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Wow Janet thanks that  is an interesting  Devotional and leaves me with lots of different thoughts. She must have been a great violinist. Having played the violin myself that was a monumental task for her. I must applaud her ingenuity. Awesome !!

Janet ~  Thanks, so much, for the devotional thoughts.  Very thought provoking and ... now I need to see about making music with what I have left.   <3

(Marilyn, I used to play the violin too)

Good job, Janet!  ;)

A really nice devotional, Janet.  Thanks.  It certainly does give one reason to evaluate life and all the blessings we have been given. 

Thanks for all the nice comments about the pictures.  Snow has continued to fall all last night and all today....it is both beautiful and awful.  SIL managed to shovel the car out and down to the highway, then on to the mall for badly needed groceries.  Could not get the vehicle back to the hwy. in order to get to work.  So is spending the night at home...much to Wendy's relief.

There will be much damage to buildings....like Judy mentioned about the barn roofs.  Loss of income to resturants and business, small farms, etc.  We are so lucky the power has stayed on and even if off, will still have gas heat and a stove for cooking.  Snug with warmth, food and all that great Christmas music here on CP.  This is supposed to continue through the whole week....so Misty had better get used to being inside!

Marilyn, I do hope that your dog will be okay real soon.  Understand how upsetting it must be... plus the expense.

I am glad that you have so many good memories of your daughter, Jane.  Thanks for the lovely music.

Yes, Maddie the Doxie is sure cute, Janet.  Bet yours is too.  It is my first experience with them and I am totally enchanted!

So many folks to thank for the music.  Wish it were possible to hear Larry's Choir and Melody's as well. 

Time to go.  Hope we still have power tomorrow.  It seems that all of Canada is being snowed under.  We will all have a 'White Christmas' this year.

Pleasant Evening/Day and God Bless.

Liz

Janet, thank you for this devotion.  I have been reading the devotional  forum for a few weeks, still getting accustomed to the Christian forum.  This devotional however came at just the right time for a number of reasons.

I am currently going through a series of tests to see if my cancer has returned.  It is a really difficult time, trying to keep living in the present and not forecasting.  I know that God works all for my best, but it is still a bit scary at times.  Trying to make music (and I love to sing) can be difficult in times such as this.

Becky

Good evening to all.  And as you all can see it  is late.  I have gone through many of the post's and Pat very sorry to here about the young lady.

Ruth :   Congratulations on your retirement.  You and I finished up with about the same amount of years driving bus I hope that you have many years of good health. :) :thumbsup:

My wife and I continue to keep verybusy with the grandkids and we just love them to pieces.  They are so much fun.

Al :  How are the legs? hope that they are getting better.

Well must get some sleep.  God Bless to all. <3

Good morning to all at Cp today.
It was a wonderful cantata we had last night . i have video taped it and I don't think I did a good job but I am going through it later and will see if I can get something that I can share. I would love for you to hear it . i believe it would just bless you has it did me.
It is snow here today, about 5-10 cm and cold we are expecting 100kil. an hour winds also ;D
May you all have a good day <3(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi33.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd100%2FChristine721%2Fpurrfectchristmas.gif&hash=68dfb464fa0796300384904c0b7b67816d2a1951)

QuoteAl :  How are the legs? hope that they are getting better.

Thanks for asking Gord.  They are indeed better.  They are still wrapped, but just to keep them better 'til the new compression stockings get here.  Then, hopefully, it'll be back to my ordinary shoes, etc.  It'll be wonderful!  Pray that they'll fit ok, feel ok, work ok.

Janet - GREAT devotional!  Just what I needed today!  I need to get busy making music with what's left.  Thank You, Lord, for that!

Lake Lady (Becky)  Praying for you on the results of further tests.  

Good Morning but I don't know how good it is. Here is what happened:

I have been up since 2AM I woke up to the most terrible smell and couldn't figure out what it was. I got up and checked to see if one of the dogs had an accident. Went back to bed, got up again checked the pilot lights on the stove and furnace and made sure all the burners were off went back to bed. Suddenly realized it was the strong smell of SKUNK, I have had this happen before. I opened the door between the house and the laundry room and oh my God was it ever strong, I thought the skunk was in there so I opened the back  door to let the fresh air in. I do believe that skunk was under the house that's what happened before. Now it smells strong in my bedroom. I am having to do a bunch of laundry today. Geez just what I needed at this time. The girls at Curves could smell it on me this morning too. Keith will be here tomorrow and the house stinks big time, I just  hope I can get the smell out by the time he gets here. I wonder if the dogs smell bad too. I can't bathe them here, all I have is a very small shower and it costs $26 for one dog and $33 for the other. One is long haired the other is not, so it costs more for Happy and I don't have the $$ to have them groomed. Oh boy if it isn't one thing it is another.

But I am still praising God, God is so awesome and he will get me through this too.

Short today.  minus 40 this AM, and the car wouldn't start.  Late for work.  Be back later.

Judy B:  Sorry that you are so SHORT today  :banana:  I am still as tall as ever.  Hope your day is good surrounded by all that white stuff.  It is here too but spotty now with the winds.

Janice:  Your email still has not arrived - I will check later.  This is strange.  I have looked into the spam and trash files too just in case it is there.  Good idea to skip the crowds - I noticed more coughing yesterday. And, now there is a report that the Tamiflu isn't working as well this year with all the kids of flu. 

Marilyn:  That is just terrible - I feel so bad for you.  Don't know how you will get that odor out - we had a terrible time cleaning a dog that had rolled in dead fish (don't ask me why an animal can do such a thing). 

Hi everyone.  We finally got the cold weather last night as it is down into the 20s.  However, it is suppose to warm up into the 60s again by Wednesday and for Christmas day.

I went to coffee this morning and it was cold in McDonalds.  We then went to the church gym and walked the mile.  However, apparently being out in the cold constricted my vessels as brought on chest and arm pain where I haven't been having that.  So will have to take it easy when it is so chilly.  I am fine.

Janet, I can really relate to the devotional you posted for this week.  I have given some thought to the sadness that can surround the holidays when long standing traditions are no longer observed.  I have to keep reminding myself that I must stay in today and not dwell on the past other than to recall the good times but know we cannot relive the past.  Pat and I were talking about this and Pat reminded me it was now time to build some new traditions when the old ones are no longer possible.  I am certainly not going to let what might have been keep me from enjoying and appreciating what is.

Yesterday I got a copy of the Messiah recording that was done on the church recording system and am so pleased with the way it turned out.  I will find a way to share some of this with you.  I offered to make the copies from the CD for the choir members so am now tasked with making 25 copies for them plus will make a few others to share with some friends and family.  I am listening to it as I type and it is glorious.

Marilyn, not the smells of the season you would like to have in your house I am sure.  Hope it fades shortly.

Al, glad to read that you are doing better.  Are you now able to sleep in your bed rather than having to sleep in your recliner?

Becky, welcome to CP.  We just like having new folks join us as it makes our online community that much richer.  I can understand your anxiety with your medical situation. 

Melody, I hope you will be able to share your cantata with us. 

Liz, you all are really getting hit with the bad weather.  Glad your SIL was safely at home.

Janice, sounds like you all made a wise decision not to venture out in such cold weather.

I have a light schedule for today.  I have a luncheon to attend at 1 pm today but nothing else on the schedule.

Good Morning Everyone!

I've not been able to get on the computer for as long as I've wanted to, but have a few minutes today.

Marilyn, will be praying for your dog, and skunk situation.  There are no big or little prayers for God.  He wants to take care of ALL of our concerns. :)

I still need lots of prayer, if you think of it, remember me :'(

Still hanging on,

Samantha

I think we have found a new church for now, Praise God!

I did find out that there is NO skunk smell on the dogs. But it sure permeated the house.

Larry - still using the recliner.  My legs are still wrapped until the new compression stockings arrive (maybe this week, maybe next).  I thank God for a good recliner.

Marilyn - if you venture out, drive north (opposite to this way).

Where are your compression stockings coming from, Alan?  Jack had some from Switzerland.  But he could buy them here in Guelph at a medical supply store.

I will continue to pray for you.

Oh but Al don't you want to come to visit my house, I can't smell anything anymore. Maybe i am just used to the smell.  :thumbsup2:

Brrrrr!  We have a hard and very cold wind blowing, something over 40 MPH.  The tumbleweeds are rolling to the north today.  Maybe tomorrow they will go south again.  Some areas, people can't even get out of their houses until the weeds are moved.  Yuck.  I do NOT like the wind.  Mild breeze, yes, wind, no.

I am so glad the devotional blessed so many of you.  I prayed it would do so.  And I was having some challenges while posting it last night.  While working on a framing job, I went upstairs to get out a sheet of foam core.  Well, don't ask me how, but I managed to upset a whole pile of heavy boxes of matboard, which knocked me down, pinning my feet under the boxes.  I couldn't get out from under them for a while; and Darrel was all cozy in the living room downstairs watching TV and couldn't hear me calling for help.  I finally got my feet out, and managed to get back downstairs.  So I had lots of aches and pains while I was posting the Thoughts.  I have messed up my neck and back, hurt my arm and have a really lovely big bruise on my leg just above the ankle.  But thank God, I am all right, and this, too, will pass.  Thank God for strong bones!

I worked today, 6:30 until 2:00.  I'm so glad I have an appointment with my chiropractor early in the morning!

I was thinking about Beth, re making music with what you have left.  She has so many loyal friends who love her and have stood by her for years.  I appreciate each one of them!

I wanted to post some music to go with the theme of the devotional, but had computer problems last night.  So I will post some now!

Small smile:  Where does a snowman keep his money?  In a snow bank!  ;) :)

Janet ~ Thanks for a great devotion.  I kept thinking about a friend that lost his eye sight and went on to work at Indiana Bell and even ran the switchboard when they went on strike!!!  When you are given lemons make lemonade!!

Marilyn ~ Yuck!  Can't think of many smells worse than SKUNK!  Remember Teddy Bear Karen?  She loves the smell of skunk!!!  She's weird but don't tell her I said so!  Psst!  I have already told her she is weird for liking skunk smell!

Busy day!!!  Ivalou had a mammogram appointment at 9:15am and was done by 9:30am!!!!  I had an appointment with the throat doctor at 10:45am so we went across the highway and went in there.  When I signed in at 9:50am, I told them my appointment wasn't until 10:45 and explained why I was early.  She said if they could get me in early, they would.  I was called back at 10:10 and done by 10:35am.  Throat looks great and I don't have to go back until June 22.  Yeah!

We had decided to go to a Bar-B-Que place so waited where it was warm until 10 'til 11.  Well, we got to the Bar-B-Que place it was closed up...no longer there.  So we ate at a family restaurant. 

Then I went to Best Buy and bought Bose speakers for my laptop!  Merry Christmas to ME!  Wonderful sound!!!  Love them!!!!   

Then to WalMart for groceries for Christmas Day.

Kitty called this evening and asked if we could go somewhere for pizza.  She was having a bad day...a day where you take one step forward and  two steps back!  Said she needed to get away from what needed to be done, re-coup and then return and get things done!!!  So we had pizza! 

Now I am catching up on emails and the internet! 

And it was sure cold today.  It was a minus point 7 degrees when I got up with a wind chill of minus 22 degrees!!!!!!!!!  Only 11 degrees right now!!!!   Brrrr!

Well I think I got most of the skunk smell out of the house, Thank God it wasn't on the dogs. I had to sniff them real good to make sure. I put an open jar of vinegar in my bedroom and it seems to have absorbed  the  smell pretty good, however I did air the house good too and  put potpourri in my little potpourri crockpot.

Glad you got rid of the smell, Marilyn.

I grew up with skunk scent a lot since we had bees and skunks love bees!  So they were continually around the beehives out back and then the dog would go and chase them and bam!!!!  Spray!


Janet, big hugs to you my friend!

Just when you try so hard to get the dog to mind - then they take off after a skunk, squirrel, or other animal. 

I have been calling relatives on SKYPE and a younger brother just won't go with that but insists on using his cell phone.  I have told him umpteen times that my calls won't register a phone number & he keeps forgetting so he doesn't answer when I SKYPE him. .  Aaaaaahhhhhh 

Al:  Good that you have the recliner as well but I am praying that you will be able to get back into your own bed at some time.  What about a foam cushion just to elevate your legs?  I had a  V-shaped one after neck surgery and it helped tremendously.  The hospital sent me home with it but once could be cut from a dense foam bought at a big fabric store. 

Whew! Only 2 more days until Christmas.  Since we had our gift exchange early (when family could get here) we now await Christmas with ease.  I was so dreading an early get together, now I find it relaxing.

Marily, I should have saved my "whew" for the concerns of a skunk.  We live in the country, on a house with a crawl space.  Having a skunk crawl in and make himself at home is one of my fears.  Glad you are doing better with the odor at this point.

There are so many medical concerns, much like our church.  Each time I read one, I stop and say a prayer for the one who mentions it and/or the one who is in need (not always the same person).  My prayer is always for peace and strength and then the particular difficulty.

Samantha, you mentioned having found a Church.  We moved a few years ago, and I told my DH that finding a new Church was one of the first things on our agenda.  It is where I expected to find new friends of like mind, at least in the mind of Christ.  We certainly are different in many other ways, which keep life interesting.

To each of you, grace and peace, and be safe.

Becky

Pat - I don't know where they're getting the compression stockings.  The PTs where I've been getting the legs wrapped have ordered them, and they didn't say from whom.  Guess I should find out soon, as may have to do it myself later on.

Thanks for the thoughts, Carol.  I've tried a number of things, but may end up doing something like what you say.  The problem has been that every time I've tried sleeping in the bed again I've ended up hurting my hip.  Gotta see if that can be cleared up.

Al, if you want to try one, those wedge-shaped pillows are sold.  You can find them in those little catalogs like Dr. Leonards, and probably in the stores, as well.

Boy, I am loving my compression stockings!  What a pain saver they are!  Bless Dr. Friesen for telling us to go get them.

Here on Sunny Vancouver Island, longjohns would be the stockings to choose!

(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv299%2Flizzy121%2F20081222-131354-HPIM1614.jpg%3Ft%3D1230002855&hash=c5915f2876e9b9a6fe7895f3adcf5efa4229d5b0)

I stuck the camera outside the garage door, pointed uphill....
At least it stopped for today.  Due to start again tomorrow or Wed.
Bah, Humbug >:(

Small Smile(for Marilyn):

Why couldn't the skunk use her phone?

It was out of odor!
                                           ::)


God Bless,

Liz

Liz it is good that you haven't lost your sence of humour

Sorry about my "short" post today.  I was really running late, and didn't even take the time to proof read what I had written.

Cold.....yes we have cold.  ,imus 40 and that is early for the time of year.  We don't usually have to contend with that till January.

I would up staying at the store till 8:30 tonight.  Heather was there and we were on a roll sewing our Christmas presents.  It is good that we have a boss who encourages that!

John will be callilng about midnight so I won't stay on too much longer.

Love to you all, praying for all the needs.

This is an email I received, not sure if it is true or not, but makes a good story for the season.


The "W" in Christmas


Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.

I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year old.

For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation.

All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.

Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.

As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.

Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

     "C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is.
Amazed in His presence... humbled by His love.
Again, HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!

Hi Everyone,

I know, its me checking in every so often.   Sorry about that.   It's too cold here to do anything.   Talk to you later.

Love Ruthie :crazy:

Good God MOrning everyone!!  Can you imagine the hopelesness of our lives if Christ wasn't born for our salvation?  He was born and we can and should praise Him for that.

Canada will be blanketted in white as on his week.  The first time in 37 years that the whole country will have a white Christmas!  At least that is what the news reported said.

Busy day, God bless
Judy

Hi everyone.  It has warmed up here as it started the morning at 31 degrees, which was much more tolerable than the 18 degrees we had yesterday morning.  After coffee we once again went to the gym and walked about 1 1/4 miles.  Last evening when I went to take my medicine at bedtime I discovered by I had problems walking yesterday and didn't feel good most of the day as I had forgotten to take my morning heart medicine.  This shows me how important the medicine is for me.

I have a meeting to attend this morning and then I may go down and pick up our daughter to bring her to the house for the holidays.  I thought she wanted to come out tomorrow but my wife says she may have changed her mind. 

Judy, I liked the little story you posted.  Don't envy you all the white Christmas.  I saw that same article about all of Canada having snow at the holidays and that it had been a long time since that happened.

Marilyn, glad the skunk smell has lessened.  That is certainly not the traditional Christmas aroma.

Ruthie, nice to see you post today.  It has been awhile since we have seen you here and you have been missed.

Liz, your picture looks like a Christmas card scene.  It looks like a time to stay inside and stay warm.

Janet, so sorry to hear of your being knocked down and hope you experience no lasting injury from that.  Hope the chiropractor helps.  My wife has made many of those neck pillows to give to friends and we use them all the time here at the house.  She has a pattern for them.  This Christmas she gave many of her friends the little rice bags that she made that you can put in the microware and then use on aching joints or muscles.

Al, thanks for the info and I hadn't remembered the problem with the hip as well as the legs. 

Becky, my wife and I have moved many times in our lives with job relocations and have  found getting involved in a new church is a wonderful way to make new friends in a new community. It seems that all of our churches have long lists of prayer needs and many of those are medically related.

Carol, do you have the Skype Out service on your Skype system?  This is required to be able to call other than another Skype person on a computer.  We use the Skype In and Skype Out service for our daughter and have been completely satisfied with it. 

Etta Sue, your doctor appointment experience yesterday certainly isn't typical of what we experience here as we almost always have to wait well past our appointment time.  I think restaurants are experiencing very difficult times.  Most of those we frequent seem to have mainly older folks eating there. 

I'm here, aches and pains and all.  You can't keep a good woman down!  I'm sure my early morning chiropractic treatment will help.  He advised me to put ice on my neck and my leg...brrr....doesn't sound fun, but I'm sure it would help.

I made breakfast for Darrel and John, put the kitchen in order, got laundry started, and when I finish here I will complete the framing project so I can take it to Hugoton right after lunch.  I want to open my Christmas gift (a lovely commercial Kitchen Aid mixer) and start on some baking.  Maybe I can do some when I get home from Hugoton.

Grandson Mark passed his test yesterday, so we now have a certified (or licensed or whatever) pilot instructor in the family!  His dad is really happy, said maybe some of that money that has been going out for flying time will start coming back in as Mark begins student instructing.  :)

Another smile for Marilyn:  A mother skunk and her children were being threatened by bigger animals.  The mother gathered the kids and said, "kids, let's all put our heads together."  They did so, then mom said "Now, let's spray!"

Liz, that photo is spectacular!  But not pleasant to have to deal with all the cold and snow.  Best wishes to you!

I wish you all a happy and peaceful day.

Did everyone miss me saying I got myself a Christmas present of Bose speakers for my laptop?????  Hunh???  Did you miss that??  They sure do make listening to music and videos much better!  I am hearing sounds that I didn't even know existed on the videos that I have! 

I got an email from Kitty just before bedtime last night.  The pizza got her motivated and she got a lot accomplished in a few hours.

Today is much better temperature-wise.  22 degrees and suppose to rise 10 more degrees.   That is a great temperature for some snow.  It would be nice to have a White Christmas for the kiddies!!



 

I saw it, I saw it, Etta Sue!  I did!  I really, really did!  But I guess since I can't hear them, I failed to comment on it.  Glad you are enjoying them.  I have had a Bose radio with CD player on my Christmas, birthday, mother's day, whatever list for about five years now, and have about decided that if I am going to get one, I will have to buy it for myself.  :-\

Now I am outa here!

Good Morning from the cool Lost Coast. OK Thanks for the Skunk  funnies. there is no more skunk smell here, I have a couple of cinnamon sticks simmering on the stove and the house smells oh so Christmasy I had forgotten those cinnamon sticks that I got last year at Christmas time for the Potpourri.

Keith will be on his way down the coast in a couple of hours. He has to stop in Gold Beach to call on a client and do some measuring. He should only have to drive in some showers, hopefully no snow or ice. I did read that there might be some high surf but that will have no effect on the highway.

Etta Sue I did read that yesterday i just didn't say anything. I think that lately I haven't been commenting on much of what has been posted here and I do apologize to you all for that.

Janet it looks like ice will be you best friend for a day or two. I had a Chiropractor that gave me a hand out on the icing instructions and the title was  "Ice is you Friend". I have one of those gel ice packs that wraps around that I got at the medical supply house. It takes up the whole shelf in the freezer because it has to lay flat. I also use Bio Freeze  a lot.

You should all be dropping by to coffee and tea just to taste the cookies and biscotti I baked.  I have been washing clothes & cleaning house & went to Wally Mart early this morning for fresh veggies.  I called daughter's house & g-daughter was home alone, and she told me that she was taking the day off & resting.  What a hoot!  Her mother will get her going on chores.  The big discussion is over which puzzle we will all work on tomorrow - I bought a 1500 piece puzzle loaded with animals & that is the chosen activity after eating - well, church will be first.  A walk if possible.  Snow expected today.

Larry:  Yes, we have the SKYPE Out & use it to call overseas as well. 

Janet:  Do hope that you are feeling better.  I only dropped a bar of soap on my foot in the shower and have a bruise and that is nothing like you had happen.  Glad for Beth that John is visiting. 

Son who is driving to Texas for Christmas just called & he is in Wichita Falls to see a friend - then to Fort Worth tomorrow.  I always dread that the family drives or flys there every year - especially drive but after the airplane that crashed at our airport the other day, flying & weather do have problems.  It may have been mechanical.  It is a miracle that people are alive - what a crew that got them out so fast with the plane on fire.  There isn't much news about it and I guess it is because there are not enough bodies & pictures.   :-\

Janice:  I sent an email to you.  Will keep on checking my mail. 

Merry Christmas to all!  It is wonderful to have this place.

Carol, I would LOVE to stop by and have a cuppa with you and sample some of your goodies. Yum!  I need to do some baking myself.  I guess we will go to Hugoton tomorrow evening and watch Diane's family open their gifts---supper first, though, and I am to make a salad and a dessert.  Any dessert suggestions?  She is making lasagna.

I got some good Mark hugs today, that's always nice!  ;)  He was at the store doing gift wrapping for his mom.  (That's my grandson, for those who don't know yet.)  Abby also came and gave me a couple of hugs.  :)

John just called to tell me he will spend the night at the care home on his cot again tonight, as he is taking Beth to a movie.  Hope she makes it all right; it is getting harder and harder for her to sit in her chair very long.  I heard Beth saying something, and John said she was telling him to tell me she got roses today!  John said he had never gotten to see her face when any of the flowers he sent arrived, so he ordered those while he is here.  I asked if the look on her face was worth it, and he said, "Oh, yes, very much so!"  :)

Our dog, Sarah, is opening the gifts under the tree!  Naughty dog.  She gets whacked with a rolled-up newspaper, and she hates that.  But she has to learn.

Now I'm off to do more "stuff."

Well Keith should be here in about an hour. The house smells of Cinnamon, I have Cinnamon sticks in the potpourri pot simmering,they have been there all day. it smells so good in here. I don't know yet what we are having for supper, maybe go get a pizza or a Sub sandwich.

Janet it is so good that John is there to visit with Beth.

Well it is snowing again!   I already have a mountain of snow in front of my house? 

If I don't post tomorrow, I'm wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!    I hope to watch "A Christmas Carol"

Talk to you soon Pat!

Love Ruthie

Thank you Larry   ;D ;D ;D

RUTHIE!!!!

It's so good to see you on here!  I'm so happy to see your name pop up!!!

Love you loads!

Around 2:45pm I noticed an SUV going real slow on my road.  I figured it was the mail man.  Then a pickup was going real slow.  Actually since 2:45 until 7:15 my road has been one car right after another but only going about 5mph.  ICE!!!  And I can see SR 32 out my living room window and it has been the same way since 2:45pm!!  It has started raining and temperature rising so it is all clear now.  At least until the temp drops again. 

It seemed so weird to look out my bathroom window and count 15 or more sets of headlights between my house and the next road...about a half a mile.  Some of the cars stopped in front and then they couldn't get going.  They were spinning their tires like mad. 

Entertainment right out my windows today!! 

It is fun watching entertainment like this as long as you aren't in it!  The worse thing they can fo is spin their tires, instead release the gas and let the idle start the vehicle moving.  Good idea to carry kitty litter in the car for times like this.

We have snow again.  If is no longer a novelty.  just work.  Interestingly I was at heather's and looked at  the innovation of some children.  Their steps have only half been cleared,  (double wide) and they have created a sledding path on it.  Then they climb the stairs and go down again.  beside this slide there is a snow cave with a thick roof and walls.  I guess they are using it as a clubhouse.

Have a good night folks
God bless and walk carefully we don't need any more tumbles!

Janet:  A very easy dessert is to have peppermint ice cream with a hot fudge sauce.  It is refreshing after a pasta type meal.  That is what I am bringing tomorrow - otherwise, lemon pie, any pie is great.  Really, we don't eat desserts but it is Christmas and we are on sugar overload. 

Hi Ruthie!  You always look great! 

Nothing on t.v.  I am knitting.  Don has been in the basement bowling on the Wii that the kids gave him.  Lots of phone calls with the kids checking in. 

Marilyn, Cinnamon smells to cover up skunk????   I am making Snicker doodles tomorrow.  These are our girls "Christmas" cookies, the ones they think of when Christmas comes.  Seems like the only time I make "doodles" is at Christmas. 

Etta Sue, Bose speakers?  Now that is a Christmas gift.  I had a Bose headset and it was great.  When I used it the music was centered in my body.

JudyB, the Christmas story was wonderful.  Making it even better is the fact that our grandson, William, knows his W, even when it is an M.

Well, I had mentioned some medical tests that I was scheduled for.  The MRI went well, even though my DH had to come in and put his hand on my leg to get me through it.  I am EXTREMELY claustrophobic.  However, the CT scan did not go so well.  The techs stuck me 9 times with needles and never could get a vein.  So they did the scan without the contrast dye added.  We'll see what happens with that. 

Peppermint ice cream with fudge sauce, now that would really intrigue me even in these dessert ridden days. 

To those of you in snow, be careful.  I like looking at pictures but am happy to be in south Georgia where I do not have to deal with it.

Grace and peace to you all,

Becky

Becky!  I love Snickerdoodles!  Love them!!!

Quote from: Pat on December 23, 2008, 10:54:27 PM
Becky!  I love Snickerdoodles!  Love them!!!

Ooohhh YEAH ... Me too!!    <3

Hi everyone.  We will not have a white Christmas here in Georgia but probably a wet one as they predict rain. 

I am going down after coffee to pick up our daughter and she will spend a couple of days with us. 

Etta Sue, I saw your posting about the Bose speakers and know you will really enjoy them and probably be asking yourself while you waited so long.  I don't have Bose speakers but do have a set of Altec Lansing with a subwoofer that my son gave me a number of years ago.  They have wonderful sound, so much better than the typical computer speakers.  I did get my new headset of the Sennheiser headphones yesterday and they also have great sound.  I seriously considered getting Bose headphones but came upon these, which many musician professionals use, and don't think I will regret having them.  I listened to music with them yesterday and, as you say, heard sounds I haven't heard before in the recordings.

Becky, sorry that they weren't able to find a vein for the dye to do the CT scan.  Hope you get good results from your tests.

Carol, your dessert idea sounds great.  I love peppermint ice cream (to tell the truth I love all flavors of ice cream) and chocolate sauce makes it all the much better.  Yesterday I had a homemade Almond Joy and it was delicious.

Judy, the kids love the snow.

Janet, sure that John got a lot of pleasure in giving the roses to Beth while he was there.  It sounds like he is making this a very special holiday for her.  Treat yourself and get the Bose unit that you want.  You work very hard and certainly deserve it.

Marilyn, hope Keith had a good drive down the coast.

Time to leave for coffee and then my trip to Atlanta.  I have the wheelchair in the car.

Wishing You All A Merry Christmas
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John made it home last night, he was struggling with fair weather drivers.  We are able to spend time together for the next couple of days.  It sure is wonderful having him home.

Here in the north we have Christian Radio.  Today is all request day and the girls are sending in their requests for family.  If you care to listen the site is www.cjtk.com.  We sure enjoy listening to the "K".  Kass won a CD already today.

I have to run, will be back though.

God Bless
Judy

Carol, thanks for that idea!  Sounds yummy, and I will look for those items today.

I am about to head out the door to Pat's, she just got home from Texas and will do my hair in a little while.  Then I will go to the grocery store for last minute items (like peppermint ice cream and fudge sauce!)

Good to read all the comments and see the pretty graphics today.  I'll be back.

Oh----Ruthie!  Great to see you again!  Don't be a stranger now.

ok so details ya'll wanted... all i really have to say is it is amazing how time to grow up can change a person....the man i am marrying is an old flame... things between us got worse changed and are now better than ever... wedding is december 31 and both of us have grown and changed so much but for the better... we have both grown and matured.... his name is Alyx.... some may have heard of him before some may have not... he is in the army just got back from Iraq.... it just amazes me how some things work out... anyways i must be off now have several things to get done before i leave for hugoton to meet with him and his parents for christmas then to my grandmas house tonight then to my house tomorrow and his grandparents... busy busy busy ya know!
sarah

I am listening to CJTK radio.  Sounds amazing on my Bose!!

Again, congratulations, Sarah and Alyx.  I remember the name Alyx because of the spelling!! 

It is raining today and lots of water everywhere.  The temps are higher but the ground is still frozen so no where for the water to do.  Lakes all around me.  Still windy but much better since it is 46 degrees. 

I went to Ivalou to get some sweetened condensed milk for Magic Cookie Bars and took her mail from yesterday to her.  I keep styrofoam in my vents for the crawl space and there was styrofoam in my front yard...it was from my under my bedroom in the back of the house!!  I also took in Ivalou card tables and chairs from her garage to her family room for tomorrow. 

Ivalou called later and said that Marge wanted to meet us all for dinner tonight...Betty, Ivalou and I.  But after a few phone calls, we don't think anything will be open.  So Marge is going to drive us all the Christmas Eve service at church at 7pm! 

Everyone have a wonderful Christmas Eve!! !!

Congratulations Sarah.



I pray everyone has a blessed Christmas, and a peaceful New Year.  I will continue to pray for driving safety for everyone, as well as the needs spoken of.  May God bless each and everyone who comes into this site.

Our old friend, Dr. Suess, wrote: "And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?"

Tonight is Christmas Eve. I hope you all have a blessed Christmas. Make it a wonderful Holiday Season, and do an unexpected kindness for someone less fortunate than you.

Congratulations, Sarah.  Are you having a church wedding?

I had best come in now as the snow is falling heavily again.  Power may not stay.....

Ralph got us out to the store again.  The roads are terrible.  Plowing seems to be the last thing on the agenda for this part of the island.
Managed to get a fair bouquet of flowers for Wendy.  Stores are a tad bare at the moment.  Everyone is safe, Amanda seems to be over the terrible flu virus of the past few days, Misty is content to stay inside..at last!  So things are looking fine for this Christmas Eve.  No church 'tho as it would be impossible to get there.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas Eve and Day. 

God Bless,

Liz

Merry Christmas!

Advent Wreath & Cross

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Becky

A beautigul picture Thank you!

I want to wish all a very Merry Christmas and Happy new year.  May it be a blessed New Year for all of you and may you have a healthy one. :)

I thought it would be nice to be first to post on Christmas day. 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

KMerry Christmas Everyone

Merry Christmas from Georgia.  We had rain about all night but it has stopped now.  We slept late today and have a very quiet day planned.  Pat fixed the ham dinner last evening because this afternoon around 3 pm we have been invited to an open house.  Following that we expect our step grandson to stop by with his wife and baby to pick up a couple of things for the baby.  Pat has made some of her caramel corn for them as well.  She has given away quite lots of her caramel corn this Christmas. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful day with family and/or friends.

I thought this song would be more than appropriate as we look forward to another year.

Good Christmas Day to all!         


Al:  Thank you for the music. 

I have already been on the treadmill in the basement.  We will go to son's house this afternoon - they are fixing a roast.  We had more than a normal person should eat yesterday just with little tidbits of everything offered.  Went to the amazing 4:15 service & they said that about 5,000 people were in the several buildings.  We all had a roomy long pew in the chapel and watched a screen and several of the kids mentioned that they missed the interaction of the actual speaker right in front.  Our church preference is such a personal thing and several mentioned the wonderful sermon while two mentioned that they have heard the same thing year after year.  Boy, sometimes it is a tough audience - Don and I are of the age that we are pleased with so many things and wouldn't change a thing.  Am pleased that it does sound like everyone was listening and that is all I ask. 

Merry Christmas to All!!

We don't have a white Christmas but God blessed central Indiana with bright, beautiful sunshine!!  It looks so wonderful to see the sun shining after so many days of dark and dreary!  Thank you, God! 

Everything is all ready for me to head east 70 steps.  All I need to do is cut the Magic Cookie Bars and load up.  If I don't think I can carry everything, then I will wait until I see a car in Ivalou's drive and call for someone to help me carry things over.  How convenient is that? 

I don't know if the new little one will be here today...Cailin Elizabeth is only 7 days old!!  But I think most everyone else of Ivalou's family will be there plus some boy-friends and girl-friends!! 

I am praying that everyone has a safe and happy Christmas.  God Bless You All! 

It's raining here today 46 degrees. But thank God for all His blessings.
Thanks Al for this song very appropriate.
Merry Christmas to All!! <3
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"For who hath despised the day of small things?"
Zechariah 4:10

There may be things that seem small in the Christian's life, but they are not insignificant to God.  Mary and Joseph were seemingly a small, insignificant couple.  However, God had the Roman government tax the whole world to get Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.  Bethlehem was the small village that a minor prophet, Micah, had prophesied, in Micah 5:2, that the Messiah would be born there.

Your devotions with God in the morning may seem small and insignificant, but they are great and important to God.  Your worship of Jesus, not just on Sunday but every day, may seem small to the world, but it is great and of importance to God.

He recorded not just the wise men's worship with their great gifts, but also the worship of Mary when she sang a simple song of praise in Luke 1:46-55.  God also recorded Mary's offering of two pigeons, the smallest offering allowed for her cleansing.  The prayer of Zecharias and Elizabeth seemed small and insignificant as compared to the great scheme of things; yet God took note and sent an angel to answer their prayer.  Their request was granted far greater than they ever dreamed in Luke 1:13-20.

Do not forget the small things in your Christian life this Christmas.  They are not small to God and may have  larger repercussions in the vast scope of God's infinite plan.  Remember:  "...Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" (Luke 2:12b)
--C.S.

It's so nice to sit here and read all of your messages and view all of your graphics.

What a lovely Christmas Day!

      Last night there was light rain which turned to light snow, so we woke up to a couple of inches of snow on the walk this morning to go along with the six or seven inches left after the rain we had. Now I don't have to dream about a "White Christmas" any more!

   Pat and I are looking forward to visiting my daughter and family in Ashtabula, Ohio and my son and family visiting from Pensacola Florida on Sunday evening over Monday.

   Al - We enjoyed your song selection "Turn your eyes upon Jesus" , as it is the most important thing we can do in these times in which we live!  - Thanks

.

My news is a bit of a downer.  A dear friends father passed away yesterday.  Please keep Nancy and the family in prayer.

LakeLady, the picture is beautiful.  Thanks.
Nice to read all the posts and view the lovely graphics.  Sorry, I never seem to have time to learn how to do that!

Nice music, Al.  I love that hymn.

I took a minute to pray for your friends family, Judy.  So sad when that happens at this time of year.  Sad at any time...especially at Christmas.

We missed a heavy snowfall last night.  Power is out in some places, fortunately, not at this house.  Read that Victoria received the most snow in Canada...41 cm.  (about 16.14 inches).  It has started melting a bit and wonder where it will all go....into ice, probably.  Even Misty refused to go outside this morning.

I am off to make the sauce for Plum Pudding and a salad.  We will eat at about 6 P.M.  The kids broke their promise and bought me a present.  Lovely Air Canada Luggage.  Think they are telling me it is about time to start getting out more.  Now will really have to make the effort. :)

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Liz

Well, I'm a bit late today but I am only now getting online.  I have heard from both my daughters today ... both have lots of snow for their white Christmas.  Here, we had a rain/snow mix most of the night and early morning, so there was a tiny bit of white on the ground and all the roofs in my neighborhood were white.  Does that count?   ;)

Al, thank you for that song ... we should always keep our eyes turned upon Jesus ...  :thumbsup:

I have a Marie Callender's turkey and dressing TV dinner in the oven.  Also put in a sweet potato so my Christmas dinner is just about ready. 

Y'all enjoy the rest of your holiday ... Pat and Paul, safe travels as you head out to visit family.   :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!!

Quote from: JudyB on December 25, 2008, 04:55:27 PM
My news is a bit of a downer.  A dear friends father passed away yesterday.  Please keep Nancy and the family in prayer.

I'm so sorry to hear of this.  I am praying for your friends, Judy.  May God give them peace and comfort in this difficult time.

Right now I am way to full of turkey. :P
I am trying to get my cantata in a format that i can show.
Wish i WAS MORE technology smart :crazy:

Hi to all.   I hope that you all are having a wonderful day and enjoying happy birthday to  JESUS.

Our kids will be here tomorrow for turkey dinner but as I am sending this we are waiting for my daughter and husband and grandson to come and then more company later. :thumbsup:

Larry:  You can ship me up some of that caramel popcorn it sounds wonderful. :thumbsup:

Paul and Pat.  (Big Sis.  Hope that you have a good trip and safe driving.

May the Lord bless you all and keep you safe.    And again thanks for your continued prayer for both of us especially Noreen.

P.S.  COLIN:   Where are you we miss you and also Jeannine <3 :)

We are home from Eureka, stuffed way too full of all kinds of good food. I shouldn't have eaten that 2nd piece of Double chocolate  pie. We have a very nice time with family.

Please pray for Chuck, Annette and Hanna Martin who were on their way to  our Christmas gathering, The got into an auto accident and are pretty shaken up the car was totaled buy praise God they are alright.

Well, I am home from work.  I don't recall ever having worked at a job on Christmas day before.  I am tired.

We went in and ate Christmas Dinner at the home with Beth and Mom and John.  We are in the Sunflower Room, as another family was using the Family Dining Room.

I went to work at 1:30 and came home about 7:30.  Usually I don't get out of there until 8 or after.

Good to read all your messages today.  See you tomorrow!

Larry, while you are making those CDs of your Christmas program, could you please make one for me?  I will be happy to pay you for it, plus the postage to send it to me.  Thanks so much.

Judy, that's so very sad about your friend losing her dad.  I said a prayer for the family as I read your post.

Marilyn, I can imagine they are shook up.  That would be so frightening.  Do they know the Lord?  If they don't, things like this get your attention and gratitude is a given.  I'm so glad they all came out without injury.

Hi everyone.  I got up about 6 am this morning as was awake.  I have been busy burning several more CDs of the Messiah.  I am going to try to fix a webpage that I can link to from here so that any of you who would like to hear it can do so easily.  Janet, I will be happy to send you a disc if I can't get the website fixed or if you still want one after that.  The nice thing about putting it on the web is that anyone can then save the file for each piece and quickly burn a CD.  I will soon have made 30 copies for our choir members and so local folks who weren't able to attend and want to send one to my sister as well.  I will make the labels to day and hopefully have this part of the project completed. 

What I thought was going to be a sad Christmas this year because all of our family wouldn't be together turned out to be very nice.  Yesterday morning our step grandson came over with his wife and 9 month old son.  Pat and I both enjoyed holding the baby and watching him play with the toy we gave him.  We had a nice visit with our grandson and his wife.  He is hoping to go back into the Army in January. 

Then yesterday afternoon we visited with friends at an open house for a couple of hours.  The food was good and the visiting was very nice as well.  They were expecting their family to arrive around 6 pm so we left a little after 5:30 and got home before it got totally dark.  Stacey had picked up the baby a couple of times and wasn't feeling up to going with us to the open house as had been planned.  I fear she has fallen into a very depressed state as wants to get back to her apartment as soon as possible this morning.  This is not unusual after heart surgery.  This Christmas seems to have been hard on her. 

We had talked to our son and DIL on Christmas Eve. 

Nice to read about the Christmas activities already enjoyed or those planned for the next few days. 

Judy, sorry to hear of the death of a friends parent at this time of year.  We can relate to this as Pat's mother died on Christmas Eve and we had a housefull of company and little children so we had to deal with a funeral and getting through the planned Christmas activities.  I guess it is an example of doing what you have to do.

 <3

  Good morning to all and Praise his name.

It will be busy day in the brown houshold as the grandkids and parents will be here and we will open gifts.  It should be a lot of fun ti watch them and especially our granddaughter as she is only 1 year ans3 months but seems like she is 2 years old and she is starting to say a lot of things that sound like proper words. Later in the day we will have our turkey. :)

Judy B.  So sorry to here about your friend and it is so hard at this time of the year. Will remember them.  How are you all doing hope that your health is good.  Talk to you sis. <3

Larry.  When are you going to take orders for Caramel popcorn it sure sounds good :thumbsup:

Al:  How are you doing hope that you are getting some sleep. 

God bless to you all and have a great weekend. :coffee:

Thanks for asking, Gord.  Yes, getting sleep ok.  Both legs are wrapped very thoroughly in wrappings that keep a little pressure on them so that the swelling will either go down or not increase.  Have a problem this morning, though - the wrapping on my right leg is partly unravelled.  Don't know how it got that way, but it did.  The problem is that the place where they wrapped it is closed until Monday, and we don't know how to get hold of anyone there.  So - Marbeth doesn't even know about it yet, because she isn't up yet, but, when she is she's the only hope I have for getting it re-wrapped to at least some degree.  You might pray for us in this.  Somehow have to get to Monday afternoon's appointment time.

Quote from: Gord Brown on December 26, 2008, 08:35:13 AM
<3

Thanks for the kisses, Gord!

I'm so sorry to read of Nancy's father, Judy.

Is she up there right now?  I'll have to try to speak to her on the telephone before we leave for Virginia.

What a wonderful Christmas Day!  There were 23 at Ivalou's.  Everyone there but Cailin Elizabeth's family.  So much food and laughter!!  They sure are growing up!! 

I came home soon after dark and all the Christmas decorations were put away before I went to bed.  This morning was trash day so after taking it out, I took the red plastic bows off my white deck.  They are in the garage for another year! 

I love the decorations but I really like getting back to normal...whatever normal is. 

Judy ~ So sorry to hear about your friend, Nancy's father.  So sad any time but especially so at Christmas. 

I did a silly thing this morning......my CD player holds 60 CD's and then you can randomly play tracks and discs.  I took all the Christmas CD's out and put back in what I had in there before Christmas and pushed 'play' and all it did was shuffle!  I opened it and blew in there thinking it might be dusty.  Still just shuffled.  Then I unplugged it and plugged it back in thinking it needed to reset.  Still just shuffled.  Then I turned #1 CD around.  Pushed play and it played!!!!  I had them all in backwards!!!!!  Now I know why all of the Christmas ones didn't play!!!  I put them in like the last one I took out!!!

Maybe my New Year will start better than the old ending...brain-wise! 

Dark and gloomy again today.  In fact, it was raining and thundering earlier!!  Big rumbles when I took the trash out! 

Happy Boxing Day to you to the north and who all celebrate Boxing Day!

Yes, it is sad to lose loved ones near to Christmas.  Darrel's dad passed away shortly before Christmas; and it seems winter is really hard on the elderly.  They always lose several residents of the care home during winter.

I got the kitchen cleaned up, the mail clutter...ugh.  I can't seem to stay ahead of that.  But I'm caught up again, and this afternoon I plan to use that new mixer and make bread for our Christmas get-together tomorrow.

Larry, if it isn't too much trouble, please make me a disc.  You know how UN-techie I am.  :-[

Not much to say today, just wishing blessings to you all.

Pat she is coming up on Saturday I believe.  Her Mom died on Victoria day in 01.  We knew this was coming just rough at Christmas.

We are not bringing John's mom for Christmas this year.  There is too much sickness in the house and Bill (the owner/nurse) of her Retirement home agrees it is better she not come.  John was to see her yesterday.

Heather is on her way here now so I have to go.

Boxing Day would have been fun.  We were going to go into Victoria to buy a few sale items.....guess what!  It is snowing again.  Like we haven't enough yet :ticked:

Amanda had to go to work, after digging out her car.  So hope that she will be okay coming home.  The hwy. is not bad, our road is a mess. 

Misty has been following me around all morning like a little puppy.  Now has curled up beside me and fallen asleep.  I let her out for a bit, she was not impressed with the cold and snow.

Sorry that you couldn't be with family on Christmas Day, Jane.  Wendy cooked a larger bird this year and we were late eating...sure did appreciate the dinner when it was ready. 

Like you, Etta Sue, I have tired of Christmas music for now.  Keep the decorations up until New Years' Eve or Day tho'.  We are still getting a few Christmas shows this week, so that should be enought. 

I am going to make myself some Baking Powder Biscuits for lunch.  A dear elderly couple from Nova Scotia always loved Biscuits and Molassess.  She got me so fond of the stuff, I have been eating them for the past 50 years.  :)

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Mmmm!  Biscuits and molasses!  I ate those while growing up, and loved them.  Haven't tasted molasses in years...might just have to buy a small jar.

I initiated my new mixer, and now have a lovely loaf of bread and big tray of rolls baked.  I think Darrel has already eaten about four rolls!

Must run, sis Jeanie just called to say sis Shirley has arrived from Emporia!  :)

What a lovely time of reminiscing I had with Shirley!  She is writing a book about incidents from our childhood, wanted to ask me some questions, and of course one memory always triggers another.  I have written quite a lot about Mom and Dad and their lives, so will share that with her as well.  I read through what she has written thus far, made a few corrections and suggestions, wheich she appreciated.

Shirley mentioned that she loves cornbread and molasses!  Said Daddy used to love it, too.  And she and her husband use molasses on their oatmeal; she said it tastes better than brown sugar and is less costly, also has health benefits.

I need to go make some pie crusts; will go to Hugoton tomorrow for our family Christmas.  Diane closed the store for tomorrow, so we should have a nice day together.  Kerri and family will come from Salina early in the morning.

Blessings to you all!

We had a lovely Boxing Day.  I had lots of leftovers from yesterday so we heated them all up, adding some potatoes to the mashed that I had and we had enough for all of Janice and her family.

They had come down to go to the mall and then here for the left overs and it was a really nice visit.

Hi everyone.  It is chilly and damp here the south but just a fine mist in the air.  It was chilly in McDonald's this morning.  We only had three men at coffee this morning.

I had stopped at Kroger on the way to coffee and afterward stopped a the post office to get stamps and to mail a couple of things.  We have a meeting to attend this morning and may go out for lunch and then a quite day.  There are some good bowl games on TV today so will likely watch some football.

I can't believe it.  It is sunny and 61 degrees outside!!!  I didn't get to the mailbox yesterday so I went out and I do believe one could get a sunburn if one stayed out very long!!!  Or a wind burn!! 

I noticed that Ivalou's daughter, Teresa, was at Ivalou's.  Teresa came for the day from Ohio.  They are going out for lunch somewhere.  I visited for awhile and came on home figuring Mother and Daughter needed some time together!  Teresa said it was her Christmas present to herself to spend the day with her Mother. 

Not much else happening in my world.

My catch up reading is not complete but house work must get done. Christmas Day was at our home this year then boxing day we went to my nephews so now it is called relax kinda, the oven needs to be cleaned before it get is used again a neglected oven, is ever so hard to get clean,  and a self cleaning oven is not my style it is expensive to buy and expensive to use.  We had a white Christmas but now it is raining like mad soon the snow will be gone.

Thanks of all of you that acknowledged my retirement sit down and relax that has not happened yet. One thing I am feeling after 38 1/2 yrs of driving, a lot of stress has gone.

Our Malls are full of bargin shoppers  - so they think - but I will just remain at home and be happy I do not need the crowds.  :coffee:
Have a great day    Ruth

Ruth I love my self cleaning oven.  There is extra insulation which is good for everyday use and I clean about once a month or less depending on how much I use it.

We are tearing down cupboards today at the store.  allin the attempt to make more room for our notions and then in the fabric room more shelving for the fabrics.  I need a saw and John isn't here yet to help.  This will get rid of a lot of clutter in the computer room.  This store is really an old house.  There are many "rooms" which have been converted into store use. The computer room is what used to be the kitchen.  Then there is a dining room and livingroom which are the machine room and fabric room.  there were 4 bedtrooms upstairs which 3 have had the walls opened up into a classroom, the 4th is an office and repair room.

We too are having lots of rain and tonight the forcast is for freezing rain, then snow.  I just wish the weather would make up its mind.  We are going visiting tonight and will be home rather late.

We are so happy, Dana our doberman will soon have puppies.  She is carrying high under the ribs and is having a bit of a rough go of it.  One and only one litter for her.  The puppies are sold and Johnwas saying that is counting our "chickens" before they hatch, or are born whichever way you look at it.  We found our old kiddies swimming pool and have created a bed for her with it.  Much bigger than her kennel and she can stretch out in it.  Mind you she still prefirs her kennel. 

I must go I have work here to get done, Be bacl later
Have a God Day tomorrow

Hi everyone.  I will post again this evening as just finished making a quick webpage for the Messiah performance that our chancel choir, soloists and orchestra did in mid-December.  I hope you will check it out and listen to the music as it is a praise of God at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ and the music by Handel is magnificent.  Just click on the following link and it will take you to the page.  As an aside, our choir director was conducting the orchestra, singing the Alto solos and directing the choir all at the same time and didn't miss a beat.  On top of that she is a wonderful person and it is a real joy to have the privilege to sing in a choir she directs. 

Thanks Larry for the link.  I will check it out in awhile.

It's been a wonderful week in "Thoughts for the Week".  Over 100 posts this week!

Now, I'm closing it a day early as Paul and I will be travelling to Ohio tomorrow and will not have access to the internet until late Monday night.

Here's a link to our new Thoughts for the coming week:
http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=7867.0

See you there!