Christian Photographers Community

Wonderful Al Thank you!

Hi everyone.  Another weekend past and the beginning of a bright new week.  Know it will be another hot one.  This is also going to be a busy week with activities all but one day.  Today have my men's luncheon and an activity this evening.

Jane, it must be great to be able to watch swans in your lake.  They are such beautiful and classic birds.  Too bad about the little one but a hawk seems a likely culprit.  The cycle of life is sometimes cruel.

Don, what neat pictures.  I never thought about growing pineapples.  We can't keep a house plant healthy so don't think we would have much change with a pineapple.

Janet, beautiful verse on the card and it sounds like it would express the feeling of a daughter who has benefited so much from your always being there for her.  I can see why it would bring a tear to your eye.  In recent years we have had some similar expressions from our kids.  I have a feeling that if she had been able to write the verse it would have been very similar to what you got on the card.  You can use the search feature of Windows (click on the little icon on the left bottom of the screen) and you will see search.  Just type in the title of the book and select search files and you should be able to find it. 

Al, thanks for the devotional thought for the week.  I liked the example of the three "h's" and it is so true.  We can always remember that through very dark times God has told us that he will never place a burden on us beyond what we can carry. 

Again, church was awesome.  One problem or concern, our church secretary starts a new job today and didn't tell the church until last Friday!  So we are looking for a new secretary...not a high paying job but a part-time job.

Five of us went to Applebee's for lunch.  I really like Applebee's.  Then home. 

I was online for a bit and then got my book to read.  Bet I didn't read two pages and nodded off.  I think I slept for 3 hours!! 

I was surprised when I went to bed that I was sleepy but I went right to sleep. 

Today is rehab, throat doctor, lunch, BMV and tonight church council meeting.  Another busy day!  And I probably will go to the body shop and have them look at the car and leave their copy of the estimate.

Etta Sue, will you please slow down?  You're making me tired!   

Today and tomorrow I may need to turn on some fans.  They're all set to go in the windows, but I haven't needed them for the last month.  The forecast is for near 90 and higher humidity - but that's Albany and we're usually a bit cooler here.  So I'll just have to wait and see.  At least all I need to do is turn a couple of dials.   

Have you checked out - and entered - our latest challeng "Freedom"?  Have a look HERE and maybe get some ideas for something you can post. 

If you have a photo you'd like to enter but have a problem posting it, let me know and I'll see if I can help.

This is going to be a busy week for us as well.  John has taken the week off and is doing some well needed....long put off chores.  At this moment I hear a bangng in my ears, he is rewpairing a deck that has rotting wood on it.  He is finding more good than rotten which is a surprise!

The funniest sight last night.  We have a young spaniel, Rambo who is very true to his name.  Last night (early evening) he was running with his mouth full of a soft ball.  This ball eas so big in his mouth that he was having trouble breathing.  John was taking the ball away from him and throwing.  To give the (silly) dog more of a challenge I gave John the baseball bat Kassie uses to hit the ball.  Rambo watching john would throw the ball up and miss.  Throw the ball ....miss.   Throw the ball and third time he hit it right across the yard.  Rambo was so intent on watching the bat that he totally missed seeing the ball fly.  He never did find it, John had to retreive it! 

Jeanne I have a picture in mind.....Just have to take it! When does the challenge close?

Pat (sister) is having phone problems.  She got through to me last night but it seems that was a fluke.  I called her right back to no answer. I know she was there.

HAd to do a system restore today.  I did something with my settings that caused me to have to "sign in" every time I came onto this and other sites.  I found it frustrating, but I have no idea what settings I messed with so the system restore was in order.  I just hope that fixed things.

Be back later.

Janet, what a beautiful card Beth picked out for you.  It is just perfect! 

I have been trying to think of more names for Darrel's and your new puppy.  Don't know why, it is yours and not mine!  :-) 
How about considering Miss Daisy,  Roxie,  Gracie,  or Becky.  Looks like I can only think of names that end with y or ie....just a coincidence.

Hello to all who visit here today. 

Judy, you have until Friday to get an entry into the challenge.  So hop to it girl!   

Thanks to our Lord, I was able to attend worship Sunday. How great to listen to our pastor's message. He's a wonderful teaching-type of pastor.

Then lunch with friends.

Then, home, and a LONG nap.

I'll most likely be away from the computer tomorrow, but will be thinking of y'all.

Love to all, Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on a very hot day with heat advisories out for our area.  We had a nice but brief rain yesterday a little before lunch and have that possibility again today.  The rain is welcome.  I have one activity this morning and then plan to stay inside where it is cool for the rest of the day. 

Etta Sue, my Monday men's luncheon group ate at Applebee's yesterday.  I had there lunch special and it was plenty to eat.

Jeanne, it sounds like summer is catching up with your area.  Stay cool.

Judy, it sounds like you may have deleted your cookies although after signing in again you should be OK.  Glad the system restore solved the problem.

Hi Janice.  Those sounded like good names.

Ruth Ann, sounds like you had a busy day. We passed on lunch with friends after church Sunday and just ate alone as was tired.  Did have a nice long rest when we got home.

Larry the system restore did work.  Jes I did delete the cookies, but I also changed settings, I just don't know which ones!!!

Great day yesterday, out for supper last night.  On the way home we stopped at the neighbors and while John talked to Lloyd, I went in and talked to Bunny.  We are developing a good friendship here.

John is back working on the back deck.  We decided last night that we would enclose it.  Doing that will give us a place to sit, free of bugs in the summer and offer a wind break in the winter. 

Have a great day everone.

Larry, our "summer" is only for a couple of days at a time.  Today will continue hazy, hot and humid and near 90.  Then tomorrow it will be drier and back to only about 80.  

We had a light rain overnight, and it's predicted to continue throughout the day.  It is welcome here, at my house!   

I had a call from my granddaughter, Becky, yesterday evening.  It was later where she was in Illinois but she told of the tornado that had gone through their town that morning.  She said all the power was out for the whole area "except for the stores, because they have generators"  She said her phone was about to die and they had no way to charge it.  (too bad) ... I said it was a good thing they were in a basement ... trying to keep her off the subject she was aiming at ($$$ !!).
All of a sudden her phone did die and I haven't heard from her since then.  She was beginning to tell me that her bf's mother was supposed to bring them food but hadn't made it and they were without ..... I know the next thing would be to ask me to send them money -- again!  Oh well!!

Taking a break.  This deck has cost us all of $20. to build!  Woohoo.

WE will have to paint and we don't have any left here so that will mean buying.

Larry the system restore didn't work.  I have to log in to every site every time.  Wish I knew what I changed so I can put it back to original settings.

Well ..... Becky called, in tears, this morning to say her food stamps had been denied and she has to re-apply... won't get them until next month and they don't have any food!      I tried every suggestion I could think of and to each she said they've "burned all resources" in that area and all they got from WIC was milk, eggs, and peanut butter a few days ago.

Yup, I just got back from sending more money so they can eat.      At first I told her I don't have any more money, but then I began to feel badly about that.  I know I can't keep this up, but I couldn't think of them without food for the next 2-3 weeks. 

Well, the BMV was closed on Monday! 

So today I woke up at 6:30am.  Got up, got dressed, got my devotions to read while I was gone and Hawaii and I headed to Noblesville.  I drove by the BMV, thinking they opened at 7:30am but they didn't open until 8:30am.  So I went to Bob Evans for breakfast. 

I was done eating way too early to go to BMV and asked them if it was okay to sit there and read.  Sure.  So I read my devotions and then Kindle.  I am reading a fiction Amish book. 

Then to the BMV.  Third one in there and everything went quick and easy.  Well, except the check I had to write...I forgot plates for a new car costs a lot more than a 9-year old car! 

Then to WalMart.  My cupboards were bare.  Plus the Throat doctor said it looked like I do have an allergy so I got some Zyrtec, also. 

So my cupboards are full, my car is registered and plates transferred and title on the way to be returned to me, and hopefully, my allergies will be better after I take my pills a few days. 

Then I decided to mow before it got too hot.  That job is done for another week.  I now have a load of clothes in the washer and one in the dryer. 

TOMORROW I am doing NOTHING!!

Janice, thanks for the additional name suggestions.  I think her name is Donna, goes well with Dinah (cat) but it really doesn't seem to "fit" her.  Hmmmm.  I wish Darrel would just pick a name (but NOT Sue!) and stick with it!

Yes, I thought the same, that if Beth  could still write, she would write something very similar to what the card says.  She is very appreciative, and that is nice.



I have a couple of short updates about Shirley on the missions trip.  I will go find them and post them here.

Hello Everyone...
I just got a message from Eli today stating that Shirley's hip went out again..For those of you who may not know this is the second time this has happened now while she is on her missions trip to Africa..Eli stated that they were 6 hours from civilization when it happened. She bent over to pick up a feather and out it went..I am trying to get clarification if this is the hip that she had hip replacement surgery on..They got her to a hosptial to get it put back in. That's where Eli was went he sent me the message..The Dr. there told her she needed to see a Dr. when she got back home because he feels like there is damage to the socket of her hip..So please everyone say a prayer for Shirley and the entire team ministering in Africa..They have most certainly had their share of trials on this trip but God is Greater than anything the devil can throw at them..I will send any updates as I get them..Love to all..Leanne

[Hey Hey...
I got an update back already from Eli..Shirley got her hip put back in now for the second time and Eli stated she is now doing wonderful He said he is going to make double double sure that she is very very careful and that she utilizes the crutches...Oh and YES this is the hip that she had the hip replacement on..So, she will be seeing her Dr. when she gets back to the good ole USA..Thanks so much everyone for praying and keep on praying for the Africa Team...They will be wrapping up this trip soon...Leanne/color]

Janet, that's a long story, and a can of worms I am not willing to open in public.  I wish I hadn't even mentioned it.  

Oh, I am so sorry, Jane.  I will delete my post, right NOW.  Please forgive me!  I meant no harm or embarrassment.

No need to apologize, Janet ... I just hate explaning stuff all the time ... and it IS a long story!      

We have a wonderfully cool day to work on the finishing the deck.  Hopefully it won't take much longer.....There are similarities to making a dress, but takes much longer.  A dress would be done by now!!!

We have a silly adult eautiful white cat...in heat...and she just fell down the stairs!  Silly girl!

I know it is too soon to say but I will say it anyway...the Zyrtec seems to be working!  I slept great last night also. 

Today is a do-nothing day so I am outta here to do nothing!!

Judy, after my first husband died, my daughter had temporarily left her cat with me.  Every evening when I came home from work he'd be sleeping by the front door.  As soon as I turned in the driveway he'd wake up and immediately fall down the steps. 

Good morning--barely! I had a tough night, think I was having sympathy pain for my sister Shirley.  The hollow of my left hip hurt so much, and I couldn't find any comfortable position.......finally got up and took Tylenol and got to sleep around 5 AM.  Of course, that meant sleeping later than usual, got up at 8 and decided to walk, even if it was hot.  But it was still nice and cool and I got my walking done.

I do have another update from Eli, nothing from Shirley yet   but I need to hurry and get showered and go to exercise class; so I will post his update after lunch.

God bless you all, have a wonderful day!

Cats can be so funny....but Dogs win!

Got this story in my email, it is just a story, but a touching one. 

    What an awesome reminder
    of why we are here.

     

    The Cab Ride

    I arrived at the address and honked the horn.
    After waiting a few minutes I walked to the door and knocked.
    'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice.
    I could hear something being dragged across the floor..


    After a long pause, the door opened.
    A small woman in her 90's stood before me..
    She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it,
    Like somebody out of a 1940's movie.


    By her side was a small nylon suitcase.
    The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years.
    All the furniture was covered with sheets.


    There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters.
    In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.


    'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said.
    I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.


    She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb..

    She kept thanking me for my kindness.
    'It's nothing', I told her..
    'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'.

    'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said.
    When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked,
    'Could you drive through downtown?'


    'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..

    'Oh, I don't mind,' she said.
    'I'm in no hurry.
    I'm on my way to a hospice'.


    I looked in the rear-view mirror.
    Her eyes were glistening.
    'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..
    'The doctor says I don't have very long.
    'I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.


    'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

    For the next two hours, we drove through the city.
    She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.


    We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived
    When they were newlyweds.
    She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once
    Been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

    Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner
    And would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing..


    As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said,
    'I'm tired. Let's go now'.

    We drove in silence to the address she had given me.
    It was a low building, like a small convalescent home,
    With a driveway that passed under a portico.


    Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up..
    They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.
    They must have been expecting her.

    I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door.
    The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

    'How much do I owe you?'
    She asked, reaching into her purse.


    'Nothing,' I said

    'You have to make a living,' she answered.

    'There are other passengers,' I responded.

    Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.
    She held onto me tightly.


    'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.
    'Thank you.'

    I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.
    Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.


    I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift.
    I drove aimlessly lost in thought.
    For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk.
    What if that woman had gotten an angry driver,
    Or one who was impatient to end his shift?
    What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once,
    then driven away?

    On a quick review,
    I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.


    We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

    But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully
    wrapped in what others may consider a small one.


    PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY
    WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID
    ~BUT~
    THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER
    HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

Judy I remember that one. It always brings tears to my eyes to re-read it.

I have been tot he Farmer's Market today I got some lettuce and Golden tomatoes.  those gold tomatoes sure do taste good.

I have been  working on my graphics, web page and html lessons.  Not much else going on around here. I'm glad it rained a little yesterday and  settled the pollen down so my allergies also settled down, the wind had been fierce for a few days and played havoc on my allergies.

Etta sue I hope you are enjoying your "do nothing" day. I never see you mention Ali anymore, just Inky. Do you still have Ali?

Janet yesterday I made a special image for a friend of mine,. can see it HERE She wanted something Red and Asia large enough for her to  have enlarged to hang on her wall. the image link here is for a smaller version.

Marilyn, that is so beautiful!  WOW!  I love it.  I can barely remember how to do the simple stuff on my computer, let alone that kind of thing! Very good.
No comments on the short prayer requests from Africa.....hmmmm...

Judy, I also remember that email, so touching.

Tomorrow is Abby's 14th birthday. ALREADY!!!  She called last night to invite us for supper, ice cream and cake.  I had wondered if she would have a family party or one with just her friends.  Love those grandchildren!

I am going to my little scrapbooking thing soon, will post the update before I go to bed, I promise!

Hi everyone. I am late getting here today.  We had our usual Wednesday morning Bible study and hour at Dunkin' Donut.  When we got home the mail had already come which included the new ROKU box for watching Netflix.  After resting I tried to set it up with nothing but frustration.  I was in an online chat with their support and then a telephone call to the tech in India.  Unless I can find an answer online I will be shipping it back and getting my money back.  The ROKU box I have works fine with my internet setup so am not willing to start changing my setting and mess up my home system.  It isn't that important.

Judy, you will enjoy your enclosed back porch. Are you putting windows in it or just wire? Check to see if you have put a check mark in your settings so it won't set cookies. 

Jeanne, it was 93 here before noon today.  Yesterday afternoon we had a nice shower that really cooled it down to the low 80s and that was very nice.

Jane, believe me I feel for you and understand how you feel.  After "loaning" our granddaughter a significant amount of money and it was never enough we just had to tell her there would be no more.  These are individual decisions that no one else can make for us.

Janet, how much longer will the team be in Africa?

Etta Sue, glad you are feeling better.

Judy, lovely story.

Marilyn, beautiful image you made for your friend.

Janet, she can't be 14 already! My how time passes.  Please don't take a lack of comment on a prayer request as an indication that no one is praying.   

I am posting this as a separate message.  It is a lovely piece that a good friend sent me.  It is rather long but I found it worth the time to read:


I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.

He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.

He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.

Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two..
Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.

Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back... She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.

She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know."

I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes.

"My husband passed away eight days ago," I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. "Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together."

She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away.

I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could
always fix myself an ice cream cone.

I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.

As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. "These are for you," she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. "When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for." She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision.

I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know?
Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone.

Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.
(Please read all of this, it is really nice)

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings..
Thank you, Lord, that I can hear..
There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible.
Thank you, Lord, That I can see.
Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising.
Thank you, Lord, that I have strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud.

Thank you, Lord, for my family.
There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced.

Thank you, Lord, for the food we have.
There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous.
Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job..

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest.

Thank you, Lord, for life.

Pass this on to the friends you know. It might help a bit to make this world a better place to live, right? A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift. A friend is someone to treasure.

For friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and happier place.

YOU ARE MY FRIEND!
God bless you and yours.

Hi, friends, thanks to the loving care of our Father, I'm (as the old folks said) "going strong."

It's wonderful to read your conversations today.

May the Lord bless us daily with His plan for good, not evil, to come our way.

Love y'all,
Ruth Ann

Well, I'm back...Judy, most likely you made a change in your internet tools dialog box. It won't save any cookies if you clicked the offer to delete cookies upon exit from the program.

Ruth Ann

Larry, that was indeed beautiful.  I had to blink away the tears, or I wouldn't have been able to read it to the end.  Bless the Lord for who and what we have.  Oh the blessings we hardly notice!  I have a little thing I try sometimes to teach people called "Notice and Tell."  Let us notice what our Lord has done, and then let us tell Him about it.  Amen.

OK you both ertr right.  It I checked the "Clear when Firefox closes" tab.  Now see if this works!

Picked up supplies, and we are back at work.  Larry here in the North we need to window the deck in.  John's dad was a true Dutch man.  "Never throw anything away!"  We have more windows than I will ever see being used. There is enough for todays job, and......maybe some wishful thinking here.....a greenhouse!!

Bye for now!

Hi everyone.  Guess it hasn't been long since I last posted but like to come here first thing in the morning.  It looks like by tomorrow we may get a little break in the heat wave but will still be hot today.

Other than coffee this morning there is nothing on my schedule for today that will take me away from home.  I always have a few projects to work on here at home.  Will do some more research on the new ROKU box but may just return it for a refund.

Ruth Ann, I have always saved the cookies as it helps me work on the internet.  When I have deleted them it has been a pain to reenter passwords and usernames to sites. 

Al, I like your "Notice and Tell". 

Judy, windows are expensive.  When I had windows put into our screened in porch a couple of years ago I just put in the storm windows because of the cost.  We don't use the porch as a living area as it is usually too hot or too cold out there but the windows help keep it clean and the mildew out. My dad wasn't Dutch but he didn't believe in wasting anything either.  We live on a farm so had room to store things out of the weather.

Hope you all have a nice day.

Here is the promised update:

Date: Tuesday, July 12, 2011, 10:43 AM

Hey guys! Just got back yesterday from another round of village runs! This week, we were only out for 3 days, which was kind of a rush for 2 villages and the expectation of showing 4 films. We ended up only showing the Passion of the Christ in both villages and skipping out on the Jesus Film because both villages had watched them before. It was also super hard to get around and do stuff this week because of the constant rain. Rain isn't nice when you want to get around in the middle of African dirt roads.

In the first village we found out that our vcr/dvd player was broken, so we didn't show anything at all there the first night. The next day, Wendy and I traveled into the district village (town) and found a dvd play that worked. During the middle of a service, I had a talk with Tim about setting up the generator outside and putting the projector and screen inside the church and covering up all the windows. We talked to some of the Malawian leaders and they thought it was a wonderful idea, so we went ahead and did and it worked out great! It even started raining and we still got to show the film. The church was packed with people. I mean this church could maybe hold 50 people at most, but 200-250 squeezed in, plus the people standing outside peeking in through the doors and windows and holes. I kind of got emotional seeing that it was really taking a toll on the people. There were pastors weeping! I don't think anyone in there had a dry face! It was super cool to also watch the people give the movie a standing ovation at the end when Christ is raised from the tomb!!!

The second village was a little easier to handle, but also a bit more work. It was thunderstorming when we got there so we all decided just to unpack the bus and go to bed. It was a huge rest! The next day, we had a sunday service, went through with the medical clinic (this village was full of malaria), did a lot of praying and then we showed the passion of the Christ by setting up the huge screen outside and setting up the projector inside. Again, we had the whole village turn up for this one. That day, me and Tim also caught a baby mkumba (pumba in swahili)...or plain ol' "pig" in English! We played around with him for a while, took some pictures and then let him go off with his momma! Had me and Tim known that we would smell like pig afterward, we probably wouldn't have done that. We then caught three goats (2 white and one black). Newborns at that!

The next day, which was yesterday, things were going pretty good. We got all the bus packed and ready to go, we then set up to preach before we left, and then while I was preaching Grandma bent over and pulled her hip out again. I was mad, but got over it. We took her to the hospital (government hospital) and got no bit of help and some icky pain meds that didn't work. The doctor tried to tell me what was wrong with my grandma's socket and joint, and i told him he was wrong. it made me so angry, but then i realized that we're in the middle of malawi where they have no idea what artificial sockets are...we ended up taking the 6 hour drive back to Blantyre and getting grandma back to the same hospital....they fixed it that night around 2am (the morning I guess) and now were back at Grace Bandawe Hotel. Things are going good, Keep us in prayer and thanks again for reading and following my updates!

We are back at it.  The door and windows are going in today.  They are storm windows as well Larry.  But it will be weather tight and we will be able to actually make use of this porch.  We in 15 years have never used it as a porch.

Thanks again for an update on Africa.  Even though it isn't said, I say a prayer for all the posts that have concerns or praises to God.

Yes!  I still have Ali Cat and Inky!  I think Ali was 10 years old in April.  Inky will be 8 years old in November.  Both are healthy.  Ali had a bout with feline bladder infection a few years ago but I give both cats Feline Urinary Tract Cat food and no problems since.  They are indoor cats...never goes outside.  Neither cats like to be held.  Ali likes to be petted and near me but won't lay on my lap.  Inky does.  Ali sometimes still thinks she is a kitten.  I feed the purr-girls around 9pm (or I wouldn't get any sleep).  Soon after the feeding, they become frisky!  My recliner doesn't sit with a wall behind it.  I was watching TV with my feet up on the recliner.  Ali and Inky were making their runs in the house (I have a figure .  All of a sudden Ali bound on the back of my recliner and then took a leap off the back of the chair onto the floor in front of me.  In one swoop!!  That's the first time she ever did that to my knowledge!  Yes, I still have my loving cats.  They are so much company to me.

I loved my do-nothing day.  And I did do nothing.  Just the normal things like fix breakfast...eat...fix lunch....eat...fix dinner...eat...watch TV...get the mail...talk on the phone...that's about it!

Today is my Class lunch at a country club in Anderson.  The scenery is beautiful!  I have never golfed but the golf courses are so beautiful! 

And Hawaii needs a drink.  I need to put gas in her.

Thank you Judy and Larry for sharing the lovely emails...The "goosebumps" are still there with glistening eyes I will pass these along.

Janet, Thank you for sharing your sister's journey...

It is good to see and hear about some of the good things in the world that others are doing and sharing Our Heavenly Father's love .....

Janet, Shirley is certainly having a rough time with her hip.  She'll soon be home where it can be taken care of properly.

Etta Sue, you actually had a do-nothing day?   

Hello all,
I am up and at 'em been that way since 430 this morning had to load the trailer before dad was able to leave for work. We will travel to the new house and unload tonight.... long drive and long day but worth it.... Today is my last day at work here in keyes and this weekend are are moving more stuff... YAY Janet are Eli and Shirley working with a missionary named Tammy Tregellas? She is part of the Church of God Missionary Ministry and is from Elkhart Kansas She lives in Malawi most of the year and then spends a couple a months in the US at different COG's telling about the ministry in Malawi. Anyways I must be off here to get some more things done before work then its off to Beaver.
Sarah

Janet praying for those in Malawi. Sorry I didn't say so sooner.

Yesterday was our son's birthday.  He would have been 51.
We have finally learned what caused his death, he had a stroke.  The autopsy was very slow in coming back.  Just knowing what happened helps a little bit.  We thank the Lord for the years we did have him. 

As for myself, I think I would fear a stroke more than a heart attack because you could end up disabled for the rest of your life.  That is a scary thought.

I didn't log in to read, just came in to post.  Hope all had a good day today.

Not much going on here in northern New York.  I often get a chuckle out of the closed captioning but this morning I laughed when I read "Sunday will be hot and human."   

Class lunch was great.  We had one underclassman there that we haven't seen for 52 years!  Looked the same other than heavier...but then most of us are heavier!  And they all oohed and aahed about Hawaii.  She sure did look purty out there in the sunshine with her Crystal Red coat on!

Today is rehab, then a lunch somewhere.  Ivalou then has an appointment with her heart doctor. 

Not too busy!

To answer Sarah's question, no, Shirley and Eli are working with Foursquare Church.  There are so many needs all over the world, aren't there?

While at Walmart yesterday, I picked up the photos John and Beth (and I) had taken, got a carrying case for my new camera, and even bought a few new blouses.  I took lots of clothes out of my closet and donated them recently; need to go through a few more times.  I have the nice big case that came with the camera, big enough to carry everything that goes with it; but I wanted one that fit just the camera closely, to protect it when just carrying the camera.  I also got a small case for the extra lens.

Abby was beautiful last night.  Well, she always is, but she had a new dress and shoes and looked especially nice.  Problem is she looks more like 20 than 14!  She had about seven other girls from her neighborhood and church, and it made me remember clearly how young girls can talk, giggle, scream, etc.  Darrel said to me, "I'll bet this makes you feel right at home, huh?"  And I said yes, I remember lots of girly birthday parties from when my girls were young!  Mark couldn't take any more and headed to the basement as soon as he finished eating!  He said, "They don't shut up!"  And I said, "Right, Mark, they don't--and don't expect them to!"     Little Lexi thought she was just as big as any of those girls, too!

Today I will take the puppy to visit Beth, and take the pictures to her.  I need to talk to the DON again, because yesterday when I went at 10:30, Beth was still in bed, and the room stank terribly!  She said she had activated her light over 30 minutes earlier and nobody came.  I hit it again and a girl came; Beth told her about it, she said Beth hadn't called.........sigh.....

I want to do some more weeding out of stuff.  I am finding that a minimalist approach seems to appeal to me more as I go along.  We have WAY too much STUFF.  As does most everyone in this wonderful country!

Sorry I'm so gabby this morning; see you later!

Hi everyone.  It is an overcast and rather dark morning.  We had a very nice rain here last night, perhaps as much as 1 1/2 inches.  It is to be cooler here today.  Only activity on the schedule today is my ROMEO's luncheon at 11:30 at a Chinese place. 

Yesterday, when I was about ready to rebox my ROKU player for Netflix streaming, I decided to turn it on one more time and when I did it went on through the setup without problem and now is working well.  I didn't make any changes in my router or anything else.  There must have been a time factor in getting the router to recognize the new device. 

Janet, great update from Africa.  Sounds like they constantly have to be innovative in setting up the equipment and dealing with the situation they find.

Judy, your porch sounds great.  What direction does your porch face.  Ours is fine in the morning but by afternoon the sun is around to it and it gets very hot.  We have some pull-down screens that help.

Etta Sue, I bet Ali really surprised you with her stunt.  Hope you enjoyed your class lunch.  It is nice to eat with other people and especially one you hadn't seen in so many years.

Hi Joyce, Jeanne and Marilyn.

Janet, wouldn't you think they would know to check on Beth even if she hadn't rung for help.  I bet Beth really enjoys the visit with the puppy.



Sarah, hope your moving went well last evening.

Janice, know the special days like birthdays are difficult when we have lost a loved one.  Glad you stopped by to post.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUDY!!!a

Sarah, where are you moving to?

Hello there, Larry!    Good you got the new device to work!

Our porch faces north.  Would have loved an eastern facing porch but this is lovely none the less!

Working on the Dog run today.  John will work on putting in the windows after the dog run is done.... It will be needed by next weekend!

Have a great day!

Hi, friends,

Judy, hope this is a great birthday and the start of one of the best years of your life. You are a real blessing.

Marilyn, your skills with graphics are really great.

It's a hot one here, too. Well, I'm very thankful for air conditioning, and the time in my life to rest up for a while.

Today I attended the funeral of the retired head of our unit at the place where I worked last. The funeral home chapel was literally filled. It was nice to see and shake hands/share hugs with many of those with whom I had worked. I'm so sorry his wife has passed away, they always exhibited such great family closeness and love.

Now, after a bit of a rest from the heat, it's time to get to my labors here in the apartment again.

Love to y'all,
Ruth Ann

Thank you for the birthday wishes.  Much apreciated.

The dog run is done with the exception of the gate.  That will go on tomorrow morning.  John just said he is done to the point of being stupid.  If he had continued he could have hurt himself.  Good job he stopped.  I will take pictures next week.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!

Hello Everyone: This is an URGENT prayer request for Shirley..Her hip the one that she had replaced has went out for a 3rd time..She was taken back to the hospital where the Dr. has gotten it in the previous 2 times..That Dr. is now out of the country on vacation and there is no one else to do it..Eli called Craig today about this situation. As of right now Eli is trying to get it worked out to get Shirley home on a medical flight..There is literally no other option at this point in time but for her to come home so she can get the medical assistance she needs..With that said we all know the great physician can heal her and there would be no need to get her home..We all need to PRAY & BELIEVE this for Shirley..Now is the time to get her name on prayer chains send this e-mail to every prayer warrior you know!!!! We will be getting an update from Eli sometime tonight more than likely in the middle of the night he stated..It's Friday night at 6:00 pm right now..I will update as soon as I get an update...Thanks Everyone...Leanne


I just got back on my computer and found this....please pray!!  Thanks, Janet

I'm definitely praying for Shirley, Janet.  The Lord knows exactly what is the best solution to this problem.... and He will see that she is cared for.

I also have an urgent request involving my granddaughter ... God knows and He will be the total and Supreme answer to each situation .... Y'all take care ....

Janet and Jane prayers going up for over here in NB.

Hi everyone.  It was really cool here yesterday and I even got out a sweater to wear here in the house and got one out of the car to use where we ate lunch yesterday.  This morning is full and then this evening we will attend a Elvis impersonator's show that is suppose to be very good.  We are going with another couple and there is a buffet before the show.  We are looking forward to it as it is something we just never do.

Happy Birthday Judy.  Marilyn, that was a very pretty card.  Do you have side windows on your porch so you will get both the morning and evening sun on the sides of the porch?

Janet, what a terrible situation for Shirley and the whole mission team.  I hope they can find the flight to get her back here.  I will be praying for her and those involved.  Glad her grandson is with her as always good to have family in a situation like this. 

Jane, I will pray for your granddaughter as well. 

Janet, I'm praying as I type this and will continue to do so.

Jane, I'm also continuing to pray for your granddaughter.

You probably can believe I had very little sleep last night!  Got up to check for news of Shirley...none...but this morning a short email from her saying she was being taken by medevac to Johannesburg, South Africa.  I was so relieved to hear that!  And then just a few minutes ago I got this update:

Leanne Garman to starlady_50, sundberg, janet, jlooper, just4me, JoAnne
show details 9:41 AM (37 minutes ago)
Hello Everyone:
It's Saturday morning 9:20 am..Just got a call from Eli..Here's the scoop: Shirley's pain level at this time is a 2-4..She is on pain medication to control the pain..When she went on this missions trip she paid for medical insurance which included a medical flight home if needed..So, she will be leaving in the next 3 to 24 hours on a Medi-Vac plane with a nurse..She will be flown to South Africa to the best hospital on the continent..There they will get her hip set and wrapped for the long flight back to the United States..There are alot of arteries and nerves in the hip area so they want to have her stabilized at a state of the art hosptial before continuing on home..If she is stable enough she will then take a commercial flight from Johannesburg to Kansas City or if she is not stable enough she will be on the Medi-Vac plane..No matter what kind of flight she is taking she will have a nurse with her the entire trip..It would have cost Eli $8000 dollars to travel with her..All of us here told him he needs to stay and complete the missions trip..He has one week left..Praise God for Eli as well he has taken such good care of his g'ma..We will be recieving updates from the nurse all along the trip..Delbert, Craig, JoAnne and I have all talked and when Shirley arrives in Kansas City she will be taken to KU Medical Center..Keep prayers going that she will have an uneventful trip back to the USA..I know this is not the way Shirley wanted her missions trip to end but God has a plan and nothing happens that he cannot walk us through..I promise to update and I have updates...Thanks Everyone...Leanne


Praise God!  I just knew that someone on that team would have the sense not to try to send her on an 18 hour flight in that condition!!  And of course, thanks for the prayers, and please keep praying.

Jane, prayers for your grand and g-grand continue....

Thank God that Shirley is on her way to recovery with the best care possible.  I know she never expected for her mission trip to end like this, but God knows best -- and He always knew!  It was His hand that had Shirley pay extra for medical insurance, you know! 

So glad that Shirley paid for medical emergency care and the flight back home.  She is in God's hands.  But her foresight and His certainly helped!

I remembered that I hadn't sent an update for my mother's side of the family to a cousin that keeps the genealogy up-to-date.  I emailed him and asked when the last entry for our part of the Everitt's was entered.  Feb 2007.  So I got out my trusty family calender and the part of the Everitt's that I am in is up-to-date...well, after he gets the email. 

Rehab was great.  Ivalou drove.  First of all when Ivalou starts her car or removes the key, she uses her left hand.  She can't grip the key with her right to start it or remove the key.  When we got there, Ivalou couldn't get the key out of the ignition.  She still had it in Drive.  I put it in Park and the key came out.  Then leaving, she said, 'Why won't it go?'  She had it on Accessory and hadn't started it yet!  After lunch we went to her cardiologist.  Leaving she had to turn right out of the parking lot and then a sharp left.  Her foot slipped off the brake onto the accelerator!  She almost hit a brick wall and I am so thankful no one was coming in the parking lot!  Do I insist that I do the driving?  She acts like all of this is normal.  But she did say she didn't think she would pass a driving test if she had to have one.  Please God.  If I ever get like that, give me the knowledge to give up driving!!

A nice day in Indiana.  Cool and nice.  Sunny but a little overcast.

Yes, THANK GOD that Shirley took out the medical emergency insurance!!  We always take it when going out of the country, haven't needed it, but it only takes once to pay for insurance for several trips!  That was one aspect of the trip she and I didn't talk about before she left.  I have missed her SO MUCH, as we usually talk several mornings a week and have so much in common.  We are closer now than we ever were as girls, a real blessing from God.  I cannot wait to see her, give her a hug and listen to her tales of Africa.  I know that she is probably feeling guilty, that she is a burden, etc., so am praying those lies of the enemy will not have any place in her mind.  God knew from the beginning everything that would happen and has a plan to work it all for His glory!  I pray Shirley will not regret this trip in any way!

Etta Sue, it is so sad when older folks have to give up driving.  They feel they have had their wings clipped!  But, like you, I pray I have the wisdom and the guts to realize when that time has come that I am no longer a safe driver.  I pray for Ivalou's safety until that day comes for her.

I need to call a couple more people to update them on Shirley....again!    I'm so relieved she will get the care she needs and have a nurse with her to help her; much better than a grandson who doesn't know anything about medical matters.

Janet, the Lord certainly did lead Shirley in the purchase of the medical insurance.  He knew what was going to happen and He knows what is still to come.

Etta Sue, that must have been a white-knuckle drive.  It certainly sounds as though you're going to have to find ways to keep Ivalou out from behind the wheel! 

OK looks like we are back.  Now to let people know!

I am getting a new point and shoot camera FujiFilm® AX300 Digital Camera 14 mega pixel. It should be here in a couple of weeks.  I ordered it using my points with AC Neilsen. I scan everything I buy and transmit once a week  to earn points. 

I'll be back later, I have to go fix us a late breakfast/lunch.

Time to start another "Thoughts for the Week"...

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