Christian Photographers Community

Weather person said we could see the planet Uranus last night but it didn't work for us.  This is a good place to contemplate the gift of our universe. 

Larry:  You are taking your Honey to the Honey Rock cafe.  Neat!  It must be so shocking for your friends to go through such an shooting event.  Thankfully, they are safe. 

Maybe the Javalinas are protected species - I could check that out someday.   

Every day I try to call one or two relatives or friends just to check in with everyone.  Love having a cell phone and not running up any more phone call costs.

Janet:  Congratulations to Darrel on his future Honor Flight.  The entire statue and wall  area is so sad - we drove there a few years ago.  I will check in later if you have written about your meeting with the doctor, etc.

I am sorting fabric today.  Maybe the sewing machine needs to be useful - slowly thinking of starting something else. 

I'm feeling better today, and very happy about that.  It only takes a few days of "being off my game" to start to get to me.  I know it's a real blessing for me that I am healthy and strong and very seldom sick.

I'll give you the report on Beth first.  I won't post this on Facebook, because you never know who is reading that or how they will construe what you say.  I don't think many people read our site here, other than our members, and I trust all of you.

Dr. Davis said Beth has lost more weight, that we can expect her to continue to lose more; this in spite of the fact that she's eating better.  He said the reason for her apparent improvement is because they now have her pain under control.  He says now it is a balancing act between controlling her pain and not knocking her out.  I have noticed she isn't as alert, and that I nor the CNAs can tell her yes from  her no with her eyes the past few days, and have to ask her two or three times.  He said if the nurses call and ask him about increasing the Fentanyl, he will say yes immediately, as there is just no reason for her to suffer.  He prayed for her again before leaving her room.

I followed him out into the hall to ask him if he feels she will get any better, and he said no, unless she has a good day or two right at the end.  He reminded me that he told me with MS they coast along a while, then take a drop; they never regain to where they were, only plateau, until the next big drop.
I asked if he thinks this is her last big drop; he said maybe, but if not, the next one will take her.This isn't good news, but at least I feel I know a little better what to expect.  Of course, what no one but God knows is the timing.  At least it is good to know my sweet daughter isn't in pain every moment!
Dr. Davis told her he's so sorry she got Shingles, that he knows those are so very painful!  But they seem to have that under control as well, which is a blessing.

Thank you for the kind thoughts and prayers for her, and for us.

Darrel leaves on his Honor Flight on Oct. 31 and returns on Nov. 3.  I hope he has a wonderful time.
There will be a huge welcome home for them in Wichita!  It's the last Honor Flight of the year, so they have bands, school groups, etc., besides all the families who can be there to welcome them when they land at Eisenhower Airport!  Diane is taking me, and I'm so thankful!  If I had to drive by myself,
I couldn't go.  I hope we get some great photos!  I've been told to bring balloons, signs--and LOTS of Kleenex!!  It should be wonderful to see them get the welcome home they didn't get when they came home from Viet Nam.

Carol, I love to be where I can see the stars and planets at night!  I miss that from my childhood on the farm when it got truly dark at night; before everybody got big yard lights!  So I know what you mean.  What kind of SMALLER sewing project might you start next?

Marilyn, what is a Thundershirt?  I know it's something to help calm the dog, but how does it work?Does she also have ear plugs?

So sweet that Larry took his Honey to the Honey on the Rock Restaurant to eat!    Good one, Carol.

I should stop before you need to print it out and bind it into a book!

Janet

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OP.Efu52AC58EknCw300C300&w=150&h=150&rs=1&pid=21.1

A Thundershirt is a tight fitting wrap that comforts the dog or cat during the time of the thunder, fireworks or other loud noises.

Jeanne, I forgot how to do Click here

Janet, it sounds as though Beth has a wonderful doctor who really cares.  I'm glad you've slowed down a little and are taking better care of yourself. 

Marilyn, to do a "click here", eliminate the spaces before url and /url that I needed to use for it to show here.

[ url=the url of the site you want to lead to]Click Here[ /url]

Yes MS takes over your body bit by bit, I too am living proof of that...Oh and as for shingles, a Chinese site I found reckons there is a link between people who get shingles and getting MS...I caught shingles I guess around 4 years before my diagnoses of 2 years ago, the shingles never got treated as this happened over a Bank Holiday when my then GP surgery was closed, it had then gone over the 3 days for getting shingles treatment, which by then was too late...

As of yet, no one else has come any where near as to what causes MS...

" NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who get shingles are more likely to also develop multiple sclerosis, according to a study in Taiwan.

Researchers found that people who developed shingles had four times the risk of being diagnosed with MS within the following year, relative to people who had never experienced shingles..."

Janet...
...I am so saddened to hear of your Beth's prognoses, her future...it is so painful, the knowing of what is to come, and for you as a mother.....

I agree, the Doctor sounds as if he has pointed it out straight...he is being truthful with the positives and the negatives...

Hi Everyone.  It is 57 degrees here this morning but a bright and sunny low 80's day. This should be a pretty quiet day.  I will go pick up Pat's shoe that we took to have stretched yesterday.  We did enjoy a delicious lunch at Honey from the Rock restaurant. 

Last evening my Chromebook stopped working.  I told Pat I knew what I wanted for Christmas and that is a new laptop but will likely get an early Christmas present.  I brought down her old laptop that she has in her sewing room and it spent all evening downloading and installing the latest Windows Updates.  This morning it is working reasonably well but think I am going to have to use the Explorer browser as the Chrome browser keeps locking the computer up.  So today I will be setting up the bookmarks I want to use in the Explorer.  It looks like there should be some good football games on this afternoon. 

Marilyn, my son's cat and dogs don't like the thunder either. Glad you checked in yesterday.

Carol, not having separate long distance charges is a nice feature of the cell phones although it isn't free as the costs are built into the monthly fees.  Do you save all of your scraps from your quilting?  Pat does and has a lot of scraps.  She keeps buying more material but always seems to be using the scraps.

Janet, glad you were there to talk with the doctor and that he was honest with you.  So glad they are keeping Beth's pain under control and will be giving her whatever she needs to control any increasing pain.  Thanks for the additional information on the Honor Flight.  It sounds like the welcome back will be quite a celebration.

Jeanne, guess I am being lazy but I usually will just post the link address as clicking on it will open whatever I want to share. 

Jackie, I didn't know about he link between shingles and MS. 

Larry, no problem with just posting a link. I only gave the instructions for the clickable because Marilyn asked.  And of course, there are some URLs that are almost a full page  and it's easier to use a clickable.

Jackie, I'm quite doubtful the shingles had anything to do with Beth's getting MS, as the MS preceded the shingles by about 15 years!  I guess they do have theories about everything, though.

I do well during the day but am having a lot of pain at night, which keeps me from getting enough sleep. I'm hesitant about continuing to take OTC pain relievers, as read too much can poison you.  What's a body to do?

Beth seemed tired this morning.  She wanted to get up and get her shower, and then breakfast.  They forgot her juice, so I asked for it and fed her as much as she wanted.

I'm feeling the need of a sympathetic friend to talk to today.  I called my friend Dee, but she's not at home.  (She doesn't carry a cell phone with her.)  Maybe the Lord is nudging me to talk to Him rather than a mere human.

Janet...
...you can talk to us...I know we cant replace a human voice face to face, nor an actual hug but, we are here readily available to offer you a listening ear...and yes, even from across the pond...

Larry:  Christmas comes soon enough - enjoy your new electronic present when Pat gives it to you. Are you going to act surprised???  I save scraps if they look large enough.  In fact, I have been looking at my stash of 6 1/4 X 3 1/4 rectangles I have cut for a few years.  Perhaps a small table runner or really it is enough for a twin quilt.  We use SKYPE over the computer for phone calls - it is easier for Don to hear via that service.  I like it as well. 

You will never guess what I ate for dinner last night.  A bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips thrown on the top - it was the only thing that sounded good and it was so soothing.  Back to normal today.  I went to exercise early this morning and Don had not slept well so he has been taking it easy. 

We had news that grandson made the hockey team a week before the end of tryouts so that was a good sign.  His grades are super too - busy guy.  All the grands are focused on their studies and work on the side. 

Hi Everyone.  It is another mirror morning to what we have been having.  We should get into the low 80's this afternoon.  I plan on going to Sunday School and Church this morning but am doubtful that Pat will go as the chairs and pew are painful for her with her back.  I will pick up some lunch for us and have no other plans for today.  Yesterday for dinner Pat made a Greek Salad to go with our pot roast TV dinner, which was actually pretty good for a TV dinner. 

Jeanne, I agree that some of the links are too long and for those I will just go to the controls at the top of the page and put the URL into the brackets so the URL isn't seen, as you have described.  I hope you have gotten the correct grocery order now.

Janet, what does your doctor tell you regarding taking the OTC pain medications.  It is not good to be in pain and not get enough rest. I hope you were able to contact Dee and have someone you could talk with.  I have a feeling you talk to the Lord a lot. 

Jackie, being able to communicate with each other regardless of the distance is certainly a great thing about the Internet. 

Carol, I expect I may have my Christmas present before Christmas although I am doing fine using Pat's old computer so it will likely be closer to Christmas when I buy a new laptop.  However, I will keep my eyes open for any deals that may come along before that time.  We used Skype for a number of years to provide a telephone for Stacey.  She then got the free phone service that is provided to the low income folks and then we put her on the plan we use with our son.  I could do very well with a meal of ice cream and chocolate chips and often my Sunday evening meal will be something light and most enjoyable.  Congratulations to your grandson on making the hockey team and more importantly for being a good student.  . 

Good Sunday to all!  We are going to the service on Wednesday night - it is smaller and less music - that should be better for Don to tolerate with his hearing problem.  We will try it. 

There is a huge blockage of streets here with a roller blade series going on - there is always something with walks, runs or bicycles in this area and a maze to traverse - always Sunday morning too. 

Who is in random image today?  I mean the self-portrait of photographer?

Hi, friends,

I'm slipping in here to our comfy place in the very middle of the night where I live.

I'll be staying put for a couple of days. My car overheated this weekend, and my son gave me strict instructions not to even start it until it's towed in for evaluation. I surely  hope it hasn't been ruined.

I was to have had some routine tests run this morning, but will call and explain the situation. So, will reschedule.

Y'all have a good rest of the day. Please know I pray regularly for those of us needing a touch from the Father.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi Everyone.  It looks like we are finely going to get some rain today, at least the forecast says it is a 100% chance this afternoon and 90% chance for several other hours.  It will only get to around 75 this afternoon.  My calendar is clear today so will just take it easy and work on a project I want to start here in my office.

Carol, on Friday and Saturday this week our downtown area is all blocked off for a Halloween Festival that is held each year.  Last year Pat had an appointment at the eye doctor she was seeing whose office was right in the middle of this and we had a terrible time trying to find a way to get to the appointment.  There are no appointments scheduled for this year for this weekend.  Fortunately it is over before Church on Sunday. 

Ruth Ann, I hope you will find your car's situation isn't serious.  Glad your appointment was for routine tests. 

Ruth Ann:  I hope your car will be fixed easily and not too expensive.  We are scheduled in two weeks for a puzzling problem in that the key fob doesn't always start the car and it will finally catch sometimes right away.  We are concerned that it may be unusable anytime. 

Larry: I have never ever liked Halloween.  My children still do not want to be driving on that holiday because I put the fear of God in them saying the children are wild over getting candy and treats so they run right in front of cars, so my adult children still stay home those nights.  When we lived in Minnesota they had to put snow suits over their costumes anyway. 

Have you ever hugged your yard guys?  I do - they are a Christian father and son (he is training to be a fireman) and we talk religion - pray for issues too.  They came early this morning before it gets hot and come 6 X a year, checking water, trimming shrubs, found a spot where some critter is digging, all sorts of good stuff - all for about $100 each time.  They saved us a lot of water bill and put in a new system last year. 


Yesterday afternoon, we had our neighbors in back (first time) over for snacks before dinnertime.  Just delightful and with one couple at a time, Don can understand the conversation.   

Larry:  What is your office project?  I have a box of 3 1/2 inch by 6 1/2 inch fabrics all cut several years ago - all batik.  So, I am sewing something now and will decide later just what it will become. 

This is not my favorite time of the year.  My dad died on Halloween (in Seattle) and mom died the same year weeks later on Thanksgiving (in an Alzheimer's unit in Minnesota).  I quit a job as it was just overwhelming - we had just moved to a new town & new job for Don - and I had no friends in town.  It was a low time but only volunteering in church got me through that year. 

 

Hello Larry!  Hello Carol!  Hello Ruth Ann!
I'm happy today because I got a good night's sleep last night!   

Beth seemed about the same this morning.  Yesterday, she had a huge bruise on her chest, apparently from her arm squeezing against it so hard (Her arms are stiff and strictured) and a big neurofibroma in the bruised area was torn loose and bleeding.    She wasn't complaining of pain, as the patch and morphine are keeping her pain controlled.  But I was dismayed to see it, none-the-less.

I'm missing seeing my other kids and grandkids.  Maybe I will see some of the ones who live near, this week. I'm still coming home around 10 and staying a few hours, usually go back to check on Beth in the afternoon.  So I'm gradually getting over the deep tiredness.

Not much else to say today.  Later!

Hi Everyone.  We finally had some rain yesterday afternoon although it didn't last too long.  Today is to be sunny all day and only get into the low 70's. 

Our big event today will be the arrival of Pat's sister to spend about 8 days with us.  It has been touch and go as to whether she would be able to make the trip as is still dealing with the impact of the car wreck she was in a couple of weeks ago.  However, she decided yesterday to make the trip and should be here a little after 5 pm.  She did come to visit  about this time of last year. Our granddaughter plans on coming out and going to the airport with me to pick her up and then we will go to dinner at Pizza Hut as this is their buffet night. 

Carol, I feel for you with the car problem and the uncertainty as to whether your car will start as it should.  We went through a similar situation with the last Saturn we had.  If it didn't start right away you had to wait 10 minutes as it locked the start mechanism.  I dreaded having to try to start it.  I am with you in not caring for Halloween and we don't plan to participate and won't turn our porch light on.  Our family room is at the back of our house and constantly getting up and getting to the door has become too burdensome.  Our Church is doing a Truck and Treat in their parking lot on Saturday.  I can't say I have ever hugged my yard guys.  Are you speaking of your yard in Colorado or Arizona?  My project is to record some music and put them on some CD's to send to a friend where we used to live.  I did this for her several years ago and she is apparently still playing them.  So I thought it was time to send her some more CD's. I can see why this is not your favorite time of the year.  My wife's mother passed away on Christmas Eve many years ago. 

Janet, glad you got some good rest finally.  How dreadful for poor Beth.  I hope you do get to see some of your grandchildren and great grans.

Janet:  I am so sorry to read about Beth's skin sores issues.  Such tender care she needs.  May Beth have the loving care she deserves each and every minute. 

Larry:  These are the lawn guys in Tucson.  A father and son - we have seen then go through medical crises and all sorts of problems - they are sweet men. It is so hot outside and we don't know how to care for desert plants - they only charge about $50 a month or extra when having to plant or remove something.  Once every two months they come here early.  We have prayed for medical issues with them too. ---- Wishing a wonderful visit for your sis-in-law and she will keep on recovering. 

Don counted over 23 grapefruit on the little tree - it is just bent over with the weight.  We put the fruit out in front for others to enjoy.  The lime tree never has a decent crop. 

I have started another quilt project with scraps of batik mostly southwest colored fabric.  Just can't stop myself from headaches, I guess.  Anyway, it keeps changing to different sizes and is growing larger but this time I am forcing myself to only make a twin size.  That will fit the trundle bed if nothing else - or, a comforter for the couch. 

Carol, I think you have been bitten (or would that be stung?) by the quilting bee!  Maybe there is no cure for it!    Those grapefruits sound wonderful!  I love grapefruits, but not canned juice.   

Larry, I hope your sis in law made the trip fine and that you all have a lovely visit.  Where does she live? I know you have said before, but I don't remember now.

When I got to the home this morning, I was told Beth had a bad night, with a lot of pain.  They had to give her morphine several times.  If that happens again tonight, they will likely increase the Fentanyl patch again tomorrow.  I asked her if she dreamed last night--yes.  Were they good dreams?--yes. Do you remember them?--yes.  Did you dream about heaven?--yes.  Oh, how I wish she could talk, I would love to hear about those dreams!  She wanted French toast for breakfast, but ate only a tiny amount of it, and a few slices of banana, along with a few spoonfuls of thickened juice.  The days are long, and yet they are flying past, when I think of them being the last ones I can spend with her. 

I did get to see Curtis today!  He and I had lunch and a nice visit.  He gave me good hugs and assured me of his love, which surely brightened my day!  Gotta love those grandsons!  And Granddaughters!
 
I did go to the gym today and walked about a mile, did some weight work and some other leg work. I needed that, for sure!

Have a great evening, folks!

janet I want you to know that I pray daily for beth and for you. When I am walking I often pray in the spirit as I walk. Other times I pray silently whenever I think of all y'all.

Hi Everyone.  It is going to be another beautiful day with it getting only to 68 degrees.  Pat's sister did arrive on schedule and said this was the best plane ride she had ever had in coming to Georgia and South Carolina.  The plane actually arrived a few minutes early but she was one of the last to deplane.  She had arranged for a wheel chair and apparently when she got to Atlanta the second plane was ready to be boarded and the redcap wheeled her right into the plane.  We came home and picked up Pat and then went on to Pizza Hut for the Tuesday night buffet. As Pat went too pull up her chair at the table she did something and brought on a very sharp pain and now is left with another very sore leg.   

Today is our son's 54th birthday and he is starting a weeks vacation from his job.  In the middle of the afternoon we are going to go to the Outback Steakhouse for his birthday dinner. Afterwards I am sure they all will play some Farkle games as they all enjoy it. 

Carol, you are fortunate to have reliable yard folks.  Since many of the yards are becoming dormant here they lawn crews will be primarily working on the yards every two weeks rather than every week.  We do enjoy it when Pat's sister come to visit.  It has been two years since her last visit. Those grapefruit sound wonderful.  It has been so long since I could eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, due to medications I take, that I have about forgotten what it tastes like. I think you might find this article of interest as it relates to quilting: 
Side by side, couple in 80s crafts quilts for children in need ? South Carolina United Methodist Advocate
http://www.advocatesc.org/2017/10/side-by-side-couple-in-80s-crafts-quilts-for-children-in-need/  .

Janet, we are looking forward to the next few days and my SIL's visit.  It was a relief to see her come out of the restricted area at the airport and know she was safely here.  She lives in Independence, Missouri.  I sure hope Beth had a better night last night than the one before.  I am sure the hugs from Curtis helped brighten your day.

Marilyn, I often find that when I have trouble getting to sleep at night I can pray and the next thing I know I am waking up as had fallen asleep while praying. 

Marilyn, thank you for praying!  I often use my walking time for praying, too.  Just knowing that others are praying for us lightens our load.  May God bless you!

Larry, glad the SIL's flight was a good one and she arrived safely.  Sorry to hear of Pat's new leg problem.  Doggone it!  She doesn't need any added problems.

Today, we were to have been flying home from Florida.  Life sometimes changes our best-laid plans, doesn't it?

Beth seems to have had a better night, but was very lethargic again today.  I just never know what to expect when I walk into her room.

I got a call as I was driving to town this morning, asking if I could come for a dental app't. at 11:10, instead of whenever it was to be.  It was to have a tiny cavity filled that he found last time I was there. I reluctantly said I would come, but if I'd had any idea how painful it would be, I wouldn't have! It was worse than the root canal I had the first time I saw him!    But at least, it's over with now!

I went by the church to talk to the secretary, as she's the one who does my nails and I needed to change my appointment.  When I got out of the car, I looked across the street and saw Curtis over at the funeral home, so I walked over to say hello, and we got to have lunch together again!  Two days in a row!  He told me it was "an unexpected blessing!"  Sweet, huh?

I need to rest a bit before we go back to town for a business app't. and then tonight is my night to help with the Wednesday night dinner at church.

Love you guys!  And gals!

Hi Everyone.  It is to be another very pleasant, sunny and mild day.  We did have a fine time celebrating Scott's birthday yesterday.  We ate at Outback Steakhouse and we ended up with the largest dining bill I have ever paid but there were 5 of us and the food was good.  Today should be a calmer day.  I will pick up my friend and go to coffee and then stop at Walmart for a few items we need.  I don't plan on attending the Wisdom group at Church this morning.

Janet, you are right about life changing our best laid plans.  I expect the pain medications Beth is receiving is making her lethargic.  Glad your tooth repair is over but wonder why it was so painful.  Usually they get the mouth so numb one can't really feel much.  Two days in a row seeing Curtis was certainly a nice treat.

Laundry is started - here in Arizona, the washer and dryer is in the garage and I really like it being out of the house.  Kitchen floor is mopped.  Don is resting - he is having hip pain perhaps from exercise, we don't know.  We took my cousin out for pizza last night.  I need to call his daughter or his twin brother because Dean is fragile and should not be living alone.  He lost his wife to a leukemia less than a year ago and he fainted & fell in the shower all night long.  Police had to break the door down to rescue him.  I say that it is time to look into assisted living of some kind - close to their daughter who lives in San Francisco.  No one checks on him. 

Remembering the time I tried so hard to get my parents to live near us  - they hated the high altitude so would not listen. 

Janet:  sorry about your dentist pain.  that doesn't sound right.  Yes, having time with grands ranks at the top of our happy times. 

Our month of over the top heat should end today and the 90's will be over.  We hope. 

Praying for our divided nation. 

Hi Everyone. We are going to have another beautiful day that will be sunny and in the low 70's.  Late this afternoon I will go to our son's home to get instructions on caring for his dog and cat until early next week.  He and his daughter are driving to New York to attend to some important matters.  After I get the instructions on caring for the animals I will drive out to the airport to rent a car for them to drive to New York.  Unfortunately, since the reservation was made with my Costco discount I will have to pay extra for me as a driver even though I won't be driving.  This is still a lot cheaper than buying airline tickets and them still having to rent a car when they got to Albany.  Other than go to coffee yesterday and make a quick trip to the garden center at Walmart I really didn't do anything else.   

Carol,  it does sound like it is time for your cousin Dean to get closer to his daughter. Does he wear a lifeline device to summons help if he falls again? Hope you get a break in the heat.   

Break from the heat is today - only 89* for the limit today - it is nice and cool at night. 

Larry:  Great idea for your son to save money by renting the car and driving.  Safe trip to all.  Yes, cousin wears a safety monitor. 

Enjoy every moment of the day. 

Lovely blessing of a former neighbor and her daughter coming to visit Beth yesterday.  They now live in Wichita.

It was 27* here this morning, but didn't feel bad, as there was no wind.  It did freeze my flowers.  I just didn't have the energy to care enough to bring them inside.     I'll just buy new from Diane come Spring!

Beth has had a couple of down days, appetite almost non-existent.  Also still needing Morphine several times a day and a few at night.  She wanted to go see our Chiropractor this morning, and she did.  I was so tired this morning I slept until 7:15!  I'm usually on my way to see Beth before then!  Guess my body needed the rest.

Darrel has his little bag packed for his Honor Flight!  I'm so excited for him! 

No further news at this time from SW Kansas.

Hi Everyone.  We are to have another nice day getting up to around 75 by late afternoon.  Scott and Jennifer's plans hit a little snag last night that prevented them from getting on the road last evening.  In fact, they just stopped by here on their way to pick up something.  It is a 14 hour drive so it is going to be a long day for them.  I have nothing on the schedule for today although I may attend a meeting this morning.  I will also watch some football this afternoon. 

Carol, I hope you all have another nice weather day. 

Janet, is the Chiropractor able to give Beth an adjustment or does she just want to see him?  I hope Darrel has a wonderful weekend on his Honor Flight. 

First time in here on my $39. Kindle Fire.   It is so convenient.

Checking in on those I care for.  You!