Thoughts of the Month ~ August

Janet · August 28, 2018, 09:25:41 AM

I'm trying the brown color today! I just stopped in for a minute before we leave for appointments in Liberal.

Thinking so much about Beth, as this is her first birthday in heaven. I asked Jesus this morning to give her a big hug! She is dearly missed. But I rejoice that she is happy and whole there in heaven, where we will soon be joining her.

Larry, Darrel doesn't seem to think he will need a wheelchair. He is feeling a lot better these past two days, and eating more, which is encouraging. Nelda (trip leader) said we could bring a wheelchair, and I'm thinking it would be a good idea....we shall see!

Jackie, what a beautiful birthday card! I love both the sentiment and the color--good job!

Happy Birthday, Carol! How did I miss that? But I wish you happy days every day!

I must run! See you later!

(Hmmm--doesn't look brown to MY eyes!)

Jacqueline · August 28, 2018, 10:26:02 AM

Janet...
...Surely not, surely it hasn't been one whole year since you lost your darling Beth....
I so hope she is looking down on you and smiling one of her smiles...You are of course aware that she can do that now since she is out of all manner of pain...

Carol · August 28, 2018, 02:23:46 PM

Jackie: How very thoughtful of you - thank you so much for the beautiful cyber card. So special - you are so talented. Have you been to Canterbury? We stayed there and enjoyed the church service at the cathedral. Such an enjoyable and friendly visit that we will never forget. St. Mildred's.

Larry: We only go to the early morning 7:30 AM service in the chapel so we miss the huge crowd and there are volunteers but not really traffic directors. I go to that church for my good friends and we go to a Saturday night service at a Lutheran church that is quiet and Don can understand the speaker.

Today, I picked up at free salad at Panera's. It is Fuji Apple and something else. I should be sewing but can't get into the mood. Weather is changing here and we dearly hope and pray for fires to be extinguished - especially the over 500 burning in Canada. Some snow has fallen in the high country and Wyoming and Montana so that is great news this year.

Marilyn · August 28, 2018, 04:08:19 PM

Happy Birthday Carol

I am going to the eye dr this afternoon to be measured for the lenses I will be reveiving after the cataract surgery in Nov. and Jan

Janet · August 28, 2018, 05:14:09 PM

No, Jackie, it won't be a year until December 11; but this is her first birthday in heaven. So of course we are thinking of her in many ways, and missing her dearly. But she is happy and free!
And yes, smiling all the time, the way she used to do!

Jacqueline · August 29, 2018, 02:08:59 AM

Janet...
...hold onto those memories, for that is all we have now...and no one can ever take those away...

Carol...
...No, not Canterbury but, I would absolutely love to go to one of their services...I have been inside St Albans Abbey - Cathedral, ( Hertfordsire ) although only to walk around, not for one of its services...another magnificent and large Church...

Larry Hanna · August 29, 2018, 08:58:58 AM

Hi Everyone. Our morning starts out overcast but we will see the sun today. There is a possibility of some rain this afternoon. The only thing on our agenda for today will be to try to get haircuts (if the man Pat likes to have cut her hair is working today) and then we will once again so to Ruby Tuesday's to take advantage of the buy one get one offer that is good only for today. This is Scott's day off and we are hoping he will want to join us and then likely he will be coming out to the house for a little while. Yesterday was a quiet day. A little after two pm I made a quick trip to IHOP and got us a Colorado Omelet to bring home to share with some hash browns. It is made with three eggs and was loaded with different meats. I don't know how one person could really eat a whole one as it made a meal for both Pat and I.

Janet, I find the brown color and the font you use very easy to read. While we grieve our loss we also rejoice in the fact that our daughters are no longer prisoners of their illnesses and pain. I am sure it would be a bit of a hassle to deal with a wheelchair on your trip although a lot of people travel with one. Glad to read that Darrel is feeling stronger and eating better and that should help him regain his strength. Does your trip take to into the Interior of Alaska or will it be mainly staying on the ship with port visits?

Jackie, I was thinking also that it didn't seem like a year since Janet lost Beth but in rereading what she said I now understand it is a remembrance of her birthday.

Carol, there are many magnificent churches in this world. I have seen a few of him from videos on the Internet but never have had the opportunity to see one of them. I have a good friend who is a retired Lutheran minister and am really enjoying getting to know him. We have attended a Lutheran Church a few times when we were visiting in Florida and we visited one when we were looking for a new Church home when we moved to Georgia. While the ritual was a bit different we really couldn't tell any different in the message and that is the important thing. Glad Don can understand what is being said in that Saturday night service. I bet the Fuji Apple salad was tasty. I told Pat the other day that we need to go to the Panera over in Augusta as have always been pleased with the food and I love the French Crusty Bread. They also make a caramel nut sweet roll that is so good.

Marilyn, you may find when you get rid of the cataracts that you may not need prescription glasses and only readers. At least that was my experience. I am now wearing glasses all the time but the top part are clear glass and the bifocal part is magnification for reading up close. I got tired of having to put the readers on and taking them off so often.

Larry Hanna · August 29, 2018, 09:58:45 AM

I read this today and thought it was worthy of being shared and it certainly hits the nail on the head as to what we have experienced over the years.

The Stranger:

A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family.

The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on. As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger....was our storyteller.

He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies. If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future!

He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry.

The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind. Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home ?not from us, our friends or any visitors.

Our long time visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush. My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol but the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished.

He talked freely, much too freely about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and even embarrassing. I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked... And NEVER asked to leave.

More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?....

We just call him 'TV.'

Janet · August 29, 2018, 11:03:18 AM

The mention of the magnificent churches reminds me of a lady I met on one of our European trips. It was her goal to sing in one of those churches in every country in Europe; and we were standing in one when she said that. She said she was waiting for all the people to leave.
I asked if she minded if I stayed and listened to her sing--she didn't, so I stood a ways from her and she sang a beautiful a capella hymn, which resounded off the walls all around. The acoustics in those places is magnificent! It was a wonderful few moments, leaving me with an unforgettable memory. Of course, she had a wonderful, strong voice! Thanks for the reminder!

Larry, I've read that before about the stranger in the house. Good warning--at any age!

Before we get on the ship, we have three full days of motor coach tours in and around Anchorage/Mt. McKinley, then Mt. McKinley/Denali, then Denali/Whittier. Then aboard ship we go to: Anchorage/Whittier; Hubbard Glacier; Glacier Bay; Skagway; Juneau; Ketchikan; then a day at sea before arriving in Vancouver for our flight home. And now you know as much as I do about it! Our kids did this trip for their 25th anniversary and still have many fond memories. They tell us they think we will really enjoy it!

I have baked a peach pie for our lunch at the painting class, need to "put my face on" and get moving! TTYL!!

Marilyn · August 29, 2018, 06:19:27 PM

Janet your cruise sounds abvsolutely wonderful. I've told Keith that after Hawaii, my next adventure will be a cruise to Alaska, He has a friend that lives ib Juneau. I dn't know if that trip will ever happen, But I wouldf also like to do a river cruise up the Columbia, closer to home. Those cruises are for 7 days

Larry I will be getting distance lenses so will definitely be needing readers. I loved that story of the TV. I hadn't read that one before.

Carol when do you head back to Arizona?

Judy whats the latest word on Pat's health? Is she still in Canada or gone back to Virginia yet?

Keith seems to do well during the day but at night he often wakes up to ask "where am I?" Or Where did I go? I tell him I didn't go any place that I am still, right next to him in the bed. I don't know if that is part of the dementia or he just woke up disoriented.

Hi Jackie I didn't forget you. Are you getting out much or do you mostly stay home?

Larry Hanna · August 30, 2018, 07:59:25 AM

Hi Everyone. We are headed for another day with 100 degree heat index. No rain materialized yesterday and it was hot. I was so weary yesterday that I spent most of the day laying down in the morning and then again after I ate the lunch Pat fixed for me. Then I laid down again for a few hours. We did go out to eat at Ruby Tuesday's. Scott elected not to go with us but did come out for a couple of hours and visit with us. I actually felt like getting up this morning so think this will be a good day. The only thing on the schedule for today is to pick up my friend and go to coffee for an hour. If Pat feels up to going we will go for quick haircuts this afternoon.

Janet, what a wonderful memory of the lady singing. I had not seen that "Stranger in the House" before. It is a good reminder of how we are changed over time by little increments. That sounds like a great trip and one where you shouldn't have to do a lot of walking or spend days on the ship. I hope you both enjoy the trip very much. You will certainly see a lot of different scenery than you have there in Kansas.

Marilyn, I hope you do get to make the trips you would like to make. Thanks for the info on the glasses.

Janet · August 30, 2018, 09:16:14 AM

It's quite cool here this morning. I wore a fleece jacket while out watering my flowers, and it felt just right. I expect it will get much warmer later.

Larry, that's for sure! Alaska looks far different from Kansas! I'm glad Darrel decided to take the wheelchair, though he is rethinking the decision.

I have to go take down my paintings at the Main ARTery today. My month is up--already!! Doesn't seem possible. I will be renting a space to display some, but have decided to wait until October 1, since we will be gone for half of September. The space won't hold all I had on display, so I will think about what to take, what may sell. One painting and several of my cards sold this month, not a bad start. And business there always picks up around Christmas!

I'm having lunch with my friend the judge today. We haven't been able to connect for a few weeks now. And Carolyn (the priest) hasn't had time to read my book; she's working on writing a grant. Those take lots of time. She promised to read it before I get home, though.

Marilyn, I hope you get to make those two trips to our farthest-flung states, too! You will love them both, I'm sure.

Carol, where are you and Don planning to go? Are you thinking of moving to a lower altitude? I'm not sure I understood what you said.

Jackie, hope you get out and enjoy your area when you have the opportunity. It sounds lovely there! Come in and chat more, please.

I have a letter to Beth (in heaven) from her friend Faye, that I want to get typed into the manuscript. Faye is older than me, and was Beth's boss on her last job. She loved Beth fiercely and still wants to be included as much as possible in anything having to do with her. Sweet lady, but I'm concerned about her, as she is having trouble getting around now.

I'd best get to it!

Carol · August 30, 2018, 04:57:54 PM

Marilyn: The boat ride up the Columbia would be wonderful. I have two brothers living in Chelan - they were tired of the city stress Seattle turned into these last years. Thanks for the greeting - it was a nice day. --I am thinking Keith was dreaming when he mentions things in the morning.

Janet: The trip sounds wonderful. The big boats do not dock in Sitka anymore - it has such a beautiful harbor but... you will like all the rest. Different way of living being so far and having to have things shipped. not moving (that I know of) - Tucson is lower than this area so Don really likes it there. I noticed it was 114* the other day. Not planning any move at this time. If Darrel thinks he needs the chair, he should take it because the crew is trained to be so supportive and watchful and helps so much. It could save his energy. Nice that you are writing to Beth in Heaven!

Dinner is cooking in the crock pot - chicken with a gravy. It sounds so good after so many salads.

A note just came in from a cousin who has worked outdoors for the forest service in Washington and now paying the price for skin cancer. We never knew the rarely seen sun could cause problems so hardly anyone had sun screen.

We recommend a movie on Netflix - it is a great dog story. The name is Megan Leary (I believe that is correct) and it is about a young woman who joins the Marines and becomes a dog trainer that is to search for bombs. True story. I love these dogs - all the police dogs and military trained dogs are heroes.

Larry Hanna · August 31, 2018, 08:31:03 AM

Hi Everyone. Not a cloud in the sky this morning and it is going to be another day with the heat index up to 100 degrees. The only thing on the agenda for today is to do a grocery pickup at Walmart in an hour or so. Yesterday morning I did got to coffee but my friend called shortly before I would have gone to pick him up saying he had a dental appointment yesterday and couldn't go. Yesterday afternoon Pat and I did get our hair cut. We had dropped a birthday package off at the Post Office for Pat's sisters birthday on the way and as we came home we stopped at the Walmart Pharmacy to pick up a couple of prescriptions.

Janet, I am looking forward to some morning requiring a jacket when I am outside but it shouldn't be too long before that is a reality. Even though it will be a bit of a hassle perhaps it is better to have the wheelchair and not need it than the other way around. If you have a transport chair that would be lighter and easier to handle but has the disadvantage of not handling uneven spaces as well and going up inclines isn't easy based on my experience with Stacey. I am sure Darrel will make the right decision as only he really knows how he is feeling. That was a fast month at the ARTery. What a nice gesture by Beth's friend Faye.

Carol, I think living around any big city is very stressful and more so as we get older. Sorry about your brother having the skin cancer. I do know that you can get a terrible sunburn even on a cloudy day from my own experience.

Janet · August 31, 2018, 02:40:55 PM

Yes, it's easier to sunburn on a partly cloudy day, because it doesn't feel as hot or threatening for burning our skin! Larry, not sure just what a transport chair is--is that the same as a walker with a seat? The wheelchair is tagged and ready to go, he has brought the old Mercury around front to load; as the Lincoln has a very small trunk space because of the batteries in it for the electric power. (It is a hybrid.)

I got a new purple streak in my hair today! The first one lasted only a week, and I wanted it for longer, so I got permanent color this time!

I bought a charging stick (not sure that's the right term) for my phone this morning, as the battery has been draining in only two hours, so I hope this will keep it charged during the trip.

Carol, thanks for the clarification--you were talking about Tucson! That's where my surgeon is moving!

I need to take some things to the mailbox, in case the mail should arrive today before 7:00 in the evening. Service has been really bad lately!

Larry Hanna · September 01, 2018, 08:15:28 AM

Hi Everyone. It is going to be another hot and clear summer day getting into the mid-90's. Finally last evening at dusk I turned on my sprinkler system and watered the lawn as it appears we won't be getting any rain this weekend and if we do all the better. Only two things planned for today. This morning I will go to my meeting and then this early evening we plan on going to Pizza Hut. We have some bananas and oranges we got yesterday that we want to share with Scott and we likely wouldn't see him until next Wednesday. When I picked up my grocery order yesterday at Walmart they gave me another gift bag and we will give Scott and the girls what is in it. We finally put some items in the freezer yesterday and will continue to stock it. I fixed us a salad meal last evening and it was good topped off with an ice cream sandwich. The day has finally arrived to watch college football and I am ready.

Wednesday night told me about a service the Post Office offers where you can get an email every morning showing the front of each piece of mail you will be getting that day. If you are interested just search of Informed Delivery USPS and you will the link to set up the service. It is free. It also tells you if a package is to be delivered. I really like the service as will know whether there is anything in my mailbox that is worth braving the heat to get in the late afternoon when our mail usually arrives.

Janet, you probably won't see this today but want to wish you and Darrel a fine vacation. Glad to see Darrel is taking the wheelchair.

Janet · September 01, 2018, 09:57:49 AM

I'm popping in to tell you all farewell for a few days! We're packed, loaded and ready to go, have a house guest who is still talking........

We are to get back home on the 13th, so take care of the store while we're away!

We got a nice little 3/10" rain last night. So lovely, after 100* plus heat yesterday!

Time to run--want all the time we can have with our Abby this morning!

Carol · September 01, 2018, 01:21:51 PM

Today was the funeral for John McCain and it was so beautiful and interesting. I could iron and wash clothes while watching so that worked out well. Our National Cathedral is stunning architecture.

We had a long period of lightning last night without any rain.

Janet: Could your cell phone need a new battery? Two hours charge is not enough.

Marilyn · September 01, 2018, 04:06:48 PM

As you know one of my son's (Roger) has been fighting ncancer for the last 5 years. It is a kidney cancer that was removed many years ago that metastasized, to be 10 tumors on his pancreas, 2 in a lung and 2 on his liver, it might me more by now but that was the last count I got. He has been in and out of the hospital numerous times and on 3 different kinds of oral chemo. the one now is the last. I spoke to his wife yesterday, he was in the hospital last week but wanted to go home because another son is flying out again to be with him. He now has a drain tube in his belly draining the bile into a bag that he has to wear. My DIL was in tears as she told me these things.He is 58 yrs old now Nov. 26 with be his 59th BD if he makes it that long. I am preparing myself for the flight home to see him off to be with the Lord. He will be gone by the time I get there because I don't want to see him now, I want to remember him as the tall, robust man he was. I will be taking my dog with me for comfort as Kewith won't be going and neither will Gi;bert. Gilbert has patients to take care of, he delivers and sets up their oxygen concentrations. The 4 older kidhave a different father than he does and have not treated him well in the past.

His twin, my daughter, will probably not even be cord\ial to me she hs not polkem yo m,e inn years. and told my grand children to have nothing to do with me,she told them she doesn't need a mother. I have forgiven her but pry that she will do the same. She calls herself a Christian but doesn't behave like one. that is her choice of how she lives her life.

Larry Hanna · September 02, 2018, 07:40:47 AM

Hi Everyone. We are headed for a high today of 92 degrees with a 20% chance of rain though the afternoon. I watched some football yesterday afternoon and again last evening. In between we did go to Pizza Hut for a delicious pizza and got to spend a little more time with our son than normal as they were not very busy.

I got up about 1:30 for the bathroom and then couldn't go to sleep so about 2:15 I got up for an hour and read the postings since yesterday in these discussions as well as my email and finally worked a jigsaw puzzle. I then went back to bed and got a little more sleep. It was late when Pat came to bed. We had enjoyed a cola with caffeine in it with the pizza and I am sure that was the reason Pat stayed up so late. I just couldn't turn my mind off and don't think it was the caffeine as that usually doesn't bother me.

I am ready for Sunday School and Church this morning and don't know yet whether Pat will feel up to going to Church or not. I have a coupon for a free medium sub at Firehouse with the purchase of medium sub, chips and a drink so that will be our lunch for today and I will stop there on my way home. I plan on watching the end of the golf match late this afternoon. We finally got our new Medicare cards in the mail yesterday that have been issued throughout this year.

I guess Janet and Darrel are on their trip now and I hope it is a wonderful experience for them both and that Darrel is feeling up to it.

Carol, I watched some of the John McCain funeral. I feel for the family having to go through such a long ordeal over the several days. I never visited the National Cathedral in the 7 years we lived in the DC area or on any business trips there at other times.

Marilyn, thanks for sharing the further information about Roger. From your Facebook posting I thought maybe you were headed to California within the next few days. Sometimes sad occasions bring people together and I hope that your daughter will let the past go and reconcile with you. I will be praying for Roger and his family (that includes you in the weeks and months ahead). I hope Roger isn't having a lot of pain but would certainly be understandable if he does.

Carol · September 02, 2018, 01:49:08 PM

Marilyn: May you have a peaceful journey to your family.

This week, I transferred our membership to a church nearby - where we have been attending for quite some time.. It is the right thing to do and although we are away for months it is closer to where two of our children live. The two pastors speak well and Don can understand them so that is a huge thing - as his hearing the sermon is critical to where we attend. Nice and friendly people too.

I am packing a lot of stuff including Christmas things for a consignment shop and if they do not want it, it will all be donated. It is not coming in the house again.

Larry: You will be ten degrees higher than us - still, we are too warm. There are 3 small fires in Rocky Mountain Park - but I did see there was snow on Pike's Peak. Aspen trees are turning gold.

Larry Hanna · September 03, 2018, 08:32:39 AM

Hi Everyone. The holiday here looks like it will be a duplicate of the last several days and thus be hot and probably no rain. I had a very good nights sleep last night and didn't awake until about 7 this morning. After getting ready for the day I laid back down and read email, discussions and devotionals , as I often do so it was 8 before I left the bedroom. I just plan on a slow and laid back day today. We will be staying home all day. It is unusual but the last round of the golf tournament is being play today and I plan on watching it later this afternoon.

We had a good Church service yesterday although our choir was away on an annual weekend retreat and the attendance was down in both our Sunday School class and the Church service as guess a lot of people were taking advantage of the long weekend to be away. Pat did go to Church yesterday and then we stopped at Firehouse Subs for our lunch and I was able to use the coupon to get a free medium sized sub and also had a coupon for a free drink so it was a nicely priced lunch.

Glad you have found a Church where Don can hear the preacher. We got rid of a lot of our Christmas decorations when we moved here and could get rid of more of them as Pat isn't doing much decorating anymore. Our good housekeeper is kind in helping get what Pat wants to display from the attic. Hopefully the fires will soon be a thing of the past in your State.

Larry Hanna · September 04, 2018, 07:53:50 AM

Hi Everyone. It will be another hot day here in South Carolina with a low probability of rain. My main activity for today will be a visit to the dentists office for my 6 month cleaning. Yesterday was a quiet day as expected but I did enjoy the golf yesterday afternoon. Pat made a very good cooked cabbage and noddles recipe with chunks of Kielbasa, chopped up onions and peas with olive oil. It made a big bowl full of food and we will have a couple more meals from it in the days to come.

Yesterday evening our granddaughter sent us an email wanting to know if we would be willing to give her an early Christmas present. It is a small computer that is really a tablet with an detachable keyboard that Walmart had on sale for the holiday. She is working to get her GED and the work is on the computer. She has been using her dad's computer but apparently there are conflicts sometimes when she want to work and he needs his computer.

I see no one has posted since I posted yesterday thus no further comments today.

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Thoughts of the Month ~ August

Janet

Jacqueline

Carol

Marilyn

Janet

Jacqueline

Larry Hanna

Larry Hanna

Janet

Marilyn

Larry Hanna

Janet

Carol

Larry Hanna

Janet

Larry Hanna

Janet

Carol

Marilyn

Larry Hanna

Carol

Larry Hanna

Larry Hanna