carols" Sunday and it was really great.  We had the University of Georgia Brass Quintet that were really good, our choir with more members than I remember ever seeing participating, our Bell Choir, our children's choir and a beautiful group of singers from the choir that had wonderful harmony.  The lessons were all read by some of our city officials like the mayor, city administrator, counsel members, head of our Public Safety Department and our Representative to our State House.  It was so well done and such a meaningful service.  I guess you can tell I really liked it.  Pat and I then went to the Firehouse Subs for our lunch and now just enjoying a quiet afternoon.

Jane, so happy you will be have a special Christmas trip and being with your grandson.  That does sound like a miserable travel schedule but at least you don't have to drive that long distance.  I hope you have a wonderful time with your family.  You have a wonderful example of why we should never give up on a situation. 

Jackie, that certainly is not a good report from Richard.  I would be very concerned about the chest and jaw pain as those are classic heart symptoms.  He certainly has a lot on his health plate.  Glad you have put up a small Christmas Tree as perhaps that will make things a little more cheerful.  Pat doesn't plan on putting out our little tree.  The housekeeper brought down the artificial poinsettias and arranged them in front of our fireplace.  Pat has a few small decorations and the Christmas village that stay put up year round and that will likely be all the decorating we will do this year.

Janet, you are so blessed to have the opportunity to see your little great granddaughters in their Church Christmas program and I bet they were very happy to have you and Darrel in attendance. So sorry to read that Darrel isn't feeling up to par but can understand why he wouldn't want to stay for the evening activities.  Glad to read that your sister is doing better and was able to see the Christmas decorations at the hospital.

Jacqueline

#61
Larry Hanna...
...I always buy a poinsettia plant in a basket for placing near the fireplace...I dont bother with Christmas decorations only cards that we receive I scatter around our living room...Some of the parkhomes around our site are decked outside with Christmas lights which are nice to see but, we have never done that, nor do we ever have any outside decorations.....

Well Richard has taken his " gallon " of enema fluid mix drink...time is now almost 11 pm, his early appointment is for 8.am....
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

JudyB

Message from Pat on FB

I'm now in the hospital again. I had a mild stroke on Monday evening and then it was discovered that I had a small ulcer hidden away and I was losing a lot of blood and emergency surgery was needed.

So here I am in the intensive care unit for who knows how long.

Merry Christmas!!!


Jacqueline

#63
My late father had a saying..." it never rains but it pours.." Pats luck has to change sometime...

********************************************************************

Well some good news re, Richards Colonoscopy this morning...no cancer, no polyps were found although they did identify Angiodysplasia which could account for his anaemia..." It is a common cause of otherwise unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding and anaemia..." 


" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is almost dark and so I am really late posting today.  I posted late yesterday so didn't have anything new to add this morning plus I was busy.  I did get my tire fixed shortly after lunch and they found there was a screw in the tire.  While I was at Costco I ate my lunch there.  After I left I went to a battery store to get a new battery put in Pat's watch.  This has been a delightful day with sun and it getting up to the mid-60s. 

Jackie, we have houses here in our area that have been decorated nicely outside.  But there are some with no decorations at all.  At least we have a nice large wreath on our outside windows.  I was happy to read your message that Richard got a good report from his test this morning.  I did have one colonoscopy without being put out but preferred going to sleep and waking up when it was over.  Since he wasn't put to sleep he probably wasn't told to bring someone with him to drive him home. 

Judy, thanks for sharing Pat's Facebook message.  Sorry that she still has to be in intensive care as one sure doesn't get any rest in ICU even though you get great care.

Janet

We went to Garden City to do some things today, and got home in record time, as I was really pushing to get done and get home.  I don't like rushing around, but sometimes it is necessary.  I got my Christmas letter written this morning, also got two more books packaged and ready to mail, but when we got to town the P.O. wasn't yet open so had to wait till we got back to mail them.  We got the groceries put away, I checked a couple things on computer, then it was time to go for my nail appointment.  So now I'm done and home again, and so glad to be here!

I must go look up Pat on Face book and see if there is any further news.  In the morning I have a framing job to do; then I want to get busy and wrap the gifts we have bought.

Jackie, good to hear that Richard got a good report from his colonoscopy.

Larry, I took your advice, only I got a tiny tree, and I also hung my wreath outside the door.  So I'm not a total Grinch!  ;)  :)
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  I have gotten off my normal morning posting schedule here so will try to get back on schedule.  We have a beautiful clear sky day and there is no rain in the forecast.  We will get into the low 60's this afternoon.  I have only one thing on my to-do list for today and that is to meet a friend downtown at one of our banks to add my name to the bank account for a group.  I have agreed to be the Treasurer of the group for the next 3 years starting January 1st.  I have served as the Treasurer of several other groups and organizations over the years since I have been retired and know it is not a difficult job.  Yesterday in the mail we got the bill for the heat pump repair to the tune of $825.  This was just for labor and 4 pounds of Freon. The parts they put in were still under the manufacturers warranty.  

Janet, it sounds like you had a whirlwind trip to Garden City.  I still have to do our Christmas email in the form of a Christmas letter.  I haven't sent out Christmas cards for a number of years.  I bet your tiny Christmas tree will work just as well as a much larger one and saves you a lot of work in decorating it.  I am sure no one would ever accuse you of being a Grinch.  :D

Carol

[size=3 /We have been home for a couple of days.  It is a whirlwind here because we had a celebration for Don's birthday plus meetings with neighbors and family - much more to come. 

Sorry to read about all the pain and medical issues.  [/size]

JudyB

This update on how Pat is doing has come from Janice Pat's daughter last night.  I asked Janice if I could share.

 The doctor called me tonight to give me an update.....Mum had 3 ulcers in her esophagus, one of which had ruptured and was causing all the bleeding.  They are putting her on a medication to heal the ulcers and will be put into the care of a Gastroenterologist. 
Mum has been complaining of pain in her hip/leg so the dr decided to do an ultrasound today.  They found a ballooning blood vessel in her buttock which could be an aneurysm or pseudo aneurysm.   They will be doing a CT scan tomorrow to take a closer look and possibly have more surgery to fix it. 
Then as well, she was complaining about her foot being sore and it was swollen.  They did an xray and she has 3 (maybe 4) broken bones in her foot from her fall the other night.  She'll be wearing an air cast. 
So keep praying....she's really having a rough go!


JudyB

As i have Janice and Pat's permission to share I will keep the updates coming.


JudyB



Deck the Halls
(Click to hear music)


Words & Music: Old Welsh Air

   

Deck the Halls

Deck the halls with bought of holly,
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season to by jolly,
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.

Don we now our gay apparel,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol,
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us,
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.

Follow me in merry measure,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
While I tell of Yuletide treasure,
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes,
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.

Sing we joyous, all together,
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.
Heedless of the wind and weather,
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.


 
[/color]



JudyB


The popular "Deck the Halls" song is a Christmas carol that dates back to the sixteenth century. It wasn't always associated with Christmas, however; the melody comes from a Welsh winter song called "Nos Galan," which is actually about New Year's Eve.


The first time "Deck the Halls" was published with English lyrics was in 1862, in Welsh Melodies, Vol. 2, featuring Welsh lyrics by John Jones and English lyrics written by Thomas Oliphant.

'Deck the Halls' and Songwriter Thomas Oliphant
Oliphant was a Scottish songwriter and author who was responsible for many popular songs and writings. He made his way by writing new lyrics to old melodies, interpreting foreign songs into English; not necessarily directly translating, but, as in "Deck the Halls," coming up with lyrics that fit the mood of the song. He became a lyricist for the court of Queen Victoria and eventually became a popular translator of music.

Where the old Welsh lyrics for "Nos Galan" sang of the impending new year, Oliphant's folk composition in English lauded the onset of the Christmas holiday, calling for the decoration and merriment which typically accompanies the celebration, including a line about drinking that was later revised:

Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la la la la la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la la la la la
Fill the mead cup, drain the barrel
Fa la la la la la la la la
Troll the ancient yuletide carol
Fa la la la la la la la la


Whereas the original Welsh lyrics were about winter, love and cold weather:

Oh! How soft my fair one's bosom,
Fa la la la la la la la la
Oh! How sweet the grove in blossom,
Fa la la la la la la la la
Oh! How blessed are the blisses,
Fa la la la la la la la la
Words of love, and mutual kisses,
Fa la la la la la la la la 

Oliphant was interested in capturing the spirit of the song, including the "fa la la" refrain. This part of the song, which has become its signature feature in modern iterations, was probably an addition from the middle ages when there was a tendency of Madrigal choruses to fill songs with a kind of vocal break between verses.

'Deck the Halls' Madrigal Influence
Madrigals were a traditional secular musical form during the Rennaissance in Europe and were typically sung a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment). They usually featured poetry set to music, with a composer adding "accompaniment" sections for some voices (such as "fa la la").

Oliphant was Honorary Secretary of the Madrigal Society, where he mostly reinterpreted Italian madrigal songs into English. Most of his translations were in a similar style to "Deck the Halls," with entirely new lyrics set to familiar melodies.

American Christmas Carol
Another version of the lyrics, which removes the references to drinking and is close to the one commonly recited today, was published in the 1877 edition of the Pennsylvania School Journal. It still uses the singular "Hall" and changes "Yuletide" to "Christmas."

Deck the hall with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la la la la la 
Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la la la la la 
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la la la la la 
Troll the ancient Christmas carol
Fa la la la la la la la la 

But the modern version of "Deck the Halls," which is sung by choirs and carolers across the country, is the one published in an 1866 songbook titled simply The Song Book (although in that publication it's titled "Deck the Hall").

The pluralization of "halls" is probably something that just took shape as more and more people took to singing it. By then, the song had been appropriated by folk musicians and others, including Mozart, who used it as a launching pad for a piano-violin duet.


Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. I am not seeing the sun here today and the forecast said it will be colder and in the next couple of days the rain and wind will return.  My friend will be here at 10 am to work with me for an hour.  Then this afternoon we will meet Scott at Ruby Tuesdays about 2:30 to have a meal together.  This will also be our main meal of the day.  Pat has a big toe that is bothering her once again and woke her up early this morning.  I did fix her breakfast as well as my own and am now ready for the rest of the day.  I did get the paperwork signed at the bank yesterday so I am ready to assume the Treasurer responsibilities at the end of this month for my Saturday group.

Carol, I hope all of your planned activities are spread out enough that you all can find sometime to rest and having fun and visiting doesn't become a burden.  How is Don feeling with the higher altitude?

Judy, thanks for the update on Pat.  That is all that lady needs is more and different health issues to deal with.  In our hospitals here if a person is considered a fall risk they put a red band around your rest and you are not suppose to get out of bed or try to move around without assistance.  My Pat always has those bands on her wrist when she has been hospitalized as she is certainly a fall risk as I am sure your Pat is also due to the hip operations and concerns.  The last x-ray Stacey had done on her foot showed that over a period of several years she had 21 breaks in the one foot bones.  Unfortunately, when they had to amputate her leg it was the other leg and not the one that was subject to the bone breaks.  Thanks for sharing "Deck the Halls'" words, music link and background.  I had not yet heard it this season.

Marilyn

I will be going to the Alzheimer's caregivers group today. We finally got a call from the roofer, the wife will be here today to9 write up the contract and collect half of the payment.I have to go to the bank to get a cashiers check. It sure is about time we heard from them.

Judy thank you for the update on Pat. She sure has been through a lot in the last 2 or 3 years. How is Paul doling? Is he in Guelph with Pat or still in Virginia? Is he having health issues as well?  I will be praying for both of them.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
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JudyB

I really don't know all that is happening with Paul. He is over 80 so has elderly issues as well.

Prior to Saturday I painted out hall in a light grey with a dark grey trim. John put a new floor down and I am so pleased with the results.  At Dollarama I saw sheers at the right length for $4, and they have really made a difference to the room.

On Monday we took our grand-daughter Ivy to the Santa train.  It was bitterly cold out with a raw wind. That wee girl had no complaints at all.  she had the opportunity to go into the train engine and blow the horn.  We left there and saw a police car with all the lights flashing!  Che got in the car and played with the sirens... then took the mike and said "Merry Christmas everyone!" 

Today we have a chimney sweep coming to clean our chimney and let us know if there are any repairs to do.  More money out of our pocket! This is necessary because of the amount of wood we burn.  To this point a family member has done it for us.

That's all for today.


JudyB




Do You Hear What I Hear?
(Click to hear music)

   

Said the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

 
Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

 
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JudyB

Many people mistakenly assume this Christmas classic has been around for years and that it is of European origin. But it was written in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis as a powerful plea for peace by a man who had experienced the horrors of war.

The song's message of peace is as desperately needed today as it was then.

Seeking Goodness and Light
A brilliant musical career seemed assured for the French-born Noel Regney. He had studied at Strasbourg Conservatory and at the Conservatoire National de Paris.

Then came the Second World War, when France was overwhelmed by Hitler's German troops. Much against Regney's will, he was drafted into the German army.

He hated the Nazis who occupied the land where he was born. So, while still in the German army, Regney became a member of the French underground. His assignments required him to remain in a German uniform. He collected information and, when possible, warned French resistance fighters of attacks the Germans were planning against them.

One mission would continue to haunt Noel Regney: He was assigned the task of leading a group of German soldiers into a trap where the French fighters could catch them in a crossfire.

Although Regney was shot that day, he survived. The French suffered only minor injuries. But the memory of the enemy soldiers falling to the ground, most of them dead, was etched in Noel Regney's mind.

He never commented publicly on what took place that terrifying day. It has been said that he was intentionally wounded by the French to protect him from the Germans, in the belief that his injury would indicate he had no knowledge of the trap that had been set for the enemy.

Not long after this encounter, Regney deserted the German army and lived underground with the French for the rest of the war. "Only then did I feel free," he once observed.

After the war, he worked for a number of years as the musical director of the Indochinese Service of Radio France and as music director at Lido, a popular nightclub in Paris.

In 1952, Noel Regney moved to Manhattan. He composed music for many early TV shows and commercial jingles, in addition to writing serious musical compositions. In 1971, Regney composed "Slovenly Peter," a concert suite based on an old German folktale. Four years later, he completed a five-part cantata titled "I Believe in Life." He also composed the 1963 hit "Dominique" (sung by Soeur Sourire, also known as "The Singing Nun").

Little Lambs
In the late '50s, Noel Regney married pianist Gloria Shayne after knowing her for only a few weeks. Their daughter, Gabrielle Regney, says about her mother, "She's an extraordinary pianist and composer who has perfect pitch."

Gloria wrote many popular songs recorded by well-known singers, including "Goodbye Cruel World" (James Darren's recording peaked at number three on the Billboard charts) and "The Men in My Little Girl's Life" (recorded by Mike Douglas). She collaborated with Jack Keller on "Almost There" (recorded by Andy Williams).

"My mother's work tends to be more pop; my father's is more classical and avant-garde," says Gabrielle. When her parents collaborated, she says, "Usually, my mother wrote the words and my father wrote the music." But they did the opposite when they composed "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

Of all their works, that simple Christmas song is the one that will continue to be treasured. Here is how it came to be:

In October 1962, the Soviet Union and the United States were involved in a crisis centered on missiles the Russians had installed in Cuba. The United States threatened military action if the missiles were not removed. The world trembled and prayed as these two nuclear powers stood eyeball-to-eyeball.

That October, as Noel Regney walked through the streets of New York, a sense of despair was in the air. No one smiled.

Regney had endured the horrors of war. He knew the fear and terror of being close to death. The safe and secure life he had built for himself in the United States was on the verge of ending.

Christmas, which was supposed to be a time of peace and goodwill, was approaching. Noel Regney had been asked by a record producer to write a holiday song.

"I had thought I'd never write a Christmas song," he recalled. "Christmas had become so commercial. But this was the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. In the studio, the producer was listening to the radio to see if we had been obliterated.

"En route to my home, I saw two mothers with their babies in strollers. The little angels were looking at each other and smiling. All of a sudden, my mood was extraordinary."

A glimpse of these babies filled Noel Regney's heart with poetry. The little ones reminded him of newborn lambs. Thus, the song begins, "Said the night wind to the little lamb...."

As soon as Noel arrived home, he jotted down the lyrics. Then he asked Gloria to write the music to accompany his words. "While walking down the street in New York, my mother heard trumpets playing the melody in her head," explains Gabrielle Regney.

"Noel wrote a beautiful song," Gloria said later, "and I wrote the music. We couldn't sing it, through; it broke us up. We cried. Our little song broke us up. You must realize there was a threat of nuclear war at that time."

Although their marriage didn't last, her parents remained close friends, says Gabrielle.

Today, Gloria Shayne Baker is in ill health. Noel Regney died at age 80 in 2002 on the eve of the Christmas season. He was survived by his second wife, Susan, three children (Paul, Gabrielle and Matthieu) and a stepdaughter (Patricia). At his funeral Mass, celebrated at St. Mary's Church in Ridgefield, New York, "Do You Hear What I Hear?" was performed.

Pray for Peace
There have been over 100 versions of "Do You Hear What I Hear?," including early recordings by Perry Como and the Harry Simeone Chorale. Gladys Knight and the Pips, Destiny's Child and Vanessa Williams are among the artists who have made more recent recordings. Noel Regney's personal favorite was a recording by Robert Goulet, who nearly shouted out the line, "Pray for peace, people, everywhere."

But it was the Bing Crosby 1963 recording that brought Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne's song of peace to the nation's attention. In those days, Crosby's recordings were often instant hits; his version sold more than a million copies.

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" carried a beautiful message close to people in all walks of life. It became a popular Christmas carol, "a song high above the tree, with a voice as big as the sea." But the message of peace was lost on many people.

"I am amazed that people can think they know the song and not know it is a prayer for peace," Noel Regney once told an interviewer. "But we are so bombarded by sounds and our attention spans are so short."

Let us hope and pray that, when it is sung in churches worldwide during the Christmas season, this song of peace will remind us that "The Child, The Child sleeping in the night" came to "bring us goodness and light."


Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. I awoke to a rainy morning and it is suppose to continue all day today and then again tomorrow with the possibility of from 1 to 2 inches of rain.  I plan a very quiet and restful day.  I will probably pick up my friend and we will go downtown for coffee as usual on Thursdays but nothing else on the schedule.  We did enjoy our time with Scott yesterday at Ruby Tuesday's.  We were shocked to see that they had significantly raised their prices on some of their entrees.  Scott and I both chose to have the great salad bar as our meal and Pat had a fried chicken sandwich with fries.  I do have the kitchen chores done and just need to make Pat's breakfast when she arises. 

Marilyn, I was happy to read that you were going to attend the Alzheimer's caregivers group yesterday and I hope you found it beneficial.  I attended such a group when we were staying in Missouri to care for my parents and I found it helpful.  Hopefully the roofers will get your roof fixed soon and stop the leaks.  I spoke to Paul on the phone a few days ago and he has some very serious health issues but was planning on going to Guelph for a few days. 

Judy, your decorating sounds very nice.  It sounds like Ivy must have had a great time with the Santa train and then getting to be in the police car.  How old is Ivy?  I hope the chimney sweep wasn't too expensive but that is certainly something important to attend to.  That is a very interesting story behind the Christmas hymn "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

Janet

Good morning!  I think I have missed either one or two days in posting here--sorry! Sometimes life just gets too busy.

I have come and read every day, though.  So sorry to hear about Pat's new problems.  She has had far more than her share these past three years or so.  I wish I could go to Guelph and help her.  Judy, do you think it would be okay to call her, maybe through Messenger?

I did go and paint with my friends yesterday, so nice to have a slower, peaceful day.  Tomorrow is my first book signing for the new book.  I pray it is successful!  Abby, my granddaughter, is home from college for Christmas break, and is coming up; will be wonderful to see her. She wasn't feeling well at Thanksgiving, so we didn't really have a good visit then.

Judy, I so enjoyed the back story of "Do You Hear What I Hear?"  Amazing.

Today I must wrap the rest of the few presents I have bought.  Cutting way back on the shopping this year!  Will finish out with that green stuff that is always needed, so much easier!

Good news about my sister Doris!  She was released from the Omaha hospital, back to North Platte for rehab yesterday.  After rehab, she will begin Chemo.  I know she is happy to be closer to home.  Thanks for the prayers for her.


I need to dress and get with it!  I wish you all a wonderful day!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Marilyn

Dec. 20 Update on Keith. His wound is healing so nicely that I only have to change the canister on his wound vac every 5 days. Yesterday his caregiver took him out for a haircut, I had called the shop and told them to cut his hair SHORT, it is shorter that it has ever been. Now he needs a shave, the beard is too long for the electric razor. The nurse at OPI (Out Patient Infusion) yesterday said he seemed more alert. He does sleep a lot but that goes with the Alzheimer diagnosis. Of course he thinks his doesn't have any dementia at all. That too goes with the diagnosis. He does get lost in this house and goes in the opposite direction of where he wants to go. Like the laundry room last night going to bed.The antibiotic kills all the good bacteria in his gut nso he does have an incontinence problem there and we sometimes have to change and clean him up 1-2 times a day.The Kefir is supposed to be putting the good bacteria back in his gut.I am leaving for California on Monday for a couple of days. His caregiver will be with him full time while I am gone and will start working 6hr 5 days a week after the first of Jan. I still need to get a decent night's sleep. My eye surgery is scheduled for Jan3 and now I have a little bit of a cold. Got to get rid of that ASAP.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
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JudyB

Janet, from what I understand she is still in intensive care. Also her phone is off....she doesn't have a charge at hospital.  I will let everyone know when she can take calls.

She would love a card or newsy letter! Message me for her address if you want to go that route.


Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  After a dreary and rainy day yesterday we expect to have a little better day today.  There is still rain in the forecast but tomorrow is suppose to be sunny and no rain.  I plan on staying home all day today.  My main project will be getting a few Christmas packages wrapped and to get my Christmas email prepared and sent out.  I did pick up my friend and we went downtown to coffee and were able to get in an out of the car without a problem or getting soaked. 

Janet, it is always nice to read that you have painted with your friends.  If I had my way it is the "green stuff" that would make up our Christmas presents.  However, opening a few packages is about all we have left of our Christmas traditions and with online buying it isn't difficult to shop, especially when Pat does it.  :)  Glad you are going to have some time with Abby during her holiday break.  Happy to see your sister has been able to leave the hospital and start rehab.  I didn't realize she was going to have to go through chemo. 

Marilyn, it does sound like Keith is making progress with his physical health if not mental health.  Glad you are going to be able to get away for a couple of days and then have some help 5 days a week.  Sorry to read you are dealing with a cold and hope it soon passes.

Judy, thanks for the update on Pat.  I was so hoping she would be back in a regular room by now.

Janet

Good morning!  I have just a few minutes before I leave for my first book signing on the new book--prayers for a successful one appreciated!

Larry, the diagnosis they gave my sister is Multiple Myeloma, a form of leukemia which leaches the calcium from the bones; thus the need for chemo.  (Unless God has another miracle for her, and He never runs out of those!)

The fellow I did the framing for came to pick it up, and when I looked at his check, I saw he had given me a $25 bonus!  He was really thrilled with it, and that made me happy!  :)

I'm leaving early, as my hairdresser agreed to do my hair early today, before the book signing starts!  Abby will be up later, she wants to do the cookie decorating they are having there today also.  Seems she hit something on her way home and ruined a tire, cut the sidewall of it, so she has to deal with that before she drives up.

I hear Darrel stirring around, so will go talk to him a bit.

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


JudyB

She had a procedure to disperse the problem in her buttock which was very painful. They stuck a large needle in her leg and even with the freezing it was excruciating.  She's recovering from that.  She's just gotten out of bed today for the first time in a while. Can't get to the bathroom yet so she still has a catheter. But she sounded a bit more lively on the phone tonight. Pat is now in a ward.


JudyB

Larry, Ivy is now 6 and in grade 1. she is a little dickens in school, however I have few problems with her.  I have a picture I would like to share but things have changed enough that I don't know how!



Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is a beautiful sunny and cloudless 45 degrees but will warm up a bit as the day goes on.  I got up late this morning and am not going to have time to read and write in the discussion boards this morning.  However, I just wanted to check in before I left for my Saturday morning meeting.  I will come back this afternoon to read and comment.

JudyB


God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
(Click to hear music)

Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy
that will be for all people. For today in the town of David
a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11


Words & Music: Traditional English




God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan?s power when we were gone astray.


Refrain
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.


In Bethlehem, in Israel, this blessed Babe was born,
And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn;
The which His mother Mary did nothing take in scorn.


Refrain


From God our heavenly Father a blessed angel came;
And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name.


Refrain


"Fear not, then," said the angel, "Let nothing you afright
This day is born a Savior of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him from Satan's power and might."


Refrain


The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding in tempest, storm and wind,
And went to Bethl?em straightaway this blessed Babe to find.


Refrain


But when to Bethlehem they came where our dear Savior lay,
They found Him in a manger where oxen feed on hay;
His mother Mary kneeling unto the Lord did pray.


Refrain


Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface.


Refrain
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Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  Just up from resting for a couple of hours.  I fixed the peanut cluster ingredients in the large crock pot before I laid down and now have it turned on for an hour.  They will then be ready to to stirred up and spooned out.  We are going to go out for dinner this evening as Pat has been in the house for several days and it is a beautiful afternoon after a couple of rainy days.  I am enjoying watching some good college basketball games this afternoon.

Judy, thanks for posting "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" for us today.  Sure was good to read that Pat is now out of ICU.  After being in bed so long she is going to have quite a rehab ahead of her to regain muscle tone.  Thanks for the info on about the age of Ivy.  It sounds like she may be quite handful. 

Janet, I hope your book signing was a big successful for you yesterday.  So sorry to read of the leukemia that your sister is now dealing with.  That was a nice surprise to have your framing so appreciated with a bonus to express the fellows pleasure with your work.  Did you and Abby get the cookie decorating done yesterday.

Rebot

Greetings
Here is the wonderful Christmas Carol 'Silent Night'.  Both in English and the Isle of Man's, Manx language.  It is my adopted language and hubby's national language



Silent Night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "


Oie sheoil

Oie sheoil, cadley dagh nhee,
graigh freayll arrey, casherick oie,
feagh as arreydagh, s'bannit ynpiyr,
paithey casherick, lesh y folt airh
goaill e aash ayns shee,
goaill e aash ayns shee.

Oie sheoil, er-nyn-skyn
ny rollageyn ta soilshean
freayll dy-kinjagh arrey geyre,
er y phaitchey lesh y folt airh
goaill e aash ayns shee,
goaill e aash ayns shee.

Oie sheoil s'feagh dagh nhee
,,Shee er thalloo, aigney Yee"
sho ta'n Bab er jeet dy ghra
lhig dooin eisht ve booisal da,
choud's t'eh lhieayns shee,
choud's t'eh lhieayns shee.

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is another beautiful morning starting out in the high 30's but we should be in the low 60's before the end of the day.  I have had a busy morning and it soon will be time to leave for Sunday School and then come home and pick up Pat for Church.  I will come back in this afternoon to leave some more comments as don't want to be rushed this morning.

Janet

Good Sunday morning to all of you!

I forgot when I posted last, but here goes!  Larry, yes, Abby and I decorated five cookies each.  It was fun, and they had it set up so everything was handy with minimum mess, which is important when you have lots of little kids working at it.

The book signing was successful, I felt.  Nine books were sold, and several said they want to buy it later.

Yesterday I went to Bear Creek again and made my first ever gingerbread house.  That was fun, but I worked too hard on it and was wiped out when I got home.  I wanted my roof shingled properly, with the shingles overlapping....that turned into a time consuming job! But the house is cute, and now I can mark "Make a gingerbread house" off my bucket list!   :lol:

I'm waiting to hear that Pat is home, so I can mail her book to her, along with a cookie, if the two remaining don't turn to stone before then!  ;)

I called my sister yesterday and was so relieved to hear how good she sounded!  She's determined to give the rehab everything she's got, as she wants to go to Minnesota on Jan. 4th for a grandson's wedding.  That scares me, as her bones are so thin and fragile, but she will surely be covered by lots of prayer!  Her family is going to pick her up and take her to church this morning. They go to church there in North Platte.  She isn't walking yet, is not to put weight on the broken leg, but only stand and pivot, has to be very careful.  So they are using a wheelchair.

I got a huge amount of laundry done yesterday afternoon, not sure why it had piled up so much.

Here's wishing you all the joys of the season and many blessings from our wonderful Father God!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Marilyn

Update on my condition.I went to the hospital by ambulance on Friday night because my heart rate was up to I had a nauseous feeling and upper chest burning type pain. I also have a bad cold settling in my chest. In the ambulance my heart rate went up to 170, the inserted IV"S and med to bring down m,y heart rate and BP up as it was dropping.At the hospital they stopped my heart and restarted it to beat the proper rate. I was also told that my potassium was down and that could have attributed to the Atrial Fibrillation as well as stress. The caregiver stayed here with Keith while I was in hospital.I was released after the Echo gram last night. I still plan to make the trip to California tomorrow providing that I feel up to driving there.That depends on how I feel in the morning.I do have Mitral valve prolapse that I've had for years. But this was the only heart problem I hope it was a one time thing. Slowing down my life now.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
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Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is still a beautiful afternoon.  I led the singing and then did the devotionals for our Sunday School class.  I came home and got Pat and we had a very fine Worship Service.  The music was fantastic as we had a young man who played the violin accompanied by our wonderful pianist.  I believe the man is a member of the Aiken Symphony or the Augusta Symphony.  Our minister said he had experienced a very emotional week as early in the week he thought he was going to have to borrow money from his retirement fund to pay for his very expensive surgery.  However, the next day he was advised his surgery had been approved by his insurance company and then the next day one of our member came to his office and handed him a check for $10,000 to cover his deductible (this was from the secret contributions of the congregation for the purpose).  After the service we went to the Sunshine Grill and split a club sandwich and a serving of potato salad.  When we got home I rested for a couple of hours and am now watching the football game here in my easy chair.

Rebot, thanks for sharing the Christmas Carol "Silent Night".  This was one of the hymns we sang this morning in Sunday School and we used the first version you gave us and am pretty sure none of us could sing it in Manx.

Janet, it does sound like you had a very good book signing.  I bet your gingerbread house is a work of art.  For several years my SIL has made gingerbread pieces and went to the elementary school where her great grandchildren attend.  It is a small school with about 40 children and each one has been able to put together their own house and decorate it.  She had planned to do so again this year but had to give that up as she is dealing with mono and can't be around the children plus the fact she is totally exhausted and physically could not have made them.  It sure doesn't take large for laundry to pile up. 

Marilyn, that is frightening and certainly something you didn't need right now (or ever).  Glad you didn't have to stay in the hospital and I hoope the A Fib doesn't return.

Rebot

Greetings Larry  You will know the history of Silent Night, but for those who don't, in German it is known as Stille Nacht, Heilige Nact.  It was composed about 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber, with lyrics by Joseph Mohr.  All this took place in a very small town called Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria.

The version sung by Bing Crosby is the third best selling single of all time/ 

Rebot

Greetings Larry  In a few weeks you would be able to sing Silent Night in Manx.     

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. After some rain last evening we have a beautiful clear sky this morning and currently 37 degrees but headed to the mid-50's this afternoon.  I have to pick up another grocery order at Walmart in a little while but also get some brown sugar and Karo white syrup for something Pat is making for tomorrow.  She has decided to go ahead and prepare the ham and will make macaroni in the Instant Pot to make some mac and cheese for our dinner tomorrow.  This dinner keeps growing from something simple to something a little beyond that but we will work on it today or not so much to do tomorrow.  I did hear from my granddaughter this morning that they will be here so we should have 6 at the dinner table. 

Rebot, I knew that Silent Night was composed by Franz Gruber.  The Bing Crosby version is still very popular here in the USA.  I think you were very optimistic in thinking I could learn the words to it in Manx.  I don't have a clue as to how to even pronounce the words.  I will leave that up to you to sing it for me in Manx.

Rebot

#97
Greetings Larry   You might be right, that I am being optimistic about learning the words in Manx.   Then again, when we holiday to Spain, there are online courses to give me and hubby  the basics to speak some Spanish in a few weeks.  And I learned the same way with the French language.  If you hear the words in Manx daily over about four weeks, it is surprising how quickly you learn how to say them.   It was the same for me, as I had not a clue how to pronounce Manx, but I love to learn.   

JudyB


Latest update from Pat's daughter.

Hi Judy,  she's feeling a bit better with regards to her leg pain. I think the procedure appears to have fixed the aneurysm. She is however quite depressed because of the news that she will probably be on a puréed food diet for the rest of her life. She isn't allowed to eat anything chunky at all. All meats must be puréed.
As well she's not very mobile yet barely getting out of bed.
There's no plan yet to send her home. She isn't mobile enough to be independent
She could use all the encouragement she could get.

so CP friends if you are able to write a newsy note or send a Christmas/Get well card message me and I will give you the address to send it.


Jacqueline

#99
So thankful we made the church Carols by candlelight last night, that too was almost a no go as although we left a good 45 minutes before it was due to start, the journey was a short 10 minutes or so away but when we got there both opposite side of the lane car parks were full, with people turning away or looking for alternative places to park, as this was a lane, we saw one or two cars parking on the road, half on the road, half on the path, so that was where we parked...I asked one man who had parked behind us and was passing by our car if this was ok to park our car as I am disabled, the elderly man smiled and said he was disabled too, so I guessed this was the place for us disabled's to park, I placed my disable blue badge at the window as I noticed other cars had done so too...Well it was almost another turn around and come back home again, if we hadn't found somewhere to park the car, the church was more packed out than the vicar said it was last year...A very enjoyable evening, then a trip across the road to the hall for a cup of tea, a mince pie if we wanted one, and of course my usual first stop off MS bladder emptying...Well at least we got one church in this year, one previously had to be cancelled as Richard had his colonoscopy clear out, so couldn't take the chance...and another church we had to turn back home as the car park was full and the Carol service was due to start, this was due to the time it took for Richard travelling back on the roads with our Toby who he had collected from the dog groomer, it took longer than expected..
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Jacqueline

" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

JohnB

I would like to wish everyone on CP a very Merry and Blessed Christmas.
Phil. 1: 21. For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.



Jacqueline

" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone and Merry Christmas to you all. 

 It is indeed a beautiful Christmas morning here in South Carolina.  However, we got up to find our heat pump frozen up again so obviously they didn't find the problem or something else has gone back.  However, we have the A/C on now and it has thawed out and we will go back on emergency heat so we will remain comfortable today.  This little problem certainly isn't going to spoil our day.  There is still quite a bit to do this morning to get ready for our family and friend get together this afternoon. 

Rebot, I do well to speak English correctly and to write it correctly as well.  So I will leave the Manx for you.  You must have a good ear for languages. 

Judy, thanks for the update on Pat.  This was certainly not the news I had hoped to hear but we have to accept life as it is dealt to us.  Does she has access to the Internet or do we need to send her mail via snail mail?

Jackie, glad you were able to get to the Carols service and finally find a place to park.   That is a very pretty card you left for Pat as well as your Christmas Greeting card you shared with us. 

John, thanks for the Merry and Blessed Christmas greeting. 

Jacqueline

#104
I am hoping I dont forget to sit down and watch our Queens annual televised ten minute Christmas Day speech in 40 minutes time at 3.pm....this is something both myself and my late parents done every year but Richard does not do it...it is not a tradition for him...
" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Jacqueline

" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is another clear and sunny day and suppose to remain that way all day long.  Our high temperature is suppose to be around 60 degrees.  We had a nice time yesterday but our son was and is sick with a cold so he didn't get to participate with us.  We were both pretty well exhausted when everyone left and I retired at 8 pm for the night, slept well probably for 10 hours, but have no energy today.  I plan on staying home and taking it easy today. 

I got hold of the heat pump tech a little after 8 am this morning and he was here before 9 am and all he can find wrong is that the new control board that was installed a few days ago isn't functioning properly and he has gone back to get another new board.  We stayed nice and warm with the electric heat.

Jackie, I hope you got to see the Queen deliver her Christmas message.  They showed just a snippet of it on the TV news last evening.  That is a very nice video and am listening to it as I write.

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  The weather forecast tells us to take an umbrella with us when we go out today as rain is moving into our area.  This is my regular coffee day and I sure hope the rain hold off until I get my friend back to the Assisted Living home as he is not steady on his feet. Last week he almost fell backwards in trying to push the car door closed so I plan on getting out and helping him out of the car.  I do this to help him get in as there is quite a reach to get the door closed and I don't want him falling out of the car.  I have nothing else planned for today. 

It appears the heat pump repair man found the problem which was that the control board they put in a few days ago wasn't starting the defrost cycle as it should.  So he went back to his shop and brought out another replacement board.  I sure hope this takes care of the problem.  It is fine this morning.

JudyB

At this point her access is limited.  If you are on FB I have started a link with all the updates on Pat..https://www.facebook.com/messages/t/1786734204772131
If you can't get access send me a PM and I will add you.

It seems there is something new every day.  Prayer works....


Marilyn

#109
Good Afternoon. My trip to California was such a blessing to me. The drive to and from  going down 101 along the coast nd ocean was beautiful and uneventful since all the small amount of traffic seemed to be going north. very few cars on m,y side of theroad. the time spent with family  was so good for me. Yesterday as I was heading home gdishwasher.  ;)

I still have my cold and now Keith has one too, But we are doing good.
I spent Friday night and all day Saturday in thehospital with Afib. They stopped my heart and started it again in the proper tempo. I feel great so I don't know whsat caused the Afib, I have an appoinment with my regular Dr on Monday morning, Eye Surgeon on Wednesday and eye surgery on Thursday
Judy now that I am back home and have access to my computer please add me back to the group  about Pat.I loeft the group because it keep making my phone  sound like my messages.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
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JudyB

Everyone have a wonderful holiday, see if you can get out for a walk, run, bike ride and enjoy the scenery. 

The new year is looming with the typical resolutions.  I personally find resolutions a useless way of making change, instead put into practise a plan that is achievable as you work through it.  John and I have a plan and it is achievable.....

I was speaking to a man at John's last defensive driving course.  He is from the area near the Quebec border. There are no Bible believing churches there.  So he started reading his Bible.  He read it through 5 times in a year.  He was very knowledgeable.  That is a decision our dad made many years ago.  He read his Bible through many times before he passed away.

A friend related a stout and song to me recently. A memory from the past. I thought of all the memories that our Mother told us and how we should have recorded them.  I believe we are doing a disservice our children and grand children by not recording how things were done when we were young.  Just something to think about.

I am rambling.  Good night have a great day tomorrow!


Janet

This has been a very weird feeling day!  It rained yesterday off and on all day, predictions were for snow.  The snow started in the wee hours, electricity went off around midnight, came on until five, then went off again and stayed off until 11:30.  Isn't it funny how we flip the switch when walking into a dark room, when we know the power is off?  :)   

I tried to make myself study my Basic Framing book, as I have forgotten some things I need to know.  But I think the problem is that I really don't want to start up my framing business again!  I don't have the energy for it; I don't want to invest what is needed for supplies again; I guess my heart just really isn't in it anymore.

We got about seven inches of snow!  I didn't leave the house today, AT ALL.   ::) And I wish I didn't have to tomorrow, either!

Larry, do be careful while helping your elderly friend.
You certainly do not need to fall either!

Marilyn, glad your trip North was good and that you are feeling so much better.  Good luck with the upcoming eye surgery!

Judy, I have read the Bible through quite a few times, read it through every year for a long time, and think I'll do that again in 2019.  The past couple of years I have read randomly, using devotions on my phone, but I'm wanting to do something more in-depth this time again. I always think about resolutions, sometimes I write them down, usually I haven't kept them for more than three months or so.  It's kind of fun to ask people about them, though. 

I feel terrible that Pat is suffering so much.  Prayers for her healing go up every day from me.  Such a precious lady, I don't understand why this is happening, and has been going on for so long!  :'(

I don't think I have ever felt more like hibernating than I do right now!  I need something to pull me out of this funk.  Right now, I guess I need to go back to bed! I was there, just lying awake for over two hours, so thought I'd come talk to you nice people!  G'night!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  It is a cloudy morning but very warm as it is already 67 and headed up to 70 degrees.  The chance of rain this morning is 20% but this afternoon it goes up to as high as 90%. I have no plans on leaving the house today so will stay in.  The housekeeper will be here this morning.  Yesterday we got this big box of fruit from our good friends up in Maryland.  There are 6 oranges, 6 pears (two different types) and 6 apples.  They need to ripen up a little.  I was looking at the coding above the similes and hovered over the next to the last one and it said Maximize.  I click it and it made the posting box go clear across the screen.  To return it to the smaller box and where the Post box is just click on it again.  I guess I need to explore a little more. 

Judy, thanks for the link and the information.  I have a Facebook account so should be able to find the page you reference and if not I will send you a PM or email.  Like you I don't make resolutions.  It is shocking that the area near the Quebec border has no Bible believing Churches. 

Marilyn, I am glad to see you back home safe and sound (or mostly sound except for your Cold).  It sounds like you had a very pleasant drive down and back.  Sorry to read that Keith now has a cold.  I guess it is just that time of the year. It sounds like you have a busy medical week. 

Janet, I wondered about you having a lot of snow as the weather report last evening indicated Kansas was in the path.  If you don't want to start up your framing business is there any reason you should.  Maybe it is time for you to retire and do the things you do want to do.  I often flip the switch when there is a power outage.  I think it is something we just do without really thinking about it.  I noticed the time you posted so I hope you were able to go back to sleep.

Janet

How about a cheery red color today?  :)  Yes, Larry, I got a few hours's sleep this morning. But I'm feeling the need for a nap now!

No, there is no reason for me to start framing again except the lack of a framer here or in Hugoton.  It's not about the money, I just wanted to be of service.  But I really don't think I can do it, as I run out of energy so much quicker these days.  I think I prefer to stay retired.  8)   Besides that, I was looking at the new catalog I got, and frame prices have risen sharply in the few years that I haven't been doing it.  So, in order to re-supply the materials I need, it would mean quite an investment for me, and .....well, why?  As you told me, "NO" is a complete sentence, and I really don't owe anyone an explanation!  Right?  I talked to Darrel about it and he agrees.  He lets me do whatever I want, but I always ask his advice.  If I do a job, I want to do my very best, and I'm just feeling I'm not up to it anymore.  (And here I am explaining!  Stop it, Janet!)   ;D

I will see you all later!  Going to see what I can find for lunch!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Rebot

Greetings Jackie  Listening to Her Majesty The Queen giving her Christmas message is part of what makes the United Kingdom what it is.  Both hubby and I watch it each year.

Rebot

Greetings Larry  I did not mean to say that you should learn Manx.  Only to say, that learning the basics of the Manx languages, can be learned in about 3-4 weeks.  Have I am ear for languages, no.

I look at hubby and see how he tries to do exercise when it pains him.  His take on life is, if we put our mind to doing anything, then nothing is out of our reach.   



Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  We have a much brighter morning than yesterday with only a very small chance of rain today.  We got plenty of rain yesterday and it was dark and dreary all day long. This morning I need to pick up some prescriptions at Walmart and I also plan on attending my Saturday meeting.  Then this afternoon and evening the top college football games will be played to determine the two teams that will play for the national championship.

Janet, it sounds like you are well on your way to making the right decision for you in regard to your framing business.  You are right that "no" is a complete sentence.  It isn't your responsibility to fill the gap if it is not what you want to do.  Besides you would have more time to do your loved painting. 

Rebot, I knew you didn't mean that I should learn Manx.  I took one semester of French in college to prove to myself I could do it and I did succeed in the class but one semester was enough.

Marilyn

I am feeling pretty good this morning after a great night of sleep. I am breathing much better too. So I hope that my eye surgery will  stay on schedule. The Nsaids were to be stopped 10 days prior however, in the ambulance they gave me 4 baby aspirins,.when I got home from CA. I took two Aleve because my back was hurting, then yesterday without even thinking about it I took a baby aspirin. I will have to tell the Dr about that. I have a follow up appointment with my regular Dr Monday because she wants to check me out after the A fib episode last Friday.

Keith is doing much better as long as he remembers to pick up his wound vac and carry it with him. The wound is getting smaller every time I see it. It is healing  wonderfully.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
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Janet

Good morning!  It's a nice balmy FIVE degrees here again this morning, with the high to hit 28 by four this afternoon before plunging into the deep freeze again!  So far as I know right now, I don't have to leave the house today!  YIPPEE!!

Larry, I'll bet you didn't know you are my counselor. You told me that NO is a complete sentence some time ago, and I've thought about that so many times when debating whether or not to do something.  After more thought about the framing, talking to Darrel and much prayer, I do believe I am making the right decision for me.  I went upstairs to the room where I have my mat cutter and ready-made frames yesterday, and realize I have so many of those on hand.  Most are better for oil paintings, which not many around here still do, but they will work for other kinds, too.  I chose one for the print I need to do right away; so today I will go cut the mat and the glass and get it ready to go.  I want to frame a few of my small things while I'm at it, as I have lots of smaller frames I have picked up here and there, and can make work by cutting mats to the right sizes.  8)  Isn't this all fascinating?

My sister Doris sounded good when I called her yesterday.  She got to go home for four hours on Christmas (well, be out of the facility for four hours.)  She will go back to Omaha for recheck on the repaired leg and first appointment with oncologist on the 31st.  They still aren't positive what kind of cancer she has.  I'm praying it has disappeared--God is still in the miracle business!

Our road is really a mess!  Some big trucks had been down it yesterday, churned up the mud underneath the snow and left huge ruts, now those are frozen solid.  My car would bottom out!  Darrel took me in the big pickup yesterday, and I was so thankful!

Have a blessed day!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Janet

Marilyn, I came back to give you good wishes on your eye surgery.  Remember, it would be better to wait a few days than to have problems, for sure!  I know when we have things like that scheduled, we are anxious to get them done and over with, but caution pays good dividends.  I have been trying to not take pain relievers every day, but most days I hurt so bad I want the relief they bring!  And I know they aren't good for us!  (But neither is pain!)
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

JudyB

I got this as an email....Very good reminder!


"My sheep know my voice." (Jesus Christ)

In recent conversations, I have heard a couple of long-time Christ followers mention that they have a difficult time discerning God's voice. How can we know when God is speaking to us?

I think hearing and knowing God's voice comes with familiarity. Once you hear it, it is difficult to forget.

I had a very nice experience today. Our new baby granddaughter was in one of our church services. My wife was holding her on the back row. When I spoke, the baby reacted to my voice and started looking around for me. That's because my voice is familiar to her. And I think it is comforting to her.

I have a few theories about why we can't hear His voice:

We aren't listening. Maybe we are in too big of a hurry or maybe we have so many other voices in our heads or maybe we are so far from Him that we can't hear Him. Perhaps we don't like what He is saying so we tune Him out.
We are disobedient to what He tells us. Why would God talk to people who ignore Him – right?
We are duped into believing that we don't hear God's voice. Of course we hear it. Jesus said we would, and He doesn't lie. The enemy of our soul wants to keep us doubting ourselves and doubting God. How about if we stop buying what he is selling?
Whatever the issue, this is not a good situation. Hearing and knowing His voice is essential.

Here's the truth, if we don't hear His voice, we will get totally lost. And lost sheep get eaten by the wolf.

Hear the Word of the Lord:

Isaiah 28:23 - Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say.
Isaiah 30:21 - Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go," whether to the right or to the left.




Carol

Rebot:   Thank you for your post on "Silent Night" in Irish.

Carol

A belated Merry Christmas to all.  We were 7 in total in the church pew -anything like that just makes me weepy -so thankful.

Judy:  Gentle hugs for you and to your sister, Pat as well.  We had such a nice visit but far too short when Pat came through Colorado.  Did you get enough wood stacked for the winter?  Hello to John, I have not seen him post in some time - or, have I missed it?

We had a wonderful visit with children and friends and lots of laughing as usual.  Cherishing all.   




Rebot

Greetings Carol  My thanks are sent to you. about my post.

Though it was not Silent Night in Irish, but the Manx language.

 

Rebot

Greetings Larry  I love the French language.

Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone. We are going to have a cloudy day with some brief showers this morning and then just clouds this afternoon with a low chance of further rain.  It is suppose to get to 60 degrees early this afternoon.  I am going to Sunday School and then come home and pick up Pat for Church.  Following Church we will go somewhere to eat.  This afternoon we are expecting Scott to come out for a little while as he still hasn't gotten his Christmas presents.  He won't be able to stay too long as he has to work again tonight.  I did watch a lot of football and some basketball yesterday afternoon and evening.  The final two teams to play for the National Championship have now been decided and one of them is Clemson, a South Carolina team, and the other is the University of Alabama.

Marilyn, I hope you will be able to have the eye surgery but they may need to delay it as they won't want you blood to be too thin.  Nice to read that Keith is doing better.

Janet, get out your dictionary as I don't believe "balmy" could be used to describe 5 degrees.  :o I am happy to see that something I have said has been of help to you.  It sounds like you have made the decision to not pick up the framing business again. Perhaps it is time for Janet not to be under so much pressure.  I also hope the cancer has disappeared from you sister.  Your speaking muddy and rutted roads brings back some not so pleasant memories of living on a dirt road and how bad the ruts could become. 

Judy, thanks for sharing that piece. 

Carol, I pray that someday my son and his daughter will come and worship with us or if not, attend another Church of their choice.  It sounds like you have had a nice time back in the Denver area. 

Rebot, the French language is certainly a pretty language but I have had no occasion where knowing it would have been helpful.  So I will just stick to English.  :)

Carol

Rebot:  I need to research your language - thank you for bringing it to my attention that I automatically thought it was Irish.  In our country, you well know this, we have very different sayings and dialects in separate areas.  It is really interesting in how that evolved. 

We are slowly recovering from our travel.  Yesterday, as I waited to step on the plane, I thought about how the gang-way could collapse and today I read that one did collapse at a different airport.  Everyone just wants to bunch up to get into the plane and there is too much weight.  It should never happen.

The flu is going around here so we are just staying home this morning and do our reading.  I thought about our season and how we like to say "Merry Christmas" and some will say "Happy Holidays".  Our our window, we can still see Bougainvillea blooming - they are a vivid red flowering bush.  It seems so odd to us from the north.

Janet:  Pace yourself - I am all for fewer projects and just visiting these days.   

Janet

Our early morning temp was 3* but now it's up to 22*.  Still pretty nippy!  We did go to church this morning; very sparse crowd there!  Many are away visiting family; pastor wasn't there, so one of the Baptist preachers spoke, it was very good.  We meet so early he could come and speak for us, then go to his church and preach there!

I never even heard of the Manx language until Rebot mentioned it.  Hmmm.  Maybe there are several things I don't know!?!?   :lol:

Carol, it's so good to see posts from you again, and glad you had a good Christmas.  And to know you are safely back in Arizona.  I hadn't heard about the gangway collapsing.

Our Abby is visiting friends in Denver.  Hope she gets back to Hugoton before more bad weather hits!

It was too cold upstairs yesterday for me to do any work up there.  That's where my mat cutter and frames are, and I can't cut mats wearing gloves.  So I came downstairs and did a little watercolor painting on rice paper.  I was amazed that the W.C. did not soak through that thin, soft paper!  I had never tried using it before, found some on sale and wanted to try it!  :)

Today is John's 60th birthday.  He did come to church, and we were going to take him out for lunch for his birthday, but he took off like his tail was on fire, before I could even collect my coat!  We went by his apartment and I asked him, but he said someone else had asked him first, and that's fine.  Glad he does have a few friends!

I'm going to my studio and play some more!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com

Carol

Sun is up - a new day is dawning....

Still, it froze last night and is too windy to take a walk. 

Our friend is coming over this afternoon  - she and her husband were friends in Minnesota and here in Arizona as well.

Janet:  I am such a chatty person - so it wasn't easy being unable to post.  ;)

Larry:  Thank you for posting the message from Jack Scott. 




Larry Hanna

Hi Everyone.  On this New Year's Eve our day is foggy and cloudy with some possibility of rain.  However, we are to get into the low 70's this afternoon.  Certainly not a bad way to start a new year.  Nothing else planned so far for today.  I will likely watch some more college football and basketball.  We hope Scott will make it out today.  A friend was here for an hour this morning and the Heat Pump tech stopped by and looked at the outside unit.  All was fine and he didn't even come to the door.  He had told me he would be stopping by. 

Carol, I see you have made it back to Tuscon.  I hope you can have a few days to recover from your travels and all the activities you had over the holidays. It is a shame that people can't even say Merry Christmas as without Christ we would never have had this special day. 

Janet, it was cold in Kansas yesterday.  I noticed our attendance in Sunday School was down some but the Church service was pretty full as we had a combined service.  The older I get the more I realize there are many things that I don't know and some things I have known I can no longer recall.  Thanks to the search capability of the Internet we can usually look up most things that we want to know about.  I just wished it worked that way for peoples names because if you don't remember the name you can't look it up.  Are you expecting more bad weather?  I am glad to see that John has some friends and one of them invited him to dinner on his birthday.  Good for you in playing more yesterday--the way to go.

Rebot

Greetings Carol The Isle of Man is seventy miles from Ireland. Famous for the TT races, Tailless Cats and  Kippers.  And many other things as well. 

Rebot

Greetings Janet.  The Isle of Man has its own currency, its own Government and as my hubby would say, the oldest continuous Government in the World from 979AD.

And the first place in the Western world where ladies were given the vote.

Rebot


Jacqueline

" there is no such thing as an ending, only a place where you leave the story "
~ Muriel Donnelly

Jane Walker

Well, here I am on the last day of the year.  I traveled, via Amtrak, to California on the 18th and returned on Saturday, the 29th.  Of course two days of that time were spent aboard the train.  My grandson, David, hosted a Family Christmas party on the 23rd. Most of the attendees were my daughter, her daughters and their spouses and kids. David's cousin on his father's side was there with his wife and son, and of course three of David's kids were there.  His sisters and brother didn't make it.  Those two girls are the ones who have chosen to ignore me and refuse to have anything to do with me or Dot's girls, since they had a big "falling out" several years ago.  I'm sure that's why they didn't come to the party.  That's okay, we managed without them. :)

I managed to fall after getting out of the bus in Coos Bay Saturday night.  It was dark and raining and I lost my balance dragging my suitcase.  I banged up my left knee, but didn't see how badly until I got home and saw all the blood.  I also have a deep wound (looks like a puncture) on my right hand.  I'm moving rather slowly today, but I will recover. :thumbsup:

I'm not too sure if I will be making many more trips to California.  That's something I'll have to give much consideration to in the days ahead.

I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you, my friends, a very Happy New Year, and pray you will have peace and good health throughout the coming year.  I know there are serious health problems among us, and for those I continue to pray.  I recently was shocked to learn that a good friend from the past is in a memory care facility, where her dementia continues to grow worse every day. It is still hard to wrap my head around this, she was always so sharp and accomplished. I guess one never knows what the future holds. BUT we can know Who holds the future.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass .... it's about learning to dance in the rain!

Rebot

Happy New Year Everyone

Health and Happiness to you all.

JohnB

I would just like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and all the best in 2019. May the upcoming year be filled with blessings for everyone.
Phil. 1: 21. For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.



Marilyn

I had my follow up appointment with my dr. yesterday, she gave me the results of the Echo of my heart, She said I have an enlarged heart  probably due to having me a 50 year smoker, I quit in 2003. She said I've  most likely had AFIB for many years and didn't know it. In retrospect, yes I do  believe I did as I can remember instances of the irregular heart beat.So now she has me on two  blood pressure pills. Metoprolol and Amlodipine, she also put me on Eliquis blood thinner. I go see her again in a month. when I called to find out how much the latter cost I was in shock, $180 for 30 pills.(that was my co-pay) So I applied directly to the manufacturer for patient assistance. I will hear from them later.The dr. gave me enough samples to last for a month.

Jamne so sorry to hear babout your fall, prayer being aid for a speedy recovery.
"Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" Prov. 12:10
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Janet

Rebot, when I read what you said about the Manx language, I thought, "The only Manx I have ever heard about is Manx cats!  Tailless cats look strange!

Jane!  Glad you are home, but so sorry about your fall!
I hope you heal up really fast!

Marilyn, I have been taking Amlodipine for years.  And other blood thinners are MUCH less expensive than the new one; they are just helping the pharmaceutical companies by pushing it.  I'm really glad I never had any desire to smoke!

Happy New Year to you, too, John!

Jacqueline, thank you for the pretty New Years' Card, and Happy New Year to you, too!

I have been painting again today!  Fun!  But what hasn't been done is mailing out Christmas cards and letters!  :-[
Better late than never, I guess.

Miss you today, Larry!  Happy New Year!
My book Rising Above available at JanetDamon.com