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Morning Devotional...


My Spirit Rejoiced in God

"My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior."
Luke 1:46-47

It's amazing how God works in our lives to bring us to that place where He can move freely in us to accomplish His will. It is interesting to study how God called Abraham, Isaac, Moses, David, and Joshua. How instructive is the response of each as God spoke to them of serving Him.

Little did Mary know, when going about her domestic duties, what a single day would bring forth in her life. When God's time was come, she was informed of God's plan regarding her. She was filled with surprise and fear; but after the angelic messenger spoke to her of the peculiar favor that God had prepared for her, she yielded and committed herself with all of her concerns, into the hands of God. She could not help but know that submission to this plan of God might ruin her character and even affect her life. But she knew, that the one who had chosen her for this singular blessing, was able to protect and care for her in every way. When Joseph was told of this, he too responded in submissive obedience to walk in the path God was leading them.

In spite of all the fears, apprehensions, and consequences that surrounded both of them in a most alarming way, they chose to believe God and follow Him fully. When you are faced with unusual circumstances, how do you respond? Do you choose to worry and to be distressed, frustrated, and anxious? Or do you exchange all of this for His lordship in your life, in submissive servanthood, and cheerfully "cast all of your anxiety upon Him, for He cares for you." Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of us would respond in glorious praise and adoration, because He had chosen us to serve Him? Can you fathom the magnitude of these words? Service for God is the overflow of super-abounding devotion. It is the echo of my identification with His indwelling presence. It is the natural response of His life being lived in and through me. To serve the Lord is the deliberate love gift of a nature that has heard His still small voice saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it."

The story is told of Stephen Olin, a shining light in the early years of the Methodist church. He had become greatly discouraged and was about to leave his place of service. In a significant dream, he saw himself working in a rock quarry, swinging a pick ax repeatedly on an extremely hard rock. Unable to break the rock, he decided to quit. Suddenly, a dignified stranger appeared at his side and asked, "Were you not given this task by God?" "Yes, he replied." "Then why should you think of abandoning it?" "My work is not accomplishing a thing; it's useless." "Your duty is to pick, whether the rock yields or not. The work is in your hands; the results are not. Carry on." He resumed, and the rock burst into thousands of pieces. Stephen Olin awoke, realizing that faithful, submissive serving was what God required of him; the results were God's. Sometime later, by the Holy Spirit's mighty power, a great revival swept across New England through his ministry. Obedience is our responsibility; the results are His. "DARE TO BELIEVE" in the unfailing faithfulness of God! When we can't see His hand, dare to trust His heart!

© 2007 by Ed Powell. Used by permission

A Wonderful Praise Report!

Back in 2006 Meika introduced one of her friends, Kittykins, to our site.  If you click on Kittykins name, you can choose to view "All Posts of this Member" and you'll see where she said back in 2006 that she wasn't a Christian but rather an agnostic!

Well, praise the Lord, Kittykins (Polly) has come back to our site and posted a wonderful "PRAISE!" topic that I'd really appreciate all you reading and posting in.

She's been wonderfully saved and is now married as well.

HERE'S her topic

If anyone has opportunity to communicate with Mieka, please send love and hugs from Ruth Ann.

Pat, I love that scripture used for our devotional this week. I've often tried to put myself in Mary's shoes and tried to feel the humble awe and complete willingness in her spirit as she learned the news that she was chosen to be our Lord's earthly mother.

Pat:  thank you for the message about where we belong and why.  Very true.

Larry:  Life is a seesaw, isn't it?  Here is Stacey with her tremedous health problems and at the same time you can rejoice in your son's permanent job offer.  

A beautiful sunset over the hills tonight and it is still hot outside.  The AC is running non-stop and thank heaven that we have it or we would be always in the basement.  We sign our house away tomorrow and the daughter of the new owner wants to walk through here to check again. Am feeling stressed by having to do everything for everyone else but this too shall pass.  Yesterday was a surprise early birthday party for #2 son.  He was really shocked and happy so many friends showed.  He is coming up Thursday and we are taking him to lunch and of course we will load his truck with stuff as he is very near our new home to be.  

I don't know what happpened to our dear mama Mallard.  She wasn't here when we got home last night and still there are abandoned eggs but one looks like it was fully opened.  Another two were cracked and others did not develop.  Am so sad for her.  

Happy Monday, everybody!

Darrel and I are going to Garden City to celebrate our anniversary.  It was Friday, but I was working, so we postponed our little outing.  We don't have to be home for anything at a certain time, so can take our time and enjoy ourselves.  This is 27 years for us; I am hoping we can make 50!

Right now, he is waiting for me to cut his hair, so I will finish (or post again) later.

Done, and since no one else has yet posted, will continue this one.

Beth has rallied    On Saturday, her friend and favorite nurse took Beth's van and took Beth and Gloria (friend also in the home) then stopped in another small town to pick up Beth's friend Mindy (from college days, still a wonderful friend.)  They had a "girls' day out" and in their words, they had a blast!  Yesterday, Beth was still bouyed up by the day and I'm so happy for her.  I know she loves her Mom, but she needs friends her own age, and it is so good for her.

I really messed up when I booked that trip.  We would have missed grandson Mark's college graduation, family reunion and my painting class!!   So this morning I got on the phone and changed the dates, and now we will be leaving in March rather than May.  Whew!

Carol, I'm so sorry about mama mallard.    I was looking forward to seeing photos of her with a whole row of ducklings waddling behind her!

I need to get off here and get ready to go!  See you later.

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee and it is going to be a hot day today, up to 97 degrees.  My friend from Maryland will be here later this morning, usually he doesn't get here until 10:30 or so, to visit for the day.  At lunch time we will go to meet for lunch with the other men I usually meet on Mondays and then come back here for more visiting.  When he leave I will go over and help my friend with his Internet.  I thought he was all set but apparently the modem was bad and they are sending him a new one that should be at his house sometime by early afternoon. 

The news with our daughter isn't any better.  She was told yesterday that the infection has penetrated the bones in her feet in at least three places and they will do the MRI to determine the extent of the invasion.  They are putting in a picc line today, which is a catheter in her arm into an artery in the chest into which the intraveneous IV's can be fed.  She will have to have IV's twice a day and the duration will be determined after the MRI is done.  These can be administered at home by a visiting nurse and they may be able to teach her to do it herself.  The doctor has told her to stay off her foot as much as possible.  She is having severe pain but they have started on the Neurotin, which she has been taking at home, which helps the neuropathy and thus the pain.  If they don't get this infection cleared up she will likely lose her foot, but we won't go there until necessary.  She expects to be in the hospital at least a couple more days.

Janet, hope you and Darrel have a wonderful day in Garden City and enjoy your anniversary.  Do you have a special restruarant where you like to eat in Garden City?

Carol, just do what you can do and don't worry about the rest.  I find if I prioritize what I need to get done I do the most important and the other items can, almost always, wait until another day.  It helps me keep my life in balance.  I know you are going to be busy for the next few weeks until you get moved and settled into your new home.

Pat, that is a great praise report.  Thanks for sharing it with us.  Thanks for the devotional for this week.

Marilyn, sorry here that your dog is limping.  It is so hard to see our pets obviously being in pain. 

Etta Sue, you have had quite a busy last few days.  It is nice to see old friends, even after 49 years. 

Ruth Ann, what a week you had last week.  I am certain it will be one with good memories.  Obviously you are very respected and like by the people you have worked with.  Guess we are going to have to call you "party lady".    Maybe this week won't be as hectic for you.

Melody, perhaps the strawberries will do better next year.  That seems to be the way of gardens, some bounty years and some when the harvest is more sparse.

Al, yes we are happy to know he has finally found a good job.  It seems like it has been a long time but they have managed to get by.

Larry, I'm truly so saddened that Stacey is going through this terrible problem with her foot.  We'll be remembering her and the whole family circle in prayer.

Good morning.  My husband passed away 17 years ago today.  Doesn't seem possible.  Sometimes it seems like yesterday...other times, like it was eons ago.

After an exciting weekend, I have nothing to do today.  Well, other than take the trash, do some laundry, read my devotions and exercise.  Now I am relaxing and waiting on the clothes to dry on the line outside.  Thought it was going to rain while I was reading my devotions on the deck.  Got cloudy and the wind picked up.  Now it is sunny again. 

Tony came last evening and fixed the air compressor.  Now it runs like a new one!  I don't use it a lot but just like wind shield wipers, when you want to use them, you like for them to work! 

Now to look forward to Beef and Boards and really celebrating Ivalou's birthday which is tomorrow!!

Larry, I'm very sorry to hear about your daughters medical problem. I will pray for you both.

I have not been feeling well but I do expect tomorrow will be a better day.

We also had a wonderful computer virus which took our computer man the best of one day to get arrested although there are still some glitches - better days ahead.

I am leaving to do an alteration on a pair of slacks they will be smaller which makes me feel good.

Earlier I called our inter-net provider and had part of the package cancelled a savings of a few dollars.

Buy for now         Ruth

I thought I would post another little video for you all to enjoy or perhaps cheer you up. I am distressed to see so many of my friends here having so many problems at the moment. Please know I keep you all in my prayers. I am glad to report my Mum is home from the hospital and seems to be doing well. It seems to be a worrying time for a lot of us. God bless and take care.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=92679831737705c8839f

I'm thankful for a good day today - it's plenty hot, of course, but that's to be expected here in Nashville for the middle of summer. Let's see, don't "dog days" begin in August? Edit: Well, I see I was wrong about my dates. But, this link makes an interesting read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_Days

My mom used to be scared of her shadow (and ours) during the month of August, cuz she believed that was the month when many children caught polio. Oh, what a wonderful discovery when the vaccines were developed!

Y'all have  agreat day.

Larry:  May you have strength and courage - peace be with you and Pat.

We just had a shocking phone call in that my cousin's son (who is a missionary in a Muslim country) had a heart attack at the age of almost 42 and he is recuperating after a stent was put in - now in Munich hospital.  She is flying there, called me from the Minneapolis airport.  It did sound like he was better after the stent but what a shock to all. 

We signed the contact that our house is sold today but the dim-witted other real estate guy didn't know enough to get the money to us and the lady who is buying is out of this country so now we are waiting this week for a phone call that the money has been wired - meanwhile, it isn't sold until we get the money.  It should be alright by tomorrow.  We semi-celebrated by going out for lunch and I didn't have any bread or hash browns either.

Colin:  Thanks for the very nice pictures - Jeannine looks like she is having a great time. 

Good day. 
I just love this devotional today and I would want to be able to say like Mary -My soul doth magnify the Lord.
Rejoicing over the praise report.

Larry will continue to pray for Stacy. And hopefully next year I will have more strawberries
Carol -praying for your cousin's son to have a quick and full recovery.
Colin love these photos of N. Ireland-beautiful place.
I also viewed the one of you playing the accordion. I really enjoyed this. I love the song Lily of the valley. Glad to know your mother is doing much better. God Bless for sharing

Larry, we ate at Lone Star Steakhouse, had a nice little steak, and I had a baked sweet potato while Darrel had twice-baked potato.  I had some tortilla soup, which was excellent!  He had steak soup.  I had mentioned to our waiter that we were celebrating our anniversary, so at the end of the meal, he brought us a big Brownie ice cream and fudge sauce thing with two spoons.    MMM...I really need to check out Weight Watchers now!

I'm so sorry about Stacey's foot.  Beth told me yesterday they say the skin on her heels is breaking down.  I hope they will take steps to protect them, for pressure sores are so hard to heal, and she doesn't need more pain!  I pray Stacey's treatment will be fully effective.  And I'm so happy your son got that job!

Carol, sorry about the money mess-up.  This move is so stressful on you, hope it is all done as early as possible.

Colin, I enjoyed your video.  You do live in a beautiful green world over there! 

Ruth Ann, you had quite the week, didn't you?  My goodness!  But soon you will have time for rest and contemplation.  Best wishes for successful surgery and a supernaturally fast recovery!

Ruth, hope tomorrow is a brighter day!

Etta Sue, enjoy your outing to Beef 'N Boards!

I got new glasses today!  I have never been this excited about new glasses before!  And they came with a cute pair of clip on sunglasses, which don't really clip on, but rather snap on with a magnet!  They are to wear while driving, as the transitions lenses do not darken in the car, because of the tint in the windshield.  Now I can read without scrambling for those little cheap "cheaters" they gave me after my eye surgery.

I also splurged and bought myself some expensive shoes, which are supposed to be really good support.  They said to only wear them for a couple hours the first few days, or my leg muscles will get sore.  They make me feel as if I'm walking on uneven ground.  They're called "MBT Physiological Footwear."  I hope they will lessen the pain in my feet and legs.  Also got another pair of New Balance athletic shoes.

Okay.......TMI already!    I will see you all another day!

  Where is everyone this morning?

Hi everyone.  Nothing new to report.  Our daughter is still being treated in the hospital.  I know she rests in God's hands and not mine so I am not worrying unduly.  Of course, I am concerned because I love her and it is never nice to see our loved ones suffer but we cannot bear that suffering for them.  We just try to be here for her.

Janet, good for you in treating yourself to something special and expensive.  You deserve it.  Glad you enjoyed your steakhouse visit.  The breakdown of skin is very serious.  Are they using lamb's wool pads on her heels to protect Beth's skin?  I remember them doing that with my Dad when his skin was so fragile.

Melody, good to see you posting yesterday and joining right into the conversation.  That is the key to enjoying discussion boards and the nice thing is we can do our postings when it is convenient for us individually.

Carol, must have been the realtor's first closing.  Surely he didn't expect to receive the papers until the money was passed on.  Hope it all completes today.

Ruth Ann, it is hot down here as well.  Yesterday I had to go out in my car around 4:30 pm and I couldn't get any cool air.  I thought my A/C was broken.  However, on the return leg I finally noticed the on/off button light showing it was on was off.  I don't remember pushing the button so it must have occurred accidentally and I just didn't realize it.  It is working fine now.  I sure appreciate your call yesterday afternoon and we can never have too much information about health situations.  My wife enjoyed talking with you also as I said goodbye to my friend from Maryland, who had spent the day with us.

Colin, I enjoyed your video.  Many of the shots, such of the big old trees and rolling hills looked very much like areas around where I grew up in the Northwest corner of Missouri.  Jeannine, were you taking pictures of branches?

Ruth, hope you will soon be feeling better and that you got your sewing project completed.

Scotty, thanks to you and all those who have expressed concern for our daughter.  All the concerns and prayerss are appreciated.

Etta Sue, it is always good to know that the equipment we have will work when needed.  Glad the air compressor was fixed by your son.  Hope you enjoyed your day with not much too do yesterday.

Pat, thanks to you and Paul for holding our daughter and our family up in your prayers.  

My Internist called late yesterday afternoon saying he was concerned about a low sodium count in my last blood tests.  It is below the minimum standard number.  He has ordered more blood tests and told me to come in and see him on Friday.  

Hope this is a good day for everyone.  I plan on staying close to home today after attending a meeting this morning.  

Good Morning:  Bebe seems a little bit better this morning, She slept all night in the crate, I let her out about 4:15 am and she got on my bed for a little while.

My client's husband seem to be improving at times and the at other times seems to be regressing, He is trying to hang on through the month of August when both their sons will be visiting at different times during the month from Georgia and Alabama.

It is still overcast and cool here. Summer just has not visited the lost coast yet this year. I haven't seen blue sky in a couple of weeks then only briefly.

Larry I am praying for Stacy.

Janet Wow I looked your shoes up online, They are expensive but they look comfortable. I have 1 pr of expensive shoes that my Podiatrist ordered for me.  but I don't wear themt o work I wear my hightop basketball shoes with Superfeet orthotics added. I need the extra ankle support but not all the time.

Ruth sorry to hear youare not feeling well. Are you retired yet? Or just off for the summer?

Larry where in northwest Missouri did you grow up? My mother's side of the family is from that area. Mercer county, Spikard is one of the family names, Yates, Applegate and Wilburn are others.

Melody:  thank you for mentioning my cousin's son in prayers.  He & his wife have 8 children - 2 very disabled adopted in the country where they work for The Lord.  He goes into the orphanages and takes them home one-at-a-time as it is a true death sentence to be in their orphanages - ignored by the family.  Then, with rehab and love they also bring the parents in and many times the child can go back to live with the family.  We are waiting for news.

Janet:  What a nice anniversary treat - a brownie.  We have been staying away from sugar for two weeks - yikes, I crave it so much.  By the way, we will not be here in March when you go overseas.  What a trip that will be for you two!

Larry:  You just posted that the other real estate guy was new - no, he has been around but seems to be very incompetent - we are going to write a complaint as soon as we get the money.  I dropped the Honda keys with the remote at the signing yesterday and didn't know it - they fell off a special chain - thank heaven the people asked our realtor.



We walked for an hour again and friendly clouds covered the sun so we felt cooler.  Dry and hot for the next week.  Fire danger very high.  

Remember the search helicopter flying around my area a few days back???  Well, when I went to the doctor last Friday I noticed a fence down at a corner near me with the fence posts broken off and tire tracks.  Someone ran into it from the highway.  Well, Sunday I remembered that there were horses behind that fence.  So I am thinking that the search helicopter was looking for the horses!!!  And that is the reason why the police were at that corner also.  But I don't know if they caught the horses or not.  Fence wasn't fixed yet so if they are back, they are in another area. 

Glad I figured that out!!

So many of you are having health problems or someone dear to you are having health problems.  Just rely on knowing that prayers are being said from Indiana. 

My internet was down again this morning.  Nothing I did would bring it back.  So I called my DSL people again.  Seems several in my area were down.  So a technician is coming here at 3PM THURSDAY!!!!  They sure don't know how much I rely on internet, do they?  Anyway, I was playing my Mahjongg games when I noticed the modem had four lights.  My internet was back.  It rained last night.  I think something about my internet service doesn't like the moisture from the rain. 

Tonight is 'Smoke on the Mountain--Homecoming' at Beef and Boards.  I am really looking forward to it since the same crew last year was my favorite show of all times.

G'Morning ... I am really sorry for not getting in here (where you can see me) more often.     I have been working through some situations and concerns with the family and that has kept me occupied for a while.

It breaks my heart to read of the serious health problems for so many of our members and their families.  God is STILL on His throne and He is STILL concerned about each of our needs.  I am, and have been, praying for all.

My neighbors must've got tired of looking at my falling down house, so they have been working on it for me.  Last week they came and painted the two "ends" and started tearing out the shed where I kept wood.  Well ... then they found that the wall on the enclosed back porch was in not so good shape, so started tearing that out.  They thought they'd use the roof from the woodshed to repair the wall. 

Once they started, it was apparent the whole wall was rotten so, for the past couple days, my neighbor has been rebuilding that portion of the back porch area.  I feel so bad about all this.  I'm sorry they have had to be concerned about my mess and now that they have to put in so much time and labor to bring it into some semblance of correctness. 

My neighbor told me yesterday that "It's God that is doing this."  He says God gave him the desire and ability but He is doing the work (through him).  You have no idea how grateful I am.   

Well, I've enjoyed being here again this morning. It's been a tranquil morning, sitting in my bedroom listening to programs as I work. I'm doing some serious going through things, putting drawers to rights, cleaning out closets, etc. Things I just couldn't do when I was working. Ahhhh, it feels so GOOD to see little improvements I've wanted to make getting done!

And, the surgeon's office called for some insurance information, etc. The lady was really nice and I enjoyed speaking with her. Will do all the preop stuff on Friday afternoon, then I plan to meet with close friends for dinner.

I think the family is whisking me off to a town midway between Birmingham and Nashville for my birthday dinner tomorrow night. What fun - to take a trip just to have a great time of love and fellowship with those closest to me.

Y'all have  agreat rest of the day.

Thanks to those who commented on the video. I think Larry that Jeannine took a photo of everything she saw! Melody I hope you have recovered after watching me strangle tunes on the accordion. 

Hi to everyone else.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9502a1fa054f943509bb

Please enjoy the video. God bless

Our county fair is this week, so today I took my 91 year old friend Maxine out to enter a painting.  I also entered five paintings.  Tomorrow I am going to go out and help in the art department while they do the judging.  I learned today that the judge is a dear friend whom I have known for close to 30 years.  It will be fun to see Dave again; he lives in Dodge City.  But knowing who is judging makes me really happy that I hadn't yet signed any of my entries, so there cannot be any favoritism.

This afternoon, Pat and I did each other's hair color.  Now I'm doing laundry while I catch up with all of your news.

Larry, Beth's care plan meeting is this Thursday, and I will certainly ask about some lamb's wool for her heels.  I hope your daughter is doing better today.

Etta Sue, thanks for letting us know what the helicopter was searching for when it hovered over your house.  Another mystery solved! 

Time to put more clothes in the dryer and washer!

Good day. Today has been a day of rain and more rain
Hopefully tomorrow it will improve.

Larry Thank you for  your encouragement to step in and post here

Carolthanks for sharing about your cousins son-I will continue to pray for them.

Colin I really did like the accordion video.
And i just viewed the one you posted also and enjoyed. You live in very beautiful country.

God's blessing to all]

We talked with my cousin's husband and their son (in hospital in Munich) is going through more tests.  They may or may not use a balloon treatment for a 2nd. clog to his heart - perhaps meds and a strict change of diet.  They have lived in Uzbeckistan and now this adjoining country eating like the natives for years and it is a high fat diet, not good at all.  Things have to change right now. 

Jane:  Such a sweet gift from your loving neighbor.  Enjoy and accept the goodness. 

Ruth Ann:  Happy Birthday - wishing you a wonderful time with your birthday celebration!

Melody:  You are a dear to pray for my cousin's son.  He talked to his dad today and his mom is trying to get a hotel closer to the hospital in Munich.  I wish that I could help her.  Send some rain, we are very dry here in Colorado. 

I just updated my profile, a little early as we don't move until into August.     Anyway, I am not sure exactly where I will live as I can't see the name of a side street.  Will need a map of the area for sure.   

Hi.  Just popping in again.  I babysat for little Maycie again today.  I'm always drained when she leaves, though she is such a joy.

Jane, that's so nice of your neighbor to do what he feels God told him to do.  You can't argue with that.  You can be extremely grateful, as you are, but think of the reward this neighbor is building while he's building for you. lol  God takes care of us single women, doesn't he?

Our county fair started today too.  I used to love to go and look at the entries in the art and cooking section, the pets, the commercial exhibits too.  I haven't gone in a few years and won't this year.  It's a really big deal for the merchants in the small town of Myrtle Point, Oregon.  They count on what they make at this time.  They have no every day tourist attractions that I know of, other than a Logger's Musuem, so this fair is their time to benefit. 

Larry and Janet, it's so sad what is going on with your girls.  My heart just hurts as I read about what's going on with them.   And in all things, we know that God is working a way, and His ways are perfect.  It's good that they both have parents who know how to touch God's heart in their behalf. 

God bless,  Nita

 Melody you are much too kind and I will take a guess that it was you who maked it off as a favourite! 
I do live in a beautiful country. Just keep looking out for the videos. There are more to come. God bless

Hi everyone else. Take care.

Hi eveyone.  I have about 10 minutes to post before leaving for coffee.  After coffee need to stop by the bank and go to Wal-Mart.  The new housekeeper is coming today for the first time.  I think she will get the job done in much less time than the lady we had just before her.  We are hoping this works out OK. 

Our daughter had the picc line put in yesterday around 1 pm.  She has to stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours after the procedure but we anticipating she will get to go home today.  They have to get the home care nurse situation all lined up because she will have twice daily IV antibiotics some some period of time.  They apparently did take her last evening and did the MRI so that will save her a trip to Grady to have that done later.  She is suppose to stay off of her foot so know we will be needing to go down periodically to help her out a little such as getting food in and perhaps helping her with the laundry. 

We had a nice rain last night, apparently around 1/2 inch.  We also were without power most of the evening.  Pat said it came back on around 10 pm after going off at 7:39 pm.  Around 9:30 I had retired for the night so it wasn't bothering me one way or the other.

Carol, will this end the missionary work for your cousin and his wife?  I know some churches will recall the missionaries when serious illness is involved.  I am afraid there are a lot of inept realtors out there.  Guess when you find a a good one, don't lose their business card.

Janet, good luck on your painting at the fair.  Wow, a 91 year old painter--how neat. 

Ruth Ann, glad you are getting a few of things done that you hadn't been able to do. 

Marilyn, glad your dog is feeling better.

Well time to get stated for the day.

 Ruth Ann
The rain is clearing here today and it looks like sunshine all the way!!
A good day to go and get my hair done I think
Hopefully I can get a walk in before it gets to hot.
I just love it when all the flowers are in bloom.


Have a good day all!!!

I thank our Lord for sending you good neighbors, Jane.  Happy birthday, Ruth Ann - it marks the day of your entrance into the world, and we're glad you're here!  Melody- what kind of flower is that?  I don't know why, but I forget names of flowers almost as fast as I learn them.

I've got a new and special pair of shoes for this hip problem of mine.  The left shoe is specially built up, not just in the heel, but overall.  It's about half inch or more, so it feels strange.  I can't wear them all day yet - supposed to break into them gradually.  Please pray that this will solve the problem I've been dealing with since January.

Cooling down after our morning walk as the temp was already 76* before stepping outside.  Don is taking a load of pictures to our son's house today and stopping at a house where they have a kitchen island for sale in that area as we really need something for that kitchen.  Then, he has a board meeting from 4 PM until 10 or later - he is the consumer rep and these are all politicians and doctors, all volunteers for insurance for more people in this state.  

Larry:  It has to be hard for Stacey to keep her spirits up.  And - for you and Pat as well.  Where would we all be without faith?  I don't think my cousin's son will ever give up his work - he kept the family in a pretty dangerous country for years and all foreigners were made to leave and buildings confinscated by the dictator.  They are talking change of diet and meds - I have no idea as to the damage from the attack. We have the check from the sale of this house but now wait for the bank to see if it is OK so that is another 3 days. That will be 5 or 6 days of interest on a big check that we are losing because of one person  and I truly don't think he even knows the consequences of his failures.  

I can see the hurricane is getting stronger.  Do hope our CP people are not in any danger in SE Texas.  

Melody:  Just love the picture of the purple flowers so thank you for the color this morning.

Al:  You just wrote about your hip problem and the new shoes.  Keeping you in my prayers.  Please be careful and go at it slowly when using them.  Maybe set a timer?  Then, remember why the timer is buzzing?  Sorry, I just had that happen about something else and had to tease you a little.  Too many things ding in my kitchen.

 

Hi, friends,

It's been a good day today. Thanks for the good wishes. Also, friends and family have been calling, and I received a text message from my daughter's fiance.

And, I was able to help my son get a spreadsheet set up. Hopefully it will work ok. He has Open Office and I have the Microsoft Office 2007 Professional software, so who knows if Open Office can live with this new Excel version, or not.

One of my ex-bosses called and she asked what I was doing. I laughed and said although I was on vacation, I was setting up a spreadsheet for my son, and she just laughed and said that I oughta take a REAL vacation sometime! Also she mentioned that "we" want to have a get together to celebrate your retirement, but want it to be relaxed and a great time, so "we'll wait until after you've recovered from your surgery." Wonder who "we" is???

Y'all have a really great day.

Quote from: Colin on July 21, 2008, 03:23:24 PM
I thought I would post another little video for you all to enjoy or perhaps cheer you up.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=92679831737705c8839f

Thanks for sharing, Colin.  Nice to see these little glimpses of the "auld sod".  I sure hope that one day, if it's the Lord's will, that I'll be able to set foot there again before the Lord calls me Home.

Thanks again.

Quote from: Ruth on July 21, 2008, 01:56:39 PM
I have not been feeling well but I do expect tomorrow will be a better day.

We also had a wonderful computer virus which took our computer man the best of one day to get arrested although there are still some glitches - better days ahead.

I am leaving to do an alteration on a pair of slacks they will be smaller which makes me feel good.

Earlier I called our inter-net provider and had part of the package cancelled a savings of a few dollars.

Buy for now         Ruth

Ruth, that's not good news about your computer having a virus.  I've managed to stay away from these over the years.  That makes me happy.  Larry Hanna told us on SeniorNet so many years ago too about SpyBot and I run it very often.  I also go to http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/ often and get my computer scanned at that site.  They always find something that shouldn't be there and I delete. 

Hope you are feeling better, Ruth.

It's so nice to see your posts Melody  I'd love to visit Newfoundland some day   I'm glad you enjoyed the devotional this week.

Janet what kind of shoes did you buy?    I'm so happy that Beth had such a good day.

Have you had any further news, Carol about your cousin's son?  It is shocking when he's so young.  Keep us posted.

Thanks, Pat! It's been a good day. We're about to leave for the restaurant. Since we couldn't work it out to see the grandchildren, we decided that those of us in Nashville (including my visiting son from England) are going to Bonefish Grille. I really like their fish selections, and we all like seafood.

I've had many calls and text messages - it's been fun. Now, I'm wondering if the big 7 OH in a couple of years will be even half as good a day as today. 

My brother called and with a chuckle reminded me that here in Nashville our heat index was supposed to be extremely high, so under these extreme weather conditions, I dare not light all the candles on my cake for fear of precipitating something catastrophic! And, he added, besides that, it would melt all the frosting off the cake!! What fun!

Bebe is better today, I took her for a walk around the block to exercise her leg. Her hip or knee makes a "clunking" noise when she walks. She used to click. If  she is not better by the time I get back home on Sunday I will be taking her to the Vet on Monday. After I brought Happy back from his walk I put Bebe in the crate. I always get down on the floor and pet her and tell her she is a good dog before I close the door so she doesn't think  she is being punished. then I close and lock the door until she lays down. After that I go back and open the door and pet her ans talk to her , close the door without locking it so she can come out if she wants to, Once I had to open it just a little so she would know she could get out.

Oh, Marilyn!  That's so good that Bebe is doing a lot better.  Not nice to see our four-legged friends ill.

     Good evening to all or I should say good morning...Many things have been happening around our place. That is because my family is visiting from Scotland and we have been having a wonderful time.  My own kids have been here also so it has been a lot of fun with the grandkids also and my great nephew and great neice.

My wife Noreen received some bad news that many of you have been praying for regarding her back.  The Ontario medical insurance has denied her any funding to have surgery out of the country so this has not been good and it has been very hard for her especially with the family here.  So again we ask for much needed prayer that we will be able to work this out with them at an appeal hearing soon.

Pat; thank you for your devotional very good and encourageing hope all is well.

Larry:  Thinking of you and your daughter and hope that her foot is starting to heal.

Colin:  Thanks for those great pictures.  Hope that you are getting better and glad to here that you mum is getting better.

Melody:  Nice flowers hope that keep getting good weather for a while as I know that the winter comes early down there.  

Ruth Ann:  Happy Birthday and look after yourself.

Judy B. Hey where are you hope that you are O.K.  Say hi to John and also to Heather.

To all others have a good rest of the week and then a good weekend when it comes.

The Lord is so good and he is the won who continues to give us strength  each day but we have to talk to him.  God Bless  Gord.

GOOD MORNING ALL as i guess by the time you read this it will be morning and techincally its 3 am here. just got off work and relaxed at home thought i'd check in to the computer before hittng the hay.... been a long stessful month be glad when its over even if its just means school again i'll welcome the break from work at the store.... been going thru somechanges hopefuly management changes soon (not getting along with the boss' way of doing things) oh well i will survive or find better and i know there is better out there for me... i just don't like having all the experience i have and getting treated like a new hire.... but you live with what you got.... anyways i have to get to bed hope all is well in ya'lls neck of the woods
sarah

 :coffee:Good morning its starting of to what looks like another hot day here Horray!!! 

AL hope that these new shoes will resolve the problem in your hip. Praying for you.

Gordon-praying that God will make a way for your wife and she will get the needed insurance to have surgery.

Sarah-May God direct your path.

These  things , I have spoken unto you, that in the world ye might have tribulation  but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Hi everyone.  Got up early as woke up and couldn't go back to sleep.  I have already been out in front "dumpster diving" in going through a bag of trash that was put out yesterday with a receipt we need to return something I bought yesterday for cash so didn't keep the receipt.  Fortunately I found it and the trash bag had mainly paper from the housekeeper emptying wastebaskets yesterday.  So no harm done.

We had a very busy day yesterday.  I called around and found our church had a spare wheelchair that had been donated.  So I went to the church and picked it up so our daughter will have it.  I had been to Wal-Mart early yesterday morning but they didn't have one thing I needed to get so after going to the church drove to a nearby town and another Walmart and found the item I needed.  As soon as the housekeeper left yesterday, we got in the car and went to the hospital downtown to visit our daughter and take her the stop smoking patches she had asked us to get for her.  She used them about 18 months ago with success but was living with 5 other women who smoked and gave back in to the addition of nicotine.  Hopefully, this time they will work and the doctors have been all over her while she has been hospitalized. 

She looked good yesterday and apparently the antibiotic is working on the infection.  She will have in-home IV's for a minimum of two weeks and is to limit walking basically to her apartment.  She is going to be released today after noontime and we will pick her up.  I have a doctors appointment at 11 and need more blood drawn so we will go to her apartment and await her call as it isn't too far to the hospital.

Needless to say I was exhausted last evening as was my wife but had a good nights sleep. 

Gord, so sorry to hear of the denial of the help your wife needs.  It is something when a committee sitting in an office can determine whether we need healthcare and when.  I fear that same thing is coming to the US.  Glad to know you are enjoying your company.

Carol, be optimistic on the check but understand what you mean on losing the interest in something that could have been avoided.  Hope you get the kitchen island you need.

Sarah, hang in there as things don't stay the same.  Not all folks are cut out to be bosses but unfortunately we don't often learn that until such folks are in such positions.

Marilyn, good news about your dog and hope he stays in good shape now.

Belated Happy Birthday Ruth Ann.  We haven't been to a Bonefish restaurant yet but have one close by and understand you have to get on the waiting list for reservations but that it is very good.

Al, hope those new shoes do the trick for you.

Melody, those are pretty flowers and like Al I haven't a clue as to what they are called.

Hi everyone I will be away for a few days, I'm taking a short trip to Oregon.  Bebe is doing lots better, she slept on my bed last night and didn't have any trouble getting up there of back off this morning.

Larry I am praying for Stacey I know the Lord will hear all our prayers and give her a speedy healing with no complications

Hi Melody. Glad to see you here this morning too.

Hi Sarah this is your senior year coming isn't it.?

Gord I'm praying for Noreen here in California

Hi Pat how's it going there in Virginia?

Well y-all I will be checking in from Oregon when I get a chance, for the most part I will be busy doing things while I am there, one thing I will be doing is cleaning the fridge and baking a cake and a pie. Of course there are other things I need to get done too.

Are my little graphic showing up?

Good morning to everyone,
                                    It's a great day in the Lord!  Although I must admit that my coffee brewer has made it's last cup...sob sob
    I ministered last night at our churches Bible Study, and I dont think that satan was very pleased so he broke my coffee pot!  (I made instant) ha ha
   Well after all we all know how important that first cup of coffee is amen....
      We are getting ready to have a youth rally here on Sat. several local churchs are participating in some way or another, its great to see the fellowship in the body of Christ and not possessiveness to God be the Glory!
   I am helping my Senior Pastor start up a web site for the Bible collage that we host in the Church, new territory for me, I think I can handle it....
         Well I see lots of members are traveling, and there are many that need miracles of some sort, my God is in that buisness amen!
  I better get off of here and start praying....bye for now
              LarryBoy

Marilyn, yes, I see a dog licking its face.

Melody's flowers (the purple ones) are alium, a really beautiful ball of color.

Happy belated birthday wishes to our Ruth Ann!  Now you are as old as Pat and me!    We should get together and have a big party when we all turn 70!    Invite everyone on CP!

I am going to Beth's care plan meeting this morning.  I will be asking what they plan to do about the breakdown of skin on her heels.  She wants me to take her out to the fair this afternoon, and to the big barbeque tonight.

I got five ribbons on my five paintings, one is reserve champion.  So I'm pleased.

It is very hot here in Kansas, 103 yesterday.  Whew.    Thank God for air conditioning.

I do hope we do not go to a health care system like some other countries have.  We have the best health care in the world, why change it?  Good luck on your appeal, Gord.

Hi, Sarah!  Still working at Pizza Hut, right?  Something much better and much different in your future, I'm sure.  Good to see your post.

Gotta Run!  Time for that care plan meeting!

Yes, I saw the little dog licking his face, too!  Glad someone else is joining me in graphics/animations.

I don't think I posted yesterday....wonder why? 

I have my yard mowed and some weed eating done.  I had to come in and rest awhile before taking my shower.  The Honda didn't want to co-operate today.  I turned it off and it wouldn't start again so I had to push it into the garage and put the charger on it.  Still didn't work so I put soda and water on the terminals, then the charger gave it enough umph for it to start.  Then I shut it off to air off the grass on it and it wouldn't start again.  Had to push it in the garage again!! !!  So I am tired.

I am praying that everyone has a God blessed day and you know it is His touch that allowed it. 

A Quick note while we wait for birthday boy son as he is stuck in traffic.  We are taking him to a French restaurant for lunch.  Our real estate gal just came by to take our picture with the SOLD sign.  She makes cards and sends them out in the neighborhoods. 

Larry:  Dumpster diving - LOL and I can appreciate losing the receipt.  Ugh.  How wonderful that someone donated a wheelchair. 

LarryBoy:  We should send emergency coffee to you!

Marilyn:  We are taking care of other son's two of their German Shep mix rescues in Oct and Willow has to wear some support on the feet so we will put them on in the mornings.  Their newest rescue makes us a little nervous _ I can't say anything but our DIL seems to want to have an aggressive rescue dog and it just burns me up when there are so many to help.  My son just goes along.  Anyway, they must know how we feel and are taking the third dog to her parents (who are kinda cool toward the dog as well) but they have property. 

Etta Sue:  You deserve to rest after wrestling with the Honda motor.

Gordon:  I am so sorry that you must wait for back surgery for your sweetheart. And, company at the same time.  What is the reason for coming to the states for her surgery?  Is it the long wait? 

Love all the graphics.  When we finally get settled, I would like to learn how to post some graphics. 

Colin:   I am enjoying the video's   

Pat:   Thanks for the info about virus's  This was our first and I hope the last.     

I was away for a couple of days a mini vacation to Linday Ontario to visit a friend and then did the tourist stuff.  It is also good to be back home.

Larry:   Best wishes with the diet and I hope that your daughter is on the mend.

Have a wonderful day.

Thanks to all who commented on the videos. It takes a little time putting them together but I enjoy doing them. Inside a year Jeannine and my videos have recieved over 27,000 visits on Godtube. We are tremendously pleased about this and we pray that our videos are used of God to glorify His name.
Take care everyone and God bless.

     Good evening to all.

We have so much rain that it is even damageing the farmers crops in the Niagara region.

Janet;  Re: the heals before you go to bed at night you should put a good amount of vasalene onto your heals and then put some small socks on and if you keep it up you should see a change.  My wife and I had to both do this and it works.

Etta Sue  Did you check you filter? and also the spark plug.

Carol:  The surgery as far as we know is not done anywhere in Canada but the health department is saying that it is but of course they did not tell us where.  It is par for the course they are giving us a run around.

As I said before that our heavenly father will continue to give us strength and we both accept what is going on is his will.  May you all have a great evening.  Love in Christ.  Gord.

I'm just in from the fair again, took Beth out for the big free barbecue.  She enjoyed looking around at the exhibits, few though they are.  They must have called almost all the help who work at the home, to help transport the residents out to the fair.  I think it took three or four trips with their bus, but they all seemed to have a good time.  I used Beth's van to take her.

I'm wondering if a tempur-pedic mattress would be good for Beth.  Goodness knows, we have tried every other kind, to no avail.  They want her to lie on her bed for at least an hour every afternoon, to relieve the pressure on her "sitter" and her heels.  She did that today, after very strong coaxing from me.  But she says the mattress is too hard..........

I'm working again tomorrow, and if I have to pay for it with three days of pain again, I promise I will find the boss and turn in my notice!

Gord, PLEASE send some of that rain to Kansas, the sw corner!! we are baking and being blasted with hot winds here, just terrible.

Gord ~ I guess the spark plugs and air filter is still there.  I haven't noticed anything on the ground that has fallen off.     No, I know hardly anything about motors.  I talked to my son last night and we both think I need a new battery and he is coming to change the oil and grease it. 

Janet ~ YOU HAVEN'T TURNED IN YOUR NOTICE YET??  Bad girl!  Shame on you!  You don't need to hurt for three days for a little bit of money!! 

Colin ~ I am sorry!  I forgot to tell you how much I enjoy your videos and the music.  Keep up the great work.

Today is a doctor appointment for me...for her to tell me about my blood work taken last Friday.  Then I will have lunch and then grocery shopping at WalMart.  I have a list...lets see how well I stick to it! 

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=db0030ba09c551f97cfa

Hope you all enjoy this video! 

Ettas Sue....that is so cool an answer you give Gordon about your plugs and filter. Thanks for making me smile......nay chuckle! 

Hi everyone else. God bless.

Etta Sue.... .......well..... ....I went to do that several days ago, but the boss lady was in a meeting, and........ ......I saw the schedule for August, and they have me on way too often.  I had planned to help them get through until school starts, which for public school is around Aug. 15, but for the Mennonite school isn't until after Labor day!  (Several of our cooks are Mennonites, and one has two young daughters, and her husband divorced her, so.........  Also, the little bit of money was never my motivation for going to work there.  I was looking for a way to have money of my own to give to the Lord, and I have been.  But He knows my heart.  Okay, TMI.

I surely hope my Abby has a few days to spend with me before school starts.

Y'all have a great day!

Hi, Colin!  Etta Sue made me smile, too!  I will go have a look at your video.

Oh, and I wanted to clarify that my husband also gives to the Lord, and since we are one in Him, that means I do as well, right?

Larry Good to know the antibiotics are working on  your daughter's infection.
Marylin  Hello and could you please share some of that cake and pie your baking today.
Larryboy07 This is a wonderful work you are doing among the youth.
Janet Thanks for sharing the name of the flowers(Alium) I had forgotten it.
Gord I certainly hope the crops have not been damaged to much by the rain.
Colin-Thanks for sharing another video . I am going to view it later
Today it's hot here and I am going to BBQ for supper.

    Etta Sue: I thought that was very funny but make sure that your son does check those things that I mentioned.

Colin:  Thanks for an other great video and I also watched some of your other one's and they are beautiful, my wife also looked at them and said it reminds her of when we were there.

Have a great day.  God bless Gord.

Hi everyone.  We did get our daughter home from the hospital.  While we are so thankful the hospital is there and that she is able to receive the care she needs, they really put the patients through a lot.  We got to the hospital about 12:30 and she was just getting to the place to meet us.  She turned in her pharmacy request to get 17 prescriptions filled and we went to lunch in the cafeteria as it takes awhile to fill them. 

After lunch we wheeled her to the central supply area to pick up supplies that she needed and then back to the pharmacy.  When she checked her number it told her to check with the triage person and she found that the doctor had not signed the sheet for the medication.  So her mother had to wheel her back up to the 10th floor to where she had been and they called a doctor to sign the paper. Back to the pharmacy and about a 90 minute wait.  When they called her number, she found that the doctor hadn't put down a number of pills for the pain medication so another wait while they called and got the info from the doctor.  Then she had to battle to get something else.  They also will only supply a limited number of syringes for the diabetic insulin and the doctors told her not to reuse any needles and had written the order as such to the pharmacy but they still refused to honor the doctor's orders.  She uses up to 4 a day.  She didn't win that battle so we will acquire the necessary syringes as she could easily reinfect herself by reusing a needle.  We finally got her to her apartment about 5 pm and helped get her settled in and I made a quick trip to the grocery store for milk and a few other items. 

It was after 7 pm when we got home and both Pat and I have been pretty tired today after two days of going downtown and especially yesterday.  I was so thankful we had the wheelchair as she is not suppose to walk more than a few steps and she is in a lot of pain from her foot and the bone infection.

She just spoke to her mother and told her the home care nurse had just left after seeing that she was doing the self-administered IV correctly (and she was) that she needs to get another blood test on Monday or Tuesday.  This means we will have to take her down to the hospital again for that test.  Don't know how often she will have to do that but at this point isn't able to use public transportation to get there.

Today I had another doctors appointment and he just changed some of my medicine and will followup with another blood test in 2 months.  From the appointment yesterday I am scheduled for a colonoscopy on August 15th.  The rest of the day has been peaceful as Pat and I are both feeling the effects of the last two days. 

I have read all the messages but am really too tired to try to respond to them tonight.

Hi everyone.  It looks like no one has posted since I did last evening.  Guess that is why I didn't see a little "New" icon on this discussion.

I am taking it easy today and just working on clearing some items from my desk and then will work on my daughter old computer, which she is going to give to a friend of hers as we will never use it again and it makes no sense to let it set here.  This shouldn't be much work as hers is still working but is pretty slow.  I will just clean up the hard drive and be sure that the Antivirus and other protective programs are up to date.

This evening I have a dinner meeting to attend, which I am looking forward to.  I don't think Pat intends to attend with me this evening.  She is still trying to recover from our two days of going downtown. 

We are expecting some rains during the day.  My good friend Rod's granddaughter is getting married this evening and it is an outdoor wedding.  However, they have rented a tent that can be used if necessary.  Hope the rain works around the wedding ceremony but sure it will be memorable regardless. 

Don't think I mentioned that yesterday was progress check day on my Weight Watchers program.  I am happy to say I had lost a total of 7 pounds.  This is very encouraging.  I am eating what I want to eat but watching quantities.  So far it has been no big deal as we are eating out when we want to and I am able to eat the recipes that Pat makes.  Last night we had a tuna casserole but we made it with a wheat type noodle and it was very good.  I just put the recipe in the WW calculator and it told me the points for each serving.  Really a neat tool.  So far I have always had points left over and have had no hunger pangs.

Hope this is a good day for each of you.   

Hi, friends, I'm here for just a moment. It truly HAS been a memorable week with my son in from the UK, then a great time of being with him and my daughter on my birthday, cards and calls and text messages and nice internet good wishes.

Yesterday was the pre-op stuff before next Wednesday's knee replacement. Dr. signed off on me, hospital kept me from 1:45 till almost 5 pm doing this test and another and another, etc. Then, when I got home, picked up my son who lives with me, my daughter, and off we went to meet the Atlanta kids in Chattanooga for a great little birthday celegration for little Georgia, who will be 5 next Thursday. Her eyes just sparkled. Her aunt gave her a birthday Barbie, and then uncle helped get it off the card so she could play with it. Uncle and I gave her Target gift cards, which she and Mommie are going to spend today.

And, they liked the little purple car, too.

Y'all, I absolutely adore those graphics. You're very good.

One of my goals is to learn how to handle graphics myself after recovering from the surgery. Not much need to say after retirement anymore -- that comes up on Thursday while my leg is in the constant motion machine! 

May you each have a God blessed day.

Happy Saturday!

Larry, sorry you, Pat and Stacey had such a trying and tiring day, I have had a few of those and they are no fun.

Ruth Ann, so glad you had a nice birthday and then got to celebrate with little Georgia, too.  We will be praying about that knee replacement, for sure.

I worked at the rodeo concession stand this morning.  A group of ladies do fund raising things, then use the money to hire a bus and driver to take us to Denver for the Women of Faith Conference.  They are raising the price of the ticket, and the cost of the bus went up $1500 from last year, so things are getting tougher all around.  I probably won't be going to the conference, but wanted to help out, anyway.  If I decide later to go, and tickets are still available, I can go.

This afternoon I will pick up my and Maxine's paintings and premiums from the fair, and that will be it for our fair this year.  I did watch the parade today, too.

Next Wednesday, I will be judging arts and crafts at Leoti's fair.  That's the only one I am judging this year.

I think I will go rest a bit and look over a new book I received in the mail a couple days ago.  It's Christmas stuff, so might get sent back.

I don't think I have been on CP for some time.  The store computer has a virus, and I haven't been able to get to Heather's to use her puter.

The girls are home!!!! WOOHOO I have missed them.

John will be home tonight.  I am off, ( I thought I was supposed to work).

Have a good day folks.
God bless
Judy

Ruth Ann - God is able to give the doctors special skill, wisdom, and insight, and I pray He will.
Larry - I think we'd all agree in prayer that you won't have to spend such busy, tiring days.  We'd like you to be around a while.

Amen.

Kitty and I and another photo guild lady took our photos to the State Fair today.  We took three other peoples photos also.  Now to have them hung.  That's the honor in the State Fair.  I think I am going with Kitty to the Opening next Sunday, Aug 3. 

I am tired this evening.  I woke up early this morning and couldn't go back to sleep.  And I don't want to take a nap this afternoon!! 

I didn't even know that this is a Saturday.  So many things - so many phone calls and other stuff.  We need to get settled but that is a month away.

Janet:  You can buy a very soft topping for Beth's bed & it is just as nice as going and buying the TemperPedic mattress.  They are for sale at Sam's Club and they are about 3 or 4 in. thick.  We put one on our mattress several years ago and it is just as nice as the TP that we slept on in a hotel.  Not kidding.  Now we are so used to it that it is hard to visit other beds.  I forget the price but it would be around $100 depending on size.  You open the box & plastic container & have to set it on the bed for a few hours while it expands.  Then, there is a light cotton zippered cover to pull on it.  This is exactly what could be of great help for Beth - no need to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars for the other kind.  I have seen these at other stores as well, perhaps WalMart or Target. 

Larry: Much too much for you and Pat to handle.  My prayers for your strength.

Gordon:  Thank you for explaining about the back surgery.  They don't give you much information, do they?  Sending up a prayer.

My cousin in Washington just wrote that they will be working in Mexico next month - at an orphanage they go to every year and drive down there with a trailer every year bringing clothes and stuff. 

Clouds everywhere and not a drop of rain today.  We bought a special oil to refinish the teak dining set that I bought in a divorce sale about 20 years ago.  We thought about getting that job over before the move.  Also looked at the stuff to refinish the new to us house, kitchen cabinets and that will take some effort - I hope to do that before the flooring is in.  We are taking up white vinyl and putting in wood colored laminate. 

Larry, I'm so sorry to read all about what you've been going through with poor Stacey.  I truly am.  Please know that I'll be continuing to pray for you all.

Sounds like you're doing great on Weight Watchers too!

Marilyn, I'm doing fine here in Virginia.  It's been very hot last week but it's cooler now.

Hello to all of the rest of you. 

Great videos, Colin.  It's so nice to see the "auld sod of the Emerald Isle".

Hi Gord!

Hi Judy!

Oops, I better stop mentioning names.  I'll forget one and leave you out!

Hi Paul!!

HI, PAT! 

Carol, we bought not just one but two of those pads for Beth's bed a few years back.  I took them up to the home after she had to go there, but after just a few weeks, she had them take them off the bed and asked me to bring them back home.  I asked her again this week if she wants me to bring them back, and she said she has half of one on her bed now.  So........I dunno!  For sure it would be lots cheaper than a new mattress.  We got her one of those high dollar ones that are supposed to prevent pressure sores, they air up, then let out air, varying the pressure continually, and she didn't like that, either.  Sometimes I just want to scream!  Thanks for the thoughts, though.

Etta Sue, good luck at the state fair!  Hope you come out purple! 

Hi there, Judy.  Good to see you posting again.

I've been cleaning and rearranging my bedroom this afternoon, trying to figure out how to fit in some furniture I bought last night.  I got a deal I couldn't pass by, from a resident of Park View who is moving to be closer to her daughter.  I will try to persuade a couple of young men from church to help us move it, because I don't think Darrel and I can handle the couch by ourselves.

Good night!

Good Sunday morning to you all! I just had breakfast and its a beautiful day here today.
Its a Good day to go to church and Praise the Lord.
God Bless you all today!

Hi everyone.  Melody, it is a sunny and bright day here in Georgia today and we will be in the 90s.  Thank you all for your words of encouragement and prayers.  I think my wife is finally pretty well recovered as didn't leave the house since we got home from taking our daughter back to her apartment. 

All seems to be going well with the IV's she is administering.  We stay in close touch with her both by phone and an occasion chat on Skype.  The Skype telephone arrangement for her is really working well and I am very pleased.  The quality has been good and it is very reliable.  I will not be renewing the Magic Jack service as our experience with it wasn't very good.

Janet, I was going to talk about the air cell mattress but see you have already tried that one.  It prevented my father from developing anymore pressure sores.  It was very expensive but when he inquired and I told him what it had cost and also told him it didn't matter since he wasn't going to get any comfort by resting on his dollar bills.  You may be in a catch 22 where it won't make any difference what type of mattress you buy.  However, I understand how frustrating this must be to you and Darrel.

Hi Pat and Paul, hope things are going well over your way.  Pat, are you adjusting to living in the US?  I still chuckle when I think of our experience at the Snellville Diner and that waitress. 

Carol, it sounds like your furniture projects will be keeping you busy until you get moved. 

Etta Sue, enjoy the fair.  I know having entries must greatly increase your interest level in it. 

Al, I hope I didn't come across as "oh, poor me" in my postings.  I was just expressing frustrations but trying to keep it balanced with thankfulness that these services are available for those who cannot afford it.  I certainly don't feel we are experiencing anything different that a lot of us have had.  A couple of days of rest and the memory of the experience fades a little.  We do what we have to do.

Judy, I am sure it is nice to have your family all back at the same time.  I hope you didn't mind the unexpected day off.  Did you get your computer fixed?

Ruth Ann, it sounds like the pre-op wasn't much fun.  I can guess it involved a lot of hurry up and then waiting to see folks or have tests.  This is the big official week coming up and after your surgery you can really begin to relax knowing you are retired and don't have to face that daily grind whether you felt like doing it or not.  I think we are all happy to see you reach this life milestone and the beginning of a new phase of life.  Retirement has many wonderful things associated with it and certainly some adjustments.  Glad you could meet your family in Chattanooga for the celebration as guess that is about halfway for everyone and didn't involve and overnight visit and the longer drive.

Pat and I are going to church this morning and then will go out to eat.  I went to a big celebration last night where there was a potluck dinner.  There was so much food and it was so tempting but think I managed to control myself pretty well with emphasis on vegetables and only a tiny few bites of one dessert.  (It wasn't easy!!  )

Janet ~ If I got a purple at the fair, the whole world would hear me screaming!!!  Again, just to have your entries shown is an honor at the state fair.  Preliminary opening...open house is next Sunday and Kitty and I plan to go. 

Church in a few minutes.  It really like Ivalou's church so I am thinking that Sept 7, I will change my membership.  My birthday is the 8th, so it will be my birthday present to me.

Larry - I didn't think of you as coming across in a "poor me" mode - just sincerely hope and pray it'll get easier for you.

We have just come in from church, and are wondering what to make for dinner.    We had some cold watermelon, so we ate that, and that seems to be postponing the dinner decision. 

Our Youth Pastor spoke this morning.  It was his first time to speak to the entire congregation, so quite a milestone for him.  He's a very likable young man who grew up here, and I guess used to be a bit on the wild side, anyway, he keeps saying that.  His entire family were in church for this occasion; none of them live here any more.  We are proud of Justin, and the youth love him.

Darrel asked Justin and another young man if they can help us move that furniture later this afternoon, they said yes, so we will wait for their call.  Justin's family will all be leaving later today, he said.

I think I will go make a nice big salad! 

 You guys have to see this!

I tawt I saw a Puddytat!!!!!

The birds love the cat.

Hi I'm home again. Got in about 4:17 unloaded teh car and took the dogs for a walk, Bebe is still limping somewhat but she is much better than  before I left.

I got everything accomplished in Oregon that I wanted to get done. The peach pie turned out great and brought some home as well as some German Chocolate cake and some mini Butterfinger candies.

I have put everything away and had a light supper. Now I need to catch up  my internet reading.

I think I'm so overwhelmed at what I want to get done here at the house before my surgery that I'm spinning my wheels and getting nowhere. Yikes!

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

Ruth Ann

Hello to everyone !!!
How is everyone doing today?

Yesterday was a awesome day  at church. God is really moving and I am excited to be called into the kingdom for such a time has this.

This is a great day here and I am about to go for a good walk .

Melody:  That greeting of Good Morning would awaken anyone    It is starting to get light here and I am waiting for Don so we can take our walk.  A strange dream woke me at 4:30. 

We are about to set a heat record here of meeting 18 days of over 90 degrees F.  and I just looked to see that the same boring temps are predicted for an entire  week with only 10 % chance of thunderstorms every afternoon.  The fierce clouds appear over the hills and continue on northeast, dropping no rain in our area.

Off for lunch with friends today.

Hi everyone.  I am looking forward to a very quiet and peaceful day.  I do have a luncheon with 4 other men at 1 pm but that is very enjoyable with no stress.  Our little group started out with 2 men and has grown to 5 as we find other retired men walking the same path we are relative to loved ones.  Then I have the rest of the day free.  I will continue to work on the computer I am fixing for out daughter's friend.  I don't have too much left I want to do on it but need to download a couple of programs and be sure all the software is up-to-date.

My wife left a little bit ago to go to the chiropractor and then has a gift certificate at Border's Book Store so planned to stop there.  I think she had another stop she planned to make if she has the energy.

I spent all evening watching the Food Channel as they had the shows leading up to the last show of the series on the "Next Food Network Star".  The contestants are certainly challenged throughout the competition.

Carol, that heat wears on a person after while.  I can remember days of 100 degree temperature we had one summer in Oklahoma before we had air-conditioning in our house.  It was awful.

Melody, glad to see you had such a nice day at church.  Our youth minister preached for the second week in a row and gave another awesome sermon.

Ruth Ann, I hope you don't work too hard and hurt yourself getting ready for Wednesday. 

Marilyn, glad to see you are home safe and sound.  The goodies sound delicious.

Scotty, interesting picture of the cat and your birds.  Usually cats want to catch the birds but guess they learn to tolerate each other.  Thanks for sharing those two pictures.

Janet, good thinking to ask the youth pastor for the help you needed as sure he can get some of the strong young men to help him and make quick work of the job.  I will never forget the goodness of the college head football coach and some of his players who helped move a hospital bed that my Dad had purchased.  I wanted to pay them for their efforts and they refused to accept a cent.  That provided a good indicator of what kind of a man the coach was and I can understand why his players seem to regard him so highly and he had been very successful having national recognition in their Division.

Etta Sue, it sounds like you are making a good decision regarding your church membership.  Being closer to your church will help you be more involved if you want to be and will certainly save on your gas bill in getting their and back.

Al and Larryboy, always nice to see your postings.

Today is another Monday.  How quickly the weeks fly past!

Diane called last evening and said I could meet her halfway and pick up Abby.  She only has two days to spend with me, but whatever time we have together is precious, she is such a joy.

The guys never called or showed up to help with the furniture, so I called the lady last night to tell her it would be this morning before we came to get it.  She said the movers were to be there at 8 this morning and they could load it for us, and they did!    Actually, the couch wasn't nearly as heavy as I had thought it would be, but it was so nice of them to load it.  Darrel and I unloaded it and brought it into the house ourselves, not too hard with all the cushions removed.  It looks so nice here in my bedroom, as the colors go well with the carpet.  The one I had in here is blue and didn't match anything.  Abby and I enjoyed it a lot for the past several years, though, to sit and snuggle while reading together and to watch TV when Darrel is watching something in the living room that we don't care to see.    Abby likes sleeping in here on the couch, too, just to stay close to us.    And she was just about to get too tall for the blue one--this one is longer.

Now I am trying to figure a way to rearrange a little more so I can fit in the recliner I bought.  Hmmm.....that would involve moving my desk, not an easy job.  I will think on it a bit and try after lunch.

PAT..You asked about my new shoes.  They are MBT Phisiological Footwear.  (MBT stands for Massai Barefoot Technology.)  Look it up online, it's quite impressive.  My feet are better already.

Time to go to lunch!

Maybe that graphic will cool everyone today.  It is so humid here in Indiana today.  It had rained in the night and now sultry. 

But I have a couple loads of clothes on the line...Hope they dry.  I have swept all the floors and even went to Woody's for lunch with Ivalou.  Her company came...her sister-in-law from Harlingen, TX.  Her nephew from Austin, TX and niece from Flint, MI.  She has no idea how long they will stay except the SIL is to fly back to Harlingen August 7th.  I don't think I have seen Mike since high school and he's about 4 years younger than me. 

So now I am resting....

Not much going on here today. Bebe is much better today, she was able to complete our full route on her walk today.

I sure do like that drive up the coast and back it if o beautiful snd peaceful driving along the ocean just taking my time to enjoy the views. I keep thinking I should stop top take some pics as I always take the camera with me but I never do. I just cruise along thinking well maybe next trip.

I have cleaned the dining room table and leaves and it is now sitting on plastic tarp ready to be rubbed tomorrow with a teak oil stain.  Have a hutch and buffet to do as well and the windows have to all be open so tomorrow morning sounds best.  

Etta Sue:  Frigid Kitty!  Let the poor baby inside!  It really won't be long and I will be complaining about the freezing weather just like last winter.  I am so glad that you found your new church closer to you and it will work out well.  We have tried to find out what is close to our new place and there are three huge churches closest and one a bit more drive.  I will keep looking to see if there is anything else, looked at google map.  One is a community church.  

Had a omelet for lunch with my friends who vow to visit.  Then, I went to a grocery store and begged for boxes - apple boxes.  I have been to the liquor store umteen times for the nice sturdy boxes for glassware = they are looking at me funny so I told Don he had to go in there the next time  

Awake at 4:30 A.M. so an afternoon nap was necessary before moving any furniture here.  Janet: glad that you got the sofa inside and it sounds perfect for your visits with Abby.

Ruth Ann:  Isn't your surgery very soon?  thinking of you. It was super that your son in the UK came to visit.  

Marilyn:  I so envy your oceanside drives.  We used to camp at the ocean often -  and in the Cascades as well so we had the best of both worlds. 

Well, I wonder if my computer may have been updated last night andl lost my cookies. I couldn't log in without passwords to either CP or toSN.

At any rate, just a late, late night note to say hope y'all do well and that we each walk with God.

I'll be so busy tomorrow that likely there'll be no time to get on the computer. Then, check into the hospital at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday morning with surgery to begin at 7:30.

I'll see y'all when I get an opportunity. God bless until then.

I am just starting my day here and it looks like a busy one with lots of errands to do today.

Just finished doing my devotions today. And the scripture that stands out today is The Lord is my rock and my deliverer, my God , my strength, in whom I will trust.Psalm 18:2'
I like this verse because it emphasis that whatever we go through from day to day we can put our trust in God to bring us through. The fact that this verse keeps repeating the word MY-shows me that we serve a personal God. He sees our needs individually and that is very encouraging.

Ruth Ann -I see you are going for surgery . Will pray for you.

Hi everyone from a sunny N. Ireland. Have been keeping up to date with you all and reading your posts. Every time I see Melody I start to sing...In My Heart There Rings A Melody...have no idea why I would want to do that! One wee strawberry Melody...that is terrible!
Have to hoke out a poem for Larry which I had written some time ago. Whatever you say say nothing!
Ok.....a little video for you all to enjoy.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=eb341fc08798c30b9041

Take care. 

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee.  My friend Rod's son was with him this morning.  He is a Presbyterian Music Minister in Delaware.  He has one of the new IPhones and he showed me all the features on it.  It is really nice but is too expensive for me at this point and does require a two year monthly commitment to have the service.  I don't like to get involved in those long term commitments. 

I have a meeting to attend this morning and then Pat and I will head down to Atlanta to pick up our daughter and take her back to the hospital for a blood test.  I think this will probably be necessary weekly as long as she is having the at home IV antibiotics.  Hopefully it won't be a long time experience today and we will be able to get her back to her apartment and back on the road before rush hour.  We will have to take the wheelchair for her as she is not suppose to walk many steps on her foot at this point. 

Colin, looking forward to seein the poem you mentioned.  What does "hoke out" mean?

Melody, that is a wonderful verse and helps us see God in a very personal way and know that he has a plan for our lives if we will but seek it and not interfere.

Ruth Ann, I have the same problem occasionally where something seems to have eliminated my cookies that worked the day before and I have to put the password and user name back and then it will be fine for awhile.  I don't think I have anything set to automatically remove the cookies.

Carol, it sounds like you all are working too hard.  You are going to be exhausted by the time the move comes around.  Refinishing furniture is hard work but know it will be lovely when completed.

Marilyn, that sounds like a beautiful drive.  Glad you are enjoying it. 

Etta Sue, I sometimes wonder why it is so hard for guest to let their hosts know when they plan to leave so that proper planning can occur. 

Janet, so happy to hear you are going to be able to have Abby with you for a couple of days.  It is evident from your comments how much you enjoy her being there and obviously it is one of her favorite things to do as well.  She is going to have such wonderful memories of those visits in the many years ahead.  I still recall with great fondness my many visits with my grandmother.  It is a shame that the boys didn't have the courtesy to at least phone you if they couldn't do as they said they would.  Glad you were able to get the furniture moved.

We had a 90 minute storm here last night with constant thunder and some rain.  I haven't heard how much we received but don't think it was very much.  There is a chance of rain again today and tomorrow.

   

Colin ~ That duck in the GodTube today looks like the one that disappeared from the creek where I used to live.  Do you suppose? 

It is suppose to be a scorcher today in Indiana.  It is already humid and then the heat this afternoon...well, I wish I could stay inside.  But Kitty and I are going to play Euchre at a classmates house...first time.  She is trying to get a Euchre Club started and play monthly.  But we will be inside so it will just be rushing from the car to the house and back.

It is a friend of your duck Etta Sue and they both were taking a wee danner up the road when your duck turned round to mine and said.....quack quack. My duck said...Hold your tonge, I'm going as quack as I can!

Hoke Larry...well I dont mean Hoke Larry .....hoke just means search for or to rummage through things looking for an item. Am I right Pat!

In my heart......ooops there I go again Melody! Glad you like the video.

Hey Colin I liked the pictures of the ducks also.
This is a picture of one that I caught recently in this area.

It was so oppressively hot here yesterday we could barely breathe in the garage.  Late last evening it clouded up and we had such a lovely rain shower!    I opened the south overhead garage door, called Darrel and Abby and we stood there and watched it rain.  When it slowed, Abby put on her swim suit and ran out to splash in the puddles; then she lay down on the concrete and made "rain angels" in the puddles.  Soon she decided I needed to get in on the fun and invited me to join her in a rain dance--so we danced, whooped and hollered and ran in circles.  Such fun!  Does a body good to give in to the "inner child" and act like a kid again!    Abby is at that interesting age--no longer a little child but young enough to act like one at times.  I think it's good for her.  Probably for me, too.    The sky was gorgeous, the air so fresh and clean smelling.  We just had a great time of thanking God for His goodness.

Actually, Larry, while we were playing like that, I was remembering your telling me that you remembered fondly the times spent with your grandmother.  And I was/am hoping my grandkids will cherish the memories the way you do, and the way I cherish making the memories with them.

This morning Abby and I went swimming, and we played water basketball, then water volleyball.  Good exercise!  And fun! 

I am really drowsy, think I will try to sneak in a little nap!

A movie is coming on, "Emperor of the Sun" and we are relaxing. 

Larry:  I'm not working too hard - that is Janet!  A ten minute nap today was all I needed.  Those I-pod phones look so interesting but it seems harder and harder for me to learn new-fangled things 

We did run out of steam and spent a little time talking about our sorry summer of nothing but work every day and then thoughts about being thankful for so much, the sale of the house so quickly and how everything is working out. We will run down there for a last walk-through on Thursday afternoon and stay over with a son as the closing is on Friday morning.  I hope to get a better look this time and even get to measure some things.  We shall see - the people always stay and half their family seems to be around so I can't even think. 

Greetings to all in the name of the Lord.

MarylinGlad to know Bebe is much better
Janet water basketball sounds like real fun and it seems like you keep active
Larry-continuing to pray for your daughter .
Carol-Haven't seen that movie, Emperor of the Sun but sounds interesting.

Trying to day to get some work done among my flowers-just have to do some weeding I suppose

Carol, I pray that you and Don will soon have your move completed and leave the frustration and stress behind.  Sounds like too much!

Melody, enjoy petting your posies today.  Even plants need love, I'm told. 

Today I am driving to Leoti, about an hour and ten minutes north of here to judge arts and crafts at their county fair.  So it will be a full and busy, but enjoyable day.

Abby is back home with her parents, and I'm so glad she got to come, even though our time together was short.  I took two small tables and sent them with Diane for Mark, as they are going to be visiting him on their way to market in Kansas City.  Mark has his own apartment now.  The tables were part of the furniture I bought the other day.

No news here on the Kansas front, just checking in to say hello.  HELLO!   

My house smells so good right now.  I just took an Apple Crisp out of the oven.  My apples were beginning to look like dried prunes so that's the time to make them into a Crisp!  (Not quite that bad)

It was fun yesterday meeting new people and playing cards.  I guess it is going to be a monthly time.  We decided on the 4th Tuesday and when I got home, I realized that the 26th of August, I have Beef and Boards.  I can do both if we hussle a little faster than yesterday!  But we were learning the rules and getting to know each other and that took time.  We didn't leave until 4:40pm.  Next time will be better, I am sure.  Kitty is to have them at her house so I can leave at 4pm and be here to get in the car when Betty comes to get Ivalou and I. 

Cloudy today...was suppose to rain but now they say rain tonight.  If it isn't raining by afternoon, I think I should mow again!   

Hello Everyone...

I got home to Guelph late last night from Virginia.  It's been a couple of very busy days for Paul and I and I never got to check in here.

Looks as if we're having a two week Thoughts for the Week this time! 

I'll be back later.

Hello again ya'll... i am still busy as ever a week from saturday my friend is getting married so yesterday we spent the day in Garden City looking and picking out her dress... its a pretty one for sure...today i am just relaxing around the house and trying to clean tomorrow its back to work...anyways must get off the computer and get back to getting stuff done... and yes starting in august i'll be in my last year of school for now still don't know if i will go back for my master's maybe after a few years out (need a break)
have a good day all

Hi everyone.  I was busy all morning and although I read a few messages didn't have time to post before leaving for coffee.  From there I went to Bible study at the church and then to Wal-Mart.  Shortly after getting home a friend called and asked me to go with him to pick up something he needed and so I grabbed a quick sandwich and headed out again.  I got home and took a nap and now just catchinig up here and with e-mail.  Choir starts again tonight so it is going to be a busy day.

Yesterday, we went to our daughter's apartment and picked her up and took her to the hospital to get a blood test, something she will have to have each week as long as she is on the IV antibiotics.  She had to go back to the floor where she had been hospitalized for the order and luckily the doctor was at the nurses station and wrote the orders for her, giving her orders for the subsequent weeks so we won't have to repeat all of the process.  We then found the outpatient lab and waited about 45 minutes for her to have the blood drawn.  We then headed back to her apartment and stopped at a Publix grocery for her to pick up some things she needed.  She was able to use the electric cart so I didn't have to haul out the heavy wheelchair at that point.  We got her back to her apartment and settled in and then headed for home about 5:30, with a storm approaching and rush hour traffic.  I went part way on the Interstate, which was slow, and then got on a surface street and made good time.

We stopped to eat dinner as we were both exhausted and it was about 8 pm when we got home to find there had been a heavy storm in the area and the power was out.  It came on shortly after we got home and the clock on the stove showed it had been off for 2 hours.  After about 30 minutes it went off again for about 45 minutes and then stayed on.  We apparently had over 2 inches of rain in a short time and get where we were driving we had nothing but a few sprinkles on the windshield.  These have been spotty storms.

Pat, glad to see you and Paul made the safe trip back to Guelph. 

Today was Ruth Ann's surgery and it should now be on to recovery and then to begin her retirement. 

I have read all the postings but not going to made more comments as this is too long all ready and the day is fleeting.

Pat I bet Geordie is glad to have you home again. Will you be taking him with you to Virginia next trip down?

Just got back from taking the dogs for their walks, Bebe  is doing a little bit better each day, she still clicks when she walks. I have her in the crate right now with her supper so Happy won't eat her food. She has only been eating once per day, since I started giving them wet food in the morning she is so spoiled. Gotta love our furbabies.

I stopped to buy gas for the mower on the way home from work today. I  need to get out there and mow on Saturday morning, today I was cutting back blackberry vines, geez they sure do get long. I left the ones with  flowers and berries on them. looks like I will have quite a few berries this ear off just on berry bush. I keep the rest trimmed  to the ground.

TTYL

Marilyn:  I grew up in Seattle with blackberry bushes in the alley.  We used to pick enough for a pie and at the drop of a hat, mom could put together a terrific pie. 

Pat:  You sure have been traveling a bunch this summer.  I hope the new house is coming along so you will be able to get into it soon.  It must be exciting for both you and Paul. 

Melody:  That movie was about a young British boy trapped in a Japanese prison during WWII.  Fascinating and realistic I am afraid. I always enjoy your thoughtful and prayerful posts.

Etta Sue:  Wow - you will be running on those Tuesdays!  Very full days - I hope that you have time to eat between the groups or perhaps they have something at each one.  I meant to mention that it is super nice that you like your new church so well.  We are anxious to get started in a new church when we move too.  There has to be one where we will just "feel" that it is right.  I used to design the evangalism part of church - the small groups and reaching out so I am afraid that I too easily "grade" the reception as a visitor in my mind.  But - we give every place three chances.  LOL

Larry:  We were browsing through a couple of electronic stores today, to beat the heat, and there is so much new stuff out.  It is amazing.  We were really looking at phones because we are not sure just what we can do at the new house & will transfer our Vonage when it seems like the time to do so.  Vongage, SKYPE, and a cell phone really fit our needs especially since the cell phone is paid by son - a freebie on his plan. 

For those of you who asked about my cousin's son who suffered a heart attack - he is recuperating for one week near Munich before being allowed to fly back to Krygestan (sp).  My cousin came home as he needs to rest at friend's home.  He needs to eat correctly and check in about six months.  He gets very tired after eating - I don't know why that happens.  No meds as of now. 

We are packed and ready to bring some clothes and needful things down tomorrow & Friday we sign the contract and will stop by and visit daughter & grands. 

[/size] Hello everyone! i just want to thank you all so much for letting me be a part of this wonderful group. I must admit, though... I'm not exactly sure where to begin! I found out the most current challenge, where to upload photos of all kinds, and all the topic discussions; I've even tweaked my profile a bit. But where do I go from here?

Thank you so much in advance for the advice! I look forward to getting to know this website & connecting with other Christian Photographers. Much love to you all & God Bless

xoxo
Amanda

Hi all from a drizzly Auld Sod! Got the poem hoked out for you Larry and I did write it for a female friend so if it sounds a bit feminine at the start...please excuse! 


Hi Amanda....you will get good advice from the rest of the gang in here. As for me...I have not learned a thing!

See you all later!

Later........

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=b6fb58de256febdcc879

Please enjoy! 

It's Thursday and the weeks just seem to go so quickly.
It's raining here today but it s very warm. maybe it will cause my strawberries to grow  

Marylin-we pick blueberries here just love them!
Carol thanks for this update on your cousin's son. Pray he will continue to improve. And Thank you for your comment on my post.
Photochick- Welcome -you will learn has you go along . Just ask questions !
Colin-love that poem. And will view this other video.
God Bless you all.

Hi everyone.

Melody, I like your card above very much as it reminds us of the blessings available to us from God.

Colin, great poem and oh so true I am afraid.  I am beginning to notice a few reduction changes but a long way to go.  Tomorrow is the big weigh-in day for the week to see what progress has been made.  I am really not minding following the Weight Watcher's program and find that the tracker is a great tool for knowing where I am on a given day.  I love the Weight Watcher's Ice Cream Treats, especially the Toffee covered ice cream on a stick and the fudge bar.  They are low in points and a great way to end a meal. 

Amanda, we are most happy to have you as a part of our group.  In a short time you will come to feel a bond with us as you learn a little about our day-to-day lives, the ups and downs that we share here as well as the inspiration and reminders of God's great blessings to us.

Carol, the Skype paid services are working beautifully for our daughter in her little apartment.  It is costing about $7 a month and she can call any phone number in the US or Canada and anyone can call her number.  She has to make and receive her calls through the computer but using a headset works extremely well and the quality has been good.  For the time being we are staying with our regular AT&T home phone service. 

Marilyn, I love the flavor of blackberries but I do not love the seeds.  I have never picked many berries from the vines as we didn't grow them on the farm and they didn't seem to be growing wild around where I lived.  We did have gooseberry bushes in the wild but I never acquired a taste for them.

I have nothing on the schedule away from home today.  After coffee this morning my friend and I walked in the park and now I plan on just working on projects at my desk.  It is about bill paying time again as tomorrow is retirement payday for me.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Good Morning; I will be getting off work at my first job at 10 am today as they have Dr. appts to attend to. I will continue to cut back some more blackberry trailers that  have trailed out into the lawn.

Kinda cool here this morning.

If you look at my profile, you will see I am a neighbor.  I am northeast of Indy about 20-25 miles.  I am going to Scottsburg in September for a family reunion.

Colin ~ Loved your poem...you ought to submit it to Weight Watchers...you might become rich!!!  Sell you poem!! 

Carol ~ It is important that we find churches that we are comfortable in.  I really like this little church...each week is better.

Sunny today.  Plan to mow this afternoon after the dew dries off.  Soooo humid this morning with overcast skies and you could feel the humidity in the air.

Someone sent this little story to us today and I wanted to share it with you. 

Subject: Clay Balls

A man was exploring caves by the Seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could. He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock . Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!

Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!

It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it. We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.

There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.

May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.

I am so blessed by the gems of friendship I have with you. Thank you for looking beyond my clay vessel.

Hey Colin I viewed that latest video and I really enjoyed. it just looks so peaceful there and one can see God's handiwork.
One of these ducks looks  like the same kind of the one I posted here don't you agree?

Larry-thanks for sharing the story Clay Balls. God really spoke to me through it 

Hi Melody, so glad you like the video. I don't think they are the same breed of duck but I stand to be corrected. Take care.

Larry I am glad you like the poem. Weightwatchers does seem to work for a lot of people. I know quite a lot who were on it and lost weight but then they put it all back on again! Liked the story about the Clay Balls.

Etta Sue it would be nice to make some money from my poems!

God bless

Larry - that story of the clay balls is SO true.  It moved me to pray my Father to reveal the jewels in more of the people around me.  May He do so for each of us.

Thanks Larry for sharing that Clay Bell story.  Touched my heart.

Ohhh, I've been so busy since getting home to Guelph.  Today, I cut the back lawn, trimmed the front hedge, and trimmed two huge bushes and now I'm ready for my bed!