Christian Photographers Community

Samantha, your evening/night out sounds just lovely!  Good for you and Terry, good for the kids, good for the grandparents, too.  I enjoyed your sunset photos.

Etta Sue, good for you, getting the deck bleaching done.  Feels good to have it done, huh?  I still haven't recovered from working too hard on Saturday.  Sore muscles, for sure!  But I don't regret it, had to get it done, and the sooner, the better, I feel.

Larry, you wondered about the stairs and the garage.  This building is a metal, farm shed type of structure, and part of the inside is two stories.  Not the garage, it is ground level.  But there are actually two upstairs sections, one houses Darrel's office and my framing room, the other a huge bedroom and storage area.  Clear as mud?   

We went to Garden City today to look at an alarm job.  The lady is buying a restaurant---and talk about a filthy mess!!  My goodness.  She had lots of people in there cleaning, scrubbing, putting up new sheetrock, working on plumbing, etc. and the sign on the door said they will be open on Friday of this week!!  If so, they are miracle workers!  Then again, on Extreme Makeover, Home Edition, they destroy an old house and build a new one complete in only one week!  So it is possible.  Darrel told her he will wait until later to install the alarm, though. 

I don't have to work at Park View until Thursday, and I am glad.  Tomorrow the Red Hats are meeting at the Main Artery (art gallery) where we will be served lunch and treated to some kind of art demonstration.  Should be fun!

I'm feeling kind of antsy because I didn't get much accomplished today.  Why is that?  Why should I feel guilty if I'm not working almost every waking moment?  I hate that, and am still trying to get past it; have been for many years.  I know it's a hold-over from my childhood, but still can't completely shake it. 

I called a dear friend in the next town this morning, as we planned to stop by and see her husband in the hospital.  She said he is failing fast, doctor said to call the kids, and they were going to put a "no visitors" sign on his door.  I'm so sad about that.  He is a wonderful guy, would do anything for you, has gone on missions trips at least once a year (often more) for the past 20 years or so.  It's so tough on his wife......

On a happier note, Beth called to say John sent her roses, "Just because he loves her" and she wants me to come see them. 

Janet, how lovely of John to do that.  I hadn't heard his name for awhile and wondered if he was still in the picture. 

That's sweet for John to send Beth the roses, Janet.

I met with yet another insurance representative about their offering for my after-Medicare insurance coverage. Yikes! I may have to get a job to afford my medications. 

Etta Sue, it's always good to read your posts - lots going on in your life, and thoroughly enjoy hearing about it.

Well, I'm saddened tonight - I heard that my insurance man (and former minister of music) committed suicide today. There's nothing but shock and disbelief all through our community at the news. He and his wife and daughters are deeply committed Christians. I wonder if he had some sort of mental lapse or something that would drive him to do such a thing.

Well, it's late and I must find something to eat. Y'all have a nice evening.

Jane called me today to let me know the baby swans have arrived.  She had told me the swan on the lake near her was nesting.  They were all waiting.

I went over and took pictures of the family, in case anyone wants to see them. Click on the Baby Swans album to see them using the slide show option.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nita_hrnr/

Ohhh, Nita.  How lovely.  I love that one you called "Proud Mama"

   Well good evening to all.  I have read Pat's devotional  and thanks Pat for it it is a story that I have heard preached on in so many differen't ways.

Thank you Pat for my birthday greeting and it has been a birthday that I soon won't forget.  Last night as I was  at my computer it was like I got a message in my mind that my best friend would either call today or he would show up at my place in the morning and the second one happened.  He cancelled all his appointments for the day and arrived at my front door this morning at 10-30 a.m. and he had his scottish towel that looks like a kilt on around his waist and also a scottish jock hat on well talk about preminitions this one came true.   We had such a good day and did so many things and this is what I needed to get me going since I had my Angina attack.  We went riding our bikes then we had lunch then my wife and I and Doug all went to the Y.M.C.A and did aquatics in the pool and then my friend and I went and worked out for 3/4 of an hour sssso we had a good time.

Then my wife took us out for dinner to a beautiful restaurant which has a lot of natural food and used many types of organic things.
So it turned out to be a great day.  Praise the Lord for a wonderful day.

Larry:  If you are getting pains when you are doing the track you need to do only five laps then rest and then do some more and that is what the  Heart and Stroke  Foundation staff tell there clients.  So please look after yourself.

Well I must go as my son-in-law wants me to come and play golf on the t.v. and it looks so real.  Good night and God Bless you all.

Good Morning Everyone!

Here it is the middle of the week already!  Time is flying past for me right now!  So much to do and so little time to do it.

Hi everyone.  Nothing much new here.  We have Bible Study this morning and then have to get home right afterward as have the air conditioning man coming to check the unit for the summer season and also the plumber is coming about the same time to attend to a couple of problems that have developed.  Nothing too serious I think but will still be expensive.  I have used the services of both of these men since moving into this house.

Gord, it sounds like you had a wonderful day yesterday and I hope it truly lifts your spirits.  On my walking I am doing three laps and then resting, another three or four and resting and then the final laps to bring me to 10.  I am getting along pretty good with that plan.

Nita, those are sure cute pictures.  The little ones are so cute and the swans so stately.

Ruth Ann, I am sure that was a terrible shock to all you knew the man and his family.  We just cannot know what goes on in the mind of an individual or what brings them to that breaking point.  

Janet, it sounds like you need to give yourself permission to have days when you don't have to accomplish something all the time.  You deserve rest and relaxation and those things that need doing will almost always wait and in the long run won't make much difference whether done to today, tomorrow or next week.  It was nice of John to send the roses and know it means very much to Beth.

Etta Sue, I called the man we have had pressure wash our house a couple of times.  I haven't heard back from him so hope he is still in business.  He does this work when he is off from the fire department so well could have been working yesterday.

Samantha, that sounds like a very nice evening and a nice break for you and your husband.  I know what you mean about buffets.

Pat, our house usually doesn't get more than dusty and a little cluttered but it is always nice to have everything cleaned well at one time.  

Time to leave for Bible study.  Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Have a wonderful day, Larry.

Please give Pat a big hug for me.  You both are very special to me.

Good Morning everyone (all y-all).

Gord your day sounds like it was very special for you and will be remembered for along time.

Nita the Swans are so beautiful and the little ones  awfully cute. Good that Jane called to tell you about them.

Please pray for Keith's ex wife  Nola, she has Uterine cancer and is having surgery today. His youngest son  told Keith yesterday.

Janet I am glad to hear that you are feeling better after all the work you did  on Friday, sorry to hear about your friends husband.

Ruth Ann one never can comprehend another's reason for suicide. It all just seems so terrible.

TTYL

I'm sure we've all heard of the cyclone on Burma...

Here's an email about it that I receive regularly.



Dear Mrs. Scott,

I am in India right now and feel that I must share a very serious situation with you. The news from Burma (Myanmar) is desperate. Reports estimate more than 22,000 people died in the recent cyclone, with another 41,000 missing. At 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, winds of 120 mph and walls of water devastated the southern part of the country.

In Rangoon (Yangon), Burma's largest city, our Bible college suffered heavy damage, and we are still trying to find out just how many of our 400 churches and 250 mission stations have been destroyed.

The suffering of the people is unimaginable. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, are homeless. Food is in short supply, and prices are skyrocketing. Electricity may be out for months. People have lost literally everything.

Yet God is also opening miraculous doors, and you can make a difference.

In a land where Christians are a small minority, we are now being asked to help. Where official government policy has banned relief work by non-governmental organizations, the police in Rangoon have come to our Bible college, openly seeking assistance.

Refugees from a nearby orphanage and even Buddhist monks have come looking for food and shelter. And of course, we are doing everything we can to minister to them in the name of Jesus.

Because communications are down and transportation crippled, we do not yet know how many of our Christian brothers and sisters have lost their homes. But we do know that, regardless of their own suffering, they are volunteering to share the love of Christ with those who have lost everything—and who have no hope.

But these battered believers need your help—not only to rebuild their own lives, but to provide the emergency supplies that will bring life and hope to those around them.

Please click here to send what you can today to support their sacrificial work. Your gift will make a huge difference in the lives of those who are suffering so terribly, and it will bring them the hope that can only be found in Christ.

Thank you for your love and compassion.

Yours for the suffering of Burma,

K.P. Yohannan
Founder & President

Please read this:

Surviving Cyclone Nargis

Well, since I have worked hard the past two days, I am taking a day off today.  Not planning on doing much of anything.  Just picking up and piddly jobs. 

Tomorrow is 60 Chix.  We are going to a restaurant in Noblesville that I have never been to.  We need a count so they will be ready for us and so far 8 of us.  Nice small group. 

I have been mulling it over in my head to have the entire class and their spouses come here in July and have a picnic back in the woods.  First I need to ask Kaye Don since it is his woods and to see if we can use cut wood back there.  It's really a no-brainer picnic.  I will furnish the condiments and perhaps plates and plastic ware and each person would bring what they want to fix over the fire, chairs to sit in, their own drinks and a dish to share.  And also tell them to not wear anything they don't want to get dirty.  We now have water...not drinking water but clean up water and a restroom (toilet) back there.  So what else would we need? 

The sun is peeking out from the clouds right now.  It was raining earlier.  I have a window open and the side door so there is still a slight breeze blowing through.  Love it!

Ivalou just came in.  Gas in Noblesville is $3.85.9 a gallon!!!

Oh, my, what troubles this old world has today.  Suicides, soaring gas prices, devastating tornadoes, deaths of dear friends......what on earth do people do, who don't know our Lord?  I cannot imagine.

My friend's husband made the transition from earth to heaven shortly after I spoke to her yesterday morning.  I am so sad about that, but so happy to think of Ed in heaven, with a whole new body that will never again know pain or suffering.  And we will see him again soon.

I'm ready to go to Red Hats, and need it.  It will be fun and a welcome relief from so much bad news.

Nita, I love the pictures of the mama swan and her little cygnets!  Such cute little fuzz balls!  And such good photography!  Thank you, Jane, for alerting Nita so she could share them with us.

I went to see Mom and Beth this morning but didn't see either of them.  Mom was in exercise class, and they were giving Beth her bath.  So I will have to go back after lunch.

Gord, your day sounds lovely, and I'm happy for you.  What a good friend you have!

Etta Sue, I wish I had your woods to use during family reunion!  Sounds just perfect!

Pat, I can only imagine how busy you are right now.  Remember to take care of you for us, and don't work too hard.

Larry, thanks, and you are right.  I do need to take some days just to "be still and know..." 

Hmmm....no posts since I was here earlier today.  We have had a bit of rain and are so thankful for it.

Our new Tempur-pedic bed was delivered this afternoon, sure hope we like it.

I'm shutting down here for the evening.  Working tomorrow again.

Hi Janet...

I've heard good things about those beds.  Let us know how you like it.

I've often thought one of those would be great, Janet. We'll be waiting for a "consumer's guide report" from y'all.

Those swan photos were so cute.

This afternoon was SO enjoyable.

In my medical "tuneup" today was the day to visit the tummy doc and the neuropathy doc. The tummy doc says no yukky stuff to drink this year - come back in a year. Then, the other guy was out, so I rescheduled.

I decided not to return to work - so it's been fun to experiment with being retired.

Y'all have a great day.

Sounds like an enjoyable afternoon, Ruth Ann.

Glad you don't have to drink the yukky stuff! 

Interesting we have the Tempur-pedic pillows and do not like them at all,  I hope the bed is different for you.   Money wasted  Sorry to say.


Ruth

Janet - I've heard (no personal verification) that those beds are ok unless the temperature in the room where they are drops.  They then become hard and unmanageable.  Sure would like to hear how it turns out.

When we've been up to Victoria, BC. we've been to the park there, and there's a man who's earned the nickname "The Swan Man."  He calls all of them by name, and they come to him

I dinno, I think I will stay with the matress I have, it is worn in to fit our shapes and we find it comfortable....Someday that may change.  Now I will be looking into new pillows as the ones we have are flat and hard.  I have four garbage bags of scrap foam that I think I will turn into pillows.  That may hold up better than the other pillow filling.

The cold is hanging on...no matter it will go in time. 

We saw an awesome site this week.  Three deer were bounding across a major 4 lane road in the middle of town and all the traffic stopped and let them go.  When they got to the other side they all stopped, turned around and looked at the stopped traffic.  Saying thank you?  Perhaps.  Then they wandered down to the lake for a drink.  Amazing to see in a city.

We have puppies due the last week of May.  Is mommy ever getting BIG.  Kass counted 8 last night and she says they are big for our spaniel.  Their dad, Gyp is a big dog so it will be interesting to see.  They are due the Tuesday after Pat's wedding.

Well I must go.  Today is slower than yesterday.  But I must get, I have a parcel to get shipped off to Kirkland Lake.  So I am off

Have a Great God filled day everyone

Computer problems again.  I notice on my Embarq Online Security that it hasn't updated since I re-installed it April 30.  And where it says the next update it, it says 'Suspended'.  I called Embarq.  He said I need more RAM.  I only have 512 and it takes 200mb for Windows XP.  And most websites are 300mb+.  Why did I just start having problems?  Anyway I have Belarq Advisor on my computer and have printed out everything about my computer and after 60 Chix I will go to Frye's in Indy to see if I can purchase more RAM and install it myself.  Maybe my Tax Rebate Check will help purchase a new computer.

As I said above today is 60 Chix.  So far there will be 10 of us.  Nice bunch.  It is raining so I hope it seizes while we are walking from a public parking lot to the restaurant and back.

   

May 8, 2008 - As we reported a few days ago when the cyclone disaster hit Myanmar, Roger Oakland's ministry Understand the Times has four orphan homes in Yangon, Myanmar, and the welfare of the children and staff at the orphanages was unknown. We are overjoyed to report that Roger has now received emails from the homes, and all the children and workers at all four homes are safe! We are praising the Lord with Understand the Times for His graciousness and mercy to these precious ones. The devastation and loss of lives in Myanmar is staggering, and we pray that many there will turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and accept Him as Savior during this terrible time, where the death toll may rise as high as 100,000 with over a million people now homeless.

The following is a statement by Roger Oakland; also we have included two of the emails he received from Myanmar:

Update on Situation from Bryce Lodges in Yangon

Early this morning I received two more letters from our Understand The Times representatives in Yangon. All our immediate family have been preserved from the storm.

We are presently in the process of sending someone over to Yangon to provide assistance and to help organize the dispersal of assistance through Understand The Times in the surrounding area.

Please pray for favor that we may receive the necessary visas and be able to go.

A fund for supporting the victims of the Myanmar disaster has been established at www.understandthetimes.org.

Checks can be sent to our two offices in Canada and USA.

Following are the two letters that were received today:

Dear Roger,

Internet access was down, now only I can email you again. Hope that you are getting better in these days. With our children we are always praying for your health.

At the time thousands of people lose their lives, by His protection, we are survived but our programs and plan of wedding was failed on Saturday and changed on Sunday. It turned to helping others in needs especially for our members. Since every one was busy with his own work, phone line and transportation problems caused by the storm and flood, so we just called a church pastor, Philip and Dante and only some of our neighbor and made wedding at home.

We learned so many lessons from those things happened. we felt that God has taught us not to love the world neither the things that are in the world. It made clear that our earthly life is just really temporary and unreliable. Now, the city of Yangon and it's surrounding areas lose it's beautifulness. It has a lot of changes and different from the time you came to Myanmar.... [The prices] of things are getting higher day by day.

And unlimited numbers of outskirt people are in trouble because they are homeless and without food. By His grace in this time we have privileges to show our love, care and concern to our church members at Shwelinpan who are in trouble by giving rice and the funds they are really in need.

Among our members at Shwelinpan, two of the tents (houses) were fallen down and faded away. another one of the roof was destroyed. One was survived.

If we can not continue to supply their need, they will be without food and house. So, I let you know the condition of our church members at Shwelinpan. Beside, thousands of outskirt people are in great trouble. they can not solve the problems they have by their own.

Please pray that these things lead them to know and trust the Saviour alone.

Your brother in Christ

Elisha

Dear
Brother Roger:

I am so sorry that I could not give you information about us earlier.

I know that many people concern about our situation. We are saved.

Bryce Lodges One, Two and my family are saved. We do not suffer any serious damages.
But the prices are sky rocketed.

Thank you so much for your concern.

Prayer Requests:

1. Give thanks to God for He has saved us from this storm.

2. Pray for all the Bryce children for the coming admissions to the school. Usually,
admissions start about May 20.

Sincerely yours,
Mang

Hi everyone.  This has been a rather laid back day and most enjoyable.  I attended my retirees luncheon at noon and there were only 5 of us present.  However, it was nice to sit at a table where all could share with each other.  I have known these men and worked with them for many years now.  On my way I stopped at Fry's to return what I had purchased last week.  The telephone didn't work at all as couldn't get a dial tone and the 4 gig memory card will not read in my Palm TX and that was where I wanted to use it.  On the way back I stopped at MicroCenter and got a set of headphones for my friend, Rob.  They are made by Altec Lansing and  fit so nicely in the ear and have such great sound.  I bought a pair of them last week for myself and even my wife has been them comfortable, which I would never have expected. 

Pat, that is a terrible disaster in Myanmar and appears to be getting worse by the day as the world is waiting to be allowed to bring the relief supplies and aid into the county and the military junta in power won't grant the permissions necessary.  It is hard to understand such thinking. 

Etta Sue, I think you will see a major difference in the speed of your computer in its internal operations with the increased memory.  Memory is very easy to install in the computer.  I have 2 gigs of memory in my desktop and only 1 in my new laptop and can notice a difference.  It won't make the Internet work any faster as that is dependent on the servers and the sites being accessed but on the things you do locally on your computer it will.

Judy, I am sure you all are looking forward to the new puppies.  They are so cute when they are small. 

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you are getting glimpse of the freedom you will enjoy when you retire.  It is nice to be able to do things when you want to do them.

Janet, I hope the new mattress works out well for you and that you really like it.  That is something we need to replace one of these days.  I hope you had a great time with the Red Hats yesterday. 

Marilyn, sorry to hear of Keith's ex-wife having cancer. 

Yesterday we had both the air conditioning man here for the annual service of the units (all was fine) and the plumber to fix a couple of problems.  Needless to say my wallet is quite a bit flatter today but the problems have been fixed.  We are going to have to cancel plans to have our house pressure washed as it is not allowed under the watering restrictions.  It is certainly not a major priority for this year.  I called and was advised you can get a licensed professional for the work but don't believe we will try to do that this year.

I have been running full steam ahead all day.  Went to work at 6 AM, off at 2, home to my waiting class (Darrel was keeping them entertained while they waited for me) and taught until after 5.  Need I mention I am a bit weary? 

Ruth, they gave us two of the tempur-pedic pillows when we bought the bed, and we do not like them.  I am trying to get used to the contour one as it is supposed to be better for a side sleeper, which I am sometimes.  They are too thick for my short neck, and Darrel finds them too hard.  The price on the boxes they came in was $99.00 each!!    So we surely wouldn't have them had they not given them to us!

I was awake every few minutes last night.  But Darrel thinks he will really like the new mattress.  I think I will too, once I get used to the feel--it is quite different from a conventional one.  My daughter and son in law got one a few months ago and really like it.  Interesting thing about that---Jeff is a terrible snorer, would keep Diane awake or she would go sleep with Abby; but with this bed, Jeff goes to sleep, sleeps without all the tossing and turning, and doesn't snore!  So for them, it is a real blessing.

Red Hats was fun, but the meal served by a girl who calls herself "The Rebel Gourmet" was very skimpy.  More like you would expect for a High Tea, I think.  For ten bucks, I expected to get enough to eat, at least.  Oh, well........

Ruth Ann, glad you don't have to drink yucky stuff, and that you are adjusting to retirement.  Still praying for you, my friend.

The mess in Myanmar is really sad, and to think those anxious to bring help are being refused entry into the country.

We are under severe weather warnings, tornadoes and hail warnings in our corner of Kansas, so far, they are well to the north northeast of us.  The big house with a basement is empty, so we can go there if necessary; hope we don't have to take shelter though.

Judy, I'm sure glad we are not expecting puppies!  Cute, but so much trouble.  Darrel does want to get another dog before too long, he is a life-long dog lover.  I like them, but nothing like you, Darrel and Marilyn.  Now, Geordie?  He's not a dog, he's a member of Pat's family!    Sort of like Beth's Mieka was.

I'm giving myself permission to relax for the rest of the evening!

Keith's ex, Nola's, surgery was successful, they found NO cancer but had to do some repairs and I think probably a hysterectomy since  she is 55 years old. Thank you for the prayers. I told him yesterday that he should go visit her since she is the mother of his children and they were married for 29 years. So he went to see her today, the visit was short, she was sleepy, but he thought she was glad to see him. I am glad he went.

If any of  you notice on the news the tornado damage in Tupelo, MS, that is about 45 miles SW of me.  The same storm system came through my town, and praise the Lord no tornados touched us.  They spotted three around the town but no touch downs.  God is so good!!!!  (We spent a good hour in the storm house this morning)

I was wondering about you Samantha, if all  y-all were alright.

We drove in snow and it has been snowing off and on all day.  We are at son's newly purchased house/cabin at Grand Lake.  I was able to take a refreshing walk this afternoon and spotted many tracks of moose and elk & other little critters.  It is perfectly quiet here - there is no t.v. but they have high-speed internet because they both keep in contact with their jobs.  Don and I needed to get away - the house is shining from all the tender care of these last few weeks & tomorrow someone will go through it.  Am sure my BP is up so I really need to just veg out as they say.

Sorry for the loss of friends for some of you.  I am glad that you are all safe. 

Hi everyone.  Just a few minutes this morning as have a full day and probably wouldn't be able to get back here later today.  This is one of the Golden Games days for Pat and I.  We are suppose to play Rummikub this morning.  I also have our SeniorNet Volunteer meeting and then the computer user group this afternoon.  As soon as that is over I am heading to Atlanta to pick up our daughter, who is coming for the weekend to be here for Mother's Day.  She wants to take Pat and I out to lunch on Sunday.  I think this may be a first.  She did see her cardiologist yesterday and he has ordered another echocardiogram as her heart rate remains too high and also increased her medicine to try to get it down. 

Carol, glad you could get away from the house selling.  We always left the house when a buyer came through with an agent as never wanted to deal directly with a buyer.  Hope you have a restful time at Grand Lake and know it must be beautiful there.

Samatha, know yesterday was a scary day for you all weatherwise.  We were worried all evening but don't think we even ended up with a drop of rain.  There were tornado watches in some parts of Georgia but not here.  Glad all was well for you.

Marilyn, it was nice of Keith to visit his ex-wife.  That is an act of kindness.

Janet, glad to see you granted yourself an evening off.    Of course, it looks like you might have been running on empty in terms of energy after the day you described.  Hope you can have a quietly and less busy day today. 

Well it is time to head to Friday Men's coffee.  I made a belated birthday card for my friend Rod and the other man we walk with and provide transportation to is going to bring a cake to celebrate.  His birthday was on Wednesday.