Christian Photographers Community

What a morning we have had.  We forgot to plug in the car last night and with the temperature drop .......... well I was later for work.  I put a ceramic heater in the engine compartment and plugged in the block heater and about 25 minutes later we got going.  It is so upsetting when that happens.

I had a prayer request come in to me last night.  A youg man (15) has TB and has had it for some time.  he has contracted menengitis (sp), last night they were operating to relieve the pressure.  It is so sad especially because the family doesn't know the Comforter. Please pray for this family as you walk through your day.

Well I have to run and get today's work done.  Have a great day and God bless.

Hello Everyone...

Sorry about your car, Judy.  Glad you finally got it started.


I'm off to buy a new can of WD-40.  I do hope you all got to read of the many uses of this product.  I found that quite interesting.


Just looked at my temperature thingy.  MINUS 14 C

WELCOME HOME, CAROL!!!  Glad you had good roads and safe travel on the way.

I have sad news to tell you.  One of my sister's great grandsons is brain dead, being kept alive on machines so they can donate his organs.  Trey is only 2 1/2 years old.  His parents work, they had a baby-sitter---the house caught on fire and burned, sitter got the other two kids out, but "forgot" Trey, who was asleep upstairs.  I guess the other children missed him, and it took the firefighters some time to locate him, then 20 minutes to get his heart beating again.  They say he's brain dead and his lungs are completely destroyed from smoke inhalation.  The family lives in Nebraska.

I must get ready to go to school and from there to work.  Here is something I enjoyed reading this morning:

THE DONKEY DIET
by Peter Holloway

The story goes that an Irish farmer bought a donkey at market. After
a week or two of owning the donkey, the farmer began to realize that
it was eating him out of house and home. Being a bit of a miser, the
farmer had a think about it and came up with a solution.

Some time later, when a neighbor visited the farmer, he noticed the
absence of the donkey. "Where's your donkey?" he asked the farmer.

"Well," said the farmer "It was eating me out of house and home, so I
decided to put it on a diet. I gradually reduced the amount of food
that I gave it day by day."

"That's great!" exclaimed the neighbor "But it doesn't explain where
the donkey is now!"

"Well," replied the farmer, "I had just got the donkey used to eating
nothing at all, when the dumb beast went and died on me."

It may sound strange, but this is exactly how we treat our spiritual
food. The cost of reading our Bibles, or other spiritual texts, day by
day is just too much for us. We try it for a while, then gradually
reduce our intake day by day. It's the donkey diet all over again.

The only problem is, that one day we find that we have reduced our
intake to nothing, and we are spiritually dead.

We need to nourish our spirits by feeding on God's Word. We need to
put in, whatever the cost in order to not only survive, but flourish.
There are enough dead donkeys in our churches. Don't be one of them.

Well, I got the laundry all done.  All the 149 emails looked at, read, replied to and deleted.  I got caught up on SrNet and CP.  I only watched two TV shows last night so I am way behind on them. 

I wasn't planning on getting out today.  But Ivalou called and wanted to know if I would go with her to the bank for Kaye Don and then take his taxes to our tax man and then have a bite to eat.  Kaye Don's interest reports are in the main office of the bank so Ivalou can get them tomorrow and then to the tax man.  But we did eat at Woody's...seems they need to change the name to 'The Duck Tape Inn'.  The atmosphere is lousy there but the food is great!!!  And reasonable!!! 

Tomorrow I have another flexible laryngoscopy and tomorrow night is Beef and Boards.  Marge had a tooth extraction Tuesday afternoon so we change our night to this Thursday night.

Now I am home for the day and only plan to get out for the mail and paper later.  It is only 21°....Brrrrrr!  Quite a difference from the 70° weather we were experiencing last week!!

Ohhhh Janet, that is soooooo sad.  I cannot imagine the pain that the family and the sitter must be feeling.  News like this makes me want to hug my kiddos so very, very close to me and never let them go.  I pray that God will minister to them as only He can and that He will give them the grace and strength to face the next few days.

Welcome home everybody.  Please be careful.  Gravity hurts. 

Here's a little letter I wrote to Kristi (the great penny eater [no, still not retrieved[) --

My dearest, most precious Princess Kristiana,

In the three years that you have crawled, walked, ran, and even engulfed this earth, I am amazed at how quickly you learn, and how adept you are at applying what you learn. You are absolutely beautiful, and the world seems captivated by your charming, chipped-tooth smile and sparkling blue eyes. You make people smile with you antics, and that is good.

However, as 3 turns to 4 and 5 and older, it might not be as cute. In light of that, can we please lay down some ground rules?

1. What goes up, will come back down. This includes, but is definitely not limited to, stuffed animals in the ceiling fans, golf balls, frisbees, food, and you. Yep. If you jump, you will land. The higher you jump, the harder you will land. I know that you think pink casts are "cute," and I know that you were absolutely, unabashedly impressed with Dr. Hedric and Ruth (especially) at Blue Ridge Bone and Joint, but that does not mean we need to make annual, or bi-annual visits there. Please, stop jumping off of the furniture. You cannot fly. I know this for a fact. I am a mama.

2. What goes in, will come out. One end or the other. I promise. When mama says, "Don't put that in your mouth," please listen. I am waiting for me to become a penny richer, and you a penny poorer.

3. Clothes are for wearing. I am very proud that you can put your own clothes on (even backwards). I am also proud that you can take them off. That means you are getting to be a big girl. However, there are rules that our society expects you to follow. At home, a diaper is fine. But, when mama's students arrive, you really need to keep your clothes on. Hannah and Elizabeth don't mind, but I think it may kinda bother Trail, McKinley and Seth. Also, it really alarms me when the preacher says "Amen," and I look up only to see you standing there grinning -- with nothing but your diaper on. When the grown ups are praying, please keep your clothes on.

4. The animals. Please be kind to the animals. Boomer, our dog, likes to play fetch. Chopper, the fish, does not. Please don't try to play with him, it makes him nervous.

5. Paper. Paper is very good for writing. And you are writing very well. You make the cutest little circles. But, this means write on the paper. Not the wall, the desks, the table, mama's business stuff, daddy's church stuff, the computer monitor, music books, or the pews at church. Especially not with those cool black Sharpie pens that daddy uses for work.

6. The refrigerator is NOT a good hiding place for your toys. Or you, either, for that matter.

7. Neither is the trash can.

8. You talk very well. And everyone can understand almost all of what you say. This is good. Sort of. Please don't tell everyone everything that Brooks or your brother says. Calling your Sunday School teacher (even if it is just me) a dweeb isn't nice.

9. I know Brayden, Chase, Sawyer and Brooks like to play tackle football. Travis does as well. However, they are bigger than you. Much bigger. You cannot tackle them. Please stop trying. Also, don't let them tackle you. They will hurt you, even if they don't mean to.

Kristi, I love you.
Mom

Now, where did you go?

Karma, I read that and sat here nodding and smiling ... knowing exactly what you are saying, and I can soooo relate.  Oh, the joys of having small, but growing, children.  One day ......   

I know how you feel, and I also know how much you love your little ones.  (Guess Travis isn't all that "little" any more, tho).  Just know "this too shall pass" (that goes for the penny, as well).

I love the letter to Kristi ... especially the P.S.       

Is your entry in for the...

COFFEE CHALLENGE?

Have you all had a drink of coffee today?

I'm seriously going to see about getting one (a photo for the challenge).  Life has been so hectic.


Thanks Kevin!

Janet, that's so awful.  I'm so sorry.  What a tragedy. 

Now, I'm going back to read this letter, Karma.....

(Hope it doesn't make me cry...)

Oh, goodness, Karma!!!

That's priceless!  I love it!

It is time for me to check  in.
Karma I love the letter you wrote to Kristi.
Janet how terrible. Where did you get a job? what are you doing?
Jane a big howdy to ya.
Etta Sue and Carol welcome home.
Hi Pastor Kevin I have two in contemplating another.
Hi Pat are ya keeping real busy with the wedding coming up?

The sun finally came out and the dreary clouds lifted. Walked the dogs in the dreariness (is that a word) but got in a good brisk walk.

Hey Al where are ya?

Karma:   A beautiful letter.
Janet:   Such bad news I really do not know how I would cope in that situtation if it happened to me.
To all the rest hello.

Such a cold day to wake up to and tomorrow is to be the same with snow on its way for Friday.   I have been busy with some of my files ie, they are going to the garbage but all I have is satisfaction but nothing visable.  This is winter in Canada but I really wish it would end but when the hot summer arrives I will not like that either so I must shut up and be thankful for each and every day we are given.

Ruth

Hi everyone.  We are safely back home after 8 hours on the road today.  We got up early and were on the road by 6 am.  Fortunately it was a lovely day, somewhat cold, but no rain and it was sunny.  We got home about 2:30 and after unloading the car I felt the need for a nap.  I am toying with whether to go to choir tonight or not but probably well.  

We had a very nice visit in Florida and yesterday our friends took us out to a state park at Homasassa, Florida to see the manatees.  They have 9 in captivity that can't be released due to illness or injury they have suffered.  They had a manatee feeding show and they talked about them while they were being feed.  We had to take a 20 minute boat ride up a little river to get to the exhibits.  They had a trail you could walk but I just wasn't able to do that and so we returned to the car and went to eat at a new Chinese place.  We played Euchre and Uno during our idle moments.  We are glad to be home.

Janet, certainly sorry to read of the great sadness in your family.  

Glad to see that both Carol and Etta Sue have also safely returned from their trips.  

Janet, remember it is your piano lessons and you need not compete with anyone.  We each have to do what we can do.  I would like to have played the piano like Liberace but that was never going to happen.  Hope you enjoyed your new job.

Etta Sue, I agree with you on the weather in Florida.  I didn't wear a sweater or sweat shirt the entire time I was down there until this morning when I went out to the car and the temp had dropped during the night following rain.  It was cold all the way home and is to get down to 24 degrees here tonight.  I think you left just in time.  Glad you weren't hurt in your fall with anything serious.

Time to leave for choir.  When I got home I found my message had not posted so am trying again.

Karma, that letter should be preserved until Kristi can read it as a teenager at least.  If it's all right, I may copy and paste it and send it to a friend.

Karma, your letter to Kristi is priceless!  Thanks for sharing that.

Thank you all for your kind words about the baby.  I haven't heard anything further.  The mom's sister was having a baby yesterday, so my sister (their grandma) left to be with the one having a baby.  I haven't any news about the service plans yet.

My first day on the new job (I am cooking at Park View Assisted Living) went very well.  I was being trained by a young Mennonite girl named Rachel.  She's really sweet, and a lot of fun, too.  I worked from 1:00 until we finished dinner clean-up at 7:30.  Not hard work at all, but my feet are tired.

I will be working every afternoon the rest of this week.  Then later they want to train me for the morning shift.

I'm tired, guess I will head to bed.  I did take coffee photos yesterday, hope to find time to post at least one.  It will take a while, as I have forgotten how to do it, it's been so long since I did it.

Good evening, everyone.

Janet, that's so sad about that precious little one.  I just can't imagine the pain his parents, grandparents and family, and the sitter are feeling.

Pat, I did copy your WD-40 article.  I'm a big fan of WD-40 anyway, but there are some things I didn't know you could use it for....such as shower doors.  I'm going to enjoy trying them out.  I have it on my list to get a new can.

Welcome home to all the travelers.

Karma, the letter to Kristi is inspired.  I know someday she will love reading that with you.

We had another really nice day.  I got out to get dog food, but didn't think of mowing.  I forgot. lol  Maybe tomorrow if it dries by afternoon.

I'm ready for some reading and bedtime.  Having a baby in the house keeps us awake a lot.  Still..........I wouldn't trade it for anything.  Oh, how I love that little Maycie.  Nita

See Jeanne Lee's pictures that she's titled, February in the Adirondacks

Pat, I got the same email.  But I heard about the many uses for WD 40 some time ago from my neighbor.  I use it on my stove top ... and other things ... and it is amazing how many things it is good for.  I used to be afraid of the fumes .... then I found out its main ingredient is fish oil!  Who knew?   

Mornin' everyone (although the evidence is that there's no one here).  There's somethin' fishy about you, Jane.  I've heard many of those things about WD40 previously, though I've not personally tried it.  Guess I should get some.  Maybe it'll fix my leg.

  Praise report -  Terry went Tuesday to have an EGD (the light down your throat).  The Dr. said he had a bad case of Acid Reflux which in turn aggravates his Vasovagal nerves that run along side the esophagus and heart, which in turn make you feel like you are having heart problems.  He wrote him some prescriptions that are supposed to relieve the symptoms, but he still had a really bad day yesterday and last night.   I'm glad to know what his problem has been is named, but would like to see instant results.  Of course that is the wife in me!  I ask that you all pray for him that the medicine will work for him.

Praying for all the needs requested.

Have a great day!

Oh, what a beautiful morning........

Janet: Such a sad story for the family.  I cannot imagine. 

Janet:  You are cooking?  Take care, that is a tough job.

Jane:  Hello to you too!  Are you staying warm and cozy?

Pat:  Thanks for the welcome back - you sound like there are a lot of things going on - per usual.
         Have your 

Karma:  Love your letter.  You are as creative as Kristi.  Hi go Nards - I hope he is feeling well. 

Judy B:  Glad that you got your car started.  We had a Chevy in Minnesota that sat outside and always started without a heater block.  It was always a  miracle 

Larry:  And, you are back safely as well.  Nice to see you.

Samantha:  Wonderful news, that health problem can be fixed - I know. 

It is so quiet here as I am waiting for Don to awaken.  He doesn't sleep well at night but can fall into a deep sleep in the morning so I get up and let him rest.  We always were up early for all of our lives and I can't change but he certainly has changed in that respect.  Washing a load of shirts now and I need to make   

Good wishes to everyone.  Carol

Thanks for the update, Samantha!  I had acid reflux problem a few years ago and hardly do now and the pain was awful.  Will continue to pray for him AND YOU!!!

Hi Carol!

It's kind of fun to look back on some of our older topics.  I just was looking at one from 2004!!!

Have a look here...  Would Be Pampered Chefs

Good morning!  Not much time left before I go to work.  I spent some time reading all the manuals, handbooks, etc. they gave me.  Have to sign and return them, so I have them ready.  Took the tests included, too. 

Today I will be working with my sister Jeanie.  That should be fun. 

Has anyone heard from our Mieka lately?

Be back later.........

Hi everyone.  Will post while eating my lunch and then feel a nice nap coming on.  After coffee this morning I went walking in the gym of the local Methodist Church and got along very well.  I made it around 25 laps with only a couple of rest periods.  We hope to do this several times a week right after coffee.  It is sure is a lot more enjoyable to walk with someone than doing it when you are the only one there.  The other afternoon I was able to get only 12 laps so think the time of day is probably helpful as the nitro tablet should be working well at that time of day.  

Pat and I decided to enter the Golden Games for seniors this year.  I have been the webmaster and database manager for several years but have never participated.  They have Rummikub, a table game, and also Holeyboard, which is where you throw bean bags or rings into holes in a board.  I should be able to handle these events.  They have a very nice opening and closing luncheon and other goodies.  I have attended the closing most years as a guest so thought it was time to participate.  We have had a couple of 90 year olds registering for various events.  If you are interested in seeing what is involved here is a link to the website and you can click on the 2008 Senior Golden Games Booklet PDF file to see what is involved.  Last year they had 358 people participate and expect more this year.

I found the WD-40 list interesting.  I remember that my father used it on his aching joints.  He asked his doctor whether this would hurt him and was assured it wouldn't and he said it helped him.  

Carol, I have always been an early riser but am finding the older I get the more I don't want to arise so early.  However, because I have a commitment to pick up my friend to get to coffee it causes me to be more disciplined and still get up fairly early.

Samantha, years ago I thought I was having another problem with my heart and spent a weekend in the hospital awaiting another heart cath and the outcome was that the doctors decided the pain was due to acid reflux and I have been taking Tagment ever since.

It sure was good to see Jeanne Lee's name popup and I enjoyed her winter pictures.

Janet, glad you enjoyed your new job.  

Karmat, I thought your letter to Kristi was very cute and should be a keepsake.

I picked up a copy of a new John Grisham book called "The Appeal" at the library this morning.  It looks like it should be a fast read and the libraian said she had read it and thought it was very good.

RUTHIE!!!!

You have been so missed around here!!!

Please Lois HERE

Thanks so much!

Feel like singing?

This is a good one!!!

Janet ~ That is terrible about the little child and its family.  So sad.  I can't fathom what I would be like if that happened to anyone in my family.  And no, I haven't heard anything from Mieka!  Wish I had, though.

Karma ~ What a precious letter to Kristi!  Are you putting it on her website blog?  I hope you don't mind but I copied it and sent it to several on my email list.  Don't be surprised if you get it in an email someday...it is THAT  precious!! 

Well, the Throat doctor gave me an 'all clear' today.  May 1st will be a year from my surgery.  He always asks me how my voice is.  I always say, 'Fine, but I still can't sing!'  He replies, 'Yow, I know.  You couldn't sing before.  That is so funny!'  I am sure that a throat surgeon has heard that before....like hand surgery and the person wants to know if they will be able to play the piano after surgery. 

Tonight is Beef and Boards and the show 'West Side Story'.  I guess I am back to my busy schedule again.  I am just a social butterfly ...flitting here and there!!   

P.S.  I like this background color better....works better with my non-transparent animations.