Christian Photographers Community

Marilyn...

...wishing you both a very HAPPY ANNIVERSARY...and may you have many more....well as many as our God will allow you...

Well sadly, once again our tvs are making for grim viewing....the terrorist attack of late yesterday evening  ( I had gone to bed so never knew until this morning, 5am...) has been on from the minute I got up, ( I saw the computer page headline ) although I never put the tv on until Richard got up...and it is still on now at gone 1pm, it hasn't taken a break on BB1 and ITV.... all programmes have so far been cancelled...think to resume in an hour's time...What is happening? that young children, teens and family cant go to a concert nowadays, go there, enjoy themselves and come back home safe...

Hi everyone.  We awoke this morning to a good rain shower.  I have no idea of how long it had been going on.  More rain is in the forecast for today although not a 100% chance.  The only thing on the schedule today is that Pat has a 10:15 appointment to get her neck area x-rayed which was ordered when she saw the pain doctor last week.  I will probably drive her there although she could drive herself so if it is raining I can drop her off and pick her up at the door of the clinic.  Yesterday I got caught in a traffic backup on I-20 at the bridge crossing the Savannah River that separates South Carolina from Georgia.  There is a good chance they will not be working today because of the rain and the trip will be an easy one.  If not we will probably drive downtown and then back up on the other side of the river on a very nice road called the Riverwatch Parkway.  It will take several minutes more but we won't be caught in a traffic jam on the Interstate. 

Today is our Senior Luncheon at Church but I am taking a pass and not attending.  It is the last one until the fall.  So I expect to have a very laid back day. 

Jackie, hopefully justice has been done for the little murdered boy.  Some children end up with terrible children who abuse them so. Was the dairy store open and you just enjoyed the view sitting outside?  It sounds like you live very close to the sea.  Terrible event at the concert.  This is mainly what is on our TV as well for the short time Pat had the TV on this morning.  When a person has no regard for his/her own life I guess they don't care a thing about others and can easily be misled into a line of thinking that killings others is somehow a good thing.

Marilyn, Happy Anniversary.  That is a very nice picture.  How many years now? Sorry to learn that you also have Macular Degeneration.  The only eye problem I seem to have is the quickly developing cataracts which make my vision not as good as it used to be but not yet ready to have them removed.  I bet Freckles was sweet smelling and looked great when you picked him up yesterday. 

I hadn't heard about the latest terrorist attack until I was watching TV at the gym this morning.  So sad that they think "Allah" is going to reward them with 72 virgins in paradise for killing innocent people.  Until we can somehow change what they--mothers, mostly--teach their young children, how can we ever change this?  I don't think we can just kill them all, because they multiply like rabbits; having at least four "wives" apiece.

Why do young women live with drug addicts and abusers, and even leave their innocent little kids alone with them?  So much sin and sorrow in the world.

BUT GOD!!  Yes, God is able to save to the uttermost all those who call on Him! 
And that is cause for rejoicing today!!   

Marilyn, I love the way you fixed up your wedding picture!  How many years is it now?
Happy Anniversary, and I hope you can enjoy many more together!

Larry, I would really like to visit the area where you live.  It sounds so pretty, and that is a part of the US we haven't visited yet.

I had a good workout at the gym today: one mile on the treadmill, lots of balance exercises, then leg work.  Which means weights tomorrow for my arms!  I do like to stay mobile. 

Can you believe next Monday is Memorial Day?  I went and purchased more flowers for Darrel's family's graves, as we are the only ones left here to take care of it.  But I don't mind at all.  I like to go out on Memorial Day when the Veterans have their ceremony, too, and walk around and visit with folks--when the weather is nice!

Later, peeps!/color]

Prayers for the people of Manchester. 

It is a sunny but chilly day here.  There is so much snow in the mountains that the ski resorts have opened again after being closed for about a week.  This means water for the farmers downhill - for this year. 

Don is off to a VA clinic this morning and I am getting things ready for him to have Cribbage buddies over tonight.  It is a quilting night for me at another house.  Early afternoon is my yearly physical and then the appointments end.  A dear friend of ours had emergency surgery on Easter and his daughter told me that he is possibly going to his home in another week - such a long recovery.  Wishing we could be there to help but he is in Arizona now and it is hot now.  Sizzling hot. 

Janet  and Larry Hanna...I will keep you informed once we know how many years they give him...hopefully he will serve a life sentence...

Good evening, friends,

I'm so thankful I could stay home today. But tomorrow's going to be very busy, and I learned from tv that the weather's due to be wet and cool tomorrow. Maybe it won't be too long of a walk to the doors at the health care center from a parking place. I need to take special medical equipment to my sister in law tomorrow, along with a few other things.

Then, of course, caring for her kitty's needs.Along with purchasing cat food for him.

I'm so sad about the Manchester debacle. We need to pray for all involved.

Thank you for sharing your news with us.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is another overcast morning with rain expected sometime in the afternoon.  Yesterday we had quite a bit of rain and my gauge has close to 1 1/2 inches showing.  I can see the yard was most appreciative as has really greened up.  I did take Pat to get her x-ray yesterday and fortunately, due to the rain, the Interstate wasn't backed up so it was an easy trip. 

Today is the day that both Pat and I have appointments with our Cardiologist.  Unfortunately they could not be scheduled back to back so will take Pat for her appointment and then bring her home and then a little later go back for my appointment.  Fortunately, it is only about a 15 minute drive to the doctor's office.  Tonight is our next to last Wednesday night dinner at the Church and tonight is Italian night, which is always good.  Scott is working this evening so will not be able to attend nor come out to visit but hopefully Jennifer will come and have dinner with me and then come out to the house for a little while.  That will be it for today.

Janet, this is a beautiful part of the country.  There are many things to see around Atlanta and there is much beauty here in South Carolina.  We would love for you and Darrel to come and see us and we have a spare bedroom with a king sized bed just waiting for guests.  I am glad you can do the exercises at the gym. 

Carol, it sounds like the additional snow this year is a blessing for all concerned unless it results in unwanted flooding.  Nice that Don can play cribbage with a group of buddies while you are quilting. 

Jackie, I agree with you that the man has no business out in society. 

Ruth Ann, is your SIL now in a health care facility?  Perhaps you could ask for someone to help you with the medical equipment.  It sounds like you will have a full day today.   

That wedding photo was taken last year  for our "Church" wedding. Actual time  is really 8 years.

Today is Keith's birthday. I won a gift certificate for a local steak house so we will be going there for dinner tonight. At the gym I go to we have some little game each month and win prize, this month's is Bingo. I've won this certificate and also one to the Health food store that I;'ve already used.

All is well here, We are very blessed. Keith will be seeing the Urologist on the 6th. I have my Mammo on the 1st, Then Keith goes up to  the Oregon Health and Science University Casey eye Institute for  his eyes. The DMV has already asked him to turn in his drivers license until he can pass the eye and drivers test again. 9If he can) He has no perpheral vision and a cyst on something behind his eye. Optic nerve or retina we don't know), he will be seeing a Retina Specialist.

One more mild day and then back to chilly and wet for several days.  Saves money when I don't need to use fans or a/c, or the furnace.   

Not a lot happening here in my corner of the world today.
  Went to the gym and did circuit exercises with the class, something I hadn't done in months.  Then I spent time on the phone trying to find out why we can't seem to get the refund from the trip insurance for that trip we had to cancel when Beth was so sick.
Insurance companies are really quick to take your money but they don't like to give any of it back when things happen.  Never did get any satisfaction. 

I asked Darrel if we could run down to Hugoton, he was agreeable, so we drove over and took Diane to lunch, picked up more plants for our garden and went to the grocery store and got a few items.  So the day has gone.

Larry, hope you both got good reports from the doctor today!

There is no reason I know why I should be so darn tired--but I am. 

See you all tomorrow--same place if not same time!

Janet:  As for the insurance rebate, get in touch with your state insurance department - they should have a designated official for just such issues. 

I had to come in to tell you about a news item from the mountains - an hour away.  Pictures of a heavily damaged car was on the news with the entire bumper torn off.  The culprit was a bear that wanted to get in the car.  It turns out the car is used for delivering doughnuts and even with none in the back seat, that bear has quite a nose. Lots of stories when people live in animal territory.   

Richard could not wait in any longer, he said he had to take Toby for his walk, he wanted to get back as he was awaiting for a return Doctor call, re, his COPD inhaler, his monthly supply has almost run out. as he would normally wait for me to get in and out of the shower, checking on my safety...so I was just about to take my very quick shower when the tv announced a one minute silence for the victims of Manchester, so I waited and stood to pay my respects...I dont shower every day, the least I get inside that shower the better but, this evening we are having our parkhome sites annual AGM meeting in the next villages hall, unlike last year May, we were newbies, we have added one or two newcomers to our site since, but it is not compulsory to attend, as with last year, think less than half turned up...

Jackie, I was checking the latest results of the french Open Tennis Tournament and I couldn't help but wonder what we would do with some of their names...Lucie Hradecka; Jil Teichmann;  Valentini Grammatikopoulou... among others! Pity the poor announcers!   

Hi everyone.  We have a beautiful morning so far with sunny, cooler temperature and less humidity.  However, the clouds are moving in and our area is under a severe thunderstorm warning until early afternoon.  We were under a tornado watch almost all day yesterday but fortunately only had some heavy rain during the afternoon. 

I have nothing planned for today so am just going to stay home as far as I know now.  The man I usually pickup and take to coffee has a dental appointment this morning so I won't be going to coffee and plan on skipping the Wisdom Class also.  Pat even fixed her own breakfast this morning.

Yesterday we were both able to see the Cardiologist at the same time which worked out well.  My test results and echo results were mostly good.  She is having me start taking folic Acid and Thiamine and also suggested getting a monthly B-12 shot to try to increase my energy level.  She also ordered a Oximeter one night test to see if my oxygen levels are falling while I am asleep since this is not uncommon with heart failure.  Jennifer joined me for dinner at the Church and then came out and spent a couple of hours with us.

Marilyn, I hope the steak dinner for Keith's birthday was very tasty.  Having a gift certificate really helps when it comes time to pay the bill.  Glad it won't be long now before Keith can have his Urology and eye appointments. 

Jeanne, thanks for sending the cooler day down our way yesterday and again for today.  I wonder how the announcers can handle some of the names in football and also in the PGA Golf Association as there are so many now playing from other countries.

Janet, I hope the trip insurance you bought wasn't a scam and that you do get your money back.  Are you going to have a big garden this year?  I can't seem to find the energy or the desire to go and purchase any flowers to plant for us this year.  As I indicated above Pat and I both had good reports from the doctor.  She doesn't have to go back for a year and I will continue to see the Cardiologist on a 4 month appointment basis.  You at least have a reason to be tired as you are so busy.  Are you still not getting a good nights sleep.  Have you ever been tested for sleep Apnea as that can certainly cause tiredness. 

Carol, I saw something in the news about the car where the bear had torn off the bumper.  I wonder if that is a first.  Those must be powerful donuts. 

Jackie, we were suppose to have a homeowner's meeting last year and again this year in April.  However, it didn't happen.  A management company has been hired to handle the business of the Association and I have no idea who the officers are but have not needed to know.  I hope you all have a good meeting this evening.

Jeanne Lee...
...after you, I will wait until you master them first, then I will come in, and give them a go...

Larry Hanna...
...I dont think there is anything I need to raise at this evenings AGM, but it has been playing on my mind that as or when any of our site residents are taken to hospital or pass away as Allan recently did, I would sure like a better procedure undertaken s regards to informing all tenants, and not as it presently seems to be, by word of mouth, or bits we find to read under obituaries...but no doubt I shall be keeping shtum if no one raises the same subject...we will be leaving in less than 2 & a half hours time, it is to take place at 7pm...

Oh Larry, the mysterious officers, sounds a tad like our parkhome site owner ( not manager, our manager is on site, ) mind you, as long as he receives our monthly direct debit ground rent, I guess that's all that matters...

Jeanne Lee...
...I'm still struggling with " Cappadocia..." 

Larry, thank you so much for your gracious invitation to visit.  And should we find ourselves in your area, I will contact you.  I think it would be too much for you and Pat to host us, but I would really love to meet and spend an hour or two with you.  Maybe that will happen! 

I'm pretty sure the Trip Mate Insurance isn't a scam; but they want records of every doctor who has ever treated Beth, dates, etc.  Her file is nearly four inches thick!  I know they aren't going to read all that stuff, and besides, that's not what they said they would do.  I let them know we are plenty unhappy with them.  Now I'm going to try another tactic:  ask for a travel voucher instead of the cash.  The lady at Grand Circle Travel said that should be much simpler, and they should stop sending more papers asking for more information.  Sigh.....  GCT is in Boston; Trip Mate Ins. is in Kansas City.

Beth has lost another four pounds. 

I really overdid it yesterday at the gym, and hardly slept at all last night for the pain.  I ached all over, got up three times to take Tylenol, finally stayed up and read for an hour, and maybe got two hours' sleep.  And I'm so sore I can barely get out of a chair and hobble around.  Went and walked a half mile this morning, then did some stretches.  That did help, but OUCHIE!!  (Yes, I should know better, I know. )

And I'm going to bed and read for a while.  The way I feel, I may keep my eyes open for five minutes!

Praise the Lord, I had a much better night!  Several good, solid hours of sleep, and feeling so much better!   

I plan to attend the funeral of the lady who lived in the next room to Beth for the past seven or more years.  That will be at 10:00 this morning.  She was such a sweet person,
now we can rejoice that she is back with her husband, who died some years ago.

I pray blessings on all of you this day!

Janet...
...will your Beth be attending also? or isn't she up to it? if not, she will be there in spirit, if not in body...

It was quite a turn out last night for our annual parkhome sites AGM meeting...nothing to worry about or concern us this year, apart from one of the three committee speakers that we must have to continue ( Chairman ) told us he is to move away in six months, and no showing of hands when asked " who would like to take over"? it is a must that we  have the three, ( Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary )otherwise we have no committee, it will, I assume, fold...of course the opportunity arose that the Treasurer might want to take over his roles, leaving an open position for a new treasurer, but that didn't come to much either...

We seem to collect newcomers to our site from the entertainment side of life...we also lost a couple January but since gained another couple, or the man is at least...Only found our last night at our AGM meeting last night, when he offered his services...well this morning Richard found out what they call themselves, cant find them on youtube but this is their website...our new parkhome site neighbour is in the centre...Link to " Party With the Silhouettes..."


http://thesilhouettes.co.uk/Photos.html

Hi everyone.  Our day is getting started off as a beautiful sunny and calm day and we are to get only into the low-80's this afternoon.  As yesterday was I expect today will also be a quiet and restful day.  I haven't checked with Pat yet but we may go out late this afternoon for our main meal for today.  Otherwise, I don't plan to go anywhere today. 

Jackie, does your community have a website that could provide such information or at least an email listing that one of the officers could use to inform the community of such events as a death or new residents?  Yesterday I was listening to our fine Christian radio station and a minister was speaking of Isiah and pronounced as I have never heard it pronounced before.  I give words my best shot and then think no more about them. 

Janet, I assure you we can always talk and would go out to eat.  The housekeeper changes the beds so that isn't a problem and there is a separate bathroom.  i assure you that you would be most welcome whether for a couple hours of visiting or an overnight visit.  I fail to understand what Beth's complete medical history would have to do with a recent health event that prevented you from traveling.  I suppose many people give up when they see what is requested and the insurance doesn't have to pay off.  Under the Hippa Act a lot of people would not have access to such information.  Sorry to see you overdid at the gym and paid a price for it in terms of your sleep and aching.  Glad to see you are feeling better today.  It is amazing what a good nights sleep can do for us. 

Jackie, I expect the problem in finding folks willing to serve on a committee for your homeowner's is a problem that is common to most homeowner's associations.  It sounds like you live in a very valued area.  Maybe you will have built in entertainment.  I looked at their website and it appears they stay pretty busy.   

Maybe I do need a keeper!   

I put together a loaf of plain white bread in the machine this morning and it just signaled it was done.  I know the weather can affect bread, especially the humidity, and I had adjusted the amount of liquid, I thought to compensate.  But when I just went and turned the loaf out of the bin it was only about an inch thick.  I started to wonder if my machine was getting worn out and suddenly remembered...  I never even got the yeast out of the refrigerator!   

LOL Jeanne, I ahve done that too. So you made un leavened bread. Communion bread. You can now take communion at home.

I sure over did myself at eating on Keith's birthday the 24th. I was so stuffed  and today i am seeing the results on  my scale. I am up 3 lbs since Wednesday It didn't show up the  next day but sure did today.

It is a beautiful day here the temp is kinda low though. I took Freckles out for a walk after breakfast. and Went to the gym first thing this m orning then came home and fixed breakfast.

Janet I think it might be illegal for the insurance company to ask for Beth's medical records

Jeanne Lee...
...what are we going to do with you?...

Janet...
...this is UKs info, re, medical reports....dont know if US follow the same guideline...

" What are your legal rights surrounding your medical records?
Your insurance company can't apply for a medical report about you without your consent. The law surrounding this is governed by the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988.
You can request to see the report before it's sent to your insurer. This means that once it's been written, you'll have 21 days to view and approve it. Your GP won't send the report to your insurer without your consent.
If you don't want to see your report initially, you still have the right to view a copy of it within six months, although you may be charged for the photocopy.
If the report contains any aspects that you disagree with, you can ask for it to be amended. If your GP refuses for any reason, then you can ask to include a statement of your objections for your insurer to see...."
............................................................................................

Well its just coming up to 9am, and last night I had spent so long on the computer, umming and arrrhing, whilst looking up ( Tetrapods - Quad Canes, ) I have come to the conclusion that my walking has become worse, more so after I have taken the two three decking steps ( I have a handrail bar ) but the steps lead up to our high and sloping grassed garden, so once I let go of the bar, I am surrounded by emptiness, and cant move either way, and I do need to go feed the birds or go pick up Tobys dog poo on occasion, so I thought, either a frame without wheels, then I thought that might damage the grass eventually, but now I have just this minute placed an order for the wider based legs walking cane, I shall see how that goes first, if it gives me the security I need...

Oh the joys of getting old, and added to that, bad health...

Forgot to mention, I also got on the phone to ( I call him the metal man ) the man who makes and fits wrought iron hand rails and bars, he is the one recommended from our parkhome site manager when we moved here a year ago, the one we used to fit our handrails back and front but, where we park the car I have to walk down a steep slope to our front of home where I cant manage that by myself, even getting out of the car the door slams back on because of the slope..but behind the alcove where we park the car we have a back-way to our back garden but, they are a set of large concrete steps, then a set of another as you turn but, the downside, there are no bars to grab hold of, but I think this would be a quicker and safer way for me to get into my home but, I do need a metal handrail going all the way so, yesterday I got onto the phone, and have arranged for him to come take a look..(  I dont think Richard was too happy as he is thinking more money outlay, but I told him, needs are needs, especially mine, ) only downside, he is very busy now and said it could take a fortnight before he takes a look, then a possible two months before he comes to fit it, ( and yes, he is aware I have MS ) oh well, whats to be, will be...

Hi everyone.  It is another sunny and calm morning but we are headed up to 90 degrees this afternoon.  I slept in later this morning so am getting a slow start to the day.  The only thing on the schedule is we plan to eat out in the late afternoon and then on the way home pick up the online grocery order from Walmart.  Yesterday was just a calm and restful day.

Jeanne, It sounds like you may have baked a pita bread.   

Marilyn, I am sure the 3 lbs will disappear quickly.  It does sound like you had a delicious and generous meal for Keith's birthday. 

Jackie, I hope the new cane is the ticket for you and gives you stability.  We have one of those in our bathroom that Pat uses on one side and has the hand rail on the other.  It is nice that they stand up by themselves.  Pat didn't want to use it when she needed the cane for stability as was concerned she might trip herself on the extended legs.  This was a cane my daughter-in-law had and gave to Pat.  All of those steps and inclines sound treacherous when you are not stable in your walking.  Getting more hand rails seems like a very good thing. You sure don't need broken bones to deal with on top of the MS. 

Good morning!  I've been up for hours, but just getting around to start the tasks of the day. 

You folks are so kind and helpful!  I really appreciate your concern about our trip insurance, but I do need to clarify what I said.  They haven't actually asked for Beth's medical records, just are asking so many questions that it would probably be easier to send them the whole lot!  Our doctor (hers and ours) has already filled the forms out once; now they want more!  He explained that hers is an ongoing condition, that there was a sudden and severe exacerbation in both the NF and the MS, that she had quite quickly lost over 30 pounds, etc.  It's just very frustrating.  I'd rather just get a travel voucher for the amount than keep messing with those people!  I was on hold on the phone with them for 20 minutes; then got cut off!  Grrr.  I do not enjoy dealing with this kind of problems!

Anyway, thank you Marilyn, Carol, Jacquelyn and others for your kind help.  It is appreciated.

No, Jackie, I didn't take Beth to the funeral, as she was at a doctor's appointment, and John was using the van to take her.  It's really hard for me to take her places now,
and often she doesn't feel up to going. 

I got a new book that my sister Shirley recommended I read to Beth.  It is "Joni and Ken, the Untold Story" by Joni Earickson Tada, the lady who was paralyzed in a diving accident when she was a teenager.  So now, to find time to go read to her.  I'm thinking maybe I should wait till after my painting class, which starts a week from Monday.

Darrel drove me to get my nails done yesterday and we got more Memorial flowers at Walmart.  I so appreciate my kind, loving husband!

Jeanne, your bread story reminds me of me!  I had a similar outcome many years ago when making cream puffs.  They didn't PUFF!  I don't remember for sure if they even use yeast, I think I was doubling the recipe and forgot to double the eggs!    I doubt
any cook has never had one of those kitchen "oops!"   

Today I want to get my palette prepared for class.    Who knows if I will ever get this opportunity for 5 days of painting with treasured friends again?  The lady who runs the art center where we meet is almost 90, and several in the class are older than me.
Who knows about tomorrow, let alone next year?  Hmmmm....I guess attending two funerals in two days gets us thinking about such things.  I'm usually a very optimistic person, and I'm not really pessimistic about this, I hope.  Just realistic!

I want to bake a breakfast casserole for Dee and I, and a couple other things, as there is nowhere in Fowler to get breakfast.  They do have what's called The Pit Stop, where you can buy pre-made, fried stuff but it's not good, not healthy.  There are a couple places where we can eat supper, both open only certain evenings.  They no longer even have a grocery store!  That's sad, as they used to have a good one.  Lots of small town are losing their grocery stores, here in Kansas.

Jackie, be careful, and stay busy inside as you wait for the new railings.  It's so important to stay safe, as falls are really bad for us as we get older.

Before this turns into a book, I will stop and get busy on other things!