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Ivalou, Betty, Marge and I went to the movies last night.  A comedy.  One of those that when it was over you can't remember the comedy parts! 

I am ready for church and today we are having a catered meal in the basement for our All Church Banquet.  It's always a great meal.

It's raining but suppose to stop this morning.  Hope I can mow tomorrow before my Botox. 

Good Sunday morning to all you loved ones!

I enjoyed the reunion last night, and my fifth grade teacher, Mr. Winegarner, and his wife, also a teacher (i never had her, though) were honored for the many years they spent teaching in that small school.  They are both 87 years old now, but they sure don't look it!  I wrote a little poem and made a special card for Mr. Winegarner, and he appreciated it so much!  A band composed of former graduates of the school played the song "Let's Chase Each Other Round the Room Tonight" and the Winegarners got up and danced in the front of the room.  Sweet.

My former school is in Colorado, so that meant it was an hour behind us in time, so it was 1:30 AM by the time I got to bed.  I may have trouble staying awake in church this morning!  We are going to My Father's House, as at 1:00 her parents are having a birthdfay party for GGDaughter Chelsea in Moscow.  (Okay, I know--TMI, sorry)

I must get ready for church soon.  I explained to Beth why we won't be there to take her today, so she plans to go to the service held there at the home.  She told me yesterday that today is 6 years since that surgery that nearly took her life.  Time is flying, folks!

Sorry not to address everyone today, but know I do read your post, and I do care!

Hi everyone on an overcast morning after getting some rain during the night. It looks like the rain is all going north of us.  We will attend church this morning and do something for lunch but otherwise expect a quiet Sunday of rest and relaxation.  Stacey called a few minutes ago and said she had given up the idea of trying to attend her church this morning.  It is a long train and bus ride for her each way and it is still too soon for her to try it even though she wants to go so much.

Gord, glad to see your post and know that Noreen is doing well.  It is quite a process of recovery but the results are well worth it.  Pat did not go to outpatient rehab for her hip but had for her knee.  I fear a bit that she is not keeping up the exercises that would be helpful to her but that is her business.  However, she is pain free in her knee and her hip, which is marvelous.  Sure hope Noreen has the same experience with her knee.  I hope you don't have to have hip surgery but it might solve the pain problem.  Hope you have enjoyed your concert today.

Etta Sue, very good devotional for this week.  Thanks.

Janet, your former teacher and his wife sound like very special people.  Nice they can still dance at 87 years of age. You lost me in your discussion of going to Your Father's House this afternoon when you say "her parents". Is this the Winegarner's you are referring to?  Time does go fast as wouldn't have guessed it had been six years since the terrible ordeal that Beth went through and you did as well. 

A beautiful afternoon here.  We walked over to the area's recreation center as they had a free entrance to an expo of home improvements.  There was an air conditioner company who said they would actually return a call for a check-up of our unit.  Don was winded and we stopped both walks to and from to sit and watch a man flying a radio-controlled airplane.   Great weather right now with a chance of snow with the rain coming the middle of this week. 

The quilt meeting was so interesting yesterday and worth the drive.  But - way beyond what I do - all about composition and other features while I just "wing it".  Lots of guest speakers are on tap for our church because the lead pastor is retiring.  Well, he is staying on for a lot of other work - I wonder how long that will last because he will be pulled into more decisions than he wants to be making, that is for sure. 

Washing pillows today and they are out on a fold-away drying bar in the sunshine & doing well.  Don says he will buy me a Smashburger this week - they just opened a new store nearby & he has already stopped in with one of our boys.  What a name! 

Janet:  My Father's House - isn't that a song meaning church? 

Gord:  Great news on Noreen. 

Larry:  Have a nice and quiet day of rest. 

Sorry for the confusion, Larry.  I was talking about little Chelsea's parents having her party today.  My Father's House is the name of the church in Hugoton my kids/grandkids attend, and we love it, too.

And Beth was mistaken, as it has been four years, not six.  She said six, but then said it was in '09.  nSo that's four years.  I hope we never have to go through such an ordeal again, but God was faithful, and his presence was with us every hour.

We are back home now and my easy chair is calling my name! 

Gord, it's always great to see a post from you, and especially one that has good news.  I'm glad Noreen is doing well - you both are always in my prayers.

Larry, I'm sure Stacey is going to find she's able to do less at first than she expected, but at least she was wise enough to realize that going to church would be too much. 

Janet, six years or four years - it was still a terrible experience and I'm sure will always be a fresh memory.  When do you leave for Turkey?

Carol anything at all that has to do with quilting is way beyond me.  I'll just stick to knitting and crocheting - and maybe some embroidery.  (And of course my computer!  )

Jeanne--one week from today!  We will drive to Oklahoma City on Monday, then fly out of there on Tuesday.  Getting close!!  Everybody keeps asking, "Why Turkey?"  My answer, "Why not?  Lots to see there, lots to learn."  But prayers will be appreciated, both for health and safety on the trip, and for protection over our minds.  You can surmise why, without my spelling it out.  In preparation, I am reading a book by a fourth-generation Arab Christian called The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross.

I don't think we are going to the gym today, Darrel has a sore knee and I am fighting off an attack of the enemy on my health.  Need to be well and strong for the trip!

More flooding--Houston this time!  Goodness.....

I shall return!

Hi everyone on a misty overcast day.  We had about 2 inches of rain yesterday and last night and may get some more later today.  Pat just left to go to the new Walmart Neighborhood Market that she has never been.  I am so glad to see her feeling up to doing and going more.  I have my Monday Men's luncheon and than a meeting today.  Otherwise plan a quiet day.

Carol, Pat has never been interested in design or fancy quilts.  I think she just enjoys making strips and sewing them together.  She is started on two quilts made with identical colorful fabric that we will use on our beds so they will match.  We have a big spread but it turned out to be too much hassle to use and are now using two quilts that do not match.  Her project is in the early stages.  When it is done I will post a picture.  I think you are right about your retiring pastor and trying to stay in the same church.  I fell for the incoming pastor having to work under those circumstances.  I have never heard of Smashburger's.

Janet, thanks for the explanations.  That is an interesting name for a church that could apply to all churches I would hope.  I sure thought it hadn't been six years for Beth's terrible experience.  I knew time was speeding past but glad to know it isn't going quite that fast.   My easy chair knows my name as well and seems to call earlier each afternoon.  I am sure you will be seeing a much different culture in Turkey, which has a long history. Hope both of you get to feeling better quickly. 

Jeanne, Stacey called Pat this morning as she was out and about and was waiting for the Party City store to open to get some plastic ware forks or spoons.  However, Pat said she was in tears this morning as she is having a rough time accepting what has happened so suddenly to her. 

I do believe we need to have more catered meals at church....the walls were bursting with happiness to see so many at church!  And it was a great meal.  We even had to sit up more tables and chairs! 

I remember, Janet, of you being away from home so long to be with Beth while she was fighting for her life.  God is good...always.  I didn't think it was 6 years either but felt that was something that Beth would never forget. 

I am debating on whether to mow today or wait until tomorrow when it is to be sunny and warmer.  Just decided.  Wait!  So after a bite to eat I will take my shower so I will be ready by 3:15 for Kitty to take me to get my botox injections.  I am like you, why not go to Turkey if the opportunity arises that you could go?  I would love to go but in the Mediterranean area.

Janet, there will be prayers said here in New York state for travel mercies and strength, mental, physical and emotional, for you and Darrel as you take this trip to Turkey.

Larry, it has to be a major upheaval for Stacey and difficult to cope with.  My prayers for her strength and peace and comfort continue.

Yes, Beth's memory is terrific, but her math is not so good. 

I'm sure Stacey will have times of frustration and sadness over what has happened, and that is perfectly natural.  But I will pray for her that those times pass quickly and are replaced by optimism and thankfulness.

Thanks, Jeanne, the prayers are vital.  Pastor Pam prayed for me yesterday after church, agreeing with all my petitions.  She is really a woman of God, and so loving and fun, too.  Her husband was the pastor, but was taken by cancer quite suddenly several years ago.  She is doing a terrific job, though.

I have cleaned the bathroom thoroughly and washed all my scatter rugs.  I do wish they would make them so they didn't fall apart the first time you wash them!     They do get dirty, after all!

Etta Sue, your church catered dinner sounds great.  And it's nice once in a while not to have to bring food, gives the ladies a break.

We are continuing our packing.  Want to take as little as possible but still have everything we really need.  We are only allowed one bag of not more than 44 pounds plus a carry-on not weighing more than 11 pounds.  (Each of us, I mean!)  So have to "pack smart!"

Hi, friends,

I'm back after a brief absence with my family.  It was so good to be with all of the Nashville-based children at one point or another during the weekend.

My elderly friend has been moved from the hospital to hospice. I'll try to get there tomorrow to see her. Without much function of her major organs, she will most likely be rejoicing and whole once again in Heaven in a few days.

Y'all have a wonderful rest, and Janet, y'all have a wonderful trip.

Love to all, and love most of all to our loving Saviour,

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is another overcast morning but suppose to go up to 80 degrees this afternoon.  Yesterday evening was just beautiful with low humidity and the right temperature.  I don't have much planned for today.

I will probably attend a meeting later this morning and that will be about it.    Pat is making a big pot of soap.  She cleaned a lot of left-overs and frozen vegetables from the freezer. We need the room in the freezer for a bunch of meat she bought yesterday at Walmart.  She did not care for the Walmart Neighborhood market and said she probably won't go back.  By the time she got home she was close to the limit of what she can currently stand up to but know she enjoyed being out and doing the shopping and I will gladly turn that responsibility back over to her.  She just told me that tonight she is going to go out to eat with her book club ladies from the church.  When there is a 5th Tuesday they go out to eat together rather than meet to discuss a book.

Etta Sue, folks do enjoy potlucks and cathered meals at church.  I went to a potluck on Saturday and there was a ton of food of all different types.  Hope the mowing goes well today and you get the sunshine. 

Jeanne, this has been another major hurdle for Stacey.  Yesterday the visiting nurse came and has arranged for a caregiver to come twice a week to help her and also arranged for the bandages she needs to tend to her leg.  Hopefully she will like the caregiver.

Janet, Stacey is thankful to still be alive.  When she had the first amputation she (and we) were most concerned that she wouldn't survive the surgery but she came through with flying colors. Our senior pastor will leave this next week for a three month sabbatical to Ireland, North Carolina and a week of mediation.  So our associate pastor, Nichole, will have the full responsibility but the grant he got does provide funds for an assistant to help with sick calls and other visitations and our former Interim Pastor, who was so well liked and has basically retired, will be filling that role.  Glad you like your pastor so well. The packing sounds like a jigsaw puzzle. 

Ruth Ann, glad you were able to be with your family over the weekend.  Sorry about your elderly friend but it sounds like she is prepared for Eternity. 

We had an amazing weekend at church and at the evening concert. We laughed and we cried, God spoke. 

Heather took the train from London to Toronto and then public transit through to the church.  She arrived just as we were finishing the last hymn.  She was able to spend the day with us, laughing and enjoying each other's company.  After church in the evening we drove Heather to the Bay Street Bus Station.  The thing to remember about Toronto is that 90% of the intersections are "No Left Turn", and Young Street is No Left or Right turn.  On top of that there was construction blocking the turns we could have normally made.  You know the truckers say there are only 2 seasons, winter and construction.  There was a road that came up and Heather and I said in unison turn right.  John did.  This led to Queens Key.  (I am giving street names for Pat who knows the area I am talking about.) Queens Key is a narrow road with a lane each direction and Street car tracks down the center.  John didn't see the correct lane in time and proceeded down the streetcar  lanes, taking up both lanes at once.....to not get caught in the tracks.  I was in a panic and both Heather and I were howling with laughter at John's mistake and Wondering what he would do if a streetcar cam up either behind us or in front of us. These tracks are specifically for streetcars!  As soon as we saw a street we could take off at we turned. only to be back in construction and no turns.  So we would go right turn in a driveway and head back in the correct direction.  We drove narrow back roads for Trucks to load or unload their goods....These led to curbs we had to go over to get back onto a main road.  What a mess of construction Toronto is in!.  We couldn't go N onto Spadina so had to do another series of rights and into a driveway to get turned around to go north.  We Made a U turn on University to get going in the right direction......A trip that should have taken 20 minutes was about an hour long.  Getting to the highway was about a 10 minute drive.....We got back to the hotel quickly, and continued to laugh at all the moves we had to take to get Heather to the bus.  There was an earlier bus to London than she had expected, so she was home when she expected to be leaving Toronto.

Back to Carman.  He has set up a music instruction program for praise leaders and those who want to develop a viable music program within churches. This is an online course that takes a year and there is nothing like it in the Christian music field.  There is in the secular, not in the Christian.  All the course costs is a mere $100 for the entire year!  By the end of the evening we could see him tiring.  He has Multiple Myeloma Cancer with a 3-5 year window of time to live.  He is determined to continue to preach and lead people to Christ repenting from sin as long as he has a voice and the strength to do that. 

He preached on the Proverbs 31 Woman.  His question was why don't we become a Proverbs 31 people, why does virtue have to be associated to only women.  We all need to be virtuous, like the Proverbs 31 woman......How many men are virtuous in their lives and dealings with others.  A virtuous person has sinned, has history and knows what was wrong with their lives. They repented of their sins, made the changes to become virtuous.  He said we all have history, but there is no reason why we cannot repent and become like the virtuous woman......WOW.  I never thought of it in that way......Much more was said.

I will give the link to his message when I get it.  I pray we all ".....lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1b-2

Judy, that was quite a drive you had!   

Carman sounds like a very special person.  I'm sure you enjoyed his presentation - hope you get the link to his message.

Good Day all!  We ran to the store for several items as it seem like the middle of every week another snow/rain day or two is expected.  It was warmer this morning than right now.  I have missed three Wednesday bible studies because of either being not well or having ice on the streets. 

Janet:  How exciting.  Take care of yourselves on this trip. 

Jeanne:  You can do my knitting and I will bring my machine to sew. 

Larry:  So, Pat is making soap for dinner.  Enjoy!   Nice to read that Stacey is so grateful to be living.  There is a lot of good life for her ahead.  Does Stacey have a hobby?  I was thinking of sewing, of course. 

A good friend of many years is having a small surgery today to mend a tear from his last surgery - apparently losing blood in his urine and it has come on gangbusters problem now.  They are still in Arizona and want to get back to Minnesota.  We are supposed to meet them at their cabin up North next month but the main thing is that he mends from this latest health issue. 

Lost my post and not doing it again!  You will just have to wonder what I have been doing today!!

Larry, you made my  day...I needed a laugh...

When I first read it ; I thought boy, she's amibitious!!Making her own soap or just wanted to go
organic but then I read about the vegetables and thought I think it's soup and it sounded delicious...

Quote from: Carol on April 30, 2013, 04:01:30 PM
Jeanne:  You can do my knitting and I will bring my machine to sew. 

Carol, sounds like a plan!   

I got a chuckle out of Pat making a big pot of soap, too!    Nothing better than good homemade soup!  Glad Stacey has a good attitude about her life.

I am bushed tonight.  I coughed and coughed all night, so not much rest.  So decided maybe I should see the doctor, and she gave me two prescriptions and said I should be fine in a couple of days.  That's what I thought, too, but sure didn't want to leave on an overseas trip feeling yucky. 

Then I went with my sister to Johnson (20 some miles) to eat with the Red Hat ladies; then attended the funeral of a sweet lady I have known for many years.  She was 99 years old, and very tiny, maybe weighed about 60 pounds. 

And I am going to bed EARLY.

Carol, hope you and Don are feeling well now.  Thanks for the good wishes on the trip.

Judy, that was quite a drive in Toronto--glad I wasn't there!  Also glad it ended well.

Ruth Ann, nice that you are seeing more of your family these days.

Oh meant to tell you I got a Tshirt with a salt shaker and a light bulb on it.  I wore it shopping today.  The cashier asked about it.  I told her it was a salt shaker and a light bulb... She didn't get it, so I explained that we are to be the salt of the earth and the light to the world.... There was no comment and she looked away.  Another customer looked at me and gave the thumbs up sign.  I am normally shy about speaking up about my faith, the shirt opened my mouth!

This afternoon has been one of reflection. My sweet elderly friend is quietly resting waiting for the graduation to Heaven. Two very close friends and I visited for only a few moments today, closing with prayer and one verse of "Amazing Grace."

Then the 3 of us took care of some errands and business in the same places.

As I dropped them off at the church, I thought I might not be able to make it back to the apartment before darkness would begin to fall.

So, I pulled into a fast food restaurant and ordered a vanilla ice cream cone, moved to the parking area and faced the car toward the setting sun. Oh, the sense of peace that settled down around me as the sky was brushed with sweeping strokes of pink and purple and a hint of orange. Imagine the breathtaking beauty of this scene, where, as darkness descended, two trees not yet leafed out for summer held their branches and almost seemed to turn to view that sunset.

At the end of about 30 minutes, it was totally dark and street lights were on. So, I felt safe to continue to the apartment. What a breathtakingly beautiful way to end the evening.

Much love to our Lord and Saviour, who participated in making that sun and sky and clouds, and trees, and ...........  How blessed we are to live in God's world!

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Heavy snowfall this morning so I don't know if I should drive to bible study or not.  sometimes they cancel as our pastor from Louisiana just can't drive in snow. 

Awake with a concerning  heart this morning - I know it isn't a life-threatening thing but our son-in-law and others in the medical device department sales lost their jobs.  The threat of a new tax on our medical device developments is hanging there and sales have been dim.  Our daughter is working so very hard. 

Ruth Ann:  Your description of stopping to smell the roses in your own way - watching the beautiful vista was so helpful to me and I thank you so much. 

JudyB:  I didn't catch it right away - the meaning of your salt tee shirt.  Nice - that girl asked and she did get the message. 

Snow is building out there - it is beautiful and we always need the moisture. 

Judy, where did you get that wonderful T-short?  What a great message is gives. 

Have you folks checked out our latest Mini Challenge in the photography area?  HERE  This time the subject is "Trees" and you'll especially enjoy the one with dogwood blossoms.     By the way, if you have photos of trees and would like to post them in the challenge but need help, just give me a shout.  I'll be most happy to explain how, or I can post them for you.  The more entries we can get the better!

Well, I overtaxed myself with doing too much yesterday in one day.  I not do that again! 

Today Ivalou and I are going to Bob Evans and then to Walmart to get in groceries for our bare cupboards and anything else that calls our name! 

Then tonight is a VBS meeting at church at 7pm.  That's it! 

Ruth Ann ~ I love the ending to your evening.  I do that a lot in the summer by sitting on the deck and watching the sunset ....or until I am eaten by mosquitoes before coming back in the house.

Janet ~ Hope whatever you have is over before getting on that airplane for Turkey!

Larry ~ I didn't catch the making a big pot of soap.  I guess I am too used to typing mistakes!! 

JudyB ~ I, too, would love to have a salt shaker and light bulb T Shirt! 

Carol ~ Keep your snow there, please.  Indiana is finally getting nice temperatures that doesn't go with snow!  We like it that way.  And the farmers are praying for dry weather...at least, until the crops start coming up!

Joyce ~ Hi!  Come back more often!

Jeanne ~ I could bring my crocheting and we could have a good ol' time working our fingers.

The TShirt was at the concert.  ...... YOu would have to contact Carman's organization to get one!

John had a breakdown last night.  HE stopped at a truck stop to grab a coffee and use the washroom, when he got back to the truck it would not start the computer system wouldn't cycle, there was no activity in the engine compartment at all.  However there was battery power.  It took a long time for the shop to get to him only to find out thet there was a wire that had shorted out.  That was caused by the de-icing spray they put on the roads.  That "stuff" is wicked how it eats away at the wiring in our vehicles, causing the computer systems to short out.  One of our vans died because the computer system shorted out and was too expensive to replace.

THis is another beautiful day here in the north. It is 63 F right now with a high expected to be 76F  this is a welcome change, however, that means the black flies will be out very soon!

Have a wonderful day folks and Larry enjoy your soap!

Oh, yes, crazy weather!  They are saying we will go from the high 8os yesterday to snow tonight, with a drop of 50 degrees.  Global warming?  Hardly.  I heard yesterday on TV!    that we are into a cycle of global cooling that is to last for 200 years.  That's a long time to wait for a warm-up!

Ruth Ann, it is good to take time to enjoy God's beautiful creation.

Etta Sue, do take it easy!

Carol, sorry to hear of your concern for son's job.  Times are tough  for a lot of people, but our "leaders" continue to spend like there will never come a day of reckoning.