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DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:






Luke 14:15-24

EVERYONE INVITED TO THE GREAT DINNER
"A man gave a banquet and invited many people ... Come, everything is ready". Luke 14:16-17

As a pastor for a little over a decade now, my most anxious moments have always been expecting people to turn up massively for service I have taken so much time and energy to prepare for. Every worship day (usually Sunday and Wednesday), I pace about in the church auditorium praying that people would come. Sometimes, they did come beyond my expectation and sometimes, far below expectation. In our text today, the host had invested time, effort, money and other resources into preparing a great banquet, large enough to feed everyone he sent invitations. Imagine the disappointment of the host when all the initial invitees declined at the last minute. To prevent his efforts from being wasted, he asked that his servants go out to the streets and bring in everyone they could find, regardless of social or physical status, so that the house would be full of guests. God offers salvation to everyone and has sent us to everyone.
Regardless of age, gender, race, qualification etc., God values everyone and would have us invite them to salvation. If you find yourself judging others, remember that God values them. Think of what you can do to show God's love to the unloved.

Birthday Blessing: "I will give you rains at the right season, the land will produce crops, and the trees of the field will produce their fruit". Leviticus 26:4

RBT Passage: Judges 12; Acts 16; Jeremiah 25; Mark 11.

Putting Christ first in all things takes practice and persistence. -
Mwesigwa julias muwanguzi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAXTbThGj-M

This devotional is from an evangelist in Africa.  He is a friend of a truck driver friend that John hired.  She sends money to him for food and for building his church.

Brenda's words:  "My relationship began in Jan 2017. The more Tom and I got to know him the more we loved him.
I've never met a young man so sold out to Jesus as I have seen in Julias. He is still a virgin..waiting for the one God has chosen for him. Many beautiful women go after him but he runs from them. A difficult thing to do at age of 31!

Julias has started over 30 churches and hosts many crusades."

Hi everyone,

Janet, Kimi couldn't walk very long or very far due to breaking her knee almost 2 years ago. 

Thank you again for all of your prayers.  I am looking forward to getting away for a bit.

Heather

Hi Everyone on this Friday morning.  We had rain on and off most of the day and evening yesterday.  It will stay in the mid-80's today and we have more chances of rain late afternoon and evening.  I plan on staying home today as about wore myself out yesterday.  I will keep myself busy here at my desk and with some kitchen duties, including shredding some cheddar cheese.   Yesterday I did go to coffee, stopped at Aldi's for a half dozen items, dropped my friend back at his retirement home and then stopped at the credit union.  I had some US Savings bonds that have matured and needed to cash them.  I had to wait awhile for my turn with customer service.  After that I stopped at Walmart to get some bread.  When I got home I laid down for an hour.  Then Pat and I went to Cheddars for our main meal of the day.  We thought Scott was going to go but he decided to stay home.  I ordered the special half rack of baby back ribs.  Then they served them they were cold, dry and I couldn't even make a dent with the knife on the top layer of something.  I told the waiter they were unacceptable and he replaced them with some that were hot, moist and tender and they were very enjoyable.  I ordered a pair of bifocal reading glasses as am tired of constantly having to put on and take off the the reading glasses.

Janet, thanks for the information on your outstanding performance in the art show and all of those ribbons including the Overall Grand Champion.  You must have quite an array of ribbons now.  While your prize money won't buy very much perhaps it will buy a few tubes of paint although I have no idea what such paint costs these days.  Sorry to read that you don't have a grief counseling class that you could attend. 

Judy, thanks for getting us started on the new month with a fresh page.  A couple of weeks ago we studied that same passage of Scripture in our Sunday School class.  That is a very young man to have started so many churches.

Heather, do hope your getting away for awhile will bring you some peace. Have you considered seeking some grief counseling, perhaps a class held by your Church or in the community.  You are not along in dealing with grief and it is helpful to be around others who have experienced the same thing and have found relief via such groups.   

Hi Everyone.  We have sunshine this morning after several days of not seeing very much of it.  Of course, our temperatures will be in the upper 80's this afternoon with more chances of shower.  We did get a couple of brief showers yesterday, one of which was enough to do some good.  I did stay home all day yesterday.  Today I plan on attending a meeting at 10:30.   I plan on stopping at Aldi's to pick up a sack of food for our Community Ministries.  We had an email from our Church saying they were very low on food.  This evening we are going to go to Pizza Hut for our main meal. We haven't been there for awhile and it has the added benefit of getting to spend a couple of minutes with our son and at least getting a hug as we leave even if he is too busy to spend a few minutes with us. 

Larry, thank you for your faithfulness in posting here every day, almost without fail!  I would really be disappointed not to see a post from you at the top of the page!  Glad you told them those ribs were unacceptable!  They should not have served them; how could they not see they were inedible?

I was about to post here yesterday when Darrel came  and told me he felt his lung was filling with water; as he could barely breathe.  That got my attention!  I called our doctor, who has Fridays off, but he called right back and told me to take Darrel to Johnson; that he would call and order a chest X-ray, but first he wanted them to check his vital signs, especially his oxygenation.  So I drove him to Johnson (only about 20 miles) and they found his oxygenation was only in the 80s, his blood pressure way too high.
The nurse asked if he'd taken his BP med, he said, "No.  I forgot."  And I had reminded him to take it!! Well, the good news in the X-ray looked as it should this soon post-op, no fluid in the lung.  The PA told him to try having a fan blowing in his face, that some people feel that helps them breathe easier.  He also asked if he had any anti-anxiety medication, he didn't, so he prescribed Xanax, and told him very forcefully NOT to take more than prescribed, nor longer than he needs it.  By the time we left, once he was reassured, his oxygen count was back into the mid-90s!   

Darrel was hoping he could sleep in the bed last night (has been sleeping in his uncomfortable recliner) but said he couldn't after only a few minutes. This morning he got up soon after me (around 5) and was so stiff and sore he could barely move.  I told him he needed to move around to loosen up; then go and try to sleep in the bed.  He did, and drank some apricot nectar, and has been sleeping on the bed since.  I went in and covered him and he didn't stir.  I hope today is uneventful in this area!!

We got a lovely rain of .6" last night!!  Thank You, Lord!

Larry, I got an email from Janice in New Mexico, she wanted me to ask you something--so I forwarded her email to you.  Easier than repeating her request.  Just mentioning it so you won't overlook it.  (You never do!)

I need to drink my Zeal, take my pills and run out to the Farmers' Market for a little bit.

Did you all the see the photo of my painting at The Main Artery?  It's on Facebook, both on their page and mine, if you'd like to look!  Wish you could all be here for my reception next week!

Hi Everyone.  We are to be in the high 80's again today with the possibility of more isolated thundershowers.  We did get some more rain yesterday.  I plan on going to Sunday School and Church this morning and getting something to bring home for lunch.  I woke up around 2 am this morning and then laid there for an hour and decided I might as well get up for awhile.  Pat has been having problems with her laptop so decided it was time to refresh the operating system so I did the back up and took pictures of the desktop for reference to put it back in order.  While her files remain during the back up all of the programs I had loaded on it must be reloaded.  So I have several hours of work ahead later today but should have it pretty much back in shape by this evening.  I have done this numerous times on different computers over the years so know what is required.  After I got the reset started I laid back down for a couple of hours.

Janet, doing the postings here and on a couple of discussion in S&F's is just a way of life for me as have been doing this for over 20 years.  I do hope Darrel has not had a recurrence of the difficulty in breathing.  Nice to see you had gotten some rain.  I will try to remember to look at your painting in "The Main Artery" a little later.  You are an writer and an painter and petty soon you will be a celebrity! 

Good morning everyone.  I come bearing sad news .  Margit Saunders, Chris's wife has passed away.  Please be praying for Chris and the whole family.

So sorry to hear of Margit's passing.  We just do not know when our time may come, so it's always the best to "live ready!"

Darrel has had a tough time again today, with lots of pain and surging blood pressure.  Between his doctor and me, we figured out a way to get it down, Praise God.

Beth's friend Becki got her "memories" ready and emailed to me, so I have that added to the book.  Not sure if I need a forward, nor whom to ask to write it, if so.  I got the dedication done, and the chapters list.  Nearly done......

Larry, I sure don't know how to do any of the computer stuff you do.  Glad you're able to keep Pat's done!  And your own, of course!

I did a little cooking; hard to know what to fix for Darrel, as he isn't eating much at all.  He's lost over 10#, which he's happy to lose, just not by being sick!

I think I need a nap, and now is my only chance!

Hi Everyone. It is a beautiful and sunny morning.  We are to be around 90 degrees today with a 40% of some afternoon showers.  I had a good nights sleep last night as was really tired as yesterday was a busy day with Church and working on Pat's laptop.  I did get her laptop all back in order late yesterday afternoon after spending 4 to 5 hours working on it yesterday.  I don't have anything on my schedule for today.  I have already fixed Pat's breakfast and cleaned up the kitchen and will just take it easy the rest of the day.  We haven't decided yet what we will have for dinner tonight. 

Judy, so sad to read about Margit Saunders.  My sympathies to Chris and the family. 

Janet, glad you were able to figure out a way to help Darrel yesterday.  He is having a tough time right now.  It was nice of Becki to share some memories of her time with Beth.  My computer knowledge is basically self-taught with some assistance from my good friend, who is now suffering with Parkinson's, and my son.  I am finding my ability to remember what to do in some situation is becoming less sharp and therefore it is a bit harder than it used to be but I can usually find a YouTube video or other instructions on the Internet that will answer my questions and show me what to do.  This is much different than what it used to be when all of this started.  Being sick is sure a hard way to lose weight.  Hope you had a good nap.

Sad news for Chris - so sorry for your loss. 

Janet:  My best to you and Darrel.  Is there any way you can keep track of Darrel's lung problems?  Does he need to go see a Pulmonologist?  (sp)?   

I have to call later today about jury duty.  It is a heavy traffic drive and so discouraging to read that note - having "done my duty" many times.. 

We are trying to meet with daughter (celebrating her birthday) and perhaps two grands this weekend - half way is Golden and we know a little lunch place.  G-daughter is coming back from her classes in London this week. 

It doesn't seem as smokey but it certainly is not clear air when you look towards the Rocky Mountains. 

I bought a backing fabric at Hobby Lobby for the latest quilt and just had to pick up two skeins of a beautiful denim colored yarn.  The yarn will look so nice with a matching jacket.  Hobby Lobby is my favorite - they close on Sundays for worship. 

We are thankful for August - the mornings are now a bit cooler.  We are able to have the windows open all night - something that was taken for granted all these years living at almost 6,000 ft. altitude.   

Good Monday morning to you!

Darrel managed to sleep a few hours in bed; has been sleeping in the recliner. Has elevated blood sugar today.  BP seems to be doing better with the addition of half an Amlodipine tablet.  We have a follow-up appointment with his surgeon in Wichita on Thursday. Daughter Diane will drive us again--bless her sweet heart!  So, if there are any further lung problems, the chest Xray then should show them. 

Larry, sounds like another day for you to take it easy!   

I have a lunch date with my friend the Judge today.  Been too long since we've had a little visit.  I will leave something for Darrel's lunch, of course!

Carol, sorry you have to fight traffic to answer the call for jury duty.  The gal who owns The Main Artery had to serve last week; she wasn't ahppy about it.  The vote on that case was "Guilty!"

Hi Everyone.  It is going to be another typical summer day here in South Carolina.  Yesterday there were storms all around us but we didn't get any of the rain.  However, one of the Churches in our county had its steeple blown off and a man was killed when he was struck by lightning.  An apartment house was also hit with lightning.  Apparently we may have a repeat of the pattern today.  I have a busy morning today as will meet with my friend at 10 am and then have to get over to Walmart to pick up a prescription and then go downtown to the other Walmart to pick up an online grocery order.

Carol, I bet your family will say a little prayer of Thanksgiving when your granddaughter gets off of the plane in Denver and you know she is home safe and sound.   It has been a long time since we shopped at a Hobby Lobby.  We do have one available in Augusta. 

Janet, good to read that Darrel finally was able to sleep a few hours in bed.  Glad to read that Diane will be driving you both to Wichita on Thursday.  I did enjoy a pretty quiet day yesterday but managed to stay busy.

Good morning!

We went to the ER again yesterday, as Darrel felt he just couldn't get enough oxygen.  They did another chest X-ray, it was okay; it's not his lung.  They told him it's all in his head and he understands that, but cannot seem to distract himself from the feeling.  It's terrible for him, and he doesn't feel comfortable if I am out of his sight, even though there isn't anything I can do for him, except try to reassure him--and of course, PRAY!  They prescribed Xanax, but he can't take that, because he took too many Valium years ago, and when he takes any of that type of drug, it's like when an alcoholic takes a drink, even after years of being sober.  So we are just trying to get by until we see the surgeon on Thursday!  He tries to distract himself by reading, watching TV, etc., but nothing seems to work.  He feels he can't breathe lying down, so isn't getting very much sleep at all.  This is wearing us both out!

He called me yesterday while I was at lunch with Peggy; of course I came straight home!  Hope he feels up to going to vote this morning.  His BP and blood sugar are both crazy......

He says he's ready to go vote--later!

Hi Everyone.  It is another bright and sunny morning here in South Carolina but our weather pattern is to continue for at least several more days with with rain or storms developing in the late afternoon.  Finally yesterday afternoon we did get some nice rain.  Today the lawn people are applying fertilizer and weed control on our lawns. I have noticed several weeds popping up in my front yard so glad they are doing this.  I expect they will also be mowing since they didn't get most of the yards mowed last week due to the wet yards.  The calendar is clear today as have no where I need do go.  Hopefully Scott will come out this evening and spend a couple of hours with us.  We have a bunch of green onions that I need to chop up.  Pat was going to do it as she could sit in her chair at the sink but just hasn't felt up to it. 

Janet, I don't know how one would really be able to get their mind off of a breathing problem such as Darrel is experiencing.  I hope his surgeon can give him some reassurance on Thursday that will help him deal with the situation.  I took Xanax for about three once many years ago and decided it wasn't for me as my emotions were flat.  At the time my dad was quite ill in the hospital and mother had just gone into the special care unit at the nursing home.  There was a lot of stress but I just didn't like how the drug made me feel.    I hope you both got to go vote yesterday.  Our primaries were held several weeks ago.

Janet:  Can you play soothing music for Darrel?  So sorry for his distress and that doesn't help you either.

Larry:  The tough times do pass and we remember we did survive the traumatic times.  Hi to Pat!  I hope she is feeling better today. 

Yesterday was stressful.  I showed up for jury duty and learned that it was a felony - children blaming a close relative and as you can imagine, I was so afraid that the testimony would be so awful.  There were about 50 to 55 people waiting for just that trial -  as a lot of the first group wanted out of the trial or lawyers chose for them to leave.  I did not get that far - thanking my prayers. 

Also, Don drove to the courthouse & we left home at 6:15 AM and hit tremendous traffic.  He drove me because every afternoon we are having hail and storms.  Baseball sized hail two days ago - we are fairly close to Colorado Springs.  It was almost 4 PM when we were allowed to leave and the black clouds were gathering but we made it home, so thankful. 

My only nice part of the court visit was to find the wall of police dog pictures.  They use them for four years.  What brave and loyal dogs. 

I have finally caught up; with all the posts since I was last here. We took a trip up; to Vancouver wA. to visit the kids a coulpe of weeks ago. I let them know about the finances or lack thereof as far as them getting anything from their father . The only thing that will be left after everything else is taken care of is the house ndnone of them want the house.  I ned to get my name put on the deed. I will be registering the POA with the county clerk as at that time I will inquire about the title to thye house.
A roofer is coming today to give us a bid on either repairing the roof or replacing it.

ny way all is well here just wanted to check in and let y'll know I am still alive.

I did catch up on the posts.

Marilyn, you've been among the missing for quite a while!  Glad to have you back.

Carol, glad you didn't have to serve on the jury; you do not need that kind of stress, for sure!

I've had a busy day.  Got hang tags (handicapped) for the vehicles. That meant two trips to courthouse, one to Dr. office and one back home for Darrel's signature.  But we have them for tomorrow in Wichita, so he won't have to walk long distances, I hope.  He seems better today, not as anxious, but says he feels terrible.  I hope we get some answers tomorrow about how to help him feel better.

I also did some painting today--did three cards.  A flamingo, some flowers and a toucan!   

Now to see if I can unwind a little bit.  I even have a little headache tonight, and only get those from tension.

Hi Everyone.  Another beautiful morning after a pretty stormy night last night.  There was a lot of thunder and lightning, including a strike somewhere very close to us and then quite a bit of rain.  Today is to get into the low 90's and there is a small chance of more rain and storms later this afternoon or evening.  This morning I have a doctor's appointment to have my toenails trimmed.  Then this afternoon Pat and I plan on going back to Ruby Tuesday's for another of their buy one get one entree coupon mail.  That makes pretty inexpensive eating.  Scott did make it out last evening after we had finished dinner.  He had texted before we had finished dinner that he was on his way so we left the food on the table and he had a good dinner meal.  Pat fixed the pork loin roast and green beans and some smiley face potatoes along with some dinner rolls.  The potatoes were something we had never seen before as they were mashed but fixed in little round smiley faces.  It was the first time I ever had my food look back at me!

Carol, Pat does seem to be feeling pretty good this morning and is already up and dressed and said she didn't need to use the ice pack on her back, which is a first for quite awhile.  In the last few days she has spent a little time in her sewing room working on quilt blocks.  Did you actually get picked for the jury as I wasn't sure whether you were among that first group or not.  We actually had a little hail with the storm we had last night, although I am sure it did no damage as didn't last but a minute or so.  Glad you made it home before any storm. 

Marilyn, good to see you posting but knew you had probably been pretty busy.  I expect Keith's family is very happy to have you there with their dad as his disease continues.  Did Freckles enjoy his trip with you?

Janet, glad you were able to get the handicapped tags as it sounds like Darrel certainly needs to have them at this time.  I remember the process I had to go through for both myself and Pat.  For several years I have just used the handicapped tag rather than the hanger on the mirror.  I no longer have the hanging type.  Sorry to read that Darrel is still feeling terrible as of yesterday and hope your trip to Wichita does give you some answers and that it isn't a too unpleasant trip for him.  It sounds like you have had to shift your treadmill wheel into a higher gear with all you are having to do. 

Don is out for the monthly men's breakfast.  He participates in cribbage games a couple nights a month as well.  This is a good neighborhood for us.

Marilyn:  I hope all goes well with what you are expecting to happen in life.  Never easy.

Larry:  Isn't it nice to have Scott close and able to chat with you?  We have two sons close - our daughter lives about a 45 min drive and we will see her and possibly two grands in Golden (half way) for lunch on Saturday.  Our oldest son will be here for a week in September - with wife and dog.  ---I knew the trial was a big one when I saw so many possible jurors.  I was at the end and they never questioned me - so very thankful.  Still, I took an oath to not discuss the case or even look it online - and I will abide by that until the trial is over.  I only hope for justice.  --The smiley faced potatoes would be so nice for children. 

We expected hail again yesterday but it didn't hit here.   Roof and car insurance will jump up once again. 

I sure do need to proofread before I hit the post button.    The roofer will be out to give us a bid on the 21st.  I hope to get the roof either fixed or replaced before the rain starts. There is an awful leak in the laundry room that I have to clean up  off and on all day when it rains.  I also want to rip this old carpet out and  replace the living room sectional that was his parents and is all ripped up and dirty. Keith is  pretty much a hoarder, he doesn't want to get rid of anything only  what belongs to me.  It is difficult as I keep giving away some of my things to make room for other stuff. I am hoping it will get better even though I know it won't.

Hi from a very warm island.
We are having very dry weather at the moment and could really use rain.  So many forest fires burning right now....

I have been reading all the posts and so sorry that many are going through troubled times.  Next month I will be 86 yrs.old and have found that life really does not get easier.  Without faith in God, it would be impossible to survive.

For those of you who remember Squeek (cat) we had to have her put to sleep.  She was 22 yrs. old and Wendy has really felt the loss.  So much that she and my GD talked me into another cat.  A 2 yr. old street cat from the SPCA.  Mr. Teddy is now living in my suite until he understands his new life.  He is very gentle, uses his litter box and is learning to not scratch furniture. But...and there is always a BUT, he is very stressed and constantly cleaning and scratching due to nerves.  The vet said it will take about several months for him to relax.  When trained he will be able to go upstairs and have access to the whole house.

I did a lot of research about this problem  and have put him on a few drops of Bach Pet Rescue, which is a Homopathic medication that has been around for a few generations. It has worked so well for Teddy that I decided to try their human medication. Not a tranq. But simply calms the nerves.  I have tried Ativan and do not like the results.  Does not affect the pain med. I have to use and makes me feel lots better.  I am using Brach Rescue Pastilles, which tastes great and is available in health stores and some drug stores. 

The reason I am writing all this is that possibly Daryl might get some help from taking these tasty Pastilles.  It has a very calming affect and might relieve some of the stress.  Just saying........

I just received my box of cat toys from Amazon so will go and have play time with Teddy.  Should be more fun than watching the news. 

God Bless,
Liz

Hi Everyone. Getting a late start today as had an early morning appointment with the PA at my Primary Care Doctor's Office.  Late yesterday afternoon we had over an inch of rain, which gives us a little over 3 1/2 inches of rain in the last few days.  We are set to get to 90 degrees this afternoon and more chances of rain in the late afternoon.  I hear the yard people in the neighborhood and I hope they get my yard mowed and trimmed today as it has now been over 2 weeks.  The housekeeper is also here today. 

We had a really good meal at Ruby Tuesday's yesterday that had two chicken breast so we were able to bring one for each of us home and will enjoy it this evening for our main meal which will be a salad meal.  The coupon for the buy one get one entree at the restaurant yesterday saved us $16. Other than fixing the salad I plan on the rest of the day being a restful one. 

I mentioned the smiley faced mashed potatoes.  Here is a link that will show you what I was talking about.  We got these at Walmart and they were frozen:  https://www.target.com/p/mccain-smiles-mashed-potato-shapes-22oz/-/A-14759242  The potatoes come out of the bag looking just like it shows on the package.

The morning has gotten away from me as Pat came and and we chatted for quite awhile.   So I am just going to pass on individual comments. I have read all of the postings since yesterday

I did read the postings every day, but don't think I posted yesterday.  Diane drove us to Wichita and back yesterday for Darrel's check-out with the surgeon.  He checked out fine; the surgeon explained what he had done, and what he can expect in terms of the pain being resolved; said he can now do anything he wants to do.

I had a rough night; coughing; pain in my ankles, didn't get to sleep until around 3; so am anticipating a nap soon.  The reception for me is this evening and I would like to be awake for that! 

We will be going to see the surgeon soon about my ankles again; this is much too long for a wound to remain open!  (Since June 29)

Hope all is well with all of you---Liz, so nice to "see" you again!  I'll comment more next time!

Eggs were on sale at Sprouts.  So, the older eggs are being boiled for egg salad.  I found everything to make meatballs (Swedish, ) for tomorrows dinner.  This DIL is Danish.  I mix a little ground pork and veal if I can find it - could not find the veal today.

Liz:  Good for you for taking on another pet.  We decided a few years ago to not find another dog as we can always visit our children's homes and we do the caretaking if they are away.  The reason for none here is there are coyotes in the ravine and they are so bold - plus we have to walk downstairs to go out to the yard area or walk over the small rocks on the side of the house.  Tomorrow night, one son & wife are coming for dinner and they will bring one of their rescue German Shepherds.  They have acreage so they have ducks, chickens and three rescue dogs.

Janet:  Sorry for your continuing pain.  It has to be so hard for your ankles to heal because I am sure you are up and about trying to keep up with everything.  Have a nice time at your reception and stay seated. 

Larry:  I'll look at the site for smiley potatoes.  How clever. 

Hi Everyone. We have an overcast morning but very little chance of rain later today.  We actually went through a whole day and night with no rain in our area.  I plan on attending a meeting this morning and then this afternoon Pat and I plan on going to Dairy Queen for our main meal of the day and I will pop into Walmart for a couple of things and that will be it for today.  I have fixed Pat's breakfast as she was in pain when she got up.  I will probably watch some of the golf match later this afternoon. 

Janet, it sounds like Darrel got reassurance from the surgeon and too bad he hadn't explained what to expect when he discharged him.  It sounds like he got a fine report and being released to do what he feels like doing.  I hope you were able to get some good sleep and perhaps can pretty much stay off your feet today.  It sounds like you certainly need to have the doctor check your ankles again. 

Liz, it was good to see your posting and read about your new pet.  I hope the pet gives you a lot of enjoyment. 

Carol, I bet your meatballs are much better than the ones in the freezer that Pat bought from Walmart.  Like you all we are not going to have another pet as neither Pat nor I feel up to trying to take care of one anymore.  We helped our son with the vet bill yesterday for his 14 year old Pom and this morning I got my first email from a dog thanking me and saying the cough medicine the vet had prescribed had helped with his cough.  First it was potatoes that smiled back at me from the plate and now an email from a dog.  What will be next.    A couple of years ago we had friends from where we did live come over to visit and they brought their little dog, Crispy, with them and that was the only pet that has been in this house and it was a well behaved animal and we enjoyed having it here.  I am surprised that some company hasn't marketed those smiley potatoes before and kids would love them (and not bad for adult either as we all need a smile whenever we can get it).

Larry, how nice to get an email from a dog!
  The smiley potatoes are cute, too!

Carol, we don't plan to get another dog, either.  We have had such bad luck with the last several we had.  The cat is pretty independent (imagine that!) and we can leave her unattended for a few days, if need be.  When we go away now, John comes out and pets her and takes care of her.  She loves that!

The reception was very nice, and pretty well attended, too.  And one painting sold!  So that is encouraging.  Several came from Hugoton and Moscow, and Beth's dear friend Mindi, from Holcomb.  Everyone was very nice, and seemed to enjoy being there.  So I'm happy!   

Larry, we haven't had rain nearly that often, but did get another nice half-inch a few nights ago.  It's been really hot, too.  But we do expect that in August.

I went out to the Farmers Market earlier and bought Darrel a cherry pie, his favorite.  We got a box of Colorado peaches, which we shared with John and Diane.  I put some in the back refrigerator and there are still some on the counter in a small box.  I don't think we will need to freeze any of them, as they are disappearing rapidly!

I got an appointment for Wed. to have my ankle checked.  The doctor is retiring, even though she's still pretty young, and that is her last appointment on her last day before retirement! 

Liz, glad you got another kitty, as I know you really enjoy cats.  Any living animal is company, you can talk to them and people don't think you're losing it, talking to yourself!     Our cat talks back, and she's always agreeable--she never says "no" but always "Yeah"  (Meow)  Ha ha.

Darrel had a sleepless night, and I hope he gets so he can sleep soon.  It's really wearing him out!  I didn't manage to take a nap yesterday, but I did rest.  And I slept good last night!  Praise the Lord!

I need to get the sheets out of the dryer and remake the bed.  See you later!

I am just stopping in to say that cat Teddy is really for my daughter?s benefit as she is the real cat lover.  I am really enjoying him and need something to inspire me to keep on keeping on.  But when no longer able to care for him, he will always have a forever home...Important for me to stay mobile as I do my own housework, etc.  Wendy comes downstairs and brushes and plays with him as his energy is endless....

Sorry about spelling Darrels name wrong.  Used to Daryl spelling.  That company also has a remedy to help sleeping and it works...at least for me.I have always been hesitant to use some of the old remedies until was told about using a bar of soap taped to bottom sheet to stop night cramps in legs.  Had the most terrible
time and vitamins did not help.  No longer have pain at night....?Just saying!

The fires have become a terrible problem here on the island.  Very close to where I used to live and people evacuated.  we may get some rain soon so sure hope  weather forecasts are correct..

Okay, hope all goes well for everyone.  Guess life will always be diddicult.  I have not known if my son is alive or dead for the past 25 yrs.  No closure there.

God Bless,
Liz

Liz, I just read your last note about your missing son.  What a shame to hear that someone you raised drops you.  Feeling so sad for you.  He is missing so very much.

We are back from a drive to Golden where we met our granddaughter and daughter.  It is 90* outside and people are driving selfishly.  Construction all over the place and dust from the wind and heat.  It is so nice to step into the house and it is cooler.  Now, to fix the rest of tonight's meal. 

Janet:  Do you return for more doctor visits on your ankle?