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Morning Devotional...

Heavenward by Scotty Smith

Accepting and Resting in God's Timing


But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you. 2 Pet. 3:8-9 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, I'd do well to meditate on this passage as least once a week. Thank you for being patient with our impatience. You've never been late for anything. "Swiss timing" is tardiness, compared to the precision of your faithfulness. You'll send Jesus back into our world to finish making all things new at just the right time. That grand Day won't happen a day early, or a day late.

And how we long for that Day. No more death, pain, or mourning; no more knowing in part or loving in part; no more goodbyes or good riddance's; no more disappointing others or being disappointed; no more betrayals or rejections; nor more broken hearts or broken anything; no more heartaches or even heartburn.

But Father, your faithfulness isn't just tied to the timing of the second coming, but also to everything else you've promised as well. Indeed, there's no panic or second-guessing in heaven today. You're not distracted, agitated, or perplexed about anything—including our current political mess and morass.

Though it's hard to imagine why you haven't answered certain prayers with a quick and big "Yes!" nevertheless, you do all things well. You gave Jesus for our sins; certainly we can trust you to give us everything else we really need (Rom. 8:32; 2 Pet. 1:3).

So grant us grace in our waiting, strength in our weakness, and wisdom in our bewilderment. And in the meantime, help us to be more attentive to the needs of others around us. Fill our hearts with kindness and gentleness, as we bear one another's burdens. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus' compassionate and grace-full name.

What a wonderful reminder of the patience we need in the world today.  How often do we try to "second guess God" with our frail human understanding and try to convince ourselves (and/or others) that these times MUST be indications of the second coming.

Thank you Pat.

Pat, thank you, I really need God - Jesus in my life now, more than ever, this passage is so comforting, guess that is why I joined this forum, I was drawn here at the right time, because I was needing it......

Carol, I am currently living in Dorset, the South West, after moving from the South East...

Jackie..

Pat:  Thank you for today's devotion.  Timing is everything and we are sometimes impatient only to find later that God's timing is always the right answer and so perfect.  Yes, your idea on the "Thoughtful Thoughts" is just great.  Glad you two "thought" about it. 

That said, it is almost embarrassing to mention I have something on my mind that is keeping me from sleeping - and I certainly know I cannot do anything about it.  This too shall pass.

Jackie:  The closest we have been to Dorset is when Don went often to Brighton - we lived in Texas and he had an office over the pond.  We had a wonderful day trip by car compliments of one of the staff - so nice I will never forget it.  Still, driving on the wrong side of the road was heart-stopping ( ).

Hi everyone.  It is going to be another day like yesterday weather wise with the temperature getting into the low 70's this afternoon. 

Scott was able to get my laser printer working again last night while he was here.  It was just he and I at dinner at the Church as Jennifer didn't attend again.  I took her off the permanent list of attendees and if she wants to go she can make the reservation on a weekly basis.  Today will likely be my typical Thursday with coffee and, if I feel up to it, attending the Wisdom class.  I will just have to see how tired I feel when I get my friend back to the assisted living facility where he resides. I also have to make a stop at Walmart to return something Pat ordered that was the wrong item.  The only other thing on my list to do at this point is to make an appointment with a podiatrist and also one with the car dealer for an oil change.

Janet, great news on John finding the key for Beth's van.  Maybe the Care home thinks John has the funds to pay such large medical bills.  Could you hold her hand and guide it to make an X for a signature and have it witnessed to satisfy Blue Cross & Blue Shield?  She certainly can't be the first person they have as a client who is not able to sign. Glad the credit card company was on top of the false charge but it sure can create problems when you have regular payments tied to the card.  I have had this happen a couple of times.

Carol, we are loving the online grocery shopping with pickup the next day where you don't even have to get out of your car unless you need to unlock the truck and they likely would even do that if needed for a person.

Pat, thanks for posting the new devotional.  Changing it only once a month sounds like a very good idea and the one you selected for February is a good one.

Jeanne, your comments on the devotional are certainly "right on".  I hope you are feeling better and the same for Pat. 

Jackie, glad you have joined us in this discussion.     

Carol, I think that is the most comforting thought, that no matter what is going on within our lives, whether good or bad, we know that " this too shall pass..." and it does...hang onto that thought...

It is good when I read that some of my US friends have at some time either lived in UK or have visited and know just how green some of our glorious villages are with their quaint thatched roof cottages...of course I am painting just the good picture, but if you have transport it wouldn't take too long to go out and find these picturesque villages and hamlets...

Brighton is in the South to us, think it might come under the South East...one of UK's popular seaside holiday destinations...    

Good morning I see we have a new member, welcome Jackie,.

Tuesday I went with Keith to the DMV to take the written test per a letter from the state that he has to takes both written and driving tests over. he failed the test after sitting at their computer for 1½ hrs taking the test. Then he couldn't pass the eye test and has to see his eye dr. I have been doing all the driving for over a year now because he scares the holy Sh^%t out of me when he drives. I am the one who wrote to Salem and told them to retest him.  We spent 3 hours at the DMV yesterday. I am so frustrated that he keeps insisting that he  drives just fine when he doesn't.

Busy as always, I have a hospital visit therapy dog visit this afternoon. I skipped the gym this morning so will go this afternoon.

Hi, friends,

Jackie, welcome home. We're thankful you've chosen to be with us.

This computer is driving me nuts - of course, my hubby would have said, "Honey, it's a short putt, not a drive." To use his golf reference.

It was a true emergency when we had the evacuation order. The dumpster  was afire, so this time the smoke came all the way into the 13th floor hallway.  I made it down to the 11th floor by stairs, but had to stop and rest. Then residents began to trickle up the steps, telling me that the fire was extinguished.

I'm expecting a delivery today, so must make ready for it. Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day with our Lord.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Larry Hanna, sounds like you have rather a busy schedule....dont overdo it...

Marilyn, they certainly make the driving test harder than they used to, no written test when I took mine, and that was only 23 years ago...

Ruth Ann, thank you, I hope I have found my new home...I do need to settle somewhere...

Well I plucked up my nerve and got myself out of the home for a short downhill walk with my rollator, this was on my third day attempt, the last two days I gave up as I knew my legs and body wouldn't allow me...It was tough going, and getting it through the back gate and down those concrete steps didn't make it any easier, but chuffed that I did force myself to do it...And yes, I even gave a smile to God, and said thank you once I was out walking...

We are back from our favorite charity shop where we gave them a basket of donations and ended up buying a really nice office chair for Don. I sent an email to my doctor's office because my password is not working.  Those dreadful passwords. 

Ruth Ann:  There should be something in place for you to have assistance in any evacuation.  And, a backup on what they set up - I am shocked that someone doesn't have orders to check on the upper floors, send the fire person and so forth.  So glad you are alright. 

Jackie:  We spent a week at Morton-on-Marsh once (soon after the flooding) and would take a local daily bus to a lot of villages just to walk around the houses, etc.  So unbelievable charming - such a beautiful breakfast and how kind everyone was to us. 

Larry:  We use the WM and Amazon for buying stuff anymore.  We went into a Kohl's store last week and there were barely any shoppers - because of the internet.  Sometimes it is nice to see what you are buying before spending the money though.    ]

Carol, I wasn't familiar with Morton On The Marsh so google mapped it, of course I should have realised it comes under The Cotswolds, now that is a beautiful place to live, that is the place I next have my eye on...

I have now given a lot of my old clothes to my Multiple Sclerosis centres, the one I am a member of raised the largest amount so far at the end of last year...I told our fund raising husband and wife team that I was giving her amongst other things a very expensive pair of shoes, and told her to not let them go cheap, to get as much as she can for them...she assured me she was passing them to her daughter for inspection who would between them make sure they got a good price for them...and I am pretty sure that they did...

Well , y'all will be shocked - here I am again today.

When the Comcast technician installed an updated modem, he changed the name of my network. Thus, causing me to rattle the few brain cells I have left in my brain and try to come up with answers for connecting to various peripherals. That failed the first time I tried, but today it seemed to work well. Now, my network wireless printer is working again, and I was able to get connected by way of my cell phone, too.

The delivery has been postponed until tomorrow so I will have some free time today. 

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

With love to all,
Ruth Ann

Just taken another fall this time I had dozed off on my computer chair, and fell heavily sideways onto my good leg, my right knee, had to call for help as I couldn't get up, also banged my head slightly on the wall..my good leg and knee hurts and I am still quite shaky but going to bed it is 11.20pm...hopefully I shall be safe in my bed, I shan't fall out there...

I will say goodnight and God bless...   

Ruth Ann, like Carol, I'm surprised there isn't something in place for safe evacuation from the upper floors.  And I'm very glad you came through safely.  Congratulations, too on getting computer stuff set up and working. 

Jackie, chairs are for sitting in/on - not falling off of!  Can you get a chair for your computer with arms so that if you fall asleep (or pass out) you won't fall to the side?  You must be sore and aching this morning.

Hi everyone on an overcast and what will be cooler day here in South Carolina with 60 being our high today.  I did go to coffee yesterday but was just too tired to go back downtown for the Wisdom Group at Church.  By late afternoon I was feeling better and this morning got up a little less tired.  I have nothing on the calendar for today although we do plan on eating our big meal out later this afternoon or evening and I need to pick up just a few things at Aldi's if we eat down that way. 

Marilyn, it sounds like Keith would be a danger to himself and others driving.  I don't blame you for not wanting to ride with him when he drives.  I hope your hospital therapy dog visit went well yesterday afternoon. 

Ruth Ann, does the management have a list of folks who would need help to evacuate your building in the event of fire?  If they do I hope you have added your name to the list.  Glad you didn't have to try to get down all 13 floors.  Glad to see you may have conquered your computer problems and now your wireless printer is working. 

Jackie, as you can see from what I wrote above I didn't overdo it yesterday as had run out of energy.  Is there anyway you could have an outside ramp so you don't have to get up and down the stairs?  How about seat belts for your chair at your computer.  The suggestion of a chair with arms would probably help as well. 

Carol, sometimes we can find good bargains on good merchandise at the charity shops.  I agree it is nice to see what you are getting before purchasing.  I do think department stores will be pretty much a thing of the past in another few years. 

The chair has arms but I still managed to fall out...

  That takes talent! 

Jackie do you still have any of your dogs. I thought you looked familiar so I went over to S and F and there you are.  Do be more careful, The bed is where you are supposed to fall asleep. Just following up on Jeanne's little quip

today I am tryin g to reach Social Security so i can get started with applying for  spousal benefits. We have to be married for a full year but I amsuppoed to apply 90 days ahead of time..

Apologies for any confusion, yes I am the same Jackie - Vanilla from S & Fs....

Marilyn, bed was where I took myself.....
One dog is now left, Toby Cocker Spaniel, after we lost three to cancer....

Jeanne Lee, oh yes I certainly have plenty of talent, I can now add another string to my bow......I knew I would be safer in bed...

Good morning fellow friends, our sun is out but, it sure did pelt buckets sometime through the night...we certainly do hear it as we do not now live in bricks and mortar....but of timber frames...

Oh I know we can laugh and see the funny side, well even I can now, if not at the time but, I honestly thought I had broken my leg, as I landed with the knee-leg bent right back and my full weight was upon it...

Marilyn, hope all goes well and to plan with your form filling....

Larry Hanna, you done right, we must listen to our body...just a shame it didn't get its timing right...

Ruth Ann, oh yes our brain cells, we need to hang on to them as long as we can...

Hi everyone.  It is a clear sky and one of the colder morning we have had all winter as when I arose the weather report said it was 34 degrees.  However, my outside thermometer now says it is over 40 degrees.  I really didn't accomplish much yesterday.  We did go to Ruby Tuesday's late yesterday afternoon after Pat stopped at the Dollar Tree store to get more cards for the Sunday School card ministry and I waited for her in the car.  We had a very good meal and they have improved their salad bar a lot but have also increased their prices by a dollar on most items.  We did get home before dark.  I have nothing on the schedule for today and glad as got up tired again this morning after plenty of sleep.  So I will just take things easy again today. 

Jackie, so much for our arm chair idea.  Perhaps you could take a belt large enough to go around the back of the chair and buckle in front of you when you are at the computer and begin to get sleepy.  You sure don't need to be falling out of the chair again and break a bone. 

Marilyn, I hope you were able to contact the Social Security office and get the process started.  Since Pat has Social Security and I don't I did inquire about getting the spousal benefit only to find it would take away a significant part of my retirement annuity and that wasn't going to happen so said thanks but no thanks. 

Hi everyone on the first Sunday in February.  It is cool this morning but going to go up to 60 degrees this afternoon.  We have the chance for a little rain today as well.  I will go to Sunday School and Church this morning but Pat isn't planning on attending.  This evening I will watch the Superbowl.

As I am limited on time this morning I will be very brief for today.

Good morning on this dreary Sunday morning.  The sun is hiding but at least the temperature is above freezing.... just barely!  I'm not sure what the guessers have in mind - other than the Super Bowl which interests me, not at all. 

I did hear on one channel that Tuesday may usher in a winter storm.  Of course, that's the day for my next doctor appointment.  Which of course will be rescheduled if the storm does arrive.        But from the way the winter weather has been this year it will probably be much worse south of us.  Much as I'd like to instruct God about it....  I'll try to remember that He knows best.   

Jackie:  This is a kind and gentle place to visit whenever asking for or giving praise and prayers.  So sorry about your fall from the chair which can be as bad as from standing position. 

today is the day I am shortening two pairs of trousers for Don - he lost enough weight to buy three pairs of  pants but the length is too long for these.  Not my favorite thing to do but "a woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do" so the saying goes.     We usually catch up with children on phone or skype today.  Sunday isn't our church day anymore as the music and noise is too much for Don's hearing problem and we are so thankful for two other choices during the week.  so grateful.

Larry:  I buy Sudoku puzzles at the dollar store - they are $4.95 at any other place.  Between doing puzzles on electronics and the books, it keeps me entertained whenever in the waiting and waiting room.  Usually, everything takes a long time out of the day. 

It does look like another storm is cross country.  Take care everyone in the path. 

As my dad used to say, "Over and Out".   

Today t chuch I was asked by the worshikp leaders husband to come to music practice and bring a song I wouhld like to sing for church on Sunday,
This is what I will sing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8tEaiUMu98

Jeanne Lee, weather, that is one thing that is out of our control, isn't it? yet can play havoc with our medical appointments..re, having to re-schedule...and then of course so is everyone else doing the same, all vying for that next appointment...I hope on the day your weather stays good for you..

Carol, thank you for your comforting words...." This is a kind and gentle place to visit whenever asking for or giving praise and prayers...."
Think for that reason I shall be a regular here...

Carol I got rid of my sewing machine just before our move ten months ago, with my hand now the way it is I doubt if I would have been able to continue, as my right hand is now on the numb side, re, peripheral nerve damage..

Larry Hanna, I too often do Sudoku puzzles, keeps the mind and brain quite active...

Marilyn, not sure I am familiar with your hymn...hoping all went to plan with your singing....that is the one thing I worry about, I sing but I really dont have the best singing voice, of that, I do know, and am fully aware of...

My leg is starting to feel normal again, well that is my good leg...still some stiffness when it is bent fully forwards or backwards but is a lot easier to walk on...

As I type I hear the sound of birds singing, now that brings joy to me...

Hi everyone on a chilly 40 degree morning but headed up to about 70 this afternoon.  I did make it to Sunday School and Church yesterday and stopped to pick up a sub from Firehouse Subs for my lunch.  Pat had arisen late and had a late breakfast so wasn't hungry and didn't want me to bring her anything.  I did watch the Superbowl game last night and it turned out to be a very good game even though my Atlanta Falcons ended up losing after getting ahead by quite a few points in the first half.  New England really played well in the second half and came back to win in the first overtime game ever played in the 51st playing of the Superbowl.  Now football is over until September.  I hope to get to my Monday noon meeting today and may make a quite trip to the Post Office to mail a package to Pat's sister and then make a brief stop at Aldi's for a few things we need.  However, these last two things may wait until tomorrow depending on my energy level.

Jeanne, sure hope your area misses the bad weather from the pending winter storm and you will be able to make your appointment. 

Carol, years ago Pat had a new pair of slacks that needed to be shortened and when she finished with them she found she had shortened the same leg twice and that didn't work well.  She wasn't happy with herself but later we had a good laugh over the event.  Pat and I both like to work the Word Find puzzles and we also buy the books at the Dollar Store.

Marilyn, that is a very fine song you will be singing.  I love the music of the Gaither Vocal Band and have a lot of it in my Spotify playlists. 

Jackie, my son suffers from a numb right hand and arm.  I have never acquired the knack of working Sudoku puzzles.  I like to work Crossword and Jigsaw puzzles and that is enough.  Glad your leg is starting to feel normal again. 

 

Making medical appointments for the month of May - when we return to Colorado.

Larry:  Tell Pat that I carefully sewed 4 children's western style shirts one year and when I asked them to try the shirts on to show us how they looked - it was a real downer.  I had accidently sewn all 8 sleeves in the wrong way and they were trimmed too short to reset the sleeves.  You can bet I did not sew any shirts for a long time.

Hello everyone. It is still wet here on ther southern oregon coast. but I did takle Freckles out for a walk  in our raincoats. Yes she has a raincoat and a wi ter coat as well. For our second walk us a bit ago we m,ade it home before the rain starts.

I have a loaf of sour dough bread in y bread maker. i made a loaf on Friday too. I have two pints of starter in the refrigerator that will last a long time as I keep adding to it what I took out, which by the way to do today. We will be going out for a birthday dinner later this afternoon since I can 't drive very well at night any more.

Well I have to get some PSPing done for my stationery group.

That darn groundhog!  It has been snowing for days...and everyone knows this is Victoria BC.  No end in sight and it causes lots of trouble with trees, power lines, etc. as our snow is so very wet.  Makes so many problems for work, etc.  My GD can not get down to the highway with her car....We are so fortunate power is still on, tho have gas and electric heat, so that surely helps. This snow is breaking all records.

I also watched the Super Bowl Larry.  It is closely followed in Canada.  Love the commercials.  Have been watching my much loved curling as it is that season again.  Folks who have never curled often think it is like watching paint dry

Nice to read your posts Jacki.  I am in my 80's so often fall asleep when sitting still at tv, not often at computer....yet! Up often during the night and my cat takes that as a sign for him to eat or play. So tired before it is even breakfast time.

Looking out the window and the snow is coming down at an alarming rate.
This whole year is getting off to a rather bad start in so many ways.  Sometimes I think this must be how Alice felt when she fell down the rabbit hole.....More like rather bad fantacy then reality!!  Thank goodness we know that God is watching over things.  As long as we do our part to follow along his path, all will be well.

God Bless.

Liz

Well, I got dumped out of here again!!  And have been so busy I didn't notice until today; then I had six days' worth of posts to catch up on reading!!

Jackie!  How nice to read your chatty posts!  You sound like one who always tries to see the bright side, and that's good.  My daughter also has MS, but we weren't informed until she'd had it for probably 20 years and had lost all mobility.  She also has Neurofibromatosis, and until a few months ago, all her problems were blamed on that condition.  I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt in falling from your chair, and hope you find something to prevent that happening again.

The "sewing bloopers" reminded me of a similar one I made years ago.  I was into painting shirts and tee shirts, and Beth wanted me to paint this big alligator cartoonish picture on the back of a chambray shirt for her.  I folded the shirt around a cardboard, covered with waxed paper and started painting.  It turned out really cute, until I took the pins out!    Then I discovered the whole picture was upside down!!    Man!  I threw it on the floor, stomped and grumbled, then said, "I refuse to be defeated!" and proceeded to figure out what to do.  I put the board on top of the picture, drew around it, cut it out, turned it right side up, and using wide rick-rack, put it back together.  I sewed one edge of the rick-rack to the square, the other side to the shirt.  It looked really good, and oh, how Beth loved that shirt!!  She had it for many years after she had outgrown it!  She may still have it tucked away somewhere!   

I was given a list of people at the care home to visit for the ladies' group at church, so today I got that done.  On the list were John and Beth Hamelin, so I knew where to find them!!     I'm trying to get all loose ends tied up before we leave Wednesday!

Liz!  So good so "see" you!  Yep, the ground hog saw his shadow!  Well, if he was here, he didn't, because it was so foggy here he couldn't have seen anything!  I wish we had some of that very wet snow!  Just not on Wednesday when we will drive to Oklahoma City!

Oh, wasn't that Super Bowl game something?  I started to go to bed when the score was 3-28, but Darrel said, "Tom Brady has come from behind before!" and I was texting a friend, so waited, and boy!  Was I glad I did!  That got exciting all at once!  I was so happy for Brady to win 5 Super Bowls, a new record.  And the first time in its history a Bowl game was tied and went into overtime!  Snoozer for the first half, though.

Jeanne, I hope you can go to your appointment.  Having to reschedule is a pain sometimes.

I'll try to stop in and tell y'all farewell tomorrow!

Well n ow that the day is almost over, I don 't feel an y older today than I did yesterday. I did eat too much though so back to  keeping my calories in check tomorrow.

Hi everyone.  It is another clear morning, at least at this time.  We started the day in the mid to hight 50's and may get up to 80 degrees this afternoon.  Our schedule is light today.  I didn't get to the Post Office or Aldi's yesterday so we will try to get that done today.  This is also the day for our city elections.  I wasn't going to vote because I knew none of the candidates pro or con until I found out the man who served as our Sunday School class president for this last two years was running for mayor.  He is a fine man, a retired engineer retired from the military and I think he would make a wonderful mayor.  That will be plenty for today as got up tired, which is becoming the norm, even after a full nights sleep.   

Carol, funny story about the shirts you made.  I will share it with Pat.  At least your were consistent. 

Marilyn, does Freckles raincoat match yours?  That freshly baked bread sure sounds good. 

Liz, it sounds like you are having a snowy winter for the record books.  Sure glad you haven't lost power during all of this.  I think I have only seen short glimpses of a Curling Match. 

Janet, glad to see your posting.  I had forgotten that Beth also has MS.  It sounds like you were very creative in salvaging the painted shirt.  You were like Bob Ross in no mistakes just happy accidents (or something like that as it has been a long time since I watched him paint on TV).  Since I am an Atlanta fan I was sorry to see the outcome of the Superbowl but also knew that Brady was capable of bringing his team back and winning the game.   

Marilyn, sorry I missed seeing that yesterday was your birthday.  So a belated Happy Birthday to you!!!  And remember--we're not getting older, we're getting better!!

Sigh!

Another day of will it or won't it?  Looks like it probably will, later this afternoon - snow/sleet/freezing rain - maybe up to 2 inches...  So I guess the smarter thing will be to reschedule my 2:00 p.m. doctor's appointment.   Again.  This has been a very weird winter. 

Marilyn, wishing you a Belated Happy Birthday....well as they say, another year older, another year wiser...
Marilyn, remember, age is only a number...or so they tell us...

Jeanne Lee, It sure sounds like your weather is playing you the guessing game....I do hope your appointment gets the go ahead sooner, rather than later...the sooner you get the appointment over with, the sooner the better...

Janet, sorry to hear your daughter also has this horrible disease - illness, because no doubt, that is exactly what it is...there is no glossing it up...Guess we both have to rely on God, to give us the best advice, as how to cope with it...
Janet, funny story about your sewing - cartoon transfer...guessing daughter never found out the problems you had....

Liz, so nice to meet you, we haven't yet met.. You do have a lively kitty, not sure I would be in too much of a playful mood if kitty or my dog Toby was looking to play with me through the night....
Agree, it is all in the hands of our God, in watching over things..

We have yet to see any snow here in UK, think they had a little a week ago, but more up in the north...we seem to be getting a fare share of rain now...

Larry Hanna, sounds like you have picked a winner with your chosen Mayor vote...

Carol, let us hope and pray, May's medical appointments will be the be all and end all for the rest of this year....

Thank you for the Birthday wishes.  We went out for an early dinner to a place called Coney Station in  Coos Bay.  The steaks were outrageous sko we decided to have burgers instead. We had a humongous Mushroom burger that must have been at least 600-700 calories each plus the fries. We both ate too much and washed it down with a glass local beer.

So today I ahve been cathing nup on a few image that I had to create, went to the gym and have walked Freckles a couple of times anda bout about to take another walk with her while it isn't raining. Tomorrow i must  make arrangements to visit my new hospice patient.  I got her paperwork on Monday so I need to get over there and there is a Furry friends board meeting that I want to attend.

Hi everyone.  We had a very rainy evening with some lightning and thunder.  Right now it is 54 degrees and headed up to 73 this afternoon and there is only a 20% chance of more rain today.  We did get the items done yesterday that I mentioned including voting.  Our friend from Church was elected mayor and received just about twice as many votes as his opponent.  There were around 2,500 people in this small town that voted.  This morning Pat has PT at eleven and I will go to dinner at the Church tonight.  Our granddaughter said she wanted to attend this week so added her to the count and she and our son will come out to the house afterwards. 

Marilyn, sorry I missed knowing it was your birthday a couple of days ago.  So a belated Happy Birthday.  It sounds like you will be busy again with the new Hospice patient and your duties with the Furry Friends. 

Jackie, Janet wrote a wonderful book on Beth's battle with the Neurofibromatosis that began when she was 9 years old (if I remember correctly on the age) and it was written before the diagnosis of the MS.  She is a fine writer as well as an outstanding artist.  I think we make our lives happier, even with medical problems that will never be solved, by keeping as good an attitude as we can and trying our best to enjoy each day as we live it.  At least that is the way I try to live my life.  I know that sometimes this is easier to say than to do but it is worth the effort.  Maybe you will get through the winter without snow.  We had only a few minutes with a very light snow that didn't even stay on the ground. 

Jeanne, sure hope you were spared the bad weather. 

Marilyn, you have all year to get rid of those 600 - 700 calories...you can do it...  
Glad your Birthday went to plan...it is there purely to enjoy...

Larry Hanna, not much we can do about an illness - disease, that is here to stay...

We could still get some snow before our Winter is out, it wouldn't be the first to even have some Easter, it has happened in the past...

I got myself out of the front door, a tad of a struggle getting my walker down three large concrete outside steps, but I managed it by myself...just took a short downhill walk, talked to a neighbour near to the bottom of the slope for quite some while, sure makes a difference having someone to talk to...

Well, I think I will never get accustomed to this sensitive touch pad on my computer.

I had a complete post written and signed off.  Then, I tried to bold and increase the font size, and POOF!!! Everything went away.

God bless us all, I pray.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is a bright clear morning here in South Carolina and we are headed to 53 degrees today.  I have to have my car at the dealer for an oil change at 10:15 and want to get a haircut this morning so will be brief today.   

I know I wrote a post here yesterday but someway it didn't get posted but nothing was missed by not having it here. 

Ruth Ann, do you use the touch pad in lieu of the mouse?

Jackie, nice to see you were able to get outside a couple of days ago and enjoy a visit with a neighbor.

Hello from the Southern Oregon Coast. The sun keeps coming and going here, I dixd take freckles out for a walk and it was misting on us, Now the sun is out once again.
Not much new here, We went out to dinner last night in stead of tonight with the usual group of Keith's High school friends.

Tomorrow the Furry friends group is  hosting the Canine Good Citizens testing in the mall for the public to get their dogs tested, we will also be promoting the Furry Friend Therapy Dog organization. All of our dogs have to pass this testing before they can become Therapy Dogs. Freckles won't get to participate this time as one of the friendly dogs to go into the ring and walk around  with me to test the friendliness of the dog being tested. But I will be part of  a crowd of people going into the ring to see how the dog will react to a lot of people being in the same space as the dog and it's handler. The dog being tested will  have to demonstrate that  it can obey the 7 basic commands  at the owners request. Sit, stay, heel, down, off , no, come. Plus the Sit stay, and the down stay while the handler walks away.

Not much been happening in my corner of the world these last couple of days....I have not ventured outside my door as my nerves through my body have been a tad more lively, making my walking not so good...

Ruth Ann, isn't it frustrating when we have a large written post that then disappears into oblivion, never to be seen again...

Larry Hanna, the upkeep of a car can be time consuming and pricey....I can still legally drive but I got rid of my car before we moved...

Marilyn, that sounds very much the same as what we call " The Kennel Clubs Good Citizen " dog training scheme....at the end if they pass they go up a class until they pass and receive their bronze, silver and gold certificate awards...

We have a new photo challenge starting today that will be open for entries for the next two weeks.  Plenty of time to get those cameras going!     Check it out HERE

I have posted 4 pictures, this is the first time in a very loing time that I have  posted anything in  the contests.

Hi, friends,

Here I come, trying to get another post together.

Larry, I much prefer the  mouse. Before the computer had to be reformatted last summer, I had a little file that, upon start up, gave me the choice of which to use: mouse or pad.  That went away in the computer re-do.  Also, there was a way I could "tell" the computer that I preferred the mouse and block the pad. Now, the pad is overly sensitive, and I'm continually losing all of my input.  It's most distressing.

Jacqueline, thanks for the empathy.  Yes, I'm frustrated right now.

Marilyn, I enjoy "listening" to your reports about you and Freckles.

Thanks, Jeanne, for setting up the new photo challenge, and thanks, Marilyn, for participating. I will be going to see the photos in a little while.

Well, it is time to try to post.  Wish me luck!

Hi everyone on a beautiful, clear 53 degree morning and we are headed into the mid-70's this afternoon with zero chance of rain.  After about two weeks I felt much better yesterday and am hoping for several days more like it.  I did get the oil changed in my car, then stopped and filled the gas tank at COSTCO and then got a haircut.  I then made a fast stop at the ATM at the Credit Union.  I told Pat I wanted to eat out last evening so we went to our favorite BBQ restaurant.  Pat had the half chicken and raved about it.  I stayed with he pulled pork sandwich.  Today should be a pretty light day as plan on staying home.  I hope to work on my income taxes this morning when I finish with the message boards.  I read my email and devotionals, as well as all the new postings since yesterday, before I got out of bed and have everything ready except beating the egg for Pat's scrambled eggs.  I expect her to sleep late this morning as she stayed up very late last night.  Today my only great granddaughter becomes a teenager.  So now I have two of my four great grandchildren that are teenagers. 

Marilyn, hope you enjoy the Furry friends group and the testing of the dogs.  Do the dogs, once passed, ever have to recertify? 

Jackie, I hope today finds your nerves settled down so you can walk more easily.  I felt lucky yesterday that my car past the tests and only needed the oil change.  However, they indicated it won't be long before I need new brakes.  However, I won't have that done at the dealer as that is not a warranty item.

Jeanne, I did look at the new photo challenge and will look for somethings to photograph although I am really not a photographer. 

Ruth Ann, to solve your problem with the touch pad take an old credit card or some heavy cardboard so several file cards and take them over the touch pad.  This prevents those skips because we lightly touch the touch pad as we are working.  I have that on my laptop and have used it on several others as well as giving this suggestion to several other people.   On my current laptop I took maybe a half dozen or so file cards and cut them down to the size I wanted, then taped them to keep them together and then just taped down the two end on the computer itself with magic tape.  I can easily removed them if needed or just pull up one side to get to the touch pad.  I have always preferred using the mouse.

Here, north of Albany, we again got only the edge of the storm - about 4 inches accumulation.  But the next one looks like we'll get more of it, starting later today and lasting until Monday.  Oh well.  I guess we're overdue.   

Jackie the testing is absolutely the same. It is also the same testing they use for the show dogs for training to go into the ring.

I t all went well at the testingv we had several dogs come in to be tested  only 3 failed.

I had music practice last night and will be singing the special tomorrow.

Hi everyone.  While the morning starts for me at about 63 degrees we will be close to 80 before the day is over.  Pat and I will attend Sunday School and Church, get something to eat, come home and rest and then go back to the Church this evening for the Valentine's Banquet put on for Seniors by the young people of the Church.  We attended last year and it was delightful.  I did stay home all day yesterday and did get my tax information together except for one document that should be here later this month.  Yesterday afternoon I fixed cole slaw for dinner using a sour cream dressing recipe from Bobby Flay of the Food Network.  It turned out well.

Jeanne, I hope you won't be covered over by snow by this time tomorrow.

Marilyn, sound like a successful dog testing event.  I hope you enjoy singing your solo at Church this morning.

Larry Hanna, wishing you the very best on your special day....Happy Birthday...

Hi everyone.  It is going to be another beautiful day here going up to about 68 degrees this afternoon and zero chance of rain.

We had a delightful time last night at the Valentine's Banquet at the Church for we Seniors.  The tables were nicely decorated and we had name cards at our designated table.  As you checked in a young person directed us to our assigned table.  We were served with a delicious lasagna, salad and bread meal topped off with a nice slice of cheesecake.  Then the young people presented a nice program of Praise Music, interpretative and tap dance numbers, corny jokes and the highlight was a video called Car Karaoke that one youth made with several members of the senior group.  It was clips of these individuals in a car with the young man who was one of the MC's of the program.  The group included his grandfather who was a riot and really didn't seem to be able to carry a tune. 

The only down side to the evening was as we arrived one of the ladies had fallen outside the church entrance and hit her head on the pavement.  The ambulance was called and took her to the hospital.  I spoke briefly with the minister as we left last night and he said she had been admitted to the ICU for observation because of hitting her head. 

My schedule is light today as just plan on attending my Monday noon meeting and if I have the energy will stop at the Men's Warehouse to look for a sports coat that would look nice and be appropriate to wear to church.

Jackie and Marilyn, thanks for the Birthday Wishes.  It was a fine birthday and had several calls and ecards yesterday plus some cards earlier in the week. 

It looks like the storm is about over - for now.  The predicted 6 to 15 inch accumulation turned out to be about 7 inches.  That should mean there won't be much problem with the roads for tomorrow afternoon.  I may just be able to keep one appointment.  Wednesday doesn't look too hopeful, though.  That appointment has already been changed three times. 

Yup!  Winter in the north of New York State.   

My solo at church yesterday went very well. I was even able to get enough air in my lungs to hit that long very high note at the end,  surprised myself. i got lots of compliments that too surprised me, nut it was all about praising the Lord and He helped me hit all the notes perfectly. This is the one I sang.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8tEaiUMu98

Hi, friends,

Yes, Larry, thank you for the information about a workaround for the touch pad. I'm trying it now.

Marilyn, that song has been a favorite of mine for quite a long time.

I noticed on Facebook that there was a picture of Janet and hubby in a sidewalk cafe in Croatia.

Well, I will go for the evening.

Y'all have a wonderful evening.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on this Valentine's Day.  We should get to the mid 70's today with no rain.

Yesterday was a pretty uneventful day.  I did attend my meeting and then stopped at Men's Warehouse but didn't buy anything as their sales are on the weekends.  I am simply not going to pay well over $300 for a sport coat. There was an Atlanta Bread Company near where I stopped so I went in and bought a loaf of French bread.  It is the biggest loaf of bread I have ever purchased and will share half of it with Scott and Jennifer tomorrow afternoon. 

Nothing on the schedule for today unless we go out to have our big meal to celebrate Valentine's Day.  I doubt that Pat will want to do that since we will be going to a nice restaurant tomorrow afternoon to celebrate my Birthday a few days late. 

Jeanne, I hope they have your roads open today and you are able to get to your appointment.  My great grandchildren live in Lake Luzerne, which I understand is not far from Albany, New York.   

Marilyn, glad your solo went well and you were pleased with your talent usage for the glory of God. 

Ruth Ann, I hope that work around solves that problem you were having.  We don't think we touch that touch pad but it is hard not to do so when we are typing. 

Larry, it doesn't take long for the roads to get cleared once it stops snowing, so that was no problem today.  I did get to the doctor'a appointment.  Now tomorrow may be another story.   

Lake Luzerne is just across the river (the Hudson) from me - in fact that's where my pharmacy is, - just 6 miles from my house.  Both Lake Luzerne and Corinth are about 50 miles north of Albany.

From Dr. David Jeremiah.

Cracked Pots

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
2 Corinthians 4:7


Recommended Reading
2 Corinthians 4:1-9

Everyone knows what it's like to be disappointed by someone we love or admire. Our husbands, wives, children, or parents sometimes let us down. Our heroes stumble. Our leaders falter. It can devastate us and damage our relationships because we place high expectations on those we love. Sometimes we forget they are broken people just like we are.

According to 2 Corinthians 4:7, we are all earthen vessels, jugs of clay, easily chipped. The Voice translates 2 Corinthians 4:7 like this: "But this beautiful treasure (the Gospel) is contained in us—cracked pots made of earth and clay—so that the transcendent character of this power will be clearly seen as coming from God and not from us."

God blesses us cracked pots in spite of our sinful, undeserving nature; and high on His list of blessings is forgiveness. As we look to Him alone, He gives us grace (He imparts a million blessings we don't deserve) and mercy (He withholds a million judgments we do deserve).

If He gives grace and mercy to cracked pots like us, perhaps we need to extend the same to those we love.


"Let us make sure that we are not so hard on others because if the shoe were on the other foot, we would want someone to understand our circumstances and help us to redeem ourselves."
Jesse R. Watson, Jr., in Morning Coffee

Hi everyone on a dark, cloudy morning here in South Carolina with a very high chance of rain today.  We stayed in all day yesterday and it was a beautiful day but today Pat has PT this morning at eleven and we plan on going to the Chop House to complete celebrating my birthday.  It is becoming a new tradition to go to this nice restaurant to celebrate birthdays and special occasions.  Since we will be eating a big meal in the middle of the afternoon we will not be going to the Wednesday night dinner at church. 

Jeanne, I was happy to see that the roads were OK and you were able to get to your appointment yesterday.  I did see that there is now a third snowstorm headed to the NE.  You do live close to my great grandchildren.  Thanks for the information you provided on your area.

Larry Hanna, sad about the lady who fell and was taken away by ambulance, hope you have since heard some news that she is doing alright...

Marilyn, guess I am ashamed to say I am not familiar with the hymn you sang...happy it all went well, couldn't say the same if it had been me singing it...

Well last night was my first night out in two months...It was my monthly MS social evening....It was enjoyable as we had a talk from a Trading Standards officer and alongside him a local Police Officer specialising in cons and scams, all areas were covered, doorstep, telephone and computer scams...The police Officer without naming names told of several scams that he has been called to dealt with, not just from the aged or vulnerable, some so unbelievable but true, just how many innocents have gotten fleeced by supposedly workmen, from garden work, guttering, paving, a real eye opener...of course he is one up now and expecting the next cons and scams to involve coming out of our EU...BREXIT...
We always end up with the trolley coming round with nibbles and a cup of tea followed by the raffle, of which we take in a small item, nd leave on the table, not too many turned up last night, I won some cakes when they called out the last ticket..so of course I never got to choose but happy with what was left...well so my stomach told me this morning, went down nice with a cup of tea...

This morning I got two calls from a recording telling me to call a certain number about an arrest wanrrant for me because of taxes due. It was so funny, I don't owe any taxes and if it had been a person on the line I would have told them "Is that so? Well you can just come and take me to jail then. So many scams going one all the time time. There is an other one  that asks if you can hear them and if you say yest, you get some kind of charges to your name, phone or credit card. So if you get a call like that never say yes. Because they will call you back and tell; you that it is your voice on the phone agreeing to the charges.

 
Hi, friends,

Not much is happening here in my household.
Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day.
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We have a beautiful day ahead getting up into the mid-60's.  Yesterday started out with some heavy rain but by the time Pat got to the PT at the hospital it had pretty well stopped for the day.  I had a great afternoon.  As planned we went to the Chop House for a delicious meal and as I went to pay the bill my son took it and paid the bill as my birthday present.  My granddaughter had baked a chocolate  Birthday Cake for me.  To top it off Pat gave me a big box of Russell Stover Chocolates for Valentine's Day.  I need to stop at the Credit Union to take care of some business this morning before I pick up my friend to go to coffee and after I take him back to his residence I plan on going back to the church for the Wisdom group.  That will be it for the day.

Jackie, I haven't heard any more about the lady who fell at the church but should get a report from the minister later this morning.  Glad you were able to have a social evening out and it sounds like an interesting program.  Some years ago we had a similar speaker talk to our computer club and it was an eye opener. 

Marilyn, the IRS never would contact anyone in that way about owned taxes.  Unfortunately there are a lot of people who do not know this and are so afraid of the IRS that they probably fall for the scam. 

Hi, friends,

Today. was run errands day.  Then, I was grateful to get home to rest a while.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is another clear and beautiful 54 degree morning and headed to the low 70's.  Yesterday was a very nice day and I felt really good, which make it even better.  Today's schedule is light.  I have things ready to fix Pat's breakfast when she gets up.  As soon as I finish with the message boards this morning I am going to fix labels for the tops of all of the many jars of spices.  Pat found this really great set of baskets that to on the inside of the pantry door with six large baskets.  They will hold the spices but the names need to be on the top of the jar to read them.  Then I need to make a quick trip to Aldi's and, if I still have the energy I will stop at Belk's department store to look at sports coats.  That is my exciting plan for today.

Ruth Ann, nice to see that you were up to getting out for errands yesterday. 

A call from oldest son & he and our DIL are meeting us at a cafe early tonight.  They serve clam chowder on Friday nights and it is as good as anything on the west coast. 

We have been busy helping a couple from Colorado - we knew them years ago and they are renting for a couple of months here.  She would like to meet daily with us and we are trying to get them to go places on their own too - 

One son is driving to Oklahoma (700 miles each way) to pull a jeep back to his home this weekend.  Wish we could help but we are not anywhere near him.  He is so excited since he has looked for a special jeep for years and the owner sounds like a really nice guy as he is so accommodating. 

Larry:  That weather forecast sounds perfect - just a tad warmer would be nice.  So glad to read that you are feeling well. 

The new battery installed in my old (ancient to the company) Apple iPad seems to be working.  Apple didn't help me at all - so we went to a Battery store.  Must mention that the Alexa we bought is syncing with every electronic we own - it is quite invasive.  Listening all the time, so we do unplug it. 

We went to a lecture yesterday and the speaker was an optometrist who took his entire family to Afghanistan for years of charity work.  He talked about the good and not so good results of that - they are all safe now.  His pictures were strikingly beautiful and they lived a long time in that culture with very little amenities - they had to build their own toilet in the house, for instance.  Nothing like we are used to in our country.   

 

Hi everyone.  We have an overcast morning but still suppose to get up into the 70's again this afternoon.  I expect to have a nice quiet day today.  I don't really plan on going anywhere and may work more on my taxes.  Yesterday I finished up a project to put labels on the jay lids of all of Pat's spices (and she has a lot of them).  She now has them in the new shelves she got for the pantry door and will be much easier to find what she is looking for.  I also made a quick trip to Aldi's for a few items.

On Thursday I did find out that the lady who fell over backwards and hit her head on the pavement outside the church has been taken out of ICU  and admitted to a regular room as of Thursday.  She did have some brain bleed and at the time of the accident didn't even know her name.

Carol, sure hope the jeep turns out to be what your son wanted and it is in good shape.  Does he rebuilt things?  Glad you were able to get the battery replaced in your iPad.  I also have the first generation iPad but have not had to replace the battery.  I use it about everyday.  It sounds like the speaker and his family were very fortunate to not be harmed for killed while they were in Afghanistan.

It was so nice to meet oldest son and DIL for dinner last night.  They had stayed at our home in CO for a couple of nights and gave us our favorite chocolate creamer bottles for coffee as a treat.  We are trying to coordinate a trip to Mexico with them - at the Yuma- California entrance so we can visit with a Washington state cousin as well. 

My reading yesterday was all about being a special child in the eyes of the Lord.  Now, I cannot find it but it was so comforting and I just wanted to pass it along to everyone.  Child of God - to all of you!



Larry:  Our entire family can fix things and love interesting solutions - they have that from my parents.  Don likes to tackle interesting projects too just to keep the brain going. 

Hi everyone. After a dreary and damp day yesterday we have clear skies and expect to get to 75 degrees this afternoon.  We will go to Sunday School and Church this morning and then out to eat and spend the rest of the day quietly.  I did go to COSTCO yesterday afternoon (and I think so did everyone else in the area as they were very busy).  I came home and watched some of the PGA golf match from California.  They are a day behind and will try to play two rounds today. 

Carol, hope your planned trip to Mexico can be arranged.  I went across the border for a few hours many years ago when I was visiting with my folks and was quite happy to get back on USA soil.  It was a different experience. 

Good morning on this February morning.  I woke up to sunshine, no wind, and over 40^oF !  Not "normal" for February in northern New York.  And it looks as though this will continue for the rest of the week.  Mind you, I'm NOT complaining!    

Hi everyone.  It is another beautiful morning and we expect to get up to close to 80 today.  This morning I want to make Pat some more sausage muffins as she finished up her last two for breakfast this morning.  This evening is the United Methodist Men's monthly meeting.  We always have grilled steak or grilled chicken with a salad, potatoes fixed different ways, and a vegetable item.  Following dinner we have a speaker.  On Saturday I did complete my income tax forms but must wait for one final document to confirm the initial figures they provided and then will go over the returns again before submitting them. 

Jeanne, it sounds like you too will be having a nice week of weather. 

Larry Hanna....I have never heard of a church meeting that provides a " steak " lunch...The most I get from my monthly MS social meet - up is a trolley full of cheese, biscuits, grapes, and mini chocolate cakes...If I could disguise myself as a man, I would rather be  coming to yours...
Only joking Larry, " beggars cant be choosers..." and " be grateful for small mercies..." besides, I am more than happy with what they provide.... oh we did get a fish and chips supper one month last year...not sure who provided it as we didn't have to pay anything...

Carol....Hope your coordinated Mexico plans can be arranged....guess a bit of planning needs to be organised first...but it would be nice if it can go to plan...

Ruth Ann...not much seems to happen in my household either...

Marilyn...I haven't come across the scam you mentioned, but glad you mentioned it, one I shall definitely keep an eye open, or ear out for...

Been very quiet in here, maybe the sun and milder weathers have gotten members out...

I need to get round to booking a dental appointment, I haven't registered with any dentists since moving here 11 months ago but...for the last three months I have been suffering on and off left side bottom molar tooth abscess, also have a kindof tear or flap in my gum next to it which although gum or tooth doesn't actually cause pain, there does get a build up of fluid, so although tooth and gum feels calm 50% of the time, I know the long-term effect of tooth and gum disease can be bad, so the sooner I make that first appointment the better...I have dwindled Dorset dentists down to two that have good customer feedback, I would be going as a private patient...

It is now 3.pm and I am awaiting a parcel delivery, she usually does deliver late afternoon - early evenings, so could come as late as around 5.pm ish....

I am eating a slice of apple pie for breakfast - yum.  Just waiting for returning calls as the schedule has to be re-figured for this week.  Don went to his Monday lecture and I have begun the house routine.  Must remember to be thankful for being able to "do the house routine".   Truly, so many friends and family are in midst of tough health issues.  A brother from Washington telephoned that he and his wife will be here in March for a visit - it looks like the calendar for March is pretty full - hopeful for good health for everyone. 

Jackie:  We will drive about 3 1/2 hours to another border town where the atmosphere is very friendly to USA and Canadians.  There is heavy national police (Mexican) in that town and they want to sell all kinds of products.  Coming back through customs, we expect to stand in line outdoors for perhaps an hour - we take our passports for sure.  It is very easy for us and the poor people need our business. Our oldest son and wife have never been there so we will show them how to do this - pick up some meds at a reduced rate and etc.  I do hope you get an appointment quickly with your dentist. 

Hi everyone on another nice morning in South Carolina.  Pat has to have a medical test done at 10 am this morning and that will be all that requires us to be away from the house today.  I need to cut up some green onions later this morning.  We had an very pleasant men's meeting last evening.  The food was good and the speaker was a pharmacist that belong to our church who talked to us about Testosterone and the role that hormones play in our bodies and about the importance of certain minerals.  It was very informative.

Jackie, we each pay $12 for our steak dinner at our men's meeting which covers the cost of the food and adds about $2 for each attendee for our bank account.  The men then use the money to help fix up homes for elderly and/or disabled people who cannot afford the repair on their own and other projects to help the community.  It sounds like a dental appointment sooner rather than later would be a good idea.  I have found through experience it is either pay them now or pay much more later. 

Carol, a piece of apple pie for breakfast for anytime sure sounds good.  You and Don must be great hosts as so many folks come to visit you.  One of my memories of the brief foray into Mexico with my folks in a town close to Tuscon was what terrible sidewalks they had and all the doors of the stores being wide open with no screens or anything.  My dad would buy a six month supply of his medicine in Mexico by taking a copy of his prescriptions with him.  It was so much cheaper for the same medication in the same packaging he got from his local pharmacist and his local pharmacist verified it was the same medicine.  Back then it wasn't necessary to have a passport when you crossed the border.

Larry Hanna....I am hoping the best is why the wait....I had two dentist surgeries in the running, then went with the private paid one compared to the usual NHS but the earliest appointment is in three weeks, unless a cancellation comes up...I read the feedback on this dental practice and it does fare well...plus it helps to see who the dentists are and their qualifications....The first initial appointment will be for checkup and X-Rays, I think she said, then the put together " plan " appointment, to have necessary work done will be much quicker...

I have also found what I hope will be my choice of church, again I done quite some computer homework. not only on the distances, ( there are four in this circuit band ) but also google mapped the choice and it surrounding location...quite in the country and outskirts of the village - hamlet...I spoke to the church warden, he came across as a very warm and friendly person, even had a joke with me when I asked a question, re, a printed out time-sheet, what the colours represent at the side, some say white and gold, another purple, another green, ha ha, he told me this is telling me what colour of clothing to wear on the day, well did almost fall for it, then told him ha ha, its not April fools...anyway he was very helpful with information and obliging and will look for me at the entrance...I asked if there was a tea room for meeting parishioners after the service, there is some place we go to, so that too is a bonus.....Oh I told him someone will be bringing me, that will be Richard, but he will not be staying as he is not a church person, he has no beliefe in the Bible stories, Jesus or God....

Larry....that is very charitable of the men to offer their services...

Carol....that sounds like my kindof breakfast... bet it tasted better than boring muesli...
Oh that standing in line for an hour is bringing back memories when on a smaller boat, a day-trip from our larger cruise-ship from around the Geek Islands to Turkey, when at last we got there we had a long circle line to go through the passport area, only our now shortened time never allowed us to visit the Turkish markets that we went there for in the first place, but we did get to visit a well known sightseeing ruin...

I took delivery of another ordered book from Amazon today, this shall be another bedtime read....David Bryant...Glimpses of Glory...the Mowbray Lent Book 2017....Excerpt from the book....

David Bryant was a priest and a regular contributor to the Church Times and Guardian. He died in 2016, shortly after completing this book.

" Looking back on his life after a diagnoses of termonal cancer, David Bryant reflects on the moments in which he encountered the grace of God, often in the most unlikely places: in a high - securuty prison; at the bedside of a dying child: in a hospital ward, facing his own mortality...."           

Hi everyone.  It looks like we had a little rain during the night.  When I went to the mailbox this morning I saw that my yard is beginning to green up a bit.  It will get into the low 70's again today.  Pat has her last PT appointment at eleven this morning.  This evening is our Wednesday night dinner at church. I don't think Scott will probably attend but Jennifer is planning to come and home dinner with me and the group. Scott apparently has some type of viral infection and went to see the doctor Monday.  He must have been feeling better last evening as he did go to work. We hope at least Jennifer will come on out to house after dinner.  That will be it for today. 

Jackie, glad to see you have selected a dentist and can get started on the initial appointment and then getting the "plan", which over here means the cost estimate of the work needed to be done as well as an appointment.
Nice to see you have found a Church to attend in your area and hope you will be able to go to it on Sunday and begin to meet the pastor and the people.  I hope you enjoy your new Lenten book.

Good morning, it is now 5.45am, and I have woken up to " Storm Doris..." with gusts of winds outside...already drank number one cup of tea...

Hi everyone on a bright and sunny morning.  I have a busy morning planned with my usual coffee with friends and then the Wisdom Group.  After that I will stop at Walmart to pick up an online grocery order and then a stop at Aldi's for some items.  That will be plenty for today.  Jennifer did join me for dinner at the church last evening and then came out to the house for awhile.  We had a nice visit.  Scott had gone to work to repay the lady who had worked for him on Monday night. 

Jackie, I hope Storm Doris is kind to you with no damage.

Good afternoon, friends,

I've been busy doing very little.

Thanks for your participation in this discussion, it's great to hear from y'all.

Love to all, Ruth Ann
/b]

Hi everyone.  We are headed for an 82 degree day and it is nice and sunny this morning.  Other than the housekeeper coming this morning I have nothing on my calendar for today or tomorrow so hope to get rested up. I do have to work on Pat's new printer to find out why it won't stay on line or immediately print when something is sent to it although it indicates it is printing.   I didn't get home yesterday until about 2 pm and was exhausted the rest of the day.  However, I was able to accomplish what I had set out to do. 

Ruth Ann, I often stay busy doing very little as you said you did.   Hope you are feeling better.

Hi everyone on a beautiful Saturday morning. I have fixed Pat's breakfast and cleaned up the kitchen.  This afternoon I have a man coming to pressure wash the front of my house and my wooden fence that surrounds the back yard.  Next week sometime he will also stain my wooden fence.  This has been something that has needed to be done for awhile. I see this morning that my neighbor, directly across the street from me, has placed her home on the market as a real estate sign appeared sometime yesterday evening. 

Yesterday afternoon I dropped Pat off at Walmart and then went across the street to our Credit Union to take care of some business. I then went to pick her up and as I waiting at the head of the lane in the parking lady a lady across started to back up.  Fortunately she did is very slowly and I laid on my horn.  Fortunately she stopped probably only a couple of inches from the driver's side door of my car.  If I had been thinking carefully rather than sit there and honk I had time to drive ahead but didn't think of it until after the event occurred.  We went from there to our favorite BBQ place for our main meal of the day.  I expect to watch some more of the golf tournament this afternoon.   

I am getting ready for my new church which I shall be leaving for in an hours time, I say new church as I haven't been to church for over two years, so this will take some time to adjust, but thank you Lord, I feel this will be the church for me...I am a C of E, this church also happens to be a Church of England...I done some extensive website searching, as I usually do, google mapped the churches and done an AA rout-planner on the group of four, all in a very short distance between villages - hamlets, and two are a short distance away being 6 and 7 miles, the other two a tad further...One question I never asked was does this church have a loo, and if so, how far do I need to go to reach it? as I cant, and wont go anywhere there is not a loo, not with my MS bladder problems, I wouldn't risk it...so this morning I have limited to just the one cup of tea...maybe there will be some teas after the service...

Hope your Sundays go the way you plan...I will be taking my mobile to let R know when to collect me...

Hi everyone on a rather cool morning for us as it is only 45 degrees.  However, we will get to the low 60's today with zero chance of rain.  Today will be our usual Sunday with Sunday School and Church and then getting something to eat.  I am not sure that Pat will attend today as she had a rather rough day yesterday.  We stayed home all day yesterday.  The man didn't make it to do the pressure washing but did call, which I much appreciated, to explain what had happened and he said he will be here tomorrow. 

Jackie, glad to see that you will be getting out to church.  Does the Church of England follow a certain order of service?  I hope this works out well for you as it will give you a chance to meet more people and get out of the house more often.

I am back....a small church but large enough to fill the surrounding villagers....The people were my age, if not older and very friendly and welcoming....We sang just the three hymns and not any did I know but the Church warden stayed with me in the front pews, just me and him while his wife and friend sat behind so he kept me company and shared his book, pamphlet when he saw me needing help...He kept me up to date with what was going on and what was about to go on...The only niggle I have with all church services, is why oh why do they decide to pass the plate for money when you are in the middle of singing? I not only lose place but find I fumble around in my handbag..

Larry Hanna....apologies I bypassed your question, wasn't too sure of the answer but....since looking it up, I have found the answer....this is the order of service we follow.......Link...



https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/principal-services/holy-communion/orderone.aspx

Hi everyone on another reasonably cool but sunny morning.  We should get into the low 70's this afternoon.  The man just arrived to pressure wash the front of my house and also the wooden fence in our backyard.  The only thing I have planned for today is to attend my Monday noon meeting and then a quick stop at COSTCO on the way home for gas.  Pat didn't feel up to going to church with me yesterday.  During the children's sermon the minister spoke of Jesus on the mountaintop at the Transfiguration and asked the children what would they do if they were to experience such a thing with such bright light.  One little boy piped up and said he would put on his sunglasses.  The congregation had a hardy laugh.  Sometimes the minister sort of loses control of the situation. 


Jackie, glad you got to the service and that you found friendly and helpful people there. It was nice of the Warden to sit with you and assist you. I looked at the link for your order of service and see many similarities with the order of service in our church and those I have previously belonged to. 

Larry Hanna...and the sunglasses brand would be by " Christian " Dior, I suppose...

Jackie:    that was a good joke. 
Glad you are settling in and you will meet more and more friends.  Once, we attended Evensong at St. Mildred's Episcopal in Canterbury.  It was very special. 

We had such a nice but too short visit with a cousin and wife plus one day & night with son and wife.  The drive isn't bad at all but we sure had a long night's sleep after all that fun.

Laundry is on the agenda so I fit in a short but nice visit with a friend this morning.  The "ALEXA' is tuned into my favorite station in Denver.  All these new electronics are interesting and useful but I sure hope people know what to do when power fails.  Don is at another weekly lecture this morning.  He finds everything so interesting and there is no test at the end of class.

My cousin gave me another Lee Strobel book.  Needing to find some quiet reading time without interruptions.   Cannot blame the children for interruptions now.   

A few weeks ago as my Pastor was preparing to go into surgery to have his Rotator Cuff repaired I prayed  for him to have a swift recovery and without pain. I was talking to him last week and ask how he was doing any pain meds? or Ibuprofen?  He said he had never had any pain after his surgery and that he was healing quickly and doing his Physical Therapy. God is so amazing in answering prayers so definitively, He gave exactly what I ask for.

I would like to ask for prayer for another Daughter In Law named Sarah, (there are two Sarah DIL"s) This one lives in Arkansas. She has Lupus and is to have her Thy mus and Thyroid remove. When she has an episode she loses hand fulls of hair. I saw the p;ictures and it is unbelivable how much hair falls out. I didn't know they could remove the Thymus gland and I need to look that up. Please pray for her, This one is my son Ron's fiance.

Hi everyone on a beautiful, sunny and soon to be pretty warm day here in South Carolina.  We are headed up to 80 degrees today.  The men did get the house and fence pressure washed yesterday and I expect them back today to stain the back fence.  I will be gone all morning and until early afternoon.  At 10 am I have a cleaning appointment at the dentist and following that will stop at the Church for the Adult Fellowship monthly luncheon.  The speaker today will be talking about what is going on and is soon to happen in our little town. 

Jackie, I hope I can remember to share your comment about the sunglasses being Christian Dior as that was very cleaver.

Carol, glad you were able to visit with your cousin and his wife. Pat and I are finding any extended time in the car to be very tiring and it takes a day or so to recover.  Is it is college course that Don is monitoring? 

Marilyn, glad your pastor had such a fine result and easy recovery from the rotator cuff repair.  I have understand that it can be quite a painful surgery.  God does hear our prayers. So sorry that Sarah is suffering Lupus and is facing the surgery.   

It seems as though the Lord is stirring the weather pot.     It doesn't seem to be "normal" anywhere these days. 

We had expected the record warm temperatures of last week to drop by yesterday to record lows but today it's still way high - supposed to drop by about 30^o tomorrow, and tomorrow night will be well below freezing again.  I'm sure glad God knows what He is doing, because I sure don't!   

Welcome to....         

Hi everyone.  It is an overcast Wednesday morning but already 64 degrees and headed up into the low 80's this afternoon.  I have an appointment fairly early this morning at the device clinic to check my pacemaker/defibrillator.  Scott and Jennifer will be here this evening for dinner as there is no dinner at the Church tonight as there is an Ash Wednesday service.  Scott is making dinner for us tonight.  My dental cleaning went well with no new cavities so am set for another six months.  We had a nice Adult Fellowship Luncheon yesterday with a good lunch and a nice program presented by out youth minister who presented a musical program of his singing and playing the guitar.   

Jeanne, if you are like me I am very happy to not know what tomorrow holds and to leave it all in God's hands.   It sounds like your winter isn't over yet.  I checked our 15 day forecast and no freezing temperatures and to be in the 60's up to the 80's for the next two weeks. 

Jackie, thanks for your pretty March and spring graphics.

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