Christian Photographers Community

Hello, friends,

It has been good to catch up with y'all tonight. Thank you for being here.

I pray for those of us who mention problems with health or other circumstances. May our Lord be with us to strengthen and guide us through our lives.

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

Good morning Ruth Ann, it is morning over here in UK, 6.48 am to be precise..our postings are 15 minutes apart...It must be night-time-bedtime for you...if so, have a good nights sleep..and may some of your troubles be lesser when you awake in our brand new day...

It is 10.am, got the home to myself and just finished watching another recorded tv Christmas film...." Angels and ornaments..." such a lovely film and happy ending, mixed with a tinge of sadness as the angel met up with his beloved...It was a piece of unfinished music that got the younger couple together, while the angel had the scarf wrapped round him with the embroidered message from her grandmother or great-grandmother...they were destined to be together and-or be reunited again...guess I am a right softy for these type of films...

Hi Everyone. Again we have a beautiful morning and will be seeing the mid-60's today.  The housekeeper called last night and said it would be around noon before she could get here today rather than around 10 am as normal.  So I will have an unhurried morning and then plan on making a short trip to Aldi's for some vegetables and eggs and then make the circle from downtown over to Augusta and up the Riverwatch Parkway and make a brief stop at Costco for two or three items.  I will probably get one of their inexpensive lunches while there unless Pat feels up to going out to eat later this afternoon. 

Yesterday she had two shots in her back, not the spine but in nerves connected to the spine.  She seems to be feeling pretty good this morning.  However, I prepared her breakfast as would like for her to stay feeling better and not overdo so she gives the shots time to work.  I have nothing else on the schedule for today. 

Carol, we become so dependent on the Internet that when it isn't working we are sort of at a loss.  When I saw the Urologist here a couple of years ago as he was leaving the room he asked if he could pray for me and obviously the answer was yes.  That was the first time I had ever experienced that with a doctor. 

Janet, thanks for the information on Jeanne Lee.  It is great to read she is doing better.  Do they have a blanket warmer where Beth lives?  I used to get those warmed blankets in the cath lab as it was always very cold and the other day the same was true while waiting for the eye surgery and it sure felt good.  Do you make your cakes a work of art with the frosting?

Jackie, hope this has been a good day for you.  You are several hours ahead of us so it is probably mid-afternoon there as I write this morning around 9:30.  My wife is watching a lot of those Christmas movies and enjoys them.  For me they are just starting too soon.

Good morning, I hope everyone is having a good day so far.  I went to Lubbock yesterday...Elaine drive me (dtr).  It is back to square 1 for my neck pain situation.  Had to go get X-rays done again.  They will call Elaine with a new appt date for a different injection.  The first one did not help. These trips are wearing me down, last week had to go get eye injection at Amarillo.  Both cities are 100 miles away. 

Everyone ready for Thanksgiving?  I am hosting family again, but they will do the work.  As long as there is turkey dressing on the table I am happy!  I always loved my Moms chicken and dressing.  I usually make that for our dinner.  Gotta make sure it tastes like my Mom's!  💕  We never do stuffing. T-Day is my favorite holiday...I was born on that day.  85 years ago...sure never thought I would live this long. 

Janice, bless your sweet and giving heart!  I received the box yesterday, and took it to the home and opened it for Beth.  She loves it!  (And so do I!)  Will send you an email later, but wanted you to know it arrived safely.  (((((((hugs))))))))

Larry, I hope the shots are a big pain reliever for Pat.  They can do so much now that couldn't be done only a few years ago.  It's really nice to have an unhurried morning sometimes, isn't it?

Jackie, apparently you don't understand my Beth's condition.  She is totally paralyzed, so when I say they got her up and showered, etc, everything is done for her, without her help.  And the reason she had to be put back in bed is that it has an air mattress that airs up, lets air out, etc. constantly, thus lessening the pressure on her body.  They come in often and turn her.  But she couldn't be up in her recliner chair, because that puts more weight and pressure on her bottom, in spite of being turned often.  Not as efficient as being in bed.

When I arrived this morning, there were six nurses in her room, checking those places again, and they found them improved after two days of being in bed.  They put some kind of cream on them and said two more days should make enough difference that she can start sitting in her chair more.  I am so grateful for the kind and loving care she is given there.  She has never had a pressure sore break open in all the 11+ years she has lived there.  And they are not open sores now, either.

We are having a beautiful, warm day here today, but they predict cold again tomorrow.

I need to take some warm pajama pants to Beth, as I notice her legs are cold a lot of the time since she has gotten so thin.  And it's nearly dark, so will need for Darrel to drive me.  Where has the daylight gone?  I spent several hours in town today, fed Beth both breakfast and lunch.  She eats better for me than she does for anyone else.  Guess I'd better wait until after the news to ask him to take me!

Good evening.  I have come here a couple of times today only to get side stepped. Our son came and helped his dad cover the boat for the winter, now they are waiting for the ice to freeze so they can go ice fishing.
 
Larry I to am unhappy when this machine is not working.
 
John several posts ago you mentioned keeping things to yourself ( it is easier that way) I to am that way I have had to many well meaning folk give unwanted advise.

Janet  God will take you home when the time is right,  I so very much know how you feel.

We have rain in the forecast for this evening and much of tomorrow. I was going to go to a bake sale but I just might stay home. 

Janet...
...no maybe not but I do understand MS....

Hi Everyone. Once again it is a beautiful fall day here in South Carolina and we will get into the 70's this afternoon.  There is not a cloud in the sky.  I did get to Costco and then on to Aldi's as planned yesterday.  The housekeeper didn't get here until after 1 pm but now we have a nice clean house.  The only think I plan on doing today is to go to a meeting this morning as haven't gone for a couple of weeks. We may go out to eat later today as Pat seems to be feeling better today.  I am hopeful the shots are helping.  She didn't need to use the walker to get from the bedroom to the family room this morning.  I did go ahead and fix her breakfast as want her to stay feeling as good as possible for as long as possible today. 

Janice, so sorry that your neck injection did not do the job.  Those long trips would wear anyone down especially when not feeling well to start with.  We are fortunate in that we have great medical facilities and doctors within a 10 mile radius and four hospitals in that same range.  The Georgia University Medical College is located here.  I think we have all the groceries we need for our Thanksgiving dinner, including a small turkey.  Our son and granddaughter will be doing the cooking this year.  An early Happy Birthday to you. 

Janet, so far the signs are favorable that the shots are going to help ease some of the pain for Pat.  Yes, it is nice to have an unhurried morning and almost every afternoon fits into that category.  My father had one of those pressure changing mattresses.  We had to buy it but was worth every penny of the $4,000 it cost as it prevented anymore bedsores.  The motor that made it work was also very quiet and hung on the end of the bed.  I am glad Beth will eat better when you feed her.  It must be that tender loving touch and approach to the job. 

Ruth, my nephew that lives in Spirit Lake, Iowa loves to ice fish, or at least he did.  I had never seen jeans that were flannel lined until I visited there years ago.  I think we all get upset when your computers don't work as expected.  One of the things we learn in Al-Anon is not to give advice since we cannot know what the other person needs.  We can speak of what has worked for us and leave it at that. It is easy for us to think we know what someone else should or should not do but we haven't walked in their shoes. If you went to the bake sale I hope you found some goodies to bring home. 

Jackie, hope you are having a good day today.  Is the sun shining over there?

Good snowy afternoon everyone.  It has been a long time since I have posted.  Health issues have plagued me.  3 labels so far and non of them is considered a final diagnosis.  Hypoglycemia, (Rapidly dropping blood sugar) Colitis, and a problem with the liver (6-7 different diagnosis on this one, seems no one knows what is going on).  OK that is the health issues

HOWEVER

We are instructed to praise God in everything.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)   In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Also Paul and Silas were in prison when Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians, and in Acts we find out that they (Paul and Silas)  were in chains and stocks and they started praising God.  AFTER they start praising, THE CHAINS FELL OFF. 

OK so we are to praise God in and for all things. The physical chains may or may not fall off, however the spiritual chains will! 

Let us enter the Christmas season praising God and let Him deal with the physical ailments.

Yes, Judy exactly "Praise God in everything. Hallelujah!!!!

I made a batch of Strawberry Jelly this afternoon and cooked a big pot of food for Freckles, she only gets ? cup of commercial grain free dog food per meal, I think I finally have a handle on her allergies. She gets nothing with wheat, corn or soy products and limited additives. When this bag is gone she will not get any Commercial dog food at all.

Keith seems to think he is  OK but I notice the little things are increasing. i.e. he tried to get in the back seat of the car or in on the driver's side, I have to tell him where he is supposed to get in the car and where to sit down at church. Most of the time he seems OK then something happens that is not OK. I am still trying to get him to help me complete the living will and power of attorney paperwork. It gets frustrating and stressful for me to keep asking him to do this. I tell him it HAS to be done while he can still make the decisions so that the legal things are in place when the time comes that we need to use them.

We are coming to the end of another Saturday.  Boy, it gets dark so early! Today there were two bazaars in town and I went and browsed both of them.  At the Christian church one, I bought two bags of their homemade noodles and a couple other items; at the other one, I got the great=granddaughters some pretty hair bows, and got a few pieces of jewelry for my older girls. And I won a nice door prize, too!

I was in town early to feed Beth her breakfast, and she ate an egg and a sausage patty!  So glad to get some protein into her!  She was trying to tell me something when John came in, and apparently she didn't want to tell him, because she stopped trying then.  From what I did get, I think she was trying to say that she will be leaving soon.  She knows he wants her to hang on and stay for him, but she's getting so weary and so weak. 

Jackie, I hope I didn't offend you, that certainly wasn't my intention.  I was just trying to answer your question.  And MS is rather like NF in that no two cases are the same.  The MS is what has robbed Beth of ALL mobility.  It's a terrible disease, as you know so well.

Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite actors, and Rear Window is starting, so I think I will watch it with Darrel.  More tomorrow!

Janet...
...oh yes, that we can both definitely agree on....quoting..." The MS is what has robbed Beth of ALL mobility.  It's a terrible disease, as you know so well..."

...Janet, people dont realise how horrible MS is until they actually have it themselves, one only has to go onto an MS forum to read how many members will make a posting stating the same...It takes away more than ones mobility...it attacks the central nervous system, brain, spinal cord and optic nerves...MS is chronic, unpredictable, disabling, and progressive... Sending prayers for your Beth...and for you as a mother who cannot do any more than you are already doing in trying to help her...you are a devoted and wonderful mother..   


http://positivelivingwithms.com/an-illustrated-view-of-multiple-sclerosis/
   

Hi Everyone. Today we will only be in the low 60's and partly cloudy.  However, the morning is starting off nice and clear.  I think Pat is feeling up to going to Sunday School and Church with me this morning.  This is the second day she hasn't needed to use her walker in the morning.  I believe the shots are definitely helping.  We will probably go out to eat after Church, hopefully with a couple of friends from Sunday School.  That will be out activities for the day.  Yesterday I did attend my meeting and then came home and rested for a couple of hours.  About 3:30 we went to Ruby Tuesday's and had a good meal. 

Judy, what a pleasant surprise to see your posting this morning.  Sorry to learn you have had to deal with several different health issues.  You are right that we are to praise God in bad times as well as good times.

Marilyn, nice of you to prepare the special dog food for Freckles.  Does she like what you fix?  The paperwork you speak of is very important and I hope you all get it done soon. 

Janet, it sounds like you enjoyed browsing the bazaars and found some nice items that will help with your Christmas shopping and your cooking. 

Jackie, I certainly agree with your comments about all that Janet does and has done over the years for Beth.  Maybe someday they will find a cure for MS and many of the other terrible things that happen to humans. 

Larry Hanna...
...yes perhaps one day but it certainly will not be in our lifetime...

...as Judy correctly states and Identifies, is to " Praise God, " ... at the end of the day, when all others forsake or give up on us, the only true and genuine person's is God and Jesus for His words and His promises... 

For the first time in I don't know how long, I didn't go to church this morning.  I was up and dressed, fully intending to go, and was to sing in the choir.  But Diane was coming to see Beth, as they are leaving in the wee hours of tomorrow morning for Florida, and she wanted to see Beth before they go.  She was running late, and wanted to see me, too.  Well, it all turned out good, because John called Beth to say he wasn't feeling well, so he isn't there today.  I fed Beth her breakfast, turned off the TV and put on some good Christian music, sang to her, etc. until Diane got there.  She visited as long as she could, then left.  I fed Beth her lunch, and by then she was in pain, so they brought her morphine and then moved her back to her bed, and before Darrel came to get me, she was sleeping.  So I was where I was most needed today, and God knows my heart.

Yes, the Word does tell us to give thanks IN everything, but nowhere does it say to give thanks FOR everything!  There is a vast difference!  I do try to stay thankful, but for the many evils in the world, I do not thank God, for they are not His doing.

Judy!  So good to see you posting again!  Sorry about your physical problems, and I pray they will be resolved, even if you never get the correct diagnosis.  God knows so much more than earthly doctors, even the best of them.  I'm very thankful for doctors, but far more thankful for our loving Heavenly Father.  He will never leave us not fail us in any circumstance.  But oh, how often we fail and disappoint Him!  Thank You, Father for your forgiveness!

I am wondering if I'm typing gibberish, as I had a wakeful night and am not thinking clearly.  So I think it's best if I just stop for now!

Love to you all!

Judy...
...I know the importance of hearing those words when given a correct diagnoses...I know it was a relief the day I was told I had PPMS...Of course not what I wanted to hear but, hey, for once my medical issues were given a name....I didn't have to try describing the strange things that were happening to my body anymore...I hope and pray your medics will give yours a name, at least if only to put your mind more at rest, allowing you to move on with your future...making changes and adapting...

Hi Everyone. We finally had a freezing temperature last night.  When I looked at the weather app this morning it said it was 28 degrees.  We are to get up to about 60 degrees this afternoon. Nothing on the schedule for today so will just take things slow and easy.  After Church yesterday we decided to come home and have lunch here rather than eating out.  I think Pat was pretty warn out from Sunday School and Church.  She really gave me a scare as we will going up the hallway from Sunday School yesterday her leg gave way and she started to fall.  She was able to prevent the fall by placing her hand on the wall and I grabbed her other arm.  I am so thankful that she didn't fall but she said she has had the same thing happen here in the house but so far has been able to grab on to something and steady herself.

Jackie, I liked that little illustration you posted.  So much depends on how we view life and that is a good example. 

Janet, you were God's hands for Beth yesterday.  What better way to show God's love than to let him use your hands and voice to help another.  Your thinking as you expressed it in your posting yesterday seemed perfectly clear to me. 

Larry Hanna...
...trouble is, I am not so sure I believe in it, if I am being true to myself, I dont want to be hypocritical...I would like to believe " MS doesn't have me, "...but it certainly has taken over me, does now control me, my body, that is for sure....but it wont stop me fighting back, fighting against this unwelcome and unwanted monster...

Larry, praise be to God, that with your help and quick thinking you prevented your Pat from taking what might have been a nasty fall... 

November 1 - Hospital

November 10 - Rehab

November 20 - HOME!

Jeanne Lee:  Wonderful news.  Will you continue with rehab from home?  Take good care of yourself and let friends and family help.   

I did a careful walk in this cool morning in the desert.  It is so quiet and peaceful.  Whatever was hurting in my left leg previously did not bother today so that is thankful news.  Tomorrow, I will pre-cook and bake everything I promised for Thanksgiving day - as we will drive to Phoenix area and back before dark on Thursday. Looking forward to grandson who has flown down for this week. 

I know Canada has an earlier Thanksgiving.  Do you fix turkeys most often too?  We talk about the Pilgrims first Thanksgiving - what is your basis for giving Thanks?  I should have researched it before asking but thought I would go right to the source.  Really, ours is much too close to Christmas - maybe we could make it earlier too?

Larry:  Good that you were following Pat.  I wonder - would some strengthening exercises help in any way? 

The Humming Bird feeder had to be taken down as bees were surrounding the area.  This year, we have seen a lot more bees.     

Jeanne Lee...
...about time, what kept you? welcome home...

Carol...
...we seem to be losing our bees over here, we so need them for making our honey...

Monday again!  John is still sick; I called and asked him what's wrong, he said he has a cold.  We don't dare expose Beth to a cold, with her already much compromised situation, that would take her quickly.  So I hope he doesn't go see her until he's sure danger of spreading it is past!

I went in early, she had just had morphine for pain (in her feet this time) and they were waiting for it to take effect before taking her to the shower.  After her breakfast, I came home, picked up Darrel and we went to the gym for a good workout.

Not too long after we got home, the Hospice nurse called, so I drove back to town to talk to her. She said she thinks I should call the airline and see if we can get some vouchers or something, as we do not want to be 1000 miles away when Beth needs us so much; and we have no assurance we could get tickets to get back home quickly.  So I have prayed for favor with AA and will call as soon as I finish here.

Larry, I'm so glad Pat didn't fall!

Jeanne:  WELCOME HOME!!!  You have been missed here!  But I had the great privilege of speaking to you, and I'm thankful for that!

Carol, where in Arizona are you?  It sounds lovely.  I hope you have a great Thanksgiving.  I think Canada's is only a week or so before ours; will have to Google that!

Jackie, do you also have a special day in which to give thanks to God for his goodness?  I am so glad we have it, even though so many only think of it as another long weekend to get off work, etc.
We have had mysterious losses in the bee population in our country too, and bees are such valuable creatures in our world.

Much as I dread it, I must get to that phone call.  Sigh........

I just Googled it, and learned that Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, since 1957.  (FYI)   

Janet...
...no, we in UK do not celebrate Thanksgiving but we do have and celebrate Harvest Festival during church service, which is traditionally held on or near the Sunday of the harvest moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox...Harvest Thanksgiving in Britain is marked by churches and schools in late September - early October (same as Canada) with singing, praying and decorating with baskets of food and fruit to celebrate a successful harvest and to give thanks...Collections of food are usually held which are then given to local charities which help the homeless and those in need...

Wikepedia.org

Welcome, Home Jeanne.

Larry, you asked if Freckles like the food I prepare for her.  Well, I think all dogs like people food.  what I prepare is ground turkey, vegetable of various kinds, brown rice, all mixed together, cook it then add dried cranberries and dried blueberries, this time I added ? cup of gluten-free oatmeal as well.

I went grocery shopping for a friend who can't get out right now because her heart is out of sync. I also went to a Hospice class on Neurological diseases for continuing education.Now I have a pot of soup going and will go to music practice at 4:30 when the Pastor picks me up.

Hi Everyone. We have an overcast but warmer morning with a low percentage of having some rain today.  This is another day with nothing on the calendar.  I may make a trip over to Costco to look at the Chromebook computers.  I have pretty well decided that I will go that route again but upgrade.  This will be Pat's Christmas present to me and I might just get it a little early.  I stayed home all day yesterday and it was just a quiet day.  I almost finished another audiobook, which I will finish up today and select another.

Jackie, does MS take your mind as well as your body.  I know this is very difficult for you and my heart goes out to you as you continue to battle with it everyday.  I think bees are disappearing in this country as well as they are needed for more than honey as they do a lot of pollinating. 

Jeanne, so good to see you are now home.  I am sure that was a very long 19 days of hospitalization and rehab.  We missed you and were praying for your being able to return home. 

Carol, nice to read your left leg didn't bother you on your walk yesterday.  It sounds like you will have a nice Thanksgiving and that you don't have to do all of the cooking.  Pat does do strengthening exercises.  She is stronger in her walking in the morning than later in the day.  She isn't having to use the walker this morning, which is encouraging.  Pat has cleaned up her hummingbird feeder and we have it stored away for the winter.  We don't see too many bees at our feeder.


Janet, it does sound wise to postpone your travel.  Perhaps the Hospice nurse could help with documentation as to why you can't travel now.

Marilyn, that sounds like a feast you prepare for Freckles.  You are wise to learn as much as you can about Neurological diseases.  Based on my own experience I highly recommend contacting your local Alzheimer's Association.  They were very helpful to us and they also usually have support groups available.  I hope you enjoyed your music practice last evening.   

Larry Hanna...
...as far as I am aware MS hasn't affected my mind, I am still the same old me, MS might be brain related but I feel my mind is still very much on the ball, unless someone tells me different...

man!  I am exhausted!  What a log, tiring day this has been!  I did go see Beth this morning before going to the Civic Center to do the talks on Peru  Let me tell you, 18 talks in one day is TOO much!!  By the time the last three groups came, they didn't care, and I didn't care much, either!  That's just too much information to dump on kids in one day.  If they remember anything, they won't remember what country it was about--that's my opinion, anyway.

I went back to see about Beth again after leaving out there.  John didn't make it again today.  She was moaning in pain when I came in, it was her back, she said.  They repositioned her and the nurse brought more morphine, I stayed with her until it took effect before I came home.  I wish there were more I could do for her.

I was on my feet all day, so could hardly wait to take off my compression socks and the shoes I wore. I will be surprised if I don't fall asleep before bedtime.  I could have sat down, but the kids were sitting on the floor and they couldn't all see me if I sat down, and I'm more comfortable speaking on my feet,
so I stood.  Remind me to "just say NO" if (when) they call me to do that next year!

I'm just checking in, now I'm headed to my faithful recliner!

Janet:  Just say NO next year - I have reminded you. 

Janet:  Bless you and all the family.  I don't know what to say except try to keep up your strength.  can you get someone to help you with chores around your house - just to help you have some recuperation time? 

Don is making a sandwich for supper.  We are all worn out over stuff - I had so much telephone chat with the new health insurance.  They wanted me to take their prescription plan too and I asked Don - he immediately knew to not drop the good and less expensive plan I have.  Good to have someone knowledgeable on health insurance. 

Jeanne:  Keep taking care -