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Yes, Carlos O Kellys.   Never heard of that chain before and to hear it is way out there in Kansas, too!  whoo-hooo! 

The program at Purdue was wonderful.  At times there were close to 200 singers on stage.  The bell choir performed also.  Wonderful hall for music.  The trip there and back was great.  Afterward we all stopped at Chick-Filet.  It is a fast food restaurant that is only chicken AND it is Christian owned so they are closed on Sundays! 

Today was different at church since our minister just got home from the hospital yesterday after having two heart attacks.  They say he is very tired but is doing better each day.  We had a Youth Minister from a neighboring church to preach this morning.  In fact, he is from Tony and Charlene's church.  He had a very good sermon about who Jesus is.  Really nice.  Then Sunday School was on John 1:1-14.  More about Jesus and trying to understand the trinity. 

I got an email from Kitty last evening saying one of my classmate's father passed away so as soon as I get this posted, I am headed for the viewing. 

It is warmer today but soooooo windy.  It is 40 degrees with high winds.  In fact, we are in wind advisory with gusts up to 45 mph! 
That wind sure plays havoc with a hair do!!

Yep, sure does, Etta Sue!

Larry, that would be wonderful to be able to hear some of your cantata.  So glad you are in it and enjoying it so much.

Our pastor and wife, along with eldest daughter and two newly adopted kids from Ethiopia got home yesterday, and the whole family is sick.

This morning, different ones from the congregation shared in songs, instrumental playing, poems and readings.  It was so nice, and there were a few who took part that I had no idea had that talent!  I shared a reading and a poem.

I spoke to my youngest daughter this morning; her father-in-law is in terrible shape from the mesothelioma cancer.  Now they say he has 1 to 3 months.  So sad for all of them, but he says most people are not given this time to get their affairs in order before they die, so you can look for blessings in any circumstances.

I want to write them a letter telling them how much I appreciate their accepting my daughter and her two boys into their family, making them welcome and loving them.  They consider them as much their grandchildren as the ones born to their children; and Norbert has been wonderful about taking the boys under his wing and teaching them about carpentry work and other things boys need to know.

We are getting snow today, the sideways kind.  Very cold, too.

We are covered in snow and it is COLD!  Since Amanda can't drive in snow and the cars do not have snow tires, I suggested to my daughter that she ask their good friends from next door to drive her and go as her guests.  They have a 4 wheel drive.  So the three of them went to the Sarah Brightman concert and Amanda and I stayed home.   It was wonderful and she even came back after a 20 min. loss of electrical power.....finished the concert and went on to sing more. Or so I am told!!  So all is well that ends well....for some ::)

I had planned to go to Duncan to have my hair cut, etc. tomorrow....no way this is possible.  Have managed to get an appt. close by and my SIL will take me.  Sometimes I get real mad at that fickle finger of fate that keeps messing up my days.  Hope the snow doesn't stop the train on Tues. and someone can actually get me to it...Did I say that I possitively dislike winter?? :ticked:

Just finished thawing the Bunnies waterbottles and wrapping them in newspaper.  They were frozen solid.  The Annas hummers hide under the roof and dash to the feeder.  Wendy has to keep putting in fresh as it also freezes.  Birds are attacking the suet and also struggling.  Meanwhile, Misty & Squeek, sleep, all cozy in their warm chairs. Oh rain, wonderful rain, where are you...?

Read this little chuckle this morning:

A church bulletin blooper:
"The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water"
The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus"

;)

Nice devotional Etta Sue.  Al and Larry, lots of the Sr. Net folks are on Pat's new site that Jane mentioned.  Larry, I would also love to hear your choir.  Hope you post a link.

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Tons of new snow here - I did drive out close to noon, after the plows had come through.  Back here with g-daughter and we are happy that we have electricity.  Don is home & staying indoors all day today. 

Larry:  I kept hoping that SN would really begin this month.  There are so many people I miss and cannot get their emails now. 

It is absolutely beautiful outdoors - there is a huge window over the kitchen sink looking out the back yard and they have decorated one of the fir trees with lights.  It is getting so tall that they are having difficulty now in putting the lights on and taking them off.  Two others in the neighborhood have the same trimmings and it could be a picture postcard - me with no camera. 

Up at at 'em this morning.  Up before 5 although I don't have to drive g-daughter to the bus until almost 7.  Brrrrrr outside

:coffee:  Not much to say other than - I beat everyone in here today!! :D

I am back from my trip, It was cold and raining with sleet too. Coming home I saw snow all the way down to the coast (Hwy 101). It was all along the sides of the road. It rained on me part if the way and snowed part of the way; the Snow plow had cleared the road south of Crescent City through the redwoods. There was snow on both sides of the road and down the middle until about 40 miles from home.

I had a Chiropractor appt at 9:15 that I rescheduled  from last Wednesday, I sure wish I had kept that appointment, as I have a pinched nerve that is very painful. I sat with the ice pack last night then when I went to bed I put on the heating pad this morning it is still hurting but not as much as last night.  I will use the Bio Freeze on it again this morning before I go.

Hi everyone.  It sounds like we have good weather in comparison to what others here are experiencing.  We may get a little rain this afternoon, but only a 30% chance.  It is suppose to get up to 60 degrees today.  It was cold all day yesterday.

Last night was just wonderful.  We had a delicious meal and the musical program was top-notch.  I am trying to get a copy of the program but it may be awhile.  I wrote to the man who overseas the recording of our services to see if they had recorded it.  We also had another man who videotaped it and has indicated he will make CD's but heard him say it would be sometime in January before he could work on it.  Unfortunately, our experience has been that he often never gets around to making the CDs.  There were no goofs during the Messiah and we had a nice crowd, probably the largest we have had.  The orchestra was right on, we outstanding soloists and the choir of 34 voices did well.  Our director was very pleased.

Liz, sorry to hear you were not able to attend the Sarah Brightman concert but it was nice of you to offer up your ticket so your daughter would be able to attend.  Hope your weather inproves soon and you will be able to make your planned trip.

Marilyn, glad you are safely home but sorry to read you are still experiencing pain.  Hope the chiropractor helps.

Carol, SN indicated a few weeks ago that they planned to restore the discussions early in December but it seems to me we are past early December.  I also noticed that on the home page they no longer list discussions and there have been no more comments about getting them restored.  I keep checking each day with the same lack of results.

Janet, sounds like you had an interesting and enjoyable service yesterday.  Did your pastor and his family pick up something while they were overseas?  I am sure the letter you mentioned wanting to write would be most appreciated.

Etta Sue, thanks for the fine devotional.  I would love to hear a 200 voice choir sing.  The closest I have come is to hear the Atlanta Symphony Chorus in a couple of dress rehearsals, which was quite an experience.  The human voice is a wonderful instrument.

I am awaiting the arrival of the housekeeper.  It has been longer than normal since she has been here so we will be glad to get the house back in tip-top shape.  When I got home Pat had left to do some  final shopping
for Christmas.  We had gotten certificates for $30 worth of merchandise at Kohls that had to be used by today.  She just called to say she was leaving there and headed to Walmart.

Good day to all. its still warmer here then normal for this time of year and no snow except a little dusting so we are doing well.
We had our children do the Christmas presentation yesterday morning and they did a wonderful job of proclaim the birth of Jesus.
Next Sunday night we will have our Christmas canata. I laways look for ward to that.
Larry -seems like you Cantata went well. Love to hear it.
My husband is going to do a video of ours so if i can figure out how I will try to download at least a song for any off you that would like to hear. :thumbsup: <3
(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi33.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd100%2FChristine721%2Fmerrychristmasfromourhouse0.gif&hash=9a0b80bca4f55950ba43e88edaae6091c2ad779c)

Brrrr!  At 11pm last night it was 55 degrees and raining with very strong winds.  When I got up and about at 9am this morning, it was 18 degrees and strong winds.  Lots of accidents throughout my county as the rain froze on the roads.  Sometimes I would just like to tell this wind to STOP!!

I don't have a dad-burn thing to do today!  Yeah!  Well, that means, no where to go!  I have some packages to wrap and a load of clothes to fold and put away.  That's it!! 

I thought SrNet was suppose to be up and about next week and that was two weeks ago!

Thanks for the comments on the devotion.  Jesus is the reason for the season!

Sad News (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=7497.msg126953#msg126953)

Please click above to read it.

HELLO all!
I am still alive and DOING great!! hope ya'll are having a wonderful holiday season! i know i am i'll talk more later must be off now!
sarah

Hi, friends,

I'm on the net for a few moments. Larry, I've also been checking, and don't feel optimistic about our getting SeniorNet discussions back up and running. Have registered again at Pat's seniors site since the first registration wouldn't ever let me in after the first time.

Yes, my son has applied at the same apartment complex. That way, we can be close enough to help in time of trouble, but also have a bit of privacy, as well.

I was out in the getting-colder-by-the-minute weather today. Took 70 lbs. of shred trash to be confidentially shredded. And, there's still more, but I just HAD to get all that out of the house. My hubby was a banker and believe me, he kept everything. I even found statements addressed to his home address, and if he had lived, we would have marked our 50th anniversary. So, it's been a monumental task. No way could I have shredded all that myself.

They're predicting an ice storm tonight - it's surely a good thing we have plenty of groceries here that will get us through if the electricity goes out - however, if it's out very long, we'll have a problem because the house is all-electric.

Y'all have a good rest of the day, friends.

Etta Sue, I'm going to go try to find that spaghetti slaw recipe...

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We had a little rain during the night but don't think it lasted very long.  I haven't been out yet this morning and it is still dark so don't know if it is cloudy or not.  I had a note from my sister last evening from Northern Iowa and she said it was -8 degrees and on Sunday they had terrible winds as well as very cold weather.  Sure glad I live in the south.

Not much on my schedule here today.  I do have a meeting to attend this morning.  I will spend some time working on the computer as usual.  I am working on the Ubuntu Linux program and really like it.  It is very easy to use and basically set everything up by itself.  I have access to the files on my Windows computer via the network.  It is very impressive for something that is free.

Ruth Ann, sure hope you escaped the ice last night.  That is what concerns me down here during the winter because we always lose power.  I hope your son is able to get into the same apartment complex as you so you will be able to keep an eye on each other while still having your own space.

Hi Sarah.

Pat, I looked at the information you posted on Kathy.  That is certainly a sad situation. 

Etta Sue, I hope you found something to keep busy with yesterday.  Some days I don't have much on the schedule but always try to keep busy.

Melody, hope you can share a little of your Christmas music with us.  That would be super.

Time for coffee.

What a day we had yesterday.  A major thaw set in on Sunday and rain started at night.  By morning everything was iced up and school busses were cancelled.  John and I were to work but with the state of the roads it was impossible to get out.  By afternoon the cold from the west blasted us, and all the water from melting snow had frozen.  We were without hydro service frim 10:30 through to 7 at night.  Have you ever played scrabble by candle light!  It was an interesting experience.  We were about to head to bed when the lights came on.  I am in to work today, John Got out just after the sanders went through, so we are all fine.  There are still homes without hydro service.  That is one of the downfalls of living in the country and not the city.

John has to go for more tests tomorrow.  Please keep him in prayer. 

I must go, there is a lot to do today.
JudyB

(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi33.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd100%2FChristine721%2FGM-1.gif&hash=e82f6dd908102b8856d3cada40dc9088b2f31d9e)

Marylin-you are having some hard weather in your area right now.
So far we haven't had any amounts of snow and that is very strange in this area.
I hate to loose the power do through weather conditions.
Judy B--I will pray for John.
My husband is out  carrying the fruit baskets to our seniors today.
And I will try to make some visits later on in the week.
Blessings to you all today <3

Not much going on here today.  I have no where I have to go.  All I have to do is bake a dessert for Euchre tomorrow.  We are each to bring something for dinner and I am taking dessert. 

It seems warmer today but it really isn't.  The wind is almost nothing though and that is what makes it seem warmer.  We are suppose to get some snow this afternoon but only an inch.  Not bad.  It is overcast and gloomy looking.  Typical winter day in Indiana. 

Judy - we prayed for John this morning during our prayer time.  May our Father give both of you courage and strength today through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Good morning from a very cold corner of Kansas.  We had temps of 3 degrees yesterday; today it is up to 10 but with wind, so feels much colder.  Our water almost froze off night before last, we have to keep an eye on that.

I went to the chiropractor this morning for a good overhaul, and feel better.  The enemy is trying to attack me with a cold, but I refuse to allow it!  :ticked:

Yesterday morning early I was called in to work, and tonight they need me to help at the Care Home from 4 to 8.  When am I going to get my "stuff" done for Christmas?  Well, that isn't what it's all about, so will just enjoy the season anyway.

Pat, sorry to hear about the death of the young woman.  Last week in our little paper, there were obituaries of two 40 year old women.  Sad to lose them so young.

Judy, praying for John.

Larry, when my grandsons are home for Christmas I am going to ask one of them to please come and do some things for me on this computer, so I can get things that I can't now.  I learn how to do something, then the next time I need to do it, I have forgotten.  Mental overload!  (Naw, not senioritis!)

I have some framing I MUST get to today--before I have to go to work again.

Beth's friend John is to arrive on Saturday; she is beyond excited!  :)  We will have to go to Garden City to meet his train, then she wants to go Christmas shopping.  I surely hope we don't have nasty weather.

Ruth Ann, stay safe and warm, and I'm so glad your plans for moving are moving along nicely.

I must run....... :run:

Good Morning I don't have to go to work until this afternoon as it is too cold to be taking her and the dogs for a walk in the morning, especially with everything frozen out there.

I have to take Happy in to see his Vet on Saturday that is the first day this week his own Dr. is scheduled to work. The growth on his foot is going to have to come off.

Willa fell as she came out her gate this morning on the slick asphalt, so when we got back from curved I drove up as close as I could get to her gate and all she had to do was step out of the car in into the gate.

I am trying to think of something else I can back  to add to the Christmas gifts I have already made. I made Banana/oatmeal bread yesterday, Since I didn't  have the small loaf pans I used  cans, they came out great.

y-all have a great day.

Marilyn, using the cans is a really good idea. I used to make Boston brown bread and used the cans. I think I oughta find that recipe and do it again!  :)

I'm getting ready for our seniors bible study class dinner and party tonight. It's not easy to find a decent gift for $5, so I went to GoodWill and found a great winter-themed set of bowls. Maybe I'll go choose that ladies' present for myself! I'll wrap them in a christmas dishtowel and put peppermint candy sticks in the smallest bowl.

Prayers being said for John, Judy.

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Thanks for the great ideas, Marilyn and Ruth Ann.  Those bowls, towel and candy should be a real hit, Ruth Ann.  Worth a lot more than $5.00.

I am exhausted.  When Debra called last night and asked me to work at the care home tonight, she said it should be easy, as I wouldn't have to wash dishes.  Well....their hot water had been off for I don't know how long, they used throw-away dishes for both lunch and supper; but the entire dish room was stacked high with dirty dishes!!  And just take a guess who got stuck washing them all?  You got it--ME.  I never saw so many heavy, dirty dishes in all my life in one place.  Ugh.

Now I'm taking some pain pills and heading to bed.

Good Morning; I have been to Curves at 5:30am. Cold out there that early. only 30° right now. I am going to Tai Chi at 8:30 Then I have to go to the store to get the ingredients for my fruit salad to take for the Christmas dinner. On to walk Elizabeth and her dogs at 1pm.

Other than those things I don't have much else to do, walk my own dogs. Happy goes back to the vet on Saturday about his foot.

That's all for now.

Hi everyone.  I don't want to rub it in but we are to be in the high 60's today and it was 64 degrees when we went to coffee.  It seemed cooler as it is damp but no wind and it is suppose to clear off this afternoon.  I am hoping it is clear and dry tomorrow as Stacey must see her foot doctor and get her meds refilled tomorrow.  If it is rainy I will need to go down and take her with the old wheelchair and if it is nice she can manage on her own.  

I have a quiet day planned until evening.  After coffee this morning we went walking at the church gym and we walked a little over a mile.  It is amazing what a help it has been to me to lose the weight as can walk the mile in two half mile sections and not bring on any pain.  

This evening we have a reception for our current Interim Associate Pastor who is retiring after the Christmas Eve service.  He has been in the ministry for 37 years and is really looking forward to retirement.  They are going to have sandwich biscuits and have asked that the attendees to bring finger foods.  So there should be plenty to eat.  We then have choir practice to prepare for the next two or three weeks.  I am sure there will be no practice on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve.  

Marilyn, it sounds like the conditions are dangerous in your area.  Hope your friend wasn't hurt in her fall and you be careful also as sure don't need another fall.  I remember my wife using cans for special cakes in the past.  She now has several small metal and also ceramic baking pans which she uses to make small cakes.  She can then freeze them and only unthaw small cakes, which stay fresher.

Janet, if your lady at the home told you that you wouldn't have to wash dishes it sounds like she backed out on her part of the agreement.  It sounds like you had a miserable job with all that cleanup.  So nice to read that Beth is excited about John's visit.  I know that will make her holiday very memorable.  I wish I could help you with your computer.  Feel free to call me anytime and I will be happy to try to help you over the phone.  

Hi Al.

Etta Sue, hope you enjoyed your day yesterday and have good cards today for your Euchre games.

Melody, it is great that your husband delivered the fruit baskets and I am sure visits by you will be most appreciated.  I liked your graphic (as I do all of the graphics posted here on CP.)

Judy, glad you are able to get out now.  It sounds like you had quite a storm.  Did any of you flip the light switches while the power was off?  I find I always do that once or twice when we lose power.  Of course, we don't have a heat source when the power is off unless it is going to be out for quite awhile when I can bring in the kerosine heater, which I don't like to have to use in the house.

Ruth Ann, your gift idea is very creative and I am sure it will be a hit.  Of course, for me anything with candy canes in it would be a hit.  :)

Pat, I see you and Paul made it back to Guelph.  I was typing while you posted the Silent Night music and beautiful graphic.

Welcome back, Pat!  Always good to read a post from you.

I still have to figure out this football jersey I have to frame.  I am having trouble locating a bright red frame deep enough to accommodate the folded jersey.  So it is back to the drawing board.  I don't think it will get finished and delivered in time for Christmas, though....... :(

I am still fighting the attack on my body, but I win!!  By the stripes of Jesus I was healed, and if I was, then I am!!

Our temps rose to 38 yesterday, which was so nice.  It felt almost warm, after being down to 3!

Hi Janet...

Yes, been very busy since coming home trying to cope with the death of Kathy on Photography Cafe.  I'm finding it difficult.  It's really sad to realize that a person may have gone into eternity without knowing the Lord as Savior and Lord of her life.  Paul sent her a nice letter and a pamphlet written by Charles Stanley on the way of salvation and she told me on the telephone that she did read it and she found it helpful.

Tomorrow she would have been 45 years old.

I wonder if you've all seen the Memorial on Photography Cafe that I had to write up?  Here's a link to it:

Kathy, a dear friend to all on the Cafe (http://www.photography-cafe.com/forum/index.php?topic=8655.0;all)

I've sent a link to her family.

I am sure slow in getting to the internet today.  I have wrapped some presents, addressed some cards, talked on the phone, fixed and ate my lunch and just now getting online.  Whew!  Not near the work that Janet did at the care home but busy work. 

Janet, I still think the home is taking advantage of you.  Seems they know that you will do what is needed so that's when they call on you...to do what they don't want to do!  Enough is enough! 

'Silent Night' started out beautiful...then started breaking up on my computer.  Wonder why? 

In a couple of hours I will be playing Euchre or eating.  Depends on what they do first! 

It is soooo cold here.  Last evening they were saying that it was icy.  It doesn't seem like there is much traffic out there.  Seems like what traffic there is, is going slow. 

Break is going GREAT but fast lots of planning.... I got engaged last saturday and now the wedding plans... December 31 is the wedding... LOTS OF PLANNING .... anyways i hope all is well with you all i am off to work on invites... have a good day!
Sarah

Congratulations, Sarah!   <3 <3 How exciting for you!  ;)

You will be starting a new year with a new name and as a married woman.  You will, most certainly have LOTS OF PLANNING between now and then ... not much time left, is there? 

Now Sarah!  You can't just drop a bomb like that on us and not even tell us his NAME!!  Is he anyone I would know?  Have you been dating long?  (Inquiring minds want to know...)

Etta Sue, I am really sore from lifting all those tubs of dirty dishes in cold water last night.  Grrr.  Next time she wants me to "fill in" at the home, I'm thinking my answer will be NO.  Ouchie.

Pat, we cannot know if Kathy turned her heart to God before she died, but surely hope she did.  At least you and Paul know she had the information she needed, if she wanted to go to heaven.  Sorry this is so hard for you, that is only because you are such a kind, loving and tender-hearted person.  Love you! <3

I finally got a frame selected and ordered.  But I had to order stuff I don't need right now, just to get the minimum they demand and avoid extra charges.  They are making it hard to be a customer of theirs.  :ticked:

Now I think it's time for a little rest for me, while looking at the mail.  Later I will watch the Christian programs I enjoy on TBN.

Pat, I just clicked on your link to read about Kathy, and find it interesting that she lived in Utica, New York.  That is where Beth's friend John lives!  He will be arriving here next Saturday.

Hi, friends,

We did have a lovely time at the senior bible study christmas dinner and party last night. I tried a new-to-me dish on them, and they loved it. It's so easy I'll just tell y'all about it now: go to the store and get a bag of italian seasoned meatballs (you'll need to use 2-3 lbs of them) and put into a crockpot. In a pan, melt together 1 can of jellied cranberry sauce and a jar of chili sauce. Pour over the meatballs and let cook on low for most of the day. Sure was easy and mighty good. I had tried the recipe on my son the day before and he loved them, too.

Yes, the bowls were a hit, and the person who got them was quite appreciative.

I was aching so much last night I took a pain pill, which actually kept me asleep (or extremely quiet) for most of today. Thankfully, it has greatly lessened the pain.

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

CONGRTULATIONS SARAH!!!!  May our God bless you very, very much!

Sarah:  Best wishes to you and your bridegroom!  December of this year?  You will be busy!

Pat:  I see that Janet wrote what I was thinking about the loss of your dear friend, Kathy.  No one can know what was in her heart.  That is so young, so sad.  Hugs to you.

Larry:  Just received an email from SN and they ask all to be patient - still working on it.  So, I have hope - they are setting up a new program and intend to have more classes and learning than previously.  Send your cleaning lady here, I get tired of it especially when there is so much going on.  It was MINUS 8 degrees F. several mornings here & we aren't even in the mountains. 

Well, I stayed 4 days with granddaughter and had a lovely time.  Drove home on terrible ice and snow and did slide a little but was under control.  Today was nicer but frigid weather coming again.  We just got back from a concert - grandson playing trumpet in the Jazz Band.  Gave them presents as they go to Texas this Christmas. 

Today, I made Teriyaki Chicken and sewed two pillow cases with wolves in the fabric - a favorite of one DIL - for their cabin.  We bought some ice melt to throw out if needed - sure do need it this year. 

Janet:  How lovely that Beth's friend is coming for another visit. 

Ruth Ann:  I think it is really smart, and comforting for you and your son to be close.  This the entire reason we moved - we can walk to one son's home & another is ten minutes drive.  This way, we can help out with little things and they do so much for us as well.  I have made that recipe with Italian seasoned meatballs and it always goes over well too. 

Jane:  Hi - Glad that you are out and about!   ;)

Good Morning I have been to Curves , now I am dressed and having my 2nd  :coffee: and listening to the news on TV.  Last evening was the Curves Christmas Party, I ate chocolate candies, mmm good. I have a chiropractor appointment this afternoon. It is raining a little bit here at least it isn't as cold as it has been.

congratulations Sarah on your upcoming wedding. Mine is in March.

Sarah!!!  Congratulations!  This Dec 31?  That's fast planning!

The county east of me where Lapel is had a school bus accident on the icy roads yesterday morning.  There were Jr and Sr students on the bus.  A car and a bus were to stop at an intersection.  Neither could stop and they hit head on but both slid several feet.  They think the car flipped at least once and the bus landed on its side.  Twelve students and both drivers were sent to hospitals but, thank God, minor injuries for all.  The bus driver is also a policeman at the nearby town so he knew to get all the kids out of the bus.  Sure seemed unusual to see overhead viewing of a huge school bus on its side with the exit ports open on the top of the bus and the back of the bus. 

Yes, the roads were very slick yesterday here.  About a quarter of an inch of frozen ice/sleet.  All the pavements were slicker than snot!!!  The grass wasn't too bad.  Jane picked up Ivalou and I for Euchre and we had about a mile and a half to go and Jane never got over 20mph all the way.  There was a 4-way stop and she couldn't even get stopped!  Very dangerous out there.

But Euchre was wonderful and all the great food.  We each brought something and it was great!  Then last evening, I just watched TV.

Today I am driving and Kitty and I are going out to eat for our Christmas to each other.  I need to get cat food and she wants to go to a book store and then come back and see her new bathroom that she is having remodeled.

Oh, yeah!  Ivalou has a new g-granddaughter.  Cailin Elizabeth McKenna born 1:17pm, Dec 17, 2008, 7lbs 11oz, 20 1/2 inches, and already
sprouting what appears to be more red hair.  Her big brother, Connall, has Irish red hair!! 

Then we are to get freezing rain tonight from 7pm to 9am tomorrow.  20% chance so maybe it won't happen.

Hi everyone.  It is mid-afternoon and I am just getting to the message boards.  Right after coffee this morning I took my Hyundai to the dealer for an oil change.  Then I went to MicroCenter to look for a new headset.  My good one had a broken wire and my friend, Rod, tried to see if he could fix it but the wire is thread thin and we decided it wasn't worth the effort.  I was going to get the same headset I bought for our daughter some weeks ago.  They were out of them.  So I stopped at Best Buy and made the mistake of listening to a demo of the Bose headphones.  They are very expensive but the sound is wonderful so think that is what I will get and ask that it be for my birthday next year as well as Christmas.  I do use headphones a lot to listen to music so know I will really enjoy them if I get them.

Sarah, congratulations on your upcoming marriage.  Hope your planning goes well.

Etta Sue, it sounds like the roads were next to impassable yesterday.  Sure glad you all didn't meet another car at the crossroads.  Hope you don't get anymore ice.  I was sort of mean to my sister, who lives in Estherville, Iowa.  I noticed it was -5 degrees there and it was 64 here so I made a graphic of the web table I was looking at and sent the graphic to her asking if they didn't want to come down.  She wrote back that I was mean.  :)

Marilyn, doesn't chocolate and Curves sort of not go together?  :)  Glad you enjoyed the party.

Carol, SN has made a lot of classes available at a fee for sometime and I would expect that is what they have in mind.  I have difficulty believing all I am reading from them as to the reasons for the delays.  Glad to see you are safely home again.

Ruth Ann, sounds like you partied too much.  Glad you had such a nice time and the meatball recipe sounds good.

Janet, isn't it frustrating that companies package things in odd quantities or demand you buy more than what you need.  Hope you are feeling better today from your work exertion.

Pat, I did read the page you created for Kathy.  It is so sad to lose someone so young.

This was in an email that II received this afternoon:


From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were
not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone
during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.
It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning
plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each
element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality
which the children could remember.


-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.


-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching,  Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,  Faithfulness,

Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening, and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas, Everyone!

Good evening. 

Ruth Ann, thanks for the easy recipe--what is it called?

I had to be at work at 6 this morning, off at 2:00.  Fairly easy day.  Then came home for a while, back to town with a roll of garbage bags (I didn't have any boxes) to go through Beth's clothes.  They are preparing for the big move to the new facility.  That will be on Feb. 11, but they are asking all of the residents to have a family member come and go through their things, taking the excess home or wherever.  I hauled five big bags of clothes home!  Probably four of them will not be going back; the other is mostly short-sleeved tee shirts which she will need back next summer.  On the 30th at 11:00, I will go and help her pick out her room in the new home.  They decided the only fair way to do that is to give the ones who have lived in the home the longest first choice, then on down the line.  I think that's a good way to do it.

Anyway, now I am tired and my eyes are wanting to close, so it's off to the shower, then to bed.  When will I have time to get ready for Christmas?  ???

Sweet dreams, everyone!

P.S.  It was 48 degrees when I came home a while ago!  I was amazed!!

 [/color]

Here is another little quiz for you all, Christmas version this time.

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

Okay, here's what you're supposed to do and try not to be a SCROOGE!!!  Just copy (not forward) this entire email and paste into a new e-mail thatyou can send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tis the Season to be NICE!     


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?    I use both

2. Real tree or Artificial?   I love the smell of a real tree, but use artificial ones now.
 
3. When do you put up the tree?    As soon after Dec. first as I get around to doing it! ;)
 
4. When do you take the tree down?   Around New Year's Day, usually

5. Do you like eggnog?  Yes, but I don't like the calories in it!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?  A rocking chair with a red velvet seat that my aunt in California sent me when I was about five years old.  :)

7. Hardest person to buy for?   My husband.  When he thinks of something he wants, the next time he goes to town, he buys it! 

8. Easiest person to buy for?   Beth--she always has a list as long as her arm.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?   Yes, several of them

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?    I like to mail...but I like to use my own painting or a photo, and haven't gotten them done yet.  Might not get any sent this year.  :-[

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?   A half-burned and broken candle. :o
      (I should add this was NOT from a child.)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's a Wonderful Life; Christmas Story.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?     It varies every year. Sometimes I buy gifts early, put them away and don't find them for a year or more.  :P

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?   Food!  All the special treats of the season

16. Lights on the tree?   Lights EVERYWHERE!
 
17. Favorite Christmas song?  All of the traditional carols, plus Mary, Did You Know?  Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...oh! All of them!!!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?   This year we are staying home, or close
 
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?   Of course! 

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?   I think I have an angel now
 
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?    Usually Christmas Eve

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?  People saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas.  It is CHRIST MASS, not Winter Break!
 
23. Favorite ornament theme or color?    I still like the traditional colors of red and green

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?   The usual turkey, mashed potatoes w/gravy, sweet potatoes, or brisket, or ham, or whatever--especially if someone else is doing most of the cooking!  ;)  (Am I showing my age here?)

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?   To spend quality time with my family, play games, relax, enjoy.

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? ???   I hope all of you!

27. Who is least likely to respond to this? ???   It doesn't really matter 

GOD BLESS YOU!! And Merry Christmas. :)

Goodness! Such busy folks! I think my get up has already gotten up and gone -- far, far away...

Shopping will be completed with a visit to the bank. That way I KNOW it fits and the recipient will like the gift!  :thumbsup:

As far as some of the questions, I too enjoy all the christmas carols, Mary Did You Know, and especially Handel's Messiah. Especially the Messiah (beginning to end).

As for a tree, I'm not decorating at all this year. The old decorations need to be refreshed after the move, and we're leaving Christmas Eve and will return that weekend. So, I'm sparing myself the effort to decorate and take it all down for the "elves" looking in from outside.

Foods will include ham and turkey, dressing, my potato salad (my daughter in law won't hear of a get together without it), green beans, cornbread dressing, jalapeno cornbread (a family favorite made by my daughter), and lotsa other goodies that I can't remember right now.

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day. Congrats, Sarah! What an exciting Christmastime this is for you and your fiance.

Ruth Ann

Well Good Morning.  This has been a busy week with the staff Christmas party last night.  Only one person was not able to attend, even so we had a great time.  It was a pot luck, and as such there was a variety of different foods.

Unfortunately one of our customers passed away rather suddenly on Monday.  She had cancer, but we were unaware how far along it had progressed.

John's tests turned out well.  He will be around to harrass us for many more years.  I thank God for that.

Something interesting happened yesterday as we left the driveway.  I saw a little mouse running up the drive toward the garage.  Looks like it was staying away from the frigid temperatures by staying in the engine compartment of the van.  Silly mouse, he could have been trapped in the van and when shook loose he could have become the breakfast of some other bird or animal.

I have red all the posts.  I won't comment, except to say I am praying for each need.

Need to run God bless everyone today
JudyB

I hate to be a killjoy, I have done that quiz a couple of times already in my email so i won't do it this time.


Ruth Ann you favorite is the same as mine " Mary did you know?"

Ben to curves, time to get dressed and get a few things done before I go to my Tai Chi Class.

Hi everyone.  Just back from Friday men's coffee at the Senior Center.  We decided not to meet there for the next two weeks because of the holidays but will go to McDonalds for all that care to attend.

Following coffee my neighbor and I went to the church the walked a mile.  The mile goes quickly when you have someone to talk with while walking.

Don't have anything else on the schedule today except getting the final Christmas checks ready to mail off tomorrow to our son, DIL and granddaughter.  Yesterday evening I bought my Christmas and Birthday present present in a new set of fairly expensive headphones.  The good set I had developed a broken wire that really wasn't fixable as it was so thin.  These have pieces that can be replaced and apparently are used by a lot of professional musicians for their quality of sound and durability.  They are Sennheiser *HD280* HD-280 Stereo Headphone and I found a good buy on them on eBay.  I doubt that they will get here before Christmas but certainly before my birthday.  These fit over the ears rather than on the ears or in the ears and are light weight. 

I didn't do well on my weight in this morning as have gained a pound.  I guess the special dinner for our departing Interim Associate Pastor plus the big plate of spaghetti and Italian Sausage that we had for dinner last night plus a couple of small Christmas goodies did me in.  This is really a hard time of the year to be careful but will keep trying.

Janet, I am sure it will be a lift for the folks in the home where Beth lives to move into a new facility.  I agree the way they are assigning the rooms seems fair.  Glad your day at work wasn't too difficult.

Marilyn, interesting bit of history on the background of the Twelve Day of Christmas.  Symbols can have deeper meanings.

Judy, how many do you have on the staff of the store where you work?  Sounds like a nice luncheon.

Ruth Ann, I don't know that we are doing any decorating this year either unless it occurs after our daughter gets out here on the 23rd. 

Our daughter spent the entire day sitting in her powerchair yesterday as had a doctor's appointment early at the hospital and got her medicines refilled.  Then she went to the unemployment office to try to straighten out a matter.  It was after 5:30 last evening before she got home and said her sitter was numb and was still complaining about it this morning, although she said she was so tired that she slept like a baby last night. 

Larry there were 12, that includes teachers and the 2 ladies in charge of Victoria's Quilts.    I had real plats and cutlery for the dinner, it was much nicer that way as I really don't like the paper/plastic.

Victoria's Quilts is an organization that creates quilts for people with cancer.  They are donated and there is no charge to the recipient.  A quilt was given to our brother.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?    both

2. Real tree or Artificial?   artificial it is over 45 years old

3. When do you put up the tree?    Usually day after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down?   Sometimes Christmas night

5. Do you like eggnog?  Yes!  Doesn't everyone?

6. Favorite gift received as a child?  A talking doll...she had a tiny record in her tummy that you wound up

7. Hardest person to buy for?   Any man

8. Easiest person to buy for?   Anyone that will take money or gift cars

9. Do you have a nativity scene?   Yes, several of them..kind of collect them

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?    Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?   Can't think of one right now

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?  The Santa Clause

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?     I watch all year and listen all year for THE gift for some people

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?   I always buy myself a box of Chocolates

16. Lights on the tree?   Absolutely!

17. Favorite Christmas song?  None are favorites but 'Mary Did You Know' is becoming a favorite.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?   Used to travel...now go 70 steps east

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?   Of course!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?   Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?    Christmas Day now

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?  Buying gifts for the cost instead of the contents.  $10 gifts, etc. 

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?    Fire Engine Red and Kelly Green

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?   The usual turkey, mashed potatoes w/gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, salad and lots of desserts

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?   Not expecting anything in particular.  The best gift is spending time with family.

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Huh   I hope all of you!

27. Who is least likely to respond to this? Huh   It doesn't really matter

GOD BLESS YOU!! And Merry Christmas.

I had a post all ready and closed it out by mistake... :ticked:

Kitty and I had a great time yesterday.  Kitty was impressed with the restaurant and thinks the Fun Bunch, her classmates, would like to go there sometime.  We went to the book store and then to Bed, Bath and Beyond.  After that we went to Kitty's and opened our gifts to each other while drinking a mug of tea!  She showed me Katie's pictures in the basement of Katie in Disney World getting her hair done, make up, a princess dress, shoes and gloves.  She was Belle.  She will be three in March and wanted to know where Beast was!  So cute. 

It was dark when I came home and my drive was slick as could be.  So I turned the car around and stopped by the stepping stones where I put down salt and left the car out all night.  At 1:30am I looked out.  Everything was covered with ice.  I couldn't tell where my windshield and my hood stopped and started.  But at 8:30am when I got up it was 35 degrees and melted.  I went to Dollar General awhile ago and it was actually warm.  It is now 42 degrees. 

The other night I watched Christmas in Washinton 2008 on TNT.  'Straight No Chaser' was on there.  These are 10 men from Indiana University that were in college in 1996.  Here is a You Tube of how they got started again.  Straight No Chaser Reunited (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ujzd2STgfU&annotation_id=annotation_617944&feature=iv).  They sang '12 Days of Christmas' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8&feature=channel) on C in W 2008.  They have their own website here (http://www.sncmusic.com/).

Then I sent an email to my DIL about the guys and she sent it to her twin daughters.  She then found out that two of the guys (Mike Luginbill & Ryan Ahlwardt) went to high school with the girls and they sang in the choir with one of the girls.  Audrey even dated Mike!!!  So that meant that my g-niece sang with those two also.  Small world.  Really....I do want you to click on those links and listen to these men!  Now I have to find their Christmas Album!!! 

I got home around 5:30 yest. and what a trip it was!  I spent Tues., Wed., and Thurs. morning in Parksville visiting my friends.  There was quite a lot of snow in both places, Wendy wanted me to stay home, B. wanted me to come.....I didn't want to disappoint B. & C. so took the train.  Which was okay, SIL drove me to the train stop at 9 A.M. and arrived about 11.30 A.M.  B & I went on the Bethlehem walk, despite the cold and it was interesting and the church (Baptist) lovely.

The next morning it started snowing again and the temps. dropped even more.  We were supposed to attend a Choir concert at their clubhouse....snow stopped everything.  It was as if the sky opened and a year plus of snow, dropped on us.  They spent hours on Wed. clearing out the driveway to keep it open, also so their little dog could go outside.  Temp. kept dropping, snow kept falling.  We played Monopoly as lost cable, then power.  The next morning power finally came on again.  Fortunately they also have gas heat and stove.  Temps. were around -15 Cel. and around 16cm plus of snow.  some say almost 2 ft......officially 16 cm.  Around 1 ft. or more.

The road to the train was not plowed, so I wouldn't let them try driving me to another town, took the bus.  Had to forfeit the train fare, but rather that than have Charles get injured.  He is 80 and she is 75.  The bus was only 45 min. late...the train 1 1/2 hrs. late.  The Victoria bus waited for us in Nanaimo and that sure was a relief.  Got to Mill Bay and phoned for a cab.  Only had to wait about 20 min. and that was okay.  Wendy said I am not going anywhere until the weather is better....

It was lovely visiting with them and so nice to catch up on everyone we knew when young.  Loved hearing Charles's Texas drawl again and nice sense of humor.  Boy, we sure did need a sense of humor to cope with this weather, as it is not normally this way in the winter. I had some trouble with my old body, but went with pills, etc.  So things worked out okay.

This morning it read -18 Cel. on my therm. and with the wind, much colder.  Even Misty won't stay outside and is content to sleep in her chair.  She was miffed at me for being away, as have never left her since she came here.  Has once again decided to be nice. :)

Congratulations, Sarah.  Hope you keep us
updated about your wedding, etc.  Don't get too busy to visit the site, okay?

I will check out Etta Sue's links later.  Also try to answer all those questions.  Have just finished thawing and rewrapping the bunnie's waterbottles for Wendy.  They were frozen solid.  Ralph put lights on the trees in the garden so it would look lovely for her friends last night.  Glad I got home before they came and she was not all stressed.  Sure  looks like Christmas around here now....

I read all the posts and glad Beth is having some happy moments.  Prayed for everyone and glad that Judy B.'s John is okay.  Hope we all stay well this season and do love all the great graphics.  What country is Pat in at the moment??


Little blurb I read this morning:

Life is mostly froth and bubble;
Two things stand like stone:
KINDNESS in another's trouble,
COURAGE in your own.
–Adam Lindsay Gordon (1833–70)

                       :)

God Bless,

Liz

 :coffee:  I have been here doing the reading but not posting so perhaps I have become unknown.   Life in our home has been and is very interesting and all of this started around March so on goes the story.   

Sarah:  Congratulations goes for your up coming wedding. 

Janet:  I am sure that Beth is so looking forward to her new home as well as the visit when John arrives. 
   
            Does your mom live in the same home and will she also have the opportunity of selecting her new room.

             About the angel tree topper  our son had an issue at his place of work saying that being raised a Baptist  etc etc that it was the star that did the guiding and that an angel should not be placed at the top --- those that know our son can fill in a lot of blanks.  By the way the angel was not replaced with a star.

Now for my news - it was Dec. 12 2008 after driving School Bus for 38 1/2  that I decided it was time to retire.
On my last day of work the Tim Horton group had the usual before Christmas breakfast  and yes a big surprise my last 3 employers from Langdons came to bid me well.   

Now I have a all the time I need to get my work done      Ruth

Great Links Etta sue thanks for posting them. I enjoyed listening to the guys.

Ruth:  Bless your heart & soul for driving a school bus and now retiring!  What an achievement. 

Liz:  Nice that you felt good enough to get out - keep on making yourself go as I feel it is the best way to get through the bad days. 

Larry:  How do you like your Hyundai?  We have a Honda now and a Nissan - the one Nissan I had for 12 years so it has been good.  Now I feel bad about the auto companies but at the time they were not making dependable cars when we bought these.  I thought you were going to get Bose head phones?  Hi to Pat!  I hope she isn't doing too much.  I am going to make Hot Fudge Sauce for gifts and fudge too (will scrape & lick that pan).

JudyB:  Wonderful news about John's checkup. 

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?    both

2. Real tree or Artificial?   artificial it is about 15 years old

3. When do you put up the tree?    Usually day after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down?   New Year's Day

5. Do you like eggnog?  A little. 

6. Favorite gift received as a child? 

7. Hardest person to buy for?   Don -

8. Easiest person to buy for?  Anyone who has very little.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?   Yes, I found it on sale at Sear's store before Christmas years ago.  The first one has been broken in a move.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?    Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?   The year my mother forgot my children - she was beginning to slide into dementia. 

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?  The Christmas Story;

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?     I watch all year and listen all year for THE gift for some people and I ask the parents for a list of what the grands would like for their presents.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?   Anything chocolate, peanut brittle but I am not making it this year - too much sugar & we can't stop eating it.

16. Lights on the tree?   Yes, multi-colored and all my ornaments are mainly made by the children and very old.

17. Favorite Christmas song?  Away in a Manger, Silent Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?  We will drive about 5 minutes to church service on Christmas Eve and have a lot of food and visiting with most of the family at one son's home.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?  Dasher, Prance, Donner, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid and Rudolph. (I had an uncle named Rudolph.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?   Angel with a candle in her hand lighting the way.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?    Christmas Eve

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?  People with phones in their ears not paying attention when they drive or walk & when they hog the aisle  ::)

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?   I like my little Swedish ones that I bought in Sweden, of course but my favorites are the ones made by the children.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?   Swedish meatballs and turkey.  This year, some of the girls decided we were spending too much time on food so they only want appetizers.  I can get used to anything.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?    The best gift is spending time with family. So true - I just get weepy thinking about it.

2

Well, that is the end of those answers.  Not too  original from me - I have been cutting out Christmas themed fabric for a table runner that will match the tree skirt I made but since we are not going to be here, I will just bring that along when we go to Arizona to have something else to do. 

Here is a question for anyone who knits.  I need a simple pattern for a prayer shawl or do they use stoles as well?  Simple as I have started knitting again and could make some for a church that keeps a supply even though we don't go there.  It is a wonderful idea. 

We are not snowed in but there is snow & temp is dropping below zero again for several days. 

Pat:  Hello - are you snowed in?  I saw your note in SN & friends that you are back in CA. 

Carol, I just sent you a pattern by email.  Hope it is suitable.

Sorry I get here so seldom.  I just can't seem to get much accomplished anymore.  It is getting late and I am tired so I won't take the time to comment to posts right now.  Will say to Sarah, best wishes on your upcoming wedding and marriage.  Wish you much happiness!  Our gr-dtr Sara may be getting engaged Christmas, just a hunch.....

Etta Sue, I owe you some email replies!  Love the ones you send me.

Hello and greetings to all here.  Stay warm, OK?
~Janice

You guessed it.  Look at the time I posted this.  Woke up!  Couldn't go back to sleep! 

Thanks, Marilyn, for listening to the links I posted.  I think their music is so uplifting and the harmonies are outstanding.  Well, I have the 'Straight No Chaser' CD of 'Christmas Spirit'.  I probably listened to 4 hours of You Tubes of them and had to get to the store and get their CD. 

The Neighborhood Get Together was great.  About half the people were there and it was still a house full of people.  We each were to bring a snack or dessert so there was plenty to eat.  I have known the new neighbors that moved in across the road since '65 but haven't talked to them much since me moving back here or them moving to across the road.  It was nice talking to both of them.  They remodeled an old house that I used to practically live in when I was little.  When I got bored at  home, I went over there and visited with Ed and Lee and their old maid daughter, Frances.  My, that was 55 years ago!  Bet the house is a lot different now! 

Well, in a few hours, Ivalou and I are to be at church and our Sunday School class will be sorting all the Christmas Cards.  Then we will come back home and then go to our niece's home, Robin, for Kaye Don and Barb's kids Christmas.  This is where I will be taking the afghan that I started a couple of months ago for a Ladies Christmas gift. 

Then I am done until Christmas Day!

Good Morning. My goodness Etta Sue you were up early.  Almost 2AM my time.. I was awake about that time and couldn't get back to sleep but I didn't get out of bed, I wanted to stay where it was nice and cozy.

This morning at 9 Happy goes to the vet to see what can be done about the growth on the bottom of his foot. I think I will let Bebe ride along and while I am out I wills top at Safeway for some yogurt and K-mart for some coffee creamer. All our stores are on  a 2 mile strip called Central Avenue, makes it easy to go from store to store.

I also have to  clean house today, put things away off the kitchen table to make room for Keith and I to eat. He is coming down to spend Christmas with us.  His sons will be staying in Portland as their mother and grandpa are going there to have Christmas with them. The weather in Portland is so bad that the police will not let anyone drive without having chains on  the car. He will be bringing the cat with him again so I have the big dog crate still in the living room to put the litter box in and the cat when we go someplace.

Gilbert called me last night, we talked for an hour, which is unusual because he doesn't like to talk on the phone much. Savannah , my grand daughter, is 12½ now so she is going through the stage where her parents aren't very cool. Gilbert and Sarah went to her school to take some food for her class party and Savannah just cringed and  wanted them to chill out and leave. I remember those days when my parents weren't "cool" either.

My next door neighbor brought over a big candy cane for the dogs that has liver treats for them. She always has a Christmas gift for them.

Wow I haven't had this much to say in a long time.

Hi everyone.  Still overcast here but warm.  A couple of the guys at coffee this morning didn't even wear a jacket but I thought that was pushing things.  We have a meeting this morning and may go out to lunch with a group if anyone else is interested.  Then I have a quiet afternoon planned.

Carol, I had mentioned getting the Bose headphones but after doing some research I came upon the ones I ordered.  They are used by a lot of professional musicians and can easily have the cord replaced or the padded ear covers and the reviews on the sound quality were outstanding.  They were also about $50 less expensive than the Bose.  I had notice yesterday that they will be delivered by UPS on Tuesday so will have them before Christmas. 

Carol, I really like my Hyundai.  It is the Accent, which is the least expensive model but have had no problems whatsoever with it and it now has 44,000 plus.  I noticed they are now selling models with a 20 year, 200,000 warranty.  With this economy I would be concerned as to whether the warranty company will exist for 20 years.  I have a10 year extended warranty on the Accent.

Marilyn, it is great that you had such a long talk with your son. 

Etta Sue, I will have to check out the links you mentioned.  It sounds like you were wise to leave your car out so you didn't risk falling.  Glad things have melted.

Janice, nice to see you posting.

Ruth, congratulations on your retirement and I hope you enjoy every minute of it.  Isn't it nice to be able to do things when you are ready to do it and not be controlled by the clock so much.  I always want something to do but find I shorten up my day a bit by starting later and perhaps starting the evening a little earlier. 

Liz, it sounds like you had quite an adventure.  I am certainly glad that you didn't have to cancel your trip but understand your daughter worrying about you.  Hope your weather improves soon.

Judy, thanks for the information on the party. 

Well Guess what!!!!  I have my own computer.  AT HOME!!!!!

I have my grandson here, and it is nice to hear his 11yo chatter. 

We are attempting to get a deep clean done while we are all home.  I have sewing to get done, but the only place housework comes before sewing is in the dictionary, and my house today.  Did you know ihat if you have a wood burning stove, wheather an area heater or a furnace you build up creosote.  To combat that you throw in potato peels and cffee grounds!  That was news to me.

Well I will be back, I have 350 emails to download, and that is so slow.  So I am getting off here to give the net a chance to work without me slowing it down further. 

I have been scanning the photo links, and we are in need of more pictures to admire.  Anyone out there have any?  Perhaps of Christmas preparations? 

Have a good day folks
JudyB 

 

After the big storm of yesterday we went out today and finished the Christmas shopping no more stress and now I have the remaining time to get the final baking done, not very much really. Although the family will be spending Christmas Day here.

Tomorrow is the first day of winter and this evening another snow fall is on its way.   
Blessings Ruth

Hi Ruth...

Happy Retirement!  So, who came?  Did Gary, Geoff and Al?  How are they?

It's so nice to read all of your posts.

Doesn't seem like Christmas this year to me.  Life has been so hectic.  I have no decorations up except some lights on one tree outside by the garage.  And I don't think I'll bother.  I love Christmas and always look forward to decorating the house.

Sarah, congratulations!  Hope you let us know all about your wedding and show us some photos!

Talk to you all later,

Love

Pat

Greetings, folks!  I just got home a while ago from the trip to Garden City to pick up Beth's friend John.  They were SO happy to see each other; it had been 2 1/2 years since they last saw each other.  John is so thin!  He lost down to 90 pounds while he was so sick, and now that he has his diabetes under good control, he is off almost all his medications and has gained back up to a whopping 116 pounds.  My goodness, his face is so thin, it's all bones.

Anyway, Beth was having a pretty bad day with pain, but she managed pretty well, and got some shopping done, too.  We were all ready to get home, though.  John asked me for the little cot we have (he used it at family reunion a few years ago) because he wants to stay at the care home with Beth.  The nurses said it was all right, so I guess that makes everybody happy.  I have his room ready here, and he will stay here some as well.  There is an empty room across the hall from Beth's room, I think they might let John put his cot in that one; then they would both have more privacy.

Beth has some really wonderful friends.  Jennifer was curling Beth's hair when I got there this morning; her friend Mindy lives in Holcomb, only six miles from Garden, so she went at 6:30 to pick up John, then she also went with us and acted as chauffeur.  I really appreciated that, as it left me free to help Beth more.

Now I am tired, may just grab a little nap!  Sorry not to answer individual posts today, hope you all understand.

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People who moved to the island to escape the snow and cold must be sad!  This morning it was only 10 F. and now has risen to about 20, due to drop any minute.  With the damp, ice and snow, we are sure cold :o

I have just finished thawing and wrapping the water bottles for the five rabbits.  The hummingbird is staying close to the feeder, the birds are eating suet like mad, and Misty has finally decided to stay inside and sleep.  Have made a meatloaf and doing dinner tonight.  Wendy is baking Christmas goodies.  I still have to make mine.  This is a strange year, does not feel like Christmas, despite all the decorations in the house and music playing on my Stereo. 

Had a nice surprise.  My brother phoned.  He hasn't contacted me in over two years and I finally stopped sending cards.  For some strange reason he was quite abusive in his other last calls...so I didn't care to phone him.  Sounds so old now...is 85 yrs. and no longer golfing and doing much.  He is a widower of many years...was always very athletic and popular, happy personality.  Now simply sounds sad.  Certainly, money is not a problem....tried to cheer him.  It didn't work.  I will call him in the future and now will do my best to at least stay in contact.  His daughter lives with him and he has a dog.  So is not alone and if lonely, it is by choice.

Glad to see your post Pat.  Sounds like we have been visited by the same Christmas Grinch....Guess the spirit will hit us any minute.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?    both if I were doing presents this year.

2. Real tree or Artificial?   artificial

3. When do you put up the tree?    Dec. 01, all things going well.

4. When do you take the tree down?   New Year's Day

5. Do you like eggnog?  I like it....it doesn't like me. 

6. Favorite gift received as a child?  Books...they were hard to get back then and were a treat.

7. Hardest person to buy for?  No gifts this year. 

8. Easiest person to buy for?   Food Bank and SPCA

9. Do you have a nativity scene?   No longer have a place for one.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?    Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?   Anything from my former SIL.  He is a Doctor and she could have bought nice gifts.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?  It's A Wonderful Life.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?   No longer give gifts unless it is Purdy's Choc. or money for my granddaughter.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?  How horrible!!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?   Turkey.

16. Lights on the tree?   Yes.  I have a small one with very old ornaments.  My daughter has a large one with many old and new ones.  All the new ones are special with meaning.

17. Favorite Christmas song?  'Till The Season Comes 'Round Again, sung by Amy Grant

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?  I stay home now and go upstairs to spend it with the kids.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?  Dasher, Prance, Donner, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid and Rudolph.   I hope that is right...copied from Carol. ;)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?   Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?    Christmas Day.  I always let the kids open one present on Christmas Eve when they were small.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?  The endless ads that don't mention Christ.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?   I like most things.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?   Turkey, Plum Pudding (made by Wendy) and all the usual stuff.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?    Everyone feeling healthy and happy.


Time to get dinner started.  Pleasant Evening/Day and God Bless.

Liz

I took Happy to the Vet this morning and he will have  the growth surgically removed from his right hind paw  after the first of the year. I have to call next week to schedule the surgery for the first available Thursday as that will be the only day his Dr. will be doing surgeries. The previous Vet diagnosed it as a Granuloma but that is not what it is. I am so glad I made the follow up appt with his regular Vet. I also got some Frontline plus for both dogs.

JANET!!!  Thanks so much for the carols!  I so appreciate them!

Don't you all appreciate hearing these Christmas carols?

Yes, the Christmas carols are lovely.

Here are a couple of snaps taken during the big snowfall at Parksville.  The one of me is as I was about to leave....yes, was a tad concerned about getting back home.

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It was safer there with Maddie, the dog.

Wendy just told me it has started to snow very heavy again.  Sure do hope Ralph will be all right.  He is at work and the roads will be very bad.

You look beautiful Liz!  Wonderful picture of you.  I understand about the snow.  On monday we had several barn roofs collapse.  It is sad when that happens.

I am off to bed.  Good night everyone, God Bless have a good Lords day tomorrow and praise God for what he HAS done in your life.

Night Night, everyone!

Nice you have a computer now, Judy.

You look lovely, Liz!

Liz ... Looking good there, my friend!   :thumbsup:  Okay, so you were concerned about the traveling conditions ... it's still a great picture of you ... and I love looking at the snow.  ;)

This carol, Silver Bells, is the very last solo my daughter Jean sang.  It was in rehearsal for the Christmas presentation in December, 1999.  She died two weeks later.

Jane both a good memory and a bad. Keep the good at the forefront. Read Philippians 4:8 and 9.  That helps with loss.

We have snow again, and again, and again.  Seems all it does is snow.  This came from the west.  Winnipeg had snow yesterday and the day before.  We are sticking close to home, if I don't have to go out in this I don't.  Even the dogs don't want to play out in the weather, too cold for them.

HAve a good morning today folks.  As I go about my work I will be praying for CP needs!

I am all ready for church.  4 degrees and wind gusts to 40mph.  But the sun is shining!!! 

Fitful night and little sleep.  I feel a nap coming on this afternoon!!!

Etta Sue thank you for sharing the Straight no Chaser Carols

Hi everyone.  I am ready for church but we won't go for another 90 minutes or so.  There was rain during the night and it has turned colder and will only be in the lower 50s today but at least we have the sun for the first time in several days.  Our daughter called last evening saying she is going to go to her church this morning in her powerchair as they have a ramp so she can get into the church.  There are a number of steps there.  This is the first time she has tried doing this and I hope it works out well so she will be able to attend on a regular basis when the weather is good.

Not much on the schedule for today.  I plan on watching the Falcons football game later this afternoon.  

Judy, glad that you got your computer back at home.  

Liz, nice picture that you posted.  Hope it doesn't snow too much.  

Marilyn, sound like it is a good thing you saw another vet for your dog.

Janet, glad to hear that John made the trip ok and that sounds like a good arrangement.  It is nice of the home to allow him to stay close by.

Pat, hopefully by next Christmas you will be settled in your new home in Virginia.  Paul, I enjoyed our conversation last evening.

Etta Sue, those guys can really harmonize.

Good Morning, I am all ready for church.Our temperature today is not as cold as it as been 52° right now according to the Weather Channel thing on my computer.

Not much is new here for now. Maybe later there willbe something to report.

Liz you are sure looking good there in that photo. All the snow photos are very nice to LOOK at, don't want to live where there that much snow. A little now and then will suit me just fine.

Good Sunday to you all.
Church was great today our Pastor spoke on the praise and worship that took place at the birth of Jesus.
Mary said her soul magnified the Lord and she rejoiced in the God of her salvation.
We to should rejoice and our soul should magnify Jesus this Christmas season.
Have out Cantata tonight. I am looking forward to it.
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Quote from: JudyB on December 21, 2008, 08:39:56 AM
Jane both a good memory and a bad. Keep the good at the forefront. Read Philippians 4:8 and 9.  That helps with loss.

Judy, I have no "bad" memories regarding Jean.  I love to remember her singing and all the wonderful things about her.  No problem.   :)

Actually, I think I made a boo-boo about that carol ... She sang that with the ensemble (some of it was solo, with back-up).   :-[  It was "O Holy Night" that she sang solo ... one of my favorites.

  To- day is the first day of winter and yes more snow arrived during the night and even now it is a dry cold but sunny which is good.

As for today we are just relaxing then perhaps tomorrow I will be making Christmas mice they are fun and easy to make thanks Etta for getting me started.

Ruth, it is so nice to have you posting again!  And Jane, nice to have you out of that dark corner, too!  ;)

See, Etta Sue?  You CAN post Christmas carols!  :)

Liz, what a beautiful photo of you with the cute Doxie.  And the snow photo is lovely--to look at, at least.  Not so lovely to have to be out in the snow.  But I'm really glad you contacted your friends and have been able to visit them.  And winter won't last forever.

Larry, I hope Stacey made it to church and back home all right in her power chair.  That is great that she can have this mobility.  Beth would be pretty much bed fast without hers.  For sure we couldn't take her out any more without it, as she can't sit up well enough to use a regular wheelchair very much at all.  John came this morning to shower and change, right back to the home to take Beth to breakfast, then to church.  I'm sure the days will go by too fast for them.

I will be back later to post the new thoughts.

We were awake so went to the 7:30 service.  It was so lovely at sunrise and the message today was about a baby that changes everything.  We toured the entire church this morning to get an idea of where to meet with the children on Christmas Eve.  This is a mega church & everyone is so friendly, we really like it even after all the little churches we have been with over all the years - but once in a while I want to go to one of the little ones too.  Communion today and I was happy as we are used to having communion every Sunday or Saturday night.  I can see several places to volunteer & will get into things when we get back from our drive to Arizona.

Janice:  Thanks so much for sending on a pattern.  I had called a cousin's wife & she started talking circle needles & my eyes crossed because that is just what I don't want to start now - to learn anything & not have anyone around to help.  Merry Christmas to you and all your family. 

Jane:  Hugs to you.

Larry:  Thanks for your info. 

Thanks all for the wonderful music.  Can't get enough of it. 

Janice:  I just checked and did not find your email & it didn't go into the Trash side either. 

Can you send again?  Thank you.

cshovein@yahoo.com

Carol, it is on the way.  Curious that it did not "go" the first time.
Let me know if it does not work this time and I will try a copy and paste here. 

We did not go to church today.  It was 8 degrees when we got up, and since Earl has so many medical problems we thought it best to stay in.  He had pneumonia last winter and want no more of that if we can help it.  (He will be 86 in about 6 or 7 weeks, so age is against him too). 

Hello to all who post here, sounds like everyone is very busy. 
Almost time for our "Sunday Night Church" which is what we call it, "Rejoice in the Lord" from Pensacola, FL.  Our church does not have Sunday night services any longer and we found this on on DayStar several months ago, and love it.
Love, Janice

Hi Janice...

On our left sidebar

<<<<<over there<<<<<

you can see a link to "Rejoice Radio"!  I love listening to Pensacola Christian College!

Boy!  I love these Christmas songs too!

Thanks ladies!

Time to open a fresh new page for Christmas week!  Click  here. (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=7852.0/url)