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I must have gotten biten by something while at Nancy and Walter's yesterday while sitting outside with some of their friends.  I have a big itchy rash on my left leg.  It kind of makes me feel not with it all.  Going to bed and sleep.

Etta Sue take care of that.  You may need to get it checked.

Thank you  for thr drvotional.  I enjoyed it, and that is one of my favourite parables.

I am tired tonight.  Didn't sleep well last night, so I am off to bed.  Night all

Hey there, alll y'all ... I got back home to (cool) Coos Bay about 4:30
p.m. today ... er Sunday.  My neighbors invited me over for dinner thinking that I wouldn't want to be cooking for myself so soon after arriving home.

I had a very happy and warm time with my daughter in California.  The connections with other family members didn't materialize but I totally understand.  It seema that since their mother (Jean) is gone, so is all semblance of connection with any of her part of family.  I know the boys are engrossed with their in-laws and the girls are busily making their own place in the world.  That's okay..... I had a good visit with Joy and Bryan and we got some work accomplished while I was there.

Bryan is (almost) accepted back into the army.  He has had to jump through the hoops and prove that he really is sincere about making a go of it this time.  He should report for assignment in a couple days and then be off to a new career.  We, Joy and I, are really praying that the Lord will be in all of this and direct the paths he is to take.

I am pretty tired at the moment so will just say it's good to be home and I will be talking atcha later........

Good Morning. Jane I am glad to see that you are home again. Did you drive straight through from Sac to Coos bay? How long did it take you?

I am sticking to my 1200 Calorie low carb diet pretty good.  My friend Tammy who owns the local Curves is doing this with me so we are accountable to each other.  We expect to lose 5 lbs by the end of this week. I am following pretty close to the diet in the Curves book and wow sometime I can't eat all the food.
I am using several vegetarian  soy products and nonfat cheeses etc. It all tastes good. It will be hard when I take  Ruth to the Senior center unless I just don't eat there with her.

I had a talk with Ruth's son yesterday, he will be going to the Doctor with us on Thursday, I think he needs to be informed that we can't cut back on her medication even though it does cost a lot. (He wants to do that). He is cutting her back on a lot of things; he cut off her cable to just the very basic among other things. He does bring her cash every week though, tomorrow I am taking her to get a new perm.

I know y-all are probably tired of hearing about my  clients by now. I don't have a lot of other stuff to talk about though. I don't go much of anyplace except to church and to work. I don't see the family allthat often either, they are busy with thier own lives. Summer they are extra busy.

Gotta go fix my breakfast.

TTYL

Hi everyone. 

Our cafe was closed for the holiday so we all met at the local McDonalds.  It was so chilly in there I got chilled to the bone.  However, as always we had a good time and one of the men who used to be a part of our group and now can no long drive or walk without his wife holding on to him was there with his wife.  They sat with us and we enjoyed his company (and hers) this morning.  It is sad to see people just go downhill but that is a part of the life cycle that we all experience as we grow older. 

Our big activity of the day is to go out to a buffet with some friends.  This is a Chinese restruarant owned by a chef and it is a lovely place to so with table cloths and velveteen chair covers.  Just in case you all are worried we won't have enough to eat today here is the menu: 
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Marilyn, I know that I never tire of seeing you write about what is happening in your life on a daily basis.  If we didn't do that most of us wouldn't have anything to say.  Your postings reveal your loving and caring personality for those you have the privilege of helping.  It is indeed a shame that Ruth's son is more interested in the money than his mother unless he is concerned that she will run out of money to provide for her care and could not afford to help her himself.  I am glad that he is going to the doctor with his mother and you this week.

Jane, glad to see you home safe and sound.  Sorry you were not able to see more of your family.  I just cannot imagine not wanting to see a grandmother or great grandmother.  They don't know what they are missing.

Etta Sue, it sounds like you had quite a full but enjoyable day.  Thanks for that fine devotional.

Hope those observing Memorial Day have a nice holiday and keep the sacrifice that has been and is being made by our military and others to assure we have the freedoms we enjoy.  There was quite a moving hour program on 60 Minutes last night following an Iowa National Guard unit through active duty in Iraq and the impact on the families.

Quote from: Marilyn on May 28, 2007, 10:14:18 AM
Good Morning. Jane I am glad to see that you are home again. Did you drive straight through from Sac to Coos bay? How long did it take you?

Yup, Marilyn, I only stopped a couple times to "rest" and get more of that liquid gold (gas for the car) and 1/2 hour in Grants Pass for a grilled cheese sandwich.  It is exactly 500 miles from one driveway to the other and, no matter how I drive or stop, it always takes 9 hours.  I left Joy's at 7:30 a.m. and arrived here at 4:30 p.m.   

Larry, thanks for the welcome back.  It sure is good to BE back in cool Coos Bay
The temp this morning was 37º on my back porch and the low in Sacramento was 57º with a high of 93º    I think the predicted high for here today is "low 60's.     Yup I'm very happy here on the south coast of Oregon!   

My neighbors invited me over for supper yesterday evening.  He was grilling burgers and she had made potato salad and I happen to really love both!  They remarked that they didn't think I'd want to be cooking after such a long day's drive.  They were right, of course, but I wasn't planning to cook anyway.     I have some really special neighbors.   

Today I need to get out and rake the yard.  The Rhodies have bloomed and dropped flowers and petals all over my yard.  I have several big bushes and trees in my yard.  Pretty to look at when they're in bloom but then comes the clean-up when they're done.

Absolutely wonderful Morning Devotions today about looking at what others have and what you are lacking - jealousy pops up when you least expect it.  My cousins continually talk about money & they have so much given to them, cabins, property, stocks, their dad even paid for their homes.  Am amazed that they always have questions of us - how much was this?  How much our kids make?  So silly and annoying.  So, we need to be reminded that it isn't "our" at all.

Jane:  Loved looking at the Rhodies when we were out northwest.  Miss them so much but they wouldn't thrive in high desert area.  You have nice neighbors.  Glad that you are back safe & sound.

Marilyn:  You do care so much for your "clients" that they have become friends and close to you and I hope all goes well with this client - what a sinflint son. Ha, I meant skinflint 

Pat:  both our daughter and I have had what she calls migraines in the eye and it happened to me in the springtime when things were blooming and once when I was carrying a truckload of old books into a musty moldy basement for this elderly lady.  One eye only and vision turned dark - searing pain and I was able to get to bed both times & sleep it off with pain pills.  My best wishes to you for good health.  You have been so busy but I don't read as much about your taking someone to the doctor or Judy M.  lately. 

Larry:  I hope that your daughter recoups quickly.  She has been doing so well.  Tell Pat:  I received an Amazon gift ecard from daughter & it doesn't pay for all of it but I ordered a watercolor quilt kit with dragonflys on the front - it was the only thing I liked.  It will be like a puzzle.  It took hours for me to decide - just like a kid in the candy store - did not need another book for quilting at all. 

Don knocked down a wasp nest that was growing this morning and I am deep cleaning everything in the house.  Everything is new, so it is very easy and they have a simple lifestyle here with basic furniture and no more than necessary.  Looks so open. 

We are planning to leave Wednesday morning and have all day tomorrow, taking trash to the dump and everything in the ref. has to come out.  We want to go through Yellowstone and some of the roads have just opened. 

Carol

Hello, friends.  I was up early this morning and did some de-cluttering, mail, mostly.  We just get an avalanche of mail and the bar and dining room table get piled high in no time.  It's a job I fight constantly, carry out load after load to the trash.

Etta Sue, good devotional thoughts.  It made me think of the person someone told us about here who accepted the Lord on his death bed.

Abby and I took the flowers to the cemetery for all the Damon graves, as Darrel's Mom and sister are not able to come this year.  Then we stayed for the service by the American Legion.  I have tried with the grandkids to give them the true meaning of Memorial Day.  Now Curtis is in the Air Force!  There were two members of the Patriot Guard there at the cemetery, so I took Abby over and we shook their hands and thanked them for what they do.  I was trying to explain to Abby what they do, and one said "We protest the protesters."  I love it when the cemetery is all decorated, all the American flags flying, and the crosses on the Veterans' graves.  God Bless America!!

I need to go out and mow some, it is cool today.  I hate to stir up the dirt and get it in my hair, but it has to be done, and I will be gone all next week, so.....

Jane, good to have you home!

Carol, want to come over to my house and clean?    Some people sure do have a lot of "gall" don't they? (To ask personal questions about what you paid for things.)   But have you noticed (I'm sure you have!) that those who do not have to work for what they have, do not appreciate and take care of it like those who do?

Larry, reading that list of "goodies" made my mouth water!!  It's probably a good thing I'm not there to make the choices!

Marilyn, good that Ruth's son is going along to the doctor.  He needs to hear his assessment of Ruth's condition and her needs.

Abby "camped out" with the neighbor girls last night, and must not have slept a lot.  She laid down with me, I took a nap for about an hour, and she is still asleep three hours later!  She won't want to go to bed tonight!

I'd better go get busy!

Well, thank goodness I have a bit of time this afternoon.  

I was able to view the public television performance of the Memorial Day concert in Washington, DC last night. How moving! May all of us everywhere pray for peace. As the song says, "let there be peace on earth, and let it begin in me..."

Etta Sue, yes, do please be careful with that itchy rash. They're no fun at all.

Judy, hope you rested better. How're the coverings for the windows holding up? Keeping those pesky flies out?

Wow! Jane. I'm not certain I could drive 9 hours these days - 5 seems very tiring to me. How thankful I am that you and Joy are so close.  I've never stopped thinking of and praying for your Bry. Will ask God's will be done in his new life and career.

Jane and Marilyn, I can empathize with the sense of loss when some of our kids aren't very available to be in our lives. Broken relationships sometimes take years to mend.... Because of a divorce situation, I didn't get to be with a relative for years. It's so nice to be back in touch and and equally as hard to try to be patient as this new relationship develops.

Everyone, your daily living challenges and victories, and your comments, are really helpful to me. Each day my faith is strengthened as your lives unfold and it begins to be seen how God's will works in you and through you.

Marilyn, I feel so much sorrow for your clients and the challenges you face in tryping to help them through their difficulties.

Larry, it sounds like you were probably "like a kid in a candy store" as you tried to determine what to order from THAT menu! Hope you and your wife and daughter are doing well today.

Pat, Etta Sue, Carol - I can empathized with the difficulties caused by those headaches (no matter how they manifest themselves) - migraines are no fun for the person who suffers and for those around the person suffering who really worry about their loved one's health.

So many others I haven't mentioned. Janet, still praying with you. Sue, hope your job is going well. Jeannine, your hubby may be dealing with full blown depression. Maybe the doctors can help him a bit. Depressions and illness certainly make a person feel very low. Samantha, Shutterbugmom, Gord, Sarah, Colin, Ruth ...I can't call everyone's names today, but plese know you're loved and cared for.

Well, all of you, have a good remainder of the day.

Ruth Ann

edit - Janet, I see you and I bumped into each other! 

Today was a sunny and fresh day, I did my laundry part went on the cloths line while the remainder went into the dryer, some items do not need to be seen by neighbors and the rest does much better in the dryer.   I have fallen behind with my house work and I was able to a little catch up as well. 

About the feeling of seperation from family for whatever reason sure does create a strangeness as all parties do not really know how to continue on as was normal before all of the stuff happened. We have spent the last 9 months in limbo with someone, after being kicked out of the home 3 times in that period now all is lovey and dovey as though nothing went wrong.  They will sure feel a coldness from me that is for sure.

Judy: High Speed is wonderful but like dial up it can go wrong as well, one good thing about this is if High Speed fails we can use dial up for 10 hrs. Which we have had to do.

Marilyn:   Do not feel like a record because I like to know what keeps you busy and by times it is a signal for me to get busy.

Sometimes I feel like ranting about my job but who wants to know about a school bus company that is showing signs of going downhill and fast.  Co-workers are leaving and others are just complainers , it will be a wonderful day when I no longer have a set of keys.

Time is closing in and my laundry is not put away, it is all folded so 10 minutes or less will see it done.

Ruth

Carol I saw your photos on SN.  Was that a local police car still in use, or just for show?

Ruthann sorry to hear about your grand daughter's arm. and Leslie's headaches. Excuse me for replying to your SN post here on CP.

Speaking of cleaning, I need to get into my shed and downsize in there so I can move some stuff from the house out there. I need to get into the cedar chest and do some cleaning out too, it hasn't been opened since I moved into this house. I have tubs on top of it and my little TV on top of the tubs to get it high enough to watch in bed.

Etta Sue I forgot to thank you for the devotional today. I used to think of myself as one of those LAST persons, I felt like an outcast, Times have sure changed.

TTYL

Marilyn, thanks for continuing to remember Leslie's bad headaches. We all worry when our children aren't well, don't we. And, I'm not certain I remembered to mention little Georgia's broken arm. Thanks for reminding me.

She's 3, and a real jumping jill. This time it was out the parked truck's window (other door was open). Thank goodness it was on the grass. Both arm bones are broken near the wrist, so she's now wearing a little pink waterproof cast that goes above her elbow.

It's amazing what I've been able to get done today. All the while thinking of our service women and men who sacrifice so much for us.

Such newsy notes from everyone.  Ruthann I am sorry about the breaks and headaches. 

Larry I am praying.

Janet for you too.

Jeannine, I am praying. 

Many I haven't mentioned.

It has been cool up here today, had the furnace going for a bit.  Yes the material DOES work!  I am so pleased.  We will cover all the windows this way it is mych better than the screning, what John got was a blue-grey and you can't even tell it is there!

Tomorrow I have to take Elizabeth fot testing for learning difficulties.  She is embarrassed about this.  Please pray for her tomorrow.

This afternoon we had a ruckus going on in the house.  Somehow a starling flew into the house.  The girls tried to catch it but it flew into the living room and banged into a window.  I was able to catch it and put it out.  It quickly flew away.

Well I must go.  Six early mornings has about ended my endurance.  Another early up tomorrow.  It would be fine if I could sleep early.  I am off and I am praying.

Love to all
JudyB

Say folks take a look at the pictures forums. 

There is some real talent here on this site.

Go through your pictures and add to what we have here.  Does anyone have pictures of churches or stained glass windows?  How about letting us see them!

JudyB ~ I asked the nurse to look at my leg when I got bloodwork again this morning.  She said it looked like sun poisoning but I should see the doctor.  But I needed to go back to the doctor this afternoon at 1:30 to see the doctor.  I told her that with the cost of gas, I would tough it out.  If it gets larger or stays the same until Friday then I will call to see the doctor.  I am putting hydocortizone on the red splotch for now.  I don't think it is sun-poisoning.

Jane ~ So happy you got to spend time with Joy and Bry!  I am surprised he is going to try the Army again.  Good for him! 

Marilyn ~ Talk about your clients all you want as long as I can talk about mowing my lawn!  That seems all I do in the summer is mow! 

Larry ~ I don't think I would return to your Chinese Buffet...they don't have enough choices to eat and fill your tummy!  You know I am kidding.  What a spread!!

Carol ~ Thanks for the comments on the devotion.  Jealousy sure is ugly.  And I am with you...I don't like to be around people who wants to know how much everything cost you.  Me?  I fear that I tell what so and so costs and they don't have a chance to ask me!!

Janet ~ I, too, like it when the cemeteries are decorated with the American Flags.  Going through Noblesville, the county seat, this morning little flags with peoples names on the cards below them  surrounded the court house.  So touching.  And a cemetery at Greenfield has large flags on flag poles on both sides of the drive through the cemetery.  Nothing is as pretty as the American flag...unless you aren't American.

Ruth Ann ~ My 'migraines' started when I was in the living room of my sisters and they had an aluminum Christmas tree with the color wheel.  I thought it was because I was looking at the tree or that I was pregnant...46 years ago.  My razzle-dazzles are in both eyes, even shut I can see them.  Even wake in the night with them.  They resemble a pebble thrown into a pond and you are facing the sun.  Or a watermark in a window pane facing the sun.  Or even beveled glass.  Sparlking colors...first at the point of sight...then it 'grows'.  Mine are mostly in the shape of a 'C'.  A few minutes into it, I can see, say, a persons pupil but not their eye brow.  Then not their hair.  And when it gets to my paraphial (sp) vision, it is gone.  Takes 15-25 minutes.  And all the time, these colored lights are flickering and making me feel queazy.  I have learned not to pay any attention to them and they disappear quicker and don't leave me feeling blah! 

Ruth ~ I love hanging my clothes on the line to dry...especially bed linens.  And as for unmentionables...well, to see them you have to be behind my house and what are you doing back there?  One perk for living out in the boonies! 

Ivalou went with me to get my blood work and then we had breakfast at a restaurant.  She asked me over this evening for hot dogs, baked beans and for me to bring my potato salad.  I like that.  I take this, you have that and we have a meal. 

I called my Benefits office for my insurance through my retirement.  Why can't they tell me anything?  I need to know $$ so I can figure out which way to go with Medicare to spend the least amount of money!  Then I call Social Security and they wouldn't tell me anything either.  I guess they want to talk to me in person!  So I still don't know what to do!! 

Thanks to everyone who commented on the devotion for this week. 

Etta Sue, that is so strange!  When we went to the Social Security office, they said, "You could have saved yourselves a trip.  We handle this by phone all the time!"  You can also go online at Social Security.org and get information.  But in my opinion, you really should sign up for Medicare, it will save you so much in the long run, and your other insurance can be your medi-gap.  But for sure, you need to find out these answers so you know what to do!

Ruth Ann, sorry to hear about little Georgia's broken arm.  I'm sure it will mend quickly, and a person cannot keep those little ones still and safe---nor would we want to deprive them of their freedom to jump, run and play.  I was blessed in that none of my kids ever suffered a broken bone.

I have driven over a hundred miles today.  I took Darrel to Sublette to see about an alarm, then we went by Abby's home to drop her off---over her heated protests, but Bible School starts this evening---then home, then to town to check another alarm problem.  At 2:00 Darrel has more therapy.  Busy, busy, busy.

I know there was lots more happening yesterday evening, but I won't comment on all of it all at this time.  Have stuff to do, and little time for doing it.

Hi everyone.

I see everyone is busy and I have been as well today.  I had a bunch of errands to run this morning after coffee and it was lunch time before I got home.  I then rested for about 90 minutes.  When I got up I found a grocery list that Pat needed so just got back from shopping.  I think I am going to have to start using the electric cart even in this smaller Krogers that is nearby as I didn't have many items to get and it still tired me and I now have a little feeling in my chest (nothing serious and it will go away).

We had thought that our son would be over today but he realized that today is his wife's birthday and decided, wisely, that he needed to change his plans and so should be here tomorrow and will spend the night with us.  There is a lot of weedeating to do at his property as right now it is taking on the appearance of a jungle--not good for showing prospective buyers.

I wrote to our choir director to tell her I didn't plan on being at choir tomorrow night as want to spend the time with him.  Since he moved we don't see him very often and then it is just for a short time.

The lunch yesterday was superb and the food outstanding.  There were six of us and it wasn't busy when we got there.  It is the best food we have had there probably because they featured a lot more American dishes than the typical Asian dishes. 

Ruth Ann, nice to see you feeling up to such a newsy posting. 

JudyB, thanks for your expression of concern for our daughter and thanks to all of you for keeping her in your prayers.  She is a very frightened person and needless to say her parents are very concerned but understand this is in God's hands and not ours.  I am not trying to be dramatic here but it is a serious situation from all indications.  It is a shame in our society that if someone has a learning disability that others would look down on that person rather than admire them for recognizing the problem and taking whatever steps are appropriate to help.  We should all realize that there but for the grace of God goes I.  Tell her we are pulling for her and to hold her head high. 

Marilyn, it sounds like you are very resourceful with your storage. 

Ruth, it sure is sad to see companies go downhill. 

Janet, I never cease to be amazed at your stamina. 

Ruth and Etta Sue, I always have to laugh to myself when I read the concern about hanging unmentionables on the outside line since it indicates a concern that no one else wears such garments.  Just kidding. 

Carol, hope you all have a great trip home and don't encounter any snow in Yellowstone.  Know it will be nice to get home.

Jane, that was very nice of your neighbor to recognize that you wouldn't want to have to fix a meal after a long drive.  It sounds like you have some very nice neighbors and that they appreciate you.

Marilyn:  That car - a 56 Dodge is used for parades and such.  You would love the old-fashioned siren.  It sure brought back memoris - not that the police chased me..      Just kidding.  I was such a goody - goody person. 

RuthAnn:  Thinking of you.

Janet:  We are almost ready to go.  This place has stainless appliances which I wouldn't want.  So high maintenance.  Then, black on the trim.  Egads.  This is why I have had white in my kitchen for ever - it can be bleached & tough as nails.  Can't complain as we have enjoyed a fabulous view for this month and trying to keep up this place for the kids come in six weeks.  We have critters under the front porch that keep moving rocks in front of their holes.  Neighbor thinks they are bunnies.  I don't know but we didn't want to have any dead animals under the porch so will let son deal with this as he may come in two weeks. 

Met a nice neighbor next door and she is ten years younger, just diagnosed with MS.  A very athletic gal and at age of mid-fifties, she was surprised & so was her doctor with the diagnosis.  She is upbeat & accepting.  We live long enough, we get something. 

I read the history of the tribes in this area.  They know that this is where they lived for at least the last 14,000 years.  In mid-1800's pushed out by congress and politicians in the east then non-native people came & just started farming. 

We are taking two days at the least to drive home via Yellowstone.  Hope to see a bear (just close enough for a picture, thank you).  Right now, we are both going to take a little nap - aching bones & such.  Carol

I'm home again for a while, at least.  Darrel had a full hour of therapy, so while he was there, I went to see Mom and Beth.  Today is Mom's 91st birthday, so I thought I'd better make an appearance today!  Anthony called Dr. Neel and they took Darrel out of the sling.  I hear him practicing on the piano, so he must be feeling better.

Larry, I'm sorry about Stacey's heart problems.  That is difficult for a young woman.  But I'm SO happy her feet are back on the right path again.  I have no idea what Beth's future holds, but it looks very grim.    But she does know the Lord, that is a comfort.  I hope your heart settles down right away, too.

Jane, I am surprised that Bry wants to go back into the army.  But if that's his chosen path, I pray he gets to do it.  Our Curtis is driving to Alabama today to enter Officers Training for 6 weeks.

I didn't get any mowing done yesterday, and the wind is still blowing today, so I suppose I may as well "bite the bullet" and go do it.  Ugh.  Wish I coulld say like JudyB that I love it, but the opposite is true!

See y'all later!

Hi, Carol!  We were posting at the same time.  No, I wouldn't like those appliance colors, either.  I have a black front oven, and it's the pits to keep shining.  I have never liked stainless steel sinks, either; prefer the old porcelain over cast iron, myself.  Have a good trip home!

Larry:  It is so true about what goes on the cloths line but you are so funny.  What got hung on the cloths line all started when I was a little one on the farm - the neighbors must not see although they lived to far away to see.

Etta Sue & Carol:  About the folk that always want to know the cost and even dare to ask if it is financed is just out right nosey and yes it has happened to me, I just wish I was blessed with the right words to come back with or just tell them to myob.  We  must also remember what goes round comes round and man oh man does it bite when that happens.  Have you noticed that type of person is insecure in so many ways.

Janet & Judy you both seem to be run around busy, I need to sit and rest and compared my days accomplishments are small.

I have a to-do list with 5 items on it I got l and almost 2 erased the 2nd one will get finished tomorrow.  Item 3 will be done tonight - that is catch up on all the newspapers.

Tom Diceman came and sprayed our lawn this afternoon it will help to put the weeds under control.

Now I do have a question - it is rhubarb season again and the best is fresh pie,   I like it with just sugar others like it very much with stawberries which I have not done but had and now I ask has anyone made one  with pineapple and if so how much I have been told that mom's sister did it this way but since she is gone I cannot ask.  If you have had rhubarb & pineapple how do you like the taste?   

Etta Sue:    Many thanks for you cat animations as I often copy and paste them to a dear aunt that loves cats.

I sure had a busy day today.  It all started at 4 am when I work up cold and had to shut the window and turn on the heater went back to bed and got up at  5. after spending approximately an hour with the Lord in prayer and reading his word I went on to Curves. Back home to have breakfast and get ready for work and a meeting with a potential customer int he afternoon. Went to work at 8 am an hour early so I could have Ruth back here in Mckinleyville to the beauty shop by 9.

While she was there I crossed the parking lot to Safeway and did her grocery shopping. We continued the day by going to the Senior center for lunch. I left her at home at 12:20 came home to have get a protein bar because I didn't eat at the senior center. I am  on a special diet for a few more days as part of the challenge I have with the Owner of Curves.

I met the lady I was scheduled with and we visited for  just over  hour, I had some Earl Grey tea, Left there at 2:45 came home for a quick protein drink and went back to Ruth's to prepare her supper. Back home by 5:45 to prepare my own supper. 

Geez Do I get to stop now and relax? My poor dogs didn't even get a walk today. I am worn out just telling you about my day. 

QuoteI called my Benefits office for my insurance through my retirement.  Why can't they tell me anything?  I need to know $$ so I can figure out which way to go with Medicare to spend the least amount of money!  Then I call Social Security and they wouldn't tell me anything either.  I guess they want to talk to me in person!  So I still don't know what to do!!

Etta Sue - what I've found after very careful examination is thaat going with Medicare, along with Medi-Gap AARP has been excellent.  They're even covering about 80% of prescription costs now.   Contact AARP, and they'll give you all the information you could possibly need.

Good evening everyone.  I continue to pray for each and everyone of you.

This has been a wonderful day of sunshine and a breezr to keep us cool.  I have the tractor home, and tomorrow I will be mowing.  It is going to take time to get things back in shape.

Took Mother out for dinner today, she does so enjoy that.  Swiss Chalet is the greatest if you like chicken.  We have come to call Swiss Chalet "Christian Chicken" as we always see someone from one of the local churches. 

Well I am off.  Tired and intending to have a late morning tomorrow.  Thaat will give the grass time to dry and get rid of at least some of the bugs.

Hi everyone.  I am trying to get an early start as while I don't know how busy the day will be in terms of accomplishments I do think it will be pretty full.  After coffee plan on attending the morning Bible study and this afternoon and evening our son will be here so won't be on the computer very much.

I just watched an amazing video from a link that Marilyn sent me of a four fingered young pianist from Korea.  I feel very inspired by it and it was a great way to start out my day.

JudyB, I have always liked chicken.  I grew up on a farm and fresh fried chicken was a staple at our house, espeically for Sunday dinner or special occasions.  We raised our own chickens and have helped my mother defeather many of them, although I never had to be the one killing them.  Hope you got to sleep in this morning and are more rested.  Enjoy the lawn mowing.

Al and Etta Sue, a couple of my friends have or had AARP and seemed happy with it.  However, one of my friends switched to Humana and is very pleased with it.  I did not have to deal with this or take the Medicare part D as I have very good medical insurance through my retirement.

Marilyn, does your car ever have the opportunity to cool down?    You are certainly on the go a lot.  I am glad you are sticking with your special eating plan and hope it is successful for you.  It is amazing how doing something with someone else provides the incentive to do what we know we should be doing anyway and it makes it a lot more enjoyable.

Ruth, I have to say that I truly dislike rhubarb and I know it goes back to when I was growing up.  We have a large patch of it and while the big leaves were great fun to play with I never liked the taste of it.  I think it stemmed from the fact that mother would sometimes not make it in a pie but just eat it alone and it gagged me and she insisted that I eat it.  In my adult life there have been very few times I have even eaten strawberry rhubarb pie but was able to tolerate it.  I know it isn't logical but these childhood memories linger over into our adult life.

Janet, glad to read that Darrel is going so well with his rehab and is now able to practice the piano.  Sitting there practicing is a pretty good indicator of how he is feeling.  When I don't feel very well I find playing the piano is not very enjoyable, but neither is anything else.  Janet, our daughters are a source of serious concern but it sounds like you have done what I have and that is put her in God's hands.  He knows what is best for them and I, like you, am so happy that my daughter is seeking God's help in the situation she faces.  God has been so good to us and I am so grateful.  The outcomes may not be what we would want them to be but it is God's plan for their lives and not our plan that is important.

Carol, I am glad to know that about the stainless steel applicances.  We have also always had white except for one time when we had almond colored applicances and they were not difficult to keep clean.  White is still my favorite.  Enjoy your trip home.

Well it is time to leave for coffee.  I don't have to pick up my normal rider for the rest of the week as they have gone out of town and he won't be back to go to coffee until Monday.

Here is the link Larry spoke of, I did  send it to quite a few of  y-all.

Four Fingered Pianist

Janet ~ Oh, I know I want Medicare Part A and B but don't know if I want to pursue a Drug program or not.  That was my question.  Is the drug program restricted and how much is the cost monthly?  Is there a deductible for the drugs also?  You know...what is the cheapest and the best treatment for me?  Is Curtis going to Ft. McClellan?  That's at my husbands home town.

Larry ~ I know for sure that you will enjoy time with your son.  I know my son is only 12 miles away but I certainly enjoy his phone calls and visits and occassionally dinners eaten out.  As for retirement insurance, a few years back mine was superb.  Covered nearly everything 100% and no premium.  Then I was charged a monthly premium.  Each year it got higher.  Now no premium but a $1100 deductible for medical and RX's.  And ATT is a large company!!  I am retired from Southwestern Bell but that is ATT now.

Carol ~ Do have a leisure, safe drive back home.  I know the scenery there is fabulous and I hope you see a bear posing for his portrait!

Ruth ~ Truthfully I am not a fan of rhubarb pie but years ago my sister made a wonderful Rhubarb Cream Pie.  It was delicious.  Have you thought of searching online for a rhubarb/pineapple pie recipe?  I find you can almost search for anything!  And thank you for thanking me for the cat animations.  Just hope they bring a smile when a frown is predominate. 

Marilyn ~ Whew!  I am tuckered out just reading your post!  You are one busy gal!

Al ~ Thanks all for the information on Medi-Gap AARP.  I have insurance with my retirement...ATT.  I don't pay a premium monthly but I have a high deductible that includes medical and prescriptions.  (Which is cheaper than the monthly premium times 12)  My problem is with Medicare, I will still have to hit my deductible for prescriptions...I can see $2200 out of my pocket each year!  This is the first year my retirement insurance included prescriptions as a deductible...if it was back to the old way, I would be fine.  I use Caremark mail in service.  Two of my prescriptions are over $200 for 90 day supply so those alone would hit my deductible. 

JudyB ~ Like ironing....I dislike ironing but once I start I enjoy it.  Mowing is the same thing.  While mowing, I solve all the problems of the world.  When I am finished, I have a great looking yard AND a contented soul.

I got the doily crocheted for Kitty.  Now I have to starch and iron it.  I sure haven't done that for years!  Also waiting for my doctor's office to call me and let me know what my potassium was yesterday and probably go to the drug store for a new RX. 

For about 4-5 days now I have a Cardinal that dive bombs my picture window.  He will get on the two screens on each side of the picture window.  Then sometimes flutter at the big glass in the middle.  And sometimes will even sit at the bottom and look in.  Ali and Inky are even getting used to the cardinal doing that!  I keep hearing his wings hitting the window! 

Suppose to get to 88° today.  A day to stay in with the A/C.

It is the start of a beautiful sunny day.

Marilyn: I enjoyed the video of the Four Fingered Pianist, it sure gives inspiration and encouragement to those of us that could be feeling down and out.

Larry: Have a wonderful day.

Etta Sue:   It would be great if we did not need to make decisions concerning our retirement medical care, one can feel that it is all sorted out then something comes along and makes changes and not necessarly for our best but theirs.   My husband does have a fairly good plan which was  part of his retirement package.

Etta Sue - I'm not an official adviser, but if I were in your position I'd at least look into the AARP prescription drug plan.  I get 3 months supply of them all, and the total cost this last time was $36.  That's about one third what it was before.  And I don't even have to go get them - they come by mail.