Christian Photographers Community

Ruth, Carol, Karma, Marilyn----thanks so much.

It is wonderful to have such a great and supportive group of Christian friends!

Pat, hope you have a "slower" week.  I have some information on THE GREAT STATE OF KANSAS that I want to get sent to you.  I hope it will make you want even more to come for a visit!

Karma, having you around would be a joy, I know.  Maybe someday?

Abby is cooking lunch today! 

Good Morning.  I tried to come earlier then Al and had a conversation and some prayer for my friend Kitty, Then I got another phone call from Lucerne Valley from another friend and we talked almost an hour so now I am back.

Please pray for Kitty she is having a very difficult time right now with Congestive Heart Failure and her lungs being full , she could barely talk or breathe. Had been to the hospital and they sent her home, I am sure she didn't want to stay for fear  that her son Paul would have a seizure while she was gone. She is full of fear for other reasons too.

Karma I am sure that is the reason I am having such awesome prayer experiences. God is so good I just want to be more like Jesus every day.

A few minutes ago I clumsily tripped  going up the one little step to my bedroom and banged my elbow on the door jamb. OUCHY!! I hate when that happens. 

Well I think I will delete some of the music in my MP3 player and add some new stuff. 

Talk later.

Hi everyone.  It is overcast and rain predicted and it is very humid outside.  Our group lingered at the Cafe this morning as no one seemed anxious to leave.  We always have a good time and something I look forward to every day.  Pat and I have a meeting to attend this morning but think the rest of the day is clear.  Tomorrow we will go to our daughters church.  

Janet, glad you have the surgery scheduled so that relief is at least in sight.  Some surgeries we really can look forward to for the expected outcome and this seems to fit the bill.  One of the guys that only comes to coffee on Saturday morning had surgery on his wrist and a nerve cut as his hand was constantly going to sleep and was painful.  He is doing fine and said the pain was gone.  Too bad about it being your right hand and arm but that is the one that has been used the most.  It will make it tough to type for awhile but many people use hunt and peck and it just takes longer but works.

Marilyn, nice to read that you have had such a positive week.

Carol, I have decided I will likely never return to Denver or go to anywhere that has high elevation as my heart just doesn't get enough oxygen even though I have no lung problems.  

Pat, you are indeed a good friend to spend all that time with your friend who obviously needs your help.  Glad you had a chance to go hiking and do something for yourself.  I am sure you benefited not only physically but also mentally from the hiking.

Etta Sue, one thing I like about my HMO is that I think the biggest co-pay I will have, at least this year, would be $250 if we have a hospitalization and so it won't break the bank.  However, understand your worry but enjoy today and don't worry about the tomorrow.  I know that is easier said than done but is very helpful.  God often surprises us as we often see exhibited here in postings from our CP members.

Karmat, glad that Kristi is feeling much better.  These little ones soon learn how to get their needs expressed.  

Gord, I expect you are now away for your special weekend with your friend.  Hope it is a wonderful weekend for you.

A special Hi to each of you posting that I haven't mentioned by name.  

Good afternoon!  Early morning today.  Kitty and Judy were here at 8am for us to take our photos to the State Fair.  We got that done and then went to Michael's and Robert's Camera Store.  Before we came home we ate at Don Pablo's.  A great day visiting and spending time with each other. 

This afternoon Ivalou, Marge and I are going to my great-niece's wedding and reception.  Weddings are always fun. 

And I have decided that I am going to church with Ivalou in the morning instead of at Greenfield. 

Loud motor running outside.  Looked.  A farmer is mowing the road side.  Great!

A beautiful day, here on the island.  I have finally finished reading all the posts and love that cat, Etta Sue!!

Sorry about your problem, Janet.  I have carpal  tunnel in both wrists and it sure can hurt.  So far, have avoided doing anything about it as the pain is not constant.  Will be praying for you to have a complete recovery.

Lots of talk about meds....I use both prec. meds and vitamin products.  Lots of meds for HBP, thyroid, etc.  Think a combination of what works is best.  We pay a huge price for organic food here, so I use it sparingly.

Wendy and I went to a place up island for the day...girls day out.  She got me a beautiful Vilas Rock Maple Rocking Chair (Boston) that I wanted a yr. ago and couldn't afford.  It is in perfect condition, tho' not new.  This is my 'early' 75th Birthday present.  Birthday isn't until Sept.  Did you know that from 65-74 you are considered young/old.  From 75 to 80, OLD, from 80 -......totally over the hill.  I could have done without that information.  Strange thing about that chair, it is the only one that didn't sell all yr.  Must have been waiting for my birthday!

I took her for an early dinner at our fav. rest. in Cowichan Bay.  Fresh Fish!!!  It is a lovely spot to eat and the food is great.  Getting very hard for Wendy to drive now and not likely we will be making that long a trip again.  Terrible when a  old lady is in better shape than her daughter. 

The kids bought a beautiful piece of furniture for their entrance hall.  It is necessary to have a place to sit and take off shoes, etc.  It is most interesting and I will take a picture to show.....They like old style things and it was a good price and they were there at the right time!

Must go and look to preparing dinner.  Wendy is exhausted from yest. and so I am going to make spagetti and meatballs, salad, fresh veg. and peaches and ice cream for dessert.  Also tired, so nothing fancy!  Peaches are in season now and love them for dessert

I pray for all the needs and trust everyone will have a lovely weekend.

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Just passing through,  Etta Sue -  Terry, my husband, also takes Diovan, and one morning he took it on an empty stomach.  Mistake!  His stomach hurt soooo bad we almost went to the emergency room!  Now he faithfully eats a bite, then takes his meds.  He said he will NEVER do that again.   Just a thought.


Hope everyone is having a good weekend.  Praying for all needs, especially for you, Janet.  God Bless each and everyone who passes through.

Later,
Samantha

Hi Samantha!  That must have been awful for Terry.  Wow!  I was on a medication like that once and had to go to the emerg as it hurt me so badly. 

Thanks, Samantha.

The doctor who will do my surgery told me when she prescribed some meds..."Take them with food; if you don't, they will really tear up your stomach!"  One day I took one, thinking, it hasn't been that long since I ate........and sure enough, my stomach gave me fits!  And I never have stomach problems!  I won't make that mistake again.

Liz, so nice you and Wendy had a nice day out, and I'm so happy you got your rocking chair!  I remember your mentioning wanting it some time ago.  God's blessing that it was still available.

Good morning. 


The wedding was fabulous.  Angie and Matt started 'seeing' each other 8 years ago and have been engaged for two years.  So she had everything planned to the T for her big day.  I can't imagine putting on an affair for 250-300 people but she did and it all turned out great.  They will have many happy years together. 

I am going to church with Ivalou today.  So as soon as this is posted I am walking to her house. 

Hi everyone.  We had a lovely rain again last evening.  Not sure how much but it was appreciated.  We are suppose to have a good possibility of some more today.

We are leaving in a few minutes to go down to Atlanta to attend church with our daughter.  It will be a short visit but this is an important day for her and she asked us to share it. 

On the way we will drop off our Saturn to be serviced tomorrow at the dealer.  It is time for the 100,000 service and that requires a new timing belt, which is expensive.  However, the cost of the maintenance isn't big when considered the cost of buying a replacement vehicle.  We will leave it overnight and they will let us know when it is ready. 

Nothing else planned for today.  Sure I will work some on my computer and do some reading. 

Liz, so happy that you were able to receive the rocking chair you wanted for an early birthday gift.  If you are like most parents our kids have difficulty finding something we really would like to have or will use.  I am sure Wendy was glad to get you something you really wanted. 

Etta Sue, it is nice that you can go to church with your sister on occasion.  Hope you have a great day.

Hope this is a wonderful Lord's day for everyone. 

Thank you Samantha, Janet and Pat for  confirming what I said the other day about  never taking meds on a empty stomach unless otherwise instructed by the pharmacist or doctor.  In my experiences of caring for others I have certainly learned all the little ins and outs of giving them their medication as instructed. Even eating in just a few minutes is still the same as on an empty stomach.  I may not be a nurse but I have done a lot of  the nursing duties and always follow instructions. I try to pass on what I have learned but sometimes people want to think that they know best how to take care of themselves and just have to experience those bad things that happen for themselves. You should also always read the  paperwork that comes with the meds. To see what the side effects are so you can be on the look out for those.

Etta Sue yesterday you said that I didn't have the expenses that you did for the last year. I have spent $7800. in rent alone not to mentions everything else.  I just shop wisely buying only what I need  and buying it on sale. I use as many frozen organic veggies as I do fresh. I use smaller portions of chicken or turkey and more veggies, as in stir fry portions. I bought a white meat turkey roast on sale for $7.99 and that will be several meals with 3-5 small pieces about the size of a 50 cent piece per meal with lots of veggies and a big salad.  I don't eat beef and stay away from  the fast food places where the portions are so large and enough calories in one meal for more than two full days.
When I do go out to eat I get the senior plate. I only eat 1 piece of bread every few days, my sandwiches are 1 slice of  100% whole wheat bread, with some sour cream or mustard and some lettuce with tuna or 2 deli turkey slice or maybe I will use Rye Crisp Crackers or ½ pita bread pocket.

C all y-all later. Those are my words of wisdom for today.

   Larry:  It makes me sad to read that you won't be coming to the Denver area - so very sorry. 
I understand.  I could not get my mother to move here when she began Alzheimer's and dad was unable to walk a half block.  All our children live here or I would be living on an island out of Seattle.  But - our lives are planned for us and we would dearly miss our children.  One thing that has happened in this area is so many retired people are moving here and away from their friends and children.  It is bizarre to me to say the least.  I think it is a mistake to leave - people will say that the airport isn't far.  Well, guess we just want to still be a big part of our children's lives so we will never leave them.

Marilyn:  I finally started piecing this monster quilt - it will be king-size.  Taking a break right now.  I am using an orange stick to keep the little pieces in place & since it is all diamond and triangle cut, will be using that stick a lot to keep the fabric from moving.  Taking a break now - my mother didn't sew on Sunday for years but we did later when no one thought about it anymore.  My aim today is to set the pieces on the living room floor & Don will have to help move furniture - the only way I can look at this thing - and hope that no one comes to visit for a couple of days.  It depends on how fast this will go. 

Carol

I must reply....my $3,000 for medical expenses are expenses that was not expected...unlike rent or lease expenses.  I sure didn't know that after my $1100 deductible was met that then I was going to have to pay 10% for my services that the insurance only pays 90% and that is after a write-off of some bills.  I am just not used to getting my mail and seeing bills for $669 when I do have medical insurance. 

But that is not stopping my from living.  I am still going out to eat and enjoy life.

As for Diovan HCT....here is what the internet says.

It's important that you take your DIOVAN tablet every day or as directed by your doctor. Usually, DIOVAN is taken once daily. DIOVAN may be taken with or without food, so taking your medication won't interfere with your usual schedule.

When I got sick after taking Diovan, I first thought it was because I didn't eat and checked it out on the internet.  My doctor didn't say to take with food nor does the sample bottles she gave me.  SOME medicines state do not take with food...take on an empty stomach. 

So I can't believe that I did anything that the doctor wouldn't approve of and the nurse nor the doctor didn't ask how or when I took the pill so they must not think I was sick because I took it on an empty stomach and then ate a few minutes later either. 

Marilyn ~ I know you are a good caregiver and you should do everything that you feel is right and approved of by your patient's doctors....just as I am doing for myself. 

Wouldn't this be a boring world if we all thought alike??

Just to enlighten y'all.  Our deductible is $5000.00  with a monthly premium of 794.00.  That is one of the reasons that Terry wont have a lot of tests run on him.  When it comes time for renewal, he wants to lower the deductible, but increase the monthly premium (the business pays our insurance, but we have to make sure the business makes enough money!)  (God does all that anyway, he just uses us!)  Then he is going to get fixed, one way or another.  And most likely this yr I will have to have a hysterectomy, so at least we won't feel like its wasted money.  Last year when he was so sick and had all those tests run on him, we were out over 6000.00 and yet never found out what was his problem.

That is the problem I have with insurance and doctors.  They shouldn't get paid unless they find out whats wrong, and then fix you.

I'm sure you all didn't care to read of this, did ya.


We have a drug card also, so his medicine is only 50.00/mo. and a copay on drs visits.  With two kids, and drs visits, that could break us in a little while.

Later,
Samantha

All this talk of doctors and medicine.  Did anyone see the show tonight about counterfeit prescription drugs in the US?    I can't remember if it was Dateline or the other one, but it was very interesting.   And the expose was from China.  They are really going to have to change something to change their image.  Soon no one will be buying anything from them.  I know this story will hurt their economy even more.

Did you see it?

A blessed day.  We had rain last night and it watered all my plants.

I had to run a birthday present to my grandson tonight, just before dark, and I was literally chased down by mosquitoes as I tried to unlock my car.  I had to run back in the house,  spray myself with bug repellent and then go back out.  Some were in my car but they didn't bite then.

I found a recipe online that works better than any commercial repellent I've gotten.  I use Citronella oil and alcohol.  You can use Witch Hazel, but I didn't have that so used alcohol.  It's great but only lasts about 30 minutes.  It does give me time to sit out in the morning and have coffee in the sun.  We have NEVER had them so bad.  Never as long as I can remember.

Aren't you glad you know this? lol

Have a blessed-in-Christ kind of week. ok?   Nita

Hey there, Nita!      'Skeeters aren't bad over here   But, that's probably because the neighbor across the pond from me is growing his own "mosquito garden"  He has so many plants and flowers in his yard and is out there all the time watering ... and watering ... and watering.   He has to wear a mosquito net (like a bee keeper's) over his face and long sleeves and gloves to keep from being eaten alive by them.  I guess all the mosquitos stay over on his side of the pond.    

Yesterday I painted the bench that was on my deck and it got all rained on during the night.  I was planning to paint the deck, too ... but that has to wait a day or so until everything gets dried out again and I get back in the mood.   

Hi everyone.  The beginning of another work week.  Of course, I don't work so I have to measure it as another week of morning at the cafe and other activities.

We enjoyed our visit to our daughters church.  They have a new Associate Pastor, who is an older man who just completed his work to become a minister in the Methodist church.  This was the first sermon he had preached as a licensed and full-time minister.  He gave a very good sermon that stayed with the fundamentals.  After church we took our daughter to Krogers and this Krogers has the biggest and finest looking deli and salad bar that I have ever seen.  We ate our lunch their with Pat and I sharing a 12 inch sub that was very good.  We left and our daughter stayed on to do some grocery shopping.

We did drop off our car at Saturn yesterday and the service department just called me to verify what I had it in their for.  Hopefully by the end of the day the timing belt and other service will be completed and it will be ready for many more miles of driving.

Not much on the schedule for this week other than the normal routine things we do.

I guess the west coast folks (Jane, Nita, Al etc., are not having to contend with the West Nile Virus.  Around here there is great concern about mosquitos and any standing water is treated to kill the mosquitos.  Our recent wet weather has made the situation worse.  We do not live around any water and have nothing outside to catch water so not a great risk here and I am outside very little.

Samantha--   WOW!  That insurance sounds really expensive to me!  But glad you and Terry have insurance, at least.

Nita, no, I didn't see that program.  You did mean the drugs are coming from China, didn't you?  So sad----not a place to save or make the big bucks, at the expense of folks' health and lives.    Mosquitos and chiggers and no-see-ums all love me.  And I hate them equally.  I got lots of chigger bites at family reunion, in spite of being well covered.

I have a chiropractor's appointment, then nothing else i HAVE to do today.  Goody! 

I saw that program on the drugs from  China the first time it was shown and a little bit of it last night.

Time to lock this door.

I've started a new topic for this week, HERE

See you there.

Fresh coffee is brewing and lots of muffins there too!