Christian Photographers Community

Hi Everyone.  It looks like we are in for a cloudy but cooler day with it only to get up to the low 80's this afternoon.  Yesterday was a pretty productive day for us.  Pat had her doctor's appointment.  Then on the way home she wanted to go to a particular department store called Roses for something and while she was shopping I went to the Bi-Lo grocery in the same shopping center and bought some groceries we needed.  It was around 1 pm before we got home and after a quick lunch I rested.  Then last evening at 6 pm we had a Homeowner's Association meeting for about an hour.  It was very informative and was glad I went.  We have an Association Management Company so our board of directors makes decisions but the lady who we hire to do the actual work does the rest.  We actually had several people volunteer to serve on the board.  Following the meeting I had to make a quick trip to Walmart to pick up some medications for Pat and also to get some fire ant killer as we have some in our back yard and I don't want them to spread.  I got home and ate supper and before long was in bed.  I had a very good nights sleep and now looking forward to a quiet day at home as we plan to stay home all day.  This evening I want to watch the Clemson/Syracuse football game and fortunately it starts at 7 am so should be able to stay awake to watch the entire game.

Janet, as you indicate there will be time later to do something a little special and celebrate Darrel's 80th.  You certainly have your plate full at this time.  I hope you get to see your Chiropractor soon as you need to be feeling as well as possible in the days ahead. 

This evening once again we will both be attending my weekly church social meet-up....Our subject matter is going to be a two minute slot each, about " our favourite thing..." All week I have been fathoming my brain on what if anything I can call " my favourite thing? "....I know my three now departed dogs are-were my favourites, but they are-were, not " things..." ...Anyway not wanting to get myself upset talking about my fur babies, think I may have the correct subject, although I still might get a tad emotional and carried away with what I say but, I plan now to be talking about the figurine that is guarding over their ashes boxes...as far as I am aware we aren't expected to take our " thing " in but, I have printed a photo if anyone wants to see...my favourite " thing " is a figurine called " Vigil " from Willow Tree which stands ten inches tall...hope I can keep them interested for the two minutes...as for Richard, he might find me yawning, he is taking in a football trophy, and talking about how he got it, even I am not aware of his story but, he knows I have absolutely no interest in football, full-stop...lets hope the other ladies are....they sure outnumber the men...

Jackie, I hope you enjoy the social event and I bet you find the two minutes go by very quickly.  There is nothing wrong in getting emotional about something you really care about or that touches your heart. 

I had to come back in and post a second time today as just watched this video and it is very heart warming and nice.  I hope it touches you as it did me when I finished watching it my eyes were not dry.  https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=n1Pbu2ZANGk

Jackie:  Yes, they are stinky pigs (peccary) .  Take care.

Larry:  thanks for the touching story of the little boy who is very generous. 

Janet:  Would a good massage help you?  Anything to take the tension away. 

We went to the rec room to exercise this morning.  It does feel so good - still staying indoors as much as possible because of my allergies (first time).  yes, I am taking local honey, allergy pills, and pain medicine and it sorta helping. 

Every day we are tackling one fix-it after another so that keeps us running. 

Larry, thanks for that video.  I had seen it before but was good to watch again--what a wonderful, caring boy!  I wonder what God's planning for Campbell's life later?  He's already such a blessing!

The hospice nurse told me today that I need to take some good self-care, that I'm in a marathon, not a sprint, and I'm wearing myself out.  She said I'll be needed more later than now, that this is a good time to go home and take care of me and Darrel, just to come in a couple times a day and check on Beth.  And I was just tired enough to do what she said.  So I'm home for a while.

I did feed Beth her few bites of breakfast; also cut and smoothed her fingernails, which were in terrible shape.  She was determined to go see Dr. Saxon again, so John took her, with nurse's approval.

Yes, Carol, I would love a massage!  But don't know where to get one.  With some rest, I'm sure I will rebound, but I was really running on fumes today.  Nap, here I come!

Hi Everyone.  It is an overcast morning with just a very light mist falling.  We will get to the mid-80's today.  I plan on attending a meeting this morning and then spending the rest of the day quietly with some college football games on the TV.  I did watch Clemson lose their football game to Syracuse last night.

Yesterday evening I spoke to one of my first cousins that just this week moved to Oregon to go into an assisted living facility where she could be about 5 minutes from where her daughter lives.  She told me that her two sisters lived in the Napa Valley and both had evacuate their homes due to the fires but she didn't know whether they had lost their homes or not.  She still has her home that is not in the fire area and both of the sisters had gone to stay at her home.  I had not realized that they lived in the Napa Valley.  I also have a first cousin that lives in Oakland, who is the brother of these three sisters, and am going to call him as it has been a long time since I talked to him and perhaps he will have a current status of things out there.  I have quite a few first cousins on my mother's side of the family but we are not close and seldom communicate.  A number of years ago I put together a family reunion that was held in Denver and all of the first cousins and a number of their children and grandchildren attended.  That was a one and done event as no one else was interested in taking on the responsibility.  We had a great time and think everyone enjoyed it.  I hadn't seen most of my first cousins in 50 years or more at that time. 

Carol, I feel for you and your having to deal with allergies.  Both Pat and I seem to have been impacted more with allergies here than we have before.  When Pat saw the PA this week she said the ragweed is particularly bad and that she is seeing many people with the same complaints. I hope you are soon feeling better. 

Janet, I hope you will heed the sound advice given to you by the Hospice nurse.  It doesn't help Beth if you get yourself so tired and exhausted that you become ill.     

I started to put together an order for Walmart pick up in another few days and it seemed that almost everything was "out of stock".  I started to wonder whether the store was getting ready to close, or to shut down the grocery department.  I began to wonder what I would do if either of those things happened.  Than I thought "It could very well be a shortage because so much is being sent for emergency  relief."  For that I would certainly be patient, expecially since most of what I would order is "want" not "need".  Or maybe God is just reminding me that He is in charge.   So I'll wait to see what comes next.

I have some unnerving news to tell all of you. We just got back from Portland, my husband had to see a neuro-ophthalmologist, we were informed that the vision part of his brain has atrophied. although he can see well straight ahead, he has no peripheral vision and no depth perception. The atrophy is caused from early on-set Alzheimer's dementia. He father has the same thing so it is a possibility that It is inherited. His long-term memory is pretty much intact however his short-term memory is terrible, He forgets things he has been told 10 minutes ago.  His son's want me to apply for guardianship also a Durable Power of Attorney I think both do just about the same things. I need to check up on the procedure for the state of Oregon

He has now been told by 5 doctors that there is no way he will ever be able to drive a car again. The Dr. up north has referred him to a neurologist here. Who may recommend that he also take a drug called Namenda on top of the Aricept he is already taking. Keith doesn't realize how bad he really is, he is in denial as far as his memory goes.

There it is, I have a rough road ahead of me and can use all the prayers I can get. They did give me a handout on what kinds of things I need to change in the house to protect him from hurting himself when the time comes that he gets worse. Also for me to make sure I have help so I  don't get stressed out.

Oh, Marilyn!  To think I had the nerve to complain about shortages of groceries! 

I will most certainly have Keith and you on my prayer list! 

Janet:  Heed the wise words from that nurse. 

Larry:  the fires are really fearful - so little warning for folks to get out of the area.  We can smell that smoke here - unless it is something else on fire. 

Marilyn:  wishing you the strength to carry on.....

Here,  I visited with a neighbor I used to know in the Fort Collins days - she and I used to co-chair a yearly book sale at the mall - for university women's club.  It was a doozy to get through.  She is an expert quilter and putting two new ones in a show. 

I called and chatted with our neighbor at home for over an hour - her husband, dear friend, is now under hospice care.  She has several months to go, recuperating on her hand/arm/elbow surgeries - all from a fall on ice last year.  She cannot have her husband home as she cannot handle much. 

Peace be with everyone. 

Marilyn, I am so sorry to hear your distressing news.  I know a little of what you're facing, because my dad had alzheimers, and at that time, it was the first I'd even heard the name.  It's a terrible thing; as it steals away the loved one and leaves a stranger in their place.  I pray things go well for you in getting the legal stuff put in place, and good to know his sons are backing you.  Prayers and hugs to you.

Those California fires are so awful!

Beth was very lethargic today again.  Ate a bit of breakfast, only two bites of lunch, they said, and I left before they brought her anything for supper.  I was there longer than I intended to be today because her friend Mindi came, and she always wants to see me.  I took her out to eat before we both headed home.  (Fancy meal--Chicken sandwich at McDonalds!, her choice!)

Since Beth is getting so very little liquids, I'm concerned about her kidneys shutting down. 

I'm off to bed now.  TTYL

Hi Everyone.  This morning is starting out foggy but it is to be sunny and in the mid-80's this afternoon.  I do plan on going to Sunday School and Church although am going to have to push to find the energy.  I think I overdid a bit yesterday morning as was exhausted by the time I got home and was tired the rest of the day.  Pat is not going with me this morning as the other side of her back, from the one that gave her so much grief, is now starting to do just what the other side did.  She said the thought of having to sit for two hours in the chairs in the Sunday School room and then in the pews isn't appealing to her this morning.

Jeanne, I haven't seen any indication of a food shortage in our Walmart stores.  If you mark to allow substitutions on the online order we have found they usually upgrade the item or provide a larger size. However, there are a few items that Pat will not allow a substitution. 

Marilyn, so sorry to read of the bad news regarding Keith.  You do and will have your hands full.  If you haven't done so, please contact your local Alzheimer's Association.  They were so helpful to us with my mother.  They also can connect you with support groups. You will certainly be in my prayers.  The advise you received about getting help and not stressing yourself out anymore than you have to is wise.  It sounds like you have the support of Keith's sons and that is helpful. 

Carol, I haven't heard anything about fires in Arizona.  Great you have reconnected with the lady you used to know who also loves to quilt.  It really is a pretty small world sometimes. 

Janet, you have mentioned Mindy several times before and she seems to have remained a good friend of Beth's.   

Good Sunday to everyone!  We often attend a Saturday night service because - Don has a hearing problem with music so we are grateful there is an option rather than only Sunday mornings.   I noticed that this church has a Wednesday night service as well so we shall look into that offering. 

Larry:  the smoke is from the California fires.  We encountered a lot of smoke last month when we were driving from Minnesota through South Dakota, Wyoming and into Colorado.  That was other fires.  This has been a such a painful weather pattern for so many people.  Sorry to read that Pat is having back problems - sitting in a pew isn't the most comfortable thing to do when your back hurts. 

One cousin from north of Seattle drove south today heading towards Yuma, Arizona.  He likes it warmer in the winter - we are very close cousins. 

I should be in bed already, but here I am, still.

After being barely conscious yesterday, Beth was wide awake this morning and wanted to go to church--and she did!  They say she can do anything she wants, eat anything she wants, etc.  Boy, she is surely keeping me off-balance!  Maybe she will amaze us yet again, recover some strength and live for quite a while!  I surely don't know!  But I am going to try and reclaim some semblance of normalcy in my life. It isn't fair to Darrel for me to be at the care home most of my waking hours.  He hasn't once complained, he's very sweet and very supportive.  But I was told by a woman I admire and respect,
this morning at church, "Janet, you just cannot keep this up--it will break your health!"  I don't want to do that, for sure!

So in view of all this, I have decided to check on Beth in the mornings and once in the afternoons,
but not spend so many hours there.  (Even though I know she wants me there.)  This has been going on for six long weeks already!  Who knows how much longer it may go on?  Only God.  I almost feel I am deserting her, but that's my emotions talking, I know. 

See you tomorrow!

Hi Everyone.  It is predicted that we will have a cooler day, only in the lower 70's, and a possibility of some rain showers and it is overcast this morning.  My main activity for today will be seeing the Podiatrist for a followup on my toenail removal.  I am hopeful he will release me so I won't have to go back on this matter. 

The schedule for this week is light and I am thankful as have no energy.  I did start taking my Renexa medication for my heart again this morning as had the worst angina attack yesterday afternoon I can remember having in a long time.  I will contact my doctor's office this morning to advise that I have started taking it again.  She had simply asked me to suspend it for awhile to see if it would help me have more energy and less shortness of breath.  If anything things were worse without it. 

Carol, that smoke from the California fires really does carry a long ways if it is bothering you all there in Arizona.  Nice that you have some alternatives to the regular Sunday morning worship service. 

Janet, I saw the pictures of Beth attending Church yesterday.  She obviously has a strong determination and love of the Lord.  I am glad to read you are going to try to rebalance your life a bit and take better care of yourself.  I am sure Darrel understands and is happy to support you as you do what you think best.  Even though Beth likes having you there with her I bet she also wants you to take care of yourself and understands that you can't spend all of your time there.  You certainly are not deserting her as how could any mother be more supportive and attentive than you have been over these many years. 

Janet:  I saw the picture of Beth as well.  This has certainly been one big roller coaster ride for all of you. 

It is in the 90's here in Tucson and that is well above average.  We try to do things in the morning but today ran away from us so we were in the middle of the heat wave and thankful to have A/C in the house.  How did we do it years ago?  Notes are coming in from friends on what is a good time to visit and we told everyone that our daughter is coming for a week in March.  I wonder how I will get any sewing finished. 

Our world news is just devastatingly grim - all those being forced out of their countries and those sick and out of food - it is just unimaginable.  So many sad stories right here in the states.  Imagine losing every little thing in the house from a fire.   There is a long list of prayers.

Larry:  Keep on top with your doctor regarding your heart meds.  I hope she will find the right dosage for you - rest well dear friend. 

Hi, friends,

I received good information from a computer repair shop. This quelled some fears I had.

Also, I've dealt with the Equifax issue today. And I'm now enrolled in their security.

I had a delightful chat today with a lady who lives very near my apartment. When young, we would meet up to walk to and from high school. 

I continue to pray for our participants. Much love to all.

Ruth Ann

Hi Everyone.
We started off this morning with a cool 46 degrees and are to only get to the low 70's later this afternoon.  I guess Fall is finally coming to South Carolina.  My calendar is clear for today so plan on a slow and restful day.  The foot doctor said my toes are coming along fine but that it takes several weeks before they are totally healed.  When I went to Walmart they were sold out of the round Wilton cake cardboard plates but they had square ones.  So I called Pat and she said that would be OK.  However, when I got home and she saw them she realized they really wouldn't work for the fresh lemon pound cake she had made in a bundt pan so I went to our local Walmart and found what she wanted.  The cake is all ready to take to the Church bazaar bake sale tomorrow.  Jennifer is planning on coming out to help her grandmother get the items she has to contribute to the bazaar to the Church in the morning and I will not have to do that. 

Carol, are you sure you don't have a B&B there in Tucson with your friends lining up to visit.  I did notify my doctor yesterday that I had started back with the heart medication Renexa. 

Ruth Ann, always nice to get good news like your computer repair.  I think our minds automatically go to the worst case and often that is not the way it is.  For several years we have kept our credit records frozen at the three credit bureaus.  I know that it works as once I was going to buy something and decided to put it on credit (one of those pay off in "x" months and owe no interest deals) so filled out the company credit card application and it was immediately turned down.  I was happy to see that happen. 

is brewing.  Just knock on the door for a nice visit. 

It looks like hot days of well into the 90's are continuing.  I made two solar light containers yesterday and they really work well.  Otherwise, it is so dark here without street lights, etc. that I have been afraid we would walk right into a chair outdoors.  Sky gazing is special in this area with all the lighting laws.  We watched a movie on the origin of Australia and how that continent experienced global warming centuries before -- how the water rose and islands were formed.  Fascinating. 

None of the coupons worked for extra wide fabric at the store yesterday.  I bought a pattern fabric for the back - to be worked on - so this quilt can be flipped to either side.  Read my lips - this is the last large quilt I sew.   

Time for my coffee and devotions.  Thanks be!

Good evening!  I have good news--at least for now!  Beth seems to be getting a bit better each day; she's eating a little more, getting more fluids-a teaspoonful at a time--and it's looking to me like she will be staying for some time.  She's still on hospice, still needs a lot of medication for pain, so I don't really know.  But at least she's enough better that I can come home and spend some time, and not feel I should be there all day.  Her doctor comes again on Friday; we shall see what he says.  She is the toughest person I've ever known!  And she's a blessing.

It got up to 85* here this afternoon!  Was quite chilly in the morning. 

I'll be back!

Hi Everyone.  It is really a beautiful day here in South Carolina.  It is about 56 degrees and headed only into the low or mid 70's and will be sunny.  It is the perfect day for the ladies to hold their Church bazaar and luncheon.  Jennifer will be here within the hour to help Pat get things into the car and then go with her to deliver the items for the bazaar and to see all that they have.  The affair ends after the Wednesday night dinner so I will get to see a lot of what they had to offer.  Of course they don't ever have anything that attracts men other than the food items but they will likely be gone by the time of our Wednesday night dinner. 

Speaking of food, Pat made the best Jambalaya dish yesterday.  Some of it was fixed in the crock pot all afternoon.  Then she poured off the juice and fixed the rice in the sauce and added the cooked shrimp to the mixture.  She did say the recipe called for a lot of different ingredients so it is not likely we will have this very often as she usually tries to stay with recipes with 5 ingredients or less. Fortunately there is another good meal of it remaining in the refrigerator, which I expect we will enjoy tomorrow night.  Going to the dinner tonight is the only thing on my schedule for today.  I do have to get a birthday card and check in the mail as our oldest great grandchild will be 15 on Friday.   

Carol, between the javalina's and the darkness at night in your city it sounds like staying in your home is a good idea.  Are you having your quilt quilted with a long arm quilting machine?  Pat has had several quilts quilted that way and they turned out very nicely. 

Janet, it is good to see that Beth is doing a little better and eating and drinking a little more.  I wonder who she got the strong person characteristics from?    Sure glad you are having a little more time for yourself.

Larry:  You are so reliable in getting into CP daily.  Nice!  Yes, she had a long-arm machine.  I just finished ironing the top and it is ready to go to the magic machine.  Her price is the most reasonable I have heard in years.     Pat's recipe sounds delicious. 

I was in the back yard checking things out and it appears the Javalinas are having a wonderful time in the retreat here.  They have made some dens in some evergreen bushes - the bushes are quite high and form a barrier to a side road - along with a stucco wall.  One side of the lot is all open and we are not even thinking of a fence.  My next defense is to spray ammonia or vinegar where they are gathering. there has been talk of removing them to another location.  good luck on that idea.

Janet:  Beth certainly is one for the books of life!   Hang in there!  I know you will. 

Hello Ruth Ann!  Nice to read your news of success with issues.  I hope you are feeling well and temperatures outdoors are reasonable in your territory. 


 

We actually ventured out of town today!  Went to Liberal, where we had a few things to do.  It was nice spending time with Darrel today!

Beth was feeling quite tired this morning.  I will check on her again when we go to the Wednesday night dinner in a little while.

I'm feeling a bit better each day myself.  I had no idea how very tired I really was!

Se you all tomorrow!

Seems I have been AWOL for a few days, nothing has happened just nothing much of importance to post about...had a little MS setback, but as now almost everyone is aware, MS has many changes even throughout ones day....Oh and for once, and I guess I mean for once, I slept this morning to 8.30am...oh of course I got up through the night for a usual visit to the loo but, I cant even remember the last time, if there was a last time, I slept through till 8.30am...of course woke up to dismal and rain but that doesn't matter...I woke up... many dont have the pleasure of even doing that...

Janet...
...some people are made of tougher stuff, and your Beth is one of them.... like me, I too am a survivor...I learnt quickly how to be...I learnt that it is the only way, and one does whatever it takes......I shall say no more...      

Edited to add to previous posting...
...what I meant by a slight MS setback was my left leg, my good leg was behaving not so good behind the knee...this must be the diagnoses that was given to me before my MS diagnoses of Osteoarthritis...well that is what is still on my medical record...so it seems now and again I may get a touch of that as well, maybe once a year so far...

Hi Everyone.  It is another cool morning but we will be going into the high seventies late this afternoon.  I am going to pick up my friend for coffee and if I feel up to it will go back downtown to the Church for the Wisdom class.  I have missed doing either for the last two weeks.  That is all that is on the schedule for today.

Carol, glad you are ready to have your quilt finished.  I seem to remember that the cost was by the inch measured someway.  We are going to have our second meal of Jambalaya for our dinner this evening.  Are the Javalina's a protected species. 

Janet, nice to see you are letting yourself rejuvenate and are feeling better. 

Jackie, your absence for the few days was duly noted.    If we had to have something important to say in our postings I probably wouldn't post each day.  Glad you were able to sleep late and hope the MS flare is over for now.   

Important news!  Well, I have been on pins and needles ever since hearing this morning that there was a multiple shooting at or near the Colorado State campus.  It is a large campus - we have two grands at the school and know that it is possible they are no where near the incident.  Praying for everyone - too many of these news flashes. 

Jackie:  It always seems that when one diagnosis is dreadful there is another one announced.  Take a deep breath and try counting each and every good thing - this is a little exercise I try at times.  good wishes to you - hoping you will have a mild fall season in your part of the world.

Don could not get the car started for some time this morning but eventually, it did start.  This is a used Toyota and we do have a new battery.  It could be his key fob.  He went down to exercise - don't ask why we don't walk (it is hot hot hot now) and I am doing little organizing drawer stuff and writing to all of you - my peaceful getaway. 

Larry:  You mentioned Javalinas being protected species ----WHY?     The lady measured the quilt, it is about a queen size (never never again!!!). 

Enjoy your days!

Carol, I think Larry was asking you if the javelinas are a protected species.
Are they?  If so, I, too, wonder WHY?

I'm feeling tired and "down" this evening.  Not sure why, but probably just the past several weeks catching up to me.  I hope to learn more about Beth's condition tomorrow, as her doctor is coming,
also the hospice nurse will be there again.  Today she was tired, but was eating better, and as long as she's eating, she should be gaining strength.

Darrel got his T shirt and cap in the mail today for his Honor Flight!  I think he's getting pretty excited about it, and I'm so thrilled for him.

I should chat to each of you, but tonight, I just don't have it in me.  See you tomorrow.

Hi Everyone.  It is a another beautiful day here with clear skies and as of now 57 degrees but headed into the low 80's this afternoon.  This morning I had an 8 am appointment with the eye doctor to do more measurements on my eyes and schedule the surgery.  I was home before 9 am.  The housekeeper is here this morning and around noon Pat and I will drop one of her new shoes off at the shoe store to have it stretched overnight and then go on down the street to the Honey on the Rock Restaurant to have our main meal of the day.  That will be plenty for us to do on one day. 

Carol, I can understand why you were nervous hearing about those shooting.  We have a couple in our Sunday School class whose son and DIL were in Las Vegas at that concert where all of those people were shot and killed.  They experienced the same concerns you have but their family was fine.  The reason for my question was that if the Javalinas are not protected they could be eradicated as they obviously are a predator type  animal and dangerous in your area. 

Janet, I doubt that it is unusual for a person to have a "down" time after all the stress you have been under.  I hope the doctor will be able to give you a favorable report today on Beth's condition.  When does Darrel go on his Honor Flight? 

Good Morning from Oregon. We had a lot of rain yesterday, thunder and heavy rain during the night. One of the cats was sleeping on our bed when the thunder hit and scared that cat so bad he ran off the bed and hid. We couldn't find him until. he came out from wherever he was this morning. Freckles doesn't like that either, I jumped up to put her Thundershirt on her and gave her a dose of Rescue Remedy to calm her.  Other than that adventure we are doing well. Just thought I better check in before I go to get my nails done