Christian Photographers Community

Come and join us this week and share with us your plans and thoughts for the week!  We sing, share and encourage other members here.

Hope to see you posting this week!  Every member of Christian Photographers is welcome in this topic during the week.  :welcome:

• Prayer and Praise (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?board=3.0)    Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!

• See the last photos uploaded to our Gallery (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?action=gallery)

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Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel.  Proverbs 27:9

Recommended Reading
Proverbs 27:5-10

According to The New York Times, researchers are paying attention to the role of friendship to overall health. A ten-year Australian study found that older people with a large circle of friends were 22 percent less likely to die during the study period than those with fewer friends. A study of middle-aged Swedish men found those with quality friendships were much more likely to survive coronary heart disease. Another study of women battling breast cancer found that friendship circles have a dramatic influence on survival rates.

"Friendship has a bigger impact on our psychological well-being than family relationships," said one sociologist.¹

Long ago, the writer of Proverbs said that a good friendship is to the heart what oils and medicines are to the body. Encouraging our friends--and being encouraged by them--is a conduit of blessing to our lives. We should cherish our relationships, pray for our friends, and fellowship warmly with those whom God brings across our paths. It's good for what ails us!

"A friend is someone who walks in when others walk out."
Walter Winchell

¹Tara Parker-Pope, "What Are Friends For? A Longer Life," The New York Times, April 21, 2009.

Nice message about friends.  My mother always said that friends are golden!  She lost a lot of friends as the Alzheimer Disease crept into her life so fast & furious. 

Hot here even this morning so it is a beautiful Sunday but indoors we must cool the place.  A tuna salad is in the fridge for tonight and bread is ready to start in the bread maker (set in the laundry area to keep kitchen cool) and thawing chicken breasts to grill.  I have been craving salads of all sorts and fixing whatever is available. 

One son & our daughter drove her son to Minnesota for hockey camp - 3 grueling weeks ahead for him.  But, he will stay cool on ice  :)  They all went fishing for a half day to recapture some of their early youth but that lake had weeks and it was hot and still --- they love to go back &  all are having a grand time on a tight budget.  Hockey has to be one of the most expensive sports ever - skates were $800 - not kidding.  Do hope he realizes the sacrifices his parents make.  I remember how spending $25 on those skates when the children were little. 

Larry:  Do pace yourself.  This heat doesn't help at all and sorry to hear you feel so weary.  Your body is telling you to rest and nap. 

It seemed to me the message about friends describes exactly what we have here in Christian Photographers.  A wonderful group of sharing, caring and totally non-judgemental, true friends.  <3

                                                AND AMEN!!

Another

And, just for fun, another one


AMEN

AMEN AGAIN

Well that certainly looks as though my offering met with approval!   :lol:

 ;)

Church was followed by Sunday School.  Then Ivalou, Evelyn and I went to eat at King Chef...Ivalou's choice since she got several gift certificates for King Chef for her birthday. 

After catching up online, Inky and I took a nice nap.

I watched TV for awhile and then my remote wouldn't work.  I changed batteries...nothing.  I unplugged the satellite receiver and back on.  Nothing.  So I watched my recordings last night without fast-forwarding through the commercials. 

Bright and sunny in Indiana.  Hot, Hazy, Humid!  Ivalou and I both have rehab this morning.  My last rehab session.  Then I think Ivalou wants to go to WalMart. 

Hi everyone.  Feeling back to normal today.  Busy morning with the housekeeprs and lawn people here.  We also had the insurance adjuster and the roofing company men here.  The bottom line is that the insurance will replace the front part of the house due to the wind damage but I didn't have enough hail damage to qualify.  We will have the whole house reshingled as what we have are 15 years old and don't want two different shingles on our house.  We shouldn't have to deal with this again unless something major happens.  I am awaiting the roofer to finish his calculations and will be late for my Monday Men's luncheon but that is no problem. 

Jeanne, thanks for the fine devotional message for this week. 

Etta Sue, hope you find the problem with your TV or remote.

We did go to Hugoton last night, where we enjoyed a casserole supper at Father's House (church the kids attend) and then got to see Abby dance her praise dance to the Lord.  It was really beautiful, and tasteful, as well.  Several of the youth shared about the Champions for Christ Rally, Abby and Mark among them.  It is so wonderful to see them growing in the Lord!

I got a scant three hours or so sleep last night, up early and worked 8 hours, home and took a nap, but still feel very tired.  We will leave in the morning for Salina to see Kerri and pray for her, then on to Shirley's to listen to her tell about her adventures in Africa.  Not sure how long we will be gone; possibly 3 or 4 days.

Now I think I will sleepwalk my way to the bedroom to pack a bag. ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Janet;  Hoping you sleep better tonight.   

Son & daughter are safely home after driving from south Minnesota and in a record less than ten hours.  They will never grow up.  Everything is a race.  They time everything.  Makes me crazy. 

Don said he would take me to IKEA for breakfast so we got there early & coffee is free before ten.  Bkfst opens at 9:30 - that is late for us.  Swedish pancakes and lingonberries on the plate & they were terrific.  I bought frozen meatballs and a kitchen rug. 

I thought I posted today. I guess not. I have started a blog, only one post there so far.
I will put up another one tonight.

Didn't sleep well last night  pain kept me from being comfortable and my back has been hurting all day long. I am so tired., gonna sleep good tonight though.

Carol, nope, barely any sleep again last night; in fact, even less than the night before.  And when I did drop off, I had awful dreams.  I can't figure out any reason for this.  Maybe concerns about daughter Kerri and the terrible, stressful time she is going through at this time.

Puppy is sick, threw up all day yesterday.  She seems a bit better this morning, drank water and ate a little bit, anyway.

August is here!!  And next comes SEPTEMBER!!!   And September is when production on my book begins!  Boy, it is hard to be patient while waiting, but am trying to learn whatever God is trying to teach me through this!

I have a chiropractic appoint at 7:45, after which we will head out for Salina and points beyond.

Pat, where are you and what's going on in your life?  We miss you in here!  <3

Good morning to the rest of you, and I hope you have wonderful days.  May God watch between you and me and keep you safe until we meet again.

Ivalou and I got a lot done yesterday after rehab.  She did some shopping and I returned my dryer vent since it wasn't needed after all.  I also got a new purse and billfold.  A woman always is happy when she gets a new purse! 

I got up early (well, early for me...8am).  I have had my breakfast and have read my devotions.   I am having my second cup of coffee. 

My plans are to mow this grass before it gets blazing hot!  Indiana is having another day of Heat Advisory and Air Quality Advisory.  It is to get to 97 degrees today...now I understand the heat advisory.  But we are not suppose to gas our cars up or mow our grass until after 6pm!!  It is blazing hot after 6pm.  It doesn't cool down until after midnight.  So have a heat stroke or mow when it is cooler??  As soon as I finish this cup of coffee, I am mowing. 

I walked out in the yard it is still wet from dew.  I know it will still be damp in another half hour but would rather have grass under the deck of the mower than me passed out! 

After mowing, it means a shower.  I signed up for Pool Maintenance yesterday...that doesn't me taking care of the pool!!  It means I can go work out in the pool Tuesday morning or afternoon and/or Friday mornings.  If I am not too tired, I may go to the pool this afternoon at 2:30pm! 

Off I go! 

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee and it is really warming up and suppose to get a lot hotter before the day is done and no rain in the offering.  Not much to write about today.  I do have a meeting to attend this morning and then will just stay in and stay as cool as possible the rest of the day.  Pat told me last evening we will go out to eat this evening as she has a book club meeting with her church group.  That will be it for the day.

Janet, sure wish you could sleep better.  I would think your batteries would run low with so few hours of rest and the hard work that you do.  Hope you have the opportunity to rest on your trip and that you have a good time.  I am sure your daughter will be glad to see you and also Shirley.

Carol, someday your kids will probably ask themselves why they were in such a hurry.  Glad they are safely home.  It has been many years since I went into an IKEA store but still remember the experience.  I didn't realize they had a restaurant.

Marilyn, I have never felt the need or desire to do a blog.  I spend enough time trying to post here and the Seniors and Friends website and also posting occasionally on one of the discussions that Ginny Anderson has for books.  However, hope you enjoy doing your blog.  Sorry to read of your back pain and lack of sleep.  Hope it is better today.

Janet, your worry is not helping your daughter and certainly isn't helping you.  I have found that if I "Let Go and Let God" take care of things my life becomes so much more serene.  I can't solve another persons problems although I certainly have tried many times with dismal success.  You know we are concerned about you and sure don't want to see you wreck your own health.  Hadn't seen the September date for your book.  Glad you have a definite timeframe. 

Al, Happy Birthday.  Don't eat too much cake.   :ticked:

Etta Sue, I wish you could give my wife some lessons on buying a purse.  It seems she is seldom happy with what she buys.  I think they need to invent a purse with a built in light.  Hope you get your mowing done before it gets too hot.  They had on the news this morning that a young man collapsed at football practice from the heat and is near death.  This heat can be very serious.  The pool sounds good after working outside.

Hello All,
Another fun filled day of unpacking stuff and doing more laundry seems to be in store for me... Ruth is being ornery already this morning but I wouldn't want to have her any other way :). She brought me a piggy bank and looked at me and said MOMMA MOOOOO! I told her that's not a cow its a pig and pigs say oink so she said ok MOOOO! :S anyways I need to be off her and out to the garage have a good day :)
Sarah

My first email to open was news that a classmate had died suddenly.  I did speak with him at the reunion - there were over 300 in our grad class so there is always some sad news. 

Marilyn:  Your back problem sounds so painful - are you going to a doctor?  Sorry, I don't check out blogs as I can barely keep up with life in the slow lane. 

Sara:  When you are busy, those little ones always time it to ask for attention - you have fun days with her learning to speak.  Take care.

Larry:  The heat always worries me and these sports are so difficult in hot and humid weather.  Praying for that boy.  Your message of "let go and let God" reminds me of my long friend in Minnesota telling me that and I have thought of what it really means so many times.  Today, our son-in-law is traveling for yet another interview - it has been 1 1/2 years of  having to take a crummy job and it is wearing to say the least. 

Janet:  Take care -

Al:  Happy Birthday!   :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: 

Thank y'all for the birthday wishes.  I long for the final and everlasting day.

I hear you AL  Happy Birthday to you and for the coming year God's richest blessings.

Hi everyone.  I see it has been relatively quiet here in CP since I last visited.  That was the sort of day I had as well as just a routine day and staying in where it was cool.  I did speak with the roofing contractor yesterday and he wants to start the new roof on Friday.  I told him I had to hear from the insurance company first to know what we are dealing with.  Hopefully that will be today and I can give him the go ahead.  Pat and I are planning what we can do to stay away from the house as much as possible while they are on the roof. 

Today are Bible study resumes and tonight our choir practice starts again for the fall season.  That will be plenty for today as it is suppose to get up to about 98 degrees here.  Yesterday evening when we went out to eat it was warm but the humidity had dropped and that really helped.

Carol, hope your son-in-laws job interview is productive.  My son is having the same experience.  Fortunately he has some type of job.  It doesn't look like things are going to get much better as the economic news is certainly not good.

Time for coffee.

Good Guess

A fourth-grade teacher was giving her pupils a lesson in logic.

"Here is the situation," she said.

"A man is standing up in a boat in the middle of a river, fishing. He loses his balance, falls in, and begins splashing and yelling for help.

His wife hears the commotion, knows he can't swim, and runs down to the bank. Why do you think she ran to the bank?"

A little girl raised her hand and asked, "To draw out all his savings?"

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

As for purses, I tend to buy larger purses for summer....smaller purses for winter.  I think that is because I don't have extra pockets in the summer!!  My thinking anyway.  Also, I look for linings that are light colored.  It's a lot easier to find what I am looking for with a light lining.  Or I do need a light!!  Tell Pat that is a good idea! 

I did get the yard mowed.  Then I showered and ate lunch.  After talking to Ivalou for awhile on the phone, I decided to go to swim.  It isn't swimming.  I don't get my hair wet.  But it is remarkable to me that 45 minutes in the warm pool just doing leg and back exercises...nothing strenuous...kicks my butt more than a half-mile swim!  It did feel so good though and nice to only drive 8 miles to swim! 

Then I went to GoodWill and bought a bunch of Harlequin Romance books.  I like to read at least a chapter before going to sleep so these books will last me a year perhaps! 

Then I went to Wendy's.  It was so hot outside and a Frosty sounded so good.  The man in front of me got some Frosties and asked the guy at the cash register for spoons.  I didn't hear what was answered.  So I ordered a Frosty.  Then the man said, 'They don't have any spoons!'  So I asked the cash register guy if that was true.  'Well, yes!  Duh!  Duh!'  So I told him I wanted my money back OR a chocolate shake.  You sure can't use a straw with a Frosty.  So I got a chocolate shake at no more charge to me.  Why are they selling Frosties if they don't have spoons?  And who ever heard of running out of spoons?  Some one isn't ordering right!

Always me.  I run into the most ridiculous things! 

I am staying home today.  FedEx is to bring my remote and I may have to sign for the package. 

We had a thunder-boomer right at daybreak today.  Lightning, thunder, soaking rain!  All the limbs on the trees are hanging low due to the moisture on the leaves.  I haven't been outside but I imagine the humidity is sky high!  It is still overcast...looks like rain any second!

Thank goodness for good health care - I called this morning with an problem & they took me right away - am going to a referred doctor tomorrow and on meds right now.  Another appt. today on another issue.  Feeling good though. 

We are having one cool day here and it is a blessing. 

Etta Sue:  Even as a teen I was never interested in romance novels and still read history, murder, craftwork, and books from the church library.  A good friend reads books like you choose and she says it is a nice escape.  Your experience in ordering the Frosty is another thing that makes a business sounds bad - not a good response from the guy and why don't the people running the place have the brains to go out and buy spoons until they get a delivery?  Duh back to them. 

Larry:  I talked with a construction worker this morning and he says they are barely holding on but have a short rehab job now - that was in the elevator to my dr. appt.  Told him I was praying for him and voting appropriately.   

On a softer and sweeter note - this is a glorious day which the Lord has given us and I give Thanks!   

I pop in here as often as I can, Janet.  Running 4 websites is so difficult sometimes.  :(

Right now, I'm trying to get ready for a fast trip to Oregon with a stop over on Aug. 19 in Montana for Paul's grandson's wedding on Aug. 19.  We'll be coming home via I-80.  Any chance of you going up there?  :)

We're so thrilled that out in Oregon, we'll be meeting up for lunch with Jane Walker and Marilyn and hopefully, Nita.

We'll be headed back east on Monday Aug. 29 (which was our parent's wedding anniversary day back--married in 1931)

If you are born once you die twice,

If you are born twice you die once!

Now that is either good news or bad news depending on the number of times you are born.

Pat I really wish I coulg go with you.  It is a wonderful trip you are planning.

Kassie has been called in to work today....Good for her!

Pat - it would indeed be wonderful if we could get together while you're out here, but I'll understand if that's not possible.  We're about 4 or 5 hundred miles from Portland here.  Anyway, I pray you'll have a good trip.

Thanks so very much Pat and Marilyn.  That card is absolutely amazing!  And, Marilyn, that artwork is someting else!  Bless y'all.

All we are going to meet up with Pat in Florence. Can you make it that far?

Quote from: Marilyn on August 03, 2011, 03:41:38 PM
All we are going to meet up with Pat in Florence. Can you make it that far?

Even if he could get to Coos Bay and travel with you, Marilyn.  That's would be so neat.

Pat be sure to take lots of pictures....Can't wait to see them!

Have you ever known me not to take loads of pictures????  HAHAHAHA

LOL no not really!  Just make sure you show them to us!!!

That's the important thing, Pat.  Make sure you show them to us!!! 

I got my new camera today so I will be taking pictures too.

Yeah Al can you get to Coos Bay? you can ride with Jane and I. Jane is driving.

What kind of camera did you get, Marilyn?

Is Nita coming?  I sure hope so.

Just heard from Peter in Portland...  He's suggesting Benney's International Café 1517 Highway 101 Tel 541-997-4595. It is right on the main drag (Hwy 101) and has great reviews!

Pat, I've written to you before but Nita will not be able to join us.  :( Would love it if Al could make it, though!   :thumbsup:

Ohhh, Jane.  I'm sorry.  Haven't had an email.  I'm sorry about Nita.

Quote from: Jane Walker on August 03, 2011, 10:51:24 PM
Pat, I've written to you before but Nita will not be able to join us.  :( Would love it if Al could make it, though!   :thumbsup:

Jane, could you re-send the email?  I've just searched again and nothing in my inbox from you.

Never mind, Jane.  I just did a search on FB and found your PMs to me and I have no idea why I didn't get any notification of them.

Thanks!  :)

 :thumbsup:

Oh how I would love to be able to join that meeting!  But I don't think I can manage the 3,000 or more miles just now.  :D

I couldn't get on here earlier.  It was a blank CP page like the last time CP was down.  Either someone fixed it or it fixed itself since everything seems fine and dandy now!

Wish I could attend the Oregon Mini-bash... :(

Well, my remote came by FedEx.  I programmed it for my TV but it wouldn't program for the satellite receiver.  So it was identical to my old remote except you could read all the buttons... ::)  So I called DirecTv and I was told a new satellite receiver would be coming for me to install.  That might be a challenge since everything is in an entertainment center and sometimes you need more than two hands/arms!  Then someone called me about an hour later...had me to go over a few things that I had already done and I was told tomorrow morning a tech is to come to see if he can fix things.  I told them okay but for him to have a new satellite receiver just in case he can't fix mine. 

Then if that wasn't enough...my house was getting hotter.  I checked the thermometer and it was 80 degrees in here.  Then I noticed a light blinking on the front of the inside unit.  I got the book out.  'If light on front of unit blinks, turn off and call your service man!'  I did and left a message on Jake's cell phone.  Today I called the office.  They are to have someone come today.  Waiting...  At least it isn't 90 degrees.....yet!

When it rains, it pours.  And I thank God everyday for him blessing my home, car and my possessions.  It all could be worse, I know! 

This morning I took a lady who had hip replacement June 20 to the hospital for blood work and to her surgeon's office.  Then we had coffee at Bob Evan's and I took her back home.  It was lunch time so I stopped at McD.  There I saw a classmate that has Alzhiemers.  She acted like she knew me but I don't know.

Etta Sue, if it's not one thing it's twenty, right?

The site was down for a while this morning but our wonderful Michael/Oldiesmann fixed it as soon as he was notified.   :thumbsup:

I hope you get cooled down, Etta Sue!

Pat my camera is a point and shoot Fujifilm AX300 14 mega pixel. If you click on  my blog you can see a pic I took yesterday of Bebe. The camera automatically focus' on what you are shooting, even turns off the flash if you don't need it. there are no setting to  worry about, if you are doing a macro it focus's and a macro shot. It fits in my pocket, It's amazing.

I got it for 75,000 points that I earned for scanning every thing I buy, it took me two years to save up enough points to get the camera. It's the only  one in their catalog . Gilbert bought Savannah my 15 yr old granddaughter a Nikon D3000 oh how I would love to have that set up.

I don't understand "scanning everything I buy", Marilyn.  It sounds great!  I have a little point and shoot now as well as my Nikon.  Paul got it for my birthday and I love carrying it in my purse all the time.

Hi everyone.  We reached 100 degrees here yesterday but the heat advisory was removed for today.  We had quite a thunderstorm about 3 am this morning and it rained for an hour with some wind and I think some small hail.  I was awake at 3 am and wasn't able to go back to sleep.  About 4 am I put in my earplugs and turned on some music and an hour and then rested for another hour.  Fortunately, other than going to coffee this morning I have nothing scheduled for today.  In a little while we are going to iHop for dinner.  We got some buy one-get one coupons and Pat hasn't felt very peppy today so she won't have to cook.

We had planned on going to visit our daughter but she has invited us to attend her church on Sunday so will wait and go then rather than make two trips in four day.  She is going to be playing with others in a hand chimes choir for the celebration of the completion of their sanutuary.  They have made it much more handicapped assessible and now she will be able to get into the building and around in the building in her wheelchair.  They even asked her, and two others who attend in wheelchairs, to identify where would be a good place for them to sit and have shortened the pews in those location.  So this will be a special day.  On Saturday we plan on meeting our son and DIL in Madison, GA, which is about halfway for both of us to drive.  We have done this several times and can have a nice visit over a nice meal at Cracker Barrel.  Pat has made them each a new quillo and will take it to them. 

Our daughter called this morning saying she had checked her mailbox again and apparently there had been a late delivery because her first disability check was there.  She was greatly relieved.  She saw a new internist today who is going to manage her health rather than her having to see multiply doctors at the public health hospital.  She now has Humana health insurance.  She is getting her medicine set up to obtain by mail as the generics are without additional cost.  The doctor is very close to her apartment so hopefully no more spending all day at the public health hospital waiting hours to be seen and then more hours waiting for prescriptions to be filled.  This should take a lot of stress off of her. 

Marilyn, your new camera sounds very nice as does the one that Pat has.  My smartphone has a 5 megapixel camera but has no flash.  I can also take videos with it. 

Etta Sue, yesterday our Logitech Harmony universal remote just stopped working and I had to dig out the four remotes it takes to operate without it.  We had changed batteries twice to be sure they were good.  Then this afternoon I put the batteries back in and it came back to life.  I hope it will work now. Hope the Direct TV tech gets you all setup. 

Pat, that is quite a trip you and Paul have planned.  Are you driving all that way?  If so you will see some beautiful scenery along the way and a lot of not so pretty scenery.

Yes, Larry, we're driving all the way.  I'd rather do this than go by air.  I'm looking forward to seeing lots of types of scenery.

Pat the AC Nielsen company sent me a scanner a few years ago to use to scan all merchandise that I buy and transmit that information to them once per week. They in turn give me points for my transmissions and extra points for completing surveys about various things. the AC Nielsen company   is a marketing research company http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACNielsen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACNielsen) The part that I participate in is called Homescan

Pat, Jane, et al:  After I spoke with Pat on the phone this morning, Marbeth and I did some fairly careful thinking about getting up to Coos Bay, etc.  It would of course have to be an overnight venture.  With that, plus stopping to eat, etc., the cost would be prohibitive for us.  Our finances are just not adequate just now - much as we would indeed rejoice to be able to do it.

Pat in Nebraska watch around mile marker 121 for Golden Eagles that nest nearby. I am longing to go back to driving to LA!  Enjoy your trip.

Hi, I've been here quite a length of time this evening, catching up on past and current events.

It's so great to hear from y'all!

My birthday gal had a wonderful weekend - she was giggly and wiggly all day long Sunday and Monday. :) Her dad even took off work to be able to spend more time with her. Then we went to a restaurant and enjoyed a great meal with our little "queen for the day."

Now, it's time to get back into the swing of things. Physical therapy for the pinched nerve, and lotsa cleaning in this apartment! I'm thankful that my cousin's apartment is now vacated, so I can get to work cataloging the items received, and then finding a place to put them. :)

Love to all of you,
Ruth Ann

Here is a pic I took today of Happy and edited it in PSPPX3.

(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrafxandmoreblog.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fhappy-8-4-11.jpg%3Fw%3D490%26amp%3Bh%3D334&hash=a6fa2cb368f9329bc0e35b4eb878d04014a1023b)

We are back home tonight, after the trip to Salina to see Kerri, and then on to Emporia and north to visit my sister Shirley.  What a wonderful visit we had!  She had quite the experiences in Africa, the very WORST of which was her time in the Johannesburg, South Africa, hospital!  She is walking well now, but being careful, and giving the muscles and tendons and such some healing time.  After doing that for a month, she will see a joint replacement specialist in Wichita.  She is really praying NOT to have to have surgery again.

Today, we decided to drive to Hutchinson and visit the underground Salt Museum.  That was very interesting; it is the only one in the Western Hemisphere.  It was a lovely 69 degrees down there 650 feet below the surface of the ground!   Tuesday it was 112 degrees in that area!   :P  When we stepped out of the van, we thought we might melt into puddles!  UGH.  But then they had a little rain and the next day was nicer, and today nicer still.  Since we were 100 miles closer to home in Hutchinson, we came on home this evening.  I had planned to spend another night with Shirley, but she had grandkids coming anyway, and needed the bed for them.

Purses!  I HATE purses!  Certainly different from most other women, but carrying a purse makes my arm and my back ache.  So I try to always buy pants that have pockets, and when we travel, I usually use a fanny pack.  I do usually carry a small purse.....to the car, in case I need something from it.  Those SUITCASES that are so popular now?  I could pack for a week's trip in one of those things!  ;)

Kerri's heart is softening toward the Lord, she even called today and asked me to pray for her, which I was SO happy to do!

Pat, Oregon is a very long way from Kansas!  And we are going to the Grand Canyon the last of August; still a long way from Oregon.  But we surely would love to see you again!

Since I have been up since 4 AM, I do believe it's time to go to bed!  I did sleep good at Shirley's though! :)

Janet, on the way home, I was thinking of I-80 in Nebraska.  Thought you sometimes went up there to see your sister?

We'll be travelling all along the Platte River through Nebraska and Idaho.



Nice photo, Marilyn!!!

Hello from sunny Vancouver Island.

Yes, we are finally having summer weather!  Not the super hot kind that is going around the US ... but the kind that is just about right.

I come to read fairly often but not much to talk about, so do a 'Jane' and stay quiet.  Do a little prayer when someone asks and hope it gets heard...

Still having eye problems despite the surgery and new glasses, and being a serious reader of books, am considering buying an E Reader, whatever that means.  Could do with some advise about what works best with wireless and how can I get books after buying the little thing?  Seems what works in US is not always available in Canada??  All help appreciated.
It is not easy to get to a library to pickup and drop off books, and am weary from holding a magnifying glass and a book at the same time.  But they do offer EBooks....if I can figure out how to load them....

My daughter is still in lots of pain and nothing is better in that dept.  Granddaughter still battling severe Vertigo as well as constant Asthma attacks....Me, I simply accept that not much works well at this stage of the journey.   :)

Happy that my TV is getting some relief from the endless political problems about money and hope the election stuff won't start for a little while.  Not that things are really that much better on this side of the border. 

I am reading an interesting (to me) book called A Snow Day.  It is written by a Christian named Billy Coffey.  He is a simple, practical man, from a rural background in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Simple, profound and quite a beautiful read.

God Bless and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Liz   

I'm glad to hear that it's sunny up that way, Liz.  Hope you truly enjoy it while it's there.  Say hello to the Empress for me - we loved to go to high tea there.  Also enjoyed Butchart Gardens in the evening.
Well, we'll be going to the fitness center for our treadmilling this morning.  I sleep better when I've done that.  It's right next door to a veterinary outfit that cares for horses, so I hope they don't ,make any mistakes  thinking we are horses.

The A/C is fixed.  A technician error in my thinking.  There are two wires on the outside unit, one of which was off its terminal due to vibration or such.  When it was put back on the A/C worked fine.  Power wires.  Someone didn't tighten it in the last 8 visits someone was here to work on the unit!  I hope I am not charged for their error!

And I am waiting now.  The phone rang at 9am.  It was DirecTv reminding me that a technician is to be here between 8am and noon.  Yes.  I am waiting. 

It felt good to sleep in a cool house last night even though the night before wasn't bad.  But I am not used to outside noise since my windows are never open.  They were that night.  I know I live in the country and not ever afraid of someone entering my home un-announced.  But with just the window screens between me and the outside, I was a little leery.  The windows lower to the ground, I set the slides that do not allow the windows to be opened more than 4".  Higher up windows, I kept open all the way.  But that is over.  At least, the business was prompt!

Looks like another H³ day here today.  Yesterday a record was tied with the most consecutive days 90 degrees or above for central Indiana...Local channel 6 says...

QuoteThe record stretch of 90-degree warmth was set at 19 days during the dust bowl in 1936.

It is predicted today that the high will be in the high 80's!  A reprieve!!

Also the month of July 2011 was the driest since weather records have been kept for Indiana.  Seems like this past year each season has been to the extreme!

Hi everyone.  We had a much more pleasant day yesterday and it didn't get nearly as hot as had previously been predicted.  They actually removed the heat advisory for the day.  Last evening we went to iHop for dinner and then to the AT&T store to try to get help with a bluetooth ear piece for Pat's phone.  It was pleasant to be outside.  It was humid but not overbearing.

It looks like our planned visit with our son and DIL is going to be postponed for 2 or 3 weeks as something has come up with them that isn't going to make it convenient to meet tomorrow.  There was no urgency so that is fine and we will continue to look forward to seeing them. 

Just back from going to the senior center for the Friday men's coffee.  Later, I may make a quick trip to Walmart for a couple of items and our local Kaiser office to do a test. 

Pat, you certainly have much more energy than either Pat or I have to make such a long trip.  Several years ago when the SN Bash was held in Alberta (think that is where it was) we seriously thought about going and driving until I thought about how much driving was involved and decided we just weren't up to it. 

Marilyn, great picture of Happy. 

Janet, your trip sounds so interesting.  I had never heard of the Salt Museum.  Glad Kerri is seeking prayer.

Liz, nice to see your post.  I expect you would love an e-book reader.  I sure do like reading books on mine.  I am actually now reading my ebooks with the ebook applications on my smart phone.  I hold it in the palm of my hand and just tap the side of the screen to turn the page.  I have a larger e-book reader but have come to prefer the phone for the reading.  I am sure your library can give you good recommendations as to the ebook reader that might be right for you. Sorry to hear that your daughter is still suffering so. 

Etta Sue, glad to see you are cool again.

Marilyn:  Happy looks so sweet - very much like a dog a friend just got for the two of them. 

Pat:  I-80 - that goes through Cheyenne, Wyoming.  If the timing of your drive and our open dates would work - maybe we could meet too. We are over 100 miles south of Cheyenne.   

Grateful to be feeling a little better today.  We want to help our son move tomorrow so will just have to wait and see if we can help. 

Carol, we're spending the night in Lander, WY.  Not sure where that is but a good view of the Tetons from the house.  Then down to I-80. 

Paul will be here in the morning and I'll mention it.  I'd sure like to meet you.  Maybe there's a place for coffee close by.  We'll exchange telephone numbers.

Pat:  You will be driving south from Lander at an angle and it will take almost five hours to get to Cheyenne.  Be sure to fill your gas tank in Cheyenne as WY usually has the best gas prices.  That is where you will catch I-80.  It would be nice if this could happen.  We lived off base in Cheyenne our first year and there are several places we could meet. 

Wow!  Sounds good.  We'll be in touch.

Pat, I really would LOVE to meet you--AND Carol!  I have a sister near North Platte, NE. but that is about 350 miles from here.  A little too far at the price gas is now for just a coffee visit.  :'(

Larry, the Underground Salt Museum was very interesting.  Hard to imagine a vein of pure salt 350 feet thick, extending across most of four states!  And it is pretty!  Lots of it is clear as glass, and different facets reflect light like mica in rocks.  Then where there are other minerals, it is pretty colors.  This mine is still active, they are not mining for human consumption, though they have in the past.  They are mining for rock salt, ice melting salt, and salt for animal consumption--feed additives, block salt, etc.  When they mine for table use, they force water underground at high pressure, then allow the brine to evaporate, adding iodine, etc.

We visited a salt farm in Thailand.  There, they pump ocean water into shallow terraced places on the land, and when the water has evaporated, scrape up the salt into big piles and harvest it that way.  I hadn't even thought much about how we get salt!

I walked this morning, came home and showered and dressed, did the laundry, went and got my hair done, mailed something that Kerri needs, went by to see Beth, home again, then to the home to eat with Beth.  Had planned to go to Hugoton today, but when I got home after lunch, I felt so tired I decided to rest a little bit, but fell asleep and slept like a rock for nearly two hours!  I guess I needed that!  So the trip to Hugoton will wait for tomorrow.

We took the puppy with us, but they do not allow any animals underground, so we took her to a nearby vet clinic where they boarded her for us for the time we needed for the museum visit.  And they didn't even charge us anything!  Nice!  :)

Pat if you go off the highwat at Chyenne there is a Little America exit 358 E bound  There is a Pilot exit 367 S of the interstate.... One John and I frequented.  At North Platt there is a FlyingJ at 179 N....   Grand Island has a Bossleman's with a supper restaurant we've eaten there......exit 312  Anyone near Omaha?  FlyingJ at exit 432.  FlyingJ are all Denny's restaurants now.  Can you tell we have travelled this route?  Oh Pat you drive Wyoming.....and watch the wind off the mountains, it can be bad.

Be sure to stop on top of Doner Pass.  Spectacular view.

Hi everyone.  Yesterday when I posted I thought our plans for today (Saturday) had been changed and we wouldn't be seeing our son and DIL.  Our son called last evening to say it was back on the schedule.  He was having trouble with his car overheating but took it by the mechanics yesterday and the mechanic immediately diagnosed the problem as a small leak in the radiator.  So he said he bought three gallon of antifreeze and feels they will be OK to meet us today as planned.  We just have to stay flexible.  That will be the big activity of the day.

Carol, hope you all can get together with Pat and Paul.  They are delightful folks to be with. 

Janet, the information on the salt museum is certainly interesting.  Like you I never thought about how the salt gets into those little round boxes.  I remember us having salt blocks for our cattle on the farm.  How was your puppy to travel with?  I don't think I would have thought of finding a vet clinic to leave a pet like you did. 

Judy, sounds like you might have been in charge of truck stop planning.  :)  Do you miss being on the road?  Did you drive your own truck or just trade off with John as you went together?  I bet you saw some beautiful scenery on the routes you drove.

Well, after  phone & internet were down yesterday, they're back up  now.  I used my cell phone more yestereday than ever before.  That's not  a good  feeling  to have those both down.

Just finished cleaning the kitchen after yet another coffee maker disaster - apparently, the little top gets plugged with coffee grounds.  So, I have a little French Press which is never used & made coffee in it after checking google for instructions.  Oh, how we rely on our instant information.  It is a neat thing & scary to be so reliant. 

Al:  We are just so used to everything working.  Glad you have your power back. 

We are going to go to son's house this afternoon & help but mostly to bring food - moving day and we are to stay out of the way until noon.  That is OK with me. 

Janet:  I am hoping you can dream up another excuse to make the trip besides having coffee - maybe there is a rare bird you need to see?  Our neighbors will take off at the drop of a hat to see a sighted rare bird - well?  Just an idea.  Gone are the days of freedom to just run and go. 

Judy B:  You know that corner well.  I have stayed at Little America place for quilting retreats - huge rooms & friendly people. 

Larry:  Nice that you will be gathering with your son & family once again.  We cherish those visits.
Today is our daughter's birthday and we will take her out for lunch tomorrow.  We are trying to get our granddaughter here for a short visit as well - I hope to have her clean my kitchen cabinets for pay and then have a little sewing session.  Yes, our whole lives must have been the motto "Be Flexible"  and that is because sometimes you cannot change things written in stone. .......

Yes I do miss driving. John and I drove team for about 3 1/2 years. We do know the route across I80 very well, we travelled it 2 times a week for about 2 years. I have never been so tired or so happy or had so many wonderful experiences as we did during those years.  On the flip side I have never encountered such rough weather as we did through Nebraska and Wyoming.  The winds off Elk Mountain could throw a truck over on its side and climbing Sherman could be just horrendous.  Wonderful days.  I stopped driving when I fell and broke my wrist when getting out of the truck in Salt Lake City.  The step was icy and down I went.  In the following summer I did some solo driving but it was never the same.  In Idaho one November I was driving in a fog and didn't know why the antennas were whipping in the wind....I decided to grab a drink and bight to eat at McDonald's.  Got out of the truck and fell on my bottom.  Everything on the truck except the windshield was covered with ice.  I got my food went back to the truck and climbed into bed (after eating).  I had lost my nerve to continue driving.  John stayed in the bunk till the sun came up and the roads were salted.  Fun!!!

I will continue reminiscing with John. Bye for now....

Hey, coming home from your trip are you going to Guelph or Virginia?  If Virginia, I could meet you somewhere for a spot of coffee!!

The first time I saw snow in July was crossing Wyoming.  We gassed up at Sheridan and everyone had winter jackets on...here I was in shorts and a halter top!  So cold.  The gas attendant said there was a 6 inch snow fall the night before on the Big Horns.  We didn't know it but we were headed that way.  Once we got into the snow, Bud and I had a snowball fight!!  Both of us in shorts!  The snow had melted off the highway but the scenery was beautiful...snow falling off the pine trees!  Beautiful.  And it snowed on us going into Yellowstone.  Spent the night at West Yellowstone and had to scrape the windshield the next morning for frost!  Two days later it was 106° going into Las Vegas!!

DirecTv is fixed.  I got three calls saying that the technician is running late but would be here by 1pm.  That was different.  Never had that happen before.  Usually they just leave you hanging. 

Anyway, Larry may understand what this all means but the remote I had and the new one was for IF.  They were trying to set my remote to my receiver with RF setting.  But to do that I needed an RF remote and a thingy on the back of the receiver.  He got the two and Voila!  It works.  And I didn't have to reprogram all my show to record!  I think IF means infrared but I don't have a clue what RF means.  Just know that it works now. He said the infrared signal must have went out on the receiver.

So now I am back in business. 

Ivalou came over with a beautiful orange print dress and jacket yesterday.  She wanted to know if it looked okay for a wedding she is attending August 20th.  The color looked so pretty on her pale skin and white hair.  Loved it.  Almost made me cry to see how pretty she is.  But she didn't have any earrings to wear.  So I found her a pair to wear.  Now she is all set! 

It looked like rain all day yesterday but it never rained. I think it only got to 88°.  Today is another H³ day.  I haven't heard how hot it is to get.  Nice breeze though. 

I slept so good last night.  It was cool and I will confess, I didn't get out of bed until after 10am!  Wow!  That's the latest I have slept for a long time!! 

Yup You do get snow in Wyoming in July/August........and it is beautiful.  Wonderful memories Eh Etta Sue!

Etta Sue, I believe RF stands for radio frequency, something I learned from Darrel.  Glad you got your equipment all back in order.

Carol, I will have to go back to Pat's posting and see what the date is.  We could always go see Sis and Vernon, if they are home...still a long old drive, though.  And I will need to have computer contact all the time when production starts on my book next month!!  I do so want to meet you, and see Pat again and meet Paul....Well, we will see what God says about it!

I had a nice little visit with my Diane this morning, then took her to lunch before I came home.  Now I need to go cut the mats for something I have to frame, then first thing Monday get the frame ordered for it.

Shirley brought me some very nice souvenirs from Malawi.  All made locally.  One is a wooden globe about one foot in diameter, which opens in half, very nice.  Also handmade paper card, bookmarks, and several pieces of jewelry...oh!  And a smaller wood box with lid, and a wooden giraffe about 7 inches tall.  I told her one thing was enough, but she insisted I take more, saying, "YOU paid for them all!"  She wanted me to pick a necklace for each of my 3 girls, so I did.  I took Diane hers and she thought it so nice of Shirley to think of her.

Carol, I am still using the cold process coffee maker Al told us about.  No working parts, so nothing to go wrong with it!  And once I got used to the coffee (took about 2 or 3 days) I love it.  I only have to make coffee about every two weeks or so, since I am the only one in our house who drinks it.

Larry, I hope you had a great visit with your son and daughter-in-law.

Our weather is much more tolerable the past few days, for which we are very thankful!

Larry, I must admit, I didn't think of the vet clinic for the puppy!  I asked when I called for reservations if we could bring her into the museum, and the girl on the phone said no animals are allowed underground, then she suggested the clinic and told us the name, number and where to find it.  One big reason for the no animals rule is same as for no drinks of any kind:  The floors are made of saltcrete.  That is like concrete, except they used salt instead of gravel to mix the concrete, and if any water is spilled, it could cause the salt to dissolve, leaving potholes on the floors!  They do have an Event Center down in the museum where they have dinner theatres, etc.  The floor of that area is concrete!  Another interesting bit of information, I thought.  Darrel bought me a salt pendant, a necklace made of a salt piece.  The instructions say to avoid moisture, even though it has been sprayed with an acrylic sealant, it could eventually dissolve.  It is quite pretty.  And we each were allowed to gather up a little bag full of salt pieces in a certain are where they have a big pile of salt.  Plus--when we paid for the pendant, the girl gave me a small handful of clear salt pieces I can use to make additional jewelry pieces (If I ever get around to doing that!)

I've been absent all afternoon!   ;)  My son and daughter-in-law from New Jersey are spending the weekend near Schenectady and visited the Saratoga Historical Park this morning, then picked me up for lunch.  After that we came back to the house and just sat and talked and talked all afternoon.  This is the daughter-in-law who had the aggressive, fast growing cancer last winter and is now in remission.  She looks (and says she feels) wonderful.  We had a really lovely afternoon.

I went all the way back to page one to find the date Pat will be going through Nebraska.  She says August 29, they will head that way.  Now, Pat, if you will give me the day you think you will be in the area of North Platte, I will see if something can be worked out.  Carol, would that area work for you, or is it even farther than what you thought?  Sure would be nice to see you both, and Paul.

I thought this would be appropriate to sing today.... One of my favourites.

Yes, indeed, a favorite, Judy.  And so fitting for our group here.   :thumbsup:

Especially after the devotional this week.   :lol:

 Another Sunday morning in Georgia.  It is overcast and still fairly dark outside.  We had thunder again yesterday afternoon for no rain in our area.  It did rain in parts of Atlanta.  We enjoyed a nice visit with our son and his wife at the Cracker Barrel.  These visits are relatively short but it is good to see them.  They have both lost a lot of weight and looked very good.  We had a good trip back and forth to Madsion, GA.  This morning we will go to Atlanta and attend church with our daughter.  I think I mentioned yesterday she is participating in a hand chime choir this morning, which is a first for her and they are redidcating their church as they have remodeled their santuary.  We will try to find a place to have lunch with her.  This is a bit difficult as she has to ride the bus and subway in her wheelchair. 

Carol, I know what you mean about relying now on the Internet for instant information.  I heard on the news this morning that the Internet turns 20 today.  It has certainly changed the world.  Carol, when I think about it I am glad I don't know what each day will bring as that keeps life exciting.  I always have some plans but they are just that and can easily be changed. 

Judy, it is good to see you have many good memories of the driving experiences and that you and John could do it together.  I have been watching the Ice Road Truckers series where they are driving in India on the very high and dangerous mountain roads.  One of the truckers, who has drivent the ice roads for many years, quit after one day.  The other three drivers they have featured driving in the mountains have all expressed great fear.  They have a spotter ride with them so they don't drive off the cliffs as the roads and bridges are so narrow and have dangers of rock slides.  The truck bodies are made of wood also, not metal.  It is very intense.

Etta Sue, I haven't looked it up but I think RF stands for radio frequency (I see Janet has already said the same so we must be right  :).  Glad Direct TV got you fixed up and you didn't lose anything or have to reprogram. 

Janet, that was nice of the museum person to suggest the vet to board the puppy.  It sounds like you could be wearing your pendant out sometime and it could just melt away while you are wearing it.  :)  Your gifts from Shirley sound very nice.

Jeanne, special time when we can sit and talk with our family.  Glad your DIL is doing so well.

We completely missed church this morning as we go to the earliest service to miss the mob - tired and aching from just a little work yesterday helping son move - I cleaned cabinets & a few other duties & aching all over.  Mainly, I brought food & ice cream bars.  It was hot & I realize now that we take great care not to work in heat but had to yesterday.  Ugh. 

29th of August:  The date looks free so far.

Janet:  It would be 288 miles to North Platte vs. about 100 miles to Cheyenne.  Not looking good for us to meet there.  It is actually shorter for you to drive to N P than here - I thought of that too.  Darn gas prices.
You must be on pins and needles thinking about your book. 

Jeanne:  How wonderful you all must be feeling about your daughter-in-law being healthy. 

I am waiting for news any time as a quilting buddy is in the last hours of cancer.  She opted to not fight the cancer this time and that was a shock to everyone.  I have not known her very long and found that we have a mutual friend from where I used to live.  Almost dread opening email. 

Speaking of snow/ice trips - all along the downside of the Rockies we have driven in the awful weather.  The wind very often hits hurricane strength & we have seen hundreds of vehicles in the ditch.  Starting soon, we will carry the emergency bag that has a candle, flares, emergency radio.  We figure we are too old to be out there when it gets iffy, really.   

Maybe looking at this kitty will help us cool off....maybe not!

Well, I am ready for a nap.  I was half asleep/half awake this morning when all went quiet.  I opened my eyes and the night lights came back on...then off again...then on...then off again and stayed off.  I don't think I really went back to sleep again.  But I did get up and got my cell phone and set the alarm on it for 7:30am.  It was 3:17am when the lights went out.  I got up at 7:21am. 

First I went to the garage to make sure I could disengage the garage door from the garage door opener and got my car out.  Then I walked to Ivalou's.  Just as I was ready to knock on the door my cell phone rang.  Ivalou.  She wanted to know if my lights were out, too. 

So we decided to go to church and then go out to eat since we didn't know when the lights would be back on.  I came home and called the Electric company and was told (by a recording) that they didn't know when service would be back on! 

So we went to church, Sunday School and to a restaurant in Anderson for lunch.  I took another lady back to church and Ivalou home.  Then I stopped at Kaye Don's to see if he could help me engage the garage door back to the garage door opener.  The top of my garage door (metal) has been reinforced with angle iron and it bows when the garage door isn't engaged with the opener.  This morning I was pulling the cord to the east.  Kaye Don pulled it to the west and it engaged!  So all is back to order. 

Oh...Kaye Don says a woman hit a power pole about 1 and a half miles from us and broke the pole!  It took 7 hours to fix/replace or whatever it took to restore power to us.

Then to the inside and set 4 electric clocks.

Now for a nap! 

Time to start a new week HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=11900.0)
May God's richest ssings be yours!

Hi, friends, it's been a quiet Sunday. Now, I'm going to see the lady who lives next door to my house. I certainly hope my son gets home from the UK soon to finish the work over there and to live in it.

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann