Christian Photographers Community

• Prayer and Praise     Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!

Morning Devotional...



Making resolutions for the new year is a common tradition in our culture. There are many options to choose from as we decide on our resolutions. We can choose to focus on self-improvement and end bad habits. Or we can choose to focus on the betterment of others and begin good habits.

Our resolutions usually center around things like body image, career goals, personal achievements, and even seeking to do good or give back. Usually these goals are short-term, and often these resolutions, though positive and good, don't last. But that's okay as long as we don't give up on the ones that have an eternal impact.

Most resolutions focus on just the here and now, but the resolutions that deserve our greatest effort, faithfulness, and attention are those that address eternal matters. Let us not focus on strengthening our temporary physical bodies, while neglecting our eternal soul. Let us not create a to-do list of projects to improve our houses, but fail to prepare for our heavenly dwelling place.

It is natural to set short-term goals, but most of them have no eternal value. The most meaningful resolutions we can make are the ones that will have an eternal impact.

It is easy to become distracted by earthly concerns. It is easy to focus on building a successful life here on earth. Yet Jesus tells us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

Ask God to show you which earthly concerns might be distracting you from eternal matters. Make a commitment to pray each day for God's help to stay focused on heavenly goals.

Prayer: God, reveal to me any earthly concerns that are distracting me from eternal matters. Help me to stay focused on heavenly goals. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.


"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' . . . But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:31, 33).

May God grant all a New Year filled with His blessings!

Happy New Year Everyone.  We had a rainy night and it continues to rain today with a high probability all day long.  I am going to Sunday School and Church and then will pick up my granddaughter and take her to lunch and then out to do some shopping.  She came here with only a small bag so basically needs everything.  Pat had put together a basket of personal type items that she had already sent home with Scott to give to her.  I will give her a dollar limit and let her shop.  I expect it will be to Walmart we will go and I can sit inside on the benches and let her shop and then pay for the things when she has finished.  I will be ready to rest when she has finished shopping and I get home.  I did watch the college football games yesterday where Alabama and Clemson won.  Clemson is a South Carolina school located about 90 miles from here.  These teams were ranked number one and two in the nation and had been throughout the year, if I remember correctly. 

Jeanne, thanks for getting us started on a new year with the thoughtful writings of Dr. Youssef. 

It is really too easy to be distracted by earthly concerns.  Thanks for the reminders.

It is raining in Tucson - heavy rain and there will surely be flooding on some of the washerboard  streets.  We had three friends over last night and they left before midnight.  No one cares to sit up to midnight anymore. 

Larry:  Enjoy your visit with your granddaughter.  How wonderful she is visiting and I hope you have some quality time with her. 

We are waiting for Don's hearing aides - this is almost a full month and difficult for both of us.  Otherwise, so very grateful for good friends and terrific relatives. 

Jeanne Lee:  thank you for your blessing on this new year.  Same message for you as well. 

What are your plans for 2017?  I'm sure that none of us know what this new year may hold for us, but I pray for good things for all of us!  On January 20, our country will get a wonderful relief, in my opinion!

It seems I cannot get ahead or even caught up on emails, no matter how I try!  I'm about ready to delete the whole lot!

John was sick yesterday, and his birthday was New Year's Eve.  So I need to go check on him.

Oh!!  The Rose Bowl Parade is on!  See you later!

I got all signed up at the gym first thing this morning then did a 45 minute workout. It feels so good to get back in the gym and start a healthier lifestyle in 2017. I've missed going to the gym . I have taken down the Christmas tree and put all the Christmas stuff away. ow I have a helathy loaf of  bread in the oven. It has flax seed, walnuts, and sun flower seeds in light whole wheat bread. I put the Christmas tree (fake one) in the garbage, as I was removing the ornaments I discovered that one of the cats had urinated on the tree. I am very angry at that cat. He isn't fussy about where he goes, we have to watch him because he rarely uses the potty box. He is the one we haved had the longest, the other cats use the box or go outside. he goes outside but he also goes where ever he feels like going.

Hi everyone.  We have really had the rain the last 24 hours or so.  Our chances of more rain today are not high and I see a little clouds and sun forecast for later today.  I am awaiting the termite man to come for his annual inspection.  Then I need to make a quick trip to Aldi's for a couple of items.  I think we will go out to eat this evening as Pat has been house bound for almost another week. 

Carol, I hope those hearing aids arrive shortly as know that has to be frustrating for you both.

Janet, my main goal for this year is to stay out of the hospital.  I hope you found John feeling much better.

Marilyn, glad to see you have been able to start back at the gym. We did put our few Christmas decorations away yesterday, which took maybe 15 minutes.  This was the least decorating Pat has ever done in our married life and I think it was just fine. 

Hi everyone.  Today won't be as warm as it was yesterday here when we got to around 70 degrees and saw the sun for the most of the day.  Our high today is predicted to be 62 but a fair day with no rain.  Yesterday evening we met our granddaughter at Pizza Hut for our dinner meal and then she came out to the house for the first time for a little while.  Today's schedule should be fairly light.  Pat left me a note on the coffee pot not to fix her breakfast as she wants to go to the hospital lab to have blood drawn for the tests ordered in preparation for her next routine appointment with the GP, which is a week from today.  Then she mentioned stopping somewhere for breakfast. This evening our Wednesday night dinners at church resume and I will be joined there by Scott and granddaughter Jennifer and then they will come back out to the house for awhile. 

Good morning for the snowy Oregon coast. All Therapy D visits have been cancelled for today due to the snow, it appears to be about 3 inches thick and is sticking.

My kitchen and bathroom floors are drying nicely with windows and doors open - here in Tucson.  I think it will snow about 12 inches or more at home and that is always great for water needs. 

We were out yesterday running to COSTCO and more - only to return to a phone message that the VA had Don's repaired hearing aid.  The new one is still to come.  We tried to call the VA and could not get through - drove to the VA, and they had shipped that aid out to our address so it will take another day at least as it was not in today's mail.  Going in circles some days.

Today, I am praying for a new friend's husband who just started home hospice.  She goes to the gym for a little time every morning - how thankful she is for her time of exercise and a few moments of peace.  They are far from the children - so many stories like hers in the sunbelt. 

I didn't even turn this computer on yesterday, nor today until this evening.  But I'm caught up now.  (So few are posting now that it doesn't take long.  I miss the others, though!)

I spent hours yesterday in Beth's room, cleaning out her little refrigerator.  YUCK!!  It was just awful!  I had been telling John to please clean it up, but he hadn't, and I couldn't stand it any longer!!  I threw away all the food that was in it, poured little dabs of stuff out of a lot of bottles and got rid of them, and scrubbed and scrubbed at the sticky, dried-on spills of "mystery food residue."  I had to leave it unplugged and thawing overnight, as the little freezer compartment was solid ice!  I went back this morning and finished.  And when John came in I asked him again to PLEASE not let it get in that shape again!!  He said,  "Beth did it!" and laughed.    I love that guy, but sometimes he can really try my patience!  He didn't come in all day yesterday; said he hadn't slept well and was tired.  Beth really missed him, and asked me to call him twice.  Finally I asked him to call her, so I could put her phone on speaker and lay it on her shoulder and I didn't have to stand there and hold my cell to her ear.

Darrel and I went to Garden to do some shopping today after I got back from Beth's.  Everything costs so much now that I'm always shocked by the totals!! 

Carol, glad to hear that Don will soon have his new hearing aid, and the repaired one.  We waited for over six months to get Darrel's from the VA after his were lost in the car wreck.  Too long!

Larry, it's so good that you are getting to spend some time with your granddaughter.  What is her name?

We need to get back to the gym tomorrow!!!  We have only gone once this week!  Marilyn, good for you for going!

See you all later!

Hi everyone from a very pleasant South Carolina.  We will get into the mid-50's this afternoon and then we are headed to a period of much colder weather with a good possibility we will be seeing a little snow on Saturday as well as rain and going down to about 20 degrees at night. 

Pat did get her blood tests done.  We then went to Denny's so she could have breakfast and could have lunch.  She ordered an omelet and I decided on pancakes.  However, since Pat didn't want the toast or grits or pancakes, the waitress pointed out she could just include the pancakes with her omelet and save us a couple of dollars by not doing a separate order of pancakes for me and then I ate the pancakes. 

Today I will follow my usual Thursday routine and pick up my friend from the care facility and we will go to coffee, I will take him home and go back to the Church for the Wisdom Group.  I have no idea what the rest of the day may bring.

Marilyn, I am sure the patients missed the visit from the Therapy Dogs.  I hope you all are snowed in and didn't get much more than the 3 inches you mentioned.

Carol, it is a good time to be in Arizona and avoid that snow in Colorado.  Must have been frustrating to expect to pick up the hearing aid only to find it had been mailed.  Hopefully today will be the day.

Janet, one has to wonder if John has ever had to accept responsibility and do things he didn't want to do.  I agree with you on the high cost of everything.  I noticed that the price of eggs at Aldi's almost doubled over what they had been selling for.  However, that price is still lower than other places.  We had been getting them for $0.49 to $0.69 per dozen for large eggs.  I think this was a loss leader for them but still was shocked to find them at $1.19/dozen.  My granddaughter's name is Jennifer.

  It is impossible to change some people's habits.  If they are going to be irresponsible, they will never change. 

It is so dark here in the morning because street lights are not allowed except for thorough ways.  There is no way I want to walk even with a flashlight - might meet a javalina.  One hearing aid may arrive today.  Don could hear the sermon at church last night because they have a hand-out speaker ready.  Nice. 

Larry:  You mentioned the price of eggs and gasoline.  Eggs are leaping up in price - and gas is as well.  Over the border, not far from here - there are protests in Mexico over the price and they drive to this side to fill up their tanks.  Everything is going up at a really fast rate and so difficult ahead for those on fixed income.  One of our perks for ourselves is to have an early blood draw and then go out for coffee and a bagel or a breakfast - it sounds like you look forward to the same treat. 



   

Another day is gone!  They just do not seem to last as long as they used to!    I have been waking up at around 2 in the morning and lying awake for 2 to 3 hours.  If I get up and read for a while, I usually get sleepy and can go back to bed and sleep; if not, I finally give it up and get up around five.  Then I can barely stay awake in the afternoon, especially if I sit down to watch my favorite TV program.    I wish I knew why I keep waking up so early.  I need my sleep!! 

Much colder here today.  It was around 12* when I got up early today, then went down each hour until it hit about 5*.  And we did get a little snow!  Looks like about an inch accumulation, maybe a little more.  If it isn't too bad tomorrow I may go get more stuff moved out of Beth's room.  What I did really makes a difference, but the things I specifically asked John to take home are still setting there.    He seems to be responsible when it comes to paying his rent, car payment, etc., but I would hate to see what his apartment looks like, now that he's been there over a year!

I hope Don's hearing aid arrived today, Carol!

Larry, that was kind of your waitress to help you save a couple dollars. Every little bit helps!  We have been buying eggs at Dollar General for $1.00 per dozen; they are higher in the grocery store.

I'm all "talked out", so---see you tomorrow!

Hi, friends,

I'm staying in today. We had a flurry of excitement last night. Somehow the dumpster caught fire, and we listened to recordings and endured flashing lights for 90 minutes- long after they personally came to each floor to let us know the fire had been put out.

Quite disrupting. Janet, I can empathize with not sleeping well after last night!

Y'all have a wonderful day.
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on an overcast morning.  We are to get rain later today and it is will in the 40's.  If we get any snow it should be tomorrow but only for a couple of hours. 

I have nothing scheduled for today that would require me leaving the house.  Pat is going to put together a vegetable soup for our dinner tonight so I got everything out of the freezer that she would need plus the crock pot. Yesterday went as I had expected it to and we have a quick supper of salad with tuna on it. 

Carol, I sure hope Don got his hearing aid in the mail yesterday.  Our church also has those hand-out hearing devices for the hard of hearing as did the church we came from.  We don't go out to breakfast very often as Pat is not an early riser so there has to be some special occasion.

Janet, it sounds like it is probably wise that you don't see John's apartment.  I hadn't thought of checking egg prices at Dollar General but expect they sell a lot of them. 

Ruth Ann, what time of the night was the dumpster fire?  At least the dumpster would contain the fire so no real harm done and it did add excitement to your lives. 

Janet have you ever gone to a sleep lab and had a Polysomnography (Sleep Analysis)?  Your sleeping problem sounds similar to Sleep Apnea. It would be worth checking out. I used to be that way before I got my CPAP Machine, now I can sleep quite well. I used to fall asleep if I sat down to watch TV and sometimes sleep would try to overcome me while I was driving. I couldn't drive long distances as I was afraid I would fall asleep.

Hello from a very chilly island.

We are having snow and cold that seems to have become the new normal the past few weeks.  The birds are eating loads of food at the feeders and doing there best to survive.  Nothing like the praires but our cold is very damp and chills to the bone!

Janet you and I seem to have copied each others sleep habits. At my age it is probably perm. but hope you find a solution.  I do get in a lot more reading this way.......

I am still chugging along but enjoyed 70's lots more than 80's.  Enjoy reading all the posts and care about everyone.  At the moment I am curled up under a warm quilt with my cat Billy Bob.  He hates the cold too....

We are all struggling with health problems here but God is good and our lives are blessed.  So much sorrow in our sad, broken world.  I tell myself to Buck Up and that for everything there is a season.

Just wanted to say that your posts are appreciated.  We live in different countries but are united by our faith in God. Lets all hold fast to that in 2017!

God Bless,
Liz

Liz!!  How wonderful to have a post from you!  I've missed you! 

Thanks for the words and advice about my sleep problem.  I really don't think I have sleep apnea, as there are nights I sleep soundly all night, only waking to go to the bathroom and then falling asleep again quickly.  I think there is a sleep clinic in Garden City, so if it gets worse I may inquire into that.  My sister uses a cpap machine, but she is very overweight, and also snores loudly.

Today, after a really good workout at the gym, I had my hair done, then after lunch, I took one of the large totes and went to Beth's room and stuffed it as full as I could get it with her stuffed animals--and it only held about half of them!  I told her she can be thinking about whether she would like to give some of them away.  The small ones would be good to put into shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  One of my friends told me to just give all her things away, and I said NO WAY!  There is nothing wrong with her mind, it's her stuff, and I have to respect her right to decide what she wants to do with it.  Right now, I am trying to clear out her room to make it a more peaceful environment for her.  Those totes sitting in her garage won't bother anybody!!

We had about two to three inches of snow, and it was really cold this morning--I think 9*.  But it wasn't windy, and this afternoon felt quite nice.

I hope to see some of the others who used to post regularly come and update us on their lives.

Tomorrow I will go get the great-grand-girls for that promised "sleep-over at Grandma's."  I know Lexi and Chelsea will be wanting to paint, maybe Jenna, as well.  So I will be quite busy!

God bless each of you dear ones.  I sure love you!

Hi everyone.  We are fortunate and they have taken the predicted snow out of the forecast for today.  We have had a lot of rain starting yesterday afternoon and throughout the night but it is suppose to end later this morning.  It is now 33 degrees and will stay in the 30's today and get down to 22 degrees tonight. 

I don't expect to leave the house today other than walk the few steps to the mailbox.  I just plan on working more on getting my taxes started and also preparing a devotional for our Sunday School class tomorrow.

Marilyn, my sleep study was done overnight at home and it was sure better than going somewhere and trying to sleep.  I was shocked to find out I needed a CPAP machine but have had no problems using it now for almost a year.  In fact, I just got all new supplies to go with the machine.  What brand of CPAP machine do you have?  Pat and I both use the ResMed Airsense 10.

Liz, it sounds like you are not having a good winter so far.  Glad you are staying warm.  It sounds like your whole family is still dealing with health issues.  Is your granddaughter still in school and following her love of art. 

Janet, I was shocked to find out I had sleep apnea as well but found out that I do.  It might be worth checking out.  That was rather a heartless remark by your friend that you should give all of Beth's things away.  After all they are hers and she is still with you.  There is a time and place for everything.  I hope you enjoy the painting session with the great grands.  That should keep you very busy.  You are an inspiration for them

I decided to check back in order to see if anyone remembered my name. 

Larry, Amanda has been out of school for some time now.  She still does art and sells to friends when they want something special.  Decided to take a numer of Medical Courses and has worked for the Cancer Clinic in Victoria for a few years.  Has her own place not too far from here and is still single. 

I still do some painting but eyes rather weak, so find it hard to zero in on the work.  Have always liked to do small paintings and that is a problem.  Time marches on.....

Just wanted to answer your question and will probably not be back for ......Not much to say that would be of interest.  Frankly, find the world very confusing now.  I admire what Marilyn is doing with her cute dog.  Should I end in a care home, would certainly love to have a visit from a pet.  It must mean the world to many.
Hope that this will be a good year for everyone and that God will keep a close watch over us and the world.

Liz

Thank you iz I love what I do with the dog and she loves her "job" of going to the various places to let people love on her.

Larry mine is a ResMed S-9, it has a heated humidifier and heated hose as well. I also wasn't aware that I had sleep apnea, as some nights I slept fine and other nights it seemed like I was awake more than asleep, I thought I just had some insomnia. A friend told me I should get checked out  and also I asked Savannah if I snored, she made a face and yes you do grandma. So I spoke to my dr who sent me for the test. I had all the symptoms and didn't even know it. Gilbert  has a machine now too. I kept telling him to get checked out and it took years before he did he was in denial for sure.

Tis a Banner Day with reports from Ruth Ann and Liz! 

Yes, Don did receive his hearing aids and now must drop in to get them tuned a little.  At least he believes they will do it at a drop-in site.  He assumes - I rarely assume.   

A neighbor dropped in to let us know that another neighbor lost their son in an accident this week and the memorial was this afternoon.  Wish we had known.  How sad - it seems like so many of our Christmas notes and news of neighbors has been much too sad lately.  Faith and prayer is the only way to get through the low points in life. 

I am listening to an audio book by Maeve Binchy - love the Irish accent to the story.  We plan to go to a 5 PM service at the community church today.  We keep trying to find services with little music and a good sermon.  Just finished cutting out and sewing all the blocks for a quilt - now to spread it on the carpet and try to make some sense out of the pattern.  Not today.  This is slowly taking shape and I hope we don't have company until this project is somewhat organized. 

Hi everyone.  When I arose this morning it was 22 degrees and that is cold for South Carolina.  The sky is clear and the sun is now coming up but it will only get up to maybe forty by mid-afternoon.  I expect today will be my typical Sunday with Sunday School and Church and then bringing home something for our main meal of the day.  I will be doing the Devotional in our Sunday School class again this morning.  The rest of the day will be for rest and watching football.

Liz, how time flies and thanks for the info on Amanda.  Please don't be a stranger.  If the criteria for posting here was having something interesting to say I certainly would not be posting here daily as most often it is just routine but it helps keep the dialog going.  I expect most of us live very routine lives. Personally that is the way I like it. As we are in essence a family we want to know that all is OK or, if not, what is going on so we can pray for each other. 

Marilyn, I think our CPAP machines are basically the same as when I was checking out getting filters from a source other than our current provider I saw that both machines use the same filters and have the heated hose and water tanks as a part of the equipment.  Last week I got some of the larger filters for the unit itself and they were priced at $10 each, which is ridiculous.  I checked online and found a website called CPAP.com and the filters were $5.95 for 10.  Needless to say that is where I will be buying the filters as much less out of pocket at full price than my health insurance co-pay would be.

Carol, glad that the wait is over for Don's hearing aids.  Hope the church service you attended last evening is more suitable for Don.  Sorry to learn of another family loving a child from an accident.   

Larry Medicare part  covers part of the cost of the replacement parfts for the CPAP, I pay nothing for mine between Part D and Medicaid. I order mine from Verus Healthcare

Liz, please do come and chat with us about your daily doings  What seems boring to you is interesting to us, as we care about you and want to hear what's going on in your life.

Larry, it was 13* when I got up this morning, but pretty pleasant by afternoon.  The snow is not melting, except on the highways where they applied the salt before the snow came.

Abby (granddaughter) and I had a wonderful time of visiting yesterday, as she went with me to Hooker, Oklahoma, and we got manicures.  What a wonderful, sensible, caring, Christian young woman she has grown up to be!  She invited three friends to a youth conference in Oklahoma City, and at least one of the four accepted Christ as his Savior.  She is mentoring him, via text message, and it sounds as if he is really turning his life around!  This boy is her former boyfriend, but they aren't dating now.  I hadn't gotten to spend time with Abby while she's home on Christmas break, until yesterday.  On the way home, we stopped and picked up the two older of the great-grands (youngest backed out of coming home with me).  Then we took Abby by her house, and stopped at the store to give Diane hugs.  She and Abby left for mkt in K.C. this morning.

Lexi and Chelsea (and I) enjoyed our time together.  We painted, drew, colored, read books, sang songs and had a good time in general.  And they really enjoyed church this morning, too!  Darrel and I took them home about 4:00.

Carol, so glad to hear Don got his hearing aids!  Not being able to hear clearly is terrible.  I hope they can adjust them to give him a much better quality of hearing.  Yes, lots of sadness.  We have lost numerous community members during this holiday season.

Marilyn, I think that would be really enjoyable to go visit the folks with Freckles.    I know Beth would love a visit, as she is a true dog lover, too.

I have noticed my eyesight is giving me some problems even in daytime driving.  So I hope the new lens will take care of that, at least for a while.  I'm not ready to give up driving yet.  It's bad enough that I can't drive at night anymore.  But I trust God to allow me to see as long as I live, at least to read and paint!  Liz, I understand about your eyes, especially since you prefer to work small.

Has anyone heard from Pat?  I think about her so much, and pray she is improving.

Hey, Jeanne!  And the rest of you missing family members!  Come back, please!  We miss you!

Hi everyone.  It is another beautiful, sunny and chilly 34 degree day here.  We will only be in the low 40's this afternoon.  The only thing on the schedule for today is my noon meeting.  Pat may want to go to COSTCO and order new glasses.  She has had the prescription for some time.  We had a big turnout for both Sunday School and Church yesterday.  The church actually exceeded its budget last year and ended up in the black.  I think this is the first Church I have ever attended that has experienced this.

Marilyn, I do not have Part D nor Medicare and have to pay 15% of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield allowed amount. 

Janet, nice that you could spend some quality time with Abby.  She sounds like a wonderful young woman.  It sounds like the great grandchildren who spent time with you were well entertained and had a great time.  I have not heard from Pat Halbach since her last posting.   

The last I heard from Pat she was still struggling with the pednisone vs. pain problem.  At the time, she had returned from visiting Virginia for Thanksgiving and was considering a longer visit for Christmas, with insurance costs being a major consideration.  I haven't heard from her since the holidays.

It is nice here today--we are to get up to 60*  The wind isn't blowing so that is really nice!  The snow still isn't melted yet.

Thanks for the information on Pat.  I want to call, but hesitate to do that, as last time I did, she said that even talking took almost more energy than she could muster.    I will keep praying for her and hope for better news soon.

Thanks for the kind words, Larry.  It did me a world of good to have that few hours with my Abby!

The Meade hospital just called to tell us they need us there in the morning at 7 instead of 8!  So we will be getting up really early tomorrow!

It's time for the 700 Club!  See you later!

This morning I got a call from the social worker at Hospice to tell me that my hospice client passed away this morning. Freckles and I have 4 visits next week and  none this week. One of our visits will be to the library for the children's reading program,  Furry Friends usually has 4 teams going.

I met a lady at the Rehab I visited on Saturday that had been in a terrible accident, she had been in a terrible accident, injuries included, two broken arms, two broken legs, facial  damage, and some broken ribs. I laid hand on her and prayed for her and told her to keep beliving that Jesus would heal her broken body and that he would hear her prayers. she had tears in her eyes when i left. I didn't get her name but God knows who she is. Please putt her on your prayer list.

Hi everyone.  It is currently 28 degrees but with the expectation of the mid-40's this afternoon.  We have a pretty busy day planned as Pat has a doctor's appointment at 10:15.  After that we plan on stopping at COSTCO so she can ordered new glasses, I can get mine adjusted and to pick up a few items as well as fill the gas tank for the car.  We also need to go to Walmart to pick up prescriptions for Pat.  Later this afternoon or early evening we plan on going to Ruby Tuesday's for our main meal of the day. 

I didn't make it through all of the college football championship last evening but only the first half.  It looked like Alabama would win so was quite surprised when I looked at the score this morning and saw that our Clemson team had won.  It is a great honor for a South Carolina school.

Janet, something wrong with the picture of Kansas in winter being warmer than it is in South Carolina.    I hope the operation for Darrel goes very well today and you had a good trip to the hospital. 

Marilyn, sorry about your Hospice client passing away but with that area of work it is the inevitable or they wouldn't be Hospice clients.  I expect your visits with the children and the others who benefit from Freckles visits help offset the other work you do with Hospice. I can't even imagine having that many broken bones and it sounds like she was very luck to have survived the accident but will suffer much pain and rehab. She certainly does need the healing of Jesus hand laid upon her. 


If you haven't seen this I think you may find it very interesting:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h60r2HPsiuM

Heavenward by Scotty Smith

Trusting God with Our (His) Kids and Grandkids

     Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Ps. 127:1-3 (ESV)

Heavenly Father, yet again we turn to you as the architect, financier, and builder of everything that matters and lasts—including the lives of our kids and grandkids. Thank you for reminding us, in this great Scripture, that our children are your gracious gift, not our science project.

Continue to use your gospel wrecking-ball on the grace-less ways we parent. Free us from being overbearing or under-believing; too disengaged or too enmeshed; full of fear or lacking in faith. Continue to rescue us from relational "laboring in vain"—assuming a burden you never intended parents to bear.

Father, only you can make the gospel beautiful and believable to our kids. Only you can give anyone a new heart. You've called us to parent as an act of worship—to parent "as unto you," not as a way of proving our worth, saving face, making a name for ourselves.

It's the height of arrogance to think our "good parenting" accounts for the best of what we see in the lives of our children; and it's a lie from hell to assume our imperfect parenting is the only reason our kids make poor choices in life. Free us, Father, free us, and forgive us. We put unfair pressure on our children when we parent more by fear and pride, and less by your love and grace.

Since our kids are your inheritance, Father, teach us how to care for them as humble stewards, not as anxious owners; as hopeful encouragers, not as self-appointed sheriffs. Grant us quick repentances when we fail them, and multiple kindnesses and words of life for them. Father, we want to love and serve our children, "in line with the truth of the gospel" (Gal. 2:14). So very Amen we pray in Jesus' faithful and powerful name.

Hi everyone.  I started my day with the temperature outside of 54 degrees and it is overcast this morning with very little chance of rain today.  Yesterday was a full day that left both of us worn out.  As usual the doctor's appointment took well over an hour, most of the time waiting.  She then had to go fairly close by and have a couple of x-rays done on her back and hip.  By this time it was after lunch and we decided to have our big meal at Cracker Barrel, which was close to where the x-ray was taken.  We had a good meal and then on the way home stopped at COSTCO.  I had my glasses adjusted and Pat started to pick out new frames.  I then started doing the list shopping.  Fortunately I had been able to get an electric cart to use and that really helped.  However, Pat decided she was too tired and her back hurt too bad to make a decision on the new frames so waited for me in the food court area while I finished the shopping.  It was around 3 pm when we got home and we both took naps but were still tired.  I went to bed early and had a good nights sleep and she did also.

Today has much less strenuous schedule.  Pat has an appointment at 9:30 to get her hair cut and then at 4 pm an appointment with the Chiropractor.  At 5:30 I will meet Scott and Jennifer at the Church for our Wednesday night dinner and then they will come out to the house for awhile.

Pat, thanks for sharing the fine piece by Scotty Smith.  I hope you are feeling a bit better. 

  :ticked:I just lost my whole post!!   That hasn't happened in a long time!

I just told you all that Darrel is doing great; we got home around 1:30, and he thinks he feels up to going to the Wednesday night dinner at church.  (Plus a lot of other details, but I don't feel like retyping the whole thing.)

So..........tomorrow!

Pat:  I thought you wrote the message today - thanks for sharing Scotty Smith's wise words.  It is so wonderful to see your messages.  Please take care and continue to recover from ills.

Last night, we were driving home and very near the house when we hit something very hard under the car.  Making a U-turn, we found an empty manhole.  The cover was nearby and we believe that the front left tire partially dropped into the opening and the cover flipped under the car.  Such a shock & what a loud clunk but thankful that no person or animal was hit - it is very dark here with no street lights allowed.  A county truck was working a block away and I talked to them, they came to check the car and put the lid back - telling us that they had been working on safety issues.  - Here is my safety issue advice - Put the Lid Back on the Manhole!
 

Otherwise, we had a quiet day and I am picking up all the quilt blocks to put away as our daughter arrives Friday afternoon at the very busy Phoenix airport - about an hour and half drive each way. 

Janet:  I saw the pictures in Facebook - so happy for Darrel's surgery success.  Take a deep breath and I know you give thanks. 

I saw the neighbor today who lost a son a week ago in a motorcycle accident but did not bring up the subject with several other neighbors standing there as well.  I will check on her later. 

Our children played a joke on Don - they love to catch us in a joke and all of us had a good laugh.  Love those kids - they are not kids anymore.  the oldest one has 9 planes to catch all of next week - All have been shoveling snow and it is heavy snow with the deepest in 100 years in some places of Colorado.  Avalanche danger & some of the boys have been raking snow off their roofs.  Here, I am not going to complain if it rains. 

We are expecting cousins and friends for visiting and we will drive in their directions as well as time permits.  Don has appointments this year so we will just work around that - keep on keeping on. 

Hi everyone on a bit foggy morning but in the mid-50's.  For the second day in a row we are expecting 70 degrees this afternoon.  Not bad for mid-January.  I will be gone all morning with coffee and then going to the church to have some papers witnessed for the Living Will and related document after I drop my friend off for coffee.  I am preparing them for both South Carolina and Georgia since we live in South Carolina but the hospital and most of our doctors are across the river in Georgia. Then I will go back to the cafe for the rest of the hour for coffee and then take my friend back to his assisted living facility.  Then another trip downtown to the Church for the Wisdom group.  Finally on my way home I will stop at Aldi's for just a few items.  That will be it for today.  I shouldn't have to cook supper tonight as the we a rotisserie chicken and some leftovers in the refrigerator for dinner so can have a quiet afternoon and evening.

We had a good meal at the Wednesday night dinner at Church and then a very nice visit with Scott and Jennifer.  Jennifer was much more relaxed last evening than a week ago and is enjoying living with her dad.  We also see that Scott seems much happier so this seems to be a win all around.

Janet, glad to read that Darrel came through his procedure well.  I hope you were able to attend the Wednesday night dinner at your church. 

Carol, I take it from what you wrote that your car was not damaged by the manhole cover.  That would have been a very frightening experience for anyone and especially in the dark.  I can't imagine having to catch nine planes in one week.  I would think your son would be exhausted.  With all the winter weather I would think this would be rather problematic that he can pull that off but sure hope he is able to do so.     

It is presently 27*, heading for a high of 38* here today.  The huge snow and ice storm is headed our way, probably will get here on Friday night.  Abby is heading back to college early to try to avoid it, as it's coming from the East!  We sure want her safely back in Manhattan and not out driving on icy roads!  She and I had planned to attend the Miss Southwest Pageant here on Saturday night, but I'd much rather know she is safe!  And I hadn't bought the tickets yet!

Carol, that would be a really scary thing to have happen!  And how careless of them to leave the cover off the manhole!  I thought you were going to say it did damage to your car; so glad it didn't!  That would certainly give me a good scare, too!    Nine flights in one week?  Wow!  Makes me tired to think of it!  Our next trip is coming up fast--we are to leave on Feb. 8th.  So Darrel needs to recover really fast!! 

Larry, sounds as if you had a really busy day.  So glad Jennifer is settling into her new location/life.  Where did she live before?  I'm sure it's good for Scott not to be alone; and likely for her, as well.

We have to drive to Johnson tomorrow to get Darrel's catheter out, so I'm glad the ice storm isn't supposed to hit until Friday night.  Today I need to go to the grocery store, and to see Beth and John.

And I need to get off here now and help Darrel take a shower!  Later!

Don is heading to the VA to have his hearing aids adjusted.  I am baking and freezing muffins and loaves to keep handy.  Our neighbors just pulled out of here with their new to them, used trailer.  It is a little chilly to camp but they are going with the RV club. 

One of our sons has a boss who is a druggie and alcoholic.  Those people are so difficult and cannot think straight evermore.  The future of many people rely on whether the company is sold or goes down in dust. 

Daughter arrives tomorrow - the little guest room is ready as I stashed all of the sewing.  We have a trundle bed in here and no one complains.  Chocolate chip muffins for anyone who wants it - now to put together some more simple meals.  I have a small desk with my laptop in here and just move it out of the way so anyone can keep on working with their electronics.  Another son has meetings in Phoenix soon and he will try to visit - stay here and stay online too. 

We did our exercises early this morning at the gym - the one for my lower back seems to be helping and I still like to use the rowing machine.  Don puts in a full hour and then takes another walk in the afternoon - he is so diligent and it helps in his medical condition. 

Janet:  When we get storms from the east at home - they are much more dangerous.  Glad Abby is traveling early.  Really some bad storms out there and the snow is so dangerous this year especially after such dry winters.  There will be water for all - but I fear there will be flooding and avalanches as well.  Sending up a prayer for Darrel to mend FAST!  What area of the world will you be going to next?   

Larry:  How special it is for you and Pat to have your g-daughter close and such a good time for your son as well. 

Hi everyone.  We are in for another beautiful 70 degree day today.  My big activitiy for today is to be at the church at 11 am to help pack meals and then take them to a couple of the locations where our church is working on homes that need aid for people not able to do it themselves or afford to have someone do it for them.  This is the annual Project Warm that was started when our minister came to this church 6+ years ago and is an annual event.  They are working on 8 homes today and tomorrow fixing roofs, floor and in general things that need to be repaired in these homes.  This project is done in cooperation with the United Way that provides the funds and the church provides the labor.  While I am not able to do manual labor anymore I can certainly deliver meals to a couple of the homes.  I did the same thing last year. If Pat feels up to it we will go back to COSTCO this afternoon for her to pick out new frames for her glasses.  The housekeeper will be here this morning. 

Janet, where are you headed to on your next trip?  I hope you are able to avoid the ice storm as they can be so damaging.  I think all the activities of the week have caught up with me as I slept at least 10 hours last night and am still tired this morning. 

Carol, it is sad that your son has a boss who doesn't think straight as that is not a good sign for the company.  It must be his own company or he probably couldn't have held on to this job while drinking and drugging.  Enjoy your visit with your daughter. 

Yes, we all want to know where Janet and Darrel are traveling.   

Larry:  The church here and our church at home have volunteers just like your church members.  Such good people to help those who need a little project on their homes.  Staying warm or staying cool is critical.  We always search for a church that is heavy into outreach.  It looks like we will be going Wednesday nights because Don can understand that pastor - it is a simple service and they also have a healing service that is so peaceful. 

Checking with friends at home and one who has endured cancer for over five years is slowly going downhill.  All the pain and loneliness (friends have stopped visiting) he has endured - it is so sad. 

This has been quite a day!  Abby wanted to come by and have breakfast with us--we were delighted!--and while she was here Darrel's doctor's office called to say the Dr. wasn't coming to Johnson today, as he was afraid of the weather!  Huh!  So instead of driving 22 miles each way, we had to go to Liberal, 60 miles each way! Pffft!  But he got the catheter out, so that helps his pain level.  We stopped in Hugoton and bought some groceries, and now we don't plan to go out again until maybe Tuesday!  Predictions are for freezing rain, accumulating as much as 1/2 to 1 inch!!  And then snow on top of that!

Abby texted about three that she was in Manhattan safely.  Big sigh of relief!  So good to know she made it ahead of the storm.

We are going to cruise the Adriatic---yes, again.  This is the same trip we did last year, except we will be on a different ship (sister ship to the Athena which we were on last year.)  Darrel's leg was still bothering him quite a bit and he missed several of the off-ship trips last time; then we got a flyer with such a good price he decided to go again.  And you never see all there is to see in just one time, I'm sure.  So we are going to Bosnia, Croatia, Herzegovina and ...........uh..........phooey!  I can't think of the other one right now!

Supper tonight was baked chicken breasts with cranberry sauce (baked with them) and baked sweet potatoes.  It was quite good!  Darrel said that was the best sweet potato he'd had in a long time!  I told him it was because I baked them in the oven, not the microwave! 

I really hope we don't lose our electricity during this storm!  But if we do, we can cope.  We still have a gas range in the back, in what we call our canning kitchen.  And we heat with propane, so won't be cold.  Just no connection to you nice folk without the power!

I wish you all a peaceful night, with restful, refreshing sleep! 

I thought of it!  Montenegro!!  That's the other country we will visit!

that sounds like a wonderful cruise, Janet.  How long will you be gone?

Jeanne, we will be gone for three weeks, including the day to airport and the day home from same.

Darrel is sore all over, so he needs to keep moving and drink a LOT of water!  He is hoping, as am I, for a rapid recovery.

This the last weekend with Obama in office!!  How very thankful I am!!    I am praying for a peaceful and safe transition of power.  Those who lost need to just accept that fact and move on! 

The rain/ice hasn't arrived here yet.  Wonder if it will be like the huge blizzard they predicted last winter?  You know, the one that wasn't! 

I am looking at soup recipes, soup sounds very good in this kind of weather!

Nothing new here, will talk to you later!

Hello everyone, it has been a couple of days since I posted.

Janet as for myself I will have to just wait and see how the government turns out under the supervision of  the new president and how he responds to his cabinet's, advice, whether he  acts on their advice or goes his own way. That will tell me what kind of president he will be.

We did our weekly Walmart run this morning. Parking lot was still icy until the sun hits it to melt the ice.

I didn't have any Furry friend visits this week nor do I have any the  last week of the month. I worked it that way so I would have 2 free weeks to do pother things. I went to the gym 4 days this week and I think I  need to go back to the chiropractor. I have some problem with one of my ribs popping then causing my shoulder to hurt and a pain in my upper back.  I have to figure out exactly what I am doing that causes that to happen.

Hi, friends,

Well, good news, the doctor finally told me I could wear both shoes this week.  I'll be preparing a box to send to my son later today. Then it will go out to the post office Monday.

It was wonderful to be able to keep up with each of you this afternoon. 

Love to each of you.

Ruth Ann

Janet, I'm not sure I can allow you to be away for that long a time!  We need you here!!!    Seriously, enjoy every day of it and we'll be glad to have you back.  And don't forget pictures now that you've found out how to forward them to me.   

Oh, Marilyn, that sounds so painful!  I hope you learn what's causing it so it can ba avoided in the future.

Ruth Ann, it must be a great feeling to wear both shoes now!

Remember my losing a hearing aid and having it found after several days?  Well, I have another hearing aid problem and this won't be so easy to fix.  The tiny plastic wire that relays sound to the inner ear has a break in it.   I think the entire hearing aid will need to be replaced - and it's three years beyond the warranty.   

Hi everyone. I decided to read the postings and write tonight rather than in the morning as I never have much time on Sunday morning.  Pat said tonight she plans on going to church with me tomorrow so I will go to Sunday School and then come home and get her for church.  It has been several weeks again since she attended.  I had another busy day.  I did get the meals delivered at noon for the Project Warm folks and then went on to Walmart to return the printer that would not work with my wi-fi.  I came home and had lunch and napped for awhile.  Then I went to Office Depot and got an Epson printer for Pat.  I will install it in the morning.  I don't think I have ever had an Epson printer.  This afternoon I watched the Atlanta Falcons beat the Seattle Seahawks and am now watching the Houston/New England game.

Janet, that is a long time.  I sure hope the soreness will soon leave Darrel so he can enjoy the trip.  Pat spoke with her sister in Independence, Missouri and they had ice and expecting more tonight. 

Marilyn,  it sounds like a good idea to give yourself full weeks off from your visits with Freckles.  I hope you can get in to see your chiropractor.

Ruth Ann, you have had quite a long bout without being able to wear the shoe.  I am sure that was what you were wanting to hear from your doctor.

Jeanne, I do hope they will be able to replace that little plastic wire.

Hi everyone on what is to be another beautiful day and get into the mid-70's. When I got up this morning I decided to fix Pat some sausage muffins for her breakfast.  I got everything out and then went to get the sausage out of the meat tray so I could fry it up and I couldn't find it.  I searched for the package in the freezer and the refrigerator without success.  So I decided I would fix her scrambled eggs with bacon bits, cheese, green onions and yellow peppers.  I got everything in the skillet for it would be ready to cook when she arose.  I had to go back to the refrigerator and in a little container I found the sausage that Pat had fried up and crumbled last night after I went to bed.  So I quickly put together the muffins and baked them.  When she got up I did fix the scrambled eggs for her breakfast and she can have the sausage muffins for her breakfast tomorrow. 

I am not sure I will try to attend my Monday noon meeting as am feeling pretty tired.  However, maybe by noon I will feel refreshed.  I do plan on attending the monthly men's dinner at the Church this evening.  Pat did feel up to attending Church with me yesterday.  I went to Sunday School and came home and got her for Church.  We went out for lunch following Church. 

It feels like I haven't been out of the house for a week!  It has been two days, this will likely be the third, as we did get some snow on top of the ice.  Since it is MLK Day, that may be the reason the school bus didn't pass by at 7:30 this morning, or it may be that school was canceled.  I expect this whole week will seem strange, since we didn't have church yesterday.  That always throws off my sense of knowing what day of the week it is.

Darrel is watching Bizarre Foods.  Oh, my!  The things that guy eats--all over the world.  I sure do not want his job! 

I spent a good part of the day yesterday going through the several Paleo cookbooks I have gotten recently.  I've been spending lots more time than usual in the kitchen, trying to cook healthy meals for us.  It's a new concept to me that we actually need to eat MORE fat, to burn fat!  And not eating bread, white potatoes, rice, or sugar will take a little time to adjust, but we are doing very well so far.  We need to go to a store where we can buy things like coconut or arrowroot flour, etc. before too long, so I can make some kind of acceptable bread.  One recipe I have shows making bread from plantains!  Interesting!

Ruth Ann, I'll bet you feel more balanced wearing both shoes again.    Jeanne, I do hope you can get just that little wire replaced, and not have to buy a whole new hearing aid.  I was having problems with mine, when I would pull them out of my ears, the little soft rubber (or maybe plastic) things that hold them in would come off in my ear, and I'd have to fish them out.  Seems to be better now.

I mixed up a big meatloaf yesterday afternoon, so dinner and supper are mostly taken care of already. 

Larry, you sound like Darrel (and most men I know!) in not seeing the sausage in the refrigerator.  It wasn't where you expected it to be! 

We were making our bed yesterday evening, after washing the sheets, and I tripped over nothing but my own feet, I guess, and fell quite hard against the furniture, banging my side and my head.  I managed to get up by myself, as I didn't want Darrel lifting or pulling.  Then I took a couple of Tylenol, and seem to be no worse for wear this morning.  I do need to see my chiropractor, though.

I guess I need to see what I'm going to do today!

HI everyone.  It is an overcast morning but little chance of rain and we are to get into the mid-70's once again today so certainly no complaints.  Yesterday turned out to be a sort of wasted day and was feeling so tired by 11 am I went and laid down until after 2 pm.  I did go to the men's meeting since I had committed to be there.  The steak and salad were delicious and the vegetables were OK.  The program was information about the Project Warm that had been done by the men and women of the church last Friday and Saturday.  I came home and went to bed a little after 8:30.  Unfortunately I am feeling the same exhaustion again this morning.  However, I have to take Pat for the first appointment with the physical therapy group this morning and that will likely be it for today.

Janet, I just had no idea that Pat had cooked the sausage last evening as there was no evidence of that in the kitchen and I just happened to see the plastic container she had stored it in on my second go around in the refrigerator/freezer as knew we had another pound in its wrapper.  Sorry to hear you fell but happy that you seem no worse for the experience.  Your Paleo diet sounds very much like what Pat has been trying to follow for several months now.  It is a different eating experience. 

Good morning I see I haven't posted in a day or two. the weather here was so nice Sunday and yesterday it warmed up some and I got out 4 times to take Freckles for her walks. On sunday I took a pretty good fall slipping in the mud But I am not damaged I think I worked out the soreness at the gym yesterday., It sure feels good to be back at the gym. However when taking Freckles for all those walks yesterday I spaced out going to the Tai Chi class That's two classes i  a row that I missed. Last wednesday and yesterday.

It started raining this morning after I took Freckles out to potty at 5:30, By the time I started to get out of my pj's it had started to rain, I could hear it on the skylight in the master bath.

On of the Daughter i n laws sent us a package with some organic seed packets and little  pots to plant them in it is all part of a set she got from Amazon. My goodness I don't know what I am going to do with all those seeds. There is Cilantro, Thyme, Basil, Garlic Chives (I have some of those in the front planter), sage, Rosemary, etc. I woluhld need a large garden space, witch we do not have, they will have to be in containers.

My neighbor across the street it really having some major health problems, Her heart is only working at 48% capacity, she is in cancer treatment and her sight is failing, So I fixed a huge pot of Spaghetti yesterday and took some to them for thier dinner, wse have  way too much left so I will definitely have to freeze some.

Happy Tuesday, everybody!

Our snow is disappearing very rapidly today!  It felt so good to get out of the house this morning and go back to the gym, after missing a whole week.  Darrel didn't feel up to going yet, though.  After that, I went to see Beth and John, then went to the grocery store.  Now I'm content to be back in my snug little house!

It's a really beautiful day here, was in the 40s last time I checked.  There were a lot of tree limbs that broke off because of the ice, but we had no damage out here.

The housekeeper just left.  She had missed two weeks, so was needed!  I have kept things up, except for the mopping and vacuuming, and it's nice to have that done again.  I have been doing a lot more cooking lately, making the paleo recipes.  So far, we have enjoyed every one of them I have tried! 

Larry, I hope your energy comes back soon.  It's not fun to feel tired and draggy.  You mustn't push yourself too hard, though!

Marilyn, I know what you mean about it feeling good to go back to the gym!

Hey, everybody!  Come back and talk to us!  We're getting lonely in here!

Hi friends,

I was able to get a box sent off for my son today. That made him happy.

The temps here in Nashville have really been warm these last few days. I'm thankful. I'm definitely a warm weather person.

I have difficulty in typing since the computer shop worked on my computer. However I'll tell a brief story:

When my son was living with me, he carried in the groceries. Once I couldn't find the several little tubs of yogurt, so I went back to the store with my receipt, and they re-filled that portion of my receipt.  Two weeks later, I found the original yogurt tubs in my cheese drawer in the fridge. So, off I went and settled the bill by paying for what was given to me.  To this day, they say I'm the most honest customer they ever had. 

Y'all have a good night,

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann, that's the right kind of reputation. 

This is going to be another of those mixed up days, expecting snow, sleet, freezing rain and maybe later in the day a change to plain rain.   This is the day the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad. 

Hi everyone. We have another mid-70's day ahead of us with no rain.  Pat's physical therapy appointment yesterday went well and she will have 5 more once a week appointment.  It was after noon before she was finished so we decided to have our big meal of the day while we were out.  Today we are going to go to COSTCO about the time it opens so Pat can select new frames and get her new glasses made.  I will pick up a couple of items for our son while she is at the optical department.  That will be it until this evening when I will meet Scott and Jennifer at the church for the Wednesday night dinner and they will come out and visit for awhile.

Marilyn, glad you can get back to the gym and that you were not hurt in the fall you took in the mud.  I planted two different herbs in a planter on our back patio but we never used one sprig of them.  They did make nice foliage.  This year it will be some flowers in that container as well as in the big planters I raised a few small tomatoes in last year. I can relate to your neighbor in terms of the heart working.  The last time it was checked my ejection factor was between 20 and 25% while the normal is 55% as I recall. 

Janet, glad you could enjoy a nice day yesterday and get out of the house for awhile.  I did feel better last evening in terms of energy and we watched a couple episodes of the Reign on Netflix, which is about Mary, Queen of Scots.   

Ruth Ann, is your son still in the Philippines?  Good for you in returning to the store and paying for the extra yogurt they had given you.  Honesty is always the best policy. 

Jeanne, I sure wish I could share our nice weather with you.  It has been so nice down here that not even a sweater is needed in the afternoons.  However, I see that tomorrow we will stay in the 60's.

Jeanne Lee Good wishes for a new set of hearing aids.  I hope it works out for you.

Honest Ruth Ann  Hooray for your feet healing!

Larry:  Some days in "retirement" are busier than old "working days". 

Marilyn:  Good luck with getting a handle on the new side pain!

Thankful for daughter's 5 day visit!  It did rain every day so that wasn't so good but we had a super visit.   She worked on her phone and computer so much - she works for a CA tech giant "in the cloud" - we had a terrible time both picking her up at the Phoenix airport and later sending her off.  the airport has terrible signage - and wrong directions.  Our drive back should take about two hours and ended up at 3 1/2 hours of sitting on a freeway, etc.  We did stop for gas and a corn dog but it was a very long gridlock so it reminds us of our L A trip two years ago.  INSANE 

We watched a movie based on a book of the Benghazi tragedy - it certainly has a different message than we read in the newspaper. 

Carol, What side pain? Are you sure you meant me?

Sorry for the tiny print yesterday!  I know some of us have trouble reading it.  I did try to change it but couldn't figure out how to do that without retyping the whole thing.

It's another beautiful day here, I only needed a sweatshirt when I went out this morning to the gym and to see Beth.  I hadn't met the new doctor they hired for the residents (he is from another town) and I like to know what's going on with her health care.  He came in and listened to her heart, chatted for about two minutes, and that was that!  He didn't even ask Beth if she had any questions or concerns, so I asked her.  She said she hasn't been sleeping very well, so at least she was heard. (I had to interpret that for him.)  This afternoon at 1:30 I will go meet them at the dentist's office, as she is complaining of pain in her mouth.  She does have neurofibromas on her gums--thinking that may mean more surgery. 

The first thing Beth told me when I walked in was, "John lost the keys to my van!"      Of course he hopes they will turn up, and I sure do, too, as we don't have a spare, and no telling how long it would take or how much it would cost to get a replacement!!  So the Legacy will be taking her to the dentist's office, which isn't a problem, but it also means they won't get to go to church or anywhere like that on their own.

Glad you are doing better, Larry.

Glad you had a nice visit from your daughter, Carol, sorry about the traffic, etc.

Ruth Ann, always good to see a post from you!

Jeanne, wish I could send you some of our lovely weather--before it changes again!

I have a few things to do before I go back to town to meet Beth at the dentist's office.  Later!

Hi, friends,

I've had a "J" night.  But I'm thankful to hear from all of you. 

Today looks to be quite busy.  I'm sending off another small box to my son in the Philippines.

Yes, it looks as if he plans to make his current location his permanent home. And, it looks as if his difficulties with depression have greatly lessened. Much love and thanks to you all who have helped me pray for his recovery from depression, headaches, and a deep grudge against God for letting his dad die.

Then, I will drive the 12 miles to Walmart for both shopping and then a haircut.

After that, methinks it's going to be time for a nap.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We will only be in the mid-60's today with no chance of rain.  The sky is clear and the sun is bright this morning.  Today will be my typical Thursday with coffee with friends, the Wisdom group at church, and then I will pick up an online grocery order from Walmart before coming home with a brief stop at Aldi's.  We did go to COSTCO yesterday and Pat picked out new glasses while I did the shopping.  Fortunately, we each were able to use the riding carts.  However, yesterday was another day where I experienced a lot of weariness and as soon as I got home I skipped lunch and laid down for about 3 hours to rest.  I did get to the Wednesday night dinner at church with Scott. My granddaughter wasn't feeling well so he took her dinner home to her in a box after we finished and then he came out and spent a couple of hours with us.

I did read in the newspaper yesterday that our little town will have a Dairy Queen open by the end of April.  It is to be on an out parcel where our closest Walmart is located.  I am delighted but realize it will be a great temptation as I do like those Dairy Queen Blizzards. 

Carol, I seem to get a lot less done now that I am retired than when I worked.  Glad you had such a nice visit with your daughter.  I have been to the Phoenix airport and it was busy back 15 to 20 years ago so can imagine what it must be like now. 

Janet, I can tell from your comments that you are concerned about Beth's new doctor.  I hope the dentist appointment for Beth went well and he had some suggestions for relieving the pain short of surgery.  I hope the keys to Beth's van have turned up by now. 

Ruth Ann, sorry to read you didn't sleep well last night.  Nice to read of the improvements your son has made health wise.  I keep hoping and praying that my son will come back to God and give up the anger he has had for so many years since his baby son died over 30 years ago. 

Today was really foggy in the morning, but has gradually cleared.  It isn't very cold; was 30 early, and working our way up to a high of 48*

Yesterday was a "Beth" day.  I did go meet her new doctor and wasn't too impressed.  All he did was listen to her heart, make a few comments about the Bible verses on her walls (Mostly plaques they got as wedding gifts) and then was about to leave when I asked Beth if she had any questions.  She did.  I understood her question, which was about her not sleeping well lately, so later they called to tell me he prescribed something to help her sleep.  For those four minutes, he gets paid $82.00.  Then at 1:30 I met them at the dentist's office.  He took x-rays and looked in her mouth, then told us it wasn't her teeth, but the Neurofibromas on her gums, which have spread to the very back teeth, and were swollen, red and very inflamed.  He said there was nothing he could do about it; then he asked if she can still "swish".  Johnsaid she can, so he prescribed a mouthwash the pharmicist makes that contains a numbing agent and something to reduce the swelling, along with several other ingredients.  She is to swish it around in her mouth for a full minute, then spit it out, 30 minutes before each meal.  I sure hope it helps, as she can barely eat the way it is.

I need to call and ask John if he has found those keys yet!

Glad Pat found some frames she likes.  My lens hasn't arrived yet, so I went by the eye doc's office to ask about it.  They said it had left point A but didn't arrive at point B, so faxed about it.  They said even if it hasn't been made yet, it should be here in a week.  It has been over 2 weeks already.
Larry, I hope Jennifer is feeling better now.

When I left the gym this morning, I told Kristi that if I'm not there in the morning, it's because I'm watching the inauguration.  She came back with, "You can watch it here!  I have TVs all over the place, so don't give me that excuse!!"  Hard to get ahead of that little gal!

Darrel continues to get a little better each day.  He says he may go back to the gym on Monday. 

Ruth Ann, I had a "J" night, too!  I slept well until about two, then never could fall asleep again.  So I haven't accomplished what I had hoped to this afternoon.  Well, I guess tomorrow is another day---and if not, it won't matter!

I hope everybody is doing well, and I'll "type" to you later!

Hi everyone on a cloudy but warm morning.  I expect to watch a lot of TV today as this is a historic day, as all inaugurations are.  The only thing I may due today is make a trip to our County Seat, about 20 miles away, to finally be able to file my Homeowner's Exemption Form.  I plan on taking the rest of the day restfully.  This is the longest down exhausted period I have probably ever had after I recovered from my first heart surgery 30 years ago. 

Scott did take our Granddaughter to the ER after he left here Wednesday night afraid she might have appendicitis but they felt it was something else and so sent her home with some medicine. 
Janet, if the new doctor saw all the of the residents of the care home for $82 each he had a very good day.  Of course, Medicare/Medicaid may not pay that full amount.  I sure hope the mouth wash will eliminate the pain for Beth.  Pat was told her new glasses would be back within a week (as mine had been).  Glad to read that Darrel is getting better day by day. 

Marilyn:  I must have misunderstood your "side" ailment  - sorry for the mistake. 

We did watch the inauguration and there is a protest in this city area - breaking windows is such a meaningful thing, isn't it?  They showed a huge table of city paid people arguing about the dropping of Obamacare - and it is odd that they don't even know what the new idea can be yet?

Chicken noodle soup is in the crock pot and Don is making his famous sausage and gravy.  We shared an Asian meal yesterday on the way back from shopping at COSTCO.  Our daughter told us to buy a new coffee pot there because they will take it back --- we are notorious for wrecking toasters and coffee pots.  Wishing I had kept the old electric Farberware coffee maker we used for years. 

Larry:  Sorry about your exhaustion today.  Don slept late and feels  that way so we are probably staying in this rainy day.  I hope you feel better after you rest. 

Janet:  Good that you asked Beth if she had any questions - that doctor might have missed something in his visit.  Actually, $82 for a few minutes is probably less expensive than a "city" doc.  Sad to say.  Prayers for Beth and you. 

Interesting and historic day in America!!  I asked my beauty shop gal if she could do me early because I wanted to watch the inauguration.  She said she was doing a complicated color and to come at 9:00, which I did.  The other gal was late, and Brenda is very fast, so she was getting ready to wash my hair when the other gal walked in.  But she couldn't get any hot water!!  I said, "That's okay, I'm tough; just go ahead."  She couldn't believe I meant it, but I did, so she went ahead and it didn't bother me in the least.  She called the landlord, who showed up to try to light the water heater just before I left.  The other gal said, "Well, I sure don't want you to wash MINE in cold water!!"   

I love the sense of optimism and hope that is prevalent in our country today.  Stupid protesters breaking and smashing and yelling and screaming.  Ugh.  Just suck it up and go home--YOU LOST!!  Okay, off my soapbox now!

Larry, I sure dislike hearing this is the worst tired and worn out you have felt in 30 years.  I'm praying for you, my brother.  ((((hugs))))

Carol, isn't it sad they manufacture everything today with "built-in obsolesence?"  They used to make things to last, now it's Oh, throw it away and get a new one!

I think I heard the mail come, will go check it out!

Hi everyone on a cloudy with according to what the radar shows rain on the way for today and definitely for tomorrow.  I did get to the County Courthouse yesterday morning and filed the documents needed for the Homestead Exemptions so that item is off my list of things needing to be done at this time.  The rest of the day I watched the Inaugural activities. I enjoyed watching his young son, who didn't seem to be very impressed with everything, and the littlest grandson who, at the signing of documents, was obviously very tired and wanted to go home.  The little girl also wanted to play with the pens, which I thought was cute.  I have nothing planned for today so will be able to just rest. 

Carol, I was happy to see that the protesters were not given television coverage, at least by Fox. 

Janet, I really liked the speech President Trump delivered yesterday.  It was short and pretty blunt.  He does not appear to be a man to be trifled with although he obviously is a negotiator.  What the protestors hoped to achieve by burning and harming policemen or women is beyond my comprehension.  I know they have the right for peaceful protest, as those on the parade route did.  We each have our own opinions.  Thank you for your prayers.  I have known for a long time that a time is coming where I will become weaker but am hopeful this isn't it.  Pat helped me today and made her own breakfast, although I had gotten it started.   

Hi all, let us all pray for peace and reconciliation for our country.  The only thing in the speech missing was THE NATIONAL DEBT.  Why is that so hard to figure out? 

Larry:  Sorry for your really tired time.  Don has that happen some afternoons too.  Our daughter is a busy gal and she wears us out - besides driving her to the poorly planned Phoenix airport and the six lane gridlock traffic, we came back just exhausted too.  It took us a full day of rest just to think straight.  Good for you for filing Homestead exemptions - that is some savings. 

Hi everyone.  We have had a very rainy yesterday and all night but it has now stopped and only a 15% chance we will get more before later this afternoon.  Yesterday was pretty much a lost day as I really accomplished nothing.  I seem to be feeling better today and am ready too head to Sunday School and then will come home to pick up Pat for lunch and out to lunch.  Later this afternoon I plan on watching the two Pro football games that start around 4 pm. 

Carol, I hope to stay out of that 6 lane traffic as have had enough of it for a lifetime.  The only time I have seen our Interstate clogged up here is when they have been working on the road and take it down to one lane and take the speed way down.  Otherwise the traffic moves wonderfully well in the Augusta area.

Hi everyone.  We had another very rainy afternoon and evening yesterday and were under a tornado watch for a couple of hours.  Fortunately there were no tornadoes in our area and no high winds.  It was not raining all morning so didn't interfere with going to church and then out to eat lunch.  I felt much less tired yesterday than I had all of last week so am hopeful that situation is behind me for awhile at least.  The schedule is very light today.  I plan on attending my Monday noon meeting and will stop at COSTCO on the way to fill my car with gas.  I had thought about picking up a couple of items and then remembered we should be going back there probably around Wednesday so Pat can get her new glasses and I can get the items then.  I did enjoy the football games yesterday, especially the win by the Atlanta Falcons that put them into the Super Bowl in a couple of weeks.  They really ran all over Green Bay yesterday.  They will play the New England Patriots who won their game over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the late game yesterday.

It's dark and dreary this morning, but it's going to get worse than that.  Rain, snow, freezing rain, high winds...  a "winter weather advisory" from 1:00 p.m today until 1:00 p.m. tomorrow.  The worst conditions MAY be south and east of us.  There are already notices of early closing this afternoon and all day tomorrow for schools in Vermont.  My church friend took care of my food order on Saturday so I am well prepared with a full freezer and pantry and my propane tanks were filled during the past week so I'll keep warm (if we don't lose power). 

Winter is more than 1/3 over!   

Jeanne:  You probably have already thought of this but freeze any empty water bottles, even gallon size now & keep them in the top of fridge and wherever you freeze your food.  Hope you do not lose power.  We used to go through this when we lived north of the Twin Cities. 

We had a surprise call from a couple we met while on our trip to France last year - they could be here in 3 hours time and would like to stop by.  Of course !- a crockpot of of chicken soup was already simmering - I had spinach and mandarin oranges, then sugar-glazed some almonds for a salad - rolls from Safeway and whew! made it all work just in time.  They parked their Toyota RV in our driveway - gladly accepted offer to use our shower.  We talked way into the nights - had a little prayer session and they went on their trip going east early in the AM.  They may stop by on their return to Oregon.

We still cannot sit outdoors because the cushions are fully soaked.  So much for Scotchguard and all the cushion promises.  Don is off to listen to a lecture today and next week we and friends want to go to the lecture on water shortages for Arizona.  I will be glad to tell them to stop building water features when they are using water from Colorado - six states use that water and it is not consistent. 

OK - break is over.  The kitchen floor is dry.  We had already invited 3 people for dinner tomorrow night.  It is a Swiss meal with cheese ( raclette) toasted then scraped over veggies.   Very filling so other things will be light.  Very pricey and hard to find the correct cheese - no, it is not a fondue in case you are thinking. 

Isn't it just wonderful to have friends in the Word? 

I took Keith to the dr. this morning for a recheck on  the prostate. His PSA went from 10 to 5.9 which is very good. He goes back in  three months.

So that said all is well here. I do have a praise report; one of our church members had been in  ICU   in a drug induced coma for a week because of a bad case of an infection in his one lung. Yesterday at at church pastor told us he was still there, So One of the men with whom I pray for sick with  prayed for him after the service. Last night pastor called me to tell me that he was out of the coma and ICU and was  to go home today. Hallelujah and Praise the Lord for the miracle was my response. Pastor did say a few weeks ago that  my prayer partner has the gift of healing that I was right there with him. Oh my that sure  made me feel uplifted, now that I look back whenever  the congregation is asked on pray for someone they call on either Bill or I to say the prayer. I hadn't been fully aware of that until recently. It is so humbling to be told that I have that gift by my Pastor.

Oh what a day!  I have been working to get Beth's room decluttered for some time now.  I also had some paperwork from the home that I needed answers to; so I have been up there since 10:00 this morning!!  I came home disgusted, frustrated, angry and HUNGRY!     More things to pray about!  I asked John if he had missed the van keys BEFORE he called AAA down to unlock it--yes, he said, he thought he'd locked them inside.    And he STILL hasn't found them!  I told him he needs to be hunting harder, before the battery goes dead and freezes and bursts! 

I started cleaning the drawers in Beth's room, brought home a huge bag of things she can no longer use;  I wasn't going to bring them home, I wanted to just drop them by the new second hand store we have; but they were closed today.  So I will do that tomorrow.

The rest of the time and frustration--and anger--was caused by paperwork.  Too complicated to explain here, but they are charging Beth for eye, ear, dental, foot and general physician care, the bill I got is $2,900, and the only one she has seen is the doctor I told you about.     So I'm not done with that fight yet!

On a much brighter note--Grandson Mark called and Darrel and I both had a good visit with him.  He's still in Florida, training to fly those 767's and had been looking for a house.  They have found one they like, now are putting together the finances to get it.  He said it has 6 bedrooms!  I said, "SIX!!  We can all come down and see you!"  And his response was they want us to, that's why they want a big house!  Gotta love those Grandkids! 

Larry, I'm so happy to read that you are feeling less tired.  Praise God!

Jeanne, sorry you are having such cold, dreary weather!  Stay all snuggled up indoors!

Carol, how wonderful to hear from folks you met on a trip!  I'm still in contact with a number of folk we have met while traveling and really enjoyed, but none has ever come by nor called.  That is special!

I think the enemy is just trying really hard to steal the wonderful blessing we got from hearing Chip Brim speak twice this weekend, and spending time with the kids.  But he CANNOT have it!!

Marilyn, what a blessing to be told the gift of healing flows through you.  What a motivator to keep you praying for folk!

Hi everyone on a beautiful, sunny 44 degree morning.  We are headed up to 65 degrees this afternoon. Pat has an appointment this morning at the sleep doctor's office for her annual evaluation and that is all that is on the schedule for today. She tried to get her new printer to print a color copy without success so I will have to work with that a little later today.  Guess I will have to read the book--Drat!!  Nothing seems simple anymore. 

Jeanne, I just heard the forecast for the NE and it doesn't sound good.  Glad you are all stocked up with food and fuel to weather the storm. 

Carol, nice to be able to visit with new friends like those you met on your trip to France last year. 

Marilyn, glad Keith had a lower PSA reading.  Is he still taking medication for possible infection?  Nice praise report and thanks for sharing it with us.  We have an amazing God.

Janet, it sounds like John may not be a highly motivated person when it comes to looking for the keys for the van.  Is the billing for charges for the home or from individual doctors?  That is certainly a significant bill.  Nice you got to visit with Mark.  I am with you in regarding having a six bedroom house for only two people.  They must be planning on having a lot of little ones.     

Hello!  It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, as Mr. Rogers always said!  We have been to the gym, I had a good workout and Darrel had a more careful one.  He hasn't been released by his doctor yet!  I think our high is to be in the 50's today.

Larry, I really don't think Mark and Tiffany plan on having a large family.  I think they are just thinking they are in Florida and a lot of family will want to visit.  But what do I know about their thinking, right?  I know Tiffany is really good with children, as I have watched her with Curtis' little girls.  Anyway, this house is a good deal and about half the cost of the first ones they looked at!

Nope, John isn't motivated at all about those keys!  And it's driving Darrel crazy!!  He keeps thinking of all the problems it will cause if they aren't found, and all the expense!!    When I gave John a hug yesterday, I shook him and said, "FIND THOSE KEYS!!"  I doubt if it helped one whit!  Sigh.....

Darrel brought the Mercury around in front yesterday and flushed the heater in it .  We will drive it to the Oklahoma City airport; that way the Lincoln can stay in the garage.   

It's almost time to go to lunch.  We were invited to a dinner last night, but I was so wiped out by the time I came home that I forgot about it until this morning.  Oh, well!  (It was about investments, etc.)

See you later!

So far, and I don't think the storm is completely over yet, we got about an inch of something.  I didn't go out to check to I'm not sure if it's snow, sleet or a mixture with ice  The temperature is hovering just about freezing so whatever it is won't be going anywhere for a while.  But at least with only about an inch accumulation there's not that much to melt when it gets warmer. 

We just covered three small fruit trees in the back yard for the freeze beginning tonight.  Yesterday, I sewed old shower curtains and bedding together to make 3 heavy toppers then we wound twine around and hope the winds aren't too strong.

A pan of chocolate brownies is almost baked so I came to check in with everyone. Jeanne Lee don't step outside if there is any sleet.  3 for company arrives after 5 tonight and is my goal this week.  This quilt is just nagging me to finish my job. 

Carol, don't worry, I have no intention of stepping outside!  I'll stay tasty warm, snuggled into my cocoon.   

Hi everyone.  It is cooler this morning but headed up to a sunny 72 degrees this afternoon.  We had to get up earlier this morning as Pat has a Physical Therapy appointment at 9:15.  Fortunately it is only about 15 minutes from the house.  On the way back I plan on stopping at the City Hall and paying the taxes so I can get a new tag.  Pat expects to get a call from COSTCO about her new glasses sometime today.  This evening I will have dinner with Scott and Jennifer at the church.  So it is going to be a full day. 

As seems to be normal now at doctor's offices, we were kept waiting more than an hour past Pat's appointment time to be called back into the exam room.  The doctor was very pleased with the report on Pat's CPAP machine and she won't need to see him again for a year.  On the way home we stopped at the Longhorn Steak House and had our main meal for the day. 

Janet, I hope mark and Tiffany are successful in getting the house they want.  Perhaps if John understood it would be his responsibility to fix the situation and not that of you and Darrel.  After all he is married and responsibilities go with marriage.  At least you didn't get your arm twisted to buy an annuity since you missed the dinner.  If it was like the last one I attended it sounds so good until you realize it basically ties up your money for several years before you can get it without severe penalty. 

Jeanne, hope the storm has moved on by this morning and it will warm up enough to get rid of any ice that may be around.

First of all, I would like to thank you all for your prayers on my behalf. Last Tuesday, January 17 I went to a new specialist here in Guelph. 

I will just post a few things about that appointment.  It was interesting that the hour long appointment turned into 2 ½ hours.  The doctor was in no hurry to end it even then.  I have many tests to go through ahead of me.  Some may be a muscle biopsy, bone density (to see if the long term prednisone has done any damage in this area), many, many blood tests of many sorts, and x-rays, ultra sounds and brain scan.  She (Dr.) is also going to be sending me to a neurologist who will be doing intricate nerve tests to try to find out the real reason for the many overwhelming "weak spells" during the day and night which ends up sometimes with my falling down (as occurred today twice yesterday).  Apparently the weak spells don't "fit into the mold" of polymyositis so this is something she wants to find out about as soon as possible.

I think that this probably is enough information for all at one time but I wanted you to know.  I've been slow in writing this as it's been a very terrible week.  I'm on the reduction of the prednisone once again and this is always a very, very difficult time.  I get so many weak spells and they are very difficult to cope with and with the reduction, I am also experiencing much more pain in my muscular system throughout my body and so have been spending quite a lot of time in bed (or on my bed) as walking—even with the walker--has been very difficult.

So, again, please accept my sincere thanks for your very valuable prayers on my behalf.  How awful it must be for people who cannot call out to their Lord and Savior!  I just pray that this long journey of 14 months (to me it has been so long) will finally have light at the end of the tunnel and I once more will have a better quality of life—but whatever is the Lord's will, I'm willing to accept.

I see the doctor again when my prednisone level is 20mg a day.  I will let you know when that is.  I was at 60mg when the reduction started and I haven't had to increase it as yet due to unbearable pain or other reasons.  The level right now is 40mg.

God bless you all.

Dear Pat,  Thank you for updating us with your health issues and now it sounds like you will get more information for all of these scheduled tests.  We pray for you, Pat, and for all the technicians and doctors working on your health issues.  We send prayers for you to become stronger each and every day.  It was a long and difficult day for you and now you are "noticed" and "interesting case".  This is a good thing - you will not be forgotten.  Love to you and the family. 

Hi everyone on a rainy 64 degree morning.  However, the rain is not suppose to last very long and should be over by the time I head to coffee and later to the Wisdom class.  Yesterday as we returned from Pat's PT appointment we stopped at the City Hall and I went in and paid the taxes on our cars.  I was very pleased when I realized the receipt also had the tags I needed for the license plates.  I came home and put them on and that was it for another year.  There was no line and I was in and out in no more than 5 minutes or so.  Pat did get notice yesterday that her new glasses are ready so we may go over to COSTCO to get them later today.  This will be our exciting day. 

Pat, what an ordeal you are experiencing with your illness.  I sure hope the new tests and procedures will provide some answers that will relieve the pain and restore your strength.  As Carol said you are not forgotten.

Pat, thanks for updating us regarding our illness/disability/whatever.  You are loved, prayed for, and missed.   

Hi everyone on a clear but chilly 40 degree morning.  We expect to reach only the low 50's this afternoon.  This is going to be a busy day for me as I am going to drive the 1 1/2 hours to Madison, Georgia to meet with several of my men friend's for lunch.  We have been meeting at the Steak and Shake but today the group wanted to eat at Cracker Barrel so that is where we will meet.  I am looking forward to it as I haven't seen them for probably nine months or more.  The housekeeper will be here while I am gone. 

Pat!  So good to read a post from you!  And I do hope that typing all that didn't wear you out too much.  What an ordeal you're going through!  Many prayers have been winging their way heavenward for you, my dear friend.  I so hope you will be feeling much better very soon!

Larry, hope you had a good time visiting with your friends and are safely back home now.

I spent a couple hours on the phone today straightening out credit card charges and getting several of them canceled.  Ugh.  How I dislike jobs like that.  But I got the bill down considerably, so it was worth it

Sunday is Kansas' birthday--156 years!  So the Care home was having a Happy Birthday Kansas meal at lunchtime.  John called to tell me about it so I went in and ate with them.  We had buffalo burgers!  The meat was dark and chewy, good flavor but much tougher than beef.  They had good side dishes, too.  Family members can eat with their residents for $5.00.  It was worth it.

Darrel thought he would miss the Super Bowl, but we aren't leaving until the 8th, so he gets to see it.    He got dismissed by his doctor today, so that's a good thing. 

Looks like Darrel is going to watch The Blind Side again.  I may watch some of it, but I plan to go to bed early.

Thanks Everyone for your nice comments but especially for your prayers on my behalf.

Janet, where are you off to now?

Checking in at the end of this day.  We did our regular morning exercise and met a new neighbor who lives fairly near us in Colorado.  It has been very windy and a good day to catch up on little things.  Too windy and too chilly to sit outdoors so everything is indoor activity.  The winds have whipped off our covers on the little fruit trees with even the rope tying everything down.  We can see the same problems on two of the neighbor's yards. 

Janet:  What is it about the Super Bowl that attracts so much attention even if the guys don't care who wins?
Blind Side is a good movie.  Happy Birthday to Kansas! 

Larry:  I hope you had an uneventful drive.  You will need a nap after that return trip and all that talking 

Hi everyone.  It is a glorious January day here in South Carolina. It is currently 43 degrees and will only get to about 53 degrees this afternoon but it is nice an sunny.  I had a fine trip to Madison, Georgia yesterday to meet 5 of my friends for lunch.  The only problem encountered was a fairly long delay due to road work and taking the Interstate down to 1 lane.  However, I got there with about 5 minutes to spare.  We visited and ate lunch for about 90 minutes and I got home before 2 pm.  I have been busy this morning as have more sausage muffins in the oven for Pat after fixing here scrambled eggs with all the trimming for breakfast.  In a few minutes we will head to COSTCO so Pat can get her new glasses and while she is doing that I have three items to pick up that we need.  When I get home I will fix my frozen fruit.  I think that will be it for today.

Janet, glad you were able to straighten out the credit card charges.  Those are the types of calls we dread.  Happy Birthday Kansas. That is certainly a reasonable price for the meal.  I will also be watching the Super Bowl and glad that Darrel won't miss it.  I heard that a 30 second commercial during the Super Bowl will cost around $5 million this year.  I guess it shows the power of television and what having a very large audience will do for ad rates. 

Carol, it is not only men who like football as a lot of women do as well.  I do want the Atlanta Falcons to win but also hope it is a good competitive game.  I did rest for a couple of hours when I got home yesterday.

Larry:  I will watch the bowl game as well, unless it gets boring.  My games are basketball and hockey and sometimes baseball.  Glad that you had a good visit with your friends and a safe trip as well.  Perhaps you can talk them into coming in your direction later? 

There is a Saturday night service here that is a bit shorter without so much music and we have been to it - Don especially can enjoy the more quiet time. 

Hi Pat!!    We are going to cruise the Adriatic--Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina and Montenegro.  It's a small ship, only 50 passengers, so will be nice.  And they will have at least two tour directors, so we won 't be in huge groups anywhere we go.  Yes, this is the same trip we did early last year, but they had a great price this time and Darrel wanted to do it again, as he missed a lot due to leg pain following our accident.  Ok, TMI    I hope you are having a better day than usual and will soon be feeling GOOD again!

Larry, so glad you had a good trip and got home early!  We do need friends!  Yes, those ads on Superbowl day are atrocious in price!     Can you even imagine spending more than most of us will ever make in a lifetime, for a mere 30 second ad??  Crazy!!  But I guess they must think it worth the price or it wouldn't happen.

Carol, I think it's just because the Super Bowl is considered THE game of the year, pitting the two biggest winners against each other.  And a lot of people watch it just for those $5 MILLION dollar ads!!  They get excited over them and talk about them for days afterward.  I enjoy watching when it's a good, competitive game, and some of the ads are cute.  My favorites are usually the Budweiser ones because I like those big horses!    It sounds as if your weather is a lot like ours lately.  It's cold and windy again here today.

Jeanne, are you still snuggled into your cocoon?    Good place to be!

Men!!    Darrel asked me this morning what I had done with his several pairs of new underwear.  I told him I hadn't even touched them!  He said he put them in his suitcase and now they were gone!  Later, I went out in the garage and there was his suitcase, so I looked in it, and sure enough!!  So I came in and got him by the hand, led him into the extra bedroom where he had set the suitcase he was packing and I had just put the one from the garage.  He looked a little sheepish when he opened it!    He siad, "Well, I thought this was the one I started packing!"  Gotta love 'em anyway!   

People around here, in adjoining counties have had their property taxes almost doubled this year!!    So far, our county hasn't followed suit, but the kids are really getting hammered, because of their businesses.  It's just hard for younger folk these days.

Okay, I've yakked long enough!  I wish you all a blessed day!

Just got a phone call from #1 son - he calls now and then just to check on me    This time not a happy call - he had a report from #2 son in Arizona.  The daughter-in-law in Arizona has cancelled the chemo that was seeming to do more harm than good.  Her original diagnosis and prognosis gave her six months without chemo so it looks now as though it won't be long.  She's now at home, being kept as comfortable as possible, with Hospice there as well.  So I'm asking for prayers for her and for the family members as they prepare to let her go.   

I'm so sorry, Jeanne.  Hugs to you and prayers for all the family.

Sorry to hear about your DIL Jeanne, I am certainly going to be praying for her and for your son and the rest of the family.

We have done our weekly Walmart grocery run today, I  had Freckles  to the groomer, she will be nice and clean ready for her visits this week. She has done well in her training as my Service Dog, She learns very quickly what I want her to do and is so eager to please.I am so thankful that  my friend gave her to me. She will be going  with us this summer to  Keith's youngest son's wedding at Black Butte Ranch  http://www.blackbutteranch.com/. She has her ADA identification and her pink Service dog vest.

Hi, friends,

I've just caught up, and now can't write, as there's an emergency evacuation order. Likely it will not concern me all the way up here on the 13th floor.

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is one of our colder mornings as it was 37 degrees but we are headed to the mid-50's today.  There is not a cloud in the sky.  I think Pat is going to go to Sunday School with me this morning.  This will be the first time in about 8 months.  She will have to see if she can tolerate the chairs we have in the classroom.  We will then attend Church and go out to eat and that will be our day.  She did pick up her new glasses yesterday while I got a few items at COSTCO.

Carol, I also like basketball at the college level and we are going into the conference season now headed to March and the big tournament, which I will definitely watch.  I don't remember watching a single baseball game this last season.  Glad you have found a Church service that Don can enjoy. 

Janet, I like the horses as well on the commercials and the little children and animals.  Some of the ads sort of leaving me scratching my head as to what they were advertising.  Did you put that suitcase in the garage?    Pretty bad when we lose our underwear!  I wonder if your grandson in Florida has considered taxes and the homeowners and hurricane insurance on that big house?  You are right about taxes.  Here the taxes are quite a bit higher than they were in Georgia plus there are all kinds of add-on fees. 

Jeanne, a sad time for a family when a member of the family reaches the point of Hospice.  I will pray for her as I do all of my friends and their family members that are ill. 

Marilyn, have you ever had anyone try to tell you that Freckles shouldn't be in a particular place?  She sounds like a wonderful dog and friend to you. 

Ruth Ann, hope the emergency wasn't serious.  Do they shut down the elevators in an emergency?

Happy Lord's Day to all of you!

We have been to church, and have had lunch at home.  I'm trying to get caught up (never seems to happen!) on computer, then I plan to start packing!

No, Larry, I didn't move that suitcase!!  Times like this, I think Darrel is thankful he has a wife!  (But he doesn't say so!  )  Yes, bad to lose one's underwear!!    I spoke to Mark twice yesterday about the house they are in the process of buying.  He is confident he can make the payments, pay the taxes and insurance.His mom asked him if they intend to have a whole bunch of kids--his answer was, "Oh, heavens, NO!!"  He does need a little help coming up with the cash for the down payment, hence his calls to the grandparents!    I surely hope it all works out well for him.  He has always been such a willing and dependable worker, and is pursuing his life-long dream as a pilot.

Marilyn, that place in Oregon is beautiful!!  Will you be driving or flying?  Good that Freckles can go along, as I think you would really miss her!

John and Beth were at church this morning, and I asked, excitedly, "Did you find the keys?"  No, he said, the Care Home brought them.  Sigh............

Ruth Ann, I hope the emergency didn't last long, whatever it was.

Larry, Darrel has often said the same thing about commercials on TV.  He looks at me and asks, "What were they advertising?" 

Okay, I'm done for now!   

We are so glad to have a quiet Saturday night church service because Don cannot hear anything on Sunday mornings with all the music and singing.  Sat night is quite simple with just a few familiar songs and one night a month is a Healing Service that is centered on prayers for healing.  It is very touching to behold.

When we lived in Fort Collins, we often brought company to the Budweiser farm and everyone loved to see the horses.  There is also a Dalmatian - Dotty was the name when we visited.  It was so neat to see how the horses reacted when Dotty came out to greet them. 

Whew - just spent a good deal of time learning to put an audio book on an older iPod.  The library keeps changing instructions and it gets more difficult to relearn than it was to learn in the first place.  We had to stop at Safeway and there were two items on sale only if you used your smart phone.  My phone may be able to do that but why should we have an extra effort to get something on sale.  Just put it on sale - so they know my feelings at this local shop.  It will never change a thing, of course. 

Jeanne:  My prayers for your DIL, son and family. 

Janet:  Happy Lord's Day to you as well.  It sounds like a wonderful scenic trip for the two of you. 

Ruth Ann:  Did you have to evacuate? 

Janet I will be driving it is about 4 hours from  us here on the Oregon coast. The wedding is Aug. 21 Aat 4:30 pm there will also be a full solar eclipse that day I am assuming around the time of the wedding. They will be married lakeside.

Larry No The only place I was asked very nicely   not to bring Freckles was to church, The pastor thought she was a distraction from God.

Today was the annual  meeting at church and the monthly potluck as well. So as usual I ate too much so I took freckles for a nice walk after I got my clothing changed. I felt so humbled again today when the pastor announced that  Bill (prayer Partner) and I will be using our gifts in healing praying for the sick.  Our pastor is having Rotater Cuff surgery tomorrow and Sarah m y DIL is having knee surgery tomorrow to repair her ACL.

Jeanne, I know, all too well, that sinking. heart aching sadness when hearing the news like that you've received of your daughter-in-law. 

It seems like only yesterday that Dottie and I drove into the foothills of California to visit with Joy, never imagining that it would be the last time we would see her alive.  She told me then that she had stopped chemotherapy because it wasn't working any more.  The next day, after we left, hospice set up in their home.  She had waited until I left to accept hospice care.  All I can say is for everyone who is in your daughter-in-law's life to speak their hearts to her.  Let her know how much she is loved and what an impact she has had on your life.  She may just be like Joy was and wish to have alone time, too.  Joy would tire easily and feel frustrated because she felt the need to have conversation, but she never wanted to show that to her visitors. 

My prayers are for you and all the family that you'll be able to feel the PEACE that passes all understanding during this time. 

Jane, thank you for that, it could not have been easy for you to write.  Be sure that I continue to keep you in my prayers.

Hi everyone.  I am getting a bit of a late start here in the discussions as didn't want to get out of bed this morning.  However, I have things in order and just waiting for Pat to get up and will quickly be able to prepare her breakfast. It is another beautiful morning with it currently being 40 degrees and headed only to 53 degrees. 

Pat did go to Sunday School and Church with me yesterday and then we did eat out.  The only thing away from the house today is my Monday noon meeting and then getting the car filled with gas as the three hours of driving last week brought the gauge down alot.  The rest of the day I intend to take things slow and easy as need to recover from a busy week last week. 

Janet, the only time I ever asked my parents for money after getting out on my own was to make the down payment on our first owned home.  They loaned us the money, which I paid back in one year with interest, although they didn't want the interest I just felt it was right.  That got us started.  The house cost around $15,000 but was a nice little three bedroom with garage home in Oklahoma.   

Carol, I had no idea the Budweiser farm was in Colorado but always thought is was around St. Louis, Missouri where Budweiser was located or at least started.  We have seen the horses several times in live performances or parades and they are beautiful and so well trained.  I think paper coupons will soon be a thing of the past as you can load coupons on your phone tied to the little cards you use at their store and when you check out the register automatically takes the discounts.  Pat has used this several times and it works. 

Marilyn, I can understand the Pastor's request as who can keep their eyes off of a dog.  That should be a beautiful setting for a wedding.  Hope the surgeries today are fully successful. 

Hi Jane.  Very meaningful words you shared with Jeanne and with all of us.                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

As the years march on, more and more things happen to our little "family" here on CP.  It makes me so sad to hear of the loss of another loved one, or the impending loss.  But I do know that prayer helps, and that faithful ones here do pray for each other.  What a wonderful community of Believers!

Carol, so glad you found a quieter service that Don can enjoy.  It would be so sad for one who has been faithful in attendance to have something like that keep him from attending and enjoying something so important in his life.  Blessings!

Only four hours, Marilyn?  Out here, that's a short trip!  We often have made a four hour trip and then back home in one day.  I know it's different in other areas, but here things are so far apart we get used to it.  I noticed you said "I" will be driving.  Does that mean Keith isn't going with you?  If that's the case, then I'm even happier that Freckles can go along, so you don't have to make the trip alone.

What a day this has been!  We neither one slept good last night, so it was around seven when we got up (very late for me!)  After breakfast, finishing the laundry and sundry chores, we went to take care of some business at the bank, then ate at the senior center.  Then stopped by home to pick up some things for Diane, drove to Hugoton and gave those to her; then on to Liberal to get hearing aid batteries so I won't run out on the trip; then on to Hooker to get my nails done, and finally back home by way of Moscow.  Long day!  I cooked some supper, we ate, I cleaned up, now am checking in here and planning to retire even earlier than usual.  I have a headache, and my neck and back are hurting. 

We got a nice email from out trip leader today.  His name is Goran Kovacevic, and he is a native of Croatia.  Nice to hear from him before leaving home.  He gave us more information on the expected weather, web sites we can check and such.

Enough for today, this ol' gal is tired and ready to go visit my pillow!

Good to see a few members I am familiar with, I am known better as Jackie....good morning - good night Judy and John if you are looking in....It is almost 6.am here in UK and the weather is pelting down with rain, seems to be our next ten day forecast...

Hi everyone.  It is another beautiful and sunny 44 degree morning.  We will likely get to 70 degrees this afternoon.  We noticed the first tulip tree bloomed out yesterday.  We have had such a mild winter that I guess the plants think it is Spring again. I have a light schedule for today. Between 10 and 11 am today I have to get to Walmart downtown to pick up a grocery order.  I also need to go to the other Walmart that is close to us here to pick up a prescription and get a birthday card for my sister's 73rd birthday next Monday.  After that I plan on a quiet day but can always find something to do. 

Janet, what a busy day you had yesterday.  Are those towns you mentioned very far apart?  You must be getting excited about your pending trip.  How long of a flight is it from Kansas to where you are going.  Will you fly out of Denver?  I hope both you and Darrel slept well last night. 

Jackie, nice to see you posting here on Christian Photographers.  Keep your umbrella handy. 

Good morning!

Larry, I forgot to tell you that we had higher temps than you did yesterday!  It was 67*!!    Really nice, but the wind was blowing some.  This looks to be another beautiful day, and when I went out to look at the sunrise, there wasn't a breath of wind stirring!  Of course, that is subject to change.    The loop we made yesterday was at least 170 miles.  It's 30 miles to Hugoton, another 30 to Liberal, so the total might have been closer to 180!  About 2 1/2 hours of driving time.  Whew!  All in the afternoon!   He must really love me!

Larry, we have never borrowed from family, as our parents didn't have much until their later years (mine never did) and by then we didn't need to borrow.  But Jeff and Diane have borrowed from us a few times, and have been very diligent about repaying us.  One grandson isn't doing as he should about that, so we hope Mark will do better.  We know they were taught right!  And if he doesn't pay it back, we will call it a gift and thank God we were able to help him.  If the other one doesn't pay us (he owes a LOT more!) then that amount will be taken out of his inheritance.  We are going to write that as a codicil to our will.    Hate to do that, but we must be fair to all the grandkids.

Larry, we have three flights, totaling 13 hours.  We will fly from Oklahoma City, as we can leave our car at the motel at no charge and the taxi or van to the airport is only $10.  The longest flight is 9 hours.  Coming home, flight time is a little shorter.

I must get a birthday card off to youngest daughter today!  Her birthday is Feb. 2nd.

We will call the Dodge dealer in Garden City today about getting another key for the van, as John still hasn't found it.   I am wondering how hard he has really looked!! Sigh.......We went by yesterday and Darrel disconnected the battery on it.

We have several errands to do today, trying to get all loose ends tied up before we go.  I have a list for today!

Jackie, how nice to see your posting!  Come back soon...and often!  And could you please send some of the rain to Southwest Kansas?   

Gotta run!!

Thank you for my welcome Larry and Janet, seems our rain has calmed down so it maybe already on the way over to you both...I know we are due some strong winds during this week...

Meant to add, the new neighbours came over and introduced themselves to me, they seem a very nice couple, the man maybe a tad more freely talkative than the lady as he mentioned a hospital medical appointment taking place this week....the minimum age requirement on our parkhome site is 45, I am guessing they are in their 60s and I understand his mother has also moved in with them, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting " mother " yet...

Janet, I must have missed where you are going this time. 

Hi Jackie!

Pat, I explained that the other day when you asked.    We are going to cruise the Adriatic.  Hope you're feeling better now.

Thanks Janet...

Hope you have a great time.  How long will you be away?

Good to see you Pat...

Jackie..

Hi everyone.  It is going to be another beautiful in the low 70's day with no rain.  Not much to write about today.  Pat has a PT appointment at 11 am and then I will have dinner this evening at the Church with Scott and hopefully Jennifer.  Then they will come out to the house for a time of visiting. 

Janet, that isn't the first time this season where you all have had higher temperature than we did here in the South.  That was a lot of miles to drive in one day, sort of equivalent of the trip I made to Madison last Friday.  Basically everything we have left will go to our son and it will be his responsibility to then leave his estate to his daughter.  We learned the lesson along the way to just consider any money given to relatives to be a gift and that way we were not disappointment.  Years ago I kept track of the money we had "loaned" to Stacey but finally gave that up as it was only making work for me and it was all outgo and not coming back.  That is a lot of flying. 

Jackie, nice that your new neighbors came over and introduced themselves. 

Hi Pat, always encouraging to see a posting from you.   

Good morning!  I do hope this is a much less stressful day than yesterday!  And I'm believing it will be!  First the GOOD news--John found the key!  This was after my making several calls to the Dodge dealer in Garden City and learning they no longer make that key (it has the programming on the key, rather than on a separate fob.)  And to get one, which they called another dealer to find, would cost $170.00 plus towing the van to Garden City  to get the key programmed so it would even start the vehicle--several hundred dollars more, plus the programming of the key, another $50.00!  I was talking to John on the phone and telling him this while we were driving to town, and Darrel said, loud enough for John to hear--AND YOU ARE GOING TO PAY FOR IT!!  Well, I guess that lit a fire under him, because about 30 minutes later, John called and said he'd found the key!  We will still get the extra one while we can, because if that key gets lost permanently, we wouldn't be able to sell the van or anything!  It has only 37,000 miles on it!  And a lot of those were on it when we bought it.  The battery was dead, so Darrel jump started it and I drove it home so he could put the charger on it.  He didn't think it was going to charge, but it did, finally.  It took all night!

Besides all that, I had drama at the care home to try to sort out, because they billed Beth for over $2500.00 for hearing, sight and dental services, and she has never seen two of the three!  That still isn't settled, but maybe today.  I may have to file a protest or charges or something.  How in the world do they expect her to pay that, when the care home gets all but $60 a month of her funds?    And Blue Cross & Blue Shield is refusing to let me cancel that, they say they need her signature or to talk to her.  She cannot write; she cannot talk so anyone not used to her can understand her--very hard even for me!  They pay almost nothing on her bills, and charge her over $150 per month!  Okay, I know, TMI.  Sorry 

Larry, glad you have an easier day today.  I hope for the same.  WE will also eat supper at church tonight.You're right about loaning money to family or friends.  I have learned my lesson!!  The one grandson owes us for both their house and business!  That is why we will change our will.  We love them dearly, but we love the others, too!  And our money certainly is not inexhaustible!

I had a call from Nordstrom's a while ago.  Seems someone tried to use my card # and they even had my address, trying to purchase a pair of Gucci shoes!  Was that you?  Absolutely not!!  So that entailed calling Discover, getting our cards canceled and getting new ones.  So many crooks out there!  I guess having them shipped to a different address may have tipped them off, what do you think?

Pat, we will be away from home three weeks on this trip.  May I call you later today?

It's turning cooler here again, and much colder is predicted.  I don't care how cold it gets, just so the roads are clear next Wed. when we will drive to Oklahoma City.  That airport is so easy to get around in!  Love it!

I think I will go to Red Hats today.  Be nice to see all those gals again.  We just meet for lunch, once a month, but I have missed several times lately.

TTYL!

Welcome Jackie Where in the UK do you live?  It is nice to see a new face in here.  Wishing you fair weather.

Janet:  LOL about John finding the keys after being informed he would have to pay for them.  Specialty keys are really costly and we were robbed years ago and had to pay $100 for the automatic door opener key.  That is a lot of travel for your errands - we often use Amazon free delivery and have thought about some groceries. Years and years ago, Sears used to deliver a barrel of detergent to the basement laundry and was that ever a sweet deal.  It is really great you are getting away so relax and enjoy the scenery.

Nice to see PAT peeking in for a little this day.

Here's a link to our February "Thoughts for the Month".  We're going to try for awhile to change this once a month due to illness of both Jeanne and I.

"Thoughts for the Month~February"