Christian Photographers Community

What great messages today.

Well, Janet, my eyes rested this afternoon. I think I had had such a busy day yesterday that after taking the lady to her early morning examination, I simply came home and made the decision to rest this afternoon.

Thank you for supporting my son in his job search. May it be fruitful is my prayer. And it would be wonderful if God would make it possible for him to attend worship. He's been attending faithfully since he returned to the States, and seems to be make spiritual gains. So attendance at worship would be such a blessing for him and also for me.

Now, after a nice meal at church and then a great time of worship (we old folks gather in a small chapel to have a "traditional" service with all the old hymns from the hymnal) and nice talks with several friends there, it's time to be "the maid service."

I had the bug man come by - you know how it is living in a large apartment building - so now's time to go in there, roll up my sleeves, put on the rubber gloves and give my kitchen some loving. 

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann, so good to hear such encouraging things from down South where you live!  May God help your son quickly find just the right job for him.

I had a good night's rest last night, got up early and cleaned my kitchen, watched Joseph Prince, then went out for a 30 minute walk in the cool of the morning.  Now I must get ready and go over to Pat's for a haircut and "do."  Later I will go to the care home to interview the next person for the series I am doing for the paper, and to attend Beth's care plan meeting.  I'm not sure what's on deck for the rest of the day, but God knows!

I feel so good that Beth finally got a good report yesterday!!  Thank you, God!  And we are expecting each report from now on to get better and better and better!

Hi, it's time to head on out to the knee surgeon for my annual checkup. It's really amazing how that one replacement surgery has made such a difference in both my knees.

Y'all have a wonderful day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

We had storms last night!  It is a lot cooler today.  Cloudy today and perhaps more rain.  Bring it on!  We certainly need it! 

Today is my Class Lunch.  Kitty is hoping to be here and go with me.  I want to go to Lowe's afterwards to see about a new umbrella for the bistro.  I have thoroughly enjoyed sitting outside under the umbrella this year! 

It seems that another America's Most Wanted has been found.  This man was featured on TV on that show.  It isn't positive since it will take up to two months to check out fingerprints and DNA but this is what there is so far. Roy Parmley .  The murder, his home and where his body was found is all within 5 miles from my home!   

Hi everyone.  We had a lovely rain last evening which was most appreciated.  It is sunny today and the humidity was lower this morning when I left coffee.  My activities of yesterday seem to have left me drained today and Pat is also feeling very tired, as she has been for several days.  We wrote to the doctor last night asking for a blood test (which has now been ordered) to see if she might be anemic.  Sure glad we have nothing on the schedule for today, although need to go so she can have the blood test done and will perhaps do that later this afternoon.  A good friend just came with a lovely meal for us a  little while ago, which is most appreciated.  We will certainly have more than one meal as it was a large pan of homemade lasanga, loaf of homemade bread, salad, a pie and banana nut bread. Another friend is bringing over another meal tomorrow afternoon.  I just watched a very interesting video related to Queen Elizabeth that some of you might enjoy.  Here is the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8nJhG1xE5o&feature=em-share_video_user

I have read all the postings since yesterday but just not up to responding today.

I guess no one read my post yesterday, It still isn't very happy around my family

I've been away, but have read the latest posts and am praying regarding requests, etc.. It sounds like it's been a busy time for everyone, and things aren't the easiest for everyone. I'm glad that we can take our problems to the Lord and know that He is there for us.
Marilyn, I've read your post and am praying. It sounds like it's very difficult right now.
Our kids arranged for all of us to go camping for a few days to celebrate our 60th birthdays and our retirements. We had 4 campsites - 2 tents, 2 trailers, 7 adults and 6 children ranging in age from 1 to 9. It was a very busy time, but extremely enjoyable. Now they would like to make this an annual event. On the way home our DIL discovered a tick, so they ended up in the hospital to have it removed. This meant that everyone looked for ticks (we're not used to looking for them). Our daughter took her two kids last night to get checked (nothing showed up), and today our other daughter took her son to the Dr. to have a spot checked. And ... to top it all off, our son and DIL checked one of their sons this morning and it looks like he has chicken pox. Great way to end a holiday ... but they still want to do it again:)
We have rain today and the temperature has come down.
Tomorrow we go to my Dad's - my niece is getting married in Sundridge on Saturday, and I am doing the photos for the wedding, so I've been busy getting ready for that. I'm praying that it isn't raining that day.

Yes, Marilyn, I did read about the two relatives who are ill.  So sorry.  It seems we are all dealing with an undue amount of problems this summer.

I called my friends and had them come over so I could cut his hair and give them the deviled eggs I made for them.  Her dialysis nurse told her that deviled eggs are one of the best things for her to eat, and she really has trouble getting enough protein.

I am leaving early in the morning for a two day painting event in Newton.  Going with  friends, so it will be fun!

Also got an email that Beth's good friend from Fargo, N. Dakota is coming for Beth's birthday.  It's to be a surprise, so Beth will be SO happy to see Becki.

Larry, sure hope both you and Pat will feel stronger tomorrow.  Do take care of yourselves--am happy friends brought you  food.  That is a blessing!

There is only one who is still  living the other is dead!! the living one is expected to die anytime now, Gilbert and the family is with him at the hospital and I just waiting for the call.

Please forgive me, Marilyn, for not noticing your post re the death, and impending death, in your family. 

Guess there is some truth in the idea that sometimes we are so caught up in our own situation(s) that we miss the needs of others.

Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.

Hi everyone.  We had another good rainfall with quite a bit of lightning and thunder late yesterday afternoon.  Pat did get her blood test done yesterday and hopefully will hear from the doctor today as she got the results via e-mail last evening.  She starts her outpatient physical therapy today for probably the next three weeks.  We had a delicious meal last evening that our friend had brought to us yesterday. It was homemade lasagna, homemade whole wheat bread, a spinach salad with strawberry dressing and almonds and a pecan pie.  Except for the salad we have enough left over for two more meals.  There is also a loaf of banana nut bread we haven't even unwrapped yet.  I will go to coffee shortly, take Pat to her PT and that should be it for today.

Marilyn, I certainly did read your post but just didn't have the energy to write much yesterday.  Life certainly has its ups and downs and obviously this is a very down time for you and members of you family.   

Betty, the camping trip sounds like a wonderful and memorable family experience.  Ticks are frightening anymore with the Lyme disease. 

Janet, hope you have a wonderful and restful painting event today and tomorrow.  So nice that Beth's friend will be with Beth on her 50th birthday as know that will make it very special.  Will John be there as well?

We had 17 at our class lunch yesterday.  Nice bunch of people.  Good food and great conversation.  Kitty went with me but Bob was taking a man to the hospital for chemo treatment.

Kitty wanted to go to the fabric shop just two doors from the lunch.  Her sister has dementia and she is going to make a Fidget Quilt.  Actually it is an apron that the neck strap fastens with velcro and the rest of the apron is different types of fabrics...some soft, some harsh, etc and then you sew on things like shoe laces with beads on them, a keyring with keys on it, a pocket for a handkerchief, big buttons, etc.  Sounds like a great idea.

Then I wanted to go to Lowe's and get a new umbrella for my bistro.  I did.

This morning after a nice storm last night, my bistro/umbrella was tipped over.  I went out and up-righted it and raised the umbrella so it would dry out.  Ivalou came over.  We heard a thud but thought it was a truck that went past the house.  But when she left, my umbrella was out of the stand and out on my drive!!  I thought I had it screwed to the stand.  It is now! 

I have done piddly things today to get ready for FROGGS tomorrow.  I chopped an onions, went to Dollar General for condiments, made some Peanut Butter Fudge, made a list of what to take to the woods at 5pm tomorrow! 

Also changed the bed today, did a load of laundry and the bed skirt on the daybed now has split corners!! 

Now it is time to rest!

John went home with Jesus just a few short minutes ago. He was only 55 years old. Pray for my family especially my grands Forest and Savannah.

I'm so sorry to learn of the losses, Marilyn. Today a lady in the waiting area where we went while our cars were being assessed for repair opened up about several deaths of brother, father, sister in law, and niece, and she was absolutey distraught. I'll be praying for her as well as your family.

Well, little Josie car stayed "in the hospital" for air conditioner compressor replacement, so I'm now driving a rental fire engine red 2012 Ford Fiesta that almost seems to run itself! I surely do hopt no hail storms come up over the weekend! Thanks to God that I purchased the warranty extension. The cost will be low, since my deductible is $50, and there will be no additional charges for auto rental.

Also did quite a bit of laundry before the car repair appointment, so tonight I'm really tired and verrrrry sleepy.

G'nite, all! May God grant peace, rest, and health this day is my prayer.

Ruth Ann

I pray for Marilyn's family, Fatlher, tlhat You will use these tragic events to awaken them to their need and the meeting of that need in Jesus Chlrist.

Hi everyone.  We had another good rain last evening and it is overcast this morning.  A couple from our church came over yesterday afternoon and brought us a delicious roast beef, green beens, carrots and mashed potato plus rolls and a cookies for desert.  It was very good and there was enough for another meal.  They also stayed and visited with us for probably the better part of an hour, which was enjoyable because we really didn't know them very well before.  Another friend is bringing a meal this evening so we are truly blessed.  After Pat's PT yesterday I asked her if she was up to stopping at Chili's for lunch and she said she wanted to.  However, by the time we left she was really tired.  We came home and rested most of the afternoon and then went to bed a little after 8 pm last evening and each watched something on the Kindle and iPad.  I went to coffee this morning but will stay in the rest of the day as just not up to getting out anymore today.

Etta Sue, glad your new umbrella didn't fly away.  Hope you have a nice evening for your family get together.  I have never heard of a fidget quilt. 

Marilyn, I didn't realize John was so young.  It will be hard on your grandchildren to lose their grandfather as they are of the age to understand what has happened. 

Ruth Ann, glad you have the extended warranty on your car.  Don't become too attached to that red Ford Fiesta. 

Al, as always good to see you posting.

Marilyn, sorry about the loss of two of your friends this week.  Fifty-five is mighty young.  I will pray for comfort for John's family and that they feel the arms of Jesus wrapped around them.

I am running behind today.  I remembered Photo Guild was Monday night so processed 4 photos to upload on their website.  I need to get busy.

I did make some Peanut Butter Fudge yesterday for the event back in the woods...and need to make the Sausage Balls.  The Open Fire Ban is still on in my county so we are having no fire this year!  It will still be lots of fun!

Gotta go!!!! 

I am home after a very enjoyable couple of days painting with my friends.  Nice, relaxing getaway!

Marilyn, sorry about your bad news, as has been stated 55 is terribly young.  I pray there is someone in their lives to lead Savannah and her brother to Jesus, who is our comforter.

I am trying to type with foil on my fingers (some of them) as I am soaking off the gelish nail polish.  So I will come back when  I get that done!

Savannah and forest have both been lead to Jesus, I prayed with them a few years ago. The other grandmother took them to churcha nd taught them in Sunday school., Their  Papa was a minister, It is Gilbert and Sarah I am concerned  about, they need to know Jesus.

What was a very happy occasion turned into a sad one last evening at FROGGS.  My Lapel Fire Chief nephew came back to tell us that Kaye Don's daughter, Lezlie, went to a wedding and when she got home, her husband, Don, was dead.  He had been cutting wood for winter.  They live in Michigan.  Don was only 51 years old....apparently a heart attack. 

They have three children...David is in the Marines in North Carolina with wife, Lindsay.  Steve is in the Air Force with wife, Veronica.  Ivery is still home and will be 16 in September.  It will be and is so hard on all of us. 

Tony is just 13 days younger than Don.

I am ready for church.

Hi everyone.  I am sitting on my porch this morning using the iPad and my bluetooth keyboard to write this morning.  It is suppose to be a gorgeous day here with relatively mild temperature and low humidity and it is getting off to a great start.  I can hear the birds singing.  This is the first time all year I have spent any time on the porch as it gets the afternoon sun.  I am not going to try to go to church this morning as I want to conserve my energy.  I spent a good part of the day yesterday laying down.  Our friends, Rod and Betty, brought over another deliious meal for us last night (we are getting spoiled).  It was veal roast with rice, broccoli, homemade cheese bread and a delicious peach and blueberry cobbler.  It was all warm so we had dinner as soon as they left.  Once again there were significant left overs so we are fixed for meals for several days.  I don't have anything planned for today other than watch more on this last day of the Olympics and rest.

Etta Sue, glad your family get together went well.  It is the people and not the conditions that make the day.  Reading your further message says it wasn't a day that went well with that terrible news you received.  So sorry for your family.

Janet, glad you enjoyed your outing with painting friends.  Don't think I ever heard of anyone trying to type with foil on their fingers.  Creates a funny visual.

Marilyn, I know you are concerned about your son and his wife not knowing the Lord.  However, that is a personal decision for each of us and one that others can only pray about.

Etta Sue I am very sorry to hear of your loss.

Larry, happy to read you are conserving your energy, and enjoying the cool of the morning on your porch.  It's very nice and kind of your friends to bring you and Pat meals---that's what friendship is all about!

Etta Sue, sorry your happy FROGGS time was interrupted by bad news.  We must all live ready to go home at any minute!

I wanted to go to Hugoton to church, then spend time with Diane's family this afternoon, but Diane and Abby are the only ones at home, and they are busy, so we went to church here and I will go visit with them another day.  But I did have a good phone visit with Diane.

If any of you would like to read the Treasures From the Legacy stories I am writing, I can either post them here, (if not interested, you can scroll on by) or I can email them to you.  Let me know.  Maybe that isn't something of interest to any of you, I don't know, but thought I would offer.

Janet, count me as a "YES!" I would love to hear the stories.

May our Lord be with each of us, and with those of our extended families and friends. God knows our every need and, in His time and in His own way, He answers these prayers.

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

Thanks, Ruth Ann!  I will be back soon with the first story. 

TREASURES FROM THE LEGACY
                                                         MARY ELLA WARD
                                                          By Janet Damon

Knowing that each of our older citizens is a treasure, and desiring to preserve their stories is the reason I have decided to do this series.  I will attempt to get the facts straight, and to verify where I feel it is needed; and will treat each person I interview with kindness and respect.  I truly hope you will enjoy getting to know these special people through these articles.  Thank you for reading!

Our first featured resident of The Legacy is Mary Ella Ward.  Mary Ella was born October 18, 1929, and spent her childhood years on a farm between Johnson and Manter, Kansas.  When she got to high school age, she went to live with an aunt in Oberlin, Kansas, and attended high school there.

Mary Ella remembers her parents taking the family to church from an early age.  Her two older brothers helped with the work of farming—driving tractor, etc., while she and her sister helped their mother with the work in the house and yard.  She stated that she always helped with household chores, cooking, gardening and canning.  She says she always did a lot of cooking!
As a child, Mary Ella loved playing with clay, but it didn't develop into doing sculpture, she just did it for fun.

A special memory of hers is the trips made to Oberlin to visit with aunts, uncles and grandparents.  Sometimes they made this trip by bus.

Mary Ella went to grade school in Johnson, then high school in Oberlin, and later attended college at Kansas State University, where she majored in Home Economics, specializing in Foods.

While attending high school in Oberlin, Mary Ella met the love of her life, her future husband, Virgil Ward.  Virgil also attended K-State, and they married while still students there.  She says their dates mostly consisted of attending movies together, and occasionally a dance.  She told me that in those days, people had much more respect for one another; that they wouldn't have dreamed of living together before marriage.

After college, the couple lived in Oberlin for a while, where her husband lent a hand on the farm when needed.  About 1951, they moved to Ulysses, where Dr. Virgil Ward, as he was by then, set up his practice in Dentistry.  He worked in that practice until his retirement.

When asked what achievement or accomplishment of her life gives her the most satisfaction, Mary Ella said, "Having a good marriage with Virgil, and raising three sons and a daughter to be good people.  My husband was very good about balancing his time between his work and his family."

Some valuable lessons she learned and would like to pass along to our younger readers are:  (1) Taking time to spend helping family reaps big rewards later, and (2) Always take time to listen!
Some advice Mary Ella would like to give those who are younger, that might make their lives better or happier if they were to follow it is:  Be willing to lend a helping hand; and be kind and respectful to your elders, teachers, etc.

Mary Ella and Dr. Virgil Ward raised three sons and one daughter in Ulysses:  Robert, John, Larry and Nancy.  She is very proud of her family, and considers it a blessing to have her children around to help her as she grows older.

When asked what person most inspired her, she answered, "my mother."  And the person she most admired was her Dad, because he did so much for others.

This dear lady stated she would like to see the USA return to trusting God.

The biggest change she has observed during her lifetime is seeing young fathers helping take care of their children, which makes her very happy.

I asked Mary Ella how she would like to be remembered, and after some thought, she answered:
                           As a woman who loved the Lord;
                           As a good wife and mother;
                           As a good cook—and I did a lot of cooking!
But mostly, she said, "Please don't remember all the stupid things I did!
                         

Janet, by all means, please continue with these interviews!  What a great lady Mary Ella Ward must be - and judging by the last line, she certainly maintains a lovely sense of humor!   

Janet I love the story of Mary Ella Ward please continue the stories posting them here.

Thanks so much, girls, I appreciate your comments.  I have the next story ready, will take it and read it to the man today, see if he has thought of anything else he wants to add or change.  Then the lady I want to interview today--she's a real hoot!  93 years young, has lived a very interesting and adventurous life, so I am really looking forward to getting her story down on paper.

When we brought Beth back after church yesterday and took her to the dining room, this lady, Madalyne, sits at Beth's table; so I asked if I may come and interview her today.  She said, "YES!  But I have a lot of hot air!"  I told her that's what I'm looking for--some good stories!

Mary Ella is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's, and couldn't tell me when she was born or where she grew up.  She also said she had two sons, but no daughters.  I had met her daughter when she came to visit Mary Ella, so I decided to call her son, whom I know, and verify some things.  I surely don't want to have them print anything that isn't so!  He was so pleased that I'm doing this, and told me the missing information, also the names of his brothers and sister.  He said it would have been really bad to leave out the sister, as she is the baby of the family!  That's the reason I added the first paragraph before Mary Ella's story.  She is really a sweet lady, and is always delighted when I come in, wants to give me a kiss when I hug her.   

I've done quite a bit of work, walked three miles, now I'm ready to get on with my Monday!  First, I will read the portion of the Word for today.

See you later!

Hi everyone.  Looks like it will be another nice day but warmer, up to 90 degrees.  I was rather glad to see the Olympics over, although have enjoyed several hours of the events.  We had to turn the closing program off as it seems to be noise and confusion and a bad sound system.  Guess the music was the type to appeal to the young athletes, not old timers like me.  I hope to take in my normal Monday events if I can keep from becoming too tired.  I did a lot of resting yesterday and quite a bit of reading.

Janet, by all means please continue to share your writings.  Each person's story has something unique.  You have already done a day's work if you have walked three miles and done other work. 

Hi to Jeanne, Marilyn, and Ruth Ann plus all those who may stop by later today.