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Morning Devotional...


In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Matthew 6:9

Recommended Reading
Leviticus 22:32

Approaching the throne of God in prayer is simple and yet it is complex. When we pray, we are told to address our petition to ?our Father in heaven.? For those of us who have had a wonderful father here on earth, that instruction gives a clear connection on how to approach our Father in heaven. And yet, we are also addressing our supplication to the Creator and Lord of the universe?the One who made all things, including us.

Because He loves us, we can address Him as ?Father.? The Aramaic Abba might be used by a young child addressing his father as ?Daddy.? But because of Who He is, we are to approach Him with reverence. We must not in any way diminish His glory or presume when we pray, ?For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth? (Psalm 47:2). Someday we will be at home with our Father in heaven?it is a thought too wonderful to fully imagine?but until that day, we have the privilege of approaching ?Our Father in heaven? through prayer.



Humble prayer to our heavenly Father, in deep faith in Jesus Christ, is essential to qualify us for the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Henry B. Eyring

I seem to have been "in the doldrums" the last couple of weeks.  I'll try to do better.   

Jeanne Lee....we do what we can, when we can... as for the doldrums, everything shall pass, or so they keep telling me...Jeanne, as they often tell us..." a problem shared, is a problem halved....."

The dance recital was nice, except for being so looonngg!  Each of our two oldest girls was in three dances, and Jenna in two, interspersed among dozens of other dances by the various age groups and the solos.  It was enjoyable, but we didn't get home until midnight!  Made it harder to get up this morning and be at choir practice by 8:30. We were having problems with the bridge passage in one song, but we got it right today, praise God! 

John brought Beth in as we were practicing, so when we finished I went down to see her and was so thrilled by the way she looked.  She was SMILING, and looked SO much better than she has looked in weeks!  So I have much for which to praise our loving God today.

Our wonderful hard-working crews, along with crews from 13 other Electric Cooperatives, have now reduced the number of residential meters down to 960!  They are still replacing the broken poles.

The wheat is standing up again, most of it, so they are hopeful the loss won't be as complete as they first thought.

The movie "Bucket List" is on and I want to watch it.  Back later!

Oops!  I messed up again.  Sorry.

Larry, I decided to check and see what the "free" gifts were, and the only one I was interested in was a tactical flashlight.  I bought one for $5 some time ago, and this was FREE -- for only $14.95 shipping cost!  I contacted Apple support and they put an ad blocker on my computer, so I haven't seen any more of this aggravating junk. 

Hi everyone.  Another cool but beautiful morning.  I hope to have a rather full day today as got up feeling rested for the first time in several days.  I have fixed Pat's breakfast and a new batch of her sausage muffins in the oven.  Then I want to get over to Costco as they open and get a few items.  Finally, if I am not too worn out I want to attend my Monday noon meeting.

Jeanne, so good to see your posting here yesterday.  We all were becoming very concerned that you might be back in the hospital.  Thanks for getting us started on a new month.  Very good posting on Prayer and our Heavenly Father.

Jackie, I agree that a problem shared is a problem halved. 

Janet, I wonder why the recital had to be so long.  Some of those children are pretty young to stay up that late.  Great that Beth is looking better.  That also sounds like good news for the wheat farmers.  Glad to see you got the ad blocker on your computer.   

Jeanne:  What can we do to bring you out of the doldrums?   

In the past two days, three people have been hit by lightning here - In this county.  One lady was on a horse and both she and the horse died and a girl there was listed as critical.  The previous day, a lady was watching a baseball game at a school.  This is one of the worst states for lightning strikes. 

This week is full of appointments and to top it off - a friend and daughter are planning to arrive but we have not been told which day. 

Hi, friends,
I've been sick for over a week, but have been thankful, this week to be able to read the postings.

Our Heavenly Father knows each of us and really cares about our problems.

Y'all have a wonderful evening.

Love, Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann....God bless you, you have hit it on the nail,...." Our Heavenly Father knows each of us and really cares about our problems..."  so true, he cares about us even if no one else does...
We are also truly thankful to have forums like ours to air, and share the fact that we are dealing with problems...how much of our problems we openly post on here is up to us...

Hi everyone.  It is another beautiful day here in South Carolina and is predicted to get to 90 degrees this afternoon.  Today was suppose to be my Echo cardiogram but was called a little bit ago saying the tech was ill today so it was rescheduled until the 19th.  I have written to my doctor's office regarding the followup appointment I had with the Cardiologist on Friday to see if that appointment shouldn't also be rescheduled since the test results won't be available.  I did manage to accomplish all that I had set out to do yesterday and had a day when I felt reasonable good.  However, I seem to be paying for it today and am glad I can stay home. 

We did receive the sad news that my brother-in-laws mother had passed away last evening.  She was near 100 years old and had been in the nursing home probably for the last 10 years or more.  She was wonderful person who taught Sunday School for over 50 years and taught high school mathematics for many years.  Her older son was a very good friend of both Pat and mine during out college years and was actually a part of our wedding.  It has always been my intention that we would be there as support for my BIL and Sister but life intervenes and neither Pat nor I am really up to flying to Kansas City and then driving a 100 miles to the town where the funeral will be held.   

Carol, shocking news about the folks killed by lightning.  I know that Florida is also a State with lots of lightning strikes.  To bad your planned guests can't give you specific times they will be there to visit with you.  I always tried to let anyone we were visiting know what our plans were so they could plan accordingly.  Will the friend and her daughter being staying overnight or just be there for a daytime visit?

Ruth Ann, so sorry that you have been sick for the last several days.  Glad you could post and let us know and I know you are in good hands when your place your trust in our Lord and Savior. 

Jackie, I hope you know that you have many friends here that certainly care about you and your health issues.  I doubt that there are any of us that post in these discussions that don't have health issues and need the support and prayers of our friends here.   

Larry Hanna....sad that you B-I-L's mother never made it to 100...
...oh I wasn't referring to nobody cares on our forum, just a figure of speech, if I felt they never cared I wouldn't be posting on here...
.....................................
This evening is my monthly MS social meet-up...as yet I have no Idea as to who or what will be our tonight topic, they never knew themselves last month, so tonight will be a complete surprise...

Ruth Ann:  I am sorry that you have been ill.  It is good to see your post and I hope that you can get outside for some fresh springtime air. 

Larry:  Our good friend always has trouble making a decision - I wouldn't say that to her.  Her late husband was the same and we never knew until the last minute when they were on a long trip just what day or time they would arrive.  We are used to it - I have cooked and frozen food for these times.    She has a big heart and would offer to help anyone if possible. 

Yesterday afternoon we had a big storm in this area and lots of hail damage.  The hail here was quite small - the ravine in back was full but since they worked on the drainage system, we are wary buy not panicked.  We just watched the side road where very few knew enough to slow their cars.  Our house has had two new roofs in the last three years so insurance is a big concern.  Now the car insurance will rise.  Two more afternoons are iffy in the weathercast too.

Tonight is a quilt meeting just down the street.  Don will play cribbage.  Tomorrow is the final bible study meeting and it will be all about food - everyone brings a dish so there are tables of food. 

Larry:  Your BIL's mother sounds like a wonderful person to meet.  You mention not being able to "be there" and I feel the same ache as well.  We have lived away from "home" for so many years and missed so many funerals - not able to help my parents on a daily basis.  So many things.  I believe we are where we are needed for other things that may seem minor to us but we certainly do not know the overall plan for our lives.  prayers for your Echo cardiogram next week.  Gentle hug to Pat!

Larry so sorry to hear about the loss of your BIL's mother, she sound like a wonderful woman.

Not much new here today, although it is a very beautiful day. I wish this weather could continue for a while but the rain is due back on Thursday.

Keith has a Urologist appointment for June6th  and has to see a Retina Specialist at the Casey eye institute  in July. Our summer is being filled with long trips and I am the only driver. DMV has requested  that he surrender  his license, The eye Dr said he is n o longer able to drive until he gets his eyes fixed. But wew still don't know what is wrong with his eyes onther that no peripheral vision to speak of.

Larry, so good to read that you had a day in which you felt better!  May they come often!  Sorry to read of your B-I-L's mother's death.  She is now enjoying the glories of heaven, but those left here are feeling her absence.

The Dance program was very long because so many are enrolled in that dance academy.  At least we didn't have to go back on Sunday afternoon, when the rest of the recital was held, as our girls weren't in that part.

Marilyn, sorry that Keith isn't allowed to drive any longer.  I hope Darrel is able to keep driving for a long time, as I cannot (or should not) drive at night.  So far, I can see fine to drive in the daytime,
but I prefer to have him drive.

Carol, that's scary to hear about those lightning strikes!  When I was still at home, my dad lost two cows at once, one on either side of a barbed wire fence, when lightning struck close by and followed the wires.  One cow fell over one way, and the other one the other way.  Pretty freaky.

We had a beautiful day today and I got my flowers set out that Diane gave me for Mother's Day.
  They are predicting rain, so I hope we don't get lots of wind with it.

Ruth Ann, sorry you weren't feeling well, but glad you're better now.

And I wrote Pat an email, which she did answer.  She is still suffering terrible pain and can barely do anything.  I feel so bad for her.    Please remember to pray for her.

We attended Great-granddaughter Chelsea's Kindergarten graduation last night, and it was such fun! They wore caps and gowns and had a whole program of songs and poems.  Each child had a special part (there were only 13 in the class.)  Chelsea led the Pledge of Allegiance.  She really had a time keeping her tassel where it belonged and her cap on her head.  It fell off on the floor once;
she calmly turned around, retrieved it, put it back on and never missed a word of the song they were singing.  If any of you visit my FB page, you will see some pictures of this event there.

Hi everyone. Another beautiful morning and currently 72 degrees but headed to the low 90's this afternoon.  The only think on my schedule today is our Wednesday night dinner at the Church and visiting with Scott and Jennifer.  I may make a quick trip to the ATM at the nearby credit union this morning.  Pat has her gifts group at the Church this morning and then will stop by Walmart to pick up the online order she placed yesterday.  Since my Echo was rescheduled to a later day I was able to stay home yesterday, for which I was very thankful, as guess my good day on Monday caught up with me as about all I felt like doing was laying down, which I did a lot of yesterday. 

Jackie, hope you had a nice time at the monthly MS meeting and found the program to your liking.  Did you have some good treats after the meeting?

Carol, this world needs all types of people with different personalities as that is what makes like interesting.  If we all walked the same path and felt the same way it would really be boring.  It sounds like you are prepared whenever your friends stop by to visit. Your friend sounds like a wonderful woman.  Glad you missed the large hail stones.  When I heard about them in the Denver area I remembered the roof problems you had experienced in the past few years.  I hope Don had a good night at Cribbage. 

Carol and Marilyn, my BIL's mother was a wonderful ladies but has been ready to meet the Lord for many years as she had lost her sight and I believe most of her hearing.  Years ago she had a trip planned to Israel but had heart problems and her doctor advised against making the trip and wanted her to have heart surgery.  Her response was  no to the surgery and if she died in Israel what better place could there be.  Sorry to learn that Keith has been asked to surrender his driver's license at this time. 

Janet, it sounds like a blessing that the dance recital for the little ones all occurred in one night.  Losing two cows to a farmer is a big loss.  I don't recall we ever lost an animal to lightning although did lose one or two animals, the reason for which I no longer remember.  I haven't had the energy yet to buy any flowers for this year.  What type of flowers did you set out?  Glad you heard from Pat and sure wish her news had been better.  I do pray for her often.  Your great grandchildren are growing fast as the years speed by.  I remember when your grandson married and then Chelsea was born.  I love to see the little ones at Church as they simply take what comes along and don't let a lot bother them at least for very long. 

Hi, friends,

I'm better each day, thanks be to our Lord.

I even went out to the bank and stopped to get a fast food sandwich for lunch.

The sunshine is beautiful, with a brisk breeze, and little puffs of pollen floating by on the breeze.

Y'all have a good day.

Love to all, Ruth Ann

This was the last morning of women's bible study and everyone brings food - we could have fed a small army. 

That was this morning and later I went to the monthly needle arts group and just chatted with about 8 women from the neighborhood.  Desert and coffee of course. 

Ruth Ann:  So glad that you were out and about today. 

This is unbelievable - this city is going to mandate how many people can sit on a porch and smoke marijuana.   The neighbors upwind from one son both smoke pot so our son cannot take his dog out or sit outdoors when they are puffing away..   Janet - I can see you just fuming over an issue like this one.  Always something.

Larry:  Tell Pat that my neighbor (an excellent quilter) has started to work on her UFO stash.  She has categorized and numbered 88 unfinished - that is some mountain of fabric.   

Good morning, a warm, sunny start to our day...not long back from an 8.30am  annual GP appointment, well at least I talked and got some things off my chest, and she listened.... of course she took my blood pressure which surprise surprise was on the high side, but I told her I have probably caused that myself due to the subject I had been talking to her about, re, my homelife, we both agreed, anyway I am back there to see the nurse -vampire a week on Friday...

While we were in the surgery a neighbour was also in there for the same reason, vampire visit..he told us the cremation is taking place tomorrow, re, our parkhome site neighbour who passed away a couple of weeks ago, well seems they done a post mortem on him...seems that along with another serious medical issue he had, he was made to drive another car compared to his usual larger car, whereby the car was a tad smaller, and on doing so he had to cram his body into a tighter space causing his stomach ulcer to burst, hence his death...

I understand he was not to everyone's liking, ( personally I take people as I find them, ) seems the feedback is mainly on his fowl language, not the easiest to get on with but, amongst his enemies their are friends who I am assuming will be going to his send off....I am one who intends on going if Richard can get the full details of time and whereabouts...I so want to pay my respects as I remember the evening whilst we passed our cars and I wound down my passenger side window to ask him at such and such a time, would be the same time we said goodbye to my darling Benji at the vets, and if he would say a prayer for Benji, he said he would, now its my turn to to pay my respects to him.....
................................................................
Larry Hanna....no this time round I never won anything from the MS raffle...maybe next time I will be luckier...
Oh I forgot to answer a previous question, re, my future church reading, the passage will be taken from our bible...

Oh yes the MS social evening talk was very interesting, I had actually walked in the door with the lady and had said to her..." so you are our tonight's speaker, still not knowing the subject...Well she turned out to be Kay Townsend, author-historian...her life as a travelling showman, and her family...( not gypsy ) before WW1 and WW2 ...the stories and humour just came one after the other, she was a minefield of knowledge...she talked of the value now of some of the rides, the traction engines, the factory which was very close to where I used to live in Watford who made the vehicles ( Scammell ) where some of the rides are now, shipped abroad, one valuable ride they managed to trace and bring back...Link to author and books...



http://www.marshwoodvale.com/people/2011/03/kay-townsend/

https://www.waterstones.com/author/kay-townsend/436837

http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/features/lookingback/11403750.Kay___s_along_for_the_ride_with_new_book/

Yes found out he is to be cremated 9.15am tomorrow...already I have printed out an AA route-planner, a 20 minute, 9 mile journey, and google mapped the layout and car park.... the crematorium does look a pleasant resting place next door to their cemetery....   

Hi everyone. We are in for a very hot day today in the upper 90's.  I have an appointment at 10:30 with the lung doctor.  This is the annual required visit related to my CPAP machine.  There have been no issues so this will be just a routine visit.  Yesterday evening I opened a new 10 pound bag of beautiful red delicious apples but the first two I took out had spoiled spots on them.  So I will be returning the whole bag to Costco later this morning.  They guarantee satisfaction and I am certainly not satisfied.  It is a 10 lb bag and I have bought them numerous times in the past without a problem. 

I don't have much available time this morning so will try to be brief as want to catch up on yesterday and this morning postings before I leave the house. 

Carol, sometimes I think insanity reins.  How are drug tests done in Colorado now that pot is legal? Does your neighbor have 88 quilt tops done? 

Jackie, glad you enjoyed your MS speaker last evening.  Maybe the next time with be your time to win in the MS raaffle. It sounds like a delightful evening.  Nice of you and R to attend the services for your neighbor.  Does your Church use the King James Bible or a later version? 

I spotted John B looking in - hope to hear from you John! 

The annual last morning of bible study was a feast as usual.  The afternoon sewing group, at a house a few doors up the street, was great as well.  Here,  I heated leftover casserole for Don's dinner. 

Larry:  She has 88 projects still unfinished.  I could bet that she will never finish because when there is a need for any charity quilt she plans and makes a masterpiece.  Many loving stitches. 

Don is off to the men's monthly breakfast.  I am so glad he can go again all because they found a problem with his hearing aides that blocked the sound.  It is really a prayer come true that he can hear better.  Not perfect but we don't ask for that - just reasonable.  I still go to meetings of any importance and take phone calls, etc.  I worry that I won't understand someone entirely too. 

Dark clouds here - I think our friend has driven a different way back to Minnesota and forgotten to let us know.  Oh, well.  It keeps me on my toes - always expecting unexpected company. 

Here comes the sun.... for a few minutes anyway. 

Wow!  It's almost noon already!  I can't believe how the hours have flown this morning.  I got up plenty early, just tried to do too much, I guess.  We did go to the gym, though.
Trying not to let that slide, as it is too important to our health.

Toni had told me Lexi's program started at 7:00 last night; we arrived at 6:45 and had already missed her class's part.    It started at 6:30!  Toni said, "I don't know why I told you that!"  We did see her get a bunch of awards, though, so all was not lost.  Tonight we go to Hugoton for Lexi's and Chelsea's piano recital.  That one starts at 6:00--I double checked!  So we will be there at 5:30.   

Larry, I forgot to answer your question about the kinds of flowers I set out.  They are geraniums and petunias.  Those do well here in spite of the winds we get.  The only place I have for flowers is two old bathtubs and some big pots in front of the house, but they really brighten things up, and I can see them from the windows in my prayer room. 

It is raining again today, and our road is so sloppy with mud we can barely get out.   

Yes, Carol, I would get very 'exercised' if we had pot smokers puffing away so bad one couldn't evade their junk.  Who would have ever thought?  And other states no want to legalize it?   

That would be a small mountain of fabric, for sure! 

Larry, I am to have an Echo cardiogram on Monday.  I have no idea what to expect, but probably it isn't invasive, right?  They are going to see if I have a mitral valve prolapse.  Darrel will get a holter monitor to see if he is having some electrical problem they can catch.  I fully expect good results for both of us.

Jackie, glad you enjoyed your MS meeting.  Sounds like it was very informative and educational,
and even fun!  Good wishes on your small trip to the memorial service for the neighbor.  What a freaky cause of death--one I'd never heard of before, anyway.

Many serious issues facing our world today, but our God is able to take care of things. I got scammed again a few days ago and prayed fervently that God would help me find a way that it wouldn't be costly for us.  He did, I got things all resolved, my computer protected, and I pray I never fall for a scheme like that again--EVER.  God is truly good, and He truly cares about all the issues of our lives, both small and great!      The solution involved getting my credit card canceled and disputing the charges, which my bank assures me will not be a problem.  They handle a lot of issues like this, for the cards associated with our bank.  I'm ever so grateful.

Ruth Ann, good to read that you are able to be out and about some.  I think often of how much you love to help people, even those times you could use help yourself.  Bless you.

I spoke to a friend this morning who told me a mutual friend had lost 350 head of sheep in the blizzard.  So sad.  Said they all huddled together and suffocated each other. 

Time to find something for lunch, I guess. 

Guess been back half hour, time now is 10.45am....it was a beautiful cremation service, non-religious as we found out one of his daughters had been converted into Muslim, so a mixture was present as I personally think Allan ( the diseased ) may have been Jewish...The musics played really summed him up, and the speech made us laugh as it really did sum him up, as Allan was a true cockney, a down to earth man who never held back from what he wanted to say but, as the daughters pointed out, inside he was a gentle and caring person who also done, and gave a lot to charities...We were told his wishes was for us to donate monies to a charity of our own choice that works in UK...Two of the three songs that were played, again summed him up perfectly..." As long as he needs me..." ( from the musical Oliver, ) then later came " Dance with my father again..." cant remember the third final song before departure...
Before we went in I introduced myself to the daughter who Allan had told me had the same illness as me, MS, we hugged whilst I told her that her father had mentioned her to me...Everybody who attended was well turned out in the formal black attire, we only recognised five from our parkhome site, our parkhome site manager, a couple who lived next door and one other male....It was mentioned Allan also had adopted children-child during the first daughters speech, the daughter with MS...then the humorous speech came from the Muslim daughter, told the way that Allan would have told it, ( minus the blasphemy, ) we all so recognised him, so very true to detail...yes hankies were at the ready...
After the service outside I briefly spoke to Muslim man, guess, must have been his S-I-L...just to tell him it was a beautiful service, just perfect for Allan...Strangely as we drove out from our home  we was driving behind his car full of family, he noticed us as we passed him when he briefly stopped...
Sad thing, when we came out to make way back to the carpark, the next group were filling up to go in which was very large and included teens in casual and light coloured clothing amongst the adults..we were told the next cremation due was for a 17 year old, we believe to be a boy...

It is a beautiful sunny morning and we think the storms are over.  Very sad at the loss of animals and there were people who were hit by lightning as well. 

We brought Chili Rellenos over to our neighbors - he is six years into fighting cancer.  He wanted a spicy sauce (being from Texas).  They have so few visitors - I don't know why people shun the very ill so often.  His wife is still recuperating from a hard fall on ice breaking bones in her right hand and shoulder.  Both of them are on more than a few prayer lists.  We stayed just over an hour (way past our normal 20 minutes) and had a marvelous time.  Each time is a gift for us - they are so strong in faith.  Don and I feel that we were meant to meet them and attend their church. 

Interesting ordering the mexican food because the girl at the counter could speak no English.  She knew nothing and had to be helped but she did have 3 silver things attached to her face. Ugh

Hi everyone. We are expecting another hot day getting to 90 degrees this afternoon.  Yesterday we got into the mid-90's and it was humid.  When I got to the doctor's office yesterday for my appointment they asked me hadn't I gotten the call that she wasn't going to be there.  I had not and when I got home I checked my call list back for three weeks and their number was not present.  Fortunately this was just across the river, probably about 6 miles away.  So I left and stopped at Costco to return the apples and replace them.  I ate a quick lunch there and came home and laid down for two hours plus.  All three doctor's appointments/tests were rescheduled this week. 

There is nothing on the schedule that I must do today. I did make a tripr to Walmart to pick up a prescription for Pat and get a few other items.  I was able to get the electric cart and that helped as seem to be dragging today.  Yesterday afternoon Pat made a gallon of chili so we will be having some of that for our dinner tonight so no more cooking needed for today other than to fix my lunch.  I did fix Pat's breakfast and unloaded the dishwasher.

Carol, it seems Pat always has several projects underway at the same time but nothing like your friend. She finds lots of patterns and instructions on the Internet quilting sites and will print them out.  I know she will never get to most of them but it gives her joy to do this and that is all that matters.  So glad some of Don's hearing has been restored and he can now enjoy life more. 

Janet, too bad you missed Lexi's class part but glad you saw her get the awards.  It sounds like those girls are kept very busy with dance and piano.  I had petunias in the two hanging baskets I had on the back patio last summer.  I haven't felt up to shopping for new flowers this year and right now the thought of having to water things everyday seems a bit overwhelming, although it is not a hard job. Don't worry about the Echocardiogram as it is non-invasive. It is an ultrasound test.  I see there are different types of this test and only one would be invasive.  I have never that the Transesophageal echocardiogram.  Check out the WebMD website which provides a description of the tests.  http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/echocardiogram#1 .  We have to be alert all the time for scams anymore.  Too bad these crooks don't use their talents to benefit society rather than steal from it and make folks miserable. 

Jackie, that sounds like it was quite a different funeral.  I guess I will never understand why any woman would convert to be a Muslim the way women are treated as second class citizens.  The world is certainly changing daily. 

Marilyn...
...hope all went well re, your Kieth's Urologist, and eye retina appointments...guess he will be happy to see the end of this year out, free of any future hospital visits...

Janet...
...what is your FB page? I would like to visit it if I knew where to find it...
Janet by now you should have had your echo cardiogram....hope not too evasive a procedure as I read you wasn't sure what nor how it was going to be done...Oh, I misread that, it hasn't yet taken place, it is next Monday...
Yes it does sound a " freaky " sort of death but although I only ever saw Allan inside his then large car and not out of it, I wasn't too aware of his size but knew he looked a large man sitting behind that wheel, although Richard ( person I live with ) had seen him standing, and said he was large...on that basis I am now understanding how cramped in a smaller car his body must have been...
Agghh, what is it with these " scammers " haven't they got a decent life, that all they want to do is ruin other decent peoples lives, I hope one day they all get their comeuppance...their just deserts...well I know someone who is watching their every move, the great Man up above..

Carol...
...these insurance companies know they have got us where they need us, re, your roof damage....once a claim is put in they penalise us the following year with their sky high rises...now if only we could turn the tables on them...
I am surprised to read that Marijuana is legal to puff away at, in your part of the world, with no care for neighbours nor pets...
Carol I want to come to your Bible study feast...
It so saddens me to hear of loss to our animals, they dont stand a chance...
It is nice you are so caring of your neighbours who seem to be " shunned " from others visits...

Larry Hanna...
...hope Costo exchanged or gave you refund for the bad apples they sold you...
I will have to do a check on which version of Bible our church uses as we rarely need to refer to the bible, although sometimes I will look for the page of our readings, we usually have two...but many parishioners do not follow, they just listen...
Larry that wasn't very nice of them not to leave you that call that they stated they had left you...it may have been a short drive but they could have still had the decency to have prevented you the wasted trip...hope next time they dont mess up with your rescheduled appointment, dont they know you have a life too...
I cant really respond as to why any woman would choose to convert to Muslim...nor as to why Allans daughter converted, just that I wasn't aware until I saw her, I never got to speak to her only the other MS daughter but, I think the man I briefly spoke to may have been her hubby...
...............................................
Well I have nothing of excitement planned for my today but, we never know what is waiting for us round that corner, let us just hope that whatever is waiting is good rather than bad....I place today in the hand of our God...

Hi everyone.  We have an overcast morning and anticipated rain throughout the day.  We need the rain so no complaints and that will delay starting to have to water the yard.  Our big activity for the day is taking our granddaughter and her boyfriend, Scott and Pat and I to the Chop House Restaurant.  It is a very fine restaurant that we have used for special occasions ever since we moved here.  I called yesterday and made reservations for 3:30 and also arranged for a small birthday cake to be served after we finish the meal.  We have not met Jennifer's boy friend yet so that will be nice.  Scott really likes him.

Jackie,  I need to correct the record in that late yesterday afternoon I found the voice mail from the doctor's office saying the appointment would have to be rescheduled.  I think it had not been delivered until yesterday by AT&T even though it was a call from several days ago.  I did get the apples exchanged without a problem and the new bag is fine. 

Don gave me an ALEXA months ago when it was a real cheap deal.  All I did this morning was to ask it to play Gospel music.  Almost 100% was Elvis - he really was into gospel as that was his foundation - singing in church.  I had a chance to see him in person once but didn't think he was very nice and my friend went and had a great time. 

Prayers are being answered cautiously about our friend who had emergency surgery for a colon rupture.  It is almost three weeks but he is now able to speak with relatives.  That is great news.

Today is the one day of the year that our post office picks up any dry groceries we put out and all goes to the Food Bank.  Sadly, hardly anyone puts anything out - what could be easier? 

Jackie:  We are prone to having hail damage in this area so insurance is rated higher just for living here.  It is one of the things that we could drop but paying the monthly is better than paying for the whole roof - or windows soo.  So it goes.  We just expect everything to be more expensive each and every year.  ---- It was nice of you to go to the visitation. 

I have been mending some clothes for our friend with her hand and elbow bones broken.  We are so glad that they have finally started to ask for help and they definitely need a hand.  She can't drive and he is housebound except for medical visits so neighbors and friends have been offering to help for ages - now, she is accepting help. 

Larry:  Enjoy your meal with Scott and his daughter. 

Jackie Keith's Urologist appointment isn;'t until next month and the Eye institute appointment is in July. We had to spread things out since  we have 3 long trips this summer, so we made them  each be a  month apart.  In June we go on vacation to Sunriver and that is a 4.5 hr drive.  the eye Institute in July is a a 4 hour drive and the wedding in August is another 4  hour drive. With me doing all the driving it would be too hard on me to cram all the appointments together, as Freckles will also be going with us. I don't leave her with anyone any more. Last year she stayed with a friend but that friend has moved to southern California.

It is raining here again today, in between showers yesterday our neighbor  took care of all the overgrowth  of ivy and blackberry brambles in our yard. It is almost time for the sprin  cleanup trucks to come around ant take it all away,  Now the backyard looks great  and will be getting a lot more sun We still have to rake up a lot of the ivy that will be an off and jon job as the stuff falls out fo the trees where it had grown. He chjopped oit all off  from the bottow up about 4 ft to kill the ivy..

Jackie, FB is Facebook, and you can find my page under my name. 

We were going to work on our garden plot today, but just now it is quite chilly, and the wind is blowing.    Since I would like my hair to look nice for church tomorrow and the Mothers' Day Tea at the Legacy, guess we won't be doing that just yet.  Darrel went out, then came right back in and sat down in front of the TV again.     I am going to go work in my studio soon.  Only three weeks until the painting class I look forward to so much each year!  It's always the first full week of June.

Can you believe how much they charge for pillow cases these days?  You can buy a set of sheets for the cost of four pillow cases!  I guess I need to buy fabric, and make some myself.  I used to make a lot of them when the kids were home.  Either that or just "bite the bullet" and buy them. 

I want to sign up for LifeLock protection, which is to protect you from identity theft, money theft,
etc.  I think it would be well worth the price, which, last I knew was $50.00 per year. 

Larry, your planned meal sounds lovely.  I don't know what we will be doing for lunch tomorrow.The tea at the care home is at 3:00 P.M.

Our Abby is home for the summer!     And today is her mom Diane's birthday!  I called to wish her a happy one.  If I hadn't already seen her five times this week, I would probably go see her today!

Marilyn, there is such a difference in the way people in different areas see trips.  Out here "in the sticks" as some say, we think of a 4 hour or 4 1/2 hour trip as commonplace.  We used to drive to Amarillo, Texas, do whatever we needed to do, doctor's visits, mostly, do a little shopping, go visit Darrel's sister and then drive home all in one day.  That's four hours from here.  We aren't as tough as that now, so we would stay overnight if we had a lot to do.  But we sometimes still drive home after just visiting his sister.  Just going someplace to shop where there are more choices than here involves driving at least an hour or more each way.  Darrel usually always drives, but I can still drive it alone with no problem.  I just prefer that he drive, as his vision  is better than mine.  I'm not criticizing, please understand,
just commenting on the different expectations of folks from more populated areas than Kansas!
 

Carol, you are so kind and such a gracious hostess.  I admire you so much! 

And if I don't get off this computer and get with it, another day will go by with nothing done toward preparing for my class!

Janet....ah yes FaceBook, not sure why that never clicked, guess my mind went blank or had a senior moment...  
I have never become a member of that...

Janet I so detest driving on the freeway anymore, Living in a rural community like North bend and Coos bay i can get any place within the two towns in 5-10 minutes at the most. I wouldn't mind driving and hour or two to get to where we needed to go. Driving up or down thwe coast fpor 4 or 5 hours is a piece of cake for me, it is just the freeway traffic that I don't like. We always spend the night so I don't have to drive home another 4-5 hours in the same day.However I have driven 10 hours straight before toostopping only to eat and go potty.

The murder trial has begun of the stepfather who murdered the two year old little boy who lived in a small and quiet village very close to where we are....
Larry, you will remember this story I posted last year on S& F....The boyfriend of the little boys mother is telling that the mother did it....So sad as on occasion we have driven past the house which is a group of three next door to a small church, ( you can see the church with its blue placard sign, ) which must have been terrible for the church and parishioners that this happened under their noses, and that even they nor the church could not save him...Hope whichever one did it, the truth will come out, and that person will duly be punished....Link to story last year, and the now trial, this doesn't make for pleasant reading, but then, do they ever?....

http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2016-06-07/tragic-toddler-died-from-a-blow-to-his-tummy/


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-39884188

Hi, friends,

I'm excited tonight to learn that Jacqueline and I have a slight bond - one of my sons lived in England for 28 years, and one of the places he  lived was in Watford. I've been there before.

I've learned that my son who lives in Atlanta is to meet me for breakfast tomorrow morning before driving back home to be with his wife and mother in law. I certainly appreciate that.

May God's love be with us all today.

Love to all, Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann...
...you dont realise how much my eyes lit up when I saw the word Watford...Watford was, or is, still my hometown where myself and my family, ( my fathers side ) all came from, that is the place where my heart still very much is, I lived there until my early 50s...now I am living 130 plus miles away..I am inquisitive to learn where in Watford your son lived and what part in Watford you had visited, I am assuming the same part your son lived...It was only yesterday I was thinking of Cassiobury Park, the miniature railway, the bridge, canal with its barges, all the wonderful memories of my mother taking me there as a child, then myself taking my young daughter, not forgetting the dog walk with my late dear Petra, that place has good memories for me...

Ruth Ann...
...here is a link to the old gates that were once the entrance to Cassiobury park, think when they were demolished it caused an uproar, but this is the Cassiobury Park that I remember, the entrance I best remember walking into....link....


http://cassioburypark.info/history-of-cassiobury-park/cassiobury-park-gates/

I am leaving this minute for Church, this morning will incorporate Holy Communion so I tens to stay a few minutes longer, then follow up with a cup of tea or coffee, and maybe the odd chat, depending on who else stays, or leaves...Wishing everyone a Christian Sunday morning....

Larry Hanna...
...you asked me what version of the bible I will be taking my reading from....Well I was given a choice of three Sundays so  laughingly I chose the first Sunday choice  of 4th June..and told her this will be my first church reading so I would rather get it over with with the earlier choice, unknown to me that when they gave out the future notices they mentioned the Bishop to attend on one of our meetings, I didn't catch the date...well, she will be attending on my reading day, so with panic settling in, I am sure our church will be packed out, and on looking at my reading, where I summoned help in some pronunciations, much to our amusements, I was casually told that my reading is the second hardest reading so, not only do I have to deal with the correct pronunciation of words but, I may be reading to a full house...
Well as I have previously mentioned, we do have a sense of humour...I was given the option of going with a later date but, I said I shall stay with this one as I am a confident reader and, if I can get through this reading, everything else will be a doddle...The Vicar and wife gave me a little help in the pronunciations, put his arm around me, well as I said we can all see the funny side as they gently reminded me that others who have read it have also struggled with the words...Oh and I was allowed to bring home our bible so as to practice, and practice I shall certainly be doing...
The piece I am to read is from Holy Bible ( New International Version ) ACTS... chapter 2... verses 1-21...
Amongst the  few words I need to master are...
Galileans - Parthians - Medes - Elamites -  Mesopotamia -Judea - Cappadocia - Pontus - Phrygia - Pamphylia - Cyrene...they are basically all one sentence...
The words I may particularly struggle with on the day are Mesopotamia and Cappadocia but, if I remember it is pronounced as an S rather than a C, I should be ok....
Oh almost forgot...there is a funny part I also will have to read, quoting: " Some however made fun of them and said, They have had too much to drink..." and " These men are not drunk, its only nine in the morning..."  I just hope I can say them without laughing..

Happy Mother's Day!  We attended a service last night and Don could understand the speakers so that was a happy time.  Today, I will see 3 of the 4 children and one granddaughter - we will meet all for lunch at one son's house.  I could almost call it a farm with all the animals.  Chickens, ducks and 3 dogs.  Something is always moving. 

The weather is perfect now with cool nights and mornings.  Did anyone see the beautiful orange colored moon last night? 

Janet:  Don't put me on a pedestal, I can be grumpy    As for taking in company, my folks would invite people to stay and we had a wonderful missionary stay with us for 9 months when I was young.  Would never forget his peaceful demeanor.  He was saving to go to Venezuela way inland. 

 

Happy Mothers Day to all you who are mothers!  I received a card, gift and flowers to plant from eldest daughter Diane, and a card from youngest daughter Kerri (that was a treat, as she doesn't always do that.)  Beth was always faithful to remember me, and I'm sure she is today, but being unable to do anything, even communicate clearly, it's really hard for her.  John is better, so they were at church this morning.  And Darrel took me out to lunch, so it's been a lovely morning.  The tea at the care home is at 3:00.

Jackie, those gates (or that gate) was beautiful.  Too bad they were demolished.  I hate to see beautiful old things destroyed.    Good luck with your reading; I'm sure you will do a fine job.

Carol, you are truly blessed today!  I'm looking forward to seeing granddaughter Abby soon; but she reports for her summer job in the morning!  So not sure when I'll be seeing her.

Larry, how is your and Pat's day going?  I hope all is well with you.

Ruth Ann, glad you had a Mothers Day breakfast with your son!  Sweet.

I am very sleepy, as I didn't sleep well last night, so I think I will go attempt to take a nap before tea time.  See you all soon.   

I would be so happy to hear from any of my children or grandchildren. The day isn't over yet so  someone may call. I have been talking with Gilbert every day to make sure he is OK but I haven't heard from him for 2 and a half days and I am getting worried. There is so much turmoil in his life at this time and Sarah has threatened him with bodily harm so many times sice she decided to get a divorce and still live in the smae house. He is so stressed out most of the time and so is Forest.

Marilyn...
...I was so wanting to wish my American Christian friends a belated Mothers day but on reading your post seems to be a tad similar to mine, re, my now estranged daughter...but unlike my American friends our Mothering Sunday this year came on 26th March, four days after my Birthday...For all who did meet with their children, grands, I hope your day went well, and to plan....
Marilyn, I hope before your day ended you did hear from them, and decided to pay you a visit, if not all, maybe some...as these special days I know, can be a very lonely time...

Janet...
...they got rid of those magnificent gates and castle featured brickwork, all in the name of progress...It was to widen, and change the layout of the road, and move the roundabout if I remember...now it is just a wide opening somewhere to the front, not to the side, as it once was...I wonder if the three paddling pools are still there? that's where my mother would take me, far at the other end, near to the miniature train and the canal bridge...Link to railway...children and adults... 


http://www.miniaturerailwayworld.co.uk/Watford.html

 

I did talk to Gilbert yesterday and he is fine.  Just staying at home and taking it easy.

I  hurt my back this morning, pruning the Rhododendrons and carrying the trimmings to the street for pickup.

Hi everyone.  We are headed for a very hot 95 degrees this afternoon.  Fortunately Pat appointment with the pain doctor is this morning before it gets so hot.  Nothing else on the schedule for today.  Pat did enjoy her Circle luncheon yesterday. 

When I came here to read and post yesterday the site was down and I never got back.  So I am a bit behind.

Marilyn, so sorry that Gilbert is having such problems.  That sounds like a really bad situation. Glad to see he did call you and reassure you he was fine.  I hope you didn't do too much damage to your back.

Janet, it sounds like your Mother's Day was enjoyable and packed with activity. 

Carol, that must have been a real treat for Don to be able to understand the speakers at the Church service.  It sounds like you have a very nice Mother's Day.

Jackie, it is very sad when our family has problems but there are probably few families without some type of troubles.  We often have to make our own happiness and not expect someone else to do so since that gives them control over us. I am sure your Bible reading will be fine and the Bishop is just a person like all of the others in attendance.  None of us are perfect and not expected to be.  When you get through that one sentence with all of those places mentioned you will have it made.  Perhaps it would be helpful to listen to this passage being read.   Here is a great Bible site https://www.biblegateway.com/ and if you click on the little speaker (the fifth little brown symbol) it will play the passages.  I hope this helps you with the pronunciation. I do remember the story of the little boy being murdered.  It seems these things happen too often. 

Ruth Ann, so glad you were able to have breakfast with your son on Mother's Day.  Is this your son that lives in Atlanta?

Marilyn, I'm so sorry about your back.  Is it something the chiropractor will be able to relieve?  You need to slow down, girl, and let other people help once in a while!   

Jackie, we'll all want to know how you do with the reading in church.  When I was still able to get to church one of my favorite activities was being the "reader" for the service.

Jeanne Lee...
...I have a couple more weeks to learn my lines...
I am a confident reader, and will enjoy reading but, however many times I read ( practice in my home,) those hard to pronounce words they tend to be said differently each time...Like Larry Hanna advises...I have already found....biblegateway.com...but my short term memory on how he pronounces Cappadocia seems to catch me out every time...is it Cappadoshia - Cappodochia, Cappodoshia, or Cappadosia.....Mesopotamia is the other word I still have to master, is it tamier or tarmier?....well whatever it is, I shall still most probably say the incorrect one on the day... 

Jackie, how many in the congregation do you suppose know the correct pronunciation of those words?  And remember, the person's native language will have an effect on the pronunciation, too.  I found out years ago that  a French speaking reader will pronounce a latin word/phrase differently that a person with an English native language.  So don't dwell too much on pronunciation and concentrate more on the meaning of the scripture.  Just say the word the way it looks to you.   

Jeanne Lee...
...thank you, that was what I thought, who would even know if I had pronounced a word wrong, only someone else who has had that reading before me, maybe....    oh and not forgetting the visiting Bishop...

Jeanne I will be seeing the chiropractor at 11 this morning, I've already called first thing.

Interesting that those in Turkey, where Cappadocia is located, pronounce it Cappadokia!  They use literal spelling and pronunciation of all words.  Once I got used to hearing it that way, I liked it better than the way I'd always heard it in church and pronounced it myself when reading the Scriptures  (Cappadoshia).  And a hint, Jackie, Mesopotamia has no "r" in it; it's just pronounced as spelled!    As Jeanne said, it won't matter in the least if you don't say a word the way someone else would, as that doesn't affect the meaning of the Scripture in the least.

What a day!  Darrel went back to Garden to get the holter monitor off.  I thought I'd have a little "extra" time (what is that??)  But then I had some phone calls after I got home from the gym, and they took all the time between getting my shower and having to leave for chiropractic appointment.
I had called my painting buddy to meet me for lunch at the Senior Center, but I had the chiro app't at 11:00, had to wait over an hour, so was almost late to lunch and Dee and I had barely any time to visit, as I had to be home for the housekeeper at 1:00.  And when I got here, Darrel had beaten me home!  Had I known he was here I wouldn't have had to rush around so.  Oh, well.....

I did have the echocardiogram yesterday.  Both of us have appointments tomorrow with the cardiologist, who is coming here, so won't have to make the drive to Garden for those.  It took the gal 45 minutes to do my test!  I was really surprised it took that long.

I want to watch the 700 Club which is starting in five minutes, so see you later!

Hi Everyone...

Not sleeping too well these nights so I thought I'd pop in and say "Hello"!

Good morning - good night Pat, I trust you have had, or are having, a better nights sleep...seems we have missed each other by 20 minutes...

Janet....guess at the end of the day, when it comes to the actual reading, we only have one chance to make it sound as it should, or mess it up...

Anyway, I am hoping this reading will be the first of many, just never attended a small community church like this before where I feel I can become a part of it....Again they are aware that my condition plays a big part as to whether or not I attend on any particular Sunday, just hope and pray my body is up to it on that day, if not I shall do the reading one way or another..even if the microphone has to come to me, " where there's a will, there's a way..." as my late father would often tell me...

Janet...all the best on your echocardiogram test result today..

Marilyn...I hope your chiropractor came up trumps, re, your back dislocation....

Hi everyone.  We have an overcast morning and it is suppose to be partly cloudy all day long.  The forecast is for it to get to 90 degrees this afternoon.  Our main activity this morning is to get Pat to her dental appointment over in Augusta.  They called yesterday and asked if she could come about 15 minutes sooner than scheduled so she will have to hurry around a little more than usual in the morning. 

At her pain doctor appointment yesterday he decided only to prescribe Gabafenion as she has been in much less pain the last three or four days.  She is to go back next week for x-rays on her neck area and then see the pain doctor in a month.  It was about noon when she got finished at the doctor's office and we decided to eat our main meal of the day out.  So we went to the next pizza place in downtown North Augusta.  It is called Your Pie.  When we went in there was a long line waiting and we knew Pat really couldn't stand in line that long so we decided to leave.  The owner saw us go out the door and before we got to the car he called to us to come on in and he would get take care of us and that he did.  In this place you pay one price for a 10 inch pizza, select the crust and sauce you want on it and the type of cheese and then what ever meat (s) you want and choose from many other items available.  He took our order away from the line and found us a place to sit.  It took quite awhile before we got our pizzas but we were in no hurry.  I didn't pay right after I gave my order as one would do in the line so after we had been served our pizza he came to the table to ask how we liked it (and it very good as was cooked in a fire oven) and at that time I said what do I owe you and he said nothing because he hadn't gotten our order in quickly enough.  I protested but not too hard and as we left I saw him again and offered to pay but he again refused.  So we had a free meal.  Between the coupon to have a free meal at the Chop House in the future and our pizza yesterday this was a real red letter week. Tonight will be our next to last dinner at the Church and then we expect Scott and Jennifer to come out for a little while.

Jeanne, I so agree with you and Janet that no one is going to think a thing about a name of a country in the Bible being pronounced in a different way.  Probably most of us have had the same experience and I have heard different ministers pronounce them differently. 

Jackie, glad to see you were aware of the Bible Gateway.  You will do fine with the reading and your willingness to do this would more than offset any little missed pronunciation.  The Bishop isn't there to judge you so just relax and enjoy the experience of doing something new and something that helps your Church. 

Marilyn, sure hope the chiropractor was able to give you some comfort. 

Janet, as I recall it does take between 30 and 45 minutes for the Echo Cardiogram.  Too bad you didn't have more time with your painting friend. I will be interested in the results you and Darrel receive today form the cardiologist.

Pat, as always it so good to see a posting from you.  Not being able to sleep much combined with serious pain is not a good combination.

With all this discussion about Jackie's reading of the Pentecost verses in Acts, I keep remembering how it's celebrated in my church - and I'm sure many others.  Those verses are read by members of our congregation in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Polish, German, Finnish, Norwegian and Latvian - all at the same time.   

But of course, what's important is not the reading of them, but that these verses are the history of how the Holy Spirit was given to the Apostles and eventually to us.  Praise God that He has given us the opportunity to learn about it. 

Pat, it's really good to see a post from you.  And as we all know, it doesn't matter what time it is when you come here - with our widespread membership it's always the "right time".   

Jeanne Lee...you are so right...we ARE open all hours...come day or come night..

...You have a real mix of a congregation...

Larry Hanna...you sure have a very helpful and accommodating " Your Pie " restaurant, owner-manager....

This has been a long 3 weeks for me.  My blood sugar is rollercoastering and I have trouble when it drops.  John id much better, the brace he needs to wear is very confining, however he is mostly out of pain.  No pain meds are needed at all. He doesn't sleep well as he needs to be somewhat alert when changing position,  To roll onto his side he needs to be like a log, whole body all at once. 

We are at last having spring like weather.  Much of Canada has been dealing with flooding, we are blessed as we are on a hill and the creek hasn't flooded this year.  The township has stayed on top of the road keeping it well graded and above the creek level.

Trilliums are out!  It is so beautiful to see the spring wild flowers growing, I really need to dust off my camera and  pictures!. having lost my license because of the blood sugar issues that will be a problem.

Before John went into hospital we managed to get the bathroom in upstairs thankfully Doug made himself available to get it done on time.  It is wonderful not to have to go downstairs to use the bathroom. 

God is good, he is keeping us and that is all that counts in the long run!

Judy, I'm so glad to see your post! 

Not glad, of course, to read that your blood sugar is acting up, but at least you give us a specific problem to pray for.  Not because the Lord needs to know, but because we do.  :-)

Good to know John's back is responding to treatment and that he has a helpful brace.  It must be hard, though, to have to be awake at night just to turn over.  Prayers continue for him, too.

I'm sure you'll find a way to get that camera out and working again.  We'll be happy to see your spring flowers - and then your summer flowers - and then the autumn colors - and we won't mention the next season after that!   

I'm here!    I have tried numerous times to get here, but, due to raging winds, our internet was down!    They had predicted tennis ball sized hail for us last night, but praise God, we didn't get that!  In fact, we got no hail at all, but not too far north of here, at Scott Lake,
they got it.  I hope it didn't ravage the church camp there, but likely there is big damage.  And around Great Bend and Pawnee Rock, they had tornadoes.  A lot more of the same is predicted for tonight.      It really seems to be the year for drastic weather!

Judy, so nice to see your post.  So sorry about your health problems, though.  I do hope you can get that blood pressure under control!  I will continue to pray about that.  And glad John is on the mend.  It's really rough when both partners are having difficulties at the same time.

Pat!  Always good to have you pop in for a minute, but wish you could have been sleeping soundly instead, at that hour.  Prayers continue.

Darrel and I both went to see the heart doctor today and, just as I prayed and fully expected, we both got good reports!   He said my echocardiogram was excellent, one of the best he's seen!
    He said they expect a heart in one my age to pump at 50%, and mine is pumping at 65%!!
What a blessing!  And my valves are perfect, he said!  So I can mark that off my list of concerns,
for sure!  He gave us both an appointment for 6 months from now, again here in town. 

Our TV in the bedroom hadn't been working for several months, so while the internet was down,
Darrel called Pioneer and they sent a guy out.  It was s strange problem, but he got it solved,
so that's nice.  Darrel had missed having that one working.

Larry, that was very kind of The Pie manager to take care of you, and then not charge you.  And you have a coupon for another free meal, so you are being blessed this week, too!  Yay!

I guess that's about all I have to say for now!

I didn't post because I want sympathy, I don't, however I really do covet your prayers.

OK, Judy.  I can handle that - lots of prayers, but NO sympathy!   

It has sure been good seeing posts from both Pat and Judy this week...It was also helpful and informative to hear what if anything is-has been going on with their lives, re, family and-or medical issues, and filling us in, re, updates, and, or progress reports....Prayers are very much needed for all our medical issues, and will continue to be my-our number one priority....seems between us we have many medical issues to deal with...We are keeping our God very busy..

Well nothing much on my today agenda, just that I will be alone for most of the day-13 hours, as Richard has to take his car back to Vauxhall to swap it over, he is soon to leave, 7.am...it is a 300 mile plus, two way journey to near where we used to live, then he will give himself some time to visit  friend and a family member before making the hectic travelling journey back, he will have to take in four hectic Motorways that are known to get very busy and built up, particularly the M 4 and M 25 near to Heathrow Airport....Our dog Toby might not get his walk until late tonight when he gets back, doubt I will be able to walk him, we live down in the valley and at the top of the downhill slope...but hey, we are lucky, we do have a long length-ed, grassed back garden...

I will find things around the home to do and keep me occupied, I found myself with Richards help last night, at 10.pm  changing both sets of bed linen, ( must have had a burst of energy, ) I had been putting it off for weeks-months,  the changing over from Winter to Summer thickness duvet...so I can do the piles of washing today in the washing machine, then tumble dryer, that should pass some time...

Not sure I will get to play catch-up on tv and, or, recordings, as our areas tv transmitter went down last night, and it seems to be on and off at the moment, so we are both guessing they are still working on it, it is affecting a whole area of homes..so it is going to be spending time on the computer until they get us all back into service..

Tomorrow I face the vampire visit...

Good morning Judy...

Forgot to mention, Richard will be on the road nine of those 13 hours...
Think today, for safety sake, I should keep both front and back doors unlocked..( not to let unwelcome intruders in but, in case I take a fall )
Well the sun is out after yesterdays day of rain, rain, and rain..
So far, and it is still only 9.am, I have fed Toby, put out birdseed and changed the water, now just about to go feed myself...then after, maybe I will change out of this dressing gown..
The washing machine has so far been filled with one load, now in the dryer, got another three loads to do by my reckoning...
Our new neighbour popped over yesterday to collect a couple of small parcels the post courier dropped off with us, they have finally sold their house...so hopefully no more flitting backwards and forwards to his new home on our parkhome site...He told us he is to have a stomach operation today, hope all goes well for him...

Hi everyone.  It looks like we can expect another day like yesterday with some cloud and some sun and a high of 92 degrees.  This will likely be my typical Thursday as will pick up my friend for coffee, take him home afterwards and if I feel up to it go to the Church for the Wisdom group.  That will be plenty for today. 

We had a nice dinner at Church last evening and a very nice visit with Scott.  Jennifer didn't make it to the dinner and did not come out with Scott last night.  Pat's dental appointment went well and she had no new cavities.  When we finished at the dentist we went to a new meat market and got some meat.  It was fairly close to where the dentists office but quite away from our home so doubt we will be going back. 

Jeanne, the churches we have attended have also, on occasion, had these verses read in a foreign language or languages.  Last year our long-time member from Nigeria read them. 

Jackie, I have already told several people about our dining experience at the Your Pie restaurant and will continue to do so.  The same is true for the Chop House restaurant.  We got a $75 gift card from the restaurant manager.  I hope you enjoy your quiet day today.  That sounds like a very tiring trip that Richard is having to make.  I guess he will be driving home in another new car?

Judy, I did not realize that you are diabetic.  Sorry about the problem you are having with the blood sugar and know it to be either too low or two high is a really bad thing.  Nice to read that John is doing well in his recovery and mostly out of pain. Glad you have avoided the flooding.  God is watching over you both as he is each of us.

Janet, sure glad you missed the hail.  You are having some terrible weather in Western Kansas.  Hope you were fine last night also.  So glad you got good reports from the Cardiologist.  A 65% ejection factor is excellent as the norm is around 55%. 

Great to see both Pat and JudyB - we miss your posts.

JudyB:  Are you doing any knitting in your spare (little spare) time?  Give your hubby a greeting from me.  Miss the really nice posts he did when driving all those years.  It snowed here today and the mountains are heavy so there will surely be flooding somewhere.  Having a nearby bathroom is great for you two.   

Pat and Judy:  Praying for your comfort and peaceful, restful sleep. 

We had a long time last night with lightning all around and snow this morning although none of this was predicted. 

There is only one reliable source of our living - our Bible. 

Larry I am not diabetic, the opposite is the problem, I am hypoglycemic or low blood sugar.....I almost think it is worse because you can work your sugars down with exercise, but I have to keep eating the good carbs to try to stabilize the sugars.

Carol yes I am knitting. I have a sweater just about finished, then 2 for myself to knit up .  I am wanting to knit for the family for Christmas as well!

Judy do you have a sim ple kniited hat pattern nthat you can email to0 me. Keith  wants me to knit him a hat and I am not much of a knitter.  I think my circular knitting needles are a 10? would that be too big. I have knitted dishcloths but those are pretty easy.

My back was fine for a day then slipped out again. I need to go back to the Chiropractor but It will have to wait un til Monday.  So I will just take Aleve, and walk a lot to try to ease the pain.

Praise the Lord, the hail missed us again!  More predicted for the next several days, so that will keep me praying!

Kristi was waiting for my cardiology report, and since it was so good, she had me do intervals this morning.  So I did 30 minutes on the treadmill at 3.7 mph, with intervals every two minutes at a 10%
incline for one minute.  I really was perspiring, but not especially tired.  Much easier than the running intervals, anyway for me, it was.

Jeanne, hearing those scriptures read in several languages at once would be almost like the first Day of Pentecost!  I would love to hear that!  Wow!

I notice this computer (or the keyboard?) often skips to another line without finishing the one it is on.  Probably something I'm doing, but I don't yet know what.   

Judy, I hope today finds you feeling better.  I know that for one who is used to being busy and on the go, having to slow down and take care of ourselves is difficult, and we are tempted to lose patience with ourselves.  But just do what you can, the rest will wait--or it won't matter.  (((hugs)))

Larry, what a nice gift certificate you have for the Chop House!  Darrel gets gift cards to Applebee's when he pays our Discover bill.  They offer them for other restaurants, but that's the only one anywhere near us.  So we eat at Applebee's in either Liberal or Garden City occasionally.

I want to go to the library to meet with my friends for an hour or two, see you later!

Good morning, not much on my today's agenda apart from leaving in an hour for my " vampire " visit...

Sample of blood taken, and with blood pressure reads, ( she took two ) that were higher than she wanted..although second was a tad lower, but still high...I told her it maybe because I dont take my BP meds every day, sometimes I skip a day. Now I have been told, and by the expression on her face....she thinks I have been a naughty girl, so I made a promise from now on, every day...didn't consider I was doing myself any harm...Told to make an appointment to go see her in a months time, she will take another reading...

On the way back we stopped off at dairy farm shop - restaurant, where our local milk comes from...which is stocked with chutneys, biscuits, cakes and just about everything, even wicker baskets that are made from local residents...Bought a latte, Richard bought a cappuccino and bacon-salad snack for himself, I had not long had my breakfast, and so had he...  We sat outside in the sun, with a tad of a fresh breeze, I sat facing the four visible large cow fields, whilst watching what the trailer was getting up to, whilst the cows were being inquisitive, and following behind it...

Oh and who would believe you would see the moon-albeit only half, in a shadow form...to be out on a clear sky day, with the sun behind you, but  it was, and this was coming up to mid day, isn't God's universe - planet, just wonderful...

Hi everyone.  This has been an interesting morning.  Late yesterday afternoon our kitchen sink clogged up and so I had to call our handyman to fix it and he was here shortly after 8 am.  Then I get a call regarding my echo cardiogram that was scheduled for 3 pm asking if I could come in at 11 or 2 pm today.  I said I would be happy to be there at 11 rather than late this afternoon.  Our cleaning lady should be here before very long.  That is enough for one day.  I am hopeful Pat will want to go out to eat late this afternoon for our evening meal. 

I didn't make it to the Wisdom group yesterday as after going to coffee and returning my friend home I decided I was just too tired to go back downtown and try to concentrate for an hour. 

Carol, it sounds like you came through the snow storm OK last night.  You are so right about the one reliable source for living. 

Judy, my wife is also hypoglycemic and so far has had no problem with her blood sugar that we are aware.  She tries to limit as much as possible eating carbs.  It sounds like you will be keeping those knitting needles clicking for the months ahead.  I do hope each day finds John feeling better and not overdoing so he has time to heal properly.

Marilyn, sorry to hear that your back slipped out again.  Glad you got at least one good day from your treatment. 

Janet, glad to see you missed the hail.  The warning for the Midwest were certainly dire yesterday but know they are general and not very specific.   Glad you are able to do the exercises and now not have to worry about your heart.  I suggest you do a Google search on the problem skipping to another line.  It seems that others have usually had the same problem and offer advise.  We used the Discover card for years and years but after joining Costco switched to American Express and now they have gone to a Citi Card and it pay a bigger refund once a year on our purchases. 

Jackie, I do the vampire was kind to you.  Do you have a smart phone?  I have a great blood pressure reading app on mine and the app is also available for the Android phones.  Yesterday morning I took it and the pressure was too low to measure but later in the day it went up so that it registered. 

Yesterday, we did the most unusual thing.  We went to see the movie "The Case for Christ" written by Lee Strobel.  (He used to belong to and speak at our big church here).  So, we loved the movie, I have read the book and other books by Strobel.  The acting isn't top notch but the story is so fascinating.  He was an investigative reporter for a Chicago newspaper and set out to take down the mystery to him of the death and resurrrection  of Christ.  Do yourself a favor and read the book and or see the movie.  We went to the 10:20 AM movie because the roads were OK and we were in a wet and heavy snowstorm.  Then, stopped for an Asian meal and brought 1/2 home for leftovers.  Perfect!

Six of us are planning to get together next week for a birthday lunch.  There is a medical issue with two of the husbands, two have lost their husbands and one gal has early Dementia.  So, we shall see how many can come. 

JudyB:  Christmas comes so fast.  It seems that everything is going faster each and every day.  Are you sewing anything?  I need someone to prod me on with my latest quilt - the forever quilt.  Don has his medical issues with hypoglycemia (rarely) and diabetes so we know the balance is difficult.  Hugs to you. 

Marilyn:  Are you wearing a back support?  I have to put mine on once in a while - it is hot in the summer when needed but it does help. 

We had the nicest hand-written note from a pastor here - we visited another church on a Saturday night.  Don could understand the speaker and we will try this again - the music was short and sweet so he could tolerate it.  Our regular church has gone over to the teenagers and is like a jazz festival and with that loud music, he can almost be disoriented.  Not for the faint of heart.  Others sometimes stand outside for that 15 minutes and come in and I consider that to be most unfair and thoughtless.  Had my say.

Marilyn I have a pattern, PM me with your email address.

hello everyone.  Judy I sent you a pm.

I went for my yearly check up this morning My cholesterol is down, she gave me a pain shot  for my back that will last all day (non narcotic) Gave me a perscription for Meloxicam and once for Gabapentin to help with the Neuropathy pain in my toes.  I only take the Meloxicam if the pain is my back is really bad so this bottle of n30 will probably last me 6 or more moths. My blood work was great I will be getting my yearly mammogram soon.

Larry how does that ap would for the blood pressure reading?

I've been away all day and it looks like still a couple more days.  One outlet i the living room has burned out - of course it's the first in a series so all those following are dead, too.  And that includes this computer and peripherals.  I have fixrd an emergency type setup but it's not really good or comfortable  for computer use.  So I'll be missing for a while.   

Hi everyone.  It is an overcast and very humid morning as I found when I went to put letters in the mailbox. 

I have been busy this morning and made myself a to-do list of things I hope to accomplish today and have several done already but had to sit down and rest.  I soon will fix Pat's sausage muffins and have already fried the sausage.  I have grated the two pounds of cheese.

On Wednesday Scott rearranged our family room furniture so that my easy chair is facing the TV, as does Pat's. rather than be to the side.  I was finding that if I watched the TV my neck started hurting so we put the divan where my chair and side table had been.  Now the electrical cords are visible back of the end table next to my chair so I need to get them hidden as much as possible as they are unsightly.  We have a plan in mind and hope it will work. I also need to bring Pat's laptop down and get the software all updated, which is not a hard job. 

Last evening we went to the other new restaurant in North Augusta that opened last week. It is called Diablo's and is called a Southwest Grill.  It was quite tasty and I know we will go back from time to time.   

Carol, that sounds like a good movie and book.  I will have to keep it in mind although we don't go to the theater so will have to wait until it comes to Netflix or Amazon video.  It sounds like a nice get together for next week.  At our old church our lunch group that went out after services many Sunday's included several widows or widowers and one of the ladies had Dementia.  We always had a great time.  I certainly agree with you about the loud music.  I do think God can hear it without the need to amplify it beyond tolerance for a lot of people. 

Marilyn, Pat takes both Meloxicam (as needed and usually just half a pill as she found the full dosage was too much) and just started on Gabapentin to see if it helps her back and leg pain.  Right now she is doing better than she has for many months although now her fibromyalgia seems to be on the uptick. It sounds like you had a pretty good medical report.  The blood pressure app is called ICare Health Monitor.  I use my right hand and put one finger over the flash on the back of the camera and hold the screen with my thumb and it collects that data and then gives me a readout.  I really like it as much easier to use than the cuff.  It is suppose to be accurate within 11 points either way and I checked it out after the nurse took it at the doctor's office the other day and it was within that range. There is a similar app for the Android phones.   

Jeanne, thanks for letting us know of your electrical problem so we won't worry about you being away for a couple of days. 

Hi, friends,

I'm not very talkative today, but thankful to be in your company. That's very good company, by the way!

I'm so thankful I don't have to be outside this afternoon.  We're having heavy rains and thunderstorms. So thankful I have a nice, dry apartment.

I've been working on a form, for a friend of mine who still works. I enjoyed the work, but am thankful I have a full time occupation - retired!

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

Thank for the info Larry I downloaded it it to my phone but I think I may download it to my tablet as well.

I went to music practice last night at the church, It was practicing my song. It is the Gaither homecoming version of It is well with my soul and i just could not hit phelp's high notes. i had to drop back down to my normal range.

Marilyn.....
...I envy you your singing voice....apparently I read, far better than I sing....

Hi everyone.  It is another overcast morning.  It is cooler this morning and only suppose to get up to 82, which will be a pleasant change.  We do have an 80% chance of rain today.  Pat and I will go to Sunday School and Church this morning, get something to eat before we come home and then have a restful rest of the day. 

Ruth Ann, maybe some of your rain will come over this way and we need it.  I find it pretty much a full-time job to be retired and am also thankful that I no longer work or even have the volunteer responsibilities I used to have. 

Marilyn, I bet your solo will be fine without the very high notes.  I find it strains my voice now to sing about a high C note so usually drop down an octave and I no longer have any strength in my voice. 

Jackie, I think I am with you in reading better than I sing anymore.  I did enjoy the 50 or so years of singing in my Church choirs but now that is just a memory, all be it a nice one. 

Electric outlet replaced and everything back to as normal as anything ever is in my house.    :thumbup:

Wouldn't you love to hear Marilyn sing "It Is Well With My Soul"?  Having me sing a solo would be an excellent way to accomplish evacuation of a building.   

Hi, friends,

While everyone is sleeping, I've been working in my office. I had a small project due tomorrow, so finished that and e-mailed the work to the man who asked for it.

I'm so thankful I can still read. A number of years ago, my eye specialist said within 10 years I would be blind in one eye, and sight growing dim in the other. That time has come and gone, and thanks be to God, I'm still able to see.

My sister in law was supposed to be transferred to the rehab center yesterday.  I didn't hear if that occurred. So, am still caring for her kitty, and now I need to pick up other functions such as fetching and carrying for her while she's in rehab. I'll covet your prayers that my strength will hold out.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Love to all, Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann...
...I am not sleeping...been up almost three hours already....it is now 8.45am here in UK...and we are soon to leave to take our dog Toby to the pet groomers, a 20-30 minute one way drive, the appointment is for 9.30...I am going with them this time just for the change of scenery, and to actually get out of the home...

Oh what rejoicing news...your sight is still intact...

Try not to push your strength limits more than they are cable of...

Good morning!   I forgot to post for a couple of days, so have just read all the ones I hadn't, and wanted to greet you all before I go to my "War Room" and spend time with Father God.

I'm finding the weekends very trying, when I used to really look forward to them.  That's because when we are here all day, Darrel is eating constantly!  Now, he's a big boy, and I don't mind his eating, except he's eating things he shouldn't eat, and I am concerned for his health.  I keep telling him I love him and want to keep him around,
but that doesn't slow him down a bit.    Last night, I went to bed at 7:00, just so I wouldn't have to see him eat anything else, and to get away from the TV!  I read for quite a while before I went to sleep.

Ruth Ann, I am praying for my eyes as well.  I have been told I have Macular Degeneration, which my mother had, and I pray that God will allow me to see to read until He calls me home.  I read for hours every day, and my eye doctor said that will not make it advance any faster, so I just keep reading.  And painting sometimes.

I have a short (I hope!) appointment this morning with the dermatologist who removed the skin cancer from my nose a while back, just for a check-up.

Time to go to my prayer room.  I love my quiet time!  See you wonderful folks later.

Hi everyone.  I was expecting it to be rainy this morning and today but once again the forecast has been changed to only a 50% chance this afternoon but higher tonight.  We should get into the high 80's this afternoon.  Today should be a fairly quiet day.  I do need to get to Aldi's for some vegetables as the bin is empty.  I may attend my Monday noon meeting if I have the energy.  That will be it for today. 

We did go to Sunday School and Church yesterday.  It was graduation Sunday and the high school and college graduates were honored and two of the seniors gave testimonies, in place of the sermon, about growing up in our Church.  Each year scholarships are awarded by the ladies Circles and some individual scholarship endowments.  They awarded 27 separate scholarships. All of the students plan on attending college.  Pat and I then went to a place we like and shared a very large club sandwich for lunch and each took a nice long nap when we got home.  I ended the afternoon by watching the conclusion of the golf match, which ended up regulation in a tie and required they play an additional hole. 

Jeanne, glad your electrical circuits are all back to normal.  Your singing can't be that bad. 

Ruth Ann, so happy to read that your eyesight is still working well.  You obviously have taken good care of your eyes.  I didn't realize your SIL was back in the rehab center.  She sure wasn't home very long.  I hope you pace yourself well and don't get too tired in trying to care for her needs. 

Jackie, does Toby like to be groomed?  Glad you can get out of the house for awhile today.

Janet, you are certainly correct that Darrel is an adult and makes his own decisions.  I expect he knows well what is not good for him but sometimes that doesn't stop us from doing it like eating too much or the wrong thing.  Glad you are still able to read.  Problems with eyes are so scary. 

Marilyn sent you the pattern.

Good news...if indeed it can be called good news but...the little boy murdered in the quiet village short distance away from where we live...the man HAS been found guilty.....As I have previously mentioned, not even the church next door could save little Harry....well at least he is now away from his short life of torture...Link to story, be aware it doesn't make for pleasant reading...we passed the house again this morning, it always sends a chill down me.....


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-39933267

Good morning one and all. I dropped Freckles off at the groomer on my way to then gym this morning I will pick her up later today, she doesn't like the hir dryer so she will be air dried and take longer.

Janet I too have some Macular Degeneration, I have the dry kind and also a cararact in one eye. Eye dr. said that the removal of the cataract could possibly cause the MD to  i crease faster or not. Just have to wait and see.

I have a chiropractor appointment is a few minutes so that's all for now, gotta go.

Larry Hanna...
...on our way back Richard needed some milk so we passed by our lane and went to the dairy farm shop again, we sat outside, no one else around,
the cows had moved further, the horizon we see, I now know the sea is the other side but, we cant see it from where we are...Both of us had a cappuccino before setting off back home, then less that an our indoors, Richard went back in the opposite direction to go collect Toby...

I am thinking we could all write a book on each and every one of our ailments, I too can write off a long list I suffer daily...Meralgia Paresthetica being one of them...although my trouble is inner thigh...

[attachimg=1]

Today is our Anniversary

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!   

Getting ready to leave for church within the next 35-40 minutes, and yes, I am still rehearsing for next week...    

...just received a community send out email, sent from the lady from my church who run functions from the village hall, telling of an Open House Garden, with cream tea this afternoon somewhere within the next village, see how it goes, we may go along but they are forecasting showers...the garden of course will not close because of rain, nor not deter serious gardeners from turning up...
...I am also hoping it is accessible for the disabled...

...wishing all a blessed Sunday...

Hi everyone.  It looks like it is going to be another nice day here in South Carolina with only a very low chance of any rain.  It will again get up to around 90 degrees by late afternoon.  We are going to Sunday School and Church this morning and then out to lunch.  Nothing else planned other than watching the end of the PGA golf tourney later this afternoon.  We did go out to dinner at Ruby Tuesday's last evening and then stopped to pick up the groceries from the online order.  Unfortunately they didn't have several of the items on our list so it was a very small order. 

Janet, I hope they soon resolve the trip insurance problem.  I hope you are able to attend more painting weeks in the future.  The 90 year old lady reminds me of the neighbor and goo friend.  She was a very talented artist and made ceramics firing them in your own kiln.  She conducted classes and as far as I know she probably is still doing it although well into her 90's.  They live in a retirement community in Springfield, Ohio which was where they grew up.  She has been in a wheelchair for many years. 

Jackie, I hope you have been able to attend the Open House Garden.  One of the reasons we enjoy the British television shows is to see the beautiful gardens. 

Good Sunday to all!  We had a wonderful visit with two grandchildren.  They are home and they are now hosting two young men from Sweden - hockey players.  I told them to ask about the little town where most of our relatives now reside.  It is in the (brrrrr) very far northern end of the country. 

The mountain view is incredible right now with heavy snow - we are hoping the melt will be slow and not dangerous for flooding. 

Larry:  Online ordering isn't always perfect.  It just makes a second trip to the store too often.  W mart discontinued another favorite product for no reason and we found ourselves ordering a huge box of it from Walmart online with free delivery.  This time it was less costly than the same at Amazon.  It pays to check everything out. 

It is too quiet here today with just the two of us.  I found a mistake in my quilting project and must spend time cutting 4 pieces so the pattern of lines are in sync with the entire top.  Luckily, there is enough fabric to fix the error - which I could not see until the entire stack of blocks was laid out in order.  Giving thanks that the error was caught before sewing everything together. 

We are just home from attending two churches this morning!
We nipped out early (from back seats) at the Methodist Church and went to Oasis where we attended for many years.  We wanted to see how they are progressing on their building renovation.  The building i9s a huge one, donated by a man who bought it with the intention of opening another grocery store.  He changed his mind and moved away.

Anyway, they are making progress on it, and paying as they go, which in my opinion (which doesn't matter) is the wise thing to do, rather than going deep into debt for a building.  Former pastor wanted to borrow 3-5 Million dollars and make many structural changes to the metal building, which would have been very costly.  His attitude is the reason we left.  The pastor now is really good, but when we got home Darrel said he isn't ready to change again.  "You can, but I'm not," he said.  I said that NO, we are not going to attend different churches!  If we did that, he would stop going.  He agreed he probably would.  So we will stay where we are.

Darrel wanted to go put out the flowers at the cemetery yesterday, and I'm so glad we didn't, because the wind and dirt blew, then it rained, which would have ruined them.

Carol, good to have visits with grandchildren.  I love those times.  It takes so much patience to be a quilter, especially when it comes to fixing mistakes.  Good for you!

Jackie, I hope you can go to the garden thing, sounds lovely.  Nobody around here has a beautiful yard or garden without a lot of work!  The weather just isn't conducive to natural beauty in that way.  Some people do what is required and do have beautiful places.  We just don't have the energy for it anymore.

I have no idea what we are eating for lunch.  I think I will suggest going out--I'm getting hungry!

A small group of us stayed behind for a briefing meeting on who is doing what and where everything will be going, including the seat for the lady Bishop, they will be using the now empty far back alter and seating, it has carpeting and steps but the steps wont interfere with me as they will be keeping the church lectern where it is, a short distance away with just one low ground step to negotiate...I was told the handful of us will come in an hour earlier, for me 45 minutes so I can rehearse my speech...I know it is going to be packed out as the reason the lady Bishop is coming, is for the vicars wife.... Including Licencing as LLM...Licenced Lay Ministry...also known as Readers...is taking place...

We didn't go to the villages gardens cream tea as it come over with rain, rain didn't stay for long but Richard doesn't like wet... so we may try tomorrow, it is on the two days...of course I seem to be forgetting this weekend is a Bank Holiday...

This coming Wednesday and Friday for the next six weeks, Richard starts his Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...COPD course, each session will last 2 hours 45 minutes...a total of 33 hours by end week six...

Hi everyone not much is new here for us today. I have taken Freckles for a couple of walks and will be taking her for another very soon.

We went to church this morning as usual on Sunday morning. I sand on the m ike up front with  the others on the last  song. the pastor joined in too on his guitar.

The sun is shining  and the temp is 56?

Jackie I've never heard of a 6 week course for COPD. I ahve cOPD and all I had was a polysomnography and literature from my Dr. as well as getting my COPD machine.

Marilyn...
...I believe the course is called..." Pulmonary Rehabilitation..." a specialised programme which consists of dietary advice, exercise tailored to ones need, psychological and emotional support, and education about the condition...sounds like its for a mixture of people that all share lung problems...Info taken from our NHS website...

"  The programmes are provided by a number of different healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, nurse specialists and dietitians..."

That is more help and advise than I got when I was diagnosed with my MS two years ago.....
and not forgetting the MS male nurse I did see was so so rude, he had a very rude approach to his patients, in how he spoke and treated us, that I refused to go back to see him in the 3-4 or 5 months time....He had a reputation as rude I later found out...people either liked him or they didn't, and I didn't, he had me almost crying....It even started off bad when my appointment that I was given over the phone, with no letter back up, turned out that my name on arrival was nowhere to be seen in their books...a complete mix-up with my appointment in the hospital...