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Maybe I am first to post in this new place; unless someone else is posting now and is less wordy than me.  

Good thoughts, Etta Sue, and we need to be reminded often of what Jesus suffered for us.

We have been to church, had some left-overs for lunch, I have caught up on my emails, Darrel is watching football.....and I am going to the care home to visit Beth and Mom.  I have a Christmas wreath for Beth's door, except I don't have a bow for it.  I will stop at Dollar General and see if they have one; also get a wreath hanger, as they don't want any nails, etc. in the new doors.  (I wouldn't, either.)

For Sunday School today, we just shared about what God has been doing in our lives.  The teacher was gone, several were missisng, and it was just a good time of fellowship which I really enjoyed.  We don't have nearly enough fellowship time.

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and I shall return!

Just A Reminder Folks.

Voting closes for the challenge tomorrow. You need to go vote if you haven't yet.

Click here and go vote now!


Don

Etta Sue:  Thanks for starting a new week.   

Christmas is just a few short weeks away and they will surely fly.  We woke to a very heavy frost this morning but  by the time afternoon arrived we had rain with a possibly of snow by the end of the week.  Late this afternoon we headed out to Orangeville for dinner then Mel also did a small repair to a clock my cousin had.

Tomorrow I have a day filled with 2 appointments and between the two I am hoping we will meet another friend and his wife for breadfast. Before arriving home I will be stopping at the post office to get a bubble envelope to mail a small parcel. Hope it works . 

God's Blessings    Ruth

Yes, now that Thanksgiving is over here in the U.S. of A., it is time to start celebrating the Christmas season!  I am so surprised how many Christmas lights have been up in my area and since Halloween!  When we ask people why?, they say because the weather was nice and we could put them up so why not light them?

When I left for church yesterday, my garage door wouldn't shut.  I didn't see anything wrong but it would start to go down and then go right back up.  So on my way to church I called Tony and told him.  On our way back from having Chinese with the ladies, Tony called and said it was fixed.  God bless sons!  It was just the electric eye that was out of kilter a tad!

Well, I misunderstood Jo.  I thought Ivalou was walking without a walker or cane but not by herself.  She did walk that way with Raymond but on her own, she is to use a walker.  Maybe today!  And Ivalou called me last evening and said she was going away for awhile and I didn't have to come over at 6 pm.  Her son, Jeff, came and she went to their house for a birthday dinner for g-grandson, Connal.  So she called me around 7:45 and said she was home.  Then neighbor Marge came down to visit, then Ivalou and I watched some TV and went to bed. 

Today it all starts over again....therapy!!

Waiting for    I just got off the treadmill.  Don has a doctor appointment this morning and then we have the DISH company coming over this afternoon. 

Thanks, Etta Sue for this week readings.  Glad that Iva Lou is doing so well. 

Amazing Sunday morning.  We arrived for the early service and the hearing aids for church were there so Don tried it for the first time.  Afterwards, he was so happy to report that he heard every word of the sermon and this is the first time in years and years.  Music is still distorted but he could tell a duet was very good.  We worship in the chapel and this aid is tuned directly to the microphone.  They have the same aids in the huge sanctuary but we prefer the smaller chapel for it is peaceful to walk into at 7:30 AM.  It is great news for us.

Today, we may drive up the hill before snow arrives in two days.  There is a cabinet to hang over what will be a laundry area at some point. 

Hi everyone.  Today is gloomy outside and suppose to rain around lunch time.  I think it is getting colder than it was when I left for coffee this morning.  My schedule is light today with just my men's luncheon at noon.  We are going to Fuddrucker's and so I will have one of their very good hamburgers.  We have been there several times before and like the food. 

Yesterday after church Pat and I went to lunch with just one other couple.  The rest of the group either had other plans or were not at church so assume they were having a late Thanksgiving with family.

Janet, we so enjoy the fellowship of our after church lunch group.  Our church does encourage small groups so we can get to know some of the church members better.  I know a lot of the members by face but often not by name. 

Guess I had better move on to some other projects I need to do here at my desk.  Pat has gone to Wal-Mart so know she will be worn out by the time she gets home.

Carol, our church has the special hearing devices also and I see two or three people using them.  It is wonderful that technology has provided this assistance.  I am considering getting a set of TV Ears for Pat for Christmas as we are having to turn the TV up more and more and sometimes it is very annoying to have it so loud.  However, she can't hear it otherwise. 

Etta Sue, my son is no longer available for me to call when I have a problem like the garage door problem you had since he lives too far away now.  Glad your son was able to fix the problem.

Ruth, hope you don't get too much snow but guess it is getting to be that time of the year.  That is one thing we seldom have to be concerned with here in the south and I love it.

We have snow....about 2 inches.  Thankfully it won't stay.  Elizabeth is excited for the snow, and then John went out and threw snowballs at her and Kassie!   A bit of fun for the end of the weekend.

Carol, what good news that is, for Don to be able to hear again in church.  Praise the Lord!

I have been to the gym, and Kristi really put us through our paces today!  I am in a group of much younger folk; most young enough to be my kids; so she allows a few little differences for me.  (At least until I get toughened up enough to do the exercises the way the others do them.)  I can already tell I am going to be sore again!  

Darrel has gone to the doctor.  He keeps having reoccurring bladder infections, and this time one session of the antibiotics didn't take care of it.  He was also going to try to get his lipid profile blood tests done while he is there.

Hmmm....seems Acorn dumped whole dumpsters full of documents whe it was announced they would be investigated.  In going through those papers, it has been found that Acorn was structured to deliberately deceive the American people.  Is anyone surprised about that?

I am not yet in a Christmas shopping mood, and wonder if I even will be.  Also don't know how much decorating I will do.  

Beth has a neurofibroma on her back that has been 'disturbed.'  I think they probably scooted her on her bed, maybe just adjusting her position, and this nodule got stretched.  It was swollen and engorged with blood, now, several days later, it is bleeding profusely, getting blood on her clothing, bedding, and recliner chair.  They did finally start putting guaze on it to try to help with that.  It needs to be removed surgically, but no way will we allow Dr. Barker to touch her again!!  So unless Dr. Plumlee will remove it, if it doesn't get better, she will have to be taken elsewhere to   have it taken care of.      It seems there is always a new challenge for Beth.

Happy Monday, everybody!

Waiting waiting waiting --- the techy man for our television came over for what was supposed to be an hour plus - yes, plus is now into four hours. We are only asking for the fix so the old t.v. in the basement can be used.   

Pat:  Oh, thanks ever so much.  I have never known all the words to your song until I read it now.  Are you preparing for Christmas?  Where will you be - I assume dividing you time between the two families? 

Janet:  Sorry about Beth.  Praying for healing and tender care.   
           Your looking over the papers - be sure to save everything - that is really interesting.  Our own investigator - our own Janet, the Private Eye!

I am bringing knitting along to the cabin - it is really dark there at night but we have brought good reading lamps to the living room area.  I keep looking at the night sky and end up staying up so late - it is an awesome creation - how can you not believe?  So, have a book downloaded to my Mp3 and I can knit at the same time.  Radio stations are iffy there but better than years before - Our son brought up a television so we can play a movie but we enjoy the quiet of reading or in my case, knitting. 

Snow is coming Tuesday.  Well, it sounds like everything is fixed here so I will check back in at least two days from now.   

Pat, I had never read all the words to that song, either, and it is one I like.  Well, I like most Christmas songs.  Thanks.

Carol, that sounds so cozy, to listen to a book and knit and enjoy the beauty of nature at your cabin.  Enjoy!

I got some Christmas stuff gathered up to take to the home for Beth, and even got a few gifts wrapped today.  Why do I dislike wrapping gifts so much??  Ugh.  I think I must be a real Scrooge this year.    I sure hope I get some Christmas spirit soon!

Nothing new here, so see you tomorrow.

Well folks, I'm happy today - I was just released from the hospital.  I had a touch of pneumonia, so they admitted me from the ER, and I was there Sunday and part of today getting IVs dripping antibiotics and antivirals into me.  Please pray with me that it STAYS away.

Al, I'm pleased that you're home, but sad that I didn't know you were in the hospital!  I pray that our loving Father will keep His healing hand on you and that the pneumonia is completely gone.

I have that song on an LP record, a tape and a CD by Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters and have played it (and sung along in my own off-key fashion) for years.  Now does that date me?   

I got all the branches for the Christmas tree sorted finally, no I have to put the tree together tomorrow and make some pumpkin, Oh and Gord I did make some Banana bread but it was before I received your recipe. Don't worry I am going to make more and use both yours and Carols' recipes. I am going to start my Christmas baking very soon.

Judy B:   You can keep the snow, We will enjoy it when it arrives but not yet.


Ruth

Al~Sorry you were in the hospital but it sounds like it was where you should have been at the time. 

Janet~Sorry to hear of Beth's neurofibroma on her back that has been 'disturbed.'  You would think the nurses and health care would remember that by now. 

Carol~Your little mountain home away from home sounds so peaceful.  That's the way it was when Ivalou had a place in Louisiana.  We had cable TV but it was nice to just sit out on the swing and listen to all the birds and watch the fish jump in the water. 

Judy B~Snow?  No, it can't be snow!  It must be something else.  Snow is a four-letter dirty word!  Let's call it 'thick rain'!

Jeanne Lee~I have some old LP's with Christmas music on them and even some dated back in the early 1900's.  But I don't even have a record player anymore to play them.  I would like to sell them but no one has knocked on my door saying they would buy them.  I guess I need to advertise them, ya think?

Larry~I think it got colder here yesterday, too.  The sun was shining early then it was dark, gloomy, rainy and windy.  Colder. 

Marilyn~I was surprised that Jo didn't put up Ivalou's Christmas tree.  I don't know if I will do anything at my house.  And baking ahead!  That would be nice but I would probably eat it and have to bake some more!  Wish I had my old freezer back running!

It is kind of nice to turn on the radio and hear Christmas music.  Ivalou and I watched a Christmas show on the Hallmark channel last evening.  I think it was 'Midnight and Mistletoe'.  Tom Arnold was a surprise to me to be a great Santa. 

Today is SAM's dinner at a local restaurant.  Ivalou is playing a waiting game of who gets here first...the lady that helps her in the shower or the speech therapy lady.  She said last evening she will be glad when therapy is over...then we can do things when we want to do them instead of waiting on others.  I can't imagine how any home therapists could be on schedule so I understand why we need to wait. 

It is bright and sunny but a tad chilly out there.  We were suppose to get snow flurries here on Thanksgiving Day but I didn't see any.  I would be happy for snow to wait until Christmas Eve...then be melted away by the end of Christmas Day.  And then no more snow until Christmas Eve 2010!   

Hi everyone.  I have to leave shortly to attend a meeting but wanted to post before going.  I just had the third roofing company here to look at my roof.  Several of my neighbors have had new roofs put on, some due to hail, including my next door neighbor.  However, all three companies have said they really didn't see any significant hail damage so will not fill a claim to be recorded against my policy since the insurance adjuster would likely have the same results.  

Janet, so sorry to read of Beth's new medical problem and also Darrel's continuing problem.  I think we have gotten into the Christmas spirit a bit because of our trip to Branson and seeing the Christmas shows.  I ordered some educational games on CD for our great grandchildren and we have pretty well decided on our other buying.  We don't overdo for Christmas.  We are expecting our son and his wife to visit us at Christmas as he has several days off and indicated they would like to come over.  So perhaps we can have a more traditional Christmas with family and get our daughter out here for a meal and our little gift exchange.

Al, sure glad you are out of the hospital.  You all have been having quite a time of it lately.  Hope the treatment heals the problem.

Carol, sounds like you have a good plan for the evenings in the mountains.  Being able to download books on mp3 players is great.

Judy, keep that snow up your way.  We had frost this morning and that is close enough for us.

I've always loved that, Pat.  Many years ago, while I still lived in New Jersey, I learned to play it on the piano.  The trouble was nobody wanted me to play it because it seemed that every time I did it would snow!   

Good evening:
We got a morning greeting of snow but by noon it was gone until perhaps Thursday so they are saying.
The bubble envelope that I purchased to send a little parcel cost $6.00 to send just 1 hr. drive away it may have been cheaper to do the driving.

My day was spent putting papers away and the rest got a short trip to the recycle bin what a good feeling that can be.

Pat: How is the shoulder coming?

Judy:  Do you remember Lynnda from Kitchener?  She has not been well since April at first she thought it to was a pinched nerve but now I am concerned as she has lost almost all function of the one arm and hand from the elbow down.

Don:  I am pleased that you were able to use the church installed hearing aides.

This day has surely passed by quickly!  This morning I went to the gym, where Kristi was testing us to see how hard she can push us during December.  Boy, was I tired after that, but I did really well.  I ran so hard on the treadmill that my heart rate got up to over 150!  (Resting rate is 60)  Then she had me do the stair-stepper for a while, then back to treadmill for 30 minutes at 4 mph and 1% incline.  Whew!  But I can tell I am regaining strength and balance and that's why I am going.

I took Beth's Christmas stuff to her.  They are using a little bit of it in her room and the rest in her neighborhood's dining room.  She isn't doing well at all, and I am really concerned about her.  They have given her double and even quadruple doses of laxzatives, plus an enema, and still no luck.  She seems to have lost the ability to 'push.'  This is a very serious thing, as I'm sure you all know.  When I left, they were getting ready to give her another enema.  I wish that lawyer would get on the ball!    I want her to have the benefit of the money when we win.  (Yes, I said when; I am staying positive about it.)

Etta Sue, how nice that you addressed each of us today!  Thanks!  

Al, glad you are home again--stay well, now!

Pat, thanks for "White Christmas"...another seasonal favorite of mine.

I also have LPs of Christmas songs.  I think we do still have a turntable stereo around here somewhere, would be nice to get it out and play those old platters!

I am disappointed that my state of Kansas is putting in casinos, and the state is going to mandate how much can be paid out, too.  The new one at Dodge City is slated to open on Dec. 15.  And our senior center says they will take a bus there once a month for those who like to gamble.  That does NOT include me.  They don't have restaurants there at the casino yet, but are planning to build some.  Then we might go along just to eat dinner....maybe.

My sister Shirley had a hip replaced yesterday.  I spoke to her husband last evening and again this evening, and he says she is doing well.  I praise God for that.  This is the sister who is writing books now.  

I guess I need to see if I can rustle up some supper.  

I just want to say hi to everyone and let you know that I am here reading. I am not having a good day, although I did get the Christmas tree  all put together, it is huge, touches the ceiling. No wonder Keith hesitated  to bring it up from the basement. I found a smaller one down there that we will put up next year., then I have my small 3ft prelit tree.

I made two loaves of Pumpkin bread this morning and one loaf did not cook all the way through, I put it back in the oven and it still wouldn't cook through so I threw it away. that is so depressing  (made my day start out  bad) since I wanted to give a loaf to my neighbor across the street with a jar of the pepper jelly I canned this year. At least I know  when I make the Banana bread it will turn  out perfect.

Pat how and you and Geordie doing?

Etta Sue that was very nice of you today to address everyone.

Janet I am so sorry to hear about Beth's new challenge I am still praying for her almost daily.

Al glad to hear that you are back home from the hospital and I pray your recovery will be a quick one.

Currently, the weather forecast for the next ten days only calls for "snow showers" tonight and one day next week, one day of rain and one day at the end of next week mixed rain/snow.  I'm sure not going to complain if that holds true.   

We have the winners of the latest mini challenge "I SEE GOD".  It would be lovely if you'd stop by and congratulate the winners.  You can just CLICK HERE

Hi everyone.  It has rained though out the night and suppose to rain thought out the day as well and hopefully move out of here by evening.  Pat has a function to attend this evening and I have choir practice so would prefer the rain be over. 

The final roofing man was here yesterday and said he didn't see any hail damage on the roof.  Since the other two have said they saw only minor damage I am not going to put in a claim and have it turned down but remain as a claim against my home owners.  I am glad there isn't significant damage and we have no leaks as far as I know.  Hopefully we can get a few more years service from the roof.  The summers are so hard on roofs here that the 25 year shingles don't last for 25 years.  Sort of like the 40,000 mile tires getting 30,000 if you are lucky.  (Truth in advertising.)

Janet, so sorry to hear of the serious problems Beth is experiencing.  That is certainly something of great concern and sure hope she doesn't end up back in the hospital with another blockage.  Good job at the exercise yesterday.  You must be in pretty good physical shape to tolerate such a workout.

Marilyn, your pumpkin bread experience reminds me of the first pecan pie Pat ever made.  She kept checking it and it wasn't solid yet so cooked it more and more until the pecans were burnt embers.  She makes great pecan pies now, but only on special occasions as we don't need the pies or desserts.  We use a tiny Christmas tress anymore and it works very well for us. 

Time to leave for coffee.  Hope this is a nice day for you all.

A little chuckle for today.

Foot Snuggle

On a chilly winter evening, my husband and I were snuggled together on the floor watching television. During a commercial break, he reached over and gave my foot a gentle squeeze.

"Mmmmm," I said. "That's so sweet."

"Actually," he admitted sheepishly, "I thought that was the remote."

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

Yes, it did feel good to address everyone yesterday.  I seem to be on the rush every day but yesterday I decided to slow down and remember my friends. 

Yesterday I went to SAM's lunch and I had called the Rehab nurses station to see if they had any information about the medical alert necklaces.  Melony, the social worker, called me while at Jim Dandy eating.  So I went to rehab to get a coupon.  I was talking to Melony when someone yelled 'Etta Sue!  What are you doing here?'  Well, there is only one Etta Sue in this world so I checked who it was and it was Michelle, Ivalou's physical therapist at rehab.  So we chatted and then we went to the gym so I could see Stephanie and Amber.  They all wanted to know of Ivalou's progress and Lauren, the granddaughter.  It was great seeing them all.  Now to take Ivalou there soon.

When I got back a church lady called and asked what we had planned for dinner.  She had sorority at her house yesterday and brought us our meal last night from the leftovers.  I love leftovers!!  Meatloaf, mixed vegetable casserole, hot roles, cheesecake and heavenly hash.  Great!

This morning Ivalou has physical therapy and at 1:30 we are to be at her cardiologists office.  Hope she gets a good report there.

Oh, yes!  I have 'White Christmas' on a record.  Not an LP.  Before LP's.  Anyone remember Bing Crosby.  He is the singer of 'White Christmas'.  I kind of think that record might be worth some money.

Today it is suppose to rain and turn to sleet and snow!  Hope we get home before that stuff starts!

Mel has gone to Canadian Tire to purchase brackets to mount a bird feeder that he made, Then he is going to stop at Kentucky Fried Chicken for take out.  I kinda think he might be back home before I am finished here. 

Janet: So sorry about Beth's health.

Etta Sue:  You have so much to keep you busy and yet you still find time to visit with us here.

Marilyn:  Our big Christmas tree was given away 5 yrs ago and now I have 3 smaller ones to choose from and so far I have only the smallest set up.

Kathleen:  I have not seen you here for some time but thanks for your vision progress and I will be forwarding your update to some folk one of which is Mel's chiropractor as he does a similar type of adjustment  and I am thinking serious of making changing to his as well.  We also have a cousin that is not well and I will be sending this to her as well.

So far Mel has not arrived home but the phone has called twice one being a telemarketer saying that my credit card needs attention - click to that call. It would be nice if they got the message. OOPS Mel has arrived home.

Blessings Ruth

We drove through a winter wonderland today and it is still snowing - but we are way behind in snowfall and need a bunch for water next year.  Followed a snowplow over Berthoud Pass and it was quite a drive for Don but his is a Duluth, Minnesota guy and can handle our vehicle. 

Al:  Pneumonia!  Praying for you to be totally cleared of that dreadful diagnosis. 

Etta Sue:  My parents had a small cabin the in Snoqualamie Pass area of Washington with no electricity, outdoor you-know, and we got all of our water from a creek.  We still went there a lot and loved it.  However, I do really like indoor plumbing  .

Jeanne:  Have you been playing "White Christmas" again?  It is snowing here.

Janet:  Oh, my goodness!  You are crazy really ramping up the exercise.  Take care - next you will be doing marathons. Casinos are nothing compared to what the so called majority voted for in this state - marijuana is available at phony doc shops and about 60 new shops are in business in just one area.  The whole state of Colorado has gone bonkers.  I cannot believe that you can smoke pot and get in the car and drive while under the influence but they are not even considering it to be a problem.   The Slippery Slope starts here. 

Take care all.  We are thankful for being able to put in cabinets and other tough work without being hurt or any mishap because it is getting harder to accomplish these things.  Don had several nosebleeds both nights so we are back to lower altitude and hope that this doesn't begin again tonight. 

Some of y'all may have seen this message before, but wanted to "speak" to everyone here, too, and here's my activities for today.

Good late evening, friends.

I'm certainly tired this evening, but after the busy afternoon preparing food and table decorations, etc., our church was blessed by the fellowship and then by the almost angelic voices of the choir from Tennessee School for the Blind. I certainly wish y'all could have been there in the "amen corner" with me.

Ruth Ann