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The Fish Fry was a success!  The cod was delicious.  We had to run for more fish before 6pm and still had two hours to go!! 

I came home and mowed the grass at 7pm.  Then into the shower for the second head washing and shower!!

Why do I have 'J' nights on Saturday night?  Anyway, I feel a nap coming on this afternoon!

Hi everyone.  Well the Stacey's move to her new apartment went without a hitch.  The movers arrived on time and completed the move in the 2 1/2 hour  time that was the minimum cost.  I was shocked at how nice the new apartment is as this is an older building.  Obviously the apartment had been renovated not too long ago.  There is a pantry in the kitchen and closets in the living area, the bedroom and the bath with wire type shelves to maximize the space.  She has a side-by-side refrigerator with ice maker and a full size stove.  The bathroom is all new looking and has safety grab bars all around.  They have just replaced the carpet with indoor/outdoor type.  It should make a wonderful place for her to live and so much nicer than where she did live.  There wasn't time yesterday to see the other social facilities that are there.  I stayed an hour after the movers left and helped her get her bed ready and boxes and things moved back so she could have access to the kitchen, bath and the other two rooms.  There is a lot of unpacking and putting away to do.  I got home a little after 7 pm, ate supper, took a shower and went to bed.  However, guess I was not able to go to sleep and about 10 pm the angina started, which I didn't get stopped until after midnight.  I was beginning to be concerned that I might be having another heart attack but it finally stopped after several nitro's and some tylonol.  I seem to feel ok this morning.  I hope to go to church this morning but will have to wait and see at the time to leave. 

Jeanne, I know you are right about resting not being wasted time. 

Etta Sue, hope the fish fry was most successful and your church made some money with it.  At least you didn't have to be in the kitchen frying the fish.  Stacey was so tired by the time I left yesterday that I suspect she laid down and went to sleep.  I toyed with the idea of trying to go back down today to help her unpack somethings but she is worried about me and doesn't really want me to do so.  We will be down there on Thursday and Pat sees the knee surgeon again and we will go to Stacey's apartment.  I will see what I can do then. (I see your later posting saying the fish fry was very successful.)

Al, appreciated your thoughts on God being Holy. 

Janet, hope all went very well for Beth's BD party.  It sounds like you had your hands full yesterday.

Ruth Ann, I haven't been following the Little Leaguers but that is quite an accomplishment and nice to have your area so well represented. 

Etta Sue, thanks for the new thoughts for the week. 

Praying for you, Larry.

Excellent devotional, as usual, Etta Sue.  I wonder how often I have missed or even ignored the opportunity to share the Gospel.  Lord, open my eyes, my ears and my heart to those you send to me.

Larry, that angina was obviously a warning that you did a little too much yesterday.  So it is definitely the right decision not to try to help Stacey today, but stay home and rest.  I, too, am praying for you.

Thank you, Etta Sue, for the nice devotional thoughts.  I wonder how it would feel to be moved about (physically, instantly) by the Holy Spirit, as was Phillip in this story.

Larry, I am praying for you, too, and glad you have made the decision to stay home today and not go help Stacey more.  She needs to keep you around more than she needs your help with unpacking!  Glad you got the angina pain stopped eventually.

Ruth Ann, good for your local Little Leaguers!  That is a great accomplishment and something they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Hi, Pat!  Still praying for you.  I so enjoy when we can talk!

Kerri just left to go back home, taking both the dogs with her.  They had hoped that Darrel would want to keep the American bulldog.  And he's a very sweet and gentle dog, but what would we do with him when we want to travel?  Diane said she didn't think their fence would hold him; and having him boarded would be much too costly.  He is really grandson Justin's dog, but he now realizes that a dog is a big commitment, that you can't just leave them home alone every day.  This is the second home the dog has had since being picked up; he was badly abused by the original owners, then adopted once before Justin took him; so they will not let him go back to the shelter because he would be put down.  Kerri will probably wind up with him.

Beth's party was a good success; many friends came, we had hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, 'fixings' and then ice cream cake.  She received so many thoughtful and lovely gifts and cards from all over.  I barely slept last night for thinking about Beth. She seemed so tired and weak, and could hardly make herself understood at all.  How long, Lord, must she suffer before she receives her healing?  Kerri told me she wonders if she will see Beth alive again, she has failed so much just since June when Kerri was last here.  Of course, I see her every day, so the changes aren't quite as obvious to me, but I do know she is losing ground.

I must get ready for church.  I will come back later and post the next of my series of articles for you to read. 

Blessings, dear friends, to each of you.

This article is longer, but I think you will enjoy reading it!


                                             MADALYNE  WILSON 
           
                                       TREASURES FROM THE LEGACY
                                                  By Janet Damon

This week we are featuring Madalyne Wilson, a resident of the 400 Neighborhood.

Madalyne was born in Grant County, Oklahoma, on August 6, 1919.  She recently celebrated her 93rd birthday.  She grew up there in Grant County, near the town of Medford, Okla.; living there until the age of 29.

A very early memory of hers is her Dad coming in from the field with the horses, picking her up and setting her on one of the horses.  She was about two years old at that time, and still remembers loving being up there on the big horse's back while her Dad led it around.

She always loved horses, got her own pony at the age of five, then as she grew older, she drove horses, hauling grain from the field to the elevator; and later, she farmed with horses until they got a tractor.

Some of the fun things she did as a girl were: roller skating (her mother put roller skates on her at the age of two and let her skate around on the front porch.  As long as her mother heard the skates rolling on the wood, she knew her little girl was safe and hadn't gone down to the creek where she would be in danger.  She loved riding horses and showing off the way she could ride standing up on their broad hips.  She stayed busy, helping with the work on the farm.

At the age of six, her mother enrolled Madalyne in piano classes.  She says she was a bit of a disappointment to her mother because her mother was a good singer, and she (Madalyne) couldn't carry a tune.  So she thought the piano lessons would help her.  She persisted, and did learn to play, and still today she has a piano in her room.  I sometimes hear her playing as I walk down the hall past her room.

Her school years began in a rural school, where she attended for six years, then she went to town (Medford) for the remaining years until she finished High School.  Madalyne attended four different colleges over a period of 14 years, teaching school in between and saving her money, before she got her Elementary Education Degree, an accomplishment which gives her a lot of satisfaction even today.  She said her mother pushed her, when it came to books, but she felt she held her back in other things, saying, "Girls can't do that!"

One of the biggest changes she sees today from when she was young is in farming.

Now they have air conditioning, power steering, power lifts and other things which make it so much easier.  Farmers now use huge implements, allowing them to farm much more land; and they don't plow the stubble, but plant the new crop right among it.

She notices that girls today are much more forward than they used to be.  They will even ask a boy for a date, or to dance with them, things unheard of in her youth.  She states that she didn't date until after she was out of high school.  One amusing memory she told me was that she had a crush on a boy in high school who played the trumpet, so she quit her piano lessons, begged her mom into getting her a trumpet, all so she could sit next to that boy!  She said he never knew she liked him until a reunion many years later, when she told his wife, who told him, and they all had a good laugh about it.

Madalyne never worked for anyone outside the family, except for her teaching career.  Early jobs included raising watermelons and cantaloupes and then working in the melon shed (she told me the secret of picking a good, ripe cantaloupe!)  She worked for her family on the farm; drove a flag car for those transporting mobile homes; taught roller skating in both Ulysses and Garden City; and owned her own business for 30 years.  This business was renting mobile homes, and later renting just the lots.  She was a volunteer assistant snow skiing instructor in Colorado.

This independent thinking woman has been involved in the stock market for over 40 years.  She says she has done well, has made money, and is still in it, and will be for the long haul.

Madalyne married Melvin Wilson in 1950 in Arkansas.  The couple had one son, Leonard, and one daughter, Melva Linda, who is now deceased.  Madalyne was an only child, no siblings.

She says she never cared too much about cooking, but she cooked simple foods, and raised her family with no problems in that area.

Her husband remarked that one sure way to get Madalyne to do something was to tell her she couldn't do it---or tell her NOT to do it.  Then it was guaranteed to get done!

The thing that gives her the most satisfaction is thinking back over her participation in sports.  She didn't play team sports, but more individual sports:  horseback riding, roller skating, ice skating, water skiing, and snow skiing.  She loved square dancing, and taught it in school for two years.  She also taught tumbling (gymnastics) in school for two years.  Of course, she taught 'regular' subjects, too.  She was 25 years old and in college when she first took gymnastics, and taught it to her own kids when they were young.

She taught her kids to swim, and she swam.  Leonard was on the swim team.  She also taught her hired girl to swim.

The thing she gets much happiness from remembering is her teaching career.  "I thoroughly enjoyed teaching.  It was a great satisfaction when a student finally understood something that had been difficult for them," she stated.  Many of her students came to her later to express their thanks and appreciation for her teaching them.

She must have been a natural born teacher, as when she was in the 3rd or 4th grade, she taught the little first grade girls, because the teacher wasn't teaching them.  That teacher got fired!

At the age of 26, after she had been teaching for a while, Madalyne decided to take voice lessons!  The male voice teacher didn't want to teach her, so he pushed her off on a female student, which she said was a good thing, because this girl taught her to chord on the piano.  This allowed her to help her students; they learned to sing much better by her use of the chords.

She once had an 8th grade student who had failed the final exam twice, and had decided to quit school if she failed again.  Madalyne saw this girl's potential, helped her study, and she passed the exam!  (That used to be a really hard exam, as lots of people never went past the 8th grade.)  The girl was 15 at that time, and she sang at her graduation, and then went on to college, where she sang in the choir!

Madalyne was baptized in a Baptist church in Ulysses when she was 30 years old.  She stated that she really had no preference as to a church, but attended different ones, up until the time she moved into The Legacy.

During the war years, they lived 30 miles from an air base, and she says the best skaters she ever skated with were those servicemen from all over the United States.  Sometimes the local girls were allowed to invite the young men to their homes for a nice home-cooked meal.

I think she might have set a record of some kind as the oldest snow skier woman!  She continued that sport until the age of 81 years!  She used to go to Monarch or Salida and stay there for the entire skiing season, about four months.  When she turned 65, she got a half-price senior discount; then when she got to be 70, she got to ski for free!   Even when she got older, she states she still liked to show off!  She could ski down a mountain and turn fifteen 360 degree circles on her skis on the way down!  She loved to take the lift up to the top, and then ski down right in front of the big windows of the lodge, doing her tricks.  She loved hearing exclamations like "Wow! Did you see that?  Wow!" 

This story reminded her that when she was young, she loved to make her horse rear up on its hind legs, which really surprised people watching her.  More showing off, she said, with a grin.

When she was old enough for the senior discounts, she still had to rent her equipment, but got good discounts on all of it except the skis. At the time she was skiing, only about 10% of skiers were women.

A valuable lesson she would like to pass along to our younger readers is this: When you try to do something and fail, try again and don't give up.  If you don't give up, you will learn to do it eventually.

Some things Madalyne wanted to do, but didn't get to do are:  After I married, I wanted to ride a big horse we had.  I couldn't saddle it, and Melvin wouldn't saddle it for me.  I wanted my kids to have horses, as I had enjoyed them so much when I was young; but they got bicycles instead, and cars when they were much too young.  I also regret that I didn't teach my own kids music like I taught the kids at school.

Advice for young folks:  If there is something you really want to do, fight for it!  Don't be dissuaded by your parents or your spouse—go for it!

I asked if she still has hopes and dreams for her future, and she said she will probably spend the rest of her life here in The Legacy.  But she enjoys the exercise class (she's still competitive at that, too!), and says the girls who work there are really good to her, so she doesn't mind living there.

About our country:  she doesn't like them sending our young people (troops) overseas.

I asked what person most inspired her in her life, and she said, "The women in my life—my grandmother, my mother, and my girl students.  My mother bossed me and made me stay with things; my grandmother taught me a lot, and I have been told I'm a lot like her."

The single biggest change she has seen during her 93 years is in transportation.  "I've lived from horse and buggy days to the astronauts, and that's a lot of changes!"

Madalyne remembers the big dust storm of 1954, when it was so dark you couldn't see to leave the house.  She also recalls the huge blizzard of 1957, when you couldn't get out for the snow, and most of the buildings were buried by the time the snow stopped.

Madalyne has done a lot of traveling, and really enjoyed it.  Her first big trip was to Europe, with a group of teachers from the NEA.  They visited nine countries: England, France, Portugal, Spain, Germany (this was while that country was divided, so they only visited West Germany) Switzerland, Poland, The Netherlands, and Liechtenstein.

She has been to all our states except Hawaii, and her favorite place of all is Alaska, where she spent a month.  They went by bus, then by ship up the Inside Passage.

Other countries she has visited are: Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Venezuela.  She has gone up the Mississippi River from St. Louis to Minneapolis on a paddle boat; which she said was really fun.

Another trip found her flying from Wichita to Puerto Rico, then getting on a ship and going through the Panama Canal.  She wound up in Acapulco, Mexico, before coming home.

She has gone up the East coast to Canada, then toured part of Canada.  She attended the Calgary Stampede Rodeo.  After asking me if I'd been to that, she said, "Don't miss it!"

She traveled to many places in the US with the bowling team, although she didn't bowl.  She says she has been on 3 continents and has seen two oceans.  If she could travel now, she would go to Brazil again, her second most favorite place.

The worst thing that ever happened to her was getting divorced and not getting to see her kids.  She had to get a court order to see them.  Also losing her daughter and her mother were very hard.

The happiest times in her life were getting married and graduating college after fourteen long years.

From these bad times and good times, she learned to empathize with others who are going through tough times, and rejoice with them during happy times.

Madalyne would like to be remembered as a good teacher, by her children and her students.  They always expressed appreciation to her for what she taught them, which meant so much to her.

The legacy she would like to leave is bringing joy to people.

Her favorite song is The Waltz You Saved for Me.

Her favorite quote:  If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.  Don't ever tell anyone they can't do it!

Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.

It was great fun visiting with Madalyne, and she would enjoy talking to you, too.  Come see her, just not before 10:30 A.M., because she likes to sleep late!  You might learn some surprising and valuable things just by visiting with this remarkable lady.  I know I did!

Thanks for that, Janet.  What a remarkable lady!   :)

Good morning, everyone  :)  I am surprising even myself by being here on a Sunday morning!   :-[

Love the devotional for this week, Etta Sue.  Thanks.   :thumbsup:  I'm glad you have Hawaii all fixed up and back home, and that your (many) events have been successful. 

Janet, I have to tell you it is indeed a pleasure to read of Madalyne's life memories.  I think I would really love visiting with her.  Problem is I don't have that mode of transportation that Philip used!   ;)

Al, it is great seeing you here, and I am really praying you will have a successful retry with the driving test.

Larry, you are so attentive to each of our comments.  Also, very attentive to Pat and Stacy's needs, but you need to also be extremely attentive to your own needs.  I know you do take every precaution, but we need you around here, y'know. 

I'm sorry for not addressing each one of the comments here, but my brain seems to have holes in it (my mom used to say that) so ..... I do read and pray for everything written here, though.  Be assured that our Father hears and remembers every word! 

I'll be around ... (just so I'm not a square) ... y'all take care now, y'hear?   :D

hello everyone, Janet thank you so much for posting Madelyn's story. I found that very interesting, what a Lady!!

Thank you, Marilyn, Jane, and Jeanne, for your kind words about Madalyne's story.  I am looking forward to hearing comments in the community after it is printed in our paper on Wednesday!

I sent a little note to our former doctor (who moved to Tulsa) about Beth, told him I don't know where to turn for help for her.  He suggested I suggest to her doctor they might give her some cortizone to see if that might help her, at least temporarily.  I just don't know.......only God does.  I am still feeling distressed about her.

I have to go to court in Hugoton in the morning about that accident I was involved in a couple of weeks ago.  Please pray that I will have favor, and that the ticket I got will be dismissed.  Thanks.

Beth just called to say she is feeling better and has eaten some, so that is a relief!

What a treat to come this evening and enjoy the comments from everyone!

One of our members has had spinal surgery, and would be grateful for prayers for her to recover enough she can return to this site.

God has recently answered several prayers that had gone to Him from this grieving mother's heart. Oh, praise His dear Name!

Now, to rest my bones this evening - there are places to go and things to do tomorrow. ;)

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hello my dear friends,  I would like to explain where I have been for so long.  Most of you know that I have some medical problems.  Mostly in my back, left leg and swelling.  It so severe that I could neither sit, lay or walk.  I spoken to a lovely women today Ruth Ann and she said that several of you have been praying for me and I praise the LORD for that.  She said it has been about three weeks.  Well to God be the Glory three weeks ago last Thursday I had back surgery.  We are praying that I will not have to have a hip replacement.  We will find out this coming Friday on the 31st.  I have so much to catch you up on but, Ill save it for later.

Looks like I missed out on this past mini challenge so I posted a picture here.  Love ya all Marlo[attachimg=1]

Tlhat was indeed a remarkable story of Madalyn.  Now there was a lady who truly lived!  Thank yoi Jane, for your prayers!  You are a very dear sister!.
Well, it's Monday, so here we go again!

Good to 'hear' from you again, Marlo!  And I pray your back surgery results are even better than anticipated, and that no hip replacement will be necessary.  Thank you, Ruth Ann, for staying in touch with Marlo, and for doing so many things for others.  Praising God with you for answered prayers!

Al, I pray you pass that driving test this time with flying colors!  God bless you.

I have been in touch with Janice Hudspeth, and she sends her greetings to all of you.  I hope she will be joining us here again soon.

I was wrong about what Beth's former doctor said.  I put something else, when it was really steriods he mentioned.  :-[  She seems to be feeling somewhat better now, thank God.

I will be appearing in court in Hugoton this morning re the citation I got after that accident.  May our Lord grant me favor and mercy--and may the TRUTH prevail!

Marlo it is so good to see you back.  YOu have indeed been missed.  I will continue to pray!

Janet wonderful stories!

Hi everyone.  I got up early this morning as didn't sleep after 2 am so got up about 6 to get the day started.  I did not go to church yesterday as was not feeling up to it by the time I needed to leave.  I do have a couple of things I want to do today including my men's luncheon at 1 pm. Just back from coffee and we made a decision to only meet three days a week rather than the six days we have done for the last 16 years.   

Pat, thank you for your prayers. 

Jeanne, the way I felt yesterday I had no business making another trip.  I found out that Stacey spent most of the day at her church.  She attends the morning service and then stays there until the bell choir practices I think at 4 pm.  It makes a long day but they have a couch where she can rest in the early afternoon and someone else is there with her. 

Janet, unless you have been responsible for a pet most people don't realize what a responsibility it is and especially a dog.  So sorry to hear that Beth's health continues to heal.  One has to wonder how much one person can endure.  Glad she could have this big birthday celebration.  You were right that was a long article but the lady has lived a long time and must be quite a character.  I was surprised she had a piano in her room.

Jane, glad you are going to be around.  :) 

Ruth Ann, I see Marlo has added to your comments to tell us about the spinal surgery she had three weeks ago.  I do hope that Marlo you won't need a hip replacement.

Marlo, pretty picture of your humming bird feeder. 

Marlo, how great to see a post from you!  We have all been concerned and our prayers have been winging Heavenward, and will continue.  Great picture of the hummingbird.  :thumbsup:

Larry, I'm glad you're intelligent enough to know when to back off and take it easy.  Prayers, of course, continue. 

What a great story about Madalyne's life!  My mind's eye can see this spunky little lady talking! 

And great to see Marlo posting.  Prayers are for you, lady!

And Larry, do rest when you can.  You do so much but I do feel you know when it should be quiet time.  Thank God for that!

I know I am missing addressing someone so I might as well quit! 

It was a treat yesterday after church.  Instead of eating out, four of us ladies went to Evelyn's and we had leftovers!  It was wonderful and so much better than restaurant food! 

I came home and got a much needed nap! 

This morning I went to Noblesville...for what?  Well, a much needed pan to pop popcorn in!  When I fixed popcorn last week, the handle on my old pan broke off!  This gal needs her popcorn so I found a pan at Walmart.  Hope it isn't too good of a pan.  At least, it isn't an airtight pan...I think popcorn needs air to pop and let out the moisture!  We will see tonight!

It has been raining and real cloudy today.  I have the front door open and watching the butterflies flying around the Butterfly Bushes.  When I mow, those bushes smell so good!!  Inky is at the door.  She likes her big Kitty TV!  Nothing goes past her.  She has great eyesight!

My church is going to have a Church Cookbook.  One lady has put the recipes on a website and two of us received the original recipes and we are to proofread the ones on the web against the originals.  Best get busy and do some of them today! 

You all are my BFF's and best friends pray for each other!

Well, none of you asked, but I will tell you anyway!  The ticket for no insurance was dismissed when I gave her the proof of insurance; and the other one I  am contesting.  That means I go to trial on Sept. 17th!  If found not guilty, that is it, if found guilty, the fine stays the same amount, so nothing to lose by trying!  I still say, how could I have been "passing improperly" when I was sitting still????

Yes, Etta Sue, Madalyne is a hoot!  So much fun to visit her!

Good for you Janet!

I am presently working on a project for a relative whose home burned to the ground last night.  To make sure the fire was out the firedepartment bulldozed the house.  This is so sad for all involved......however there were NO LIVES LOST, not even the pets!  God was watching over them.  This family needs prayer that God will use this to draw them back to Himself!

Now to get the clothing drive up and running in full gear!

Back later

Judy, how heartbreaking for that family to lose everything that way.  I'll add them to my prayers.

Pat posted on Facebook about  that family.

We actually went to a movie today, "2016".  It is all about the what if this president is elected again and how America will be changed.  I thought it didn't go deep enough to find the blank spaces in his past - not his birth certificate as I don't care now but all those "friends and college years".. Anyway, that is enough - the movie was loud enough so Don could hear most of it. 

All who have health issues - I have you in my prayers.

A house fire has to be devastating - more prayers. 

Marilyn:  Good to learn that your vertigo is over and I pray it won't return. 

Al:  Sending up another prayer for you and your driving status. 

Praying for those in the line of the hurricane. 

Hi, friends,

It's wonderful to hear from everyone.

I must have had a bad "senior moment" that stretched out for a while this afternoon. Wasn't good for my diabetes, so will climb right back on the Big D bandwagon and begin all over again to be good to myself in other ways than with food. :(

Y'all have a great rest of the day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann:  sorry about your "bad" time today.  May you rise feeling refreshed and ready for a brand new day. 

Ruth Ann, I can sure feel with you about the eating!  Last night I ate something I shouldn't have, apparently, and it has kept me awake most of the night.  My stomach rebelled mightily!  Ugh.  I finally got tired of fighting my pillow and got up.  Hope to catch a nap later, though.  I thought a more vertical position might help stop the problem...I hope.  :P

Carol, I have been hearing about "2016" and intend to see it when it comes into our area.  We MUST make a change, or our country may not be savable.

So sorry about the house fire.  We had one once, and while everything didn't burn, most was lost because of smoke and water damage.  Never was able to get anything that was cloth clean again; had to throw it all away.  Not a good time, for sure.

I'm getting sleepy, maybe I can catch a few zzzzzs now.

Hi everyone on an overcast morning.  According to the weatherman we may have up to 1/2 inch rain today and 1/4 inch on Wednesday and Thursday so it looks like we will not be significantly impacted with the hurricane.  I made breakfast for Pat this morning with my newly acquired skill at making scrambled eggs and fixing bacon in the microwave.  I know this isn't much but for a non-cooking person it is an accomplishment.  Pat is going to go to the chiropractor this morning as needs to try to do something as is in lots of pain with her hip and left knee.  I have nothing on the schedule for today other than to take Pat for her appointment.

Etta Sue, nice of you ladies to help your friend eat up her left overs.  Sometimes things reheated are better than the initial serving, particularly with tomatoes in them.  Hope your new popcorn pan works well.  You must be one of few that still pop popcorn the old fashioned way and not microwaved.  I seldom eat popcorn anymore.

Janet, glad you were able to get the one ticket dismissed.  Hope your trial turns out in your favor and as you say nothing to lose but something to win not to pay the fine. 

Judy, what a loss to have one's home burn.  As you saw as long as no one was hurt the other things are just things.  Good luck with your clothing drive.

Carol, was the movie worth watching.  I have read the new book called "Amateur"  by Klein and it is an eye-opener.

Ruth Ann, wasn't sure what you had done to fall off the bandwagon but you later indicated it related to some food that wasn't on your regular diet.

It is a cool morning here 12C  that is about 53F, it is supposed to warm up though.  I have the car to vaccume out for Kassie and her drivers test.  This is her first, there will be another a year down the road.  I really like the graduating licencing, it seems to make better drivers out of our youth.

Silly cat jumped up onto our low roof and decided it was a good idea to tear the screen and come into the house.  I closed the window, she promptly got her head stuck in the screen and pulled it out and across the roof.  John will have to replace the screen after he climbs up onto the roof.  She is a great mouser and we are hoping she catches the mice before they come into the house. That is perhaps wishful thinking, worth a try though. We live in the middle of fields and very little traffic goes by.  Just our neighbours going to their hunt camp.

Have a great day everyone.

Janet and Larry:  We just wanted to support the author, Dinesh D'Souza, who is president of Kings College in New York City.  He approaches the questions from a search of going directly to the countries.  Yes, worth it for many and it is good to really try to understand.

JudyB:  Yes, the graduating licensing is better.  One grandson lost a good friend who recently turned out into traffic and was T-boned (hit in the middle of the car) when he must not have looked twice.  It just makes you ill when you hear these things. 

My neighbor told me yesterday that she is at peace with whatever will happen if chemo doesn't work for her husband.  She is a faithful gal - they are the ones who invited us to their church which is now ours. 

Don wants me to bake banana bread with Splenda so I will do so today.  I have used Splenda at times but one son is allergic to that product.  Don can eat sugar within limits.  He stopped putting it into coffee.

Tonight is quilting group and it is a short walk to the host house for a change.  Otherwise, we are driving at night through snow and all kinds of weather always wondering why on earth would anyone be out on a night like this?  We have set heat records now so it can cool down and we can even have a "surprise snow" in September.  Not at all uncommon. 

Hi, friends, it's good to know that we can begin again both with life and, should we need to do so, with our relationship with our Lord.

Today's a new day, and time to enjoy living it by serving others for Him.

I praise God that a big communications problem with one of my offspring has been resolved.

Love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

Today was SAMS.  We didn't have as many this month.  Only 11...ten women and one man!! 

I went to the pool first and then to SAMS.  I job in place in the water for 20 minutes.  I sure couldn't do that at home!  I am used to it now but sometimes the bottom of my feet hurt from the cement on the bottom of the pool.  I am so used to exercising in the pool....I hope I don't quit for a long, long time!

Now that I am home, my book is calling me and the daybed is saying 'Come here, Etta Sue!  I need you!'

I got up again at 8:00, and after I watched the 700 Club, I went to the Care home.  Beth isn't doing well.  She was running a fever again, third day in a row.  She was lying in her chair with a washcloth on her head, sleeping.  John is so patient; he just sits there with her, saying he's happy just to be with Beth.  God, please bless John!

I finally got the next lady's story done, after six trips to see her!  And I have more names to check out as soon as I get this one sorted out and typed.

I got my new glasses!!!!   :)  :D  ;D  8)  :thumbsup:--finally!

I do plan to watch the RNC convention tonight, as I am interested in hearing the speeches.

I plan on hearing as many speeches that come on before I fall asleep.

I am in a blue funk the  last few days, reflecting on the mistakes of my life and the length of time it took me to come to my senses, come to the Lord and with His help straighten out my life. I don't have the wonderful adult memories that most people have,. I think about growing old and not having those memories to look back on. Tears have been so close to the surface  lately, I try to hide them and  not dwell on them so Keith doesn't  know. I am telling y'all because I can.

Marilyn - weeping is not a bad thing, especially if it is by way of repetance.  Our Lord will reveive that repentance no matter how often it must be offered.  And all your life, no matter what you do, is still imder the sovereign will of God, so that it cannot alter the ultimate ordering of God's will in this world.  Jesus says the same thing to youi even after innumerable failures.  He says, "Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavu laden . . . and I will give your rest."  He says, "Trust in Him with all youir heart, and lean not on your own understsnding."  He places no limit on our turning back to Himl.

What we do in our lives does not alter the course of world lhistory - it only alters the way our God will deal with us.  "Thy will be done on earth as it IS iin heaven"

Marilyn, I keep remembering these words from the Word, "Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching out to those things which are before, I press toward the mark of the high calling of Christ Jesus."  Knowing that God forgives is so wonderful, and yes, I understand that being forgiven doesn't always mean we do not have regrets....but He is faithful who called us, and He will help us live our lives from this day forward in such a manner as to bring joy to us.  God bless!

We watched the RNC, and now I can't go to sleep.  I don't need another sleepless night.  Phooey.

Good morning, friends,

I'll be working for my boss at their house a good part of the day today. How thankful I am that God has given me the ability to figure out some of the situations that occur when working for another individual. I thought I'd lose that after retirement, but thus far, it still works. <wry grin>

Marilyn, our lives haven't crossed paths, but I also deal with regrets. Most likely everyone does. Al, thank you for reminding us of God's infinite desire to forgive us. There's the opportunity to pick up and go on, even though sometimes those old memories haunt us. Isn't it wonderful our sins are buried in God's sea of forgetfulness never to surface any more.

Now, tis time for me to brush teeth, etc, and prepare to leave. It's about a 35 minute drive to get to their house. His wife is such a sweet lady - what a privilege to know these people.

May our Lord be with each of us today.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  Another overcast day but not yet raining.  The forecast is for some small amounts of rain.  It did rain a fair amount yesterday.  I just had to get assistance from the Dish technical staff as one of my TVs lost its authorization.  They were able to help me and things are fine again on the TV front.  I did watch the convention last evening.  Nothing on the schedule for me today.  Pat has rehab again late this morning but she will drive herself. 

I have read all of the posting since yesterday but just don't feel up to trying to make any individual comments today.

Good morning.  I haven't heard a thing about our Senior Saints trip to Madison, IN, tomorrow!!  There were only 4 women who signed up as of Sunday after church.  Maybe it was cancelled.  But I would like to know!  If we aren't going as Senior Saints, maybe us 4 women would like to go somewhere anyway!

Since I finished my series of books I am re-reading 'Sophie's Heart' by Lori Wick.  If you women have not read this book, I highly recommend it!  It is a feel-good book!  A page turner!  And when I grow up, I want to be just like Sophie!

I have a planter in front of my picture window.  I have noticed two types of 'green' in it this year.  One is a low growing plant...no blooms.  Now I know what the other is....Morning Glories!  Those blue blooms looks so pretty!  We have wild Morning Glories that grow in our corn fields and soy bean fields.  I guess birds decided that I needed some in my planter, too!

No rain here yet!  Maybe by Friday!  Right now it is bright and sunny...not a cloud in the sky and no wind!  It is 79 degrees and rising.  Beautiful day in which the Lord made for us to enjoy!

Thank you for that article about Madalayne, Janet.  Great reading.



Yes, our family has undergone a tragic time since 6:30 Sunday evening.  My ex-daughter-in-law was in her home and her friend was welding something in the garage on her car which was up on a hoist.  A stray spark!  That did it.  In no time, the garage was engulfed with flames and Steve shouted for Angela to phone 911.  This home is way, way out in the country not near to any village really.  The fire trucks have to load up in the creeks and ponds in the area in order to fight the fires. 

My grandson, James had taken the truck to work so wasn't home and Angela and Steve's son and two dogs were able to get out and stand on the side of the road and watched their home burn to the ground.  All my grandson's childhood belongings were stored there.  Photographs from over the years.  Everyone.  Gone in a few minutes.

Angela has no wallet, thus no driving licence.  Her passport.  Her glasses.  Everyone gone!

Thanks to extended family who have rallied around to try to help at this very, very sad time.   If you can just imagine things that you put your hands on in your home and Angela can't do that now. 

Please pray for my three grandson's down there in the Ottawa area.  They are grown men but still "my little grandsons"!! 

Ian has started a website and maybe you'll be interested to read this:

http://ianism.com/a-horrible-house-fire-tragedy-can-you-help

Pat you echoed what I was going to post.  We have here in the north come up with a lot of clothes, which will be sent down, a box full, on Friday.  I had a wonderful conversation with Ian last night.  He is a wonderful young man with vivid memories of his youth, his Dad and Bonsey.

Marilyn the past is a reminder to us for the present and future, not to repeat past mistakes, and press on to the mark of the high calling....I often repeat in my mind 1 John 1:9.  Look it up and check out what it says.  Anything that you have done can be cleared at the throne, it is much harder here on earth as people have expectations on what we will do how we will react.  That is the hardest part, peoples expectations.

A dear friend had knee replacement surgery a week ago yesterday.  She is doing well since surgery, however after she left the house last Monday her beloved Doberman, Dino, was taken  by the vet to be euthanized.  He had incurable cancer, and was at the end.  Coming home to her house with him gone has left a huge hole in her heart.  Please pray she turns to our Lord and Saviour to fill the hole.

I am heading out to mow.  not really wanting to but it needs doing.  Love ya all

Pat, although I was dismayed when Judy first mentioned that devastating fire, I had no idea that your family was involved.  I have read everything in Ian's website and have left a short comment.  As I'm sure you know, my circumstances don't leave room for any financial help, but just as important - in fact even more important - I am praying for all concerned.

thank you Jeanne.  My prayer is that this terrible thing will draw the whole family closer to our Lord.  We can never be too close!

Thank you all for the input and prayers for me. I came here because  this is where we can pour out our hearts and we will  get the best of prayers and God's words that will wash away the tears and troubles. Thank you again.

Pat, I am so sorry to learn that the house fire was one that affected YOUR family!  I had no idea, of course.  I will come back and look at Ian's page about it, meantime, I will pray for them.  You are so right about those grandsons--they may be men grown and gone from home, but they will always be our little grandsons in our hearts!

I came to ask continued prayers for Beth.  She still isn't feeling up to par, and today her blood pressure was 70/50.....very low.  And now the flu bug has invaded her neighborhood, so please pray she does NOT get that!

I need to get going, am attending the pizza party/penny ante party at the home, bringing a birthday cake for Beth!  So she gets another party!

Janet, you can be sure I'll be praying for Beth.  And for you!  Probably around 3:00 a.m. 

Janet i am, praying now and will pray again tonight.

Good evening everyone.  Tomorrow is the last day for voting in the challenge.  Please take the opportunity to check out the wonderful photos and if you haven't already voted please do so! HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12311.msg174653#new)

I am all ready to go out the door to visit Madison, IN.  Madison is a river town on the Ohio River.  The website tells that there are antique stores, homes to tour, parks and restaurants.  I will know a lot more when I get back.  Edit:  I just now got a call from Steve, the minister.  Another lady is going so I am going to drive also.  That's good.  Hawaii will get us there!

I finished 'Sophie's Heart' last evening.  My, what a gallant lady!  I do believe the first page, Sophie gets into your heart. 

Well, now I have to re-think.  All I know is I will put Madison, IN, in my GPS and go!  Steve acted like he didn't know how to get there for sure so I think he was going to rely on me and my sense of direction and cell phone Navigation!  He may follow me.

Looks to be a beautiful day.  I put in Madison, IN, for my weather and it is to be hotter there than at home...it is south quite a few miles!

Hi everyone.  Another overcast day with the possibility of some rain.  Yesterday we didn't have a drop of rain and it got pretty warm again.  We went down to Atlanta this morning as Pat hada 10 am appointment with her knee surgeon.  He was very pleased with her progress and said she didn't need to come back for a year.  While she is doing that I went over to Stacey's old apartment and disassembled a set of shelves that she used for storage and then in the trash as they have served the purpose intended.    I also got her vacuum cleaner and a few other things to take to her new apartment since she is finished with it in the old place.  After her appointment I picked up Pat and we went to Stacey's new place.  She wanted to see it and we  spent some time visiting with her and then had lunch with her at a nearby Mexican place.  We came home and crashed for a couple of hours.


Pat, so sorry to hear of the tragedy involving members of your family.  However, certainly a blessing that no one was hurt.  Perhaps other members of the family can help restore some of the photos as well as help with other material things.  Judy, I didn't realize this was the fire you had mentioned earlier.

I am late in posting, but have been here a couple of times to read.  I have felt really "blah" today, don't know why, except for being stressed and concerned about Beth.  That can do it.  She is feeling a little bit better, but her blood pressure is still too low, and I asked John to keep offering her fluids and encouraging her to drink.  I told her that if she is the same tomorrow, she is going to the doctor!

We plan to watch the RNC again tonight.

Larry, glad Stacey is all settled into the new apartment, and that you and Pat are safely back home, too.

So sad about Angela's and Steve's house, just heartbreaking.  I am praying about what my part in helping should be.....

Janet, I've been praying for Beth and will be lifting her again tonight - in the wee small hours, I'm sure.   :sleep:

Hi, friends, after working yesterday then spending quite a bit of time with my son, I was extremely tired all day.

This all will pass, if it's the Lord's will.

I'm sitting here enjoying such a cute picture named "Loving-the-Water!" Often, these photos really lift my spirits. :)

Much love, and many prayers for all,
Ruth Ann

Janet:  Hugs to you tonight.  I hope you can have refreshing rest.

Larry: It had to make you feel so good to get Stacey into her new home. 

Pat and Judy:  How nice that you were able to gather some very necessary things for the family who lost everything.  We have seen so much of that this year with fires in our area and now the homes under water in the latest storm. 

Thanks so much for the prayers for Beth, Jeanne, Carol, and others of you who are praying.  John said he did get her to drink quite a lot of water last night, and that she was feeling better when he left last night.  He has been coming out here to sleep, then when he gets up, I make him breakfast, he showers and dresses and off he goes to be with Beth.  What a blessing John is!!

I was well impressed with Romney's speech last night, and I think Paul Ryan is such a breath of fresh air!  May God help us to vote right and help get our beloved country back on the right path!

This morning I will go to Pat's and put color on her hair.  It's quite a job as she has let her hair grow out to a little past shoulder length.  But I get the job done!

We are still praying for rain.

Larry, I hope you are feeling well today, if so, please take it easy anyway!

Hi everyone.  Another overcast morning and just back from coffee at the senior center.  I am feeling the effects of our busy day yesterday but don't have to go anywhere else today so will be resting a lot.  I stayed awake until the convention was over last evening but really slept well after that. 

Janet, I expect that low blood pressure that Beth is experiencing would contribute to her feeling poorly in addition to her other problems.

I have about 2 boxes of clothing.....our son Doug is collecting more.  We are going to drive it down if we get enough donations from family and others to cover the gas.  It will be about a 5 hour trip one way so about $200 fuel bill.  All of the donations have come from the non-christian community.  The Church's response was "oh we are shipping our clothing to Cuba". ;(

Yesterday was a long day, today even longer as I wash, dry, fold, and pack the clothing I have gathered. John is coming up with Bibles to send. I think Iwill call the Christian Book Store see if there is anything they can contrubute...

Now for a hymn.

Madison, Indiana, was fun, hot and a lot of walking.  My back and legs feel it today but I did it!  I didn't spend anything but for food and touring the Lanier Mansion.  I never heard of Lanier before yesterday!  The home is a three-story with basement furnished in the 1850 era.  The entry doors were 20 feet tall!  Two of them...river side and town side.  Beautiful!  With all the patterns of wallpaper, carpet and upholstery, it was pretty busy to look at!

We didn't get home until after 8pm...240 miles round trip.  Steve followed me since he didn't know how to get there.  My GPS put us on a county highway...19+ miles!  But it did cut off miles and we got there 20 minutes earlier than we thought.  The car thermometer said 93 degrees coming home.  We came back a different way so we got to see different scenery.  Madison, itself, is a beautiful river town.  All the buildings on Main Street have been newly painted and updated. 

We ate at Cracker Barrel on the way home so we wouldn't have to find something to eat once we got home.  I was in bed by 10pm! 

Today is laundry and I would like to mow.  Issac is suppose to hit here this evening so I am watching the sky to see when to start mowing!

I have been praying for Beth, Stacey, Pat, the family that had the fire, Marilyn and all the others who are in need of prayer.  May God bless you all!

Just notice the sun is gone...heading out to mow!

Enjoy the Blue Moon tonight!!!!  It was beautiful last night!!

Etta Sue, I wish I lived near enough to you to go on those little jaunts with you!  Such fun, and I'm sure you're great company.  And thanks for the reminder about the blue moon!

I spent the entire afternoon at the care home; wrote some thank you notes for Beth; straightened up her room and got rid of some trash; quizzed the CNAs and the nurse about her condition.  Found out she has a raging urinary tract infection again.  They thought she might have, when they noticed the large amount of blood in her urine when they emptied her catheter bag!   :uglystupid: :idiot:  Oh, my.  Anyway, the doctor was called he ordered both an antibiotic and some potassium, as hers was low.  And John has been coaxing her to drink more water, and I took her some cranberry juice to drink--good for UTIs.

I also went to a lovely lady's room and got her story for the series I am writing.  This one is 95 years young, and very hard of hearing, so I had to almost shout. Then she called me a while ago, asked if this was Janet Damon, and when I assured her it was, she said she had forgotten one thing, and told me, but the AC was so loud I couldn't hear her, then she couldn't hear me asking...anyway, she thanked me profusely for coming to talk to her before she hung up.  I think I heard her say something about power steering, so I will go talk to her again and try to find out, before she forgets!

And I am going to bed earlier tonight, don't have to stay up to hear any speeches!

See you tomorrow!

Janet, it must be such fun to interview these older folks and then write up their stories.

Of course, I'm keeping Beth in my prayers, but I'm sure you know that without being told.  But I'm reminding you, anyway.   ;)

Hi everyone.  I got up to sunshine outside today, which looks really nice after several days of overcast.  I stayed home all day yesterday as wasn't feeling like getting out.  I hope for a better day today but got up feeling tired already.  I seem to have a broken record going here.  I need to make a quick trip to Kroger's and that may be all today.  I am looking forward to the afternoon as Georgia University plays its first football game.  I did enjoy watching a couple of games last evening, although missed the middle of the two games I was following when I feel asleep.

Good Morning Jeanne. 

Judy, I saw your message for me and left you a response.  Do you have UPS or Fed-Ex available to you that you might use to ship the clothing?  That is a lot of money to make the trip.  Too bad that you are not getting support from you church family.

Etta Sue, I bet you are glad you don't live in a home like the Lanier Mansion.  While nice to look at what a job it would be to keep it clean and maintained.  Glad you had a nice time.  Hope you don't get too much rain for Issac. 

Janet, so sorry to hear of the new medical problem for Beth and hope the medication soon resolves it for her.  I look forward to the story about the 95 year old lady. 

Good Saturday morning to you!  I did go for my walk this morning, as I had missed a few days this week and know that isn't good for me.  I feel much better when I get exercise.

Yes, Jeanne, it is fun interviewing the older folks.  They come up with some surprisingly funny things, and some amazing insights.  When I am visiting with them, I often think it's good that I'm not all that many years younger, because I understand what they are trying to say.  The one yesterday, Juanita, was a delight, and she has lived her entire life in this area, except for a very few years.I must go back and see her today to find out what she was trying to tell me on the phone.

Thanks, Larry, so glad you are enjoying my stories!  One of the members of the board of the care home came in yesterday, and he told me he is really enjoying them, and thanked me for writing them.  Every day, I see older folks that I would love to interview.  I think I will start doing that, and just keeping the stories on hand.  There are about 10 folks who come to the senior center regularly who are over the age of 90, so just because they aren't in the home, doesn't mean I am not interested in their life stories.  As you said, this might be a new 'career' path for me!  At any rate, it is giving me a lot of joy, and to see the smiles on their faces when they see themselves in print is a real thrill.  I just got a short list of those I have permission to interview at the home, and it is a bit discouraging.  But maybe the others are just slow in responding.

John got up and left while I was out walking.  I must get in and check on Beth, also talk to Juanita a bit more.  I shall return!

And Judy, I would think that UPS would be much less costly than driving two boxes to their destination!  Check it out....even truck freight might be an option.  Best of luck with your labor of love.

THis is turning into 4 boxes and we don't have everything together......I can ship free if there were only one or 2 however there would need to be someone at the drop off point to pick them up, and arranging that will be more difficult than taking them ourselves.  If no one is there then we will  have them returned to us.  That would be more of a headache. Also there is a box coming from Guelph.  I may reinburse the sender for the UPS for that.

Janet:  Now that the doctor has prescribed meds, I pray for healing for Beth for for her to get much better before John leaves for his home. 

Judy:  They need to make their situation known to charity shops because many will hand them a voucher to "shop".  As a volunteer years ago at the hospital thrift shop, we helped people from out of the area who arrived with virtually nothing - from other states too.  Salvation Army is great.  Hundreds around here lost their homes in the fires and everyone pitched in to help - I cannot imagine.  Blessings to all.

going for a walk before it gets hot once again.   Have a wonderful Labor Day holiday. 

Well, I think Isaac lost his power.  I listened and looked at three sources of weather guessers last evening and they all said....rain...rain...rain throughout the wee hours of this morning.  Guess what??  No rain!  It is cloudy and overcast but no rain!

I am still sore.  The calves of my legs are really ouchy!  I walk like Frankenstein without having to put my arms out straight!  Really hurts.  But I am thankful that that is my only pain.  Like Janet, I need to get out and walk more...not start out walking too much on the onset! 

Today is nothing day.  I got an Indiana Festival Guide while at the Visitor's Center in Madison, IN.  I may check it out and see if there are any festivals fairly close by that I could attend...and walk!  I used to go to a lot of them but haven't for over 10 years.  Just wish my sister was well enough to walk some.  It's hard to find someone to go with me...either married, works, or can't walk much.  Oh, well.  I can go by myself!

Did the price of gasoline rise in your area for this 3-day weekend?  Ours did.  Some stations are $4 a gallon!  Most $3.95 and above!  Geesh!!  Ouch!  Quite gouging me!!  Just a few weeks ago it was $3.25 a gallon!!

7/12th of 2012 is done and gone!!

Our gas is $1.36 a liter.  That makes it $4.72 per us gallon.  Horrible to say but you are catching up to us Etta Sue.  If people wouolld stop traveling and driving it would force the prices back down.  We see people up here in the North from Florida and Georgia every time we go out!.

I have boxes now to get the clothes washed dried folded and packed!  We are weighing the cost of taking the boxes to her compared to the cost of shipping.  No final decision has been made.

Have a good night folks, see you on the other side of the night!

Please pray for my Pastor's wife this is what he  posted on Facebook tonight.

QuoteHi everyone. I wanted to share an update on Michele's condition. We just found out yesterday after her colonoscopy that she has rectum cancer. She has been sick for a long time. This is her fourth bought with cancer now.

Although life has been hard for us in many respects, our trust in God is very strong. Please keep Michele and the family in your prayers. We know, without a doubt, our Father in heaven is with us.

We believe this sickness, and our lives, are "for the glory of God." Keep the faith friends. Thanks.

There's that 'C' word again!  That terrible, terrible word!  Marilyn, you know I will be praying for Michelle in my prayers. 

I know, Judy.  It seems there are more cars on the road today than 5 years ago and definitely more than 10 years ago and so many of them with only one person in them!  And no matter where or when I eat out, it seems the restaurants are full.  You sure can't tell the economy crunch is in central Indiana. 

All I did yesterday was piddly, busy stuff!  Nothing to write home to Mom about.  I did crochet on a chemo wrap that I started a couple of months ago.  I hope to be done with it tonight!!  I am tired of seeing those colors in my living room.   ???

I am ready for church.  Yesterday was a drizzly rain about all afternoon and evening.  Looks like it was wet during the night and some now.  Cloudy and overcast...no sun shining yet!  A great reason for a nice nap this afternoon. 

God Bless You All!

Hi everyone.  Well, it's Sunday morning here.  I got a call from our pastor the other day, and he asked , to take his place Sunday (today).  So I'm going to do things quite differently.  I'm going to try to get everybody to come up close to the front.  I'll sit in a chair there.  It'll be a kind of discussion format, and we'll be discusiing 1 Cor. 14:26, following.  Please pray that our Lord will speak to us through this.

That sounds like a great idea, Al. 

And now, is Sunday and the first day of a new week - and only Day 2 of a new month, too.  So it's time to move.  Come follow us HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12364.msg174741#msg174741)