Christian Photographers Community

I read in today's newspaper that the 16 yr old shooter at the library will be tried as an adult.  And if convicted, will get an adult sentence...life in prison.  I think he will have to go through exam for mental problems first.  And obviously he has problems there.  Sara is out of work now because the library is undergoing a renovation right now, not because of the shooting, this work was already planned by the city. They decided it was a good time to make improvements.  And she jokingly said "I am still clocked in!"

Quick update on Beth:  She is very, very weak, and so very tired.  But when I asked if she wants to go back to the hospital, she said NO!  I believe it is her right to decide for herself,
and if I were in her place, that would be my choice, so I understand.  John keeps saying he knows she doesn't want to leave her husband.  But she has fought so long and so hard to live, she just has no reserves of strength left with which to fight.  I told her again  that if she chooses to go home to Jesus,
it is okay, we will be all right, and anyway, we will be there in just a moment (in God's time.)  Of course we will be very sad, we will miss her terribly, but how could I not want her to be set free?

I'm spending all the time I can with her, but she was sleeping, so I took a little time to come home and regroup a bit.

This is very unsettling for us in another way.  We are scheduled to leave on the bus trip to Kentucky one week from today.  Can we go?  Should we go?  What to do?    I am just leaving everything in God's hands, for He knows what is ahead.  And he loves us.

Wishing all of you many blessings.

Oh Janet, we all knew this day was coming sooner or later, my heart goes out to you and the rest of the family. I will keep praying for all of you and especially for Beth. One thing that I told a friend who is waiting for Jesus to come at any moment, " When your mansion is finished and ready for you to move in, He will come for  you."

I will soon be leaving for a different church this morning, this is a large more modern type church with halls, stairs, even a lift, and several off rooms where other things go on, the main church entrance is to the front....The lady who came to meet me the other evening for the fish and chip social gathering, gave me her phone number to phone her as to whether I shall be coming or not, so that she can meet me and take me in, which I already have done, bless her, she is like me rather chatty...Told no Holy Communion this morning...unlike my other small village church I can expect a good 130 -150 parishioners attending....Not sure if this church will become my regular church as I still have a more local church that is attached to the " Community Angels..." to go to, once the update their Sunday programme so I know which one of their 4-5 circuit churches will be on each particular Sunday...wouldn't it be just simpler to attend the same church each and every week but, I guess a shortage of church Vicars and small parishes that have to be shared...

Wishing everyone a Blessed Sunday...however we choose to worship...

Hi everyone. While we are fine here this morning by tomorrow morning it is going to be another situation.  We will be getting wind and heavy rain and a high chance of tornadoes from the outer bands. 

This afternoon we will get our emergency lights, radio medicine and some important papers together. I will also take the chairs and table from our front porch, fill the bathtub with water and turn the freezer down  to its lowest setting.  We are going to put two chairs in our laundry room as this is probably the strongest point in our house for protection.  Undoubtedly we will experience power outages and have no idea of how long these could last.  If I don't post it probably means we don't have power although should be able to make a short post with my phone if the cell towers stay up.  We certainly don't expect anything like what the coast cities and Florida and perhaps up through Georgia and Tennessee will experience. There are a lot of evacuees here from the coast area and Florida with many in shelters that have been opened. 

I plan on going to Church this morning but have no idea whether Pat will go as she didn't have such a good day yesterday.  She was on her feet too much.

Jeanne, glad you have heard that your DIL's daughters are safe on St. Marten.  I hope the other daughter rethought her travel to the Outer Banks of South Carolina as those have been evacuated as far as I know.   

Janice,  the 16 year old would be a danger to society and should be tried as an adult.  I take it your daughter would have been out of work for awhile due to the renovation regardless of the tragedy that occurred. 

Janet, I so with I had some words to ease your pain at this time but just know that I care and will be praying for you.  These are the times we just have to rely on our faith and remember that our loved one will no longer be in the terrible pain. 

Jackie, it sounds like the new Church you attended this morning is better equipped to deal with your situation.   

After a whirlwind visit from late Friday to early this morning, Ken has gone back to New Jersey.     We watched the tennis tournament, finished up the Power of Attorney, took care of a few little chores and talked.  And talked.  And talked.  His wife's daughters are now safe and sound  Puerto Rico, where they were transferred by the army.  What a story they'll have for their grandchildren some day.   

Oh, Jeanne, how happy I am that you had the visit with your son.  And that the daughters are safe, as well.  For sure, they will have stories to tell!

Larry, our grandson Mark is in the Orlando area, but he says they are on high ground and don't anticipate any serious problems.  Said they have plenty of food and water; the neighbors have a generator, and have offered them storage for some food items in their refrigerator and to let them charge their cell phones.  He said only one house in their neighborhood has boarded up their windows.  Since this is their first year there, I hope they aren't being overly optimistic!

I pray you and Pat are safe, well-stocked and have everything you need, and especially that no emergencies occur during the storm.  Isn't it great that they can now predict so far in advance when those things are coming?  Thank you so much for the kind words.  My heart is hurting for dear Beth,
and today we got even more bad news.     She has C-Diff, a terrible, dangerous and contagious type of diarrhea!  So now she's in isolation, and all who enter her room have to gown up and put on shoe protectors, and if feeding her, wear gloves.

When I visited twice today, she was so very tired, but Kerri got her to laugh a few times.  She's still our Beth with that great sense of humor.  I fed her, and she ate about a third of a big pancake, also spooned around four ounces of liquids into her.

Both my other girls told us they think we should go on the trip to Kentucky.  As much as I want to go,
I know she will be heavy on my mind the whole time.  I'm torn!

Beth will be put on Hospice this week, if all goes to plan.  I hope they will be able to manage her pain better.  Edit:  They just called and said if there is a delay getting her on Hospice, they will immediately put her on Comfort Care.

Marilyn, thank you.  Another friend made the comment that Beth's mansion should really be grand!

I'm trying to get the laundry done and pack for the trip, in case she makes a big turn for the better.

Hi everyone. It is a rainy morning and the winds are increasing in intensity.  So far the rain is not really heavy yet.  Our forecast this morning is talking about wind gusts of 35 to 40 MPH but hopefully those won't be sustained gusts.  So today will be just keeping an eye on the weather and hoping for the best.  This is such a huge storm. 

Jeanne, glad you had a nice time with your son even if it was a brief time.  Sure glad his wife's daughters are safe in Puerto Rico.  It has been a tense and dangerous time for many people.

Janet, hope you will hear from Mark today to assure you that they are safe.Nice of their neighbors to be willing to share their freezer space.  Don't worry about us as we will be fine and have plenty of food and water and it sounds like the wind gusts are not going to be as strong as we once feared.  Poor Beth with a new problem with C-Diff.  What else can happen to that poor woman.  Hospice should help her stay as comfortable as possible.  How does Comfort Care differ from Hospice care?

So glad to read of the safety from storms for many of the relatives in here. 

Thankful for any news on Pat!!!

We drove back from Minnesota yesterday and saw a lot of dust and a very red sunset as we entered Colorado from Wyoming and South Dakota.  Very thankful for a safe trip.  Chatted with my 102 year young auntie n MN and Don's 97 -year- young cousin in Duluth, MN.  (His cousin lives alone in an apartment, quilts and volunteers at church a little bit less now.  We attended a graveside memorial for another of his older cousins as well.  Spent time with grandson in St. Peter, MN and several friends wanted to treat us to meals out since they have stayed with us on trips.  I had Walleye fish 3 times (yum). We stayed four days at my cousins lake house and relatives and friends came so often that we filled the dishwasher 3 times most days.  We ate out too and so many loving people came to visit.  Highlights of our trip.   

Janet:  I am keeping you in my prayers. 

Updates from my corner:  Mark and Tiffany are safe.  Their house has some damage, nothing Mark can't repair, once he can get the needed materials.  So grateful for God's protection!

Beth was again very tired, but I had a good 2 1/2 hours to pray, sing, read to and love on her, then feed her breakfast, before John came.  The DON and another RN wanted to talk to me, and by the time we finished it was noon.

Larry, the difference between Hospice and Comfort Care seems hard to explain, but after asking three different nurses, I think it is this: Comfort Care is all done by the  home, and if they need stronger pain medication, they have to get a prescription from a doctor.  Hospice is expert in managing pain and have the meds available; and they also have good family support.  Since the home is under new ownership, they have to get a new contract signed with Hospice, which hasn't happened yet.  So they will give her Comfort Care until they can get Hospice for her. 

I'm really tired.  Last night, every time I moved my legs, cramps would grab my calves, until I was afraid to move.  So not a good night.

There is a meeting this evening at the home, supposed to be for answering question from families of the residents, so I need to go to that.

Carol, sounds like you and Don are having a great time.  Good for you! 

I shall return............

Janet, I am so sorry about Beth.  Please know that I am still praying for her....and you!

We are starting to experience cool weather here and the smoke warning has been stopped.  So many fires burning here in BC.  Some days the sky has been really dark and the early morning sun a dark red.  We get the smoke from the mainland and from Wash.  I am not sure what will be left of our forests and wildlife.  Many, many people evacuated in so many areas. 

I am so sorry for the terrible things happening in US with floods and hurricanes, etc.  Stay safe Larry.  I have been following things on CNN and it is sad beyond words. 

I am chugging along as best possible.  Will be 85 in a couple of weeks, so do not expect much in the way of relief from discomfort.  Grateful for all the many blessings in my life and especially for my daughter and son in law and their kindness.  God Is Good

Liz

Hi everyone. It is a quiet and overcast cool morning.  The effects of the hurricane have now passed our area.  I am very grateful that we really had no impacts from the storm other than the 3 1/2 inches of rain and a lot of very gusty wind.  There were  3 or 4 shingles in my driveway but an examination of my house roof shows they were not from it.  I think they came from a trash pile in front of a new home being built on the next street. I looked at my roof this morning and all seems to be in place.  We did lose power for  about 3 hours starting a little before 3 pm. We sure were happy to see the lights come back on before night time. 

I have already put most of the things I had out for an emergency back in place.  I still have to move the patio furniture back into place and move the plants back outside.  I also need to take our cooler back up to the attic.  There were trees down in certain areas of Augusta and North Augusta. 

It sure has been good to see the messages from or about our folks living in Florida that they had weathered the storm.  Pat has a lot of relative in the St. Petersburg/Tampa area and it sounded dire for them but the storm also pretty much left them alone.  I haven't heard anything from friends over around Atlanta but know they also got a lot of wind and rain.  I just see on the Weather Channel that over 7 million people are without power this morning. 

The main thing on my schedule today is to see the foot doctor this morning to get my toenails trimmed.  I have been looking forward to this appointment for several weeks as my big toes have been very sore to any pressure on them.  I plan on taking it easy the rest of the day. I found the uncertainty  yesterday to be stressful and was very tired when I went to bed last evening.  I had a good nights sleep and feel rested this morning.   

Carol, nice to see you are safely home from your trip to Minnesota.  It sounds like you and Don had a wonderful time and saw a lot of people. 

Janet, glad to see your note that Mark and Tiffany are safe with damage he can repair.  I expect getting building materials is going to be a big problem with so much destruction in Florida.  Thanks for the explanation of Comfort Care.  I hadn't realized that care homes had to have a contract with Hospice.  Hospice was so good to Stacey and to us when the end came.  No wonder you are tired as you are under a lot of stress. 

Liz, good to see your posting and see the smoke situation is better up your way and that you are getting cooler weather.  Let me be among the first to wish you a Happy Birthday.  It is fortunate that you daughter and SIL are good and kind to you and can help you out as needed. 

It looks like we are going to have some cooling here and that is normal at this time in September.  We have even had short snow storms on this month - such as, the day we moved here from Texas.  Tonight is quilt night and I hope someone else will drive as I am iffy about going in the dark anymore with the influx of masses of newcomers.  Still a bit weary of that drive two days ago.

Liz:  Smoke is east of the fires, I did not realize you were in the smokey area too.  You have a great attitude and it is so nice to read your notes. 

Larry:  glad that you have not had damage to your new home.  The damage to many southern states will take years and in some areas, Texas for instance it will never be finally fixed.  All the homes damaged by hurricane Rita years ago were damaged once again. 

Janet: Praying!

At last we have gotten round to my MS social evening, we never had one last month so been a long long wait....There are always two months each end of the year we dont have one but...tonight's social sounds intriguing, mysterious and fun....We have someone coming in and " entertaining " us with...Romance through the decades 1890 to 1950's in popular song..." our newsletter is telling us..." this is an audience participation event, and should be fun..." have no Idea what to expect...
My MS body has taken a slight downhill since I broke up some delivery boxes today, but this will not deter me from going...I will be still looking forward to our, this evening's do...just got over an hour before we leave...best go get myself ready....

That does sound like fun, Jackie.   Be sure to let us know all about it.

Good Morning I  am baking bread this morning and have already been tio the gym and taken Freckles for a walk/ 

Larry good to hear that you escaped the heavy part of the storm as did the Agusta area. As you know one of my Son's is working at the Nuclear Power plant they are building in the Augusta area. I also have a grand daughter in the Columbia SC area.

We are getting a bit of smoke today but nothing like it was last week, I can still see blue sky so it can't be that bad, And I don't smell smoke in the air.

After almost two weeks of constant stress and concern over Beth, I was really feeling tired and sore all over last night.  But I had a good night's rest, and felt much better this morning.  And when I went to the home, I found her so much better I was shocked!    But, of course, very pleased and happy!  She really does amaze me, the way she has bounced back from near death, time after time!  So today has been a day of thanksgiving and praise, and packing for the Kentucky trip, as we will leave early Saturday morning.  I talked to Beth about it, and she assured me she will be fine, and will be here when we get home.  Our other daughters really encouraged us to go, even while Beth was so sick.  I think maybe they are concerned about me and know I need a break.  John will be with her and will call me with daily updates; and Diane will come up to check on her mid-week and apprise me of the situation.  Of course, the nurses can also call me anytime, too.  (Aren't cell phones wonderful?) The nurses said she will still be assessed for Hospice, and that for now, she is on Comfort Care.  They are being cautiously optimistic.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!  I know it's likely we will need them again in the future, and it is wonderful to have friends I can call upon for prayer support!

I have read all your post, won't comment tonight as the aches and pains have returned and I need to get some supper and get to bed.  I love each and every one of you!

Janet

Jeanne Lee...
...I really enjoyed our tonight, even though not many of our MS'ers turned up...our 70s something entertainer was fun, we held a conversation about his entertainment singing, when and how he started...His commentary on the years and how men courted, then with the songs, he had humour, we laughed, we sang along to the likes of...( these are just the ones I can remember us singing )....

Put your arms around me Honey, hold me tight...
By the light of the silvery moon...
Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do...
Lily of Laguna...
I'm shy Mary Ellen, I'm shy...
Let me call you sweetheart...
Yes sir that's my baby...

Janet...
...all I can add is that Beth is hear to stay, she isn't going anywhere yet, and that is a blessing...Now you take some healing time for yourelf...

Janet, I'm so happy to read that Beth is once again on the "up" side.  Enjoy your trip.   

Jackie, it does sound as though you had a really enjoyable evening.  Love those old songs, even though if I joined in the singing it would surely end the performance! 

Jeanne Lee...
...Luckily for him, he handed out a leaflet with the words to the songs but....as to the singing in tune.... I can assure you, if I can get away with it, so could you...  

It has just dawned on me it is my daughters birthday today, my only child...she is 48 but, sadly we are now estranged...but it was just three hours ago I had pushed her out of my tummy...now she is a mother and grandmother herself....where have these years gone?...

Just back from a down-slope-up-slope short walk...I now have to rest as my body is now messed up, my lower stomach and legs are so heavy, I can hardly move my feet and legs, or rather, I am not in control of them...but I got myself out, and that was my main objective..and of course back home again, all in one piece...Surprising what one can do, if one puts their mind to it...my body was not too great even before I started but it can change in the blink of an eye..and it does...

Hi everyone.  It looks like it will be a beautiful day with it getting only into the low 80's this afternoon.  I think I will go to coffee with my men friends this morning and then this evening we have dinner at the Church and Scott and Jennifer will be coming to the house afterwards. 

Carol, hope the snow stays away from your area for awhile.  Did you make it to your quilting group last night.  We had a schedule Home Owner's Meeting last evening and I totally forgot about it as had planned to attend.  Needless to say I was relieved to see there was no damage to my home or to our area. However, there were still thousands of people in our County who were without power as of yesterday morning.

Marilyn, that Nuclear Power plant isn't too far from where I live.  I didn't realize, or have forgotten, you have a granddaughter in Columbia. 

Janet, sure glad you found Beth better and that you are going to be able to go on your trip to Kentucky.  I am sure your daughter's are concerned about you and the toll all of this stress is taking on you.  You will obviously be in touch with the situation and Beth knows where you will be. 

Jackie, your MS gathering sounds like just the thing you needed to lift your spirits.  Those songs are familiar to my growing up years except never heard of "Lily of Laguna" or "I'm Shy Mary Ellen".  Glad you made it back home from your walk today. 

Jeanne, it sounds like you are being too hard on yourself regarding your singing.                                                     

Hi, friends,

It's wonderful to have had the time to catch up with y'all today.

My sister in law is now back in her apartment. She is thinking positively,  prayers continue for and managing pretty well.

May God richly bless each of you.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Beth wasn't doing as well today as yesterday.  And I am feeling the effects that continued stress can cause an "older" body.  But I will be fine, I'm sure.

I have read each of your posts, as always, and send blessings to each of you.

Hi everyone. After some rain late last evening we start today seeing the sunshine and it is suppose to be nice all day.  In a little while I will pick up my friend and we will go to coffee and then I hope to attend the Wisdom Group at the Church after taking my friend home.   

Ruth Ann, so nice to read that your SIL is finally back in her apartment.  I bet it sure looked good to her after these past few weeks. 

Janet, sorry to read that Beth wasn't doing as well yesterday as the day before.  Hopefully today will be a better day.  Please take care of yourself.  I know what stress can do to us. 

Beth seems a bit worse today then yesterday.  But she still says she wants us to go, so we are planning to go.  I know God is with her even when I cannot be; and as her husband,
I need to let John assume more responsibility for her.

I have been to my chiropractor, so that should help a lot with my soreness.  And I'm praying for a good night's sleep tonight!

Blessings to all of you!

Just catching up on your news -  Janet:  your life is like a roller coaster now - I hope John will step up to responsibility. 

Larry;  Snow is a way off - except in the high country.  But - we did move here in mid-September one year and had a blizzard on moving day. 

Don has a cough so he cannot visit our good friend - in care for another week or so.  We are really fixed on taking care of umpteen projects now plus trying to visit friends and relatives. 

Well soon I am in for another noisy morning....yesterday we had a couple of workmen digging up alongside of our parkhome site road, opposite to our home, only this morning just told Richard as he was leaving for his Doctors appointment followed by his Friday shop, so Richard will be out of the home for the next few hours and will miss the noise, I of course cant escape it...It is now 8.20 am they will soon start of their digging machine, the fumes that were going into our back garden yesterday were bad...only this morning they will be digging up the road our side, right outside our driveway...as yesterday they told Richard they couldn't find what they were looking for, so yesterdays dig was a pure waste of time, they seem to be looking for an electrical pipe, or cable underground...I am dreading when this machine starts up, it was so noisy yesterday and yesterday it was further away...as I type, I hear the clanking of pipes...Once this machine starts, it will go on to mid day, if like yesterday...Of course Richard wont be in any hurry to get home, with his luck it will have stopped by then...It should be me they are apologising to, not Richard..

This is it, 8.45 am, they've started...they are literally taking up the road...