Christian Photographers Community

I'm glad the Olympics are  over at last.   It seemed that every time I tried to check what was going on it was one of three things:  swimming, gymnastics or beach volleyball, none of which had any interest for me.  Now maybe we can get back to some regular scheduling.   

Marilyn and Etta Sue, my sympathies for you both over your losses. 

Janet ~ Add me to the list to continue your stories on here.  I love Mary Ella!

We just found out this morning when Don's visitation and funeral will be...it was pending due to the boys getting home from the military and perhaps, planning a military funeral.  So Ivalou and I will be leaving at 8am Wednesday morning to be at White Cloud, MI, for the visitation at 5pm-8pm.  Then the Military funeral will be at 11am on Thursday.  We will leave right after the lunch and come back home.

Ivalou has her eye specialist appointment Friday morning. 

I called a niece this morning to let her know if anyone would like to ride with us north that we would be leaving at 8am Wednesday. 

Since our temperatures have been so high this summer, it feels like fall weather now.  The temps have dropped nearly 20 degrees.  After a nap yesterday afternoon, I mowed the grass, going out at 7pm.  That is the time to mow!!  I didn't even sweat and the temperature was perfect. 

The same for FROGGS.  The temperature was perfect and we didn't even have to use bug spray.  I had a pesky fly bothering me for a bit but never heard the buzz of a mosquito once!! 

I just know that when I have losses like I have with Don, it brings me closer to God.  Life is here and then it is gone.  Takes me back 21 years when I lost my husband, Bud.

Well, I've read everthing.  I'll pray for eaclh in a few moments.  I found out that I will be taking the class I have to take in order to pass myl driving test next Tuesday (22nd).  Please pray that I'll pass it next time!

We have been having nicer temps here, too; such a relief!  Darrel and I did not enjoy either the opening nor the closing ceremonies for the Olympics.  Surely a let-down, after the show China put on, huh?

I spent probably two hours interviewing Madalyne, and she really enjoyed it.  She thanked me and said how she loves to talk about her life, but it isn't often anyone wants to listen!  She asked me whose idea this series is, and I said, "Mine", and she really let me know she thinks it's a wonderful idea!  So that made my day!  Now I will type up her story and go back and check with her to see if it needs changes.  Carl wanted a few minor changes, so I got those done.

Al, I really hope all goes well with the driving test this time.  And thanks again for your call the other night, it was nice speaking to you!  And my friend appreciated your suggestions, too!

I am sleepy, so think I'll catch a little nap before typing up Madalyne's story.

Etta Sue:  You are so kind to offer a place for anyone to ride with you to the funeral.  I am sure the relatives there will appreciate your day-long drive.  Reliving your own loss has to be so difficult.  You are strong in faith and that is what will get you through this time.  Hugs.

Janet:  You are turning into our resident biographer!  I don't know how you have the time but you do enjoy the challenge. 

Al:  All the best for you regarding the test.  You must have it memorized by now. 

Larry:  I see changes in my Don too and although it isn't his heart, he has lung shortages especially when we were over 10,000 plus feet in altitude.  His appetite has diminished too.  Wish mine would.  He is exhausted after driving for several hours and our planned trip to Seattle and the islands in Sept. will be really slower than ever before --- we used to drive straight through.  Never again anything like that idea.    ---- I took a nap too and was wakened by a political phone call. 

Hi, friends,

It's early morning here and my eyes are still wide open. 

Maybe the "sandman" will come soon to bring me some real dreams.

I was a homebody today, so not much to report.

Y'all have a great day.

I think it's time to get in the "sandbox" so that "sandman" will not miss me. <chuckle>

Love to all, and most of all, honor, worship, and praise to our wonderful Lord,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  The sun is not up yet.  We had a little rain yesterday, but not much.  Our front yard doesn't look very good today as the mower they used yesterday mowed higher on one side than the other.  Fortuantely, the grass will grow and it should be corrected in two weeks.  We had a sad happening at our men's luncheon yesterday as one of the men went to sit down and reached down to pull up his chair to the table.  In so doing he didn't realize that the seat cushion was not anchored and he got his thumb between it and the chair frame and sat down before removing his hand and broke his thumb. He immediately left to go to get emergency care but spoke with him later in the day and he found he hadn't cut off the end of his thumb as he thought but had basically crushed the bone with breaks on the top, bottom and middle of the end of his thumb.  There was a lot of blood including some that spurted on the table from the finger nail bed.  The restaurant cleaned up the blood and changed the table covering and we went ahead with lunch but with not the enjoyment we usually experience. 

Just back from coffee at McDonald's and a stop at Kroger's for a few items.  I haven't decided yet whether I will do one other activity today or not but will soon have to make a decision.  The afternoon and evening are clear. 

Jeanne, on the satellite NBC was airing Olympics on about 5 or 6 other channel that they own so there was a lot of alternative viewing.  I could also get a lot of the live events on my iPad, including a simulcast of the regular NBC station.  I just read in the paper this morning that the Olympics were the most watched television ever.

Etta Sue, we just never know when our time on this earth will end.  That is a good reason to enjoy each day to the best of our ability and not worry about things  we have no control over.  Hope your trip to Minnesota goes well.  I am sure it will be a sad time this week.

Al, we will be pulling for you on the test and hope the class goes well for you.

Janet, I agree with you and Darrel about the opening and closing ceremony of the Olympics although we watched only the opening portions of both then turned it off.  I bet you Madalyne will not forget your kindness in taking your time to listen to her talk.  It is nice of you to let the folks read what you have written before it is published. 

Carol, sorry to hear that Don is experiencing a decline in his health but we just have to face reality and adjust accordingly.   It is really aggravating to get awoken by a political call.  We are not yet seeing many political ads here in Georgia as we are not considered a swing state as apparently your state is.  I will be so glad when this election is over but this is such an important election. 

Ruth Ann, hope the sandman found you shortly after you posted so early this morning. 

I went to Photo Guild with Kitty last evening.  Each member can submit 4 prints/digital photos to be 'gently critiqued'.  It seems to be the same two 'critiquers' all the time.  They both tend to say what would make the photo 'better' in their minds.  I don't like that.  But I don't have a solution so I won't complain to the President.  But I doubt if I pay my dues in January.  I am getting burnt out on photography!

I got a couple of phone calls while at the meeting...from my g-nephew, Aaron.  So I called him back.  He is going with us to Michigan tomorrow.

Before I went to the pool this morning, I called Ivalou to see if she was going to her class lunch today.  She hadn't thought about it since she didn't feel she should drive.  So I told her I was going to the pool and when I come back, I could take her to her class lunch.  So I got to be with some of her class members and had a nice Chinese buffet also.

Then Ivalou needed some meds at CVS and money from the ATM.  I needed to top my gas tank for our trip north.  Another nephew called Ivalou...the one I called to ask to go with us and had to leave a message...and he is going with us tomorrow also.  So there will be four of us going to Michigan.  I don't know who will be coming back with us!  But at least, there will be three others to keep me awake!

When I got home, I swept out the car with my ShopVac.  Kitty is going to feed my furgirls and get our mail.  I need to pack and get my shower and hope I sleep tonight.  I couldn't sleep last night.  I couldn't remember why I didn't go to the Mexican restaurant for my class lunch in May.  So I got up at 1:30am, looked at CP...it's like a diary, you know...and found out I had eye surgery May 10th...that's why I didn't have Mexican lunch that day! 

It was rather cool this morning, cloudy and overcast today.  I am thinking I need to take warmer clothes to Michigan since that is north!

You may have noticed that we are still on Thoughts for the Week of August 5.  Or maybe you didn't notice.   

At any rate, it would have been Pat who posted for August 12, but she is still flying with one wing and is experiencing a lot of pain.  So we decided to just let things stay as they are for this week.  She can use a lot of prayer for the healing of her shoulder and release from the pain of the exercises she has to do.

I have decided to not take my laptop north for only one night.  I will be busy with visiting, visitation and the funeral and coming home right after the funeral.  Will be on the road probably 16 hours out of the next 36 hours...and sleeping some of that, too! 

Thanks for all the prayers before I ask for them.   

Hi everyone.  Nothing much to write about today other than Pat having her second outpatient physical therapy appointment at 11:30 this morning.  Nothing else planned for today.  Last evening Pat and I watched the last four episodes of "The Closer".  We sure hate to see that show end.  Fortunately, we could fast forward through the large amount of commercials which shorted the time involved in watching each episode.  We will check out the follow-on program "Major Crimes" as also have it recorded.

Etta Sue, sounds like you will have a car full on your trip to Michigan.  Have a safe trip. 

Jeanne, thanks for the update on Pat and her shoulder.  I understand that surgery is really tough in the rehab phase.  Hope the pain will soon subside and she will get the use of her "wing" back.  No problem with the carryover into a second week.  Time goes by so quickly I hadn't even noticed.

I agree with Larry, Jeanne - besides that, I'm just GRATEFUL that we have this wonderful forum to come to.

Well, that sandman forgot his "sand", so sleep only came after 4 am, and the alarm went off at 6:30.  So, I think he left behind heavy weights for my eyelids. I think I feel a nap coming on....

Yawwwwn!

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Short naps are high in the grateful category!

My iPad is safe in my hands again.  It just made me sick to think that something so nice could be forgotten - cannot believe that I forgot it at the rental cabin.  So very grateful for honest people.  This was a gift from the family last year on my special birthday and it is just so easy to enjoy. 

Sending up a prayer for healing regards to Pat!  This has been a long haul for her. 

Does it seem to any of you the way it does to me---that time is being compressed; that the days, weeks, etc. are just flying by at whirlwind speed?  As the old song said, "I just get up and it's time to lay down..."  But we have to keep on praying, keep on giving, keep on going.....and leave it in God's hands!

My first story (Mary Ella Ward) was in today's paper, and they didn't change anything, for which I am so thankful.  They can really mess things up if they try to "improve" on it.  I asked them to make NO changes!

I'm so sorry Pat is having such a time with her shoulder, and the others here are struggling, too.  I am sending up prayers for pain relief, healing, protection, supernatural recall when taking tests, and whatever else is needed.  (The Holy Spirit knows!)

Carol, so glad you got your iPad back!  I have been thinking I would like to have one of those.  Of course, I have been wanting a Kindle for years, then I saw on TV where they were giving hundreds of them to "underprivileged" elementary school kids! 

I need to make some phone calls, then will go to see Beth for a while.  See you later!  Oh!  Ruth Ann, I hope the Sandman does a better job tonight! 

 Nothing new since I was here last...hmmm.

We are going to Dodge City on the Seniors bus today, supposed to leave at 8, so I need to go get dressed.

I pray everyone has a very blessed day today, and that Jesus surprises you with something really cool!   

Hi everyone.  I am sitting at Kauffman Tire this morning waiting for them to align, rotate and balance my tires and to flush my brake fluid.  I am sure I will be here for a couple of hours.  I decided to do this this morning at the last minute.  If I am not too tired when they get through will stop at Aldi's for a few grocery items we need.  That will be enough for one day for me.

Carol, I am using my iPad this morning to write here as have a couple of hours to kill while they work on the car.  I will be ready for a nap by the time I get home. Glad you got yours back.

Janet, I certain
I  agree with you on the compression of time as we grow older.  I think you would love the iPad as it gives you the Kindle and Nook apps as wel as many others.  Hope you have a good trip to Dodge City today.

Hello everyone, I am just sitting here passing the time until it is time to eave for my Dr. appointment this afternoon, I am going to address this vertigo that I have had since I fell and hit my head on April 7thh., This has just lasted too long and I am tired of  being dizzy John's memorial will be held at the Church of Christ where he ministered for so many years. Ann is  having a hard time please pray for  for Ann, and the girls Sarah and Erin. I think my grands are doing OK as far as I know. but Sarah has not had much rest since she started to help care for her father, And with MS she needs to get all the rest she can.

Larry, thanks for the info re the iPad.  I would like to 'play' with one to sort of get a feel for it before I buy one.  I can't even use my cell phone correctly, it drives me crazy!  It just doesn't do what it's supposed to do!  Hope you didn't get too tired while waiting for your car's care.

We just got our car back from the shop, and they did a beautiful job on it--looks brand new!  But the rear view mirror flutters around, so they will get us a new one.

Marilyn, hope you get some answers about the vertigo.  I had no idea Gilbert's father-in-law was a minister.  What church?  It doesn't sound as if you plan to attend the service, and I'm sure that's for the best, with vertigo.

The bus trip today was a test run following getting the bus repaired, and they (we) went to the casino.  Not my cup of tea at all.  Darrel handed me a dollar and told me to play it, so I did, in a penny machine, and didn't win one red cent before losing it all.  That's fine with me.  I only went because they said they would take me to Hobby Lobby, which they did, so I'm happy.  The restaurant in the casino was a total disappointment, sorry food and high prices.  The snack bar would have been a much better choice.  The only good thing I had was fried eggplant! 

Going to watch the news now!

Had a wonderful thing happen today.  I was told a day or two ago that I needed to replace all four tires.  Then, that same day, had a flat on that car.  Four new tires would cost many bucks (500-600).  I got a bright idea and went to Les Sclhwab locally, asked them if just by chance they might have a set of used ones.  Well, lo and behold, tlhey DID!  Cost me $171 dollars, and they're good enough that they might last the lifetime of the car!  So I saved many dollars.  Thanks be to the God Who plans all events in our lives.

That's really good news, Al!  Praise God!

Janet, John was a minister at the Church of Christ for over 20 years. I will be going to his memorial service it will be held at the church in Eureka, California on Sept 8th. I do n't have vertigo as long as I am sitting or standing, only when I lay down and get or lay down an turn my heard to the left. It is BPPV and I have had it before. Once it lasted for 3 months http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/bppv/bppv.html If you look at the picture on this website, there is an "ear rock"  floating around in one of those tubes. She is sending me to PT  so they can figure out which tube because  the manipulations of my head (exercises) depend on which tube it is in. Different manipulations for different tubes. i have tried two different exercises  known to help but they didn't.

My Cholesterol is down to 141 so i can stop taking the Crestor. Woo Hoo not more statins. She also gave me a Tdap shot, Tetanus, Diphtheria,, Pertussis, since I have COPD and compromised lungs.  Whopping cough is become prevalent again and there have been several cases already in Oregon. I go back only for blood test in 3 months (no Dr visit that time) and again in 6 months with a Dr visit then.

So many comments - I'm almost afraid to answer any of them for fear someone wil be disappointed.

It's been a busy 2 days - 3 trips to the elderly lady's various doctors, 2 trips for prescriptions, a stop by the medical supply office, a meeting with Salvation Army golden agers that ended up being their annual lunch at a buffet restaurant - nice, 2 meetings with my son, and, hmmm, other things I can't remember!

So, the Sandman is already comin' up the steps!! I think I'd better go let him in.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

I slept good the first half of the night.....been up since 4:15, so may need a nap this afternoon!

Gotta watch Joseph Prince--be back!

How did I miss coming in here yesterday?!?!?! 

I got all wound up in trying to make arrangements for a kind of mini family reunion.  One cousin and her husband will be coming to stay nearby for the weekend and another cousin and her husband will come for the afternoon on Sunday.  We've found that a house that belonged to our grandparents from the 20's to the mid 50's, and where my mother and I lived in the late 40's, is on the market and we've asked if it would be possible to have a look-see, even though we're not in the market.  So far, no answer from the realtor.  I guess if there's no commission involved, the courtesy of a reply doesn't apply.   

Oh well, we can at least see and take photos of the outside to compare with a couple we have from years ago.

Hi everyone.  We are in for a potential stormy afternoon in our area with some possible high winds as well.  Today is outpatient physical rehab for Pat at 11 am.  That will be it for today.  Yesterday was a busy day.  I spent about three hours at the tire shop and then another hour shopping at Aldi's as have to take things slowly anymore.  Then another church friend brought over a nice meal for us last evening that we enjoyed very much.  We are on our own now but fortunately Pat is more up to at least telling me what to do in the kitchen. I had the best day yesterday I have had in the last month and sure hope today will be the same.  Stacey did get the news she has been waiting for regarding the low-income housing.  She will get the handicapped apartment and is to sign the papers on Monday.  This will be the first time she will have actually seen the apartment.  She has met one or two of the people who live there who say they love living there and there is a definite emphasis on safety as there is a guard always on duty.  I am sure she will move as soon as possible even though she will have possession of her other apartment until the end of next month.

Marilyn, hope your got some help from your doctor yesterday.  Glad that your grandchildren are taking the loss of their grandfather OK.  We have a couple of good friends who has fought the ear rock problem but are doing very well   now. 

Janet, if you know anyone that has an iPad they would probably be happy to let you play with it a little while and show you some of what you can do and how easy it is to use.  Glad you got your car back. It sounds like your casino experience was what we always experienced as well.  I must say Darrel is the last of the big spenders with a whole dollar.    I agree with his philosophy and always set a low limit when we have visited a casino.  I read an article recently that a casino in Las Vegas was going to open a new restaurant that would have over 500 items and some famous chefs.  I bet that will be expensive.

Al, good thinking on the tire situation.  God does provide. 

Ruth Ann, it sounds like from your schedule you are due a day off.  I am sure your friend appreciates all the help you are giving her. 

Jeanne, hope you enjoy the mini family reunion and are able to see the place where you once lived. 

I am back from a very fast trip to Michigan.  I am glad I went.  Don was such a great man...great to hear the stories of how he was always there to help.  His love outside of his family was the woods...hunting, cutting wood, hiking and 4-wheeling.  He was found in the woods cutting wood.  I am so glad that Lezlie didn't find him.  The two military boys and their wives got home.  Now it will be a big adjustment for Lezlie when they all leave and it is just her and Ivery. 

I called this morning to find out if the brake booster came in for Hawaii...my Crystal Red Cruze.  Famous last words...it just came in!  But I have another problem.  I filled the car up in Michigan yesterday morning and my A/C isn't working now.  It was working fine on the way to Michigan.    So I take my car in Wednesday, the 22nd, and leave it for the brakes to be fixed and the A/C to be fixed and get a loaner to drive until it is done! 

Today I take Ivalou to the Eye Specialist.  Hope they can 'fix' her eye.  She says she doesn't think it is as bad as it was but she can still only see straight ahead in her right eye...the rest is spotty spots of blood.  She was told they may lazer her eye. 

I am like Janet...time flies by so fast now!  Ever since I retired in '93 at the age of 51, I have said, 'I am glad I am retired.  I don't know when I would have time to work!'  And I am not as busy as some people!

And I am like Ruth Ann...don't want to try to comment to all because I am afraid I might miss someone and they be offended.  Just know I have read all and praying appropriately.

I am not offended if I am forgotten.  Good grief, everyone in here has buckets of serious issues in their lives.  Am so glad that I volunteered as a chaplain at the hospital and had that training because it really did give me a taste of "there but for the Grace of God go I". 

I feel terrible that I am not doing any volunteer work now that we live here and at the same time my job as wife and whatever keeps me so busy that it would be so hard to fit in anymore.  If we ever in our lives have a regular schedule..... what would that be like? 

Al:  Super deal on the tires.  We remember the Les S.... tire company that has been in Seattle for years.  Good for them. 

Marilyn:  Glad that you are getting attention for your dizzy spells and may they find the cause of your concern. 

We are so grateful for a change in morning weather and cooler nights as well.  Thanks be! 

Wow! It sounds like we all have things we're dealing with in our lives. I am praying for each as I read your posts.

I was the photographer for my niece's wedding on Saturday ... and yes, it rained. She had big plans for the pictures to be taken at her parents' farm in front of the barn, but was disappointed as we couldn't go out there in the pouring rain. I found the whole day challenging, as I'm not used to doing wedding photography in the first place, and in the second place, we had to revise our plans so much  However, the Lord provided a carport for us to be outside for some of the pictures without being in the rain, and the groom's parents had an old Pontiac car that was a great prop for the pictures.



We are going to my sister-in-law's Celebration of Life tomorrow. This is a difficult time for my husband's brother. It must be so difficult when the person doesn't have faith in Christ and believes the end of life is the end.

Lovely photo, Betty!  Even if it was raining outside the carport.

What a day this has been.  I went to Pat's around 8 or so for her to do my hair, then went to the care home with the intention of getting another interview done.  That didn't happen, as they called me to the phone, and it was Becki, Beth's good friend from Fargo, North Dakota.  She was just a few miles from town, coming to surprise Beth!  I knew she was coming, but thought it was to be next weekend, not this one.....anyway, Beth had a Dr. appt., the transportation gal was off today; they had to send two other girls to take her, then they had to go move a new resident....and forgot about Beth.  So there she sat for over an hour and a half, waiting to be brought back.  And Becki and I sat and waited, as Becki had her videocam all set up to record the surprise on Beth's face.

By the time they got her back, lunch was over and cleaned up, so then I had to go to a restaurant and get the three of us something to eat, then feed Beth.  I brought mine home.  Becki had driven (with two friends, all taking turns at the wheel) from 3:00 PM yesterday until they arrived around 10:30 this morning.  So of course, she is exhausted, needed a shower and a nap, so she is sleeping now.  When she wakes, I will get Beth's van out of her garage and let Becki drive that, so I don't have to shuffle her back and forth.

Becki bought Beth  a new computer!!  She wants to get her set up with Skype so they can talk, and so Beth can be in their chat room, as they all miss her there.  Her friend stayed up all night getting the computer set up with voice recognition, etc., so I really hope this all works for her.  Too bad I am no help with that stuff!  But John is pretty good, and he will be here for 17 days, so by the time he leaves they should have the wrinkles ironed out of the system.

And.....Janet is sleepy, too!

Wow! Sounds like everyone has really been having mucho activity and "happenings" in their life!  I've been here regularly to read and pray with and for y'all, but just have never had anything to say that would be of interest.

My family has been going through much of the usual "stuff" that families go through,and I have managed to stay mostly out of the way.  With the exception of the month of May, when I spent three, very stressful, weeks in California with some of them!  I won't/can't go into details, but it looks like that was only a bandaid on a rather messy situation.  At the moment, Candice (granddaughter, and Becky and Jessica's sister) has separated from her husband and she and her two kids are living in Sacramento area with Becky and Bryan!  AND the three of them (and three kids) are looking for another place to move into by the end of the month!  This time I do not plan to be involved in the moving process.   

On a happier note: my youngest granddaughter, Jessica, gave birth to a son yesterday evening.  He's 6 lb 4 oz and 19" ... everyone seems very happy and in good health, so I can praise the Lord for that.  This makes the 15th great grandchild for me!  I think that's enough!  All this came from my three daughters and eight grandchildren.   

It looks like I will be going to California once again in a few weeks (hopefully after everyone has completed the move) for my high school class SIXTIETH reunion!  Yup, I graduated in 1952.  Seems funny to meet up with all those "old people" whenever I attend one of these reunions!   

I have no intention of trying to name or comment on each of you who have posted here.  I have read everything you've written, though.  I know I would be leaving someone or something out and that would be hurtful and something I would never want to do.  Just know that I love all y'all and live in constant prayer and good wishes for each of your needs.