Christian Photographers Community

We are home after taking a day and a half to drive the 900 miles.  We stopped in Santa Fe for the night and it was really cold there compared to where we have been all these months.  On the drive home, our oldest son and wife passed us as they drive faster and left later.  They had the house all set when we arrived. Grocery shopped and a crock pot is simmering the chicken vegetable soup I put together.  We are feeling the effects of the higher altitude.

The first day was really hard driving with high wind warnings and thick dust that just seemed to always be close but never closed the highway.  After Santa Fe, ice on the highway.  Always something!  Heavy snow all along the Front Range - a wonderful gift every year. 

Janet, as a long-time Mac devotee I'm sure you'll be happy with yours once you get all the wrinkles ironed out.      I'm so glad you had success helping Beth with the dinner.  It always helps to have Mom take over when we're "down".  Maybe John learned something from it, too. 

Marilyn, my subaru was 19 years old before I finally had to give up on it.  It probably would have kept on keeping on longer but the last two or three years I wasn't using it enough - and they do need regular exercise just like we do in order to function properly.  It finally got to the point where repairs would cost quite a lot more than it would be worth.  So I had to decide to do without a car.

Carol, good to  you've arrived safe and sound.  I'm sure it's always a weather shock when you return.   

 Hi, friends,

I'm trying to post more often. I had that period of sleeping almost constantly. A friend way out west in Montana told me that she, too, had a period of sleepiness with waves of nausea, and that's exactly the symptoms I had. So, now I'm awake longer periods sometime in the 24-hr day.

Jackie, I'm thankful you were able to get to church. Since I cannot be in a worship service within a church of my faith, I've found a wonderful website that gives Sunday morning worship from beginning to end. And, it is both live-streamed, and then put on the website for later worship, should the need arise.

Yes, the diabetes causes me plenty of ups and downs. In fact, today I had another low blood sugar. I try to keep the lows to an absolute minimum, since below a certain number, that being 70, the organs in the body sustain damage. I've been diagnosed to have gone into diabetes in 1973, thus far I still have my eyes, kidneys, and feet and legs. So, I praise our Lord for His goodness to me. I'm feeling fine now.

Janet, how sad I am about Beth's condition deteriorating. I'll continue to pray for all of y'all, and the medical staff supporting her.

Marilyn, wow - that's a lot of repairs needed at this time.

Larry, I continue to pray for you and your family, too.
And for so many others, including Pat, Jeanne, Judy and John, and others who come to read, but don't post very often.

Carol, I'm so thankful y'all got home safely, and that the various medical treatments will be successful. I'll include y'all in my prayers.

Love to all who come this way,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone for a bright and sunny but soon to be pretty windy day here in North Augusta.  It was 51º out when I got up this morning but should get into the 70's this afternoon. 

My big activity for today is to make the trip to Madison, Georgia to have lunch with a group of my friends with whom I use to have lunch with about every week before moving.  I am looking forward to seeing them as it has been awhile.  The housekeeper will be here while I am gone and probably the lawn people. 

Yesterday afternoon our granddaughter came over and she and Pat fixed a big recipe of cookies and then she helped fix tacos for our dinner, which were very tasty.  I also met our new neighbor who started moving in the house across the street that was vacated yesterday morning.  He is a young bachelor and very pleasant to speak with.  He said he had very little to move as he has been living in an apartment so the move won't amount to much. 

Carol, glad to see you are safely home and I bet that home looked mighty good to you after the road trip.  It sounds like you had a rather rough trip whether wise.

Jeanne, I well remember you writing about going out to your car only to find the battery down due to lack of use. 

Ruth Ann, tht diabetes is a viscous disease that can do so much damage. Thank you for our prayers.  Pat has stopped taking one of her medications as it was causing her such itching all over her body and it has seemed to help.  Unfortunately the fibromyalgia is hitting her big time now.   

Hi, friends,

I'm doing pretty well right now. There's not a lot to report here in my little corner of the world, but I wanted to say "hello" anyway.

May God richly bless each of you today.

Ruth Ann

Good Day all, I am up early and trying to start a new morning routine with a bit more effort at drinking more water and so forth.   I always try to read devotions first and foremost and sip a cup of coffee but now will sip water.  It just isn't fun to drink water.

Ruth Ann:  When you wrote of your friend having the same sleepy days, it sounds like something you caught.  Perhaps it was mostly because of less sunlight and that may help change your habit.  I can take a nap sitting in a chair very easily.  Thank you for your message of blessings that we do all receive - it is nice of you to remind us.  Blessings to you as well!

Larry:  How nice of your granddaughter to not only visit Pat and you but fix a meal and cookies as well.  Super sweet! 

Both of us are having allergies or the beginnings of colds.  Certainly hope it is not a cold.  We have not rested since Tuesday night with children visiting and so forth - love to see them. 

Larry:  Don's school (Univ. of Minnesota Duluth) beat Harvard in hockey!  Little old UMD!  He is thrilled.  It s situated on a hill overlooking Lake Superior and you cannot believe how cold it can be in any season.  There are tunnels all over so now students can walk underground and not have to brave the wind, snow, sleet and all.  When Don took a grandson there to check the school, the snow was horizontal.   

HI everyone.  It looks like it will be a beautiful day with little wind after two very windy days.  I am sure the golfers are delighted.  It is chilly this morning but suppose to get up to 70 this afternoon.

I had a wonderful time visiting with 5 of my friends who met me for lunch in Madison.  I had no trouble with the drive but was really glad to get back home so I could rest.  Rest is also my goal for today although there are a few chores I need to do but can take them slowly. I need to grate another pound of cheddar cheese, fry up a pound of sausage and also mix up and bake Pat's breakfast sausage muffins.  I have no intention of going anywhere today. 

Ruth Ann, it is good to see your hello as tells us you are still OK.

Carol, glad that UMD won their hockey game.  Those tunnels sound like a wonderful idea.  Hope you both are not catching a cold and happy to read you are drinking more water.  It is easy for we seniors to get dehydrated.  Unfortunately, I have to watch how much water I drink everyday and that has been a big change for me as I have always liked water. 

I got my car back. it was just over 2000$, They had to flush the cooling system twice because there was some white  powdery stiff clogging up[ everything. I was told to always use the same brand of coolant. weThibnk it may have been cause by some old coolant that Keith found in  the garage and put in the radiator and overflow  chamber. It could have beedn a chemical reaction. no one knows for sure. It runs great now. the check engine light that has been on since right after we bought the car is now off.

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"They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Blessed is the king of Israel!' "

(John 12:13).

Hi everyone.  It is another glorious Sunday morning with the sun out and no wind.  We should get up to 77 degrees this afternoon and this will be a perfect day for the conclusion of the Master's Golf Tournament.

We had a most pleasant and unexpected surprise late yesterday afternoon.  We have a step-grandson whom we hadn't seen for more than 7 years.  Our granddaughter arranged for he, his wife and two young boys (9 years and 9 months) to come over and see us.  We had a nice visit and then went to Pizza Hut for dinner with them.  They are coming back over sometimes this morning.  I have a commitment to bring the devotional at Sunday School this morning so will go to Sunday School but not stay for church so I can be here with them as long as possible.  The little nine month old is a pure bundle of energy and is crawling and pulling up and is very strong and heavy.  He kept us all entertained. 

Marilyn, glad to see you got your car back and while the repair was expensive it was no where near the cost of buying another car.  I hope it now gives you many miles of good service. 

Jeanne, that is a pretty and appropriate graphic for the Easter season as this is Palm Sunday. 

Good Monday morning, the start of another week, cant believe we are now four months in already since Christmas,
they say, as we get older, time fly's, well that seems to be very true...

Not much happening in my non-exciting life but, a parkhome notice was put through our door saying a brand new parkhome coming in two halves will be arriving on our site sometime today....Our private long downhill drive at some point will be closed off for that hour to any other traffic, so no one will be able to get in or go out, there are no other ways...The transport that carries the half newly built parkhome passes the two brick walls at the top of our slope, one being our property, the other, the other side of the road, our home is always the first to get past, we are top of the slope, so this shall be fun as we have heard that it has nipped our wall in the past, as the transport takes that tight corner.....

Jeanne:  Thank you for the palm photo.  This is the week we all remember the torture and resurrection of our Lord.  We are privileged to be called Christian. 

Hi everyone.  We are in for another very pleasant, sunny and warm day here in South Carolina.  We had another nice, although short visit yesterday at lunchtime with our step grandson and his family before they left to return to their home near Atlanta.  I did go to Sunday School as I had made a commitment to bring the devotional so I went but didn't stay for church.  On the way home I stopped at Krogers and got three large subs, potato salad and cole slaw and a big bag of various small bags of chips for our lunch.  It was quick and easy.  It wasn't the best lunch but it served the purpose.  As soon as they left I laid down but got involved in the golf tournament and couldn't go to sleep.  Needless to say I went to bed early last night.

This morning I emptied the dishwasher and fixed Pat's breakfast.  Pat had ordered some new Corelle dishes to replace the plates, etc, that we had been using.  They came yesterday so I unpacked them this morning and got all but two sets in the dishwasher.  The other two sets I will wash by hand for use this evening for our dinner.  I also need to grate a pound of cheese and make more sausage muffins for Pat's breakfast.  However, I needed to rest so am now in my office doing that as I write in the discussions.  If I am not too tired I will attend my noontime meeting and then stop at Costco for a few items on the way home.  That will be it for today. 

Jackie, I agree with you that time really is flying by.  Already we are at a third of April gone.  It sounds like you will have some excitement in your neighborhood with the new park home being delivered.  I hope they don't tear up your fence.

Carol, I agree with you that we are privileged to have Jesus Christ as our personal savior. 

Happy Monday to you all!

I am happy to bring you an update on Beth's condition.  She seems to have decided to stay with us for a longer time, so has started eating a little bit better,
has even gained a pound or so, and her countenance looks so much better!  Of course I am really pleased with this, even though I would understand if she wants to go on to heaven.  John says he knows Beth will be here for a long time, as he doesn't believe God would bring them together, let John retire and move to Kansas and marry her, only to take her to heaven after only 15 months together.  She called me earlier--or rather, had one of the girls call me, to tell me she wants to see me.  I had spent a couple hours with them yesterday, reading to them, etc., and had brought her a small milkshake.  She ate all of it!  Not exactly health food, but there is nutrition in it!  So as soon as I finish posting, I will go back to see her.

Carol, sorry you had bad weather on your way back to Colorado, but glad you're back home.  I asked Darrel this morning how he is enjoying Italy!  He said it looks an awful lot like Kansas to him.  We are at peace about our decision to cancel the trip, as home is where we needed to be while Beth was struggling so hard.  And while I feel the crisis is past, she will need careful watchcare as long as she is here with us.

Ruth Ann, so nice to see you posting more often and sometimes a bit longer posts.  I hope you're feeling better.  Do you no longer attend the church service there in your building?  There are some wonderful services on TV and the internet, which is such a blessing for those who cannot get out to attend their favorite local church.

Marilyn, glad you're getting your Subaru repaired, and hope it will serve you well for a long time to come.

Larry, so glad to read that you got to see your Step-grandson and family after such a long time apart.  God seems to be healing your family, and I'm so happy for you and Pat.

I had a short note on Facebook from our Pat, in reply to a comment I posted on one of her photos.  She still needs our prayers.

Jackie, sounds as if you are getting some new neighbors!  Hope all goes smoothly with them getting their new home past the gates!

Jeanne, you are such a blessing!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do to keep this site running smoothly.  ((((hugs))))

Now I must go see Beth, then go get a few incidentals at Shopko.  Later, Peeps!

Janet, thank you, but I think you have it backwards.  Rather than being a blessing, I am blessed daily by my contacts with you and all of our friends here on CP.   

Janet, if anyone ever doubts our God, this is testament to him that your Beth is still very much needed here and not there...There is a reason for it...

Hi everyone on a bright and sunny day.  It looks like we will get up to about 82 today.  Not feeling very peppy today and guess I just got overtired yesterday.  It doesn't take much anymore to do that to me.  I did not get to Costco yesterday and Pat plans to go with me this morning.  This afternoon after 3 pm I will drive down to Walmart to pick up another online grocery order.  I sure love this method of buying groceries.  I will take the rest of the day quietly. 

Janet, certainly encouraging to read that Beth is doing better and wants to fight to stay on living.  I doubt you will ever regret not going away on a trip at this time as you obviously are needed by both Beth and John to help keep their spirits up.  Thanks for the little update on Pat.  I keep hoping that she will get better so she can once again have enjoyment from life. 

Jeanne, don't sell yourself short as you are a blessing to us all. I often am neglectful in expressing my appreciation to you and others for all that is done to keep these discussions together.   

Jackie, I certainly agree with your comment.

Good morning!  At least it's still morning for another hour here. 

We have been to the gym, our first day back was yesterday, after almost two months' absence.  And boy!  Could I ever tell it this morning!  I wondered for a bit if I could even get out of bed, I was so sore.  But we went back, didn't do a whole hour as Darrel was expecting a call from his financial people at 9:00.  And he didn't get up early enough to get to the gym earlier.  At least I did enough to help work out the soreness.

We have flown United so many times, and I am distressed to see the video of them dragging a doctor off the plane, just to accomodate 1 of 4 of their own employees.  This matter should have been handled at the gate, not after passengers were seated!  And why didn't they offer the monetary reward to all passengers before boarding?  I feel sure they could have found four who would have taken the money.   

My painting week (the once yearly one) is coming up the first full week of June, and I want to be prepared for a change.  I am terrible about procrastinating getting ready for that class that I love.  Why?    I have no idea.

Jeanne, you are so sweet and so modest, but my statement still stands!  We love and appreciate you, as well as valuing your friendship.   

Larry, I think so often of you, and greatly admire your attitude about the limitations your heart puts on you, and how wonderfully you handle it.  It makes me consider my age, and the fact that, even though I'm in excellent health, I have no idea how long or short my time here on earth may be.  But when He takes us to be with Him, what a day that will be!  We are winners!  What a reunion!  We will have new, glorious bodies!  We will see Jesus!  And so many other joys we haven't begun to imagine!  When I ponder heaven, I get homesick!  Well, anyway, dear brother, we love you and are rooting for you, of course with the hope you won't leave us anytime soon. 

I'm getting used to my new Mac.  The biggest downside is that I see I need some glasses with only the bifocal lens as my neck gets painful from looking up at this big screen.  Have to call my eye doc.

Jackie, yes, God does still have plans and purposes for Beth's life.  I trust Him completely and know He loves my daughter more than I ever could.  Thanks for your kind words.

I will soon be leaving for my monthly MS social evening, 7 - 9.15pm...this will be my second meeting since Christmas as January there was no gathering, then last month I purposely boycotted it as the MS Nurse was visiting to give a talk as she was retiring...this was the same MS nurse who I had to put some formal complaints in about...Our meetings start with someone coming in to give us a talk, followed by the raffle, then ends with the trolley round of teas and goodies, I usually plump for the cheese sandwich biscuits and square of cheese, sometimes they have grapes but, I usually say no to the chocolate cakes and biscuits...Well at least it gets me out for a couple of hours, and hopefully someone to talk to......

Our speaker never turned up, so as usual we improvised with a quiz, our table didn't win...

I am now off to bed, almost midnight so, I will say a " God Bless " to our members...

This morning I got busy after coming home from the gym and pruned the bush that is by the front door. I sure whacked the heck out of that bush. I carried 5 bundles of branches to the backyard and fell  taking the last one back. I didn't get hurt though. I little while ago I swept all the stuff left  into a pile for Keith to pick up and put in  the garbage. There is a light rain here today, I took Freckles out for 2 walks anyway.

I am going to have to call my Medigap insurance and see if I can get a prior authorization for my chiropractor. Medicare used to pay part of it  now, the Medigap doesn't cover chiropractors. That is the only way I can  manage  my back pain other than taking pain pills and I don't want to do that

Hi everyone on this beautiful Spring Day.  It looks like it will be another very pleasant one.  Our family is going to have our traditional Easter Dinner late this afternoon as Scott has to work Sunday afternoon.  We bought the ham but Jennifer is preparing it.  Pat told me the different dishes we will be having but not whether we were making them or would depend on Scott and Jennifer to prepare them.  They are both good cooks and getting these big meals is almost beyond Pat now.  Pat is getting showered before her breakfast this morning and hopes to have enough energy left to go to her gifts group this morning.  I hope she can go as it is good for her to be with the ladies and she always enjoys the group. 

Yesterday, for the first time in almost a year she decided she was going to drive and she took herself to our local Walmart to pick up a prescription and get a few other things.  She said she got along well and her back cooperated as long as she kept moving.  Yesterday was truly a lost day for me as after I finished posting in the discussions I went back to bed for the rest of the morning, got up and ate a quick lunch, and then laid back down for a couple of hours more.  I was just too tired yesterday to try to get to Costco as we had planned.  I seem to be getting to a point where all I want to do is lay down and rest.  I certainly don't feel depressed just weary after I do just a few things. 

Janet, thanks for your kind comments.  Glad you were able to get back to the gym.  I can't image what the United Airlines employees were thinking (or not thinking I guess is the problem) to take such drastic actions.  If they need the seats for their crew then perhaps she shouldn't overbook and sell those seats.  It is terrible PR for them and will put doubt about using them in many people's minds.  Their stock value even declined yesterday.  I had thought you had gotten an Apple laptop computer.  It does sound like you could benefit from computer glasses. 

Jackie, glad you got to attend your MS event even if the speaker didn't show up.  I hope you had a good time and how did you pass up the cake? 

Marilyn, it sounds like trimming bushes is a hard job for you with your back problems.  Glad you didn't get hurt from the fall, which is easy to do walking in a yard.  Hope you feel OK today.  Too bad your insurance will not help with the expense of the Chiropractor.  We are allowed 12 visits a year under our policy.

Hi everyone.  We are headed up to the low 80's this afternoon with a 20% chance of showers.  We had a delicious early Easter dinner last evening.  Our granddaughter fixed the ham and it was delicious.  Pat fixed our traditional green been casserole and the 5 cup salad and also a nice potato dish that was new to us but sure we will have again as Pat said it was easy to make.  Scott switched printers between the one in my office and the one Pat had been using but that I couldn't get to print after clearing a paper jam and replacing an ink cartridge.  As soon as he brought it into my office it stated working.  Pat's upstairs printer in her sewing room says it has a paper jam but both he and I tried to find it without success.  He took that printer home with him to see if he can find it. 

We plan a fairly light day today.  I am going to pick up my friend and go to coffee, will return him home and then make the decision whether to go back to the Wisdom class or not.  I have spent a good part of the last two days just laying down and resting.  We are planning on going out to eat this evening for our main meal as Pat said she just plans on taking it easy today as she had a full day yesterday and needs a day to recover.

Janet:  You would not have felt comfortable leaving Beth at this time.  Take time to work out your kinks, as you say.

Marilyn:  Sorry about your fall - it sounds like you didn't hurt yourself so that is great! 

Larry:  We are not as peppy as we used to be - I fell asleep in the chair this afternoon.  If I don't sit in that chair, I can stay awake.  Earlier, I had been sorting things for donations and just to have less in the closet. 

I need a smaller crock pot too and had it on my list at the WM - well, walking all over and even looking at my list, I was checking out when that thought finally came to me - so today Don is ordering one from Amazon.  It takes a lot of time and effort to walk all over these huge stores. 

Still behind on our visiting here in the housing area and an email just arrived - would you be able to put us up on Tuesday next week?  Sure.... Don's cousin & wife on their way to Minnesota.  They are great! 

I found all of the ingredients for a bean casserole that has 5 kinds of beans and must have been used for 40 plus years.  Now to find out if our daughter wants me to bring that or something else.  She has been out of the area (Minnesota) flying back and hosting our Easter meal that may be either Saturday or Sunday.  It all depends on the three college kids coming.  Our granddaughter wants us to meet her boyfriend of a half year - he is in veterinary school so this will be interesting. 

My family used to go to Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services as well at Sat and Easter morning.  We didn't discuss it this year.   

Hi, friends,

I'm again having to feed and care for my sister in law's cat. He is really missing his "mom."  She's hospitalized  right now.  I pray she has more time with us.

Fortunately, she only lives half a block up the hill and there are no steps to negotiate. 

It's  so good to hear from all of you. You're important to
God and to me.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

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Just back from an enjoyable one and a half hours at the village hall, down the road from my church, where today lunchtime they held their Soup and Pud....not a lunch but as it states, a soup with crusty buttered bread, followed by a pud, which today was a crumble and custard...the local vicar and his wife who also sits in an vicar when he holds service at one of the other three village churches were both also present, it was of course because of Easter and offered a hot cross bun and coffee or tea...I was made very welcome, a drop in session, and well looked after...They even hold a small raffle where one of my numbers allowed me to choose my own prize of a well known make of hyacinth hand cream...which I am glad was available as with my right hand neuropathy I tend to use a fair bit of hand-creams for lubrication, as that hand is like a dried shrivelled leaf with mild pins and needles and numbness......

Hi everyone.  We have another beautiful day and will get into the low to mid-80's this afternoon with no chance of rain.  I don't intend to go anywhere today.  Yesterday left me exhausted.  We did go and have Chinese last evening for dinner but doubt we go back to the restaurant. 

Carol, I have  very comfortable new recliner but just never go to sleep in it or the old one either.  Pat is preparing on online Costco order this morning and I asked her to put on it several non-perishable items I would normally get in the store so we can shorten the shopping time.  We have wanted to go there all this week but just haven't felt up to it. I see your company parade continues.  I would like to attend our Good Friday service at church tonight as it is the choir singing with Scripture but pretty sure I will not be going and attending the Easter Service Sunday is questionable.

Ruth Ann, do you go to your SIL's place to feed the cat?  Sorry to here she is hospitalized again and hope she can get better.   

Jeanne, thanks for the Easter graphic of the cross.

Jackie, it sounds like you had a nice time.  Is the Pud an abbreviation for pudding?  Glad you won a prize and that it was something you can actually use. 

I was thinking Pud was for potato.   

Larry: Looking up online COSTCO and I will check if we have it. 

This being Good Friday - the stock market is closed.  I wonder how long before that tradition will go by the wayside.  Remembering when Christmas and Thanksgiving were real holidays for family gatherings. 

Larry:  Did you find a good Chinese place?  We have a great Thai place. 

Jeanne:  Wonderful picture - it looks like it could be fabric?